Internally Extending Outlet Pipe Patents (Class 222/211)
  • Publication number: 20080067195
    Abstract: A container for measuring a predetermined amount of liquid and dispensing that measured amount. The container includes a reservoir chamber, a measuring and dispensing chamber, and a conduit or tube for transferring liquid from the reservoir chamber to the measuring and dispensing chamber. The reservoir chamber has flexible walls which can be squeezed to drive liquid from the reservoir chamber into the measuring chamber. The conduit is configured to control the flow of liquid therethrough and thus to prevent either a portion of an already measured amount of liquid being returned to the reservoir chamber or additional liquid from the reservoir chamber being added to an already measured amount of liquid in the measuring and dispensing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Robert M. Jennings, David A. Jennings
  • Patent number: 7331489
    Abstract: A liquid metered dispensing squeeze bottle includes: (a.) a squeezable container having an opening for dispensing liquid therefrom at one end and a bottom at the other end; (b.) a nonflexible trap chamber of a predetermined volume, connected to the opening of the container; (c.) a dip tube, and (d.) a one way valve at the bottom of the dip tube. There is an inlet leg that freely rotates around the bottom of the dip tube and a drive mechanism, such as a counterweight or a float, to assure that the leg extends into an air pocket when the container is tilted for liquid squeeze dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: GlynnTech, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Glynn, Stuart W. DeJonge
  • Patent number: 7320410
    Abstract: A removable cap assembly includes a cap having a curved side wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. A top portion extends from the curved side wall, a boss extending perpendicularly from the top portion. The boss has a bottom and a top, a first circumferential rib extending perpendicularly from the top of the boss and a second circumferential rib extending perpendicularly from the bottom of the boss. The boss and rib defining an opening in the cap, the opening has a width and a height. A stopper is dimensioned to seal the opening, the stopper has a hole therein configured to allow a fluid to flow therethrough. The stopper is maintained in the cap by the boss and second circumferential rib, the stopper includes a disc shaped base. A cylindrical wall portion extends from the base, a first groove in the base surrounding the wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Ver Hage Enterprises
    Inventor: Richard P. Ver Hage
  • Patent number: 7299939
    Abstract: A removable cap assembly employs a cap with a curved side wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. A top portion extends from the curved side wall. A boss extends perpendicularly from the top portion. The boss further has a bottom and a top with a circumferential rib extending perpendicularly from the top and at least one ridge on the inside surface of the boss below the top and above the bottom. A stopper is dimensioned to seal the opening. The stopper has a hole therein configured to allow a fluid to flow therethrough. The stopper is maintained in the cap by the boss and the at least one ridge. The stopper includes a disc shaped base and a cylindrical wall portion extending from the base having at least one cavity corresponding to the location of the at least one ridge on the boss. A first groove in the base surrounding the wall portion is dimensioned to receive the bottom of the boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Ver Hage Enterprises
    Inventor: Richard P. Ver Hage
  • Patent number: 7222755
    Abstract: A liquid metered dispensing squeeze bottle includes: (a.) a squeezable container having an opening for dispensing liquid therefrom at one end and a bottom at the other end; (b.) a nonflexible trap chamber of a predetermined volume, connected to the opening of the container; (c.) a dip tube, and (d.) a one way valve system at the bottom of the dip tube that includes a leg. There is also a flexion mechanism on one or both of the dip tube and the leg to permit folding of the leg toward the tube for insertion into a standard neck or narrow neck container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: GlynnTech, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Glynn, Stuart W. DeJonge
  • Patent number: 7055941
    Abstract: A liquid storage container comprises a liquid storage part for storing a liquid, a connection part for taking out the liquid, provided in the bottom part of the liquid storage part, and a pipe provided in the liquid storage part so as to cover the opening of the connection part on the liquid storage part side, wherein a plurality of liquid inlet holes are formed in the pipe, each communicating with the liquid storage part at a plurality of positions in the vertical direction, and the inlet resistance of the liquid inlet holes disposed in the lower layer area out of the plurality of the liquid inlet holes of the pipe is larger than the inlet resistance of the other liquid inlet holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norio Tsurui, Hajime Yamamoto, Nobuyuki Hatasa
  • Patent number: 6945473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid product dispenser having a reservoir (1) containing a fluid product and a gas, and having an opening (15), a bottom (13), and an actuation wall (11) that is movable to reduce the volume of the reservoir. The dispenser also has a dispensing orifice (22), a plunger tube (4) that extends into the reservoir, and a porous material part (3) that absorbs fluid product by capillary action, and which is placed between the plunger tube and the dispensing orifice (22). The porous material part has a discharge end (31) located in the immediate vicinity of the dispensing orifice (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S.
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Jean-Paul Lecoutre, Alex Millan
  • Patent number: 6860404
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a fluid product includes a reservoir configured to contain a fluid product and air, a spray orifice associated with the reservoir, and a dip tube. The reservoir may include at least one deformable zone having a predetermined threshold resistance to deformation. The deformable zone may be configured to deform in response to pressure exerted on the deformable zone so as to cause the product to be sprayed out from the orifice. When pressure exerted on the deformable zone is less than a threshold pressure Ps sufficient to overcome the predetermined threshold resistance to deformation of the deformable zone, the internal volume of the reservoir is not substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventor: Florent Duqueroie
  • Patent number: 6837400
    Abstract: An improvement to a bottle for storing, identifying, and dispensing liquids comprises a valve-type nozzle coupled to the outer end of the tube, a vent, and an optional identification tag. The valve-type nozzle is adjustable along a continuous range between open and closed conditions to permit dispensing of fluid in a controlled fashion and sealing of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Nalge Nunc International Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Leoncavallo, John D. DeLorme
  • Patent number: 6802436
    Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensing device for dispensing portions of liquid foodstuff from a foodstuff container. A pump device (5) includes a pump chamber (10) and a connecting pipe (7) or similar for connecting the foodstuff container (2) to the pump chamber (10) and a pump means (14) forming part of the pump device (5) is designed and can be affected such that said pump means (14) can generate a vacuum in the pump chamber (10), connecting pipe (7) and foodstuff container (2) for drawing foodstuff (4) out of said foodstuff container (2) to the pump chamber (10). At least portions (18) of a through-flow passage (13) for foodstuff (4) in the connecting pipe (7) taper in which the flow direction (S) in which food-stuff (4) flows through said through-flow passage (13). The connecting pipe (7) has an inlet pipe (11) which can be pressed through a flexible wall (3) of the foodstuff container (2) and be connected to a connecting member (21) therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Asept International AB
    Inventors: Sten Drennow, Stefan Cedergren
  • Patent number: 6773427
    Abstract: An infusion container comprising a communication port capable of being connected with a syringe, a container main body, a communication channel for providing communication between the inside of the container main body and the inner lumen of the communication port, and a sterilization filter provided in the communication channel, wherein the communication port is closed with a rubber stopper provided with a slit allowing the top end tip of the syringe to pass therethrough and the communication channel is closed with a closing means capable of being easily opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Nipro Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuo Takagi
  • Patent number: 6766922
    Abstract: A squeeze spray device is described comprising a deformable bottle (1) for holding a liquid composition, a leave-in-place dispenser cap (5), and a dip-tube (50); said dispenser cap comprising: a) a base section (5B), comprising a means (15) for attachment to the deformable bottle, a segment (22) defining at least one aperture and a receiver (27B) for the dip-tube on the interior face of said segment (22), the at least one aperture providing fluid connection between the interior of the deformable bottle (1) and exterior to the base section (5B), both via the dip-tube and otherwise; and b) a moveable member (10), retained exterior to the base section, comprising a cover (14, 38) for said segment of the base section, said cover defining a spray hole (40); the moveable member (10) functioning to change the device between an inoperable state in which the spray hole (40) is blocked from within by a blocking means (26) that forms a part of the base section (5B) and an operable state in which the cover (14, 38) de
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Reginaldo Alexandre da Silva
  • Patent number: 6736792
    Abstract: A nasal-nasopharyngeal-cleaning (NNC) system is disclosed for removing harmful substances from a human's nasal and nasopharyngeal cavities. Harmful substances herein include infectious agents, chemicals, dust, small particles and dirt deposits in nasal cavities and in the nasopharynx. The NNC system includes a NNC solution, a solution container, a liquid transfer tube, a valve means and a flat-head nostril fitting. The two-step cleaning process comprises cleaning the nasal cavity first with the NNC system and then cleaning the nasopharyngeal cavity with the NNC system. The NNC system is also used to prevent snore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: James Zhou Liu
  • Publication number: 20040074924
    Abstract: A squeeze dispenser for liquids, preferably relatively highly viscous liquids, is provided with a flexible holder (1) with an outflow opening (2) via which a liquid can be pressed out of the holder, and with a sealing element (3) arranged over this outflow opening. In this sealing element, a first valve (12) is arranged via which, when the holder is squeezed, liquid can be pressed out of the holder, as well as a second valve (18) for admitting air into the holder when the holder is no longer squeezed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Petrus Henricus, A.,N. Kuhn, Wander Herman Colenbrander
  • Patent number: 6695179
    Abstract: A dip tube of variable length which can be connected to a valve or pump and be inserted through an opening in the top end of a container to accommodate full extraction of liquid contents from containers of varying height. The variable length of the dip tube is accomplished by making the dip tube in two sections, the shorter section of a flexible plastics material and comprising a flexible bellows portion that contracts and extends in length while over the lower end of the longer section, in a freely moving but directionally guided manner, so that the flexible bellows cannot bend excessively. The bellows portion allows the length of the dip tube to vary so that its lower end contacts the bottom of the container. It is adapted to be used in returnable circuit containers for dangerous goods, fitted with dry-break or dripless valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Visy Industrial Plastics Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Frank Mandile
  • Patent number: 6688497
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing a pH balanced saline solution and using the saline solution for rinsing tissue. The apparatus includes a container having flexible sidewalls and an opening for a removable cap. The cap has a rounded convex upper portion curving away from an opening at the cap's uppermost surface and has a conduit in the cap's interior, which conduit extends into the container when the apparatus is fully assembled or is connected to a tube that extends in the container. A saline solution is prepared by adding sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate to distilled or boiled water. The sidewalls of the container are compressed to urge the saline solution through the conduit, or tube and conduit, and through the opening in the cap. The solution can be used to rinse tissue, such as a mucus membrane, eye tissue, skin or tissue inside an oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Ketan C. Mehta
  • Patent number: 6669059
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing a pH balanced saline solution and using the saline solution for rinsing a nasal passage. The apparatus includes a container having flexible sidewalls and an opening for a removable cap. The cap has a rounded convex upper portion curving away from an opening at the cap's uppermost surface and has a conduit in the cap's interior, which conduit extends into the container when the apparatus is fully assembled or is connected to a tube that extends in the container. A saline solution is prepared by adding sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate to distilled water. The sidewalls of the container, filled with the saline solution, are compressed to urge the saline solution through the conduit, or tube and conduit, and through the opening in the cap and into a nasal passage, the cap being pressed against a nostril to provide a comfortable and effective seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Ketan C. Mehta
  • Patent number: 6644505
    Abstract: A self-defense device and a method of use, the device including: (a) a chamber having: (i) a rigid outer wall section, and (ii) a flexible outer wall section attached to the rigid outer wall section; (b) an ejection assembly fixed inside and extending through the outer wall of the chamber, the ejection assembly including: (i) a tube extending through the chamber, and fluidly communicating therewith; (ii) a nozzle attached to an upward end of the tube and extending through the chamber, and (c) a noxious fluid disposed within the chamber, wherein the chamber is designed and constructed so as to be completely filled by the fluid, and wherein external pressure exerted upon the flexible outer wall section increases an internal pressure of the chamber, such that the fluid is forcefully ejected out of the device through the ejection assembly and out of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Chaim Davidian
  • Publication number: 20030160068
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing a pH balanced saline solution and using the saline solution for rinsing tissue. The apparatus includes a container having flexible sidewalls and an opening for a removable cap. The cap has a rounded convex upper portion curving away from an opening at the cap's uppermost surface and has a conduit in the cap's interior, which conduit extends into the container when the apparatus is fully assembled or is connected to a tube that extends in the container. A saline solution is prepared by adding sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate to distilled or boiled water. The sidewalls of the container are compressed to urge the saline solution through the conduit, or tube and conduit, and through the opening in the cap. The solution can be used to rinse tissue, such as a mucus membrane, eye tissue, skin or tissue inside an oral cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Ketan C. Mehta
  • Publication number: 20030155375
    Abstract: A squeeze spray device is described comprising a deformable bottle (1) for holding a liquid composition, a leave-in-place dispenser cap (5), and a dip-tube (50); said dispenser cap comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Reginaldo Alexandre da Silva
  • Publication number: 20030127471
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a defensive spray container. It inlcudes a standard plastic material bottle which can be squeezed to expel a fluid contained in the bottle. The fluid is of such a nature to immediately disabled a person against whom the fluid is directed. The bottle has a screw cap on top of its neck. The screw cap supports an aspirator tube within the bottle. The aspirator tube is open at the top of the screw cap. The opening of the aspirator tube is sealed by way of a knock-off cap which has on its interior bottom a cone-shaped nipple which sealingly engages the opening in the aspirator tube. When a defensive need arises, the holder of the defensive spray container merely has to dislodge the knock-off cap to open the opening in said aspirator tube and a forceful squeeze of the bottle will forcefully eject the disabling fluid from the bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth J. McDonald, Robert E. VanderLaan, E. Joan VanderLaan
  • Publication number: 20030111491
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing a pH balanced saline solution and using the saline solution for rinsing a nasal passage. The apparatus includes a container having flexible sidewalls and an opening for a removable cap. The cap has a rounded convex upper portion curving away from an opening at the cap's uppermost surface and has a conduit in the cap's interior, which conduit extends into the container when the apparatus is fully assembled or is connected to a tube that extends in the container. A saline solution is prepared by adding sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate to distilled water. The sidewalls of the container, filled with the saline solution, are compressed to urge the saline solution through the conduit, or tube and conduit, and through the opening in the cap and into a nasal passage, the cap being pressed against a nostril to provide a comfortable and effective seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Ketan C. Mehta
  • Publication number: 20030075554
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a fluid product includes a reservoir configured to contain a fluid product and air, a spray orifice associated with the reservoir, and a dip tube. The reservoir may include at least one deformable zone having a predetermined threshold resistance to deformation. The deformable zone may be configured to deform in response to pressure exerted on the deformable zone so as to cause the product to be sprayed out from the orifice. When pressure exerted on the deformable zone is less than a threshold pressure Ps sufficient to overcome the predetermined threshold resistance to deformation of the deformable zone, the internal volume of the reservoir is not substantially reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Florent Duqueroie
  • Patent number: 6547105
    Abstract: A plastic container having a storage chamber which graduates from a shoulder section into a bottle neck, in such a way that the length of the bottle neck can be changed about its axis. Thus, this invention provides a constriction between the shoulder section and a pour-out area. The constriction is adjacent the shoulder section and is followed by an area which can be axially compressed. The constriction can serve as a sealing area. Liquid, free-flowing and pourable media can be discharged in doses using a metering element which is fixed to the top of the bottle neck and which penetrates the constriction. By exerting pressure on the metering element, it is possible to establish an open or closed connection between the metering element and the storage chamber of the plastic container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Createchnic AG
    Inventors: Fritz Seelhofer, Fernando Suarez
  • Patent number: 6520384
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing a pH balanced saline solution and using the saline solution for rinsing a nasal passage. The apparatus includes a container having flexible sidewalls and an opening for a removable cap. The cap has a rounded convex upper portion curving away from an opening at the cap's uppermost surface and has a conduit in the cap's interior, which conduit extends into the container when the apparatus is fully assembled or is connected to a tube that extends in the container. A saline solution is prepared by adding sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate to distilled water. The sidewalls of the container, filled with the saline solution, are compressed to urge the saline solution through the conduit, or tube and conduit, and through the opening in the cap and into a nasal passage, the cap being pressed against a nostril to provide a comfortable and effective seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Ketan C. Mehta
  • Patent number: 6513681
    Abstract: A spray dispensing closure includes a spray plug and a cap cooperating therewith to selectively occlude passages in the spray plug. In one embodiment, a spray plug includes a set of inner passages for conveying product from a dip tube through the spray plug and a set of outer passages for conveying air from a head space in the container. The inner passages communicate with an inner flow space and the outer passages communicate with an outer flow space. A cap cooperates with the spray plug to define an outer chamber and an inner chamber which are isolated from one another when the cap is in the closed position, thereby preventing the mixing of air and product. As the cap is moved to the open position, the cap chambers are permitted to communicate with one another and, as the container is squeezed, a product/air mixture is formed in the closure. A central spray plug post has an upper portion that forms at least one restrictive passage with an inner wall of the cap when the cap is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Gross, Dieter F. Lay, Marge M. Hicks
  • Patent number: 6505986
    Abstract: An applicator system, for use in delivering a flowable composition, comprising; (a) container including an inner collapsible layer distinct from an outer deformable layer, the inner collapsible layer defining a reservoir, and the outer deformable layer being separated from the inner collapsible layer by a buffer zone; (b) a dispenser including a first passageway distinct from a second passageway, the first passageway being in communication with the buffer zone and the second passageway being in communication with the reservoir; and (c) valve means operable to control entry of air into the buffer zone through the first passageway and exit of flowable composition from the reservoir through the second passageway; wherein the valve means is of unitary construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Reuben Earl Oder
  • Publication number: 20020158089
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing a pH balanced saline solution and using the saline solution for rinsing a nasal passage. The apparatus includes a container having flexible sidewalls and an opening for a removable cap. The cap has a rounded convex upper portion curving away from an opening at the cap's uppermost surface and has a conduit in the cap's interior, which conduit extends into the container when the apparatus is fully assembled or is connected to a tube that extends in the container. A saline solution is prepared by adding sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate to distilled water. The sidewalls of the container, filled with the saline solution, are compressed to urge the saline solution through the conduit, or tube and conduit, and through the opening in the cap and into a nasal passage, the cap being pressed against a nostril to provide a comfortable and effective seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Ketan C. Mehta
  • Publication number: 20020113090
    Abstract: A spray dispensing closure includes a spray plug and a cap cooperating therewith to selectively occlude passages in the spray plug. In one embodiment, a spray plug includes a set of inner passages for conveying product from a dip tube through the spray plug and a set of outer passages for conveying air from a head space in the container. The inner passages communicate with an inner flow space and the outer passages communicate with an outer flow space. A cap cooperates with the spray plug to define an outer chamber and an inner chamber which are isolated from one another when the cap is in the closed position, thereby preventing the mixing of air and product. As the cap is moved to the open position, the cap chambers are permitted to communicate with one another and, as the container is squeezed, a product/air mixture is formed in the closure. A central spray plug post has an upper portion that forms at least one restrictive passage with an inner wall of the cap when the cap is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Richard A. Gross, Dieter F. Lay, Marge M. Hicks
  • Patent number: 6412664
    Abstract: A cap for use in dispensing viscous liquids from containers without the accompaniment of lower viscosity liquid present in the container. The cap has a top portion with an outside surface and an inside surface and an elongated conduit formed at a pre-determined angle. The elongated conduit has an outlet and an inlet. The outlet is situated either eccentrically or concentrically on the outside surface of the top portion such that at least one point on the circumference of the top portion is greater than 10 millimeters from the edge of the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventors: Floyd Wolff, Steven Wolff
  • Patent number: 6405938
    Abstract: A tubular element for drawing liquid from a container is shown including a first end designed to be connected to a source of vacuum and a second end designed to be immersed in the liquid to be drawn. The tubular element is designed to pass through an orifice or an inlet conduit, made from an elastically extendable materia. The cross section of the tubular element is sized to be contiguous with the edge of the orifice or with the wall of the conduit. The tubular element also includes an annular bulge with a truncated cone shaped surface which includes a small base, which is directed towards the second end and has a diameter substantially equal to the external diameter of the said tubular element and which also includes a large base which with the external surface of the tubular element, defines a bearing surface and serves as an end stop with the conduit wall or the aperture of said container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Walk Pak Holding NV
    Inventor: Etienne Susini
  • Patent number: 6402054
    Abstract: An airless squeeze bottle sprayer comprised of a tube retainer, an orifice cup and a closure. The tube retainer has a product outlet port, a post, and at least one tangential apertures through which fluid is expelled from within the container. The orifice cup has an annular mixing or turbulence chamber wherein the fluid from within the container is mixed up before being expelled out of the orifice cup through a discharge orifice. A dip tube depends from the tube retainer and defines a path for the fluid from the bottom of the container to the annular mixing chamber. When the container is squeezed, fluid is forced up through the dip tube into the mixing chamber and out of the container through the discharge orifice in the orifice cup. Any air that is introduced into the container and expelled out of the container is done so through the same path as the fluid, the sprayer lacks any distinct or separate air ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Calmar Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Prueter, Steven L. Sweeton
  • Patent number: 6394315
    Abstract: A foam dispenser for use in association with foaming liquid is disclosed. The squeeze operated foam dispenser includes a resiliently deformable bottle and a cap. The resiliently deformable bottle has an at rest position and an under pressure position. The bottle has an interior and a throat. The cap is attached to the throat and the cap has a nozzle extending inwardly into the interior of the bottle. The nozzle defines a nozzle fluid passageway. A nozzle cover is attached to the cap and spaced from the nozzle and a cap chamber is defined therebetween. An air tube defining an air passageway extends inwardly from the nozzle cover and the air passageway is in communication with the cap chamber and an interior portion of air formed between the liquid and the bottle in the interior thereof when the nozzle is positioned downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Deb IP Limited
    Inventor: Stewart Banks
  • Patent number: 6357630
    Abstract: Assembly comprising a flexible container having an inner space in which liquid can be stored and a dosing device connected to the container. The dosing device comprises a filling chamber and at least one feed line system extending into the filling chamber. The feed line system comprises an outflow opening located in the filling chamber, so that the filling chamber can be filled with the liquid from the container by squeezing the chamber. The dosing device further comprises a mechanism for setting the filling height of the filling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Sara Lee/DE N.V.
    Inventor: Jan Adolf Ernst Sperna Weiland
  • Patent number: 6345736
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing device for effectively using all of the liquid placed in the dispensing device. The liquid dispensing device includes a main member that has at least one holding chamber that is designed for containing a liquid. Each holding chamber has an associated refill connection portion. Each refill connection portion is designed to engage a container that contains a liquid. Each refill connection portion extends from a top end of the main member adjacent an associated holding chamber. Moreover, each refill connection portion has a connection bore that allows liquid to enter into an associated holding chamber. Each holding chamber is further in fluid communication with an associated pumping member that is coupled to a bottom end of the main member. Each pumping member is designed for pumping out the liquid in an associated holding chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventors: Jerry R. Berry, Ronnie V. Chaplin
  • Patent number: 6330960
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible container for dispensing liquids capable of providing precise dosage of the liquid. The container comprises an upper liquid reservoir and a lower liquid reservoir separated by a gasket, a longitudinal tube extending through the gasket and comprising a slot, and a dispensing tip having a longitudinal sleeve extending therefrom that also comprises a slot and is disposed concentrically around the upper end of the longitudinal tube. Liquid may be transferred from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir by the application of pressure on the lower reservoir while the two slots are aligned. In a preferred embodiment, the container is rendered child-resistant through the provision of a cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Faughey, John Lonczak
  • Patent number: 6293436
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing container of the squeeze bottle type has a low center of gravity liquid bottle with a hemispherical base portion and a frusto-conical neck portion. A spout assembly is coupled to an upper end of the neck portion for dispensing liquid when a deformable bottom wall of the base portion of the bottle is flexed. The spout assembly includes a bottle cap with a through bore in which a flexible dispensing tube is slidably extensible and retractable to dispense liquid, such as lubricating oil, into locations that would otherwise be inaccessible. A wiper element in the bottle cap associated with the through bore provides a liquid impervious seal between the bottle cap and the tube and ensures that excess liquid on the outer surface of the tube is scraped off as the tube is extended. A nozzle is connected to a distal end of the tube and a pop-up sealing cap is slidable back and forth over the nozzle to selectively open and close a dispensing hole in the pop-up cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: WD-40 Company
    Inventors: David J. Faughnder, Lanny A. Gorton
  • Patent number: 6267270
    Abstract: The invention provides a liquid dispenser for dispensing liquid medicaments, in particular, in metered droplets, in which an upwardly open container (2) can be closed off by means of a deformable diaphragm (3) and liquid is dispensed from the container (2) in the form of droplets through an outlet tube (12) leading out of the interior of the container when slight pressure is exerted on the diaphragm (3), the opening of the outlet tube (12) pointing at the upper surface of the diaphragm (3). This allows an instrument used to exert the pressure on the diaphragm (3), e.g. pincers holding a piece of cotton wool, also to be used at the same time to take up the liquid displaced from the container (2); single-handed operation is thus possible. Any unused liquid cannot run back. The instrument comes into contact only with the diaphragm (3) and the liquid dispensed onto it, and the diaphragm (3) can be exchanged before each re-use, thus satisfying even the high hygiene requirements in the medical sector. (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Alfred Schaffner
  • Patent number: 6264073
    Abstract: A flexible dip tube for a liquid dispenser, the tube comprising an elongated integrally formed element having elongated end sections and an elongated intermediate section with a pair of spaced bellows defining flexible/weight portions respectively between one end section and the intermediate section and between the other end section and the intermediate section, one of the bellows functioning as a weight filled with liquid causing the tube to flex at the other end of the bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Calmar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Good, Jacques J. Barriac
  • Patent number: 6250568
    Abstract: A squeeze bottle atomizer comprised of a tube retainer having a product outlet port in a conical shaped central post through which fluid is expelled from within the container. A plurality of air inlet ports are located adjacent the central post and allow air to be forced and sucked out of the container when squeezed as well as return and be sucked into the interior of the container when the container is released. The orifice cup has an annular mixing or turbulence chamber wherein the air and the fluid from within the container are mixed before being expelled out of the orifice cup through a discharge orifice. The axis of the product outlet port is coincident with the axis of the discharge orifice. A dip tube depends from the tube retainer and defines a path for the fluid from the bottom of the container to the annular mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Calmar Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Prueter
  • Publication number: 20010003342
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing container of the squeeze bottle type has a low center of gravity liquid bottle with a hemispherical base portion and a frusto-conical neck portion. A spout assembly is coupled to an upper end of the neck portion for dispensing liquid when a deformable bottom wall of the base portion of the bottle is flexed. The spout assembly includes a bottle cap with a through bore in which a flexible dispensing tube is slidably extensible and retractable to dispense liquid, such as lubricating oil, into locations that would otherwise be inaccessible. A wiper element in the bottle cap associated with the through bore provides a liquid impervious seal between the bottle cap and the tube and ensures that excess liquid on the outer surface of the tube is scraped off as the tube is extended. A nozzle is connected to a distal end of the tube and a pop-up sealing cap is slidable back and forth over the nozzle to selectively open and close a dispensing hole in the pop-up cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Publication date: June 14, 2001
    Inventors: DAVID J. FAUGHNDER, LANNY A. GORTON
  • Patent number: 6206243
    Abstract: A spray bottle for holding and dispensing a liquid comprises a collapsible container for holding the liquid, a spray head for dispensing and atomizing the liquid, and an elongated coupling for securing the spray head to the container and providing a handhold. The container is adapted to be collapsed into a substantially flat panel when empty and to be distended when the bottle is filled with the liquid. With the spray bottles empty and the containers collapsed, a retail display may comprise a plurality of spray bottles. The spray bottles are arranged in at least one row with the containers collapsed such that each spray head is in an abutting relationship with the spray head of at least one adjacent spray bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Schneider, Mark A. McLean
  • Patent number: 6190366
    Abstract: The portable, locally washing hygienic device has a water container of a flexible synthetic resin film member, a water supply tube mounted on the water container and acting as a water passage, a spray nozzle mounted on an upper portion of the water supply tube, and a valve assembly interposed between the spray nozzle and the water supply tube, in which a lower portion of the water supply tube located within the water container is joined together through a connecting member with an inner surface portion of the water container by thermally fusing or otherwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Kanari Tani
  • Patent number: 6186367
    Abstract: The present invention is a metered liquid squeezable dispenser, which includes a squeezable container having an open end and neck for dispensing liquid. A trap chamber base non-rotatably attached to the container and a trap chamber is rotatably attached to the trap chamber base. A dip tube is located in the base and extends into the container. There is an air inlet orifice located on the base. The trap chamber has a dispensing outlet, at least one metered dosage inlet pipe passing through the bottom of the trap chamber, extending upwardly therefrom for a predetermined height, and an air pipe passing through its bottom. The base and trap chamber align with one another for squeeze, metered dose filling, and then rotational realignment for squeeze dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Valley Design Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Harrold
  • Patent number: 6131775
    Abstract: A lockable closure assembly is configured for an extensible spout container, of the type having a top with an elongate hollow extension extending distally from its surface and an extensible dispensing tube movable within the extension between a retracted position and an extended position, the tube having a distal end with an orifice for the dispensing of a liquid from the container. The closure assembly includes a closure that is internally dimensioned to fit onto the distal end of the tube so as to close the orifice, and a closure retainer element that is configured to seat against a portion of the closure when the closure is installed on the distal end of the tube, and that is internally dimensioned to frictionally engage the extension when the tube is in its retracted position while also engaging the closure. In a preferred embodiment, the closure has an open proximal end surrounded by a peripheral flange, and the closure retainer element is a hollow tubular sleeve having open proximal and distal ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Norvey, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey Brody
  • Patent number: 6041978
    Abstract: A dropper 10 is provided which allows a person to precisely instill eye drop solution while the person's head and the dropper 10 are oriented in an upright position. The dropper 10 includes a deformable, resilient reservoir 40 of medicinal fluid which may be squeezed to to cause the fluid to flow up a supply conduit 15 to a housing 20 of the dropper 10. The fluid then flows out an opening 32 in a tip 31 of the dropper 10. An inner rod 130 or inner delivery tube 30 extends along an interior of the supply conduit 15. The tube 30 or rod 130 discourages air bubbles from being entrapped within the conduit 15. The tip 31 extends forward from a center line 41 along an extension 27 which is substantially perpendicular to a collar 50 extending up from the reservoir 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: James Hagele
  • Patent number: 6006952
    Abstract: A sports bottle with contoured finger grooves for a better grip, a series of folds for preventing deformation of the bottle when squeezed by absorbing compressive forces, having a lid defining one-way air inflow orifices separate from a liquid outflow orifice, an integral straw member for directing liquids from within the bottle by either sucking or squeezing to the liquid outflow orifice, and a cap slidably attached to the straw member such that the liquid outflow orifice and the air inflow orifices are sealed when the cap is in the down position. The bottle allows the consumption of a liquid without tipping the bottle or interrupting consumption, and is adapted to open and close using only one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Monty J. Lucas
  • Patent number: 5992702
    Abstract: A water bottle in accordance with this invention comprises a liquid container, which may be identical to the containers presently used in known portable water bottles, and a lid assembly attached to the container and covering an upper opening therein. The lid assembly has an opening through which a flexible tube extends. The lid assembly has an upstanding wall that defines a liquid reservoir surrounding the straw separate from the liquid container. The lid assembly defines a path for the tube that is disposed exterior to an interior sidewall of the reservoir. The liquid reservoir may be filled with liquid from the container by directing the upper end of the straw into the reservoir and squeezing the container to force the liquid therein through the straw. This provides an open reservoir of liquid from which a pet can drink without contaminating the liquid within the liquid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Howard J. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 5979715
    Abstract: A spray container having an extendable frustro-conical weight coupled to the free end of a siphoning tube. The frustro-conical contour and the extendable properties of the extendable frustro-conical weight allows the extendable frustro-conical weight to extend into corners of the spray container for maximizing the evacuation of the fluid contents contained in the spray container. Therefore, the flexible siphoning tube swings via gravitational forces, similar to a pendulum, in the direction of the flow of the fluid along an arc via an extendable frustro-conical weight. The extendable feature of such extendable frustro-conical weight allows the inlet port of the extendable frustro-conical weight to extend more deeply into the container beyond the line defined by the arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Kelly Wayne Emrick
  • Patent number: RE37760
    Abstract: A dust dispensing system comprised of a dip tube enclosing a much smaller outlet tube, both tubes fitted to countersunk holes in the plug base. A path for powder and air is created within the wall of a flexible container beginning at the area within the container through the longitudinal vent holes at opposite ends of the dip tube toward the inside center of the dip tube where two air/dust streams collide venting through the inward longitudinal opening of the outlet tube which is disposed at the point of convergence of the colliding streams and then the mixture continues to flow under pressure through the outlet tube and out the exit nozzle each time the container is squeezed. This action is repetitive and fully operational regardless of the device's orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Pestop Commercial Pest Prevention
    Inventors: Tom B. Mathison, Joseph B. Budz