Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
DESCRIPTION
CONTAINER WITH DrSCHARGE FLOW vELOCIT~' MECHANISM
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a container with an
instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism that easily
allows , when co~rtents ( liquid ) are discharged from the container
body, thecont~,inerbodytobepressurxzed, for example, squeezed
by hand so that liquid can be discharged ~.n the form of
instillation.
The present invention also relates to a fixed quantity
measurement flow velocity control container that has a discharge
flow velocity control mechanism and tk~at has a fixed quantity
measurement container for measuring a fixed quantity.
Pxior Art
Recently, PET bottles mainly used as a drinkable water
container have been widely used on the market in various shapes .
Plastic bottles mainly used for cleaner containers have a larger
variety of container shapes than in the case of PET bottles.
Specifically, pouched containers have been widely used as
for-repacking containers in view of reduction in waste and reuse
of resources_
However, regarding conventional containers, more
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CA 02457350 2004-02-06
attention has been paid to container body but little attention
to the outlet. Specz~ically, such little attezztion has caused
accidents in rahich the contents spurt out from the container,
for example, wrhen a user attempted to tilt a PET bottle haring
a large capacity, the user failed to control the discharged amount
to cause the contents in the container to overflow; or when a
user attempted to repackage the contents in a for-repacking
pouched container into a plastic bottle, the user improperly
grabbed the pouched container to cause the contents to burst
out of the outlet or the ovn~tainez~ body was bent to cause the
outlet to deviate from the intended direction, thus causing the
contents to splatter onto the surroundings despite the user's
intention.
Thus, there has been a need ~or improving the structure
of the outlet so that the liquid in the container is prevented
from being improperly discharged from 'the container. To provide
such an improved structure, the present applicant suggested in
Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No.HlO-338278
a technique for controlling the flora velocity of liquid in the
outlet.
On the other hand, there is another kind of container
( especially aye drop canta~.ners ) that requires the content s in
the liqu~.d container to be discharged in amanner of instillation .
Such a liquid requiring an instillation-like discharge includes.
in addition to eye drops , various products such as beauty product s
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and food additives.
A conventional instillation discharge co~ntazner is
designed, as represented by theinstillation discharge container
for eye drops, to simply allow the container outlet to have a
reduced diameter so that the surxace tension of the liquid stops
the l~.quid at the outlet. In this design, the contents are forced
out of the containez~whan the container body is squeezed by fingers
or the like to increase the inner pressure. A conventional
container for beauty products or food additives also has a similar
design as that for eye drops in which the outlet has a reduced
diameter of an outlet . Such a conventional container for beauty
products or food additives fz~equently had a design in which the
contents of the container are discharged by shaking the container
body rather than squeaking the container body.
However,asanyone has experienced,aforcefor discharging
one drop of the contents out of a container body for eye drops
proves difficult to adjust, caus~.ng a situation where two drops
are discharged even when only one drop is required. In this
manner, a conventzoz~al container body for eye drops required
a user to adjust the discharging force slightly. This prevented
the container body from having a wide selection of materials,
for example, a hardness or rigid~.ty of the container. This has
caused a condition i.n which only a plastic or glass -made container
having appropriate hardness and rigidity can be used because
it is very difficult for a soft container body, for e~eample,
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a laminated tube to discharge therefrom the contents in a manner
of instillat~.on. Accordingly, it was inevitable that only a
plastic or glass container with an appropriate hardness and
rigidity was used.
In view of the above-described, the container with an
instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism according to the
present invention solves the above--described conventional
problems. This container with an instillation discharge flow
~relocity mechanism allows the contents therein to be very easily
discharged in the manner of instillation. This container with
an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism also provides
fewer limitations on the container body and has an outlet that
can be applied to various soft containers and that easily provides
ins'~illation-like disCharg6.
Conventionally, pump-type resin-made bottles have been
used as a liquid container for cl.ea~ners or the like. This bottle
is one in v~rhiah the resin-made bottle container body has at the
upper opening section a hand-push-type pump that is squeezed
by hand if required to allow the contents to be discharged.
The pump is a so-called plunger pump having a structure
in which, when the hand-push section is squeezed, the contents
retained in the pump are forced out of the outlot and, when the
hand is discharged from the hand-push section, then a return
spring forces back the hand-push section and the contents in
the container body are suctioned by the outlet . The pump normally
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has therein a check ball that functions as a check valve for
preventing the contents ozrce suctioned into the pump from flowing
back into the container body. 'the pump body also has at the
lower end a narrora tube for suctxoni.ng the contents from the
bottom section of the container body. This container is ~rery
popular and is frequently used for liquids having a relatively
high viscosity, for example, cleaners, and shampoos.
I~owever, since this pump requires the use of different
materials because the z~etuz~o. spring is made of metal, tk~i,s type
of pump is unrealistic in view o~ cost or the like, although
the pump can be technically constructed w~.th a single material.
With society increasing demands for Environmental protection,
such a pump is unrealistic also because the problem of waste
must be considered.
This type of pump has therein a check valve for preventing
the contents from flowing back. This Caused a problem in which
the contents in a tube running fzom the pump to the discharge
outlet mere retained and dried, causing the dried contents to
burst out of the discharge outlet.
Thus , the liquid container of the present invention solves
the above-described conventional problems. This .liquid
container can be constructed ~rith a single material and can have
a simple structure . In spite of the simple structure , this liquid
container controls the flow velocity to prevent discharge due
to carelessness and allows the contents in the discharge tube
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to be suctioned in the container body, thus preventing the
contents from being retained and dxied in the tube.
Furthermore, there hare conventionally been various
liquids required to be measured such as drugs , beauty products .
coating materials, and cleaners. In most cases, a drug is
measured by pouring the drug out of a bottle into a measuring
cup. There hare also been liquid containers for storing liquid
used in larger amounts than in the case of ones for drugs, for
example, ones for cleaners that have a bottle cap functioning
as a measurement cup or that are constructed to have a pump~type
synthetic res~.n-made bottle. xzz such a container having a
bottle cap functioning as a measurement cup, the measurement
cup is detached from the container body when used and a user
is allowed to measure the required amount freely. However, such
a container is not suitable when an accurate amount needs to
be measured. In the container having a synthetic resin-made
bottle containez~ body, the container body has at the upper opening
section a hand-push-type pump that is squeezed by hand if required
to discharge the contents . In most cases, this type of container
allows the contents to be discharged by a one-hand-push operation
in a fixed amount.
However, such a container having a measurement cup is not
suitablefor accurate measurement because the container requires
a user to pour the contents from the container body while reading
the scale provided on the measurement cup. Such a container
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also had a problem in which an inappropriate pouring operation
causes the contents to overflow or a loosely-tightened cap causes
the contents to be leaked from the container when the container
falls .
Simi~.arly, since the pump-type bottle requires the use
of different materials because the return spring is made of metal ,
the pump-type bottle is unrealistic in view of cost or the like,
although the pump can be technically constructed with a single
ma's eri al. .
This type of pump has tkrez~ein a check valve for preventing
the contents from flowing back. This caused a problem in which
the contents in a tube running from the pump to tk~e disck~arge
outlet are retained and dried, causing the dried contents to
burst out of the disak~arge outlet at tk~e next discharge.
Thus,thefixed quantity measurementflow velocity control
container of the present invention solves the above-described
conventional problems . This oor~taiz~er can ba constructed with
a single material and can have a simple structure. In spite
of the simple structure, this container controls the flow
velocity to prevent discharge due to carelessness and allows
the contents in the discharge tube to be suctioned in the container
body, thus preventing the contents from being retained and dried
in the tube. This liquid container also provides an accurate
measurement of a fixed quantity of liquid.
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Disclosure of the Invention
xn other words, the container having a discharge flow
veloait~r aontxo~. mechanism of the present invention has the
characteristics as desaz~xbed below.
(1) A liquid container comprises a discharge route for
discharging the contents; this discharge route has a flow
velocity control passage having an opening area that allows the
surface tension of the contents to block the contents under
atmospheric pressure; and when the contents are discharged, then
the contents having passed through this flour velocity control
passage once has a flow velocity of zero in the passage direct~.on
and then fills the main passage of the discharge route provided
at the outlet of this flow velocity control passage to be
subsequently discharged from the outlet.
( 2 ) The flog velocity control passage is provided in the
direction parallel ~rith the main passage of the above-described
discharge route.
( 3 ) The flow velocity control passage is provided in the
direction orthogonal to the main passage of the above-described
discharge route.
(4) The flow velocity control passago is a hole.
(5) The flow velocity control passage is a clearance.
(6) 'When there are two or more flow velocity control
passages with an even. number, each pair of flow velocity control
passages are provided at opposite positions or are arranged in
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a radial pattern.
( 7 ) A means for changing the opening area is provided so
that the opening area of the ~low velocity control passage can
ba increased or decreased in a stepwise or stepless manner.
( 8 ) The influx inlet of the contents of the flow velocity
control passage is opened to the container body and the contents
directly flow from the container body ~.nto the flora velocity
control, passage.
(9) The influx inlet of the contents of the flowvelocity
control passage has a guide routs for guiding the contents from
the container body; this guide route has at the outlet side the
flux inlet; and the contents flow via this guide route into the
f low velocity cvntroJ. passage .
Tha cor~tain$r with the discharge flow' velocity mechanism
of the present invention has the characteristics as provided
below.
( 10 ) A liquid container comprises a discharge route for
discharging the contents: this discharge routs has a flow
velocity aoz~tz~ol passage having an opening area that allows the
surface tansian pf the contents to block the contents under
atmospheric pressure; when the contents axe discharged, then
the contents having passed through this flow velocity control
passage once have a ~lowvelocity of zero in the passage direction
and then fill the main passage o~ the discharge route provided
at the outlet side of this flog velocity control passage to be
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
subsequently discharged from the outlet; and when the discharge
step is oompJ.eted, then the contents in the discharge route are
suctioned into the container body to prevent the contents under
a normal condition from being retained in the discharge route .
( 11 ) The flow velocity control passage and the container
body have thez~ebetween a cover member for separating this flow
velocity control pas sage in. the container body; this waver member
has at the l.nner side a space having a desired capacity; this
space is communicated with the container body only by a narrow
tube; fluid pressure in the container has no direct influence
on the flow velocity control passage; and resi.staz~ce in this
narrow tube causes the inner pressure o:f the container body to
be attenuated to prevent the inner pressure from reaching the
flow velocity control passage.
The fixed quantity measurement flow velocity control
container of the present invention also has the characteristics
as provided below.
(12) ~. liquid container, comprising an outlet for
discharging contents; the discharge route further comprising
a flow velocity control passage having an opening area of such
a degree that it is sealed by the contents themselves by the
surface tension of the contents under atmospheric pressure,
wherein, when the oontents are discharged, the flow velocity
of the contents passing through the flora velocity control passage
in the direction of the passage once becomes zero , and the contents
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are discharged froze an outlet after filling the main passage
of the discharge route provided on the outlet side of the flocu
velocity control passage; when the discharge step is completed,
then the contents in 'the discharge route are suctioned into the
container body to prevent the contents under a normal condition
from being z~etained in the di.schaz~ge route; and a measurement
container having therein the above-described main passage is
provided.
(13) After the contents are discharged from the outlet
into the measurement container, the restitutzve force of the
container causes a negative pressuz~e in the container to allow
excessive contents equal to or larger than a fixed quantity to
be measured to be collected in the container body so that the
fixed quantity to be measured remains in the measurement
conta~.ner for measurement.
( 14 ) The fixed quantity to be measured is determined by
the k~e~.ght from th,e bottom surface of the measurement container
of the outlet pz~ovi.ded in the measurement container in a protruded
manner; and this measurement container can be moved in the upward
and downward directions so that the height of the outlet fz~om
the bottom surface of the measurement container can be
arbitrarily adjusted.
The flow velocity control passage and the container body
have therebetween a cover member for separating thys flow
velocity control passage in the container body; this cover member
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has at the inner side a space having 'a dESired capacity; this
space is comimunicated With the conta~.ner body only by a narrow
tube; fluid pressure in the container has u.o direct influence
on the flora' velooity control passage: and resistance in this
narrow tube causes the inner pressure of the container body to
be attenuated to prevent the ~.nner pressure from reaching the
flow velocity Control p8,ss8.ge.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention wrill
be described in detail.
(Embodiment 1)
Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a container with
an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism haring an
instillation discharge liquid outlet. The container body 1 has
at the upper part the discharge tube 3 having the outlet 2 and
the retaining cap 4 for fixing this discharge tube 3 to the
container body 1. The retaining cap 4 has at the upper end a
cap 5 for preventing the contents from being improperly
discharged~nrhen the container is not being used and for protecting
the outlet 2. This cap 5 is designed to f~.t the stepped portion
6 provided at the outer circumference of the upper end of the
above-described retaining cap 4. The cap 5 and the stepped
portion 6 are both designed to have some convene form and concave
form so that they are retained together when applied ~rith an
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appropriate squeezing force.
,Fig. 2 xs an enlarged cross sectional view of the main
section in the vicinity of the outlet _ The bottle-like container
body 1 has at the upper part the opening 7 and the discharge
tube 3. The discharge tube 3 is fixed such that the flange 8
is provided on the upper end surface of the opening section 7
of the container body 1 and is screraed by the retaining cap 4
to the container body 1. This container body J. is made of
relatively soft and easily~flexible matez~ial, for example,
synthetic resin. More specifically, the container body 1 is
preferably made of synthetic resin material, for example,
polypropylene, a laminated tube, and a composite film.
The discharge tube 3 is made of a hard synthetic resin
and has a shape hav~.ng the flange 8 as shown in Fig. 3 to f~.t
the opening section 7 of the container body 1. The discharge
tube 3 is a tube-like member that has at the center the discharge
passage (hereinafter referred to as a main passage) 9. As shown
in Fig . 3 , the lowrer part of this main passage 9 does not penetrate
the discharge tube 3 and the lower end is blocked by the bottom
section 10. The bottom section 1o has in the vicinity thereof
a cross section having micro sectional holes (hereinafter
referred to as micro passage ) i2 as a flowvelocity control passage
that is provided at the side wall 11 in the direction orthogonal
to the above-described main passage 9. This micro passage 12
has a diameter that is closed by surface tension or a capillary
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phenomenon of the stored liquid. When the stored liquid includes
air bubbles, then the micro passage 12 has a so-called vapor
lock condition in which the liquid under atmospheric pressure
does not easily pass through the micro passage 12 . The diameter
of the micro passage 12 is desirably determined depending on
the surface tension or viscosity of the liquid and preferably
is 0.3mm to 1.5mm when the liquid is a water-like fluid having
a low viscosity.
This miczo passage 7.2 in Fig. 3 has a length that is the
same as the thickness of the discharge tube S . The micro passage
12 is not limited to any particular shape and has a cross section
that may be tseely selected to be circular, triangular, square
or other shapes . The micro passage 12 prefesablyhas a sufficient
length that allows the contents at the outlet of this passage
to flow out in a stabilized manner (in a rectified manner).
Specifically, the micro passage 12 having an exaessi~rellr short
length causes the contents to be diffused at the outlet, thus
preventing the contents from colliding with one another in an
intended manner.
The reason will be described below.
As shown in Fig. 4, the micro passages 12 are provided
so as to oppose each other with an intention of allowing the
contents (liquid) discharged from the micro passage 12 into the
main passage 9 to collide with one another almost at the center
of the main passage 9 as shown in Fig. 5 so that the discharge
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flow velocity is 0 (zero) . This prevents the contezzts havzn,g
a flow velocity when the contents pass through the micro passage
12 from be~.ng discharged from the outlet 2.
Furthermore, the more the diameter of the micro passage
12 is reduced, the greater the restriction on the amount of the
contents passing through the micro passage 12. However, this
requires more time to allow the main passage 9 to be filled with
the contents and a7.so reduces the sensitivity of the container
body 1 to an external pressure (finger squeezing force).
Specifically, this allows adjustment o~ the number of drips of
the contents dripped from the outlet 2 to be dependent on the
length of time during which the container body 1 is squeezed
by fingers rather than the force for squeezing the container
body 1, thus providing drip control in a very easy manner. The
drip speed depends on the flow velocity of the contents when
the contents pass through the micro passage, depending on the
level of external pressure (force for squeezing the container
body 1) . However, the drip control can put emphasis either on
the time during which the container body 1 is squeezed oz the
force for squeezing the container body 1 by changi.n.g the effective
area of the opening (hole diameter) of the micro passage 12.
The sine of the opening area of the m~.cr0 passage 12 can be
appropriately balanced by the flexibility o~ the container body
1, thus providing fine adjustment to the characteristics of the
contents stoned in the container and the dz~i.p conditions.
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When the container with an instillation discharge flow
velocity mechanism of Embodiment 1 thus constructed is used,
the container body 1 ~.s reversed and applied with pressure by
squeezing the container with fingers as shown in Fig. 6. Then,
the container body 1 deforms as shown by the bz~oken line in Fig.
6 to allow the inner pressure of the container to increase. Then,
contents ( liquid) flow from the container body 1 into the micro
passage 12 as shown in Fig. 7. Then, the contents are squeezed
as shown in Fig. 5 from the micro passage y2 to the center of
the main passage 9 arid are discharged with the same speed and
collide with one another, thus once having a speed of 0 ( zero) .
Thereafter, the surface tension a~.lows, without causing the
contents to burst out of the outlet 2, the contents to slide
along the .inner wall of the main passage 9 and then to be gradually
filled in the main passage 9 as shown by the broken line in Fig.
7, aftez~ which the contents overflow and are dripped from the
outlet 2.
In this manner, the contents in front of the outlet 2 are
allowed to have a discharge velocity ( flow velocity ) of 0 ( zero ) .
This prevents the contents from being discharged ~rom the outlet
2 with a flow velocity when the contents pass through the micro
passage 12. This allows the contents to flow out of the container
in a very slow manner to prevent , even when the container body
1 is improperly applied with an e~cternal pressure , the contents
from bursting out of the outlet 2, thus providing fine adjustment
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of the drip amount in a very easy manner. Specifically, the
timing at which one drop is dripped can be easily anticipated,
the number of drips can be easily counted, and the contents can
be d~.scharged continuously.
After the contents are discharged, wk~en the external
pressure applied to the container body 1 is removed, restitutive
Force of the container body 1 allows the forced air to be suctioned
into the container body 1 and allows the contents in the discharge
route to be returned into the container body 1. This prevents
the contents from being left in the main passage 9, provides
the outlet 2 with a very good ability to Stop the liquid, and
prevents excessive drip.
Furthermore. the main passage 9 has no retained contents,
thus preventing the contents from flowing out of the outlet 2
unless the main passage 9 is ~xlled with the contents, even when
the container body 1 is improperly applied with an external
pressure. The micro passage 12 has the diameter which is closed
by surface tension or capillary phenomenon or has a so-called
vapor lock condztioz~ when having therein air bubbles in which
the liquid under.atmosphez~ic pressure doss not easi7.y pass
through the micro passage 12, as above-described. The micro
passage 12 also has no retained contents by the suctioning power
when the container recovers.
The diameter of the outlet 2 may be one that allows the
contents under atmospheric pressure to remain by the capillary
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phenomenon and that prevents the contents from drzpping. For
example, the diameter of the outlet 2 for a water-like liquid
having a low viscosity is preferably l.5mm to 3mm but may be
appropriately changed depending on the characteristics of the
contents or the appli.catzon of the container. There is , of course ,
no need to use the same inner diameter for the outlet 2 and the
main passage 9 and the main passage 9 may have a reduced or
increased inner diameter.
Although the number of the micro passage 12 may be one,
it then requires a means for reducing the flow velocyty when
there is a spurting out of the liquid xrom the m~.cro passage
12 to zero by allowing the liquid to collide with the wall surface,
for example. However, it is desirable in an actual case to
provide a plurality of micro passages 12 so as to oppose one
another, as shown in Fig. 8 and each drawing. This intends to
provide, When there is a furthez~ reduced distance from the outlet
of the micro passage 12 to a position at which-the flow velocity
is 0 (zero), the resistance in the flow passage, thereby
preventing the spurtzn~g out in an improved manner. As shown
in Fig. 8 (b) , when there are thz~ee oz' more micro passages 12 ,
the micro passages 12 may be provided in a radial pattern so
that the contents spurting out of the micro passage 12 can collide
almost at the center. Furthermore, Fig. 8(c) ~.llustrates the
case where there are fouz~ micro passages 12. When the number
of the micro passages is an even number, pairs of micro passages
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may be provided in a parallel manner, as shown in Fig. 8(a).
The micro passage 12 also may have another configuration
as shown ~,n Fig. 9. Specifically, when the velocity at which
the liquid flora from the micro passage 12 in the influx direction
is eliminated (or reduced to zero) , various cases may be assumed
in which influx of the contents from the micro passage 1.2 collides
with a wall or another opposing influx of the contents or the
flow direction must be changed. For example, cases as shown
in Fig. 9 may be assumed in which: "(a)" denotes a case in which
the influx of the contents from the micro passage 12 of the side
wall I1 collides with the opposing inner wall; "(b)" denotes
a case in which the main passage 9 has at the center of the bottom
section the collision wall J.3 that is sandwiched by the direction
along which the micro passage 12 of the side wall 11 is prov~.ded
so that the influx of the contents collides with tha.s wall in
this direction: " ( c ) " denotes a case in which tk~e ~.nfJ.ux of the
contents from the micro passage 12 provided at a position not
opposing to the szde wall 11 collide with the opposing inner
wall of a not-right angle and this case allows the contents to
change the flowing direction to flow along the inner wall of
the main passage 9, thus causing a vortex i.n the main passage
9; and "(d)" denotes a case in which the micro passage 12 is
the same as that described i.n "(c)" but the inner wall of the
front surface to which the contents flow has the wall 14 provided
in an orthogonal direction to which the influx of contents
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collides. The number "1" added to the reference numbers of Fig.
9 denotes a longitudinal sectional view and the numbez~ " 2 " denotes
a transverse sectional view at the position of the micro passage.
" ( a ) " denotes a case in whioh a position opposing the angle of
the lower end edge portion of the discharge tube 3 has a notch
to provide the mzcro passage 12 and this case allows, as shown
in "(e)-2," the contents to flow into the main passage 9 almost
along the bottom surface and "(e)-3" denotes a transverse
sectional view at the position of the micro pas sage ; " ( f ) " denotes
a case in which the micro passage 12 is provided at a position
dislocated from the opposing side wall in the longitudinal
direction; "(g)" denotes a case in which the above-described
"(b)" in which the micro passages 12 are provided so as to be
dislocated from each other in the longitudinal direction; " (h) "
denotes a case in which the micro passage 12 is provided running
~rom the side wall 11 to the corner of the bottom surface of
the main passage 9 in an oblique direction; and "(x)" denotes
a case in which the micro passage 12 is provided running from
the side wall 11 or the bottom surface to the inner wall in an
oblique direction. The case " ( I ) " desirably has the col.iision
wall 15 as shown (I) to prevent the contents ~rom flowing i.n
an upward direction when colliding with the inner wall.
(Embodiment 2)
Fig. 10 is a front surface longitudinal sectional view
of the discharge tube 3 illustrating Embodiment 2 of the container
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
~rith aninstillation disahargeflow velocity mechanism according
to the present invention. The method for attaching this
discharge tube 3 to the upper opening section 7 of container
body 1 is fihe same as that in Embodiment 1. This embodiment
has a structure that simplifies the processing of the micro
passage 12 in Embodiment 1. Although Embodiment 1 described
that the micro passage desirably has a diameter of lmm or less ,
it is very difficult in an actual manufacturing step to provide
a diameter of lmm or less. Thus, this embodiment ~.mpxoves the
problem of the above-described Embodiment 1.
Speci~i.cally, the main passage 9 of the discharge tube
3 penetrates the upper and lo~rer ends as shown in Fig. 10 azzd
the bottom end surface 16 has the groove 17 providing the micro
passage 12 as shown in Fig. 11. This bottom end surface 16 is
fitted with the cap 18. The cap 18 has at the side surface and
at a position engageable with the micro passage 12 the lateral
hole 19 that has a cross sectional area larger than 'that of the
micro passage 12. The cap 18 has the inner bottom surface ZO
(k'ig- 12) that is fitted so as to have close contact with the
bottom end surface 16 of the d~.scharge tube 3 and the close contact
part is welded or adhered to provide integration. The groove
17 is blocked by the inner bottom surface 20 of the cap l8 to
have a tube-like closed section, thereby providing the micro
passage 12. Fig, 12 is a front view illustrating when the
discharge tube 3 is separated from the cap 18.
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This micro passage 12 in Fig. 10 has a length that zs the
same as the thickness o~ the discharge tube 3 . The micro passage
12 is not limited to any particular shape and has a cross section
that may be freely selected to be circular, triangular, square
oz' other shapes . The micro passage 12 preferably has a cuff iciont
length that allows the contents at the outlet of this passage
to flow out in a stabilized manner (i.n a rectified manner).
Specifically, the micro passage 12 having an excessively short
length causes the contents to be diffused at the outlet, thus
pre~crenting the contents from colliding with one another in an
~.ntended manner.
The containerwith an xn.stillation discharge flow velocity
mechanism of Embodiment 2 thus constructed can be used as in
the above-described Embodiment 1.
Fig. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the positional
relation between the lateral hole 19 provided in the cap 18 and
the micro passage 12. In Fig. 13, "(a)" denotes the most basic
structure; and ° (b) " denotes a case in which two pairs of micro
passages are provided in an orthogonal direction as shown in
F~.g. 8(c). Zn the case where pairs of a plurality of micro
passages 12 are provided in a radial pattern in this way, the
above-described pairs of micro passages are allowed to
respectively have different cross sectional areas and the cap
18 is rotatably engaged with the bottom end surface 16 of the
discharge tube 3 without being welded or adhered thereto. This
22
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
allows as shown in Fig. 13 (b) the rotation of the oap 18 to pz~ovzde
selection of the micro passage 12 fittable to the lateral hole
19. This allows a step-wise change of discharge in accordance
with the number of the pairs of micro passages.
Fven the case ° ( a ) " allows the cap 18 to be rotatable to
move the lateral hole 19 to a position haring no micro passage
12 so that the fit of the lateral hole 19 to the micro passage
12 can be cancelled, thereby allowing the cap 18 to function
as an inner stopper for prohibiting discharge.
The.structuse as above-described allows the micro passage
12 to have a groove-like shape ratk~ez~ than a hole-like shape,
thus allowing the micro passage 12 to be foamed by a mold in
an easier manner. Similarly, the lateral hole of the cap 18
also may be larger than the cross sectional area of the micro
passage 12 and does not require strict accuracy. As a result,
the lateral hole of the cap 18 mar be provided by either drilling
or molding and thus can be easily processed.
I~owever, although both of the above-described two
embodiments az~e vezy preferable ones for az~ instz7.latzon-like
discharge, these two embodiments cause, when the container is
reversed, the contents to remain at the height of the influx
inlet of the micro passage 12, ~oz~ example, position "T~TL" shown
by the broken line, as shown in Fig. 7. This causes a new problem
in which, once the contents remain in this way, the retaining
cap 4 must be detached to remove the discharge tube 3 from the
23
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
container body 1 so that the contents are discharged.
(Embodiment 3)
Fig. 14 is a front view of the discharge tube 3 illustrating
Embodiment 3 of the container vrith an instillation discharge
flow velocity mechanism according to the present invention. In
Fig. 14, "(a)" represents a front view and "(b)" represents a
center longitudinal sectional. view. The method for attaching
this discharge tube 3 to the upper opening section of the container
body is the same as that in Embodiment 1. This embodiment
pro~rides a structure for solving the above-described pz~oblem.
Specifically, this embodiment provides a structure in which all
of the contents can be discharged while the container is being
reversed.
As shown in Fig. 14(b) and FS.g. 15, the main passage 9
penetrates the upper and lower ends as in Embodiment 2 ;'the bottom
end surface 16 has the groove 17 for providing the micro passage
12; and the longitudinal groove 21 is provided that e~etends from
the influx inlet position of this micro passage 12 (lower end
edge portion of the discharge tube 3) to the external wall of
the discharge tube 3 and toward the upper flange $. This
longitudinal groove 21 has a cxoss sectional area that is larger
than that of the micro passage 12. This bottom end surface 16
i.s engaged with the cap 18 the .inner bottom surface 20 of which
is provided so as to havo close contact with the bottom end surface
Z6 of the discharge tube 3 so that the close contact part is
24
.. CA 02457350 2004-02-06
welded or adhered to provide integration. The above-described
groove 17 is blocked by the inner bottom suz~face 20 cf the cap
18 to have a tube-like closed section, thoreby providing the
micro passage 12. The inner side wall of the cap 18 has close
contact with the longitudinal groove 21 to block this , thereby
providing the tube-like passage 22 having a closed section . Then ,
the upper end position 23 0~ the cap 18 functions as the influx
inlet to the tube-like passage 22 . Thus, the ck~ange in they height
o~ the cap 18 (depth) "h" provides the adjustment of the height
of the position at which the contents flow in.
when the container with an instillation discharge flow
velocity mechanism of Embodiment 3 thus constructed is used,
the container is reversed as in the above-described Embodiment
1 and as shown in Fig. 6 to apply a pressure to the container
body 1 by squeezing the container body 1 by fingers. Then, the
container body 1 deforms as shown by the broken line in Fig.
6 to allow the ,inner pressure of the container to incz~ease. Then ,
the contents ( liquid) flow as shown in Fig. 7.6 from the container
body 1 via a position of the discharge tube 3 in the vicinity
of the flange 8 into the tube-like passage 22 to once flow back
to the tube-like passage 22 toward the container body 1 (upper
direction in the drawing) , after which the contents reach the
~.nf~.u~ inlet of the micro passage 12 (lower end edge portion
of the discharge tube 3 ) . Then, the oontents flow into the micro
passage 12 and are squeezed as showrn in Fig. 5 from the micro
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
passage 12 to the center of the main passage 9 and are discharged
at the same speed and collide with one another, thus once having
a speed of 0 (zero). Thereafter, the surface tension allows.
without causing the contents to burst out of the outlet 2 , the
contents tv s~,~.de along the inner wall of the main passage 9
and then to be gradually filled in the main passage 9 as shown
by the broken line in Fig. 7, after which the contents overflow
and are dripped from the outlet
The structure as above-described allows the contents ~.n
the reversed container to be se~ourely discharged without
rem,axning in the container.
The existence of this tube-like passage 22 additionally
provides the resistance in the tube passage, thus contributing
to more effective prevention of the spurting out of the aontonts
due to improper pressu,r~.zat~.on to the container body 1.
(Embodiment 4)
Fig. 17 is a center longitudinal sectional view of the
discharge tube 3 illustrat~.ng Embodiment 4 of the container with
an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism according to
the present zrwention. Fig. 18 is a bottom surface view
illustrating the bottom end surface 16 of the discharge tube
3. The method for attaching this d~.scharge tube 3 to the upper
opening section 7 of the container body 1 is the same as that
in Embodiment 1. Although the above-described three
embodiments described a case in which the flow velocity control
26
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
passage is the tube-like, this embodiment illustrates a case
where the flow velocity control passage is a clearance.
Specifically, this embodiment is the same as the above-described
Embodiment 2 except for that flow velocity control passage is
provided to have a clearance.
Specifically, the discharge tubE 3 penetrates the upper
and lower ends as shown in Fig. 17 and as in Embodiment 2, and
the cap 18 is fitted into the bottom end surface 16. The bottom
end surface 16 has therein, in order to allow the end surfaces
16 and the bottom surface of the cap 18 to have therebetween
the clearance passage 25 Working as a flow velocity contz~oi
passage. the projection or protruded part (hereinafter
projection) 24 k~aving a height the same as that of the clearance.
This clearance passage desirably has a height that has a cross
sectional area similar to that of the micro passage 12 in each.
of the above-described embodiments _ The cap Z8 has at the side
surface the .lateral hole 19 that is provided to fit the clearance
passage 25 and that has an opening area larger than the effective
area of the opening of this clearance passage. The cap 18 is
fitted so that the inn~r bottom surface 20 (Fig. 12) has a close
contact w~.th the above-described pro ject3on 24 of the discharge
tube 3 and the close contact part is welded or adhered to provide
integration. The contents flow into the main passage 9 so as
to enter from the lateral hole 19 of the cap 18 into the clearance
passage 25 to exude therefrom. Tf the contents flowing through
27
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
the clearance passage 25 in this aria have a high flow velocity,
then a structure for allowing the contents flowing from opposing
positions in the main passage 9 -~o oollide with one another can
control the flow velocity, thus preventing the spurting out of
the contents from the outlet 2 and providing fine adjustment
of drip in an easy mannez~.
Tr~hen a plurality of pairs of cleaz~anoe passages 25 in this
case are provided to have a radial pattern as in Embodiment 2
and as shown in Fig. 8, the above-described pairs of clearance
passages 25 are allowed to respectively have different cross
sectional areas ( or widths ) arzd the cap 18 is rotatably engaged
with the bottom end surface 16 of the discharge tube 3 without
being welded or adhered thereto. This allows as shown in Fig.
13(b) the rotation of the cap 18 to provide the selection of
the micro passage 12 fittable to the lateral hole Z9 . This allows
a step-wise change of discharge in accordance with the numbez~
of the pairs of clearance passages,
Even in the case of F~.g. 13(a) in which one pair of flow
velocity control (clearance) passages is provided, the cap 18
is allowed to be rotatable to move the lateral hole 19 to a position
having no clearance passage 25 so that the fit of the lateral
hole 19 to the clearance passage 25 can be cancelled, thereby
allowing the cap 18 to function as an inner stopper for prohibiting
discharge. When the clearance height of the clearance passage
25 is changed in the width direction. then the opening area can
28
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
be arbitrarily changed depending on the fit con,ditxon with the
above-described lateral hole 19, thus providing a discharge
control in a stepless manner.
(Embodiment 5)
Fig. 19 is a center longitudinal sectional view of the
discharge tube 3 illustrating Embodiment 5 of the container with
an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism according to
the present invention. Fig. 20 shows the bottom end surface
16 of the discharge tube 3. The method for attaching this
discharge tube 3 to the upper opening section 7 of the container
body 1 is as in Embodiment 1 . This embodimeo.t zs a combination
of tk~e above-described Embodiment 3 and the above-described
Embodiment 4.
Specifically, the main passage 9 penetrates the upper and
lower ends as shown in Fig. 19 and as in Embodiment 2 and the
bottom end surface 16 has the clearance passage 25 for providing
a flow velocity control passage. The longitudinal groove 21
is provided from the influx inlet position o~ this clearance
passage 25 (lower end edge portion of the discharge tube 3) v~.a
the external wall of the dl.scharge tube 3 toward the upper flange
$ . This longitudinal groove 21 has a cross sectional area that
is larger than the opening area of the clearance passage 25.
This bottom end surface 16 is engaged with the cap 18 the innor
bottom surface 20 of which is provided so as to have a close
contact with the bottom end surface 16 of the discharge tube
29
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
3 so that the close contact part ~.s welded or adhered to provide
integration. The above-dESCribed groove 17 is blocked by the
inner bottom surface 20 of the cap 1B t4 have a tube-like closed
section, thereby providing the clearance passage Z5. The inner
side wall. of the cap 18 has a close contact with the longitudizzal
groove 21 to block this. thereby providing the tube-.like passage
22 having a closed sectional area. Then, the upper end position
23 of the cap 18 functions as the influx inlet of the contents
to the tube-like passage 22. Thus, the change in the height
of the cap 18 ( depth ) "h" provides the ad j ustment of the height
of the posit~.oz~ at which the contents flow in.
According to such a structure as above-described, the
contents flora from the container body 1 via a position of the
discharge tube 3 in the vicinity of the flange 8 into the tube~like
passage 22 to once flow back to the tube-like passage 22, after
which the contents reach the influx inlet of the clearance passage
25. The existence of this tube-like passage 22 additionally
provides the resistance in the tube passage, thus contributing
to more effective prevention of spurting out of the contents
due to improper pressurization to the container body 1.
(Embodiment 6)
Fig. Z1 is a center longitudinal sectional view of the
discharge tube 3 illustrating Embodiment 6 of the Container with
an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism according to
the present invention. The method for attaching this discharge
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
tube 3 to the upper opening section 7 of the container body 1
is as in Embodiment 1,
As shown in Fig. 21, the main passage 9 penetrates the
upper and lower ends and the main passage 9 has a diameter that
is enlarged in the vicinity of the lower end. The stopper 27
engaged with this enlarged section 26 is provided_ The stopper
27 has at the side surface the longitudinal groove 28 as shown
in Fig. 22(a) for providing a micro passage. The stopper 27
is sized and provided so that the stopper 27 has some clearance
when the upper end bumps against the stepped portion of the
enlarged section 26 of the above-described discharge tube 3.
Then, the longitudinal groove 28 has a cross sectional area that
is almost the same as the cross sectional area of the tubular
micro passage l2 having a diameter of 1mm or less in each of
the above-described embodiments.
Sp~Ci.fically, the longitudinal groo~re and the micro
passage 28 are provided from the lower end edge portion of the
discharge tube 3 to be parallel with the main passage 9 and then
to reach via the orthogonal clearance to the mazn passage 9.
As shown in fig. 22(b), the stopper 27 has therein the
longitudinal groove 28 and has at the upper end the lateral groove
29 . Zn this case , the lateral groove 29 may be used as a flow
velocity control passage and the longitudinal groove Z8 may have
a cross sectional area 1czgsr than that of the lateral gz~oave
29. Alternatively, the longitudinal groove 28 and the lateral
31
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
groove 29 may be both used as a flow velocity control passage
if resistance in the tube passage needs to be strong. The
reference numeral "30" in fig. .22(b) denotes a dent functioning
a chamber in which the liquid collides . This dent is desirabl~r
pro~rided and is applicabJ.e to all embodiments of the present
invention.
When the structure as above-described is used, the contents
(liquid) having been pressurized when the containez~ bod~r 1 is
squeezed flow into the above-described longitudinal groove 28
in a limited amount due to the large resistance in the tube passage .
Additional resistance is provided by the ending point of the
J.ongitudinal groove 28 bent at a right angle and another
resistance is added by the flow velocity control passage or a
clearance from the ending point to the main passage 9. After
passing through these clearance and/or ~law velocity control.
passage, the liquid collides in the main passage 9 to once have
a zero flow velocity, after which the liquid is filled in the
main passage 9 and is dripped from the outlet 2.
Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating Embodiment
7 of the present invention. In Embodiment 7 , the container body
is called the tube container 31. Specifically, the upper end
opening section 7 of the tube containez~ 31 is fixed with the
discharge tube 3 by the retaining cap 4, as shown in each of
the above-described embodiments. The discharge tube 3 also has
at the uppez~ Circumference the screw 32 to which the cap 5 is
32
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
screwed and fixed to protect the outlet 2.
In this manner, the discharge tube 3 of the instillation
discharge flow velocity control of the present invention also
can be applied to a soft container. Specifically, the discharge
tube 3 also can be applied to the pouched container.
(Embodiment 7)
Fig. 24 is a perspective view illustrating the container
with discharge flow velocity mechanism of the present ~.nvention.
Tk~e container body 7. has at the upper part the outlet cap 3h
having the outlet 33 and the retaining cap 4 for fixing the
discharge tube 3 into which this outlet cap 34 is engaged to
the container body 1.
Fig. 25 is an enlarged cross sectional. view of the main
part in the vicinity of the outlet. The bottle-like container
bady 1 has at the upper part the opening 7 and the discharge
tuba 3. The discharge tube 3 is fixed such that the flange 8
is provided on the end surface of the open~.ng section 7 of the
container body 1 and is screwed by the retaining cap 4 to the
container body 1. This container body J, is provided by a
relatively-flexible material, for example, synthetic resin.
More specifically, this container body 1 is preferably made of
synthetic res~,n material, for example, polypropxlene,
polyethylene, or a laminate tube.
The flange 8 of the discharge tube 3 has at the lower part
a cover member 35 for covering the ~.ower part that is provided
33
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
to isolate this discharge tube 3 in the container body. The
lower end edge portion of the cover member 35 is inserted with
the narrow tube 36. The cover member 35 and the discharge tube
3 have therebetween the space 37 having a desired capacity. This
space 37 is communicated with the znterior o~ the container body
only via this narrow tube 36. The lower end edge portion of
this narrow tube 36 reaches as shown in Fig. 24 the bottom sect~.on
of the container body 1 in order to suction the contents from
the bottom section.
~'he structure as above-described prevents the fluid
pressure ~.n the container from directly influencing on the micro
passage (which is described later); allows the inner pressure
of the container to be attenuated by resistance in the tube passage
of the narrow tube 36; and the existence of the inner space 37
of tkze cover member 35 (which has no retained contents under
a normal cond~.tion) prevents spurting out of the contents from
the outlet 33 even when the container body 1 is improperly squeezed
strongly to cause the innez~ pressure fio rapidly increase. Even
when the container body 1 is caused to fall or to tumble, the
lower end edge portion of the narro~r tube 36 is allowed to be
placed above the fluid level, thus preventing the pressure of
the contents from being applied to the micro passage and
preventing spurting out or leakage of the contents.
The discharge tube 3 is a tube-like member that has an
external shape having the flange 8 as shown in Fig. 26(a) in
34
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
order to fit to the opening section 7 of the container and that
has at the center the main passage (hereinafter referred to as
main passage) 9. As shown in Fig. 26, this main passage 9 does
not penetrate the upper end . The upper end has at the side surface
the discharge opening 2 to which the outlet cap 34 is engaged.
This outlet cap 34 is engaged in a rotatable manner and can be
provided to a position finable with the discharge passage inlet
38 and the above-described discharge opening 2. Thus, the
discharge opening cap 34 when, not being used can be z~otated to
cancel the fitting relation between the discharge passage inlet
3$ and the discharge opening 2, thereby preventing the contents
from ~l.owing out.
On the other hand, the lower end is blocked by the bottom
cap 18. The bottom end surface 16 and the bottom cap i8 o~ the
discharge tube 3 have at the interface the cross section micro
holes (hereinafter referred to as mi.c7ro passage) 12 funotianing
as a m~.cro passage in the dxxeotiot~ orthogonal to the
above-described main passage 9. This micro passage 12 has a
size oz' the like that is the same as that of the above-described
Embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. z6(b), the method as shown zrz
the above-described Embodiment 2. is used ~.n which the discharge
tube 3 forms at the lower end surfaces 16 the groove 17 so that
the groove 17 is closed by the bottom cap 18 to provide the
tube-like passage 12. The arrangement and operation of the
tube-like passage 12 are similar to the above-described
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
Embodiment 1.
When the liquid container of Embodiment 7 thus constructed
is used, the container body 1 is applied with pressure by squeezing
the container body 1 with fingers as shown in Fig. 27. Then,
the container body 1 deforms to allow the inner pressure of the
container to increase. Then, the contents (liquid) flow from
the bottom section of the container body 1 via the r~az~row tube
36 into thp space in the cover member 35 and then flow into the
micro passage 12, as sho~on in Fig. 28. Then, the contents are
squeezed as shown in Fig_ 5 from the micro passage 12 to the
center of the main passage 9 and are discharged at the same speed
and collide with one another, thus once having a speed of 0 ( zero ) .
Thereafter, the surface tension allows, without causing the
contents to burst out of the outJ~et 33, the contents to slide
aT.ong the .inner wall of the main passage 9 and then to be gradually
filled in the main passage 9 as shown by the broken line in Fig.
, after which the contents overflow and is leaked from the outlet
33.
Tn this manner, the contents in front of the outlet 33
are allowed to hare a discharge velocity (flow velocity) of 0
( zez~o) . This allows the contents to flow out of the outlet 33
in a very slow manner to prevent, even when the container body
1 is improperly applied with an unexpected external pressure,
the contents from bursting out of the outlet 33 , thus providing
fine adjustment of the drip amount in a very easy manner.
38
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
When the discharge is completed, a hand is separated from
the Contaizzer body 1 to allow the restitutive force of the
container body 1 to cause the interior of the container body
to have a negative pressure. Then, the negative pressure allo~rs
as shorn in Fig. 29 the ooz~tents in all of the passages from
the outlet 33 to the narrora tube 36 to be returned into the
container body i . A, tube having a diameter similar to that of
this micro passage original.Zy retains the liquid by the capillary
phenomenon. However, Embodiment 7 allows the contents to be
returned into the container body 1 without being retained by
the negative pressure in the cvntazr~er body. To be accurate,
the lower end edge portion of the narrow tube 36 even in this
case has therein a small amount of retained contents due to the
capillary phenomenon, depend~.ng on the balance between the
atmosphere pressure and the inner pressure of the container.
As a result, most of the discharge route running from the
outlet 33 to the lower end edge portion of the narrow tube 36
under a normal condition has no retained contents . This prevent s ,
although the contents i.n the container body 1 reaches the outlet
33 with a slightly-increased time when the container body 1 is
squeezed by hand, the spurting out of the contents even when
tk~e container body 1 is improperly applied with an external
pressure.
This also prevents the contents in the discharge route
from being retained and dried. This prevents the spurting out
37
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
of the contents fixed to the outlet 33 even when the container
once used is reused. furthermore, unnecessary drippzng of the
contents also can be prevented.
In addition, the diameter o~ the outlet 33 may be one that
allows the contents under atmospheric pressure to be retai.z~ed
by the capillary phenomenon and prevents the contents from being
dripped. For example, the diameter of the outlet 33 for a
water-like liquid having a low viscosity is preferably l.5mm
to 3mm but may be appropriately changed depending on the
characteristics of the contents or the application of the
container.
(Embodiment 8)
fig. 30(a) is a center longitudinal sectional. view of the
discharge tube 3 illustrating Embodiment 8 of the conta~.ner with
discharge flow velocity mechanism of the present invention. Fig.
30(b) illustrates the bottom ec~d surface of the discharge tube
3. The method for attaching this discharge tube 3 to the upper
opening section of the container body 1 is as in Embodiment 7.
The above-described Embodiment 7 showed a case in which the micro
passage is tube-like. This embodiment shows a case in which
the micro passage is a clearance.
As shown in Fig . 30 ( a ) , the main passage penetrates the
upper and lower ends and the cap 18 is fitted into the bottom
end surface 16. The bottom end suz~face 16 has therein, in order
to allow this end surfaces 16 and the inner bottom surface of
38
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
the cap 1$ to form therebetween the clearance passage 25 working
as amicro passage, the projection or prvtrudedpart (hereinafter
projection) 24 having a height identical to the clearance. The
size, layout and operation of this clearance passage 25 are the
same as those in the above~described Embodiment 4.
(Embodiment 9)
Fig. 3I is a front surface longitudinal sectional view
of the discharge tube illustrating tk~e container with discharge
flow velocity mechanism of Embodiment 9 of the present invention.
The method for attaching this discharge tube to the upper opening
section of the container body 1 is as in Embodiment 7.
As shown in Fig. 31, the main passage 9 of the discharge
tube 3 penetrates the upper and lower ends and the main passage
9 has a diameter that is provided to be enlarged in the vicinity
of the lower end. This enlarged section 26 is engaged with the
stopper 27. The stopper 27 has a structure as shown in Fig.
22 ( a) that is the same as that of the above-described Embodiment
6.
(Embodiment 10)
Fig. 32 is a perspective view illustrating the fixed
quantity measurement flow ve~.ocity co~ztz~ol container of the
present invention_ The container body J. k~as at the uppex part
the discharge opening 2; the retaining cap 4 for fixing the
discharge tube 3 having this discharge opening 2 to the container
body 1; and the measurement container 42.
39
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
Fig. 33 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the main
part in the vicinity of the measurement container, The
bottle-like container body 1 has at the uppez~ p2~z~t the opening
section 7 and the discharge tube 3. The discharge tube 3 and
the container body 1 have structures the same as those of the
above-described Embodiment 7 but differ in that the discharge
opening 2 is directed directly above.
The discharge tube 3 is equipped with the tube-like section
43 having a desired length as shown in Fig. 33 the tip end of
which is provided as the discharge opening 2. This tube-like
section 43 is axially inserted into the measurement container
42. The upper end of the measurement container 42 is provided
at a position higher than this discharge opening 2. Fig. 34(a)
is a center longitudinal sectional view o~ the discharge tube
3 and Fig. 34(b) is a bottom surface view of the discharge tube
3.
When the fixed quantity measurement flow velocity control
container of Embodiment 10 thus constructed is used, then the
container body 1 is applied with pressure by squeezing the
container body 1 with fingers as shown in Fig. 35. Then, the
container body 1 deforms to allow the inner pressure of the
container to increase. Then, the contents (liquid) flow from
the bottom section of the container body 1 via the narrow tube
36 into the space in the cover member 35 and then flow into the
micro passage 12, as shown in Fig. 36. Then, the contents are
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
forced as shown in Fig. 5 from the micro passage 12 to the center
of the main passage 9 and are discharged at the same speed and
collide with one another, thus once having a speed of 0 ( zero ) .
(hereafter, the surface tension allows, without causing the
contents to burst out of the discharge opening 2. the contents
to slide along the inner wall of the main passage 9 and then
to be gz~adually filled in the main passage 9 as shown by the
broken line in Fig. 5, after which the Contents overflow and
are dripped from the discharge opening 2_
According to a conventional concept, when the contents
are discharged from the protruded discharge tube 43 in the
measurement container , the discharge opening 2 must collide with
the ~.nz~er wall of tine measurement containez~ 42 as shown in Fig.
37 because the discharge of the contents toward the opening
section of the measurement container 42 causes a risk of spurting
out of the contents.
However, the Fixed quantity measurement flow velocity
control container o~ the present invention allows the contents
in front of the discharge opening Z to once have a discharge
velocity(flowvelocity)ofa(zero). fhispreventsthecontents
from being discharged from the discharge opening 2 with a flow
velocity when the contents pass through the micro passage 12.
this allows the contents to flow ~.n a very slow manner to prevent,
even when the container body 1 is improperly applied with, az~
unexpected external pressure, the contents fz~om buz~sti.ng out
41
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
of the discharge opening 2, thus providing fine adjustment of
the discharge amount in a very easy manner. 6pecifically, the
discharge amount of the contents can be easi.~.y adjusted even
when the contents are discharged slowly. This perfectly
prevents the spurting out of the contents even when the opening
of the measurement container 42 is directed in the upward
direot~.on as shown in Fig. 36.
As shown i,n Fig. 3~, the contents discharged frvzn the
discharge opening 2 ovez~~low in the measurement eontainez~ to
raise the water level WL higk~er than the height of this discharge
opening 2. When a user releases force by hand after grabbing
the aontainez~ body 1 in this condition, then the restitutive
force of the container body 1 allows container body 1 to have
therein a negative pressure . Then, the negata.ve pressure allows
as shown in Fig. 38 the contents having a watez~ level higher
than the height of this discharge opening 2 to be suctioned again
into the discharge opening 2, thus the contents in all of the
passages to the narrow tube 36 are returned into the container
body ~.. The water level WL is determined by the height of the
discharge opening 2. A tube haring a diameter similar to that
of this micro passage originally retains the liquid by the
capillary phenomenon. However, Embodiment 10 allows the
contents to be returned into the container body 1 without being
retained by the negative pressure in the container body 1.
As a result , this allows the contents retained ( remained )
42
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
in the measurement container to always have a fixed amount and
prevents the contents from being influenced by the discharge
amount or discharge velocity from the container body 1.
Also, the discharge route running from the discharge
opening 2 to the lower end edge portion of the narrow tube 36
under a normal condition has therein no retained contents. This
prevents, eves. when the container is tilted to discharge the
measured contents from the measurement container, excessive
contents from flowing out of the discharge opening 2 and also
prevents the contents from being discharged even when the
container 1 falls unexpectedly.
This also pz~events the contents in the discharge xoute
from being retained and dried. This prevents the spurting out
of the contents freed to the discharge opening 2 even when the
container once used is reused.
In addition, the diameter of the discharge opening 2 may
be one that allows the contents under atmospheric pressure to
be retained bx the capillary phenomenon and prevents the contents
from being dripped. for example, the diameter of the discharge
opening 2 for a grater-like liquid having a low viscosity is
preferably l.5mm to 3mm but may be appropriately changed
depending on the characteristics of the contents or the
application of the container.
(Embodiment ~.7.)
Fig. 39 is a perspective view il3.ustrating the fixed
43
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
quantity measurement flow velocity control container of
Embodiment 2 of the present ~.nvent~.on. The method for
discharging the contents from the container body 1 and the basic
structure of the discharge route are the same as those o~ the
above-described Embodiment 10.
As shown in Fig. 40 and Fig. 4~., this embodiment allows
the measurement container 42 to be movable in the upward and
downward directions. Specifically, almost the entire lower
pant of the tube-like section 43 of the discharge tube 3 is screw~d
with the screw 44 and the measurement container 42 is screwed
With the screw 45 fitted for the screw 44 of this tube-like section
43. The upper end of the screw section 45 of the measurement
container 4z has at the center a cap-like shape having an opening.
This opening is inserted with the tube,l~.ke section 43. The
opening has at a part making a contact with tube~J.ike section
43 at the O-ring 4b for preventing the contents in the measurement
container from being leaked.
The structure as above-described al~,ows the measurement
container 42 to move in the upwrard and downward directions while
beingratated. ,~, Fixed quantity to be measured in themeasurement
container is determined by the height h from the bottom of the
measurement container 42 to the discharge opening 2 , that is ,
to the water level WL. Thus, when the measurement container
42 is raised to the upper limit as shown in Fig. 40, the minimum
Fixed quantity to be measured is provided. On the other hand,
44
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
when the measurement container 42 is lowered to the lower limi-~
as shown in Fig. 4i , then the maximum fixed quantity to be measured
is provided. Thus, the length of the tube~7.zke section 43 and
the screw sections 44 and 45 an~,d the i~zz~ez~ diameter and height
of the measurement container 42 can be appropriately changed
to measure various capacities.
zn addition, the tube-like section ~43 has at the exterior
the scale 49 as shown in Fig. 39 , thexeby arbitrarily determining
the fixed quantity to be measured.
Also, a means for moving the measurement container 42 i.z~
the upward and downward directions is not limitod to the screw
as above-described. This means may be the method for merely
sliding the measuz~ement container 42 unless the method is one
for prerrenting the contents ~rom being leaked without moving
the measurement container 42 without careful consideration.
( Embodiment 7.2 )
Fig. 42(a) is a front surface longitudinal sectional view
of the discharge tube illustrating the fixed quantity measurement
flow velocity control container of Embodiment 12 of the present
invention. Fig. 42(b) shows the bottom end surf ace of the
discharge tube.
The method for attaching this discharge tube to the upper
opening section of the container body I is as in Embodiment 1.
Although the above-described Embodiment 1 described a case in
which the micro passage is the tube-like, this embodiment
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
describes a case in which th.e micro passage is a clearance.
(Embodiment 13)
Fig. 43 is a front surface longitudinal sectional view
of the discharge tube illustrating Embodiment 13 of the liquid
container of the present invEntion. This discharge tube 3 uses
the stopper structure of the above-described Embodiment 6. The
method for attach~.ng the discharge tube 3 to the upper opening
section of the container body 1 is as xn Embodiment 12:
Another structure also may be pz~ovided as shown in Fig.
44 in which the measur8m$nt container 42 is rotated to block
the discharge opening 2 _ Specifically, as shown in Fig. 44 ( a) ,
the upper en.d of the tube-like section 43 of the discharge tube
3 is closed, the main passage 9 does not penetrate the upper
and lower ends, and the discharge opening 2 is provided in the
side wall. Specifically, the contents are discharged in the
lateral dirECtion, as shown in Fig. 37. The measurement
contaizzer 42 has at the inner side the pro jected opening 46 that
has the slit 51 at a position corresponding to this lateral
discharge opening 2.
The structure as above-described allows the measurement
container 42 to be rotated so that the position of the discharge
opening 2 3.s f~.tted to the position of the slit 51 as shown in
Fig. 44(a) . This allows the contents to flow from the discharge
opening 2. After the measurement container 42 is used, then
the measurement container 42 is appropriately rotated to cannel
46
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
the fitting relation between the slit 51 and the discharge opening
2 as shown in Fig. 44(b) , thereby preventing the contents from
flowing out of the discharge opening 2. The tube-like section
43 and a part having no s.Lit 51 have therebetween a seal for
preventing the contents from being leaked from the measurement
container . This prevents cleaning liquid or water from entering
the discharge opening 2 when, the measurement container 42 is
to be washed, for example.
industrial Applicability
~'he container with an instillation discharge flow velocity
mechanism according to the present invention constructed as
above-described can be applied to various containers so long
as the container is a flexible liquid container and pro~rides
the instillation-like discharge of the contents easily.
Specifically, in the case of a conventional instillation
discharge container a representative example of which is a
container far eye drops, the container has a problem in Which
a force added to the container for instillation discharge
requires to be caut3.ously adjusted. T~owever, the container with
an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism according to
the present invention provides a flow velocity control to control
the discharge flow ve7.ocity. This reduces the sensitivity of
the container body to the pressurization due to carelessness.
This allows the drip discharge amount to be adjusted very easily _
47
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
This also prevents the spurting out of the contents from the
outlet.
Thus , one drop can be discharged without having a cautious
attitude. A user is also allowed to count a few drops while
dischaz~ging the contents in an easy manner.
The present invention does not necessarily require a hand
container as in a conventional instillation container and also
can be applied to a flexible container, for example, tube
container.
The present invention also can be applied to various
containers so long as the container is a Flexible liquid container,
thus providing adjustment of the discharge amount of the contents
in an easy manner.
The present invention also prevents the contents under
a normal condition from being retained in the discharge route.
This prevents the contents from being discharged even when the
container body is pressurized du~ to carelessness,
Also, when the discharge is completed, the restitutive
force of the container body causes a negative pressure in the
container body to allow the contents in the discharge route to
be suctioned into the container body. This prevents the contents
from being retained or fixed tv the outlet, thus preventing the
spurting out of the fixed contents even Hrhen the contents are
discharged at the next discharge.
Furthermore, any Flexible liquid container can be used
48
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
to provide an easy measurement while adjusting the discharge
amount of the contents in an easy manner.
Also, the combination of such. adischarge control container
with the measurement container allows the fixed quantity to be
measured to be determined by the height of the outlet in the
measurement container. This securely provides the measurement
of a fixed c~uantitywhile being perfectly blocked by the influence
of the discharge amount or the discharge velocity.
The contents under a normal condition are prevented from
being retained in the discharge route. This prevents the
contents from being discharged even when the container body is
pressurized due to carelessness. This prevents an excessive
discharge laz~ger .than the measured amount from being discharged,
thus pro~riding a higher measurement accuracy.
After the discharge is completed, the resti.tutive of the
container body causes a negative pressure in the container body
to allow the contents in the discharge route to be suctioned
into the container body. This prevents the contents from being
retained or fixed to the outlet, thus pretrenting the spurting
out of the fixed contents even when the contents are discharged
at the next discharge.
Furthermore, the measurement container can be detached
and washed, thus the container is made hygienic.
Brief Description of the Drawings
49
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the container
with an instillation dischargeflow velocity mechanism according
to the present invention. Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional
view of the main part in the vicinity of the outlet. Fzg. 3
is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the discharge tube .
Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken at the line A-A in
Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the main
part illustrating the flow velocity control liquid passage. Fig.
6 is a perspective views a.llustrating when the container is used.
F~.g. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the main part of the
conta~.ner being used. Fi.g , 8 ( a ) to Fig. 8 ( c ) are bottom surface
views of the discharge tube i7.J.ustrating the pattern of the flow
velocity contz~ol liquid passage. Fig. 9(a) to Fig. 9(I) are
cross sectional views illustrating the structure of the micro
passage. Fig. 1o is an enlarged cross sectional view of the
main part illustrating Embodiment 2. Fig. 11 shows the bottom
surface of the discharge tube. Fig. 12 is an assembly diagram
illustrating the structure of the discharge tube, Fig. 13(a)
and Fig. 13(b) are perspective views illustrating the cap
attached to the container. F~.g. 14(a) and Fig. 14(b) are a front
view and a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the discharge
tube of Embodiment 3, respectively. Fig. 15 shows a bottom
surface of the discharge tube. Fig. l6 is a longitudinal
sectional view of the main part of the discharge tuba being used.
Fig. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of the main part
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
illustrating Embodiment 4. Fig. 18 shows the bottom surface
of the discharge tube. Fig. I9 is a longitudinal sectional
view of the main part illustrating Embodiment 5. Fig. 20 shows
the bottom surface of the discharge tube. Fig. 21 is a
longitudinal sectional view of the main part illustrating
Embodiment 6. Fig. 22(a) and Fig. 22(b) are perspective views
illustrating an exemplary structure of the stopper. Fig. 23
is a perspective view illustrating Embodiment 7. Fig. 24 is
a perspective view illustrating the contai.z~er with discharge
flow velocity mechanism of the present invention. Fig: 25 is
an enlarged cross sectional view o~ tk~e main part in the vicinity
o~ the outlet. Fig. 26(a) is a longitudinal sectional view
illustrating the discharge tube and Fig . 26 ( b ) is a bottom surface
view illustrating the discharge tube. Fig. 27 is a perspective
view illustrating the container being used. Fig. 28 ~.s a
longitudinal sectional view of the main part illustrating the
container being used (during discharge). Fig. 29 is a
longitudinal sectional view of the main part illustrating the
container being used (while the contents are being suctioned) .
Fig. 30(a) is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the
discharge tube of Embodiment 2 and Fig. 30 (b) is a bottom surface
view ~.llustrating the discharge tube of Embodiment 2. F~.g. 31
~.s a longitudinal sectional vie~r illustrating the discharge tube
of Embodiment 3. Fig. 31 is a perspective view illustrating
the fixed quantity measurement ~lowout control container of the
51
CA 02457350 2004-02-06
present invent~.on. Fig. 32 is an enlarged cross sectional view
of the main part in the vicinity of the outlet. Fig. 33(a) is
a longitudinal. sectional view illustrating the discharge tube
and Fig _ 33 ( b ) is a bottom surface view illustrating the discharge
tube. F~.g. 34 is an enlarged cross sectional ~riew of the main
part illustrating the micro passage. Fig. 35 is a perspective
view illustrating the container being used. Fig. 36 is a
longitudinal sectional view of the main part i7.lustrating the
container being used (during discharge). Fig. 37 is a cross
sectional view illustrating the conventional concept. Fig. 38
is a longitudinal sectional view of the main part illustrating
the container being used (while the contents are suctioned),
Fig. 39 is a pez~specti.ve view illustrating Embodiment 2. Fig.
40 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the main part in the
vicinity of the outlet illustrating the measurement container
at the upper limit. Fig. 41 is an enlarged cross sectional view
of the main part in the vicinity o~ the outlet illustrating the
measurement container at the lower limit . fig. 42 ( a ) and fig .
42(b) are a longitudinal sectional view and a bottom surf ace
view illustrating the discharge tube of Embodiment 3,
respectively. Fig. 43 is a longitudinal sect~.onal view
illustrating the discharge tube of Embodiment 4. Fig. 44 is
a perspective view illustrating the structure for closing the
outlet.
52
