Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DISPENSER HAVING VARIABLE-VOLUME STORAGE CHAMBER AND
DEPRESSIBLE ONE-WAY VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR DISPENSING CREAMS AND
OTHER SUBSTANCES
Field Of The Invention
[002] The present invention relates to dispensers for containing and
dispensing
fluids, such as creams, gels and other substances, and more particularly, to
dispensers that
include variable-volume storage chambers for holding multiple doses of such
substances,
one-way valves for hermetically sealing the substances within the dispensers
and dispensing
the substances therefrom, actuators for actuating pumps within the dispensers
and dispensing
metered doses of substances through the one-way valves.
Background Information
[003] Prior art dispensers for storing and dispensing multiple doses of
creams,
gels and other fluids or substances, such as cosmetic dispensers for
dispensing, for example,
creams or gels for application to the skin, typically do not store the product
in a hermetically
sealed storage chamber. In addition, such dispensers may be exposed to, or are
applied to a
user's skin that may contain, dirt, germs, bacteria and/or other unwanted
contaminants. Such
contaminants can penetrate through the dispensing openings in the dispensers
and, in turn,
contaminate the bulk of the product, such as a cream or gel, stored within the
dispensers. As
a result, the contaminants can be passed from one user to another or otherwise
cause
unhealthy conditions with further usage of the dispensers. Further, because
the products
stored within the dispensers are exposed to air, the products can degrade or
spoil, and/or
require preservatives to prevent such degradation and/or spoilage from
occurring. In some
circumstances, preservatives can cause allergic and/or other undesirable or
negative reactions,
such as unwanted dermatological reactions.
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[004] It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to overcome one or
more
of the above-described drawbacks and/or disadvantages of the prior art.
Summary Of The Invention
[005] Exemplary embodiments of the invention include a dispenser comprising a
housing, and a variable-volume storage chamber formed within the housing and
defining a
substantially fluid-tight seal between the chamber and exterior of the housing
for storing a
substance to be dispensed. A piston is mounted within the housing, and a one-
way valve is
mounted within the housing and coupled in fluid communication with the
variable-volume
storage chamber. A compression chamber is coupled in fluid communication
between the
piston and one-way valve, and at least one of the piston and valve is manually
depressible
relative to the other between (i) a first position in which the piston is
located at least partially
outside of the compression chamber for permitting substance to flow from the
variable-
volume storage chamber into the compression chamber, and (ii) a second
position in which
the piston is located at least partially within the compression chamber for
pressurizing
substance within the compression chamber above a valve opening pressuring and,
in turn,
dispensing substance through the one-way valve and out of the dispenser.
[006] In some embodiments of the present invention, the dispenser further
comprises a biasing member for biasing at least one of the piston and valve in
the direction
from the second position toward the first position. In one embodiment of the
present
invention, the biasing member is at least one of a coil spring and a
resilient, elastomeric
spring. In one embodiment, the resilient, elastomeric spring is approximately
dome shaped.
[007] In some embodiments of the present invention, the one-way valve includes
an axially-extending valve seat, and an axially-extending flexible valve cover
seated on the
valve seat and defining a normally-closed, axially-extending seam therebetween
forming a
fluid-tight seal between the valve cover and valve seat. At least one outlet
aperture is
coupled in fluid communication between the compression chamber and the seam.
The
flexible valve cover is movable relative to the valve seat, and the seam is
connectable in fluid
communication with the outlet aperture to allow the passage of substance from
the
compression chamber through the seam and out of the dispenser. In one
embodiment of the
present invention, the valve seat defines at least one tapered portion that
tapers radially
outwardly in the direction from the interior to the exterior of the valve.
Preferably, the
flexible valve cover forms an interference fit with the valve seat. Also, the
flexible valve
cover is responsive to a flow of substance in the outlet aperture exceeding a
valve opening
pressure to move between (i) a normally-closed closed condition, and (ii) an
open condition
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wherein portions of the valve cover axially spaced relative to each other
substantially
sequentially move substantially radially relative to the valve seat to allow
the passage of
substance through the seam and out of the dispenser.
[008] In some embodiments of the present invention, the dispenser further
comprises a flexible bladder mounted within the housing and defining the
variable-volume
storage chamber between the bladder and housing.
[009] Preferably, the compression chamber defines a first radial dimension
that
is substantially equal to or less than a radial dimension of the piston for
forming a fluid-tight
seal therebetween. In one embodiment of the present invention, the piston
includes at least
one annular sealing surface forming said radial dimension and fluid tight
seal. Also in one
embodiment of the present invention, the annular sealing surface is formed by
an elastomeric
sealing member on the piston.
[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the piston is fixed
relative
to the valve, and the valve is manually depressible relative to the piston
between the first and
second positions. In one such embodiment, the valve includes a valve body
defining the
compression chamber for receiving therein the piston, and an axially-extending
valve seat.
The valve further includes an axially-extending flexible valve cover seated on
the valve seat
and defining a normally-closed, axially-extending seam therebetween forming a
fluid-tight
seal between the valve cover and valve seat. In one such embodiment, the valve
body defines
a first bore for receiving the piston in the first position, and a passageway
between the first
bore and piston for permitting the flow of substance therethrough from the
variable-volume
storage chamber into the compression chamber. In one embodiment, the valve
body further
defines at least one outlet aperture coupled in fluid communication between
the compression
chamber and the valve seam, and a second bore formed between the first bore
and the outlet
aperture and defining therein the compression chamber. Preferably, the valve
body further
defines an annular surface that tapers radially inwardly between the first and
second bores.
[00111 In some embodiments of the present invention, the flexible valve cover
includes a first portion connected to the valve body on one side of the seam,
and a second
portion connected to the housing on an opposite side of the seam relative to
the first portion,
and a movable portion extending between the second portion and the seam for
permitting
movement of the valve between the first and second positions. In one such
embodiment, the
valve body is manually depressible relative to the piston between the first
and second
positions. Preferably, the valve body includes a manually engagable surface,
and the seam
extends about a peripheral portion of the manually engagable surface. In one
such
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embodiment, the dispenser further comprises a guide extending between the
valve and
housing for guiding movement of the valve between the first and second
positions.
Preferably, a spring is coupled between the guide and housing for biasing the
valve in the
direction from the second to the first position.
[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the valve and piston are
axially aligned, and the variable-volume storage chamber is spaced radially
relative to the
valve and piston. Preferably, the variable-volume storage chamber is
substantially airless.
[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the dispenser further
comprises a plunger slidably received within the housing and forming a
substantially fluid-
tight seal therebetween. The variable-volume storage chamber is formed between
the plunger
and the piston, and the plunger is movable axially upon dispensing a dosage
from the storage
chamber to reduce the volume of the storage chamber in an amount approximately
equal to
the volume of the dose dispensed.
[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, a filling port is mounted
on
the housing, and a second one-way valve is coupled in fluid communication
between the
filling port and the variable volume storage chamber. In one embodiment of the
present
invention, the second one-way valve includes an axially-extending valve seat
and an axially-
extending flexible valve cover seated on the valve seat and defining a
normally-closed,
axially-extending seam therebetween forming a fluid-tight seal between the
valve cover and
valve seat. The flexible valve cover is movable relative to the valve seat and
the seam is
connectable in fluid communication with variable-volume storage chamber to
permit the
passage of substance through the seam and into the storage chamber.
[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the piston defines a flow
conduit therein coupled in fluid communication between the variable-volume
storage
chamber and the compression chamber for permitting the flow of substance from
the
variable-volume storage chamber and into the compression chamber.
[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, the valve cover comprises
the area around the periphery of the one-way valve in the dispenser top. This
allows for a
larger manually engagable surface of the valve cover for actuating the one-way
valve used to
dispense the cream or other substance. The fill system for the alternative
embodiment also
comprises a flexible annular shaped valve for passing substance from the fill
port into the
variable volume storage chamber.
[0017] One advantage of the present invention is that the dispenser can store
multiple doses of substances, such as liquids, creams, gels, or other cosmetic
or
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cosmeceutical products, in a hermetically sealed, sterile condition throughout
the shelf life
and usage of the dispenser. Further, exemplary embodiments of the dispenser
can provide
metered doses of the liquid, cream, gel or other substance with a simple, one-
handed
actuation motion.
[0018] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent in view of the following detailed description of the currently
preferred embodiments
and the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description Of The Drawings
[0019] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a dispenser embodying the
present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the dispenser of FIG. 1.
(0021] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the dispenser of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the dispenser of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 5 is another side elevational view of the dispenser of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 6 is another side elevational view of the dispenser of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the dispenser of FIG.
1.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 showing the
variable-volume storage chamber empty.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 showing the
filling of the variable-volume storage chamber.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 showing
the
variable-volume storage chamber filled with a substance to be dispensed.
[0029] FIG. 11 is another cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 12 is another cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the
dispenser in the active position.
[0032] FIG. 14 is another cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 13 in
the
filling position.
[0033] FIG. 15 is an alternative embodiment of the dispenser showing the
variable volume storage chamber having a slidable wall.
Detailed Description Of The Currently Preferred Embodiments
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1-12, a dispenser embodying the present invention is
indicated generally by the reference numeral 10. The dispenser 10 comprises a
housing 12, a
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variable-volume storage chamber 14 formed within the housing 12 and defining a
substantially fluid-tight seal between the chamber 14 and exterior of the
housing 12 for
storing a substance to be dispensed. A piston 18 is mounted within the housing
12, and a
one-way valve 20 also is mounted within the housing and coupled in fluid
communication
with the variable-volume storage chamber. A compression chamber 22 is coupled
in fluid
communication between the piston 18 and one-way valve 20 for receiving a
predetermined
dosage of substance, such as a cream, gel or other substance, from the storage
chamber 14,
and dispensing same through the valve 20. In accordance with the present
invention, at least
one of the piston 18 and valve 20 is manually depressible relative to the
other between (i) a
first position shown typically in FIG. 8 in which the piston 18 is located at
least partially
outside of the compression chamber 22 for permitting substance to flow from
the variable-
volume storage chamber 14 into the compression chamber 22, and (ii) a second
position
shown typically in broken lines in FIG. 10 in which the piston 18 is located
at least partially
within the compression chamber 22 for pressurizing substance from the storage
chamber
within the compression chamber above a valve opening pressuring and, in turn,
dispensing
substance through the one-way valve 20 and out of the dispenser.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the piston 18
is
fixed relative to the one-way valve 20, and the valve 20 is manually
depressible relative to
the piston between the first and second positions. However, as may be
recognized by those
of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the one-
way valve could be
fixed relative to the piston, and the piston could be movable relative to the
valve, or both the
piston and valve could be movable relative to each other.
[0036] A biasing member, such as a coil spring 24, is coupled between the one-
way valve 20 and housing 12 to normally bias the valve in the direction from
the second
position, as shown typically in broken lines in FIG. 10, toward the second
position, as shown
typically in FIG. 8.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 8, the one-way valve 20 includes a valve body 26
defining the compression chamber 22 for receiving therein the piston 18, and
an axially-
extending valve seat 28. The valve 20 further includes an axially-extending
flexible valve
cover 30 seated on the valve seat 28 and defining a normally-closed, axially-
extending seam
32 therebetween forming a fluid-tight seal between the valve cover 30 and
valve seat 28. The
valve body 26 further defines a first bore 34 for receiving the piston 18 in
the first position, as
shown typically in FIG. 10, and a passageway 36 between the first bore 34 and
piston 18 for
permitting the flow of substance therethrough from the variable-volume storage
chamber 14
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into the compression chamber 22, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 8. The
valve body 26
further defines an outlet aperture 38 coupled in fluid communication between
the
compression chamber 22 and the valve seam 32, and a second bore 40 formed
between the
first bore 34 and the outlet aperture 38 and defining therein the compression
chamber 22. As
shown typically in FIG. 8, the valve body 26 further defines an annular
surface 42 that tapers
radially inwardly between the first and second bores 34 and 40, respectively.
[0038] The piston 18 includes a plurality of annular sealing portions or
members
43 axially spaced relative to each other on the piston and slidably contacting
the valve body
to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the
sealing members
are formed by o-rings or like sealing members; however, as may be recognized
by those of
ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the sealing
portions or
members may take any of numerous different shapes or configurations that are
currently or
later become known.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 8, in the first or rest position, the upper sealing
member
43 is spaced radially away from the first bore 34 to permit the flow of the
cream, gel or other
substance within the variable-volume storage chamber therethrough and into the
compression
chamber 22. The lower sealing member 43, on the other hand, always forms a
fluid-tight seal
between the piston and valve body to prevent the flow of any fluid downwardly
and
therebetween. As shown typically in broken lines in FIG. 10, when the tip of
the piston 18
enters the compression chamber, the upper sealing member 43 engages the second
bore 40 of
the valve body and forms a fluid-tight seal therebetween. This, in turn,
increases the pressure
of the cream, gel or other substance within the compression chamber with
further downward
movement of the valve. Then, when the pressure in the compression chamber
exceeds the
valve opening pressure, the cream, gel or other substance in the compression
chamber flows
through the seam 32 and is dispensed through the valve.
[0040] As can be seen, the axially-extending seam 32 formed between the
axially-
extending valve seat 28 and axially-extending flexible valve cover 30 seated
thereon is
normally-closed, and forms a fluid-tight seal between the valve cover 30 and
valve seat 28.
The outlet aperture 38 of the valve is coupled in fluid communication between
the
compression chamber 22 and the seam 32. As described further below, the visco-
elastic
valve cover 30 is movable relative to the valve seat 28 and the seam 32 is
connectable in fluid
communication with the outlet aperture 38 to allow the passage of substance
from the
compression chamber 22 through the seam and out of the dispenser. As shown
typically by
the overlapping lines in the cross-sectional views (FIGS. 8-10) the visco-
elastic valve cover
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30 forms an interference fit with the valve seat 28 to facilitate forming a
fluid-tight seal.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the valve seat
28
defines several surface portions that taper radially outwardly in the
direction from the interior
to the exterior of the valve. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the valve seat 28
defines a first
surface segment 44 that tapers radially outwardly at a first acute angle
relative to the axis of
the valve; a second surface segment 46 that is contiguous to, and downstream
of the first
surface segment 44, and is oriented substantially parallel to the axis of the
valve; a third
surface segment 48 that is contiguous to, and downstream of the second surface
segment 46,
and that tapers radially outwardly at a second acute angle relative to the
axis of the valve; and
a fourth surface segment 50 that is contiguous to the third surface segment
46, and is
substantially parallel to the axis of the valve.
[0042] One advantage of the tapered configuration is that it requires
progressively
less energy to open each respective annular portion of the valve when moving
axially from
the interior toward the exterior of the valve. As a result, once the base of
the valve is opened,
the pressure is sufficient to cause the respective axial segments of the valve
cover 30 to
progressively open and then close after passage of fluid therethrough when
moving in the
axial direction to dispense a metered dose. Also, when dispensing a metered
dose, preferably
a substantially annular segment of the valve cover 30 substantially always
engages the valve
seat 28 to maintain the fluid-tight seal across the valve 20 and thereby
prevent ingress
through the valve of germs, bacteria or other unwanted substances and into the
storage
chamber 14. If desired, the valve cover may define a tapered cross-sectional
configuration to
further facilitate progressive reduction in energy required to open the valve
when moving in
the direction from the interior to the exterior of the valve, or
alternatively, the valve cover
may define the tapered cross-sectional configuration, and the valve seat may
not define any
taper at all, or may define another surface contour not shown.
[0043] As can be seen, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second
acute
angles are approximately equal to each other. Preferably, the acute angles are
each within the
range of about 15 to about 45 , and in the illustrated embodiment, are each
about 30 .
However, as may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art
based on the
teachings herein, these angles are only exemplary, and may be changes as
desired or
otherwise required.
[0044] In addition, the flexible valve cover 30 includes a first portion 52
connected to the valve body 26 on one side of the seam 32, and a second
portion 54
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connected to the housing 12 on an opposite side of the seam 32 relative to the
first portion 52.
A movable portion 56 of the valve cover 30 extends between the second portion
54 and the
seam 32 for permitting movement of the valve and valve cover between the first
and second
positions and relative to the housing. The first portion 52 of the valve cover
defines a raised
annular protuberance that is received within a correspondence annular groove
formed in the
valve body 26, and the second portion 54 of the valve cover defines a raised
annular
protuberance received within a corresponding annular groove formed in the
housing 12, to
fixedly secure the ends of the valve cover to the valve body and housing,
respectively.
[0045] An annular guide 58 extends about the periphery of the first portion 52
of
the valve cover and forms an interference fit with the resilient valve cover
to prevent relative
movement of the guide and valve cover. The piston 18 and valve 20 are received
within a
bore 60 of the housing 12, and the guide 58 defines a radially-extending
flange 62 that is
engagable with the surfaces of the bore 60 to guide the movement of the valve
within the
bore. Also, the flange 62 engages the end of the coil spring 24 to normally
bias the valve in
the direction from the second toward the first position.
[0046] As described further below, the valve body 26 is manually depressible
relative to the piston 18 between the first and second positions to dispense
metered doses of
the substance stored in the variable-volume storage chamber 14 therefrom. The
valve body
26 includes a manually engagable surface 64 on the exposed side of the valve
that is
manually engagable and depressible to actuate the dispenser. The seam 32
extends about a
peripheral portion of the manually engagable surface 64 such that the metered
dosages of the
substance dispensed through the seam are released onto the manually engagable
surface, and
can be easily wiped therefrom with the user's finger(s). As can be seen, the
external surfaces
of the manually engagable portion 26, movable portion 56, and adjacent
portions of the
housing define a smooth, concave contour, to facilitate wiping the metered,
dispensed
dosages of substance therefrom. Preferably, the manually engagable surface is
formed of a
resilient material, such as an elastomer material, to obtain a desired tactile
feel; however,
other desired materials may be employed. Each metered dosage is approximately
equal to the
volume of the compression chamber 22, and thus, the dosage volume can be
precisely
controlled by setting the volume of the compression chamber.
[0047] In the illustrated embodiments of the present invention, the housing
and
valve body are made of relatively hard plastic materials, such as any of the
plastics sold under
the trademarks TopazTM, SurlynTM, and ZeonexTM. The piston may be made of any
of the
same materials, or if it is desired to form an interference fit between the
piston and
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compression chamber without the use of the o-rings or like sealing members,
the piston, or at
least the tip thereof, may be made of a softer grade of hard plastic in
comparison to the valve
body, such as any of numerous different brands of polypropylene, or the
plastic sold under
the trademark AlathonTM.
[0048] As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art
based
on the teachings herein, the illustrated shape and above-mentioned materials
of construction
are only exemplary, and numerous other shapes and/or materials of construction
equally may
be employed. For example, if desired, the piston tip may be formed of a
resilient material
that is attached to the end of the piston assembly. However, one advantage of
an integral,
relatively hard plastic piston as shown in FIG. 6, for example, is that it
eliminates any such
additional resilient part, thus reducing the overall cost and providing a
design that reliably
seals the compression zone from one dispenser to the next.
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 8-10, the outlet aperture 38 is oriented at an acute
angle relative to the axis of the valve body and piston, and the outlet end of
the aperture
extends through the first segment 44 of the valve seat 28. The illustrated
embodiment of the
present invention includes a single, angular extending outlet aperture 38 for
delivering the
metered dosage. If desired, additional outlet apertures may be added (e.g., a
second outlet
aperture of the same or different size diametrically opposed to the
illustrated aperture 38), or
the aperture 38 may be moved to another position than the position shown
(e.g., the single
outlet aperture may be located on the opposite side of the valve seat than
that shown). The
valve cover 30 is preferably made of an elastomeric material, such as the
polymeric material
sold under the trademark KratonTM, or a vulcanized rubber or other polymeric
material. As
may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the
teachings
herein, however, these materials are only exemplary, and numerous other
materials that are
currently or later become known for performing the function of the valve cover
equally may
be used.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 8-10, the variable-volume storage chamber 14 is
defined by an axially-extending chamber 64 formed within the housing 12, and a
flexible
bladder 66 mounted within the chamber 64. The flexible bladder 66 defines a
peripheral lobe
received within a correspondence groove formed in the housing 12 to form the
fluid-tight seal
16. As shown in FIGS. 8-10, the flexible bladder 66 is movable axially within
the chamber
64 to permit filling of the variable-volume storage chamber 14 with the
substance to be
dispensed, and to reduce the volume of the variable-volume storage chamber
upon dispensing
each metered dose in an amount approximately equal to the volume of the dose
dispensed.
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The housing 12 defines a filling port 68 in the base wall thereof, and the
piston 18 defines a
conduit 70 extending in fluid communication between the variable-volume
storage chamber
14 and the passageway 36 and compression chamber 22.
[0051] The dispenser 10 is filled by slidably receiving a probe (not shown)
within
the filling port 68. Then, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 9, fluid, such
as a liquid, cream,
gel, or other cosmetic or cosmeceutical product, for example, is introduced
through the probe,
through the conduit 70, and into the storage chamber 14. As the storage
chamber 14 is filled
with fluid, the bladder 66 correspondingly moves upwardly (or axially) within
the chamber
64 of the housing to allow the variable volume chamber 14 to correspondingly
expand and
receive the fluid. Once the storage chamber 14 is filled, the probe is removed
from the filling
port 68, and the filling port is sealed with a plug 72 (FIG. 10) to
hermetically seal the fluid
within the dispenser.
[0052] The bladder 66 is preferably made of an elastomeric material, such as
one
of the polymeric materials sold under the trademarks KratonTM or SantopreneTM
(e.g.,
Santoprene 8211-35), or a vulcanized rubber or other polymeric material.
However, as may
be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the
teachings herein,
these materials are only exemplary, and numerous other materials that are
currently, or later
become known for performing the functions of the bladder and/or valve member
equally may
be used.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 8, when the dispenser is empty, the bladder 66 is
drawn
down fully into engagement with the base wall of the chamber 64 of the housing
such that the
variable volume storage chamber 14 is at substantially zero volume. If
desired, the bladder
66 may be formed such that it creates a positive pressure gradient on the
fluid or other
substance in the storage chamber 14.
[0054] If desired, rather than simply include the filling port 68 and plug 72,
the
dispenser may include a second one-way valve or filling valve (not shown)
mounted within
the filling port for receiving the substance therethrough to fill the variable-
volume storage
chamber 14, and to retain the substance within the storage chamber in a
hermetically sealed,
substantially airless condition. In this embodiment, the second one-way valve
may include
an axially-extending valve seat and an axially-extending flexible valve cover
seated on the
valve seat and defining a normally-closed, axially-extending seam therebetween
forming a
fluid-tight seal between the valve cover and valve seat. The flexible valve
cover is movable
relative to the valve seat and the seam is connectable in fluid communication
with variable-
volume storage chamber to permit the passage of substance through the seam and
into the
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storage chamber. This type of valve may be filled in substantially the same
manner as
described above by connecting the filling probe to the valve and pumping the
substance
through the valve and into the storage chamber. The valve cover of the filling
valve is
normally closed to maintain the interior of the dispenser hermetically sealed.
Thus, prior to
filling, the empty dispenser may be sterilized, such as by applying gamma, e-
beam, or
another type of radiation thereto. Then, the sealed, empty and sterilized
dispenser may be
transported to a sterile filling machine or other filling station without risk
of contaminating
the sterilized interior portions of the dispenser.
[0055] The housing 12 includes a first or upper housing part 74 and a second
or
base housing part 76 fixedly secured to the first housing part and forming a
fluid-tight seal
therebetween. A peripheral sealing member 78, such as an o-ring or like
sealing member, is
compressed between the first and second housing parts to form the fluid-tight
seal
therebetween. As also shown in FIGS. 8-10, the sealing portion 16 of the
flexible bladder 66
is compressed between the first and second housing parts to form a fluid-tight
seal between
the variable volume storage chamber and the ambient atmosphere.
[0056] The housing further includes an annular fastening member 80 extending
about the periphery of the second portion 54 of the valve cover to fixedly
secure the valve
cover to the housing and form a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The fastening
member 80
includes a peripheral recess, and the adjacent surfaces of the housing define
an annular lobe
that is received within the recess to fixedly secure the fastening member to
the housing. As
shown in the drawings, the external surfaces of the fastening member 80, valve
body 26 and
manually engagable portion 64 thereof, and surrounding surface of the upper
housing part 74
cooperate to define a substantially smooth, generally concave surface contour
for receiving
the metered dosages of substance dispensed through the valve, and permitting
convenient
removal therefrom by a user.
[0057] The base housing part 76 includes a base wall 84 fixedly secured
thereto,
and including an annular sealing member 86, such as an o-ring, therebetween to
form a fluid-
tight seal. As can be seen, the base wall 84 defines the filling port 68, and
cooperates with
the base 76 to form the conduit 70 extending from the variable-volume storage
chamber 14
and through the piston 18. An axially and angularly-extending chamber 86 is
formed in the
base housing part 76 adjacent to the outer surface thereof. In some
embodiments of the
present invention, the base housing part is transparent or translucent, and
the chamber 86 is
adapted to receive a label or like member for identifying the substance within
the dispenser or
otherwise providing desired information.
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[0058] In the operation of the dispenser 10, the user manually depresses the
engagable portion 64 of the valve 20. This, in turn, moves the valve from the
first position
shown in FIGS. 8-10, to the second position, shown in broken lines in FIG. 10.
Movement of
the valve 20 between the first and second positions pressurizes the cream, gel
or other fluid in
the compression chamber until the pressure within the compression chamber
reaches the
valve opening pressure. Then, a metered dosage substantially equal to the
volume of the
compression chamber is dispensed through the outlet aperture 38 and seam 32
and out of the
dispenser. The metered dosage is delivered to the contoured surfaces on the
exterior side of
the valve, and the user can wipe away the dosage with one or more fingers.
When the user
releases the manually engagable portion 64 of the valve, the spring 24 drives
the valve from
the second position, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 10, to the first
position, as shown in
FIG. 8. The movement of the valve body 26 away from the piston 18 draws by
suction (the
sealed chambers 14 and 22, and conduits therebetween, are preferably airless
or substantially
airless) another dosage of the cream, gel or other substance from the variable-
volume storage
chamber 14 and/or conduit 70, and into the compression chamber 22 to fill the
compression
chamber. The flexible bladder 66 substantially simultaneously moves downwardly
within the
chamber 64 of the housing to reduce the volume of the variable-volume storage
chamber 14
by an amount approximately equal to the amount of the next dose delivered to
the
compression chamber 22. The dispenser is then ready to deliver another dose.
[0059] As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art
based
on the teachings herein, the spring 24 may take any of numerous different
shapes and/or
configurations, or may be formed of any of numerous different materials, that
are currently,
or later become known for performing the function of the spring as described
herein. For
example, the spring may be formed of an elastic material and may define a dome
or other
shape. The dome-shaped or other elastomeric spring may be located in the same
position as
the spring 24 (i.e., extending between the base of the valve body and
housing). Alternatively,
such an elastomeric spring may be formed integral with the valve cover in the
region of the
movable portion 56 of the valve cover, for example. Thus, the spring may take
the form of
any of numerous different springs that are currently or later become known,
and may be made
of metal, plastic, or any of numerous other materials, for biasing at least
one of the piston and
valve relative to the other, as described herein. Also, the shape and/or
material of
construction of the spring may be selected to control the spring force. One
advantage of the
substantially dome-shaped configuration, is that the dome shape imparts
lateral (or radial)
and axial forces to the valve to facilitate maintaining sufficient force to
drive the valve from
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the fully-depressed to the rest position throughout the shelf-life and usage
of the dispenser 10.
Yet another advantage of an elastomeric spring is that it may be formed
integral with the
valve cover, and therefore eliminate the need for an additional part.
[0060] One advantage of the currently preferred embodiments of the present
invention, is that once a metered dosage is dispensed, the valve 20 returns to
its rest position,
as shown typically in FIG. 8, and thus substantially equalizes the pressure in
the compression
chamber 22 and the storage chamber 14. As a result, the cream, gel or other
substance does
not continue to flow through the valve. Thus, residual seepage of cream, gel
or other
substance through the dispensing valve may be avoided. Yet another advantage
of the
dispenser of the present invention, is that the bulk of the cream, gel or
other substance stored
within the variable-volume storage chamber 14 remains hermetically sealed in
the storage
chamber throughout the shelf life and usage of the dispenser. Yet another
advantage of the
dispensers of the present invention is that the variable-volume storage
chamber may be
maintained in an airless, or substantially airless condition, and the one-way
valve
substantially prevents any germs, bacteria or other unwanted substances from
entered the
dispenser and contaminating the bulk of the cream, gel or other substance or
product
contained within the dispenser. Accordingly, if desired, the dispensers of the
present
invention may be used to store and dispense multiple doses of sterile
substances and/or
preservative-free substances.
[0061] In FIGS. 13 and 14, another embodiment of a dispenser of the present
invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral 100. The dispenser
100 is similar to
the dispenser 10 described above with reference to FIGS.1-12, and therefore
like reference
numeral preceded by the numeral 1 are used to indicate like elements. FIG. 13
depicts the
dispenser 100 in the active or ready position. FIG. 14 depicts the dispenser
in the filling or
dispensing position. One primary difference of the dispenser 100 in comparison
to the
dispenser 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-12 is that the manually
engagable
surface 164 is positioned around the periphery of the one-way valve 120 as
opposed to within
the one-way valve. This permits a larger movable portion 156 on the upper
region of the
dispenser 100 for actuating the one-way valve 120 with respect to the
previously described
embodiment (FIGS.I-12) and to thereby facilitate dispensing.
[0062] A second difference of the dispenser 100 in comparison to the dispenser
is that the variable-volume storage chamber 114 holding the bladder 166 is
annular in
shape as opposed to non-annular 14.
[0063] A third difference of the dispenser 100 in comparison to the dispenser
10
14
CA 02554421 2006-07-26
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is that the substance passageway leading to the compression chamber 122
comprises three
bores (134, 136 and 140) of differing diameters as opposed to two bores (34,
40). It is noted
that additional bores may also be included. When additional bores are
included, the
substance may be dispensed from the variable volume storage chamber in a more
even
manner.
[0064] A fourth difference of the dispenser 100 in comparison to the dispenser
10
is that the axially extending seam 132 is not comprised of tapered surface
segments (44, 46,
and 48) as in dispenser 10.
[0065] A fifth difference of the dispenser 100 is that the fill system
comprises an
annular one-way flexible fill valve 171 for permitting entry of the substance
into the variable-
volume storage chamber 114. A fill tube (not shown) is positioned in the fill
port 168 and
exerts a positive pressure by the passage of substance through the upstream
fill conduit 170
and into the one-way flexible fill valve 171. The positive pressure opens the
one-way
flexible fill valve 171 such that substance passes into the downstream fill
conduit 173. The
substance then fills the area around the flexible bladder 166 in the variable
volume storage
container 114. During the filling process, positive pressure develops in the
variable volume
storage chamber 114 from the substance pressing against the flexible bladder
166. As the
flexible bladder 166 moves upwardly and compresses air in the variable volume
storage
chamber 114, it does not conform to the upper surface of the chamber 114, but
rather air
pocket(s) are created above the substance in the chamber, which facilitates in
dispensing the
substance upon actuation of one-way valve 120. Once positive pressure created
by the
substance passing through the fill tube (not shown) subsides, the one-way
flexible fill valve
171 closes, which prevents the backflow of substance from the variable-volume
dispensing
chamber 114 into the filling port. 168. Annular sealing members 143 serve to
prevent the
flow of substance from the variable volume dispensing chamber and the
compression
chamber down the bores (134, 136, 140) of the one-way valve 120.
[0066] The filling valve 171 may be the same as, or similar to any of the
filling
valves disclosed in, and the filling apparatus and method of filling the
dispenser may be the
same as or similar to any of the apparatus or methods disclosed in, the
following co-pending
patent application which is assigned to the Assignee of the present invention
and is hereby
expressly incorporated by reference as part of the present disclosure: U.S.
Application Serial
No. 10/843,902, filed May 12, 2004, titled "Dispenser and Apparatus and Method
for Filling
a Dispenser".
[0067] Referring to FIG. 15, another embodiment of a dispenser of the present
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invention is indicated generally by reference number 200. The dispenser 200 is
similar to the
dispensers 10 and 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-14, and
therefore like
reference numerals preceded by the numeral 2 are used to indicate like
elements. FIG. 15
illustrates the variable-storage chamber 214 as being a slidable wall 290 or
plunger received
within the chamber 264 of the housing 212 (or a chamber defining a different
form to receive
the plunger) and forming a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween. The
slidable wall 290
replaces the flexible bladder and operates in a similar manner as the flexible
bladder. The
slidable wall 290 is movable axially (in a downward direction as shown in the
figure) upon
dispensing a dosage from the storage chamber to reduce the volume of the
storage chamber in
an amount approximately equal to the volume of the dose dispensed.
[0068] In the operation of the dispenser 210, the user manually depresses the
engagable portion 264 of the valve 220. Movement of the valve 220 in a
downward
direction, as shown in the figure, pressurizes the cream, gel or other fluid
in the compression
chamber until the pressure within the compression chamber reaches the valve
opening
pressure. Then, a metered dosage substantially equal to the volume of the
compression
chamber is dispensed through the outlet aperture 238 and seam 232 and out of
the dispenser.
The metered dosage is delivered to the contoured surfaces on the exterior side
of the valve,
and the user can wipe away the dosage with one or more fingers.
[0069] When the user releases the manually engagable portion 264 of the valve,
the spring 224, which illustrated as a dome spring in this embodiment, drives
the valve in an
upward direction. The movement of the valve body 226 away from the piston 218
draws by
suction another dosage of the cream, gel or other substance from the variable-
volume storage
chamber 214 and/or conduit 270, and into the compression chamber 22 to fill
the
compression chamber. The slidable wall 290 substantially simultaneously moves
downwardly within the chamber 264 of the housing to reduce the volume of the
variable-
volume storage chamber 214 by an amount approximately equal to the amount of
the next
dose delivered to the compression chamber 222. The dispenser is then ready to
deliver
another dose.
[0070] The slidable wall 290 may be made of a relatively resilient plastic
material, such as one of the plastics sold under the trademark SantopreneTM
(e.g., Santoprene
8211-35 (shore 35 hardness) or 8211-55 (shore 55 hardness)). As indicated
above, the valve
cover and dome spring (if employed as described above) also may be made of a
relatively
resilient plastic, such as one of the plastics sold under the trademark
SantopreneTM (e.g.,
Santoprene 8211-35 (shore 35 hardness)). As may be recognized by those of
ordinary skill in
16
CA 02554421 2008-12-30
the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, these materials are only
exemplary, and may
be changed as desired or otherwise required by a particular application. For
example, in
applications requiring low sorption, the slidable wall, piston, housing,
and/or valve body may
be formed of a relatively low sorptive material, such as a relatively hard
plastic, including
one or more of the plastics sold under the trademark Topas.
[0071] This patent application includes subject matter that is similar or
relevant to
the subject matter disclosed in US Patent 6,957,752 dated October 25, 2005 and
entitled
"Dispenser With Sealed Chamber And One-Way Valve For Providing Metered Amounts
Of
Substances", U.S. Patent No. 6,997,219 dated February 14, 2006 and entitled
"Dispenser And
Apparatus And Method For Filling A Dispenser", U.S. Patent No. 7,226,231 dated
June 5,
2007 and entitled "Piston-Type Dispenser With One-Way Valve For Storing And
Dispensing
Metered Amounts Of Substances", and U.S. Design Patent No. D511,975 dated
November
11, 2005 and entitled "Dispensing Container.
[0072] As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art
based
on the teachings herein, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the
above-
described and other embodiments of the present invention without departing
from the spirit of
the invention as defined in the claims. For example, the components of the
dispensers may
be made of any of numerous different materials that are currently or later
become known for
performing the function(s) of each such component. Similarly, the components
of the
dispensers may take any of numerous different shapes and/or configurations.
Also, the
dispensers may be used to dispense any of numerous different types of fluids
or other
substances for any of numerous different applications, including, for example,
cosmetic,
dermatological, or other pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical and/or OTC
applications. Further,
the filling machine used to fill the dispensers of the present invention may
take any of
numerous different configurations that are currently, or later become known
for filling the
dispensers. For example, the filling machines may have any of numerous
different
mechanisms for sterilizing, feeding, evacuating and/or filling the dispensers.
Further, if a
filling valve is employed, it could take any of numerous different
configurations, and could
be located in any of numerous different locations, including, for example, a
filling valve that
extends through a housing wall or otherwise is coupled in fluid communication
with the
storage chamber to evacuate and/or fill the storage chamber. Alternatively,
the dispenser
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may include one valve for evacuating the interior of the dispenser and another
valve for
filling the storage chamber of the dispenser. Still further, the piston and/or
dispensing valve
each may take a configuration that is different than that disclosed herein.
Accordingly, this
detailed description of currently preferred embodiments is to be taken in an
illustrative, as
opposed to a limiting sense.
18
