Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DISPENSERS
This invention has to do with dispensers for fluid
products. The ideas described here have particular application
in dispensers or oral dosing devices to be used for oral dosing
of medicines, especially to children, but they can have other
uses.
This application develops proposals put forward in our
PCT/GB2011/001002, published as W02012/001375 after the
priority date of the present application, and referred to
herein as the "earlier application". The entire contents of
the earlier application are incorporated herein by reference as
if repeated herein, for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
Conventionally, liquid oral medicines are administered with
small spoons typically holding 5m1. The medicine is poured from
a bottle into the spoon. Where smaller doses are needed, e.g.
for children, the spoon may be part-filled, or a smaller spoon
used. It is not easy to pour a small dose accurately from a
bottle. An alternative method is dosing by squirting into the
mouth from a syringe. It is then easy to charge the accurate
amount, but syringes are difficult to fill unless the container
is specially adapted, and much more difficult than spoons to
clean and dry.
Special problems arise when dosing very young children and
babies, who may be unable to swallow all the intended dose at
once. It is no use dispensing a dose accurately if the child
chokes or spits part of it out.
It may be considered to use a pump dispenser in which, by a
predetermined stroke of a piston-cylinder pump chamber mounted
on a product container, a uniform volume can be dosed from the
container to an outlet nozzle. Such dispensers are known for
dosing animals. If a child could be dosed directly from the
nozzle, a convenient way of providing fast, predetermined doses
without a separate spoon would be available.
However pump dispensers in general have drawbacks in
respect of this use. Fluid residues remain in the outlet
nozzle after each stroke. These may dry out or become
contaminated. In practice, pump outlet nozzles cannot be
adequately hygienic even if a cover cap is provided. Moreover
pump mechanisms are valved for forward flow. If a child sucked
on the nozzle they might receive an excessive dose.
Here we put forward new ideas for dispensers which address
various issues discussed above.
THE INVENTION
Our proposals relate in general to a dispenser for fluid
products, preferably a pump dispenser, having a discharge
outlet with an outlet opening. The dispenser is operable to
dispense a fluid product from a supply container in doses from
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the discharge outlet. In a pump dispenser, the typical dosing
action is reciprocation of a pump plunger, which alters the
volume of a pump chamber connected via an inlet to the supply
container and via a discharge channel to the outlet opening.
Usually the pump chamber is defined between a piston and
cylinder, one of these (usually the piston) moving with the
plunger. Pump chambers with deformable walls may also be used.
Pump dispensers of the moveable-nozzle type, in which the
discharge channel and outlet opening are comprised in the
plunger, and of the fixed-nozzle type in which the discharge
channel and outlet opening are part of or fixed relative to the
pump body, are both possibilities. For dosing of oral
compositions such as medicines a fixed-nozzle dispenser has
advantages because the outlet can more easily be held steady.
What we propose is that the dispenser discharge outlet has
an outlet closure valve with a closure mechanism comprising a
closure member which in a closed position closes the discharge
outlet. The dispenser also comprises an outlet attachment
which defines an outlet conduit having a nozzle opening. The
outlet attachment can be coupled to the dispenser at the outlet
opening, by means of suitable coupling structure. Typically
this comprises respective interfitting formations or coupling
elements of the outlet attachment and of the dispenser adjacent
to the outlet opening.
The outlet attachment comprises an actuating portion which,
in the coupled condition, engages the closure mechanism of the
dispenser to hold the closure valve in an open condition. In
this open condition the dispenser discharge outlet is in fluid
communication with the outlet conduit and nozzle opening of the
outlet attachment, so that fluid product can be dispensed from
the dispenser through its own outlet opening and thence through
the outlet attachment.
When the outlet attachment is uncoupled from the dispenser
- moved to an uncoupled condition or position - the closure
mechanism is operable to move to a closed condition in which
the closure member of its closure valve closes the outlet
opening. Preferably the closure member is biased e.g. by a
spring so that the closure mechanism automatically closes the
dispenser outlet opening when the outlet attachment is
uncoupled and removed.
The preferred closure mechanism is mechanically operated
and not responsive to forward fluid pressure in the dispenser
to open it. Indeed it may be arranged so that forward fluid
pressure tends to keep it closed.
Preferably the actuating portion of the outlet attachment
acts to drive the closure valve closure member back, i.e. in an
upstream direction, out of its closed position. The actuating
portion may act directly on the closure member, usually by
direct contact, e.g. on a portion thereof exposed at the
dispenser outlet opening. As mentioned, this may be against a
forward or outward spring bias of the closure member so that
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when the outlet attachment is removed, or in general moved to a
disengaged, uncoupled or non-actuated condition or position
relative to the dispenser outlet, the closure member pushes out
to re-close the outlet opening.
Preferably the closure member in the closed position is at
the outlet opening. It may occupy the outlet opening at least
substantially flush with, or projecting out beyond, a surround
surface of the outlet opening so that after removal or
disengagement of the outlet attachment, any residual fluid
product is either enclosed in the dispenser behind the closure
member - and so protected against drying out, contamination of
the like - or is on the exterior of the dispenser so that it
can be easily wiped or washed away, or else is in or on the
separate outlet attachment which, being typically a discrete
removable tubular component, separable from the dispenser body,
can easily be cleaned or replaced.
The dispenser outlet opening may be in a projecting nozzle,
outlet stub or spigot of the dispenser, onto, over or into
which the outlet attachment fixes. [The word "onto" herein is
used hereinafter to cover all of these possibilities for this
fixing, except where specific context indicates otherwise.]
Alternatively the outlet opening could be in a flush face of
the dispenser, or even recessed, although (depending on the
mechanism and disposition of the closure member) this latter
might make cleaning and/or securing of the outlet attachment
more difficult.
The outlet attachment, which may also be considered as a
discrete or removable extension tube or hygienic mouth adaptor
for the dispenser outlet, is preferably a generally tubular
component with a socket or plug portion shaped to fit
conformingly onto or into a corresponding stub outlet, spigot
or socket of the dispenser. Preferably this fitting part of
the dispenser also defines the outlet opening. The actuating
portion of the outlet attachment may be provided in the tube
thereof, e.g. moulded in one piece with the tube. It may be a
rearwardly-directed formation e.g. projection positioned
generally in the middle of the tube opening. A suitable
mounting of the actuating portion is by means of one or more
support elements or spokes connecting to an adjacent wall of
the tube. When the outlet attachment is moved or put into the
actuating or docked position on the stub outlet or spigot of
the dispenser, the rearwardly-projecting actuating portion
pushes the closure member of the dispenser closure mechanism
back out of its blocking relation with the outlet opening,
preferably against spring bias, to an open position.
The actuating portion of the outlet attachment should be
non-blocking, i.e. shaped, dimensioned and positioned so that
it does not itself block the outlet opening. It will be
understood that a similar effect could be achieved by having a
forward non-blocking projection of or on the closure member,
which can be engaged and pushed back by the actuating portion
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of the outlet attachment which may then not need to enter the
dispenser outlet opening. However this is normally less
preferred because a part projecting from the outlet opening is
more liable to damage.
Considering the closure mechanism, the closure member may
be in the form of a front (outer) plug cooperating with a rear
(inner) spring, deformed against its resilience, e.g.
compressively, when the plug is pushed backwards. A
compression spring may engage a rear abutment in the outlet
structure. Any kind of spring may be used, but a preferred
embodiment has one or more flexible rearward legs which bend
against their resilience as the closure member is moved to the
open position. A rear end of the or each leg may engage beside
or around a central flow opening of the outlet structure,
upstream of the actual outlet opening. The closure member may
be formed integrally with the spring or with one or more
elements thereof.
To facilitate assembly of the closure mechanism, preferably
a discrete nozzle stub or spigot component defining the
discharge outlet is fixed onto a body of the dispenser,
defining between them a closure mechanism cavity for the
closure mechanism or part thereof, e.g. spring and/or closure
member.
For guiding the closure plug, it may be slidable in a guide
portion of the discharge channel immediately upstream of the
outlet opening, having guide portions to contact the plug
separated by flow clearances so that liquid can pass forward
around the plug until it reaches its foremost, closed position.
The outlet attachment may secure to the dispenser body by
any suitable coupling structure or retaining mechanism, e.g. a
thread, push fit, interference fit, locking cams, bayonet-type
fitting, wedge or taper fit etc. The coupling needs to retain
the outlet attachment sufficiently positively to keep it in
place and to keep the closure mechanism open. Additional
options for this are described below.
The dispenser body portion to which the outlet attachment
fits may be on the plunger of a moveable nozzle dispenser, or
on a fixed part of a fixed-nozzle dispenser.
The outlet attachment may be shaped at its nozzle opening
for suitability for oral dosing, i.e. to be put in the mouth.
Desirably it has a surround surface tapering towards the nozzle
opening, and which is smoothly curved or rounded i.e. without
angles, edges or corners at this part. It may have circular
symmetry around the nozzle axis. Or, it may have a flattened
or beak-like outer form. In the latter case the coupling or
retaining mechanism which holds the outlet attachment on the
dispenser may then be alignment-selective, e.g. to provide only
one or two possible coupled alignments of the nozzle attachment
relative to the dispenser.
The dispenser may have a forwardly-acting outlet valve
positioned upstream of the closure mechanism, e.g. an outlet
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valve of known or conventional type preventing in-flow, for
assuring re-filling of the pump chamber on a plunger recovery
stroke.
Preferably the dispenser is of the "airless" type in which
the product is dispensed from a container with a follower
piston or from a collapsible container (or collapsible
container liner) so that the container space (product space)
remains essentially full of product.
One or more of the characteristic outlet attachments
(separable/discrete nozzles) may be provided with the
dispenser. More than one differently-sized or shaped nozzle
attachment may be provided for use with a single dispenser,
e.g. for dosing different sizes/ages of children. The
dispenser may have an outer cover cap to cover the outlet
structure. It may be arranged that the cover cap will not fit
over the outlet structure with the outlet attachment in the
coupled or actuated position. This encourages detachment or
uncoupling of the nozzle after use, improving security.
As mentioned, the idea is particularly useful with oral
compositions such as oral medicines, for humans or animals.
The volume of a pump chamber corresponding to a unit dosage can
be determined accordingly, and for human use would usually be
less than 20m1, usually at least 2m1, more usually not more
than 10m1, e.g. 10, 5 or 2.5m1.
PROPOSALS HEREIN
An important issue with dispensers for oral products for
children is child-resistance, so that a child cannot itself use
the dispenser. Especially with medicines this could be
extremely dangerous.
Other important issues with dispensers for oral products
such as medicines include tamper protection and tamper-
evidence, for obvious reasons. Here we make proposals for
tamper protection and tamper-evidence.
Other additional proposals herein include new closure
mechanisms for the outlet and new coupling mechanisms for the
outlet attachment.
(1) SECURITY MECHANISM/CHILD RESISTANCE
Especially with medicines, security and child resistance
are important. Bottles and jars used to contain medicine
conventionally have child-resistant closures. It is desirable
and may indeed be a requirement to provide corresponding
security in a pump dispenser of the present kind. This
requires novel measures, because there might be no lid or cap
in the ordinary sense. However, it may be implemented in the
connection structure or coupling structure for connecting the
outlet attachment (nozzle attachment) to the dispenser at or
adjacent the dispenser outlet which has the closure valve.
The connecting or coupling structure provides a preliminary
engagement condition from which a completion movement is
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necessary to move to the coupled condition (operational fluid
communication, closure valve open). The preliminary engagement
condition may be a stable holding position, as described below,
or it may be the initial engagement of the components as they
are brought together for coupling. The completion movement may
be of any of the kinds discussed below. Most preferably it is
a straight push of the outlet attachment onto the dispenser
outlet, e.g. an axially-aligned sliding movement onto a spigot.
Aspects of these proposals are set out in the claims. In a
first aspect the invention provides a dispenser for fluid
product, the dispenser comprising
a dispenser body, the dispenser body comprising a discharge
outlet defining an outlet opening and an outlet closure valve
with a closure mechanism comprising a closure member which in a
closed position closes the discharge outlet;
an outlet attachment, the outlet attachment defining an
outlet conduit having a nozzle opening, and which can be
coupled to the dispenser at the discharge outlet (6) by a
coupling structure, the coupling structure comprising
respective coupling elements of the dispenser body and outlet
attachment which interfit, and so that in a coupled condition
fluid product can be dispensed from the dispenser through the
outlet attachment;
said coupling structure providing that the coupling of the
outlet attachment to the dispenser comprises a completion
movement to reach said coupled condition in which fluid product
can be dispensed from the dispenser through the outlet
attachment;
the dispenser comprising additionally a security
mechanism, the security mechanism comprising respective
cooperating elements of the dispenser body and outlet
attachment , and the security mechanism being controllably
adjustable between a blocking condition, in which said
cooperating elements co-operate to block the completion
movement, and an access condition in which said cooperating
elements allow the completion movement.
According to this general proposal, the dispenser comprises
a security mechanism provided by cooperating elements of the
dispenser and outlet attachment, which are controllably
adjustable between a blocking condition which blocks the
completion movement and an open or access condition which
allows the completion movement. This adjustment may be by means
of a control, that is to say, a control member or control
element, which can be adjusted or moved to a predetermined
release condition (e.g. release position) corresponding to the
open condition of the security mechanism. Preferably the
control member or element is on the dispenser because it is
preferred that the outlet attachment be a simple component
without moving parts.
In preferred mechanisms the coupling structure includes an
entry path or track of the dispenser body which receives a
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complementary portion of the outlet attachment. It may be an
opening or recess of the dispenser body casing or housing,
receiving a projection on the outlet attachment. Optionally
more than one such entry path or track (and corresponding
projections) may be provided. The entry path or track may be
disposed so as to be covered by the outlet attachment when the
latter is in the coupled condition. Thus, in the preferred
embodiments where the outlet attachment is a tapering nozzle
with a wide base, one or more entry openings of the dispenser
body may be provided at locations which are covered by the
nozzle attachment base.
For provision of the blocked condition, the safety
mechanism may comprise a movable element, such as a retaining
formation or detent formation, positioned e.g. adjacent the
mentioned path or track for the projecting portion of the
outlet attachment. Desirably it is on the interior of the
dispenser so as not to be visible (or not entirely visible)
from the outside even when the outlet attachment is removed.
This improves child-resistance. The movable member or formation
can be operatively connected to a control member as mentioned
above. The control member may be e.g. a push button or pad,
lever or slider. In the blocked condition, the detent or
retaining formation engages a complementary or corresponding
portion or formation on the relevant part (e.g. projection) of
the outlet attachment and prevents it from moving into full
engagement or connection. It may simply block the entry path
or track. It may be movable transversely relative to the entry
path or track. Alternatively a detent or retaining formation
may be static, and the control member guides movement of the
portion (e.g. projection) of the outlet attachment relative to
it, so as either to clear it or to be blocked thereby.
A primary purpose of the security mechanism is to prevent
the completion movement which couples the nozzle and opens the
closure valve. Additionally or alternatively however it may
operate to hold (or help hold) the outlet attachment in the
coupled position. For example the above-mentioned projecting
portion of the outlet attachment may have a rearwardly-
(outwardly-) directed abutment surface, and after coupling of
the outward attachment the security mechanism may be operable
such that a detent or retaining formation thereof engages this
abutment surface to hold the outward attachment against
removal. Of course, this may be the same detent or retaining
formation which is used to control its coupling.
Preferably the security mechanism includes means such as a
spring to bias the detent or retaining formation to the
blocking condition. This improves security against unintended
or unauthorised coupling. It may also serve to make automatic
the function of retaining the coupled nozzle against removal.
The coupling arrangement may include a biasing spring or
ejector spring disposed to push the outlet attachment out of
the coupled condition. Again, this bias improves security. A
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separate spring may be provided. Or, it may be a spring
comprised in the closure valve, for example a spring which
pushes outwardly a closure element such as a closure plug or
closure sleeve, the closure element pushing in turn on the
actuator portion of the outlet attachment. Thus, retention by a
detent of the security mechanism may be the only means holding
the outlet attachment in place in the coupled condition.
(2) HOLDING ENGAGEMENT
A further proposal is that the coupling structure or
connection structure may provide for a preliminary holding
engagement of the nozzle attachment, in a holding position on
or adjacent the dispenser outlet, with the nozzle supported
stably in position adjacent to the outlet opening, but not
opening the outlet closure valve, i.e. not in the above-
mentioned coupled condition or coupled position. This may be
easily be arranged e.g. when the coupling structure includes
interfitting tubular portions of the outlet and nozzle
attachment which slide or screw onto one another.
For example the outlet attachment may be slid partly onto
or into a tubular fitting structure of the dispenser body, such
as structure at or surrounding the outlet, to be held stably in
position for shipping and/or sale, thereby showing the general
nature of the device without compromising security of the
contained product. The outlet attachment (e.g. nozzle
attachment) is movable from the holding position to the coupled
position (i.e. closure valve open) by a completion movement
(relative movement between outlet attachment and dispenser, or
between outlet attachment and dispenser outlet). The
corresponding completion movement may be any kind of movement
e.g. a turn around the nozzle axis, tilt, linear slide (axial
and/or lateral), screw or any combination of these. As
discussed below, a complex movement may give valuable child-
resistance. However, we prefer a simple movement, such as a
direct axial push, as the completion movement. If a suitable
security mechanism is provided, such as for child resistance,
the holding position and coupled position may be close e.g. not
more than 5mm axial distance. As described above, a suitable
security mechanism e.g. child resistance mechanism can be
provided to prevent unintended or unauthorised coupling of the
outlet attachment.
(3) PROTECTIVE COVER
It is well-known for dispensers to include certain
protective covers such as nozzle plugs, tear-off wraps and the
like, to avoid contamination and/or leakage of the contents
e.g. during shipping. Mechanisms for lock-down or lock-up of
pump plungers are also used for these reasons, primarily with
moveable-nozzle pumps. The present invention may be used with
movable-nozzle pumps, but is preferably used with a fixed-
nozzle pump.
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Especially in the context of medicine such product security
is highly important, and desirably is provided even when an
outlet attachment is present in a holding position.
In the case of a fixed-outlet pump (i.e. where the
dispenser outlet does not move with the plunger) we propose a
removable protective cover which overlies the top of the
plunger and adjacent portions of the dispenser head housing,
thereby preventing or inhibiting depression of the plunger.
Where an outlet attachment is provided in a holding
position as proposed above, we also propose a protective cover
on or over the outlet attachment which again overlies or
engages parts of the dispenser body casing, shell or housing
adjacent the outlet attachment thereby preventing or inhibiting
movement (simple pushing) of the outlet attachment onto the
dispenser e.g. on a completion movement as discussed above.
Where the outlet attachment is provided separately, the outlet
formation of the pump body may have a protective cover instead.
This cover desirably closes off the nozzle opening. Desirably
it conforms to the outside of the nozzle attachment. It may
engage or grip the outlet attachment so that the outlet
attachment comes away with (e.g. inside) the cover when the
cover is removed. For example it may have an outlet It may be
a single-use cover.
Preferably a single protective cover element may be used to
cover both the outlet attachment (or pump body outlet) and the
plunger.
Another possibility is a protective cover for a control
member of a child-resistant security mechanism as proposed
above, thereby preventing release of a mechanism allowing the
outlet attachment to be moved to a coupled condition. Again,
if such a protective cover is provided it may be individual, or
combined (e.g. in one piece) with a protective cover for a
plunger and/or outlet attachment or outlet as discussed above.
In a preferred embodiment a plastics component is used as
protective cover for the above purposes. Preferably it is
flexible, and can be pulled away from the dispenser head. It
may be reusable.
(4) TAMPER-EVIDENCE
It is known in dispensers to provide that the plunger
cannot be operated for dispensing until some protective cover,
connector or other component preventing initial use has been
visibly removed, destroyed or damaged. Such tamper evidence is
desirably provided in the present dispenser. This may be by
any conventional adaptation. We particularly propose a tamper-
evident mechanism in which one or more protective covers as
discussed above is attached to the dispenser through a
frangible connector which must be broken e.g. pulled off or
torn away, in order to remove the protective cover(s).
Attachment/anchorage to the dispenser body may be by a barbed
element secured through an opening in the case or housing of
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the dispenser body. It is possible to provide that the
sacrificial element is separable from the protective cover(s)
so that the latter may be reused.
Another option for tamper evidence is to connect an
external control of a child-resistant security mechanism (e.g.
as discussed above) to the adjacent dispenser structure by
means of a removable element, e.g. a frangible element, which
must be removed or broken in order to operate the security
mechanism so that the dispenser can be used.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
These proposals are now illustrated by description of
examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 shows an axial cross-section of a first embodiment
of fixed-nozzle dispenser for oral dosing, with a nozzle
attachment in the fully coupled (connected) position;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of nozzle mounting structure in
Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are views corresponding to Figs. 1 and 2
but with the nozzle in a pre-mounted or holding position as for
shipping or sale, with tamper protection and tamper-evident
fittings in place;
Fig. 5 is a perspective axially-sectioned view
corresponding to Fig. 3, showing the components in three
dimensions;
Fig. 6 shows the first embodiment from the rear and one
side to show the tamper-protection and tamper-evident fittings;
Figs. 7 to 10 show details of a child-resistance feature
associated with completing coupling of the nozzle attachment
[and showing a slight variant of structure relative to Figs. 1
to 6]:
Fig. 7 showing the nozzle mounting structure and nozzle when
fully detached;
Figs. 8 and 9 being enlarged vertical sections at an actuating
member during coupling, and
Fig. 10 showing an engaged coupling control tab from inside;
Figs. 11 to 16 show a third embodiment with an alternative
child-resistant coupling control mechanism and also an
alternative closure mechanism at the outlet:
Fig. 11 being a fragmentary cross-section just off-axis
adjacent the outlet, viewed obliquely, with the nozzle in a
pre-mounted or holding position;
Fig. 12 is an axial cross-section of the top of the dispenser
in the same holding position;
Fig. 13 is similar to Fig 11 but showing a release switch in
the open or release position;
Figs 14 and 15 are views from beneath the detached dispenser
head module, showing respectively open/released and
closed/locked positions of the child-resistant nozzle
attachment mechanism, and
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Fig. 16 is an axial cross-section of the top of the dispenser
with the nozzle fully coupled;
Figs. 17 and 18 show a fourth embodiment with an overcap different
from that of Figs. 3 to 6;
Figs. 19 to 21 show a fifth embodiment having a special
engagement between the overcap and nozzle, the child-resistance
structures being as in the third embodiment;
Fig. 19 showing the inside of the removed cover holding the
nozzle, Fig. 20 being an axial section of the dispenser showing
the nozzle on the dispenser in a holding position with the
nozzle cover portion on it, as immediately before removal for
use, and Fig. 21 is a radial section through the cover and
nozzle tip showing circumferential alignment formations on a
grip coupling between them.
Referring to Figs. 1 to 5, a fixed-nozzle dispenser for
dosing medicine to children comprises a product container 100
with snap ribs 99 around its top opening into which a pump unit
1 is fitted. A follower piston 9 is provided in the container
100 and rises as product is dispensed. The dispenser has a
body mounting element 3 which plugs down into the container
opening. The mounting element 3 is generally bowl-shaped, with
an outer surround wall 34 which plugs into the container neck
and a floor 38 with an eccentric inlet opening 31 controlled by
an inlet valve 54. At a rear position, above the inlet opening
31, the mounting element 3 has an upwardly-extending socket 32
for a pump cylinder. At a front position an upward outlet tube
projects up from the floor 38 and houses an outlet ball
valve 53.
30 A horizontal outlet channel 36 connects the vertical
outlet passage 52 in the tube 35 with the pump chamber space 5
to the rear, and is closed off from beneath by a closure plate
37.
Figs. 1, 3 and 5 also show an air trap component 95
35 plugged into the underside of the base plate floor 38; this is
optional and may be e.g. as described in our EP-A-2353727.
A top body element 2 fits down onto the body mounting
element 3 to complete the pump flow system. The top body
element 2 includes at the rear a pump cylinder 24 which plugs
down into the cylinder socket 32 to define the pump chamber 5.
At the front it has a downwardly-projecting socket 25 which
connects down to the outlet tube 35 and leads up to a discharge
outlet structure described in more detail below. The top body
element 2 also has a surround shell 23 which fits down onto an
upward collar of the mounting element 3 to enclose the flow
control components. At the back of the pump this shell has a
guide recess 128 in which a plunger button 49 of a pump plunger
4 is operable. This plunger button is on the top end of a
piston stem 41 carrying a piston 45 at its bottom end. The
piston 45 operates in the cylinder 24, the top wall of which
projects inwardly connecting to an integrally-formed tubular
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stem guide 22. A return spring 46 between the button 49 and
cylinder 24 urges the plunger button to the top position.
The volume dispensed per stroke of the plunger 4 may be
e.g. 2.5 ml.
The characteristic outlet structure is described initially
with reference to Figs. 1, 3 and 4. The vertical outlet
passage 52 communicates through top exit hole 55 to the
exterior of body shell 2, emerging in the centre of a shaped
socket recess 282. It emerges through a stub mounting 26
having a cylindrical outer surface 27 constituting a securing
formation for a nozzle (outlet) attachment described below, and
small snap formations on the inside.
A stub nozzle 6 is plugged into the stub mounting 26. This
stub nozzle 6 is a tube with a restricted tip discharge outlet
opening 63 at the front end of a relatively enlarged tip flow
section 66. Trapped in the cavity 65 inside the stub nozzle 6
is a one-piece closure valve element 96, with a front
cylindrical plug portion 97 fitting with flow clearance into
the parallel-sided flow section 66 at the front of the stub
nozzle, and a set of spring legs 98, formed integrally with the
plug 97 as a single moulding, projecting back and seating in a
conical depression around the flow exit opening 55 of the body
shell 2. The parts are dimensioned to give slight pre-bending
of the legs 98, so that (Fig. 4) the plug 97 is urged forwards
to the outlet opening 63 where it fits closely in that plain
circular front opening and blocks flow. Rearwardly of the
opening 63 the flow section 66 has flow channels or clearances
in its walls so that liquid can flow out past the plug 97 when
the plug is pushed back, as seen in Fig. 1, while keeping it
central.
A removable nozzle attachment 8 fits over the stub nozzle
6. The nozzle attachment 8 (outlet attachment) is a one-piece
moulded plastics part. It generally tapers from a wide base
part adjacent the dispenser body in use to a narrow tip with a
nozzle opening 81. It is generally of circular cross-section,
and its outer surface 82 widens and diverges rearwardly at
gradually increasing angle to a circular rear edge. At the
rear edge the divergence stops and there is a substantially
cylindrical rearwardly-projecting skirt 28282 which fits
closely but without interference into the circular periphery of
a nozzle-receiving recess 282 of the dispenser body 2: see Fig
2. Inside the nozzle attachment 8 a substantially uniform
narrow bore extends back to the nozzle opening 81 to provide an
outlet conduit. In the rear of the nozzle attachment 8 at the
centre, an inner rear attachment tube section 83 projects and
has a cylindrical inward surface which fits closely around the
outlet nozzle and nozzle stub 6,26, in a sliding fit. These
central joint formations of the attachment 8 are supported
rigidly relative to the outer casing 82 thereof by means of a
set of radial fins 84 (e.g. eight, in this embodiment).
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The narrow exit conduit has a rear tubular extension 87
projecting out into the central cylindrical space, and
supporting a rearwardly-projecting central point or pusher 86
(actuating structure). The supporting structure for this may
be a simple transverse bar or one or more spokes, leaving the
entrance to the tubular conduit open for flow.
The cylindrical stub and socket formations are dimensioned
such that the attachment 8 can be stably supported thereby in
the holding position seen in Figs 3 and 4.
Figs 1 and 2 show how, in the fully-coupled position, the
nozzle surround lies flush with the shaped head shell of the
dispenser. The edge of the nozzle surround has a substantially
cylindrical rearwardly-projecting skirt which fits closely into
the complementary circular rim of the nozzle-receiving recess
of the dispenser head, having the nozzle outlet stub at its
centre.
Figs 3 and 4 show the preliminary or holding position for
the nozzle, with the tubular fitting components engaged, so
that the nozzle is held stably on the mounting, but (see Fig.
4) with the closure mechanism still shut and the actuating
member not yet pushing in the closure member. In this position
the skirt of the nozzle surround still just reaches the edge of
the corresponding dispenser head recess, shielding the internal
structure from sight and from interference. The length of the
skirt might be e.g. from 2 to 5 mm, corresponding substantially
to the length of the completion stroke required to push the
nozzle from the holding position to the fully coupled position.
Figs. 3 to 6 also show a protective overcap 13 with a
tamper-evidence feature. The overcap has a nozzle cover
portion 131, a plunger button cover portion 132 and a frangible
link 133 at the rear. The nozzle cover and button cover
131,132 are connected via a flexible connecting strip 136. The
frangible link connects to the back of the button cover. The
bottom end of the frangible link is connected permanently to
the back of the dispenser body casing 2 by a barbed projection
135 (see Figs. 3 and 5) pushed irreversibly through a small
hole in the dispenser casing 2. It carries a tear-off tab 134
by which, on first use of the dispenser, it can be broken away
from the barbed anchor 135 and pulled off upwardly and
forwardly to uncover the plunger button and nozzle attachment.
The nozzle cover portion 131 is shaped to closely
complement the exterior of the nozzle attachment 8 in the
holding position (Figs. 3, 4). It has a blind tip 136 to
protect the interior of the nozzle or spout 8. It also has an
angled push-resistant wall portion 137, extending around the
base of the attachment 8 adjacent the dispenser body 2 and
approaching more closely to perpendicularity thereto, to resist
inward pushing at the nozzle attachment 8. This may complement
the action of a child-resistant or security mechanism described
below.
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The button cover 132 is shaped to fit closely on top of the
plunger button. By its integral formation with the flexible
connecting strip 136, which constitutes a surround portion
resting against an adjacent fixed part of the dispenser body,
it prevents depression of the plunger button until the
protective overcap has been removed.
In the illustrated construction, removal of the protective
cap 13 leaves the nozzle attachment in place, ready for
actuation. An alternative is to provide a retaining engagement
between the nozzle cover portion 131 of the cover 13 and the
nozzle attachment 8, so that the nozzle attachment 8 is pulled
off when the protective cover is pulled off. This might be
e.g. by means of a inward plug formation on the inside of the
tip wall 136 (not shown here, but see Figs 19 to 21 below)
engaging in the nozzle opening. A virtue of this option is
that by removing the nozzle attachment 8, it alerts the user to
the need for special coupling of the nozzle before use.
Figs. 17 and 18 show an alternative embodiment of
protective cover or overcap. The main elements of the overcap
113 are broadly the same, i.e. a front nozzle cover portion
1131 closely conforming to the outside of the nozzle
attachment, an intermediate plunger button cover portion 1132
covering the plunger button and adjacent surround surfaces of
the dispenser body 2, and a rear tear-off portion 1134 with a
permanent anchor 1135 into the back of the dispenser body,
connected by frangible joints 1133 to the back of the
protective cover or overcap 113. In this embodiment the
overcap has flank regions extending down either side of the
dispenser body 2, giving stronger resistance to pushing on both
the nozzle and the plunger button. To allow for the
corresponding removal of the overcap 113 with flexion but
without damaging it (so that it can be reused), the nozzle
cover 1131 and button cover 1132 are connected only at a
central hinge 1136, otherwise being discrete along a joint line
1137 (Fig. 17). The tear-off strip 1134 has a free end
projecting laterally to one side, to be pulled away in the
sense indicated in Fig. 17. The anchorage 1135 to the body
shell 2 and the frangible links 1133 to the main cap 113 are
all adjacent one another at the other (central) end of the
tear-off strip 1134, so that when pulled away for first use, it
pulls free of the cap 113 in the same action, leaving (as shown
in Fig. 18) the hinged two-portion cap 113 available for reuse.
Optionally (as in the previously-described embodiment) the
nozzle cover portion 1131 may be adapted to engage and pull off
the nozzle attachment 8 as it is itself removed.
With the nozzle attachment 8 removed, it will be understood
that the outlet opening 63 is closed off essentially flush by
the valve plug 97 and can easily be wiped or washed clean. The
valve plug 97 prevents product from being sucked from the
dispenser when the nozzle is not fitted or in the holding
position, and also isolates from the air any residual product
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in the discharge channel 52, preventing drying and
contamination. The intention is that after each use the user
should wholly remove and clean the nozzle attachment 8.
Next, two embodiments of security mechanism (child-
resistant mechanism) are described, and an alternative
embodiment for the closure valve and associated coupling
mechanism.
Figs. 7 to 10 show a security mechanism for a dispenser
substantially as shown in Figs. 1 to 5. There is a slight
variant construction for the nozzle attachment 8, which has no
rearward cylindrical skirt at its rear edge. Instead, the
parts are dimensioned so that in the holding position the rear
edge is approximately flush with the envelope of the dispenser
body 2, while in the coupled position (see Fig. 9) the edge is
relatively depressed. This is just a variant, not in itself
relevant to the security mechanism now to be described.
The security mechanism is to prevent the nozzle from being
easily pushed to the coupled (open) position, either directly
from a detached state or from a preliminary holding position.
The back of the nozzle 8 has two rearwardly-projecting tabs
810, to be received in corresponding openings 2822 in the back
wall 2821 of the depression 282 in the dispenser body 2 that
receives the base of the nozzle. With the nozzle in position,
(preliminarily or fully) these engagements are covered and
invisible. As seen in Figs 8 to 10, each tab 810 is generally
a straight lug of more or less rectangular form, but has near
its tip a pair of spaced nibs 811. In this embodiment the nibs
811 are formed with a square (perpendicular) rear face and a
ramped or rounded front (outward) face.
The body wall openings 2822 are near the edge of the
depression 282 and associated with each is a push button or
control member 292 in the outer side wall of the body shell 2.
In this embodiment the control buttons 292 are formed
integrally with the body wall with an integral hinge portion,
but they may be a discrete element. Projecting inwardly from
the inside of each control button 292 is a pusher element 2922,
directed at the middle of the wall opening 2822 and narrow
enough to pass between the spaced nibs 811 on the corresponding
nozzle lug 810.
Fig. 8 and Fig. 10 show the preliminary holding position.
The rearward square face of the nib 811 rests against the edge
of the wall opening 2822, preventing the nozzle from being
pushed further in. Inward pressure on the control button 292
(Fig 2) bends the tab 810 slightly away from the edge of the
wall opening 2822, so that the nibs 811 can pass through to the
coupled position shown in Fig. 9. In this embodiment, two
control buttons 292 must both be depressed to couple the nozzle
attachment. This requires substantial coordination, and gives a
high degree of child-resistance. However a single such
mechanism will have a corresponding effect albeit to a lesser
degree.
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In this embodiment the frictional force at the outlet
coupling is sufficient to hold the attachment 8 in position
during use. The tab nibs 811 can be pulled out over their ramp
surfaces without needing to operate the control buttons 292
again. This assumes little or no spring force pushing the
nozzle out. Such a spring force may be desirable, in which
case it will be understood that the nibs 811 could be formed
square on both sides, and the nozzle will be retained unless
the mechanism is positively released by pushing the buttons 292
again.
Figs. 11 to 16 show a further dispenser embodiment with a
different security mechanism (child-resistant feature) and a
different kind of closure valve.
The child-resistant safety mechanism here is designed to
stand higher forces than the previous embodiment. It can also
hold the nozzle attachment 108 in the coupled position even
against a substantial outward spring force from the closure
valve.
The nozzle 108 has, projecting rearwardly from near its
bottom edge, a coupling control projection 8200. In this
embodiment the coupling control projection is substantially
cylindrical in form, having a flat leading face 8201 and a side
notch or shoulder 8202 on the lower side. It is received in an
entry opening 227 through the wall of the dispenser body 2, in
the nozzle-receiving recess which generally resembles that of
previous embodiments. However, the entry opening 227 in this
embodiment is at the bottom edge of the recess, near to the
front of the dispenser underneath the nozzle. Access or
mobility of the control projection 8200 at the entry opening
227 is controlled by a security latch mechanism or coupling
control device indicated generally at 220 (see Fig. 14). This
coupling control device comprises an external slider switch
221, movable in a slider track 2210 on the outside of the body
(Fig. 11), in this embodiment circumferentially. Referring
again to Fig. 14, the slider switch 221 connects to the body
interior through an operating slot and is joined (in this case
integrally) with a laterally slidable latch element 222 having
an upward detent or abutment edge 223. Connected to the latch
element 222 (again, as a one-piece moulding in the present
embodiment) are a biasing spring 224, reacting against a spring
reaction point 225 formed on the inside of the body shell, and
a latch tip extension 229 which, at one extremity of the
latch's movement, is caught underneath a latch tip support 226
also formed fixedly on the inside of the body shell 2. By
these connections of the latch 222 to the support 226 on one
side and the retained slider 221 on the other, the latch
element 222 is held firmly and strongly relative to the body
just inside the entry opening 227.
The biasing spring 224 is pre-loaded so as normally to urge
the latch element 222 and slider 221 to the position seen in
Fig. 11, where the abutment edge 223 of the latch blocks the
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lower part of the entry opening 227. In this condition the
nozzle 108 cannot be pushed from its holding position to the
coupled position, because the latch element 222 does not give
way inwardly. To couple the nozzle, the user must move the
slider switch 221 to the right, against the force of the spring
224, to the open position seen in Figs. 13 and 14. The nozzle
108 is pushed on and its control projection 8200 enters the
opening 227. Once it is fully on (and the closure valve thereby
opened, see below) the shoulder notch 8202 on the underside of
projection 8200 is aligned with the latch element 222. When
the slider is released, its abutment edge 223 moves into the
notch 8202 and then holds the nozzle 108 securely against being
pushed or pulled out of the coupled condition. See Figs. 15
and 16.
Again, this child-resistant mechanism requires an
understanding coordination of the correct movements of the
slider switch against its bias and pushing on the nozzle
attachment 108, in a condition in which the latch mechanism is
otherwise masked by the nozzle surround. To assist adult users
when they initially open the dispenser, the latch element 222
may have a contrasting colour to the body so that with the
nozzle removed (e.g. by means of removal of the overcap) the
user readily observes how this relates to operation of the
slider, although a child would not do so.
This embodiment also shows an alternative closure valve.
The earlier embodiments used an all-plastics one-piece closure
valve with integral spring legs. This is effective and
hygienic but the spring force is small. It is adequate to
operate the valve, but not to push the nozzle back out of the
coupled condition, which may be a desired behaviour. The
plastic spring legs are also liable to weaken with repeated
use. A metal spring, e.g. helical spring gives a much higher
force. However with many products e.g. oral products a metal
spring cannot be tolerated in contact with the product
dispensed and so must be positioned outside the dispensing
path. This embodiment provides such a closure valve as seen in
Figs. 11, 12 and 16.
As in the earlier embodiment, a generally cylindrical
tubular stub outlet mounting 126 projects integrally from the
centre of the mounting nozzle recess. A tubular outlet
component 106 with a blind front end wall 1061 is snap-mounted
in this, and has laterally (radially) directed outlet openings
1063 near its tip, beneath a projecting annular ledge 1062 of
the top wall 1061. In use, a corresponding central stop
abutment 186 of the nozzle attachment 108 (see Figs. 12, 16)
meets this front end wall 1061 to limit movement of the nozzle
at the centre.
The closure member function is provided by an external
sealing or closure sleeve 197. It has first and second spaced
interior sealing beads 1971 which fit closely against the
cylindrical outer surface of the outlet tube 106. At the top
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of the sleeve 197 is an outward shoulder with a flat outward
face, and an outwardly-projecting peripheral collar around its
outer edge at a larger diameter so that in the outermost
position of the sleeve 197 (not shown) the underside of the
fixed tube wall end ledge 1062 abuts substantially sealingly
against the outward shoulder at the top of the sealing sleeve
197. The peripheral collar 1075 thereof extends up around the
edge of that peripheral flange or ledge 1062. This collar 1075
is the outermost extremity of the sleeve, and is engageable by
a corresponding inwardly-directed shoulder 1088 of the outlet
attachment 108 which, in the coupled condition (Fig. 16) pushes
the sleeve back down the outlet tube 106 thereby opening the
flow openings 163 for product to flow into the nozzle 108.
This is against the force of a metal helical spring (not shown)
trapped in a spring space 198 (Fig. 11) between the base of the
outlet tube and the bottom of the sleeve 197. When the nozzle
108 is removed, or is in the preliminary holding position, the
sleeve pushes out and, by means of both the outer sealing bead
1971 and the aforementioned abutting flat faces at the top,
prevents the escape of any liquid. Further sealing beads are
provided on the outside of the sealing sleeve 197 to prevent
leakage into other spaces of the nozzle cavity. This assures
reliably accurate dosing. The restricted lateral outlet
openings 1063 are also found effective to avoid occasional
squirting or jetting from the nozzle 108, which might hit the
back of a child's throat and cause choking or rejection.
In this embodiment, with a single peripheral coupling
control and a strong central spring, there is a tilting action
on the coupled nozzle attachment 108. To resist misalignment
or leakage as a result, it is provided with a set of closely
fitting support ribs or fins 184. These rigidify its central
cylindrical union structures in relation to the external flared
surround casing. Their front ends are also shaped to
complement closely the base of the body recess to inhibit
tilting.
The nozzle attachment again features rearwardly-projecting
tabs 8300 (in this case two), which project rearwardly from the
inside of the outlet attachment skirt and fit into
complementary slots on the dispenser body - see Figs. 15 (and
Fig 19). Although here less critical for the child-resistance
per se they must be aligned for the outlet to be pushed on, and
assure its correct alignment relative to the body for
engagement of the coupling control projection 8200.
Finally, and independently, these embodiments show a
distinctive construction of the one-piece valve unit 54. This
valve unit comprises a central circular disc flap connected to
an outer annulus by plural (e.g. three) flexible legs. The
legs have circumferentially-extending intermediate portions to
allow for substantial deflection of the disc out of plane.
Such a valve is known per se, although more commonly used in
removable-nozzle pumps. In the present fixed-nozzle
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construction the outlet flow (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 5) leaves the
pump chamber past the annular edge of the valve unit 54. To
facilitate this flow (and so reduce the effort needed to
operate the pump) the outer annulus is therefore provided with
a series circumferential interruptions, in this case uniform
gaps between a series of spaced radial lugs (e.g. 5 to 10 lugs,
here 8), which allow the valve unit to be clamped in any
orientation between the body and cylinder parts as required,
and providing better clearance for outlet flow. This valve
construction is an independent feature proposed herein, and may
be used in other dispensers, especially fixed-nozzle
dispensers.
Figs. 19 to 21 illustrate the option mentioned above in
which the protective overcap 113 can hold the nozzle. It
includes a projection 8400 which extends in from the tip wall
136 into the nozzle opening 81. This projection may be a
single moulded plug and preferably has plural fingers to give
resilient outward grip against the interior of the nozzle
opening 81. This effectively provides docking of the nozzle
attachment in the overcap. The grip strength is sufficient to
overcome the provisional (holding) coupling between the nozzle
attachment 8 and the stub nozzle 6, so that when the overcap
113 is removed the nozzle attachment 8 comes away with it. The
user then pulls it out for fitting onto the dispenser. This
avoids possible user confusion, in that a user who did not
consult the instructions or look carefully might assume the
dispenser to be faulty if it will not operate after removing
the cover. Preliminary removal of the nozzle prevents this.
The holding projection 8400 inside the tip wall of the
cover may have a non-symmetric cross-section as shown in Fig.
21, to ensure that if the separate nozzle is put in the cover,
its circumferential or rotational orientation is correct for
fitting.
19
