Squeeze sprayer for fluid products

A squeeze sprayer for dispensing fluid product as a spray or spray mist includes a squeeze bottle and a squeeze sprayer closure attached to the squeeze bottle. The squeeze sprayer includes a cap which defines a chamber for receipt of air and fluid and further defines an outlet. Further included as a part of the squeeze sprayer is a valve which is assembled into the cap and a dip tube which is received by the cap. The dip tube is constructed and arranged to provide air to the chamber and the squeezing of the bottle forces air and fluid into the chamber and from there through the outlet to be dispensed as a spray or spray mist. A second embodiment provides an upright squeeze sprayer with a unique orifice cup. A third embodiment includes a directional adapter.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to systems, devices, and methods for spraying material with a squeezable container.

BACKGROUND

The broad category of “product dispensers” includes dispensers for particulate matter as well as for flowable material. Within the subset of product dispensers for flowable material one will find lotion dispensers and foam dispensers, as a couple of examples. Another type of fluid dispenser for flowable product would be a sprayer pump or trigger sprayer. The product which is dispensed from this type of structure is often the result of atomization with the selected fluid product being delivered as a mist or spray.

Atomization of a fluid product is commonly achieved by the use of a pump sprayer mechanism with a trigger member (i.e. a “leveler”), thus a trigger sprayer. The pump engine of the trigger sprayer is able to achieve high back pressure and thereby increase the flow velocity to achieve atomization. Often pump sprayer mechanisms, such as trigger sprayers and finger mist sprayers, require as many as 6 to 9 component parts in their construction. The component parts may add to cost, complexity, manufacture time, and potential for malfunction. For these and other reasons, it is desirable to reduce the amount of component parts.

Fluid dispensers of the type generally discussed herein can also be constructed as a squeeze bottle dispenser (e.g., squeeze sprayer). In this category of spray dispenser or spray mist dispenser, it is the manual squeezing of the bottle, rather than the use of a trigger member/mechanism, which creates the requisite pressure for the necessary flow velocity to achieve atomization of the fluid product.

One consideration as a part of the design for squeeze sprayers is whether it will be used as an upright fluid (spray) dispenser or will be used as an inverted fluid (spray) dispenser. In the case of an inverted spray/mist dispenser, there can be a design issue in terms of dripping of the fluid product when the dispenser is inverted and the bottle is not squeezed for an extended period of time. It is thus desirable to have squeeze sprayers that mitigates dripping of fluid product when the squeeze sprayer is inverted and not squeezed for an extended time. It is also desirable to have a construction which enables directional aiming of the spray.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a squeeze sprayer for dispensing fluid product as a spray or spray mist, the squeeze sprayer comprising, a container, a cap coupled with the container, the cap comprising an outlet and a chamber for receipt of air and fluid product, a valve coupled with the cap and comprising a fluid passageway to the chamber; and a dip tube coupled to the cap, the dip tube comprising an inner fluid passageway in fluid communication with the chamber, wherein applying pressure to the container forces a first material through the fluid passageway of the valve and forces a second material through the inner fluid passageway of the dip tube. In an aspect, the cap has a single-piece construction which includes a sleeve extending from a panel. The sleeve defines the chamber and receives the dip tube. The squeeze spray includes a fluid channel defined by a portion of an outer surface of the dip tube and a portion of the inner surface of the sleeve. The chamber is in fluid flow communication with the fluid channel. The cap includes a flip-top lid. The cap and valve are coupled via a friction fit. The valve includes side walls, a panel, and an opening formed through the panel. The panel has a different thickness than the side walls. In one example that first material is a fluid and the second materials is a gas. In another example, the first material is a gas and the second material is air.

A squeeze sprayer for dispensing fluid product is disclosed an comprises a container operatively retaining fluid product and comprising deformable side walls extending from a bottom end; a closure received by the container; a valve comprising an orifice cup received by the closure, the orifice cup defining a mixing chamber and an outlet for dispensing the fluid product; and a dip tube coupled at a first end with the closure, wherein the second end is disposed proximal the bottom end of the container, the dip tube operatively providing either air or a fluid product to the closure. The closure has a single-piece construction and is constructed and arranged with an annular sleeve. The orifice cup has a single-piece construction and is constructed and arranged with an air inlet. The orifice cup comprises a plurality of spokes extending from a body of the orifice cup towards a central axis of the orifice cup.

In another aspect, disclose is a squeeze sprayer for dispensing fluid product, the squeeze sprayer comprising: a squeeze container operatively retaining fluid product and comprising deformable side walls extending from a bottom end; a closure coupled to the squeeze container and comprising a single-piece construction, the closure comprising side walls, a panel extending between the side walls, a mixing chamber, and a sleeve extending from the panel towards the squeeze container; a dip tube with one end received by the sleeve and an opposite end extended into the squeeze container, the dip tube comprising an internal passageway; and a channel defined by a portion of the dip tube and a portion of the sleeve, wherein the channel and the internal passageway are in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, and wherein the channel provides one of air or fluid to the mixing chamber for mixing with one of air or fluid provided to the mixing chamber by the internal passageway. The squeeze sprayer includes an adapter operatively directing a spray or spray mist, the adapter being positioned between the squeeze container and the closure. The adapter has a single-piece construction with a first end coupled to a neck portion of the squeeze container and a second end which is coupled to the closure. The squeeze sprayer includes a two-way valve in fluid communication with at least one of the channel or the internal passageway

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present teachings, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the present teachings. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing from the scope of the present teachings, e.g., features of each embodiment disclosed herein may be combined or replaced with features of the other embodiments disclosed herein. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the present teachings.

Within this disclosure various terms are used to explain a particular direction or orientation. It will be assumed throughout this disclosure that the consistent frame of reference is the earth and the direction of the earth's gravitational force. For use herein, this direction is downward and is vertical. A direction which is perpendicular to this vertical gravitational force vector is “horizontal.” With respect to a dispenser, such as the squeeze sprayers disclosed herein, an upright orientation positions the axial or longitudinal centerline of the container on the vertical with the dispensing opening being positioned above the base or bottom of the container.

When the dispensing opening is axially below the base or bottom of the container, the squeeze sprayer is described as being inverted. In this context, “above” means in a direction away from the direction of gravitational pull. Also, axial and longitudinal are terms which directionally correspond to vertical, and lateral is a term which directionally corresponds to horizontal.

Some traditional sprayers include spray heads that have multiple parts that are assembled together. These parts may be small components that must be manufactured and then positioned relative other parts. In addition, the different components may allow for fluid to leak. The term “fluid” is used herein to encompass a range of different flowable materials with different viscosities at standard conditions. It is also acknowledged that viscosities may vary with changes in temperature. It is noted that the fluid may be a liquid, gel, particulate suspended in a liquid, or the like.

The term “container” generally refers to a bottle, tube, or other structure capable of holding a fluid product. It is noted that a container may comprise various materials, such as plastics, metals, or the like. Generally, described embodiments utilize containers that are capable of receiving pressure, such as from a user squeezing a body of the container, and capable of deforming. The materials utilize for the containers may have elastomeric properties such that they revert back to generally their original size and shape.

Described herein is a sprayer for fluid products. In an embodiment, the sprayer is a squeeze sprayer that includes a container coupled with a closure. The closure includes a diaphragm valve. The diaphragm valve may be a two way diaphragm that operatively seals a passageway when the container is not squeezed and allows for fluid flow (e.g., liquid, gas, etc.) when the container is squeezed. Disclosed sprayers may utilize less component pieces than some traditional squeezable containers. In another aspect, disclosed embodiments may generally prevent the flow of material or leakage when the sprayer is inverted.

Referring toFIGS. 1-9, there is illustrated a squeeze sprayer20which may include the assembled combination of squeeze sprayer closure22and squeeze container or container24. The squeeze sprayer closure22(seeFIGS. 3A-C, and4-9) includes a squeeze sprayer cap26, a diaphragm valve28and a dip tube30. As described herein, these components may comprise the entirety of the squeeze sprayer closure22. Embodiments may describe various components of the squeeze sprayer20as annular in shape or otherwise described with reference a particular shape. It is noted, however, that components may comprise other shapes, such as fame-like polygons, ellipses, or the like. While embodiments may illustrate ring-shaped components, the components may comprise n-sided polygon shapes, where n is a number, elliptical shapes, or irregular shaped components. Moreover, while components may be described as generally concentric, embodiments may comprise non-concentric configurations.

It is noted that the squeeze sprayer20may be an inverted squeeze sprayer where contents is squeezed from the squeeze sprayer20when the cap26faces generally downwards such that the cap26is below the container24. In an example, as shown inFIG. 2, the cap26faces downwards such that an inlet32of the dip tube30is positioned above the fluid level34such that air is drawn into the dip tube30from a headspace of air in the container24in response to pressure (e.g., squeezing inwardly) on side wall36of container24. It is noted that the inlet32may comprise an angled end of the dip tube30. In some embodiments, the end may be flat.

With reference toFIGS. 3A and 4, the sprayer closure22may be assembled through the connection or assembly of the squeeze sprayer cap26, the diaphragm valve28and the dip tube30. As described in more detail herein, the diaphragm valve28may be attached to the sprayer cap26through a mechanical connection (e.g., friction fit channel, bayonet-type, fasteners, threaded members, over molded seal, or the like), chemical connection (e.g., adhesive), magnetic connection or the like. Likewise, the dip tube30may be attached to at least one of the squeeze sprayer cap26or the diaphragm valve28via mechanical, chemical, or magnetic connections.

In at least one embodiment the container24may comprise a neck40(which may be annular). The sprayer cap26may be attached to the neck40, such as via mechanical, chemical, or magnetic connections. For instance, the neck40of container24and the sprayer cap26may be threadedly engagable with each other. In an embodiment, the neck40may be externally threaded while an inner surface of the annular outer wall42of sprayer cap26is internally threaded in a corresponding and cooperative manner, seeFIGS. 3A and 3B. This cooperative threaded construction allows the sprayer cap26to be threaded onto the bottle neck40for the secure assembly of the sprayer cap26and container24. It is further noted that the neck40and the sprayer cap26may be locked into place via a tab or other device. For example, a tamper-resistant tab or child-proof lock may secure the sprayer cap26and container24

As shown inFIGS. 3A and 4-9, the cap26may include a sleeve38that is sized and shaped to receive the dip tube30. The dip tube30may comprise straw-like configurations that may be substantially cylindrical. The sleeve38may receive and secure the dip tube30, such as through a friction fit connection. In an example, a moderate level of interference fit is selected as the way to retain the dip tube30in this assembled condition within sleeve38. This interference fit is not required for the full axial length of sleeve38, only enough area of interference fit to retain the dip tube30in this retained position. It is noted, that the dip tube30may be secured with the cap26via other methods, such as an adhesives, or the like.

According to an aspect, the cap26includes a fluid passageway or fluid channel44between the sleeve38and the dip tube30. In an exemplary embodiment the fluid channel44may be formed in the body of sleeve38as shown inFIGS. 8-9. The fluid channel44may be generally uniform in depth along the length of the fluid channel. For example, the fluid channel44may comprise a rectangular cutout in the sleeve38. It is noted however, that the embodiments may include fluid channels44that may be tapered, spiraled, or the like. The size and configuration of the fluid channel44may adjust the flow rate, velocity, or other parameter of fluid passing through the fluid channel44.

It is noted that the sleeve38may include i fluid channels44, where i is a number. For instance, the sleeve38may include two, four, or another number of fluid channels44. Moreover, it is noted that the fluid channels44may be disposed or formed via other components of the sprayer closure22. In an example, the dip tube30may comprise all or part of the fluid channel44. In another example, the dip tube30may comprise a first fluid channel and the sleeve38may comprise a second fluid channel.

Cap26includes a panel66that may separate the internal cavity of the container24from an external environment and/or a lid74. The panel66may be uniform in thickness or may comprise varied thicknesses as it extends across inner portion50. An annular channel52extends from the panel66in an opposite direction as the lid74. For instance, cap25may comprise an inner wall46which may be generally concentric with sleeve38, which similarly extends from the panel66in generally the same direction as inner wall46. Inner wall46may include an outer portion48and a radially inner portion50which together define therebetween the channel52. The diaphragm valve28, or a portion thereof, may be disposed within the channel52such that friction may hold or secure the diaphragm valve28with the cap26, as described herein.

Turning toFIG. 6, with reference to the other figures, the diaphragm valve28comprises a two-way diaphragm that allows for flow of fluid in two-ways. According to an embodiment, the diaphragm valve28comprises a generally cylindrical shape formed by an annular wall54, and annular, partially closed end56and an annular open end58. A portion of the wall54proximal the open end58may be inserted into the channel52with a moderate interference of friction fit. This moderate interference fit is sufficient for the channel52to retain the diaphragm valve28in this assembled condition.

The partially closed end56includes a centered panel60with a pilot hole62for receipt of the dip tube30. In an aspect, the pilot hole62may comprise an inner diameter or lip68that is generally a smaller dimension than the outer surface of the dip tube30. For example the lip68may comprise a circumference that is generally smaller than the outer circumference of the dip tube30. This may allow the pilot hole62to form a seal with the dip tube30when pressure is not applied to the container24, as described here as well as elsewhere in this disclosure.

According to at least one embodiment, panel60has a thickness which is less than the thickness of the remainder of closed end56, thereby adding greater flexibility to panel60with respect the flexibility of the remainder of the closed end56. Providing an increased wall thickness for wall54as compared to panel60enables end58to have sufficient rigidity to be inserted into channel52with the moderate interference fit as described herein. The panel60though is more flexible allowing it to flex and deflect (e.g., open) in response to the increased pressure due to squeezing of the container24in order to permit the flow of fluid between the lip68of the pilot hole62and the dip tube30. It is noted that the valve28is preferably a single-piece component fabricated out of an elastomeric material. Moreover, some embodiments may include a valve28made from a plurality of pieces (e.g., one for the more rigid wall54and another for the flexible panel60, this, however, could increase the number of component parts, manufacturing steps, cost, or the like. Further, at least one embodiment may include a valve28comprising a uniform thickness. For instance, the inner wall46may extend a greater distance from panel66. This increases the depth of the channel52and may allow for valve28to be secured with the cap26while providing flexibility of the panel60.

When the dip tube30is pushed through the pilot hole60in order to insert the dip tube30into sleeve38, the portion of panel60which immediately surrounds the pilot hole62flexes and deflects either in the direction of sleeve38or in the opposite direction. This annular portion of panel60lays up snugly against the outer surface of the dip tube30. When there is an interior pressure increased due to the manual squeezing a container24, air from the headspace of the inverted bottle is forced into inlet32and travels to dispensing outlet64which is defined by panel66of cap26. Concurrently, fluid from within container24is forced against panel60. The deflected lip68resulting from the surrounding annular portion of panel60opens slightly creating a clearance flow passage between lip68and the outer surface of the dip tube30. This flow of fluid ultimately reaches the flow channels44and flows into chamber70which is positioned between the interior of sleeve38and dispensing outlet64. As soon as the pressure is released, such that the fluid flow ends, the lip68returns to its sealed condition against the dip tube30. This rapid closure prevents or generally reduce any suck back of fluid or air and prevents or generally reduce dripping through a dispensing outlet65formed through the panel66. Dispensing outlet64is described as being generally defined by panel66and chamber70is defined by sleeve38. The hollow interior30aof dip tube30opens directly into chamber70and chamber70opens directly into dispensing outlet64.

In embodiments, cap26comprises single-piece component. Cap26may comprise a molded plastic, 3-D printed plastic or other material. As such, there is no specific line which denotes the boundary line between the sleeve38and panel66. In at least some embodiments, the cap26and the valve28may comprise a single-piece component that is a 3-D printed plastic.

Chamber70is in fluid flow communication with the flow channels44. Similarly, hollow interior30aof the dip tube30is in fluid communication with the flow channels44. This may allow both air and fluid to flow together in the chamber70before this combination exits under pressure through outlet64as a spray mist. As best shown inFIGS. 3A and 9, the fluid flow channels44open into chamber70, there is a flow corridor extension72extending at an angle or curved path from each channel44. Each flow corridor extension72creates a part-circular fluid flow rotation around the end opening of the dip tube30. The combination of the fluid flow rotation and the airflow at high velocity all within chamber70results in the dispensing of a spray mist from dispensing outlet64, something which occurs promptly upon the manual squeezing of container24.

Turning toFIGS. 4, 5, and 8, a disclosed embodiment may include a flip-top cap26. For instance cap26includes as part of its single-piece construction a hinged lid74which is constructed and arranged to close over panel66and close off outlet64. A living hinge76is used to connect lid74to the remainder of cap26. The securement of lid74on to the remainder of cap26and its close condition is by a snap-fit interfit. Panel66includes an annular wall extension78and lid74includes a cooperating annular wall80. The wall extension78includes a small annular bead82on its inner surface. The wall80includes a cooperating annular bead84on its outer surface for the snap-fit closing of lid74, as illustrated inFIG. 3A, and is based on the snap over between cooperating annular beads82and84.

It is noted that the cap26may comprise other configurations in various embodiments. For example, the cap26may comprise a nozzle that extends from the panel66in a direction generally opposite the container24. The nozzle may comprise, for instance, frustoconical protrusion having an internal fluid passageway. A cap or plug may be attached to the nozzle. In another example, the squeeze sprayer20may comprise a removable seal (e.g., foil seal, etc.) that extends over the cap26. The seal may be removable. This may allow the squeeze sprayer20to be a single use squeeze sprayer or a tamper resistant sprayer.

As described here and elsewhere in the specification, cap26may comprise a substantially cylindrical form, at least in part with its primary structural portions each being substantially cylindrical, as well as substantially concentric such that the axial centerline of the cap26is the axial centerline53of the sleeve38and of the inner wall46. In other embodiments, the cap26and other components may comprise ellipses, polygons, irregular shapes, or other appropriate shapes.

It is noted that disclosed embodiments may allow for squeeze sprayers to be used at an inversion angle. Use in an inversion angle might be something which would be beneficial as a part of alternatively shaping the bottle into a different geometry. If the bottle is more ergonomic at an angle, for example, then use of the disclosed squeeze sprayer at an inversion angle is possible.

Moreover, it is noted that the squeeze sprayer20may be squeeze to dispense material in an upright orientation, but is preferable used in an inverted orientation. The squeeze sprayer20, further, may be stored in any orientation and the squeeze sprayer closure22generally prevents leakage via the diaphragm valve28and other operative components as described herein.

Accordingly, a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is specifically constructed and arranged for use in an upright condition with a unique orifice cup that may serve as a diaphragm valve. From a technical perspective, an upright usage reverses the airflow path and the fluid flow path. While these two constituents still come together in a chamber, such as chamber70, it is the high velocity of air flow which helps to create the desired spray mist in the first exemplary embodiment. When the two flows are reversed, instead of having air at a high velocity one would have fluid at a high velocity. When fluid is delivered by way of the dip tube and the flows of air are rotated in chamber70, the nature of the spray mist in this adaptation of the first exemplary embodiment will be different, yet likely acceptable for specific uses. One would preferably select the construction of the second exemplary embodiment with its unique orifice cup for an upright squeeze sprayer. A third exemplary embodiment introduces the use of a directional adapter.

Turning now toFIGS. 10-20, there is an exemplary embodiment of an upright squeeze sprayer100in accordance with various disclosed aspects. It is noted that like named components of the upright squeeze sprayer100may comprise similar aspects as those of squeeze sprayer20unless context suggests otherwise or a particular distinction is made. The upright squeeze sprayer100primarily comprises container102, dip tube104, closure106and orifice cup108. The orifice cup108may comprise a separate construction as the closure106and may be inserted into or otherwise connected with the closure106.

Closure106may comprise a hinged lid110which may be unitarily joined to the closure body112by a living hinge114. A snap-closed construction may be used between lid110and closure body112in order to have a positive indication of the lid110being snapped closed. It is noted that the closure106and lid110may comprise other constructions as described with reference to the closure22ofFIGS. 1-9.

As best shown inFIGS. 11-12, the closure106may be threadedly engaged with the neck116of container102. In at least some embodiments, the closure106may be engaged with the neck116in other manners as noted herein. Moreover, the neck116may include a locking mechanism200that locks the closure106into place. The locking mechanism200may permanently lock the neck116or may be unlocked, such as a child safety-type lock. Moreover, the dip tube104may be engaged with the closure106such that it is disposed within the bottle102. In another aspect, the orifice cup108may be disposed within or on the body112of the closure106.

The dip tube104is a hollow, generally cylindrical tube, preferably fabricated out of plastic. The inside diameter size is selected based on the fluid product (received within container102) to be dispensed. The outside diameter of dip tube104is selected based on the desired wall thickness once the inside diameter is selected. Selection of a suitable inside diameter may be a function of fluid product viscosity and desired spray parameters. The dip tube104has a longitudinal or axial dimension which is sufficient to extend to a location which is close to a bottom panel122of the container102. The end of the dip tube104proximal the bottom panel122may be flush, angled, notched, or otherwise formed. This may allow the dip tube104to reach the panel122and receive material even when the contents within the bottle102is at a low level.

The dip tube104may be inserted into a sleeve118of the closure body112as shown inFIG. 12with reference toFIG. 14. The outside diameter of dip tube104, at least for the end which is inserted into sleeve118, is sized and arranged for a tight and secure friction fit into the inside diameter of sleeve118. In some embodiments, the dip tube104may be sized and shaped such that the inner diameter of the dip tube104may receive the outer diameter of the sleeve118in a friction fit engagement.

Closure body112may comprise an upper panel120and a lower edge, an outer wall124may extend from the lower edge126to the upper panel120. A raised annular lip128may extend upwards from the upper panel120and may snap-fit with an annular wall130of the lid110. In an exemplary embodiment, the outside diameter of wall130is generally 0.30 mm larger than the inside diameter of lip128, thereby providing a slight interference fit for secure closure of lid110on to the closure body112. It is noted that some embodiments may include the lip128having a larger diameter than the diameter of the wall130.

In another aspect, the upper panel120may include a recess132that may receive the orifice cup108as shown inFIGS. 14-16. It is noted that the recess132and orifice cup108may be generally concentric with the annular lip128. In some embodiments, however, the recess132and orifice cup108may be generally off-center with respect to the lip128.

The sleeve118extends from the upper panel120towards the end126. An inner surface134of the sleeve118may comprise one or more air flow channels136. It is noted that the air flow channels136may be formed via molding, 3-D printing, etching, or the like. The number and spacing of the air flow channels136as well is the shape, channel depth (radial dimension) and circumferential width are selected, at least in part, based on the products selected to be dispensed and desired spray characteristics or patterns. The spray pattern may include an amount of fluid (e.g., dose amount), ration of air to fluid, velocity, droplet size range, or the like. Selection of the number, positions, and size of the air flow channels136may be made to achieve the desired spray pattern for a given product.

With reference toFIGS. 13 and 16, the closure body112may include an outlet panel133positioned between the inner surface134of sleeve118and orifice recess132. This outlet panel133may include one or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc.) radial spokes135a-135dand one or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc.) open sections137a-137d. In an exemplary embodiment the radial spokes135a-135dmay be equally spaced or may be spaced at varying distances from each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, a user may manually squeeze or otherwise apply pressure to the container102. This may increase the pressure within the container102to force material and air to be expelled or sprayed from the closure106. With reference toFIG. 12, the container102may be filed with a fluid product up to a predetermined level such that a head space138of air is left within the container102. In use, when the sides of the container102are squeezed inwardly, the volume within the container102is reduced. This contraction causes both air and fluid product to flow in their respective directions of least resistance. The squeezing force applied inwardly to the body of the container102causes the fluid product in container102to both push upwardly on the air in the headspace138and travel upwardly through dip tube104, toward sleeve118and into orifice cup108.

The fluid pressure on the volume of air in headspace138forces the air to flow through air flow channels136and into the sleeve118. As described herein, the flow of both air and fluid product at a desired velocity mixes the air and fluid prior to the combination being dispensed as a spray (spray mist) with a desired pattern. In contrast to the embodiments described with reference to inverted squeeze sprayer20, the fluid flows through the dip tube104, while the air flows through the flow channels136as described in more detail below. The result, however, is similar to the inverted squeeze sprayer20in that the volumes of air and fluid product are mixed prior to being forced out through the spray orifice140of the orifice cup108. This spray orifice140has a size which results in a higher exiting velocity and this in turn facilitates creating a desired spray pattern for the product. Moreover, the size of the spray orifice140is generally smaller than the inner diameter of the dip tube104.

As described above, the squeezing force applied to the container102forces the fluid to flow into the orifice cup108by way of the dip tube104and enters into the orifice cup108in a single, generally centralized location. The air flows into the orifice cup108by way of channels136of the sleeve118and one or more locations depending on the number of channels136, which are generally radially outward relative the dip tube104. The entry of the air and fluid into the orifice cup108mixes the air and fluid according to a desired spray pattern. The squeezing force applied to the container102also forces the spray or spray mist of the mixed composition to exit the spray orifice140.

With further reference toFIGS. 17-20, the structural details of an exemplary orifice cup108are illustrated. Orifice cup108has a generally cylindrical body146and an upper generally cylindrical flange148. Internally, the hollow interior of the body146is open and the hollow interior of flange148is segmented into a plurality (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) spaced apart regions150a-150dwhich are defined by spokes152a-152d. It is noted that the regions150a-150dmay be equally spaced, spaced at varying positions, similar in shape and configuration, or may comprise different shapes or configurations. The body146and flange148may be generally concentric with a common axial centerline, or may be off-center with respect to each other.

The orifice cup108defines a mixing chamber154where the incoming flow of fluid product and the flow (or flows) of air premix. This premix occurs before the fluid mixtures propelled through spray orifice140for the fluid product to be dispensed as a spray or spray mist in a desired spray pattern as described herein. A particular spray pattern is based in part on the shaping of orifice140and in part on the exit velocity of the fluid mixture (air and product) as it passes through orifice140.

Referring now toFIGS. 21-76, there is illustrated an exemplary upright squeeze sprayer180with a directional adapter182which is positioned between container102and closure106. The directional adapter182may allow a user to spray a product at different angles. It is further noted that, while directional adapter182is shown as coupled with the upright squeeze sprayer180, the directional adapter182may be utilized with other embodiments, such as squeeze sprayer20which includes enclosure22. Embodiments, however reference the upright squeeze sprayer at least for sake of brevity. It is further noted that like named components of upright squeeze sprayer180may include similar aspects as those described with reference to the various other embodiments.

The upright squeeze sprayer180may include orifice cup108coupled with a closure106and a directional adapter182, which is positioned between the container102and the closure106. The bend in adapter182may be generally j degrees, where j is a number (e.g., 90, 80, etc.). The bend operatively changes the spray direction from what would otherwise be generally axial with the container102(as shown inFIGS. 1-9 and 10-20) to a generally lateral or horizontal spray direction which is generally normal to the container102. The direction of the spray is directly influenced by the bend formed in adapter182.

As noted, the adapter182may be utilized with inverted or upright squeeze sprayers. In an aspect, the adapter182may be of a single construction with a closure (e.g., closure22or106and adapter182may be a single piece) or may be of a single construction with a container. In at least some embodiments, the closures22and106may be similar as to what has been described above, and dip tube184may be differently configured than dip tubes30/104to accommodate the bend in the adapter182.

The construction and arrangement of container102and closure106upright squeeze sprayer180have not change from their prior form as used for upright squeeze sprayer100. As shown inFIG. 29, the dip tube184is shaped to generally follow the bend of adapter182. In this way the dip tube184maintains its inlet end186positioned near the bottom panel122of container102while the opposite end188of dip tube184is constructed and arranged to be coupled with the sleeve118of closure106. It is noted, however, that in some embodiments a common dip tube may be utilized with or without the adaptor. For instance, an extendable or coiled dip tube may be utilized. The coiled or extendable dip tube may be flexible to allow for different lengths and applications while maintain an end or inlet of the dip tube near a bottom of a container. In an other example, a coupler may be utilized with the adapter182that couples the closure106to the dip tube104.

An the illustrated example, adapter182includes a container end190, a closure end192and a curved body194which extends between end190and end192. Container end190is constructed and arranged to connect or attach onto neck116of container102. The closure end192is constructed and arranged to connect or attach into closure106. As noted herein, the container102and closure106may comprise the same aspects and configurations whether or not the adapter182is utilized. Accordingly, the closure end192is constructed and arranged to attach to the closure106in the same manner as described above with neck116. Likewise, container end190is constructed and arranged to attach to the neck116in the same manner as described above with closure106. It is further noted, that the container end190and the closure end192may lock with the neck116and closure106respectively.

As such, neither the container106nor the closure102need to be changed when the adapter182is used or not used. This may reduce the number and parts needed to construct different squeeze sprayers. This in turn allows the interchange of any number of similarly constructed adapters, but with different bend directions or degrees. The only changed is that the dip tube104may be shaped in a manner which is similar to how the directional adapter, such as adapter182, is shaped. The use of adapter182allows the direction of the spray or spray mist, of the fluid product held in container102, to be converted from vertical to horizontal, based on the orientations described and defined herein. In another aspect, the cavity within the body182of the adapter182may comprise the headspace for air. Thus the container102may comprise more initial fluid material when adapter182is utilized if desired.

In the course of working with the disclosed embodiments and various fluid products which have different viscosities, certain dimensions and dimensional ratios of components of the squeeze sprayers produce unexpectedly positive results, than others. For instance, different materials have different viscosities and changes in sizes, dimensions, or shapes to the channels44, channels136, sections of an orifice cup, or apertures allow for changing spray patterns based on the viscosities of the material. For materials having higher viscosity than water or similar liquids, such as a viscosity between 60 cps and 84 cps, (e.g., viscosities which would correspond to a cooking oil at standard ambient conditions such as 20 degrees C. degrees) the design and fabrication of squeeze sprayers can be modified to achieve a desired spray pattern. For the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the following component part features are identified as those which would preferably have dimensional changes in order to address changes in fluid product viscosity. Table I (below) presents projected dimensional values for each such component part feature relative to various product viscosity ranges.