METERING DEVICE FOR A COMPRESSIBLE CONTAINER

Abstract: A metering device (D) for a compressible container of a liquid product has a metering chamber (5) and a metering tube (4, 9) which serves for filling the chamber via an overflow opening (6) in the metering tube. In order to change the quantity of product which is metered the metering tube can be vertically adjusted by rotation of a closure cap (12) at the top of the metering chamber.

Description: "METERING DEVICE FOR A COMPRESSIBLE CONTAINER" The invention relates to a metering device for compressible containers, having a metering chamber and a metering tube which serves for filling the metering chamber from the container. The metering tube has an overflow opening which determines a filling level in the metering chamber, and a pouring opening is located at the top of the metering chamber. A metering device of this type is known from EP 0 484 528 Al . EP 0 296 103 A3 proposes that a sealing pin is provided for the pouring opening of a closure, which is retained in a rotationally fixed manner by spoke-like webs, and can be displaced axially into the open position via a turning cap. For this purpose, the sealing pin carries an external thread which interacts with an internal thread provided on axial webs of the turning cap. Finally, EP 0 210 138 A2 proposes that a closure comprising a closure lid and a bottom closure part should be integrally formed with a band-like tamperproof-seal part which is joined to the bottom closure part via break-off webs. The closure lid is designed as a swing- action lid, and has a nose which engages beneath the tamperproof-seal part during the closing operation. It is only possible to open the closure by destroying, i.e. breaking off, the tamperproof-seal part, and this indicates the condition of the product to the person who wishes to buy it. A primary object of the invention is to make a metering device of the generic type easier to use, in particular when it is required to meter a partial quantity of product in the metering chamber. Accordingly, the invention provides a metering device for a compressible container of a product, having a metering chamber and a metering tube which serves for filling the metering chamber, the metering tube having an overflow opening which determines a filling level in the metering chamber, and the metering device having a pouring opening located at its top, characterised in that the metering tube can be vertically adjusted in order to change the quantity of product which is metered. The arrangement that the metering tube can be vertically adjusted in order to change the metering quantity is advantageous not just for the basic fitting- out of the metering device at the factory, but also for the user. In the first mentioned case, the metering quantity can be selected in accordance with the nature of the product or its viscosity; for example, it can be set to suit different concentrates. In the second mentioned case, the user sets the respective metering quantity for his or her individual requirements merely by a corresponding vertical adjustment of the metering tube, which determines the filling level. This may be achieved in a convenient manner by interaction of the metering tube with a turning cap. In this way, the turning movement is converted into the desired axial lifting movement. It is preferred that the metering tube has an internal thread for interacting with an external thread of an adjustment peg of the turning cap. The metering quantity can even be set in a stepless manner, although limited by an end stop of course. Moreover, it is structurally advantageous if a top end region of the metering tube is received in a tube section which encloses the adjustment peg and projects downward from the turning cap. In addition to the inner guidance which is already achieved by the adjustment peg and its threaded engagement, this provides outer guidance for the metering tube. An additional function of this arrangement may be achieved in that, when closing the metering device, the overflow opening can be displaced fully into the tube section to provide a sealing action. It is further proposed that the metering tube be connected to the base of the metering-chamber via a rolling diaphragm. Such movable, radial support of the metering tube avoids tilting in the base region and aids the guidance of the metering tube as a whole which is in addition to that provided by any bush-like tube section. An integral connection of this kind has proved to be cost-effective. The metering tube may be a riser tube. Alternatively it may be formed of such a riser tube in combination with a retaining tube which is connected integrally to the metering chamber via the rolling diaphragm. This has the potential advantage that it enables the optimum plastic material to be used for forming the rolling diaphragm, and for the riser tube to be formed simply by a cut-to-length section of a commercially available flexible tube. All that would be needed to form the metering tube would be for the riser tube to be plugged into the retaining tube, a clamping fit being sufficient for this. Furthermore, it is favourable for the overflow opening to be formed in the manner of a window in a section of the metering tube which passes through the metering chamber. The overflow opening may be in the form of a plurality of individual parts. If a retaining tube is provided, the overflow window may be formed by a corresponding aperture or apertures formed in the riser tube and the retaining tube where they overlap one another. Such a double-walled arrangement has the advantage that the cooperating parts stabilise one another. On a closure which is produced by the injection moulding of plastics material and has a closure lid, a bottom closure part and a tamperproof-seal part which is integrally moulded on the bottom closure part, it then proves to be advantageous that the tamperproof-seal part is received between a closure-lid border and a lug which is connected to the closure lid, the lug being provided for breaking off the tamperproof-seal part when the closure is opened. As soon as the closure lid is actuated in the opening direction, it is therefore obvious whether attempted opening or actual opening has taken place. Furthermore, this closure is characterised by a predetermined breaking point between the tamperproof-seal part and the bottom closure part. Such a predetermined breaking point is expediently produced by a reduction in material thickness. A reliably operating seal which is particularly simple in structural terms is obtained by a barb-like latching of the tamperproof-seal part behind a latching shoulder of the lug. The latching shoulder is aligned so as to face the closure-lid border and is thus not only stable, but also assisted in its locking action. In order to make it easier to close the closure lid and finally to reach the tamperproof-seal position, it is further preferred that the closure-lid border has a deflection niche at approximately the same level as the latching shoulder. As it moves over the latching shoulder, the predetermined breaking point can thus be deflected without stressing and therefore without sustaining damage when the tamperproof seal is fitted in place. The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiment which is depicted in the attached drawings. In the drawings:- Fig.l shows a vertical section of the metering device embodying the invention in relation to a container which is indicated by chain-dotted lines, the metering device being shown in its closed position with its tamperproof seal intact; Fig.2 shows an enlargement of the tamperpfoof seal; Fig.3 shows a detail representing an index on a wall section of the bottom part of the metering device; Fig. shows the section along line IV-IV in Fig.6; Fig.5 is a view similar to Fig.l but showing the metering device as it is being closed by the closure lid being swung shut, the tamperproof seal being formed in the process; Fig.6 shows the metering device in its open position with the closure lid swung fully away from the pouring opening and with a metered quantity of product ready for pouring, the metered quantity being set at less than is illustrated by chain-dotted lines; Fig.7 is a plan view of the metering device in the condition shown in Fig.6; Fig.8 shows the neck of the container on which the metering device is mounted; and Fig.9 is a plan view of the container neck. Referring now to the drawings, a metering device D is associated with the neck 1 of a container 2. The container 2 can be compressed, that is, it can be pressed in at least partially. The container is thus a so-called squeezable bottle. If handled in this way, the liquid 3, which can be metered in precisely reproducible portions as will be described, passes via a riser tube 4 into a metering chamber 5 of the metering device D. The metered portion of product is referred to throughout as the metered quantity 3'. The liquid 3 is typically a concentrate product which is to be added to a further component, for example water. For filling the metering chamber 5, the container 2 is appropriately aligned vertically as shown. A window-like overflow opening 6 determines the filling level x of product in the beaker-like metering chamber 5. To be more precise, the lower edge of the opening 6 determines the level 7 of metered quantity 3' which is from the supply of liquid 3 in the container 2. Preferably the opening is in the form of a plurality of through-passages which provide individual openings located at the same circumferential level. If desired, the overflow opening 6 may be formed on the riser tube 4. After the squeezing pressure has been released from the container, any excess of product in the metering chamber returns to the container 2 via the overflow opening 6 and the substantially vertically aligned riser tube 4. Moreover, since the overflow opening 6 is arranged in the centre of the metering chamber 5, slight tilting of the container 2 does not adversely affect the precise metering desired. In order to vary the metered quantities 3' in a precisely reproducable way, the overflow opening 6 can be changed to a different vertical spacing in relation to the metering-chamber base 8. This is achieved by appropriate displacement of the riser tube 4. A comparison of the levels 7, 7' in Fig.6 indicates the different filling levels x and x' which can be achieved for the metered quantity 3' . The filling level x* is the maximum level. This maximum is designated by 7'. As can be understood from Fig.6, further vertical displacement of the riser tube 4 beyond its position for the maximum filling level achieves a sealing position in which the overflow opening 6 is closed. In addition, Fig.6 shows an intermediate assembly condition of a part of the metering device. In the configuration shown in the drawings the riser tube 4 does not itself provide the overflow opening 6; instead, the overflow opening 6 is provided in a retaining tube 9. This retaining tube is open towards the interior of the container 2 and has an inside diameter which permits a clamping plug-in fit of the riser tube 4 to form what is hereinafter referred to as the metering tube. The plug-in connection is limited by a stop in the form of a shoulder 10 against which the top edge of the riser tube 4 abuts. The top edge of the riser tube, the shoulder 10, and the bottom edge of the overflow opening 6 are located in a common horizontal plane E-E, and thus terminate perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal centre axis y-y of the metering device D. The shoulder 10 may also be formed, as is illustrated, in an interrupted manner, that is to say, by raised zones of material such as longitudinal strips which lie between the individual parts of the overflow opening 6. See Fig.4. The retaining tube 9 is connected to the metering- chamber base 8 via a rolling diaphragm 11. This achieves a smooth guidance, whilst providing satisfactory sealing between the metering-chamber base 8 and the metering tube 9 (which extends through the base even when relatively small metered quantities 3' are set). The retaining tube 9 and the metering-chamber base 8 are formed integrally; moreover, the base 8 merges with an annular external wall (not referenced) which surrounds the metering chamber 5 so as to form a bottom closure part I of the metering device D. A lid II, forming part of a closure, is attached indirectly to the bottom part I of the metering device D. This lid is a swing-action lid. In cases in which the riser tube 4 has the overflow opening 6, the rolling diaphragm 11 correspondingly extends from the lateral wall of the riser tube 4. The rolling diaphragm 11 is a relatively thin-walled transition section between the metering-chamber base 8 and the retaining tube 9 or the riser tube 4. As can be seen in Fig.5 in relation to the essentially cylindrical wall of the retaining tube 9, the transition section is offset some way outwardly and parallel to the tube, rotationally symmetrical double bends a, b which are open in opposite directions being formed in the process. The opening of the bend a is oriented towards the top of the closure. The attachment to the metering-chamber base 8 bears the reference symbol c. This attachment is an arcuate angled section, the thickness of which is reduced to an increasing extent towards the rolling diaphragm 11. If the riser tube 4 is plugged into the retaining tube 9 to a greater extent than is illustrated, then the riser tube 4 has apertures (not illustrated) in correspondence with the overflow opening 6 in the retaining tube 9. The window-like overflow opening would thus be provided in two concentric, mutually overlapping layers. In addition, the through-passage cross-section of the overflow opening 6 may be varied by turning the retaining tube 9 and the riser tube 4 with respect to one another. The vertical position of the metering tube (4,9) is held frictionally, for example, by the action of friction of the rolling diaphragm 11. It can be changed by an actuating device B which is accessible from the outside. In the case of the exemplary embodiment illustrated, this actuating device is a turning cap 12 to which the closure lid II is integrally connected by a hinge 3 to form the closure of the metering device D. The turning movement of this cap around the longitudinal centre axis y-y is converted into an axial movement of the riser tube 4 and the retaining tube 9. The turning cap 12 has a top 13 substantially parallel to the metering-chamber base 8, and a vertically aligned adjustment peg 15 having an external thread 14 extends centrally from the top. The thread 14 engages with an internal thread 16 of the riser tube 4 or, as shown, the retaining tube 9. In the case of the exemplary embodiment illustrated, engagement takes place in an end region 9' of the retaining tube 9, said end region being extended in the direction of the top 13. The internal thread 16 is made up of thread spirals which for injection-moulding purposes are interrupted so as to permit axial withdrawal of the moulding cores. The thread as a whole is a multi-start coarse thread. The adjustment peg 15 is produced as a hollow peg with its opening oriented in the direction of the container 2. It originates on the inside of an upwardly projecting, dome-like protuberance 17 of the top 13 of the turning cap 12. The protuberance 17 forms a cup 18 which is open towards the bottom. From the underside of the top 13, the wall of this cup continues as a tube section 19 which projects freely into the metering chamber 5. The tube section 19 concentrically encloses the adjustment peg 15, which is of slightly shorter design, and extends over a good third of the height of the metering chamber 5. The vertical length of the cup 18 plus the tube section 19 is such that, when the metering tube (4,9) has been displaced upwards to its maximum extent, the overflow opening 6 is fully enclosed by the tube section 19. In this position the overflow opening 6 is sealed closed, and the dispenser therefore does not leak if it has been moved out of the standing position into an approximately horizontal position. The annular sealing point is located just beneath the overflow opening 6 and is designated by 9' ' in Fig.6. Above the sealing point 9' 1 the external diameter of the retaining tube 9 is reduced slightly, this leaving an annular gap over the entire upwardly adjoining end region 9' of the retaining tube 9. This achieves smoother guidance after the sealing point 9' ' . The top 13 of the turning cap has an eccentric through-passage to form a pouring opening 20. This is realised as a pouring spout 21 and ends in a fine lip. The pouring spout 21 is at a slightly higher level than the cup-forming protuberance 17. When the closure lid II has been swung into the closed position, the pouring opening 20 is sealed closed by a hollow stopper 22 formed on the inside of the closure lid II. In order better to locate the stopper 22, the end of the pouring opening 20 has a slight funnel configuration. Bead structures on the lateral surface of the stopper 22 and corresponding mating structures in the wall of the pouring opening 20 improve the closure lightness and the friction fit of the closure lid II in its closed position. The hinge 23 by which the closure lid II is connected for swing action is a so-called film hinge; the turning cap 12 and the closure lid II are integrally formed for this purpose. The demoulding position of the closure is shown in Fig.6. Accordingly, the indirect attachment of the closure lid II mentioned above is provided via the turning cap 12. The top 13 of the latter merges into a turning collar 24 which is plugged rotatably into the marginal top region of the external wall of the metering chamber. The collar is supported axially by an annular shoulder 25 so as to extend beyond the top edge of the external wall. A bead/groove engagement 26 between the turning collar 24 and the external wall secures the turning cap 12 in position. The outside surface of the external wall of the metering chamber 5 is substantially flush with the free¬ standing section of the turning collar 24. This free¬ standing section can be roughened in order to improve the grip, so that it is easy to set the quantity of product to be metered. The metering-quantity graduations can be seen from Fig.7, for example designated by 5ml, 6ml and 8ml. The quantities are indicated in illilitres at the foot of, in each case, one radially outwardly oriented dial pointer 27. All that is necessary is for the latter to be set to an index 28 (Fig.3) on the outside surface of the external wall of the metering chamber 5. The 7ml position corresponds to the pouring opening 20. The vertical position of the overflow opening 6 with respect to the metering-chamber base 8, which defines the level 7 of product metered into the metering chamber, is set via the threaded engagement between the adjustment peg 15 and the riser tube 4 or the retaining tube 9. By exerting pressure on the wall of the container 2, the liquid is caused to rise up the riser tube 4 and enter the metering chamber 5 via the overflow opening 6. Any excess of the metered quantity 3' flows back into the supply again after pressure has been released from the container 2. This flowback acton takes place very quickly because of suction action due to the negative pressure forming in the interior of the container 2. For dispensing, the dispenser is tilted so that the metering device D assumes an inclined position as a result of which the metered quantity 3' flows out via the pouring opening 20. It is not possible for any further liquid to run out after this via the riser tube 4 since the inner end of the latter is located above the level of the rest of the liquid 3 in the supply. Specific quantities can be set in a reproducible manner by positions halfway between the selectable metering quantities 3'. These halfway positions are marked by shorter dial arrows 27', which are located in the angle bisector between the dial pointers 27. After the dispenser has been used, it can be closed again, as has already been indicated. The turning cap 12 also provides an appropriate visual marker for this purpose, which marker is to be brought in line with the index 28 and reads "closed" in Fig.7. This Fig.7 shows the grip-improving roughened area particularly clearly, in the form of grooving 29 which is interrupted at the tips of the dial pointers 27. The interruptions bear the reference numeral 30. Beneath the metering-chamber base 8 the metering device D continues into a fastening protrusion 31. This is formed by an annular wall which engages beneath a latching protrusion 32 on the lateral wall of the neck 1 of the container 2. The mating latch on the metering device is designated by 34. A sealing stub 36, which extends from the underside of the metering-chamber base 8, engages in the opening 35 of the neck 1. Moreover, between the fastening protrusion 31 and the wall of the neck 1, rotation-prevention means are formed by an axially oriented interengagement of locking grooves 37 and locking ribs 38. The latter are provided on the neck 1. The closure of the metering device D, which is produced by the injection moulding of plastics material, comprises the turning cap (12) and the closure lid II. It has a tamperproof seal O, to be precise a tamperproof- seal part 39 which is in the form of a small plate or tongue which extends from the top margin of the turning cap 12 and is formed integrally therewith. The seal part 34 follows the curvature of the turning cap and is located diametrically opposite the hinge 23, the diametrically opposite points being indicated by a line z-z in Fig.7. As can be seen from Fig.2 in particular, when the lid II is closed the tamperproof-seal part 39 is received between the lid border 40 and a lug 41 which is formed on the lid II. The lug 41 serves to break off the tamperproof part 39 when the closure is opened. From the position in which the closure is moulded, all that is required is for the closure lid II to be swung around its hinge 23. It then moves into the position according to Fig.5. In this position, the lug-forming border part 41 of the closure lid II grips over the tongue-like tamperproof-seal part 39 which stands freely upwards from the turning cap 12. Said tamperproof-seal part enters from underneath into the plug-in channel 42 which is formed between the lug and the adjacent border 40 of the turning cap. This produces a barb-like latching of the tamperproof-seal part 39 in the plug-in channel 42. This is because the outer, bottom border section of the tamperproof-seal part 39 is engaged by a latching shoulder 43 of the lug 41. The latching shoulder 43 is aligned so as to face the closure-lid border 40, that is to say, it is located transversely with respect to the plug-in direction of the seal part 39. The part of the closure-lid border 40 lying opposite the lug 41 penetrates into the lateral clearance region 44 between the pouring spout 21 and the inside of the tongue-like tamperproof-seal part 39. The base 45 of this clearance region 44, which is formed by the upper side of the top 13, terminates at the same level as the latching shoulder 43 of the tab 41. The predetermined breaking point 46 is formed, in this intermediate zone, between the tamperproof-seal part 39 and the remainder of the turning cap 12. This pedetermined breaking point is, as illustrated, a reduction in material thickness, which is considerably less thick than the tamperproof-seal part 39 and is formed on the inner, bottom border section of said tamperproof-seal part 39. This reduction in material thickness is provided on a ledge 47 which tapers in the manner of a cutting edge in the direction of the predetermined breaking point 46 and is directed outwards from the border of the turning cap 12 there. The bottom flank of the ledge 47, this flank sloping upwards and outwards, is at an angle of approximately 45°. The top flank of the ledge 47 is formed by the base 45 of the clearance region 44. A run-on ramp 48 is formed on the underside of the lug 41, which is nose-shaped in cross-section, but in profile in particular slopes upwards and from the outside inwards, runs in the opposite direction to the bottom flank of the ledge 47. This makes it easier for the tamperproof-seal part 39 to ride over the latching shoulder 43. The curved spine of the lug 41 bears the reference numeral 49. As can further be seen from Fig.2, the closure-lid border 40 has a deflection niche 50. This is located at approximately the same level as the latching shoulder 43. To be precise, it starts at this level and extends in the form of a slope in the direction opposite to the run-on ramp 48. Together with the run-on ramp 48, it therefore forms a converging funnel or gap for guiding the tamperproof-seal part 39. The part 39 is tapered towards its free end due to its nose profile, and in the closed closure fits snugly in position in contour-hugging manner so as not to constitute an injury risk. The predetermined breaking point 46 is also protected and concealed in the region of the above mentioned funnel or gap.

Claims: CIAIMS : 1. Metering device (D) for a compressible container (1) of a product, having a metering chamber (5) and a metering tube (4,9) which serves for filling the metering chamber (5), the metering tube (4,9) having an overflow opening (6) which determines a filling level (x) in the metering chamber (5) , and the metering device having a pouring opening (20) located at its top, characterised in that the metering tube (4,9) can be vertically adjusted in order to change the quantity of product (3) which is metered. 2. Metering device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the metering tube (4,9) interacts with a turning cap (12) to achieve the vertical adjustment. 3. Metering device according to claim 2, characterised in that the metering tube (4,9) has an internal thread (16) for interacting with an external thread (14) of an adjustment peg (15) of the turning cap (12) . 4. Metering device according to claim 2 or claim 3, charaxterised in that the metering tube (4,9) is received in a top end region (9') of a tube section (19) which encloses the adjustment peg (15) and projects downwards from the turning cap (12) . 5. Metering device according to claim 4, characterised in that for closing the metering device (D) the overflow opening (6) can be located and sealed in the tube section (19) . 6. Metering device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the metering tube (4,9) is connected to the base (8) of the metering-chamber via a rolling diaphragm (11) . 7. Metering device according to any preceding claim, characterised in hat the overflow opening (6) is formed in the manner of a window or windows in a section of the metering tube (4) which passes through the metering chamber (5) . 8. Metering device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the metering tube comprises a riser tube (4) which is connected to a retaining tube (9), and the retaining tube (9) is connected to the base (18) of the metering-chamber via a rolling diaphragm (11). 9. Metering device according to claim 8, characterised in that the overflow opening (6) is formed by an aperture or apertures formed in correspondence in the retaining tube (9) and the riser tube (4) . 10. Closure which is produced by the injection moulding of plastics material and has a closure lid (II) , a bottom closure part (12) and a tamperproof-seal part (39) which is integrally moulded on the bottom closure part (12), characterised in that the tamperproof-seal part (39) is received between a closure-lid border (40) and a lug (41) which is connected to the closure lid (II), the lug (41) being effective for breaking off the tamperproof-seal part (39) when the closure is opened. 11. Closure according to claim 10, characterised by a predetermined breaking point (46) provided between the tamperproof-seal part (39) and the bottom closure part (12) . 12. Closure according to claim 10 or claim 11, characterised by a barb-like latching of the tamperproof- seal part (39) by a latching shoulder (43) on the lug (41) . 13. Closure according to any claim of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that the latching shoulder (43) faces the closure-lid border (40) . 14. Closure according to any claim of claims 10 to 13, characterised in that the closure-lid border (40) has a deflection niche (50) at approximately the same level as the latching shoulder (43) .

Inventors: SCHUMACHER CLEMENS, SCHUMACHER, CLEMENS
Applicants: CARNAUDMETALBOX HOLDINGS USA, CARNAUDMETALBOX NV, CARNAUDMETALBOX SA, METAL BOX PLC, SCHUMACHER CLEMENS, CARNAUDMETALBOX (HOLDINGS) USA INC., CARNAUDMETALBOX N.V., CARNAUDMETALBOX PLC, CARNAUDMETALBOX S.A., SCHUMACHER, CLEMENS
Application year: 1997
Main classification: B65D
IPC codes: B65D47, G01F11