Abstract:
A dispenser for liquids, such as dish soaps. The dispenser includes a bottom-dispensing squeeze container with flow controlled by a pressure actuated, self-closing valve, and a base integrated into the container. The container is ergonomically shaped to provide a handgrip to allow gripping with either hand from any direction and to provide a natural location to grip and squeeze the container. The base threads onto the stand to support the container on a surface while preventing other elements, such as the valve, from contacting the surface and allowing for a liquid to be dispensed through the stand. An alternative embodiment is also provided that includes a sealing mechanism for transport of the dispenser.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a bottom-dispensing container for liquids. Specifically, the invention is directed to an ergonomically designed container that allows the user to grasp and squeeze the container to discharge soap. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Containers for small quantities of household liquids, such as soap, hair products, food stuffs, or the like, are usually configured to dispense either by actuating a pump, by inverting and squeezing the container, or by tipping the container to pour the contents. Container configurations are determined primarily by the need to both store and dispense liquids, resulting in a preferred container orientation for both storage and dispensing, and additionally by the ability, ease and responsiveness with which the user can dispense useful quantities of the liquid of interest, the ergonomics of the container, the aesthetic design, and the container cost. Some of the available container configurations include rigid containers for pouring or pump dispensing, squeeze containers having a bottom for resting the container and an opening for dispensing liquid from either the top or bottom of the container, and collapsible containers. 
     Bottom-dispensing containers typically rest on a surface or are suspended. These containers include an opening on the bottom for dispensing the liquid and actuation means for dispensing the liquid. Squeeze containers are usually formed from a resiliently deformable material and have an opening that may have a valve to control the flow through the opening. One type of valve is an on-off valve that is actuated by rotating the valve. Another particularly useful valve is a pressure-responsive dispensing valve that controls the flow according to a pressure difference across the valve. Such a valve can be configured to be normally closed and to assume an open configuration when the container is squeezed. Optional features of bottom dispensing squeeze containers include a cap to prevent loss of the liquid between dispensing. Bottom-dispensing containers of rigid materials having pump mechanisms are also in the prior art. 
     Bottom-dispensing containers have several advantages over other packaging configurations. The container does not need to be inverted, requiring fewer user motions for dispensing and providing greater positioning and dispensing control than for containers that dispense by pouring or inverting and squeezing. Thus for example, the user does not have to rotate his wrist and wait for a viscous liquid to travel to the opening, or have trouble controlling the flow rate when the container is full as in the use of containers adapted to pour from the top. Bottom-dispensing containers can also be configured to allow nearly all of the liquid to be dispensed—something usually not possible with containers having a pump on the top. Bottom-dispensing containers having pressure-responsive valves also have the advantage of not requiring a separate closure mechanism. 
     As a result of the configuration of bottom-dispensing containers, there are several practical problems that must be overcome to enable manufacturing of bottom-dispensing squeeze containers that are easy to use, ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing. The problems include ventilation of the chamber after dispensing liquid, loss of liquid by leaking through the valve, the integration of a stand into the container, and an ergonomic design that allows the user to easily and efficiently dispense liquid. 
     Solutions to the ventilation problem include having a collapsible container, or having a rigid or flexibly deformable container that has either a one-way valve separate from a dispensing valve to allow for air to enter the container or a two-way dispensing valve that allows both for flow of liquid out of the container and air back into the container. Collapsible containers change shape as a result of dispensing liquid and are best used with highly viscous materials, such as toothpaste. For liquids such as soaps, rigid or flexibly deformable containers are preferred. In addition, a single piece two-way dispensing valve, such as the valve described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,236 to Brown, et al. (“the &#39;236 patent”), allows for both dispensing and ventilation of the container. 
     Leakage from bottom-dispensing containers in a resting orientation results from the liquid being over and in contact with the opening. Leakage can even occur from packages having a dispensing valve from the contact of the valve or opening with a resting surface, causing “wicking” of liquid through the valve. A general requirement is that containers should be able to stay in a closed configuration, regardless of the amount of liquid in the container or environmental changes, such as barometric pressure and temperature. One prior art solution to limiting leakage includes providing a lid that is removed prior to dispensing. Such a lid can either be part of a container stand from which the container is removed prior to dispensing, or can be provided as part of the container to be removed for dispensing, either in the upright orientation, or by momentarily moving the container to another orientation to remove the lid. The use of a two-way valve provides another solution to the leakage problem. The two-way valve described in the &#39;236 patent prevents leakage over a range of temperatures, and thus is well suited for use in a household environment. Since the valve does not leak as long as it does not contact a support surface, it is also well suited for bottom-dispensing squeeze containers that do not require the use of a removable cap, top or lid. 
     Prior art bottom-dispensing, squeeze containers are difficult to use, particularly when large quantities of liquids are contained. These problems result primarily from the shape of the container, the location at which a user is likely to grab the container, and the distribution of weight of the container. For example, the use of containers with straight walls, such as in the &#39;236 patent, or U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,006 to Drobish, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,108 to Dornsbusch, et al., or U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,107 to Lindsey (“the &#39;107 patent”), or with slightly bulging walls, as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,655 to Brown, present problems when the containers have a large amount of liquid and thus are heavy, especially when the users hands are wet or slippery. The user can grip the container at any position along the container, and it tends to slip through the user&#39;s hands, since there is no natural handgrip location larger to prevent downward slippage of the heavy container. 
     Containers that are larger at the top, usually resulting from the use of a stand with a prior art invertible container, as in the &#39;107 patent, can be top heavy when the containers are full. These containers thus may be unstable when on a resting surface, and the greater weight above the user&#39;s hand may make it difficult to maneuver or position the container for dispensing. In summary, prior art bottom-dispensing, squeeze-type containers are not ergonomic in that they do not indicate by their design a proper location to grab and squeeze the container for ease of use. 
     Lastly, cost considerations usually require that the bulk of the container be blow molded. This places certain restrictions on the container shape. In particular, to prevent leakage, bottom-dispensing containers require that the dispensing valve not contact the support surface. Blow molded containers, however, cannot be formed having the required support structure, and thus include a separate base portion. Some prior art bottom-dispensing containers provide bases that are formed along with the container, a configuration that is not compatible with blow molding. Other prior art containers include separate bases that are tapered, having a wide lower portion, or a constant cross-sectional extension of the bottom portion of the container. These containers are not ergonomic in that they do not indicate to the user the correct location to grab and squeeze or have a shape that prevents slippage of the container when in use. In addition, these containers are not aesthetically pleasing. 
     What is required is a bottom-dispensing squeeze container that is ergonomically designed. Such a container should be capable of holding fairly large quantities of liquid while being stable at rest on a surface, to allow for access to the container from any direction and with either hand, to have a shape that prevents slippage of the container from the hand, and to have a base that it an integral part of the ergonomic container design. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a dispenser for dispensing liquids from the bottom of a container that addresses the problems of prior art bottom-dispensing, squeeze containers. In accordance with the present invention, a dispenser for the bottom-dispensing of a liquid in a squeeze container is provided that overcomes the above-identified problems through the ergonomic design of a container and an integrated base. 
     It is thus one advantage of the present invention to provide a bottom-dispensing apparatus that is capable of containing fairly large quantities of liquid as would be used in a household environment, while being stable at rest on a surface. 
     It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide an ergonomically designed bottom-dispensing container having a waist between two larger ends, providing a natural position to grab the container and allowing for the weight of the liquid to be evenly distributed above and below the hand. 
     It is another advantage of the present invention to provide a bottom-dispensing apparatus having a container that is accessible from any direction and with either hand, and that has a shape that prevents slippage from the hand. 
     It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide a bottom-dispensing apparatus that ergonomically designed and that integrates a base with a container to provide the user with an indication of the functioning of the apparatus. 
     It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide a bottom-dispensing apparatus that has a container with a narrow waist for grabbing between the thumb and index finger, a large surface area for squeezing between the fingers and the palm of the hand, and an enlarged bulbous portion above the waist to prevent the container from slipping out of the user&#39;s hand. It is another aspect to provide a base for the apparatus to provide an indication of the ergonomic design of the container. 
     It is yet a further advantage of the present invention to provide a container and base for a bottom-dispensing apparatus that are economical to manufacture. 
     It is a key aspect of the present invention to provide a liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a hollow, elongated container for the liquid and a frusto-conical base. The elongated container has a bulbous upper portion and a frusto-conical lower portion with a bottom wall at the larger diameter thereof. The bottom wall has an opening therein for discharging liquid from the container. The frusto-conical lower portion is deformable and ergonomically proportioned to permit gripping and compression by a human hand to cause ejection of liquid through the opening. The bulbous upper portion is sized to prevent downward slippage of the frusto-conical lower portion when gripped. The frusto-conical base is secured to the lower portion and forms a continuation of the frusto-conical shape of the lower portion. The base has a lower rim lying in a plane transverse to the elongated container for supporting it in an upright condition when the base is positioned on a substantially planar surface. 
     It is another key aspect of the present invention to provide a liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a hollow, elongated container for the liquid. The container has a deformable handgrip formed a frusto-conical lower portion with a bottom wall at the larger diameter thereof, and a waist at the upper end of the lower portion. The bottom wall has an opening therein for discharging liquid from the container. The frusto-conical lower portion and waist are ergonomically proportioned to permit gripping and compression by a human hand to cause ejection of liquid through said opening. The apparatus also includes a frusto-conical base secured to the lower portion to form a continuation of the frusto-conical shape of the lower portion. The base has a lower rim lying in a plane transverse to the elongated container for supporting it in an upright condition when the base is positioned on a substantially planar surface. 
    
    
     Additional objects, advantages, aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of preferred embodiments, set forth below, which should be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, a brief description of which follows. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a bottom-dispensing apparatus of present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a composite exploded assembly and sectional view of the side of the embodiment of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of the base, valve with cap, and a portion of the container of the embodiment of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom view of the base of the embodiment of FIG.  1 . 
     FIGS. 5-7 are a sequence of side views showing the use of the apparatus of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 5 shows the container having being grabbed and moved upwards from a horizontal surface; FIG. 6 shows the user squeezing the container to dispense liquid; and FIG. 7 shows the user relaxing her grip to cease dispensing liquid. 
     FIG. 8 is a sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing the valve sealed prior to use. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 showing the valve sealed prior to use. 
    
    
     Reference symbols are used in the Figures to indicate certain components, aspects or features shown therein, with reference symbols common to more than one Figure indicating like components, aspects or features shown therein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The dispenser of the present invention is an apparatus formed from a bottom-dispensing, squeeze bottle container supported by a base adapted for resting on a surface, and that is adapted for lifting from the surface by grabbing an ergonomic handgrip formed by the outer surface of the container. The dispenser releases a liquid from the container through a valve on the container bottom by squeezing the gripped container. The base is intended to rest on a surface that may be substantially flat and is preferably horizontal. Directional indications “bottom,” “top,” “up,” “down,” “above,” and “below” as used herein generally refer to directions relative to that part of the apparatus or dispenser that is intended to rest on the support surface. Directional indications “inner,” “inside,” “outer,” and “outside” as used herein generally refer to directions towards or way from the center or interior of the dispenser. In addition, while the container is configured to dispense from the bottom of the container, the orientation of the container does not have to be perpendicular to the horizon. 
     The present invention will be described in terms of a bottom-dispensing apparatus that may be used to hold and dispense a liquid that might be used in a household, such as dish soap. The dispenser may be used for other liquids, such as other types of soaps or skin or hair care products, or foodstuffs, such as ketchup or mustard. The present invention provides an ergonomically designed dispenser that is useful for dispensing liquids in public or industrial settings as well as in a household. These descriptions are meant to be illustrative and not to limit in any way the scope of the invention as claimed. 
     An embodiment of the present invention is presented in the several views of FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 1 is a side view of a bottom-dispensing apparatus or dispenser  100  of present invention includes a container  120  and a base  110  for supporting the dispenser, as on a surface S. Container  120  has an outer surface  124  that extends longitudinally from a top  126 , to a waist  122 , to a bottom edge  128 . Base  110  has an outer surface  114  that includes a top edge  116  that is adjacent to bottom edge  128 , and extends longitudinally to a rim  112 . Rim  112  is adapted for resting base  110  on a surface S, while the base supports container  120 . It is preferred that surfaces  114  and  124  form a surface of rotation about the longitudinal axis that extends from top  126  through the centroid of rim  112 . In a particularly preferred embodiment, surface  124  includes a bulbous upper portion  130  that includes waist  122  and has a smooth transition to a lower portion  140  that has a frusto-conical shape terminating in a circular bottom edge  128 . It is also a feature of the particularly preferred embodiment that surface  114  continue the frusto-conical shape from circular top edge  116  to circular rim  112 . 
     Container  120  and base  110  are adapted to function together to provide an ergonomic shape that naturally indicates to the user the proper location to grab and squeeze the container. Specifically, a handgrip  150  is formed by waist  122  and lower portion  140 , where the waist provides for placement of the thumb and forefinger of either hand and lower portion provides for placement of the fingers for holding dispenser  100  and squeezing the lower portion. For ease of use, it is preferred that handgrip  150  is configured with waist  122  having a diameter to allow the human hand to grab the waist between the thumb and forefinger and lift dispenser  100 . The diameter of waist  122  should thus be between 1 and 2 times the diameter of a circle formed by the thumb and forefinger of the average size hand of the intended user. It is also preferred that the height of handgrip  150 , from waist  122  to bottom edge  128 , be larger than the width of the average sized hand of the intended user. Handgrip  150  is approachable by either hand from any direction, and allows for naturally positioning fingers of either hand over squeezable lower portion  140 , as described subsequently. In addition, surface  114  of base  110  is a continuation of surface  124  of container  120 . This provides clean lines to the user indicating that waist  112  is the position for grabbing the dispenser. 
     Dispenser  100  is shown in greater detail in FIG. 2, which is a composite exploded assembly and sectional view, and FIG. 3, which is a sectional side view of the base, valve with cap, and a portion of the container. Container  120  is a hollow, elongate vessel having a wall  201  formed of a resiliently deformable material. Wall  201  has an inner surface  212  that bounds a container volume  214 . The thickness and material of wall  201  are tailored along the outer surface  124  portion of container  120  to provide a container that maintains a specified shape when the container is empty or full of a liquid, and that has a specified area corresponding with lower portion  140  that is deformable by squeezing by the hand of a user. Specifically, the thickness and material of wall  201  along lower portion  140  are selected so that the fingers of a hand so grabbing the dispenser can easily apply sufficient pressure to decrease the volume of container  214 , allowing for squeeze dispensing of a liquid contained therein. In one embodiment, the thickness of wall  201  along lower portion  140  is approximately of constant thickness, providing a large surface for squeezing. 
     FIG. 2 also shows that container  120  includes a bottom portion  200  hidden from view in the assembled dispenser shown in FIG.  1 . Specifically, bottom portion  200 , which is formed from wall  201 , forms a container bottom  202  that protrudes inwards and downwards from bottom edge  128  to a rim  216 , and a neck  204  that extends longitudinally downwards from rim  216  to an opening  209 . Bottom portion  200  also includes a first set of external threads  206  and a second set of external threads  208 , whose functions are described subsequently. 
     FIGS. 2 and 3 also show that cap  230  has an outer surface  218 , a dispensing valve  306 , a set internal threads  302 , and a bottom  301  having an orifice  304 . Threads  302  are adapted to be threadably attached to neck  204  at threads  206 . Cap  230  so attached provides a valve having an open and closed configuration for holding a liquid contained within container volume  204  of dispenser  100 , and dispensing the liquid through orifice  304 , respectively. Valve  306  is preferably a two-way valve that remains closed over some range of pressure differences and that opens in either direction according to the amplitude of the pressure difference. In one embodiment, valve  306  is a resiliently flexible member having a slit  308  that is normally closed and that opens when deformed more than a set amount upwards or downwards. When the pressure level above the valve is lower than a predetermined and engineered level, the valve is closed. When the pressure rises above the predetermined level, the valve opens, allowing liquid to flow from high to low pressure. Alternatively, if the pressure above the valve drops below a predetermined value that is below atmospheric pressure, the valve opens allowing air into the container. The valve of the &#39;236 patent, incorporated herein by reference, is one such valve, though other mechanisms may perform equivalent functions as that valve. 
     Base  110  includes a member  316  that protrudes inwards and downwards from outer surface  114  at top edge  116  to a hollow inner cylindrical member  312  that forms a longitudinal opening  313 . Cylindrical member  312  has a set of internal threads  314  adapted to be threadably attached to neck  204  at threads  208 . The outer diameter of cap outer surface  218  is less than the outer diameter of threads  208 , allowing for longitudinal access of base  110  for threading onto threads  208 . Base  110  and container  120  so attached provides support of the container at threads  208  by inner cylindrical member  312  and at bottom edge  128  at top edge  116 . In addition, member  316  defines a lower surface  315  that is longitudinally displaced from rim  112 . The assembled cap bottom  301  is also longitudinally displaced from rim  112 , such that only rim  112  of dispenser  100  contacts a planar support surface, such as surface S. 
     When assembled, dispenser  100  thus can rest on surface S contacting only rim  112 , while container  120  is threadably attached to both base  110  and cap  130 . Cap  130  includes valve  306  that provides control of fluid flow through opening  209  according to the pressure difference across the valve. In addition, base  110  has a longitudinal opening  313  for providing a longitudinal path for liquid dispensed from container  120  to flow downward. 
     The assembly of dispenser  100  from several components, and in particular having base  110  separate from container  120  has several advantages. Since the container and base have different functions, it is advantageous to form them of different materials. This results in the ability to tailor the material, thickness, surface finish and shape of the portions separately. The container is an elongated hollow structure for storing a liquid, while the base supports the weight of the container while providing that the container and valve do not touch a support surface. The container and base function together in supporting the container over a surface and in providing an ergonomic and intuitive shape for the user. 
     Container  120  is a squeeze container, and thus the thickness of the container walls must be controlled to provide acceptable performance for dispensing liquid. Acceptable container materials include, but are not limited to, plastics or elastomers. The preferred technique for forming the container is the widely used process of blow molding. This technique allows for the manufacture of hollow structures with accurate control of wall thickness and the ability to include some features for fastening, such as threads. Blow molding is cost effective, and provides for the production of containers having a wide range of resiliency, density, opacity, surface finish or color. By varying the mold shape and process characteristics, the container can include rigid portions of thick material, squeezable portions of thin material, external threads for attachment to other components. In addition, advantageous surface textures can be achieved by sandblasting the inside of mold to produce a surface that is opaque and that provides a non-slip surface to the user. Blow molding does not easily provide the ability to generate complex shapes, such as complex features that bend back on themselves, since the final product must be removed from a mold. Alternative methods for forming the container include, but are not limited to, forming the container from two injection molded halves. 
     Base  110  must be rigid enough to support the container on a support surface without excess weight and have an opening that allows for liquid to flow therethrough. Acceptable base materials include, but are not limited to, plastics or elastomers. Since it would be difficult to blow mold the container along with the base due to the complex shape, the base is more appropriately manufactured using different techniques. A preferred technique for forming the base is by injection molding. Alternatively, the base could be formed by machining plastics or metals. 
     Container  120  and base  110  are adapted to function together to provide an ergonomic shape that naturally indicates to the user the proper location to grab and squeeze the container. The ergonomic functioning of handgrip  150  and the continuous lines of the outer surfaces of container  120  and base  110  have been described previously. As noted, these provide a combined shape that is ergonomic, indicative of the correct location to grab, and is pleasing to the eye. In summary, the shapes of container  120  and base  110  according to the present invention are manufactured and assembled in ergonomic configurations that are not present in the prior art. 
     The operation of the present invention will now be described with reference to the operation of the embodiment of FIG.  1 . The following discussion is meant for illustrative purposes and not as a limitation of the scope of the present invention. 
     Dispenser  100  can be filled with a liquid in preparation for dispensing as follows. Container  120  of an unassembled dispenser  100  is first inverted with opening  209  upwards. Container  120  is then filled with liquid. Cap  230  is threaded onto threads  206 , and base  110  is then threaded onto base  208 . Dispenser  100  is then inverted to the preferred orientation, with rim  112  downward. Valve  306  is selected so that the weight of any liquid held in container  120  is insufficient to open the valve, which remains in a closed configuration in the absence of any additional internal pressure in the container. The container is thus situated upright with the valve closed, and is ready for dispensing liquid. 
     An alternative embodiment for filling and storing liquid for preparation for dispensing is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 to provide a hermetic seal for shipping of an dispenser of the present invention, and to mechanically prevent the valve from opening. Specifically, FIG. 8 is a sectional side view of showing the valve sealed prior to use, and FIG. 9 is a perspective bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 showing the valve sealed prior to use. In the alternative embodiment, container  120  is filled as previously described. A seal  800  is applied in preparation for shipping. Seal  800  has a bottom facing surface  806 , a surface opposite the bottom facing surface having an adhesive layer  802 , an outer edge  808 , and a bubble  804 . Bubble  804  is dimensioned to fit within orifice  304  and to protrude far enough towards valve  308  to prevent the valve from opening as a result of downward displacement. Adhesive layer  802  covers a sufficient amount of area to adhere seal  800  to bottom  301  and lower surface  315 , providing a hermetic seal for container  120  and to keep bubble  804  from being displaced downward and thus allowing valve  306  to open. The dispenser of the alternative embodiment of the present invention can then be shipped without concern of leakage of the liquid from the container. Prior to use, seal  800  of a dispenser according to the alternative embodiment is removed by grasping and pulling outer edge  808 , and the dispenser is then inverted with rim  112  in a downward orientation. The container is thus situated upright with the valve closed, and is ready for dispensing liquid. Alternative embodiments include, but are not limited to, surface  806  being used to supply printed information to a user or a barcode for identification, and outer edge  808  forming a protrusion in the shape of a tab for pulling. 
     As noted, the squeeze bottle dispenser of the present invention includes a container formed of a resiliently deformable material. In use, the dispenser is intended to be grasped by a human hand in natural and ergonomic configuration that allows for easy holding between the thumb and forefinger and natural placement of the fingers over a portion of the dispenser that requires only slight compression to dispense a liquid contained therein. These features are illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, which show a sequence of side views showing the use of the dispenser of FIG.  1 . Specifically, FIG. 5 shows the container having being grabbed and moved upwards from a horizontal surface, FIG. 6 shows the user squeezing the container to dispense liquid, and FIG. 7 shows the user relaxing her grip to cease dispensing liquid. 
     Referring first to FIG. 5 showing the grasping and lifting of dispenser  100  at handgrip  150 , human hand H is shown with thumb T and forefinger FF encircling waist  122 . Also shown in FIG. 5 is a level  501  of liquid L. In addition, fingers F are placed over lower portion  140  of container  120 . As noted previously, the thickness and material of wall  201  along lower portion  140  is selected so that the fingers of a hand so grabbing the dispenser can easily apply sufficient pressure to decrease volume  214 . When valve  306  is in a closed configuration, the decrease in volume  214  will increase the pressure in the volume, thus actuating valve  306  to dispense liquid. 
     It is noted that the high liquid level of FIG. 5 is shown as an example and is not needed to easily dispense liquid—the present invention dispenses liquid easily at nearly any level. As is most clearly seen in FIG. 3, by shaping the downward sloping container bottom portion  200  and minimizing the volume of container  120  near valve  306 , the container can dispense nearly all of the contents of the container. 
     With dispenser  100  grasped as in FIGS. 5-7, the weight of the dispenser is naturally supported by the thumb and forefinger, as the upper portion  130  is larger than waist  112 , where the dispenser is being grasped. In addition, the rotationally symmetric shape and continuous flow of lines from wide rim  112  to narrow waist  122  both indicate to the user that this is the position to grasp dispenser  100 , and allows for grasping by either hand from any direction. Thus, fingers F from either hand will be positioned over the portion of dispenser  100  intended for squeezing. 
     The next step in dispensing liquid is illustrated in FIG.  6 . After positioning the center of rim  112  over a target for liquid L, an inward force is applied by fingers F and hand H as indicated by the inward facing arrows. The degree of movement of outer surface  124  to an outer surface  124 ′ is exaggerated for ease of illustration. Initially upon squeezing, valve  306  is closed and the application of force results in an increase in pressure within the container. As illustrated in FIG. 6, after a threshold pressure is reached, determined by the material, shape and size of slit  308 , the slit opens, allowing liquid to pass, and a stream of liquid L is dispensed as shown by the downward pointing arrow of FIG.  6 . The liquid L maintains a level  601  that is approximately the same as level  501  during dispensing. 
     When the grip is relaxed, as in FIG. 7, valve  306  momentarily allows back flow, causing air bubbles  701  to rise in liquid L and thus lowering the liquid to a level  703  that is lower than the initial level  501 . Alternatively, the flow of liquid will cease when the pressure in the squeezed container drops as a result of the decreased liquid volume in the container. In either case, dispenser  100  can be returned to surface S. 
     The invention has now been explained with regard to specific, embodiments. Variations on these embodiments and other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art. It is therefore intended that the invention not be limited by the discussion of specific embodiments. It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application and scope of the appended claims.