Patent Abstract:
A discharge device has i.) a body having a hollow interior; ii.) a liquid inlet; and iii.) a liquid outlet having a first end and a second end. The first end has a button. The liquid outlet has a stem. The liquid outlet has an orifice having an orifice surface area. The valve system has a rib and a valve guide having a valve system surface area. The stem passes through the valve guide. The valve system surface area and the orifice surface area have a ratio of less than about 35%.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to discharge devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In the past decades research efforts have been directed towards the development of detergents which have an improved cleaning performance. Furthermore, the focus has been on developing detergent products which are highly viscous. It has recently been found that one of the main complaints of the users of detergent is that the products do not always dispense in a timely manner which add to the unpleasantness of washing clothes or doing laundry. It is desired to simplify this matter of dispensing the amount in the least amount of time. 
         [0003]    Thus, it may be seen that measured dispensing which can be slow given that the liquid is typically viscous and convenient storage add to the complications of doing laundry. Accordingly, there is a need for a device which delivers a higher flow rate of liquid, especially for viscous liquids, during consumer use which results in shorter dosing time and less amount of time needed during laundry. This device would provide a more desirable consumer experience. Thus, a device, which solves or at least minimizes these problems, is highly desirable. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention encompasses a discharge device having i.) a body having a hollow interior; ii.) a liquid inlet; and iii.) a liquid outlet having a first end and a second end. The first end has a button. The liquid outlet has an orifice having an orifice surface area. The liquid outlet has a stem and a valve system. The valve system has a valve system surface area comprising a rib and a valve guide. The stem passes through the valve guide. The valve system surface area and the orifice surface area have a ration of less than about 35%. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the discharge device of the present invention; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2   a  is a cross-section view along line  2   a - 2   a  of the discharge device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0007]      FIG. 2   b  is a cross-section view along line  2   b - 2   b  of the discharge device of  FIG. 1  while the button is pressed. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2   c  is a cross-section view along line  2   a - 2   a  of an alternative embodiment of the discharge device. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the discharge device. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a cross-section view along line  4 - 4  of the discharge device of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the discharge device. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a cross-section view along line  6 - 6  of the alternative embodiment of the discharge device of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the discharge device. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a cross-section view along line  8 - 8  of the alternative embodiment of the discharge device of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the discharge device. 
           [0016]      FIG. 10   a  is a cross-section view along line  10   a - 10   a  of the alternative embodiment of the discharge device of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 10   b  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the discharge device. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10   c  is the cross-section view along line  10   c - 10   c  of the discharge device of  10   b.    
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the discharge device. 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the discharge device. 
       
    
    
       [0021]    The figures herein are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    Section A will provide terms which will assist the reader in best understanding the features of the invention, but not to introduce limitations in the terms inconsistent with the context in which they are used in this specification. These definitions are not intended to be limiting. Section B will discuss the discharge device of the present invention. Section C will discuss examples of the present invention. 
       A. TERMS 
       [0023]    As used herein, the term “granules” and variants thereof mean any non-fluid composition. 
         [0024]    As used herein, the term “fluids” and variants thereof mean any composition capable of wetting. The composition can include solids or gases in suitably subdivided form, but the overall composition excludes product forms which are substantially nonfluid overall, such as tablets or granules. 
         [0025]    As used herein, the term “orifice” is the cross-section of the smallest perimeter of the liquid outlet. 
         [0026]    The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”. 
       B. PACKAGE OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0027]    I. Discharge Device 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 2   a  and  FIG. 2   b , the present invention relates to a discharge device  20  for dispensing liquids, especially viscous liquids from a container  22  (See  FIG. 1 ). The discharge device  20  has a liquid inlet  24  and a liquid outlet  26 . The liquid outlet  26  has an orifice  28 , a first end  30 , and a second end  32  opposite to the first end  30 . The orifice  28  of the liquid outlet  26  contains a valve system  35  (see  FIGS. 3-10   b ) and a stem  36  which passes through the valve guide  34 . (see  FIG. 2   a - FIG. 10   c ) 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a discharge device  20  is shown which is designed to dispense liquids from containers  22 . Generally, referring again to  FIG. 2   a  and  FIG. 2   b , when the button  42  is unpressed, the stem  36  can seat in the walls  40  of the liquid outlet  26  and sealing bead  58  of the stem  36  is compressed against the walls  40  so that no liquid can flow from the container  22  (See  FIG. 1 ) with which the discharge device  20  is used. Referring to  FIG. 2   b , when pressure is applied to the button  42 , the stem  36  moves along the axis  44  to unseat the stem  36  from the outlet orifice  28  which may have conical seating  50  constituted by the walls  40 . As a result, liquid flows along a liquid flow passageway around the stem  36  and through the valve system  35  (see  FIGS. 3-10   b ) as shown by the arrows in  FIG. 2   b.    
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , using a discharge device  20  of this type avoids the problems caused by a number of soap containers, bleach containers, conditioner containers, and other containers around the laundry area. It also eliminates the need for lifting a gallon container or other heavy item for handling this matter by being able to discharge the liquid from any surface. Moreover, it also reduces the amount of time needed to discharge the liquid, simplifies the application of the right amount of the product at the right time, thereby reducing waste. For those without the strength to lift a heavy container, this discharge device  20  and container  22  keep the washing liquid readily available. 
         [0031]    The discharge device  20  may be formed from any suitable material such as high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene or linear low-density polyethylene. 
         [0032]    A. Liquid Inlet 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 2   a , generally, the liquid inlet  24  is provided to allow liquid to flow therethough from the container  22  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0034]    The attachment  62  can be formed with screw threads  38  (See  FIG. 2   a ) to allow attachment of the discharge device  20  to a container  22  (see  FIG. 1 ). It will be appreciated that the discharge device  20  can be attached to a container  22  (see  FIG. 1 ) in other ways but a connection which is not destroyed on removal of the discharge device  20  after emptying of the container  22  (see  FIG. 1 ) may be preferred because it makes the discharge device  20  reusable. Other ways the attachment  62  can be used to attach the discharge device  20  and the container  22  are by pressure seal, an adhesive seal, a locking closure, a screw-type closure, a snap-fit closure, a heat seal, an ultrasonic seal, and/or a plug-seal and may optionally be air-tight and/or water-tight as desired for example, to prevent oxidation of the pourable product, absorption of moisture from the air, and/or water damage to the pourable product. 
         [0035]    B. Liquid Outlet 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 2   b , the liquid outlet  26  is formed to allow liquid to flow there through from the container  22  and to provide a seal at the second end  32  of the liquid outlet  26  to prevent liquid from leaking. As stated above, the liquid outlet  26  has an orifice  28 , a first end  30 , and a second end  32  opposite to the first end  30 . The liquid outlet  26  contains a valve guide  34  and a stem  36  which passes through the valve guide  34 . 
         [0037]    The walls  40  of the liquid outlet  26  can be any shape. In one non-limiting example, the walls  40  can be formed which have a complimentary shape to the stem  36 . For example, in one-nonlimiting embodiment, the second end  56  of the stem  36  is conical and has a flared mouth, accordingly, the walls  40  of the liquid outlet  26  are formed with a conical shape. 
         [0038]    i. Valve System 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 3-FIG .  10   b ), the valve system  35  comprises of the valve guide  34  and the rib(s)  60 . Both are described separately in detail below. The valve system  35  can be located anywhere along the liquid outlet  26 . As seen in  FIG. 2   a  and  FIG. 2   b , the valve system  35  can be in the path of the liquid flow passageway. In other words, the liquid is in contact with the valve system  35  when the button is depressed to release the liquid from the container  22 . 
         [0040]    Alternatively, as seen in  FIG. 2   c , the valve system  35  can be constructed to not be in the path of the liquid flow passageway while the liquid is flowing from the liquid inlet  24  through the liquid outlet  26 . In other words, the liquid is not in contact with the valve system  35  when the button is depressed to release the liquid from the container  22 . In this embodiment, the valve system  35  is used as a guide for the stem  36  to provide stability, but allows for faster liquid flow because the there is not contact with the valve system  35 . 
         [0041]    a. Valve Guide 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 3-FIG .  10   c , valve guide  34  is secured to the walls  40  of the liquid outlet  26  by ribs  60 . The valve guide  34  stabilizes the liquid flow profile and provides a maximum flow rate. Referring to  FIG. 3-FIG .  10   c , the higher flow rate is achieved by decreasing the surface area of the limiting flow passage, which is the valve system  35 . To increase the flow through the valve system  35 , the cross sectional area of the valve system  35  is reduced while still maintaining the valve system  35  structural performance. Generally, reducing the cross sectional area also decreases the width  59  of the valve guide and the width  64  of the ribs  60 . Accordingly, reducing the width which is perpendicular to the flow of the liquid of the valve system  35  decreases drag on fluid passing through the liquid outlet  26 . 
         [0043]    In addition, the valve guide  34  geometry can be changed to increase flow. Referring to  FIG. 10   b , the width  59  of the valve guide  34  is ovalized  61 . The width  59  of the valve guide  34  is at least less than about 1.15 mm. 
         [0044]    b. Ribs 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 3-10   c , the ribs  60  connect the valve guide  34  to the walls  40  of the liquid outlet  26 . The ribs  60  can be part of the walls  40  by molding or may be inserted by being bonded or spin welded. The width  64  of the ribs  60  is at least less than about 2.5 mms. The ribs  60  are reduced in width to decrease drag on fluid passing through (see  FIG. 3 ,  5 ,  7 ,  9 ,  10   b ) the liquid outlet  26 . 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 4   a ,  FIG. 6   a ,  FIG. 8 , and  FIG. 10 , in addition, the rib  60  geometry can be changed to increase flow and reduce surface contact of the liquid with the valve system  35 . Referring to  FIG. 4   a  and  FIG. 8 , the rib  60  may be angled upward where the valve guide  34  is in a plane above the rib  60 . Referring to  FIG. 10   a , in another embodiment, the rib  60  may be angled downward or inverted where the valve guide  34  is in a plane below the rib  60 . 
         [0047]    ii. Stem 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 2   a  and  FIG. 2   b , the stem  36  forms a connection between the button  42  and the liquid outlet  26 . The stem  36  comprises a first end  54  and a second end  56  opposite to the first end  54 . The first end  54  is adjacent to the button  42  and protrudes downwardly from the button  42 . The stem  36  can have its first end  54  shown seated in the button  42  and the second end  56  on conical seating  50 . 
         [0049]    The second end  56  of the stem  36  seals the outlet  52  of the liquid outlet  26  and is the sealing for controlling the normal or repetitive opening of the discharge device  20 . The second end  56  of the stem  36  can be conical and can be arranged to seat on the edge of a correspondingly tapered outlet  52  so as to close the outlet  52  of the liquid outlet  26 . The outer edge of the external surface of the stem  36  is flush with the adjacent part of the second end  32  of the liquid outlet  26  when the discharge device  20  is closed so that there is virtually no space within which liquid can be retained by virtue of its surface tension. A sealing bead  58  can surround the stem  36  and ensure adequate contact pressure on the liquid outlet  26  at the outlet  52 . The stem  36  can extend through a valve guide  34 . Typically, the stem  36  extends the length of the liquid outlet  26 . The length of the stem  36  can be any length which fits within the liquid outlet. In one alternative embodiment, the length of the stem  36  can be about 33 mms. 
         [0050]    iii. Button 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 2   a  and  FIG. 2   b , when the button  42  is depressed, liquid is released from the liquid outlet  26 . Specifically, when the button  42  is depressed, the button  42  acts on the stem  36  movable in axis  44  so that outlet  52  is opened. The stem  36  is supported by the valve guide  34  and rib(s)  60 . At the same time outlet  52  is opened and liquid is allowed to flow from the container  22  (see  FIG. 1 ) through the liquid inlet  24  past the stem  36  and out of the liquid outlet  26 . On release of the button  42 , the outlet  52  is closed. 
         [0052]    The button  42  can have a chamfered socket portion. The stem  36  can have its first end  54  shown seated in the button  42  and the second end  56  on conical seating  50 . The second end  56  of the stem  36  seals the outlet  52  of the discharge device  20  and is the sealing for controlling the normal or repetitive opening of the discharge device  20 . 
         [0053]    The button  42  needs to be resilient but flexible so that it is capable of large deformation under manual pressure but subsequently resuming its original shape when the pressure is removed. The button  42  is suitably formed from an elastomeric polymer, for example ethylene vinyl acetate, metallocene polythene or polybutylene terephthlate. 
         [0054]    iv. Calculation of the Ratio of the Area of the Orifice Compared to the Valve System 
         [0055]    The calculation of the ratio of the area of the orifice compared to the valve system is calculated by measuring the cross-sectional area, perpendicular to the flow of the liquid, of the valve system  35  and dividing this area by the area of the orifice  28 . 
         [0056]    For example, the area of the valve system is calculated as 53.9 square millimeter and the area of the orifice is calculated as 152.2 square millimeter. Thus, 53.9 divided by 152.2 is the ratio of 35.39%. Thus, the discharge device  20  can have ratio of the area of the orifice  28  to the area of the valve system  35  obstructed at less than about 35.39% in the direction of the liquid flow. The software he used to determine the area is Sold works 2007. 
         [0057]    II. Container 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a discharge device  20  having a container  22  of sufficient size to rest on a shelf and sufficient length so that a dispensing mechanism is held conveniently for use provides the necessary solutions to the problems described above. The container  22  can rest on a shelf above the washer. The container  22  can be of sufficient size to hold a suitable amount of powder or liquid for washing purposes. 
         [0059]    Preferably, the container  22  has a flat base so that the container  22  can rest easily on a shelf mounted adjacent to the clothes washer. The container  22 , at least partially, overhangs a surface (e.g., shelf, washer, dryer). At the overhanging portion of the container  22 , there is a discharge device  20 . Because the container  22  can be taken down from the shelf, and placed on the washer or other surface to be filled, and the filling aperture in the top of the unit is large, it is easy to refill. 
         [0060]    The discharge device  20  can fit a cup  63  marked for measuring the amount of liquid, which can be removably held therein. When it is desired to do laundry, it is possible to remove the cup  63  from the discharge device  20 , place the cup beneath the discharge device  20 , press the button  42  to open the outlet  52  of the liquid outlet  26 , fill the cup  63  with the desired amount of liquid, close the outlet  52  ( FIG. 2   b ) of the liquid outlet  26  by removing any force placed on the button  42  ( FIG. 2   b ), and remove the cup  63  ( FIG. 1 ) from beneath the discharge device  20 . Then the content of the cup  63  ( FIG. 1 ) can be added to the clothes washer in order to do the laundry. The cup  63  ( FIG. 1 ) may be marked in Braille or levels for the amount of material necessary for each load or size of load of laundry. The cup  63  can also be marked to make it simpler for a person lacking laundry skills to determine how much of each laundry material is to be used. In this fashion, the laundry process may be more simply accomplished. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , as stated above, the container  22  is attached to the discharge device  20 . The container material can be any material. It is possible to make the container  22  of a clear plastic so that it can be easily determined when the liquid contained therein is running low, and when the container  22  needs to be refilled. The container  22  may be made of transparent material, translucent material, opaque material or any reasonable combination thereof. The only requirement is that the material be inert to the laundry agent contained therein. Clear bottle materials with which this invention may be used include, but are not limited to: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polyamides (PA) and/or polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), polyvinylchloride (PVC); and polystyrene (PS). 
         [0062]    The transparent container  22  according to the invention preferably has a transmittance of more than 25%, more preferably more than 30%, more preferably more than 40%, more preferably more than 50% in the visible part of the spectrum (approx. 410-800 nm). Alternatively, absorbency of the container  22  may be measured as less than 0.6 or by having transmittance greater than 25% wherein % transmittance equals: 110 absorbancy×100%. For purposes of the invention, as long as one wavelength in the visible light range has greater than 25% transmittance, it is considered to be transparent/translucent. Enzyme deactivation as a result of UV-damage may occur at very low transmission of UV-B radiation through the container wall. 
         [0063]    III. Liquid 
         [0064]    A plurality of laundry agents may be used, kept handy for use and dispensed easily. The laundry agent may be in liquid form, in powdered form, or in another suitable form. 
       C. EXAMPLES 
       [0065]    Examples of the invention are set forth hereinafter by way of illustration and are not intended to be in any way limiting of the invention. The examples are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention since many variations thereof are possible without departing from its spirit and scope. 
       Example I 
       [0066]    A discharge device comprises an orifice surface area and a valve system surface area. The orifice surface area is 152.2 square millimeter. The combination of the ribs and the valve guide comprise a valve system surface area. The valve system comprises 2 ribs and a valve guide. Because the valve system surface area is 29.7 square millimeter and the orifice surface area is 152.2 square millimeter, the ration of the valve system area and the orifice surface area is 19.5%. The stem is 33 mms in length. 
       Example II 
       [0067]    A discharge device comprises an orifice surface area and a valve system surface area. The orifice surface area is 152.2 square millimeter. The combination of the ribs and the valve guide comprise a valve system surface area. The valve system comprises 2 ribs and a valve guide. Because the valve system surface area is 32.8 square millimeter and the orifice surface area is 152.2 square millimeter, the ratio of the valve system area and the orifice surface area is 21.6%. The stem is 33 mms in length. 
       Example III 
       [0068]    A discharge device comprises an orifice surface area and a valve system surface area. The orifice surface area is 152.2 square millimeter. The combination of the ribs and the valve guide comprise a valve system surface area. The valve system comprises 2 ribs and a valve guide. Because the valve system surface area is 28.0 square millimeter and the orifice surface area is 152.2 square millimeter, the ratio of the valve system area and the orifice surface area is 18.4%. The stem is 33 mms in length. 
       Example IV 
       [0069]    A discharge device comprises an orifice surface area and a valve system surface area. The orifice surface area is 152.2 square millimeter. The combination of the ribs and the valve guide comprise a valve system surface area. The valve system comprises 4 ribs and a valve guide. Because the valve system surface area is 29.7 square millimeter and the orifice surface area is 152.2 square millimeter, the ratio of the valve system area and the orifice surface area is 35.4%. The stem is 33 mss in length. 
       Example V 
       [0070]    Referring to  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , in an alternative embodiment, a discharge device  65  comprises an orifice surface area and a valve system surface area. The orifice surface area is 152.2 square millimeter. The combination of the ribs  60  and the valve guide  34  comprise a valve system surface area. The valve system comprises 2 ribs and a valve guide  34 . Because the valve system surface area is 29.7 square millimeter and the orifice surface area is 152.2 square millimeter, the ration of the valve system area and the orifice surface area is 35.4%. 
         [0071]    All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern. 
         [0072]    While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1