Abstract:
A dispensing container for two flowable products includes a first container arranged for receipt of a first flowable product and having a first dispensing outlet, a second container positioned within the first container and arranged for receipt of a second flowable product, the second container including a second dispensing outlet. A closure assembly including a closure fitrnent, a closing plug, and a threaded cap is constructed and arranged to be assembled to the first and second containers. The closure fitment snaps into the first dispensing outlet and includes a first fitment outlet for one product and a second fitment outlet for the other product. The threaded cap engages the closure fitment and, as the threaded cap moves axially, the closing plug moves axially therewith. The closing plug includes plug members to insert into the fitment outlets to close off those fitment outlets.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates in general to dispensing containers that include a container body, a closure connected into an outlet of the container body, and a closing cap assembled to the closure. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dispensing container that is constructed and arranged to separately contain two flowable products and to separately dispensing those two flowable products, although concurrently, so that the two flowable products are allowed to mix only after being dispensed (i.e., co-dispensing). Structural features and relationships disclosed by various embodiments of the present invention enable the two flowable products to be co-dispensed in a particular ratio. Some of the needs for this type of proportionate dispensing are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,678,103, issued Jul. 7, 1987 to Dirksing.  
         [0002]     As stated in the &#39;103 patent, many chemical systems require two or more components to be kept separate before they are mixed and used in order to achieve certain desired properties. Such systems include epoxy adhesives, detergent and bleach combinations, detergent and fabric softener combinations, beverages, and foodstuffs, to list some of the possibilities. In such systems, it is usually important for the relative proportions of the components to remain within certain limits to achieve optimal results. In the preferred embodiment, the two products are a clear coat material and a lacquer thinner. These two products need to be mixed in order to achieve the desired viscosity for use in a spray paint gun or equipment.  
         [0003]     When different amounts of such multi-component systems are needed, it has been generally necessary to first weigh-measure or volume-measure the components separately and then mix them by hand. In addition to being time consuming and messy, such systems are impractical because weighing or measuring devices are typically not available at the place where such multi-component systems are to be applied. Few households, for example, have measuring devices that permit proper proportioning of components in small quantities, and estimating proportions by eye is not only difficult, but risks failure in achieving the proper proportions and the corresponding optimal characteristics of the chemical system.  
         [0004]     Related benefits of the disclosed embodiment of the present invention include the ability to provide everything in a single package and the elimination of any particular skill level to be able to measure out the two products in the right ratio. From a marketing perspective, the two-product combination in a single package ensures that both products will be purchased from the same manufacturer. When one of the two products is a common composition and not proprietary, it could be obtained from other sources, but for this two-product, pre-packaged combination.  
         [0005]     There have been many attempts to provide plural-chambered dispensing devices that co-dispense two or more flowable products. However, in trying to maintain a constant pouring or dispensing ratio between the poured products, most of these devices require complex and expensive features which make the devices difficult and impractical to manufacture. In addition, the particular structures of these devices usually do not provide the degree of metering accuracy necessary for certain co-dispensing applications.  
         [0006]     The &#39;103 patent elected to address this design challenge by first placing an inner container within an outer container for the two flowable products and then placing a third, empty container inside of the inner container. The intent was to try and use the empty container to affect the pouring characteristics of the inner container in the same way that the inner container would presumably affect the pouring characteristics of the outer container.  
         [0007]     In addition to the obvious inefficiencies of fabricating and installing a third, empty container, its size causes an increase in the overall size of the inner container and/or a reduction of the volume of product contained therein. As the inner container increases in size, so as to handle the desired volume of product, the outer container must correspondingly increase in size.  
         [0008]     The present invention approaches this challenge of precisely and reliably co-dispensing dispensing two flowable products by focusing on the design of the container closure and on the design of any cooperating venting structures. This approach is considered to be more controllable with more accurate co-dispensing. This approach also permits greater design versatility in that different closure characteristics can be used to influence the proportions of the two flowable products without needing to change the size or shape of the inner and outer containers, but a change to the containers can be made, if desired. In one embodiment of the present invention, merely changing the fitment and the corresponding closing plugs allows the dispensing ratio to be changed in that the product dispensing ratio is dependent on the cross sectional flow area of the two flowable product dispensing outlets.  
         [0009]     As will be described herein and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the present invention, as disclosed and claimed, provides a novel and unobvious advance in the state of the art for dispensing containers.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     A dispensing container for two flowable products, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a first container constructed and arranged for receipt of a first flowable product, a second container constructed and arranged for receipt of a second flowable product, a closure fitment assembled to the first container, and a closure subassembly threadedly engageable with the closure fitment. The first container includes a first dispensing outlet and defines a hollow interior. The second container includes a second dispensing outlet and is positioned within the hollow interior of the first container. The closure fitment defines a first fitment outlet for dispensing the first flowable product and a second fitment outlet for dispensing the second flowable product. The closure assembly includes a closing plug and a threaded cap wherein the threaded cap is threadedly attached to the fitment and wherein the closing plug includes a first plug member for closing off the first fitment outlet and a second plug member for closing off the second fitment outlet. The respective cross sectional flow areas of the first and second fitment outlets determine the dispensing ratio of the first and second flowable products.  
         [0011]     One object of the present invention is to provide an improved dispensing container for two flowable products.  
         [0012]     Related objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]      FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a dispensing container for two flowable products, according to a typical embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is an end elevational view of the  FIG. 1  dispensing container.  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the  FIG. 1  dispensing container.  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a partial, end elevational view, in full section, of the  FIG. 1  dispensing container.  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of a fitment comprising one component of the  FIG. 1  dispensing container.  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 5  fitment.  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the  FIG. 5  fitment.  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  is a front elevational view, in full section, of the  FIG. 5  fitment.  
         [0021]      FIG. 9  is a front elevational view of a closing plug comprising one component of the  FIG. 1  dispensing container.  
         [0022]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 9  closing plug.  
         [0023]      FIG. 11  is a bottom plan view of the  FIG. 9  closing plug.  
         [0024]      FIG. 12  is a front elevational view, in full section, of the  FIG. 9  closing plug.  
         [0025]      FIG. 13  is a front elevational view of a threaded cap comprising one component of the  FIG. 1  dispensing container.  
         [0026]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 13  threaded cap.  
         [0027]      FIG. 15  is a front elevational view, in full section, of the  FIG. 13  threaded cap.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0028]     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.  
         [0029]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , there is illustrated a dispensing container  20  for two flowable products A and B. Included as part of dispensing container  20  is an outer container  21  for product A and an inner container  22  for product B. While the size, shape, and material of containers  21  and  22  may vary, consistent with the teachings of the present invention, a metal can-type container with six generally rectangular sides or panels is preferred for outer container  21 . To be more precise, container  21  includes four sidewalls, a closed base panel, and an upper panel  21   a  that defines an outlet  23  with an outlet opening  23   a . A plastic bag or plastic pouch-type container having a collapsible body is preferred for inner container  22 . The ability of a plastic bag to collapse onto itself as the product is dispensed, means that the dispensing flow is smooth and continuous without glugging and without the need for a vent tube or vent path. By designing the inner container  22  in this manner, it is possible to collapse the body of this plastic bag or pouch and thereby be able to insert container  22  into outer container  21  after container  21  is fabricated. If a rigid or a semi-rigid container would be selected for inner container  22 , then assembly into container  21  would require a larger opening. The most likely approach would be to install container  22  prior to seaming upper panel  21   a  onto the four sidewalls. With a rigid or semi-rigid inner container  22 , venting needs to be considered if “glugging” is unacceptable.  
         [0030]     Container  22  defines an outlet  24  with an outlet opening  24   a . The positioning of container  22  within container  21  is such that opening  24   a  is aligned with opening  23   a  (see  FIG. 4 ). The container assembly identified herein as dispensing container  20 , includes outer container  21 , inner container  22 , a snap-on handle  26 , and is completed by a closure assembly  25  that includes a snap-in closure fitment  30 , a closing plug  31 , and an outer threaded cap  32 . Snap-on plastic handle  26  is an optional, though preferred, accessory. Due to the fact that closing plug  31  and outer threaded cap  32  are preferably snapped together prior to threaded engagement onto fitment  30 , the assembly of these two parts (closing plug  31  and outer threaded cap  32 ) is described herein as being a closure subassembly that is threadedly engageable with the closure fitment.  
         [0031]     In terms of the assembly of inner container  22  into outer container  21 , when container  22  is a flexible plastic bag or pouch, the first step is to present container  22  in an empty, collapsed condition so that its overall physical size is collapsed or compressed to a minimum. As will be described in greater detail herein, the outlet of container  22  is securely connected to a conduit that is unitarily molded as part of fitment  30 . As this fitment is snapped onto (into) outlet  23  of container  21 , the inner container  22  is positioned within the hollow interior  21   b  of outer container  21 . Then, as the inner container is filled with product, the flexibility of the plastic material used for container  22  allows it to open and expand or enlarge to the extent necessary based upon the amount or volume of product B being filled into container  22 .  
         [0032]     The details of closure assembly  25  are illustrated in  FIGS. 4-15 . From these drawing illustrations, it will be seen that closure  25 , as noted above, includes three cooperating parts that work with each other to manage and control the dispensing of products A and B from containers  22  and  21 , respectively. In terms of the three component parts that cooperate with one another in order to create closure  25 , the configuration and structural details of fitment  30  are further illustrated in  FIGS. 5-8 . The configuration and structural details of closing plug  31  are further illustrated in  FIGS. 9-12 . The configuration and structural details of outer threaded cap  32  are further illustrated in  FIGS. 13-15 .  
         [0033]     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-8 , fitment  30  is a unitary, injection molded plastic part that is preferably fabricated out of polypropylene. Fitment  30  includes an annular wall  33  extending away from radial flange  34 . An annular raised rib  35  adjacent lower edge  36  provides part of the snap-in retention for fitment  30  into outlet  23  of outer container  21 . Annular wall  33  is constructed and arranged to insert into outlet opening  23   a  while rib  35  cooperates with the lower edge  37  of outlet  23  to provide the snap-in assembly and retention of fitment  30  into the opening  23   a  of outlet  23 . Lower edge  36  is tapered in order to facilitate the insertion of fitment  30  into container  21 . Although described as a “snap-in” assembly due to the fact that rib  35  has to be forced past edge  37 , the actual fit between outlet  23  and annular wall  33  is an interference press-fit to ensure a secure and tight (and leak-free) assembly of fitment  30  into container  21 . When the connection between fitment  30  and container  21  (i.e., outlet  23 ) is intended to be permanent, an adhesive bonding material can be used. If container  21  is fabricated out of plastic, then a spin weld technique is preferably used to securely join these two parts with a leak-free or leak-proof interface. Fitment  30  is the only component of closure  25  that directly interfaces with either container. This allows the fitment  30  to be assembled into container  21  and for the closing plug  31  and threaded cap  32  to be pre-assembled and then, as a two-component subassembly, threaded onto the installed fitment  30 .  
         [0034]     Whether fitment  30  is assembled to container  21  with only the snap-fit technique or with the use of adhesive or with a permanent, spin-weld technique, fitment  30  remains assembled into container  21  by way of outlet  23 , even if there is an attempt to pry off closure  25 . This ability to remain assembled is due in part to the larger diameter across raised rib  35  as compared to the inside diameter of lower edge  37  of outlet  23 . This structural feature has a greater importance when a spin-weld is not used. The generally cylindrical shape of wall  33  and the generally cylindrical shape of outlet  23  ensures that the leak-free interference fit will be maintained so long as fitment  30  remains inserted into outlet  23 . When the fitment  30  is fully inserted into outlet  23 , the underside surface  34   a  of radial flange  34  tightly presses against the upper surface  41  of outlet wall  42 , thereby providing a backup or secondary sealing location.  
         [0035]     Sidewall  43  of fitment  30  is externally threaded for threaded engagement with outer threaded cap  32 . Circular upper panel  44  defines a smaller, cylindrical outlet  45  and a larger, cylindrical outlet  46 . Also unitarily molded as part of upper panel  44  is a dividing bar  47  that extends between outlets  45  and  46  from one side of upper panel  44  to the opposite side, though not through the geometric center. Dividing bar  47  helps to keep products A and B separate from each other as they are co-dispensed so that any mixing only occurs as products A and B reach the mixing receptacle.  
         [0036]     Unitarily molded as part of upper panel  44  and extending outwardly (axially downwardly) from the underside surface of panel  44  is a connecting conduit  48 . Conduit  48  is generally cylindrical and has a diameter size corresponding to outlet  45 . Conduit  48  is also generally coaxial or concentric with outlet  45 . Accordingly, outlet  45  and conduit  48  appear as if they form a single, generally cylindrical sleeve that extends through upper panel  44 . Due to the unitary molding of fitment  30 , there are three integral sections, upper panel  44 , outlet panel  45 , and conduit  48 . If not unitarily molded, then a single conduit sleeve could be inserted through the upper panel and then sealed in place and thereby create the appearance of what is now illustrated in  FIGS. 4-8 . The referenced sealing in place can be by an adhesive or by a spin-weld technique.  
         [0037]     The lower end  52  of conduit  48  includes a flange  53  that securely attaches to outlet  24  of container  22  with a connection that results in a leak-free fit and sealed interface. In the preferred embodiment, container  22  is a plastic bag that is attached to flange  53 . The bag is deflated and empty at the time of assembly to flange  53 . In this condition, the container  22  can be easily inserted into container  21  by way of outlet  23  and opening  23   a . As this insertion is occurring, the container  22  is empty. After assembly of fitment  30  into container  21 , the plastic bag (container  22 ) is filled with product B. Then, product A is filled into the space remaining in container  21 , space that is not occupied by the filled container  22 . The connection of container  22  to conduit  48  preferably includes a cable tie or other flexible fastener that tightens around container  22  against conduit  48  as a back up. The enlarged size of flange  53  prevents pull off of container  22  from conduit  48 . The weight of product in container  22  is supported by the base panel or, when container  21  is tilted, by a sidewall. For this to occur, container  22  needs to be large enough to extend to those support surfaces.  
         [0038]     As will be seen from the  FIG. 4  illustration, closing plug  31  includes two plug members  54  and  55  that are constructed and arranged to press into outlets  45  and  46  so as to tightly seal closed those two outlets. When the outlets  45  and  46  are open, products A and B are able to be dispensed. The closing plug  31  is free to rotate within threaded cap  32  and thus the threaded cap  32  drives the two plug members axially into the corresponding outlets in the fitment  30  to effect a seal and similarly the threaded cap  32  pulls the plug members out of the corresponding outlets to open those outlets for product A and product B dispensing.  
         [0039]     In the illustrated embodiment, it is intended that products A and B will be dispensed concurrently in a 3:1 ratio (three parts A to one part B). This ratio is determined based upon the desired mixing ratio and it is achieved by controlling the area of the opening of outlet  45  compared to the area of the opening of outlet  46 . The lateral or cross sectional flow area of outlet  46  is three times the lateral or cross sectional flow area of outlet  45 . Noting that in the area equation, the radius is squared, a 3:1 ratio requires that the diameter of the larger outlet  46  be equal to the square root of 3 times the diameter of the smaller flow outlet  45 , (i.e., 1.732). It thus follows that any desired mixing ratio of multiple products can be achieved by providing a dispensing outlet for each product with the proper cross sectional flow area in terms of the relative sizes.  
         [0040]     Although a mixing ratio for products A and B has been selected as 3:1 in the preferred embodiment that is illustrated, the present invention contemplates other mixing ratios, such as a 2:1 ratio of product A to product B, a 4:1 ratio of product A to product B, and a 5:1 ratio of product A to product B. Obviously fractional ratios in between are also contemplated, noting that whatever the desired ratio might be, the respective areas have a relationship or multiples of one another equal to the square root of that particular ratio.  
         [0041]     In the preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , container  22  receives approximately 1 quart of product B that is filled into container  22  by way of smaller outlet  45 . Container  21  is filled next with approximately 3 quarts of product A, by way of the larger outlet  46 . Designing the larger outlet  46  with three times the dispensing area of smaller outlet  45 , means that as products A and B are pouring from dispensing container  20  by the user, the user receives 3 parts of product A for every 1 part of product B. As these two products flow from the dispensing container  20 , they mix with one another in this desired ratio. Due to the structural isolation of containers  21  and  22 , and due to the structural isolation of outlets  45  and  46 , there is no mixing nor any opportunity for any mixing of either product A into product B or product B into product A prior to the time of co-dispensing.  
         [0042]     Referring now to  FIG. 4  and  FIGS. 9-12 , the details of unitary closing plug  31  are illustrated. Closing plug  31  is an injection molded component fabricated out of polyethylene plastic. Considering first the axial stack of layers, as depicted in the front elevational view of  FIG. 9 , closing plug  31  includes a generally cylindrical top button  58 , an annular radial flange  59 , oblong connecting posts  60  and  61 , and hollow, cylindrical plug members  54  (smaller) and  55  (larger). Oblong connecting posts  60  and  61  are set at an angle to each other that is slightly greater than 90 degrees. Their shapes and orientations explain the differences seen in the drawings in terms of widths and lengths. As a brief overview, threaded cap  32  (see  FIG. 4  and  FIGS. 13-15 ) receives and captures the top button  58  and the radial flange  59 , respectively. Cap  32  includes a circular opening  62  that receives top button  58  with a snap-on clearance fit. Radial lip  63  of top button  58  has a diameter size that is slightly greater than the inside diameter of opening  62 , thereby forcing some slight deformation of these component part portions as the lip  63  is forced through opening  62 . Once inserted through opening  62 , the larger size of lip  63  prevents push-in of the closing plug  31 .  
         [0043]     Threaded cap  32  (see  FIG. 15 ) includes an inner, depending annular wall  64  having a radially inward tapering annular edge or lip  65  at its free end. Wall  64  is concentric with circular opening  62  about axial centerline  66 . The inwardly directed lip  65  is constructed and arranged to snap onto and beneath radial flange  59 . In this way, the threaded cap  32  receives, captures, and holds the closing plug  31 . Threaded cap  32  is a unitary, injection molded plastic component part that is preferably fabricated out of polypropylene.  
         [0044]     The annular clearance fit or spacing between opening  62  and top button  58  and between wall  64  and flange  59  enables relative rotation between the threaded cap  32  and closing plug  31 . In other words, as the threaded cap  32  rotates (threading on and off of fitment  30 ), the closing plug  31  does not rotate due to these described clearances. However, the (threaded) axial movement of threaded cap  32  causes axial movement of closing plug  31 , assuming sufficient axial travel of the threaded cap  32 .  
         [0045]     When it is desired to apply threaded cap  32  onto fitment  30 , it is assumed that the closing plug  31  is already preassembled to the threaded cap  32  as a two-component subassembly. With this construction, the two plug members  54  and  55  are first aligned with outlets  45  and  46  and these two plug members are partially inserted into their corresponding outlets. The outwardly flared upper edges of outlets  45  and  46  facilitate this initial alignment and partial insertion. Threaded advancement of the threaded cap  32  causes the upper panel  70  to push downwardly on closing plug  31 , thereby advancing closing plug  31  deeper into fitment  30 . As the closing plug  31  moves axially into fitment  30 , plug members  54  and  55  push deeper and tighter into outlets  45  and  46 . With a slight inward draft angle, either on the outlets or on the plug members, the deeper the plug members move into the outlets, the tighter their fit. The components are constructed and arranged such that when the threaded cap is fully seated onto fitment  30 , in other words full threaded engagement, the plug members  54  and  55  establish completely sealed (leak-proof) annular interfaces with each outlet  45  and  46 , respectively. Dividing bar  47  can be used as an abutment stop acting against the underside surface of flange  59  in order to fix and control the depth of insertion of plug members  54  and  55  into outlet  45  and  46 , respectively.  
         [0046]     With continued reference to  FIGS. 13-15 , unitary threaded cap  32  includes an annular (generally cylindrical) sidewall  71  configured with a series of axial ribs  72  and an internally-threaded inner surface  73  adjacent free edge  74 . The threads are constructed and arranged to mate with the external threads on fitment  30 . The ribs  72  facilitate having a better grip for manual tightening and removal of threaded cap  32 . As described, the threaded cap  32  and closing plug  31  are compatibly constructed and arranged to snap together into a subassembly and can remain connected together in this manner throughout the life of the closure  25 .  
         [0047]     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.