US2234857A - Dispensing container - Google Patents

Description

Mmmh 'HL WM P. M. '1ra-10mm m" m.

DISPENSING CONTANER 8 Shee'ts-Sheei l Filed Aug. 1o, 19:5@

INVENTORS w. M. www mm DISPENSING CONTAINER Filed Aug. 10, MM@ 8 Shees-She't 2 M? Wm W. M. TMURM wir MIL.

DISPENSING CONTAINER Film-2d Aug. l0, H@ 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS PC M 77/0/271/ REC/KE@ /dE//Vz ATTORNEY MMWR@ ML, MMM.

DISPENSING CONTAINER Filed Aug. l0, 19%@ INVENTORS mmm? Mmmm M, W im am. M. Hummm mm..

DI SPENS ING CONTAUWER Filed Mug. l0, www B Sheets-Shaet f? ATTORNEY Patented Mar. 11, 1941 PATENT oi-Flce v DISPENSING CONTAINER Percy M. Thorn. New Rochelle. and Alexander C. Pariini, Woodside, N. Y., and Heinz Becker, Ridgewood, and Eugene Baecher, Newark, N. J.; said, Parlini, said Becker, and said Hascher, as-

signors to said Thorn Application August 1o, 193s, serial No. zzazis 2s claims. (c1. azi-so) new and improved dispensing container for plastics which will dispense the contents by a single movement with the opening' of the container, and more particularly to provide such a container having a top which is openable by rotation in which the rotation of the top for opening purposes maybe utilized to expel the contents.

It is a further object to provide a container of the characterdescribed which will permit open-A ing and closing of thedispenser without twisting the bag 'and which nevertheless will permit the same movement to twist -the bag to dispense the material after the opening movement is completed. l

It is a further object to provide a device of the character described which will insure that twistlng of the bag in the act of dispensing will start at the bottom thereof and progress upwardly completely emptyingthe bag as it goes.

It is a further object to provide .a container with a tightly closed top 'to insure against leakage of material.

It is a further object to provide a means for securely holding the bag to the top of said container.

It is a further object to provide a single and economical means for constructing the container and top.

The invention accordingly comprises an article of manufacture possessing the features, properties, and the relation of elements which will be exemplified in the article hereinafter described and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying' drawings, in which:

Figures 1 and 2 are plan views showing the shutter open and closed respectively.

Figures 3 and 4 are sections onv the lines III- III and IV-IV of Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 5 is a section on the line V--V of Figure 7.

Figure 6 is a section on the line VI-VI of Figure 8. l

Figures 7 and 8 are broken elevation views showing ratchet arrangement to open and close the shutter respectively.

Figure 9 is a cross section of the bag holders shown in Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 10 is an elevation of the bag holder shown in Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 11 is a plan view showing a modiiled form o! the device. l

'Figure 12 is an elevation partly invsection oi 5 the same. l

Figure 13 is a section on the line XIII-XIII of Figure 14. i

Figure 14 is a side elevation of the device shown in Figures 11 and 12 with parts broken away to 10 show holder.

Figures 15 and 16 are sections on the lines XV-XV and XVI-XVI of Figures 17 and 18 respectively.

Figures 17 and 18 are elevations, parts being 15 broken away, showing the ratchet arrangement when the shutter is open and closed respectively.

v Figure 19 is a plan view of a modified device.

Figure 20 is a section on the line m--XX of Figure 19.

Figure 21 is a section on the line XXI-XXI of Figure 22.

Figure 22 is a section similar to Figure 20 but after material has been dispensed.

Figure 23 is a plan view of a modified form 25 of the device.

Figure 24 is a bottom view of the same.

Figure 25 is a side elevation of the device shown in Figure 23 partly in section with the shutter in a closed position.

Figure 26 is a central section with the shutter closed.

Figure 27 is a section on the line XXVII- XXVII of Figure 28.

Figure 28 is a section on the line XXVIII- 35 XXVIII of Figure 27.

Figure 29 is a plan of the bag holder.

Figure 30 is a section on the line XXX-XXX of Figure 29.

Figure 31 is a side elevation. partly in section. 40 of a further modiiication of the bag holder.

Figure 32 is a section on the line XXXII- XXXII of Figure 31.

- Figure 33 is a view similar to Figure 32 showing a modified form of a bag holding device.

Figure 34 is a section on the line XXXIV- XXXIV of Figure 33.

Figure 35 is a view similar to Figure 33 showing a further modification.

Similar numerals refer to similarV parts throughout the several views inthe forms illustrated.

The device consists in some of its aspects primarily in a container which may be varied in volume to discharge its contents and a closure coordinated as to change the volume by the .same movement. Within the broad aspects of the invention any suitable form of closure may be coordinated and combined with different forms of containers having various systems by which the volume may be changed. For example a solid container may be provided with a piston or a flexible tube container may be squeezed or rolled. We have chosen for illustration, however, a container of the flexible tube variety in which the volume is decreased by twisting the tube.

This device as illustrated, therefore, in Figures 1 to 10 comprises primarily a container tube 46 of yflexible material closed at the lower end as shown at 4I, having at its upper end a ring or cup shaped member 42, carrying a closure member or cap 43, the ring and closure member cooperating to form a closure for the top of the container.

This container, within the broader aspects of this invention, may be made of any material resistant to the plastic contained within the tube, and soft enough to permit twisting to expel the contents-as for example aluminum foil, tlnfoll or the like, or paper or Cellophane. We have found, however, that great advantages can be obtained by using a commercial product known as "Plionlm" which has unique properties which render it especially suitable for use in this invention and which make certain phases possible. It is more elastic than paper or Cellophane and on this account can be made into a tight joint with metal more easily and it is self-welding and molding under moderate heat which assists in closing the lower end of the tube.

The device also contemplates some means for twisting the bottom or lower end 4l of the container so coordinated with the movement of the cap 42 that when the cap is moved to open the closure the lower end 4l is twisted to expel the tube contents. For this purpose there is provided a casing 44 rotatable relative to the ring 42. This casing may have a closed bottom 45. This `vcasing preferably has a bead 46 near its open end and the ring 42 has a cylindrical flange 41 fitting over the end of the casing and rotatable lthereon. A bearing is provided Ito take the end thrust of the ring on the casing which may be accomplished either by having the edge of :the flange 41 lit against bead 46 or by providing a shoulder 48 on .the ring which may .bear against the end of the can. As illustrated both such bearings are provided.

The upper end of the container 46 is fitted y Within the reduced portion 49 of the ring 42 and is held within that reduced portion by a clamping ring 56 which, as shown, can be fitted within the reduced portion in the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 3, and then dished in the opposite direction thus expanding its diameter and forcing the upper end of the container firmly against the wall of the ring.

Any convenient type of,closure may be used but we prefer one which is opened and closed by partial rotation of fthe closure member since with such a closure the twisting of the tube may be directly geared to the closure member. We have therefore chosen the following construction for illustration.

The closure member 43 is in the form-of a cap having cylindrical side walls adapted .to extend downwardly over the ring 42 and be crimped over the bead 46 to hold the ring and cap rotatably in place. The ring and cap have opennattached to said container to close the same, so

ings 52 and 53 which in one position are in registry to open the container and are adapted to be closed either by being brought out of registry as in one familiar form of closure having the openings eccentric or by a shutter as here illustrated. In this embodiment the ring 42 has upon its flat face 54 an upwardly pressed pin 55 and the cap 43 has a. flat face 56, a downwardly pressed pin 51. A shutter 58 has a slotted opening 59 in one end to receive pin 55 and an opening 60 in the other end to receive the pin 51. 'I'he shutter also has an opening 6| in position to be brought into or out of registry with openings 52 and 53 in the familiar manner. The face 54 is Iprovided with a recess to receive a circular washer 62 and the face 56 may be depressed at the center if desi-red, as shown.

The lower closed end 4I of the container is connected .'to Ithe casing 44 in a manner to permit the casing to rotate the end 4| but to allow the end to yield as the container is shortened by the twisting. Forthis purpose there is provided as shown in Figures 1 to 4 within the casing 44 a follower 63 having a. central opening through which the end 4l may be carried and a second eccentric opening 65 through which it may be carried back and clamped. The follower as illus- Ptrated has a plurality of depending arms 66 adapted to bear against the inside walls of the casing.

If the length of the container be not .too great, the lower end may be attached directly to the bottom of the casing, due to the elasticity of fthe Pliofi-lm.

Where the casing is made of sheet metal it will be provided with a seam 61 (see Figure 9) against which an arm 66 may engage to prevent rotation of rthe follower, but to permit the latter to slide upwardly in the casing.

With .this construction it will be clear that as the ring 42 is completely sealed within the cap 43 means must be provided to rotate it. This may be accomplished by the limit of relative movement which the shutter .type closure affords or by a limiting stop if another type closure is used. f

For many purposes it is desirable that the twisting of the tube shall not start until `the closure is completely open and that no reverse movement shall be permitted. A practical means for achieving this is as follows.

The upper end of the casing 44is depressed -as shown at 68 to form a ratchet and mounted on .the inner face of the cylindrical flange 41 are provided two sets of pawls 69 and 16 preferably extending in opposite directions. These pawls may be cut from the metal of the flange if desired. One of th'ese sets of pawls 69 is spring pressed inwardly to engage the ratchet 68 to prevent relative rotation which would untwist the tube. The other set of pawls 16 is spring pressed away from the ratchet and pressed inwardly by a cam 1| on the inside of the Wall 5|. This cam 1I is so constructed as to hold Ithe pawl 16 against the ratchet at all times except when the closure is open. As shown it comprises a circumferential indentation in alignment with pawls broken at 12 to permit the pawl .to spring outwardly as shown in Figure 5 to free the ratchet.

The form of the invention disclosed in Figures 11 to 14 is generally similar .to that formerly described. In Figure 11 is shown a different ltype of opening and in Figures 12, 13 and 14 is shown a different type of follower comprising generally a C shaped member generally arrangedto conill rtact the inner face of the casing on three lines of contact, one of which comprises one of the ends 16 in position 'to contact the edge of the seam l1 of .the casing.

The lower end 18 of the container 19 may be doubled back upon itself and carried by a clamping sleeve 80 forced into an opening 8| in a bridge member 82 carried by the C shaped member.

In the form of the invention shown in Figures 15 to 18 inclusive the iiange 41a of the ring 42a is carried down and crimped over the bead 6a so as to be vindependently held on the casing and the side wall Sla of cap 43a is crimped over the flange 41a. In this manner an appreciable friction may be created between the ring 42a and the casing and the friction between the two pairs of members may, if desired, be independently adjusted so that the parts may be made to operate on a difference in friction between the parts without the need of employing the ratchet and pawls previously described.

For purposes of illustration, however, we have chosen to show the ratchet and pawls also.

In Figure 12 the container is shown as completely collapsed.

The form of the invention shown in Figures lil to 22 shows a different method of attaching the container to the ring--the ring is provided with an upstanding V shaped crevice or groove dit into which the open end of the container is carried. Thereafter this groove is rolled over as shown in Figures 20 and 22 to crimp the end of the container. This groove will be situated above the shoulder 84 which rests on the top of the casing and below or not above the face 85 corresponding to the face 54 of Figures 1 to 10.

In this illustration, moreover, the follower com prises ,a bridge 86 extending through slots 81 in the side Wall of the casing and bent over against the side walls as shown at B8. This bridge carries a flat portion having strips with inclined ends which are clamped around the closed end of the container. If desired the outer face of the casing may be covered with a paper label which can be cut by the bridge 86 as it rides upwardly.

Figures 23 to 30 show a modified form of the device in which the casing 9U is non-circular in form, affording a compartment 9| at one side in which a tooth brush 92 or other implement may be' carried. The top is, however, circular where a rotating cap is employed.

The follower comprises an irregular C shaped member 93 engaging the sides of the casing and made non-rotatable by reason of the non-circular form of the casing. This C member carries a bridge 94 similar to the bridge of Figure 14.

In this embodiment the ring 95 has a flange Sii crimped around a bead v91 and within this iiange is a downwardly extending wall 98 against which the upper end of the container is held by a ring 99.

The cap ts on and has its bearings on the outside of the flange 96 affording the possibility of independently adjusting the friction between the pairs of elements as has been previously described. In this view no ratchet mechanism is employed, the friction between the ring and casing being greater than that between the cap and ring so that a rotation of the cap will not twist the container until the cap and ring positively engage each other.

The form of the invention disclosed in Figures 31 to 35 is designed primarily to permit the use of a paper casing. In this form the follower IUI is provided with legs |02 having trailing sharp teeth that readily slide upwardly over the surface of the paper but dig into the paper to resist any side slipping. In Figure 32 the central opening |03 is adapted to have the lower end of the container thrust through it and then grip the same. To this end the central portion is provided with inwardly extending spring arms |04.

In the construction of Figure 33 the follower is provided with a bayonet slot |95 into one end |96 of which the container end |01 may be easily inserted and then forced into and clamped within a narrower portion |08.

In Figure 35 the follower is provided with two spring tongues |09 having cut out between them an elongated hole l0 into which the doubled end of the container may be thrust and clamped.

Since certain changes may be made in the above construction anad different embodiments of the invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements oi the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Having described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

l. A dispensing device comprising a container adapted to change its volume to discharge its contents, means to change said volume, a closure member rotatably mounted on said container to open and close the same, and connections between said closure member and said volume changing means to decrease the volume of said container by rotation of said closure member in a direction to open said container.

2. A device according to claim 1, having means to prevent operation of said volume changing means until the opening movement is complete.

3. A device according to claim 1, having means yto prevent reverse movement of the volume changing' means during closing of the closure Amember and means to prevent forward motion of the volume changing means until the opening movement is complete.

4. A dispensing device comprising a flexible container, a closure member rotatably mounted on said container to open and close the same, means connected to the container to twist the container, to expel the contents, and means for connecting the closure member to said twisting means, to twist the container by rotary movement of the closure member to open the tube.

5. A device in accordance with claim 4, in which the container 'is substantially cylindrical, and has its lower end crimped together at the bottom and its upper end is held rigidly in a relatively larger diameter whereby on twisting said twisting means, the twisting of said tube commences at the bottom.

6. A device according to claim 4, having means to prevent twisting of the container until the opening movement is complete. 4

7. A dispensing device comprisingr a casing, having a rotatable top, a exible container attached to and closed by said top, a twisting means attached to the lower end of said container and non-rotatably connected tov said casing, a

closure mounted on said top to open and close said container and means connecting said closure to said twisting means whereby the movement of said closure Ito open said container will operate said twisting means to twist the container.

8. A device according to claim'7, having means to prevent operation of said twisting. means by said closure until opening of the closure is complete.

9. A device according to claim 7, having m'ans to prevent twisting of said container in either direction during the opening or closing movement of said closure.

10. A dispensing device comprising a casing, a ring rotatably mounted on said casing, a exible container having one end non-rotatably connected to said casing and one end attached to said ring, a closure member rotatably mounted with respect to said ring and adapted by said rotation to open and close said container, including connection between said closure member and said ring whereby a rotation of said closure member will operate said ring to twist said container.

11. A device according to claim 10, having means to prevent rotation of said ringv by said closure member during opening or closing of said closure.

12. A device according to claim 10. having means to prevent rotation of said ring by said closure member during opening or closing oi said closure, and means to release said preventing means to permit rotation of said ring by said closure member when the opening movement is complete.

13. A dispensing device comprising a casing, having a circumferential bead at one end, a cup rotatably fitting over said end beyond said bead, a cap member tting over said cup and crimped over said bead to fasten said cap member and said cup in place, said cup and cap member comprising elements of a closure, a flexible container within said casing having one end connected to said cup, and having its other end non-rotatably connected to said casing.

14. A device according to claim 13, having a pawl and ratchet connection between said cup shaped member and said casing to prevent rotation of said cup, when said member is rotated to close the closure. n

15. A device according to claim 13, having a pawl and ratchet connection between said casing and said cup and connections between said pawl and cap member to hold said pawl in engagement with said ratchet to prevent rotation of said cup with said cap while the cap is rotated to open said closure and to free it from said engagement when the opening is complete.

16. A device according Ito claim 13, having a double faced ratchet on said casing, a pawl upon said cup to prevent reverse rotation of said cap, and another pawl mounted upon said cup in a direction to prevent forward motion of said cup, and a connection between said cap and said second pawl to cause said second pawl to engage said ratchet during the opening of the closure.

17. A device according to claim 13, having a double faced ratchet upon said casing, two pawls upon said cup in position to engage said ratchet, one of said pawls being spring pressed against said ratchet. and the other of said pawls being spring pressed away from said ratchet, therebeing a cam upon said cap in position to engage said second pawl, to force it against said ratchet when the cap is in closure closing position.

18. A dispensing device comprising a casing, a cup rotatably mounted on said casing, a closure member mounted upon said cup and cooperating therewith to form a closure, there being means to limit relative movement between said cup and closure member to that required for opening and closing the closure, a flexible container having' an open end carried by and closed by said cup and having its other end closed, and non-rotatably connected to said casing.

19. A device in accordance with claim 18. having the closed end of said container crimped together of a diameter less than the open end whereby the twisting of said container com-,

mences at the bottom, except when the closure is fully open.

20. A device according to claim 18 havingv means for preventing relative mlovement between the cup and casing during said limited movement of the closure member.

21. A device according to claim 18 having means for preventing relative movement between the cup and casing during said limited movement of the closure member including a ratchet upon said casing, a pawl upon said cup and means upon the cap for forcing said pawl into engagement with said ratchet.

22. A dispensing device comprising a casing, a head rotatable upon said casing, a flexible container within said casing having an upper end attached to said head, a follower slidable within said casing and having means for preventing rotation relative to said casing and means attaching the other end of said container to said follower.

23. A device according to claim 22 in which the container is attached to said head on a materially larger diameter than its attachment to said follower.

24. A device according to claim 18 having means for preventing alternative movement between the cup and casing during said limited movement of the closure member in which the casing is formed with a longitudinal seam and the follower is provided with arms adapted to engage said rib to permit sliding movement of said follower but to prevent rotational movement thereof.

25. A device according to claim 18 having means for preventing alternative movement between the cup and casing during said limited movement of the closure member in which the casing is made of a soft material such as paper and the follower is provided with downwardly extending points which can slide upwardly but cannot rotate.

26. A dispensing device comprising a casing, a container carried by said casing and adapted to change its volume to discharge its contents, a movable element upon said casing for decreasing said volume anda ratchetelement connecting said movable element with said casing to prevent reverse movement thereof, said container comprising a flexible tubular member within said casing anda movable element comprising a ring rotatable upon said casing to which the top of said container is attached and said ratchet being arranged to prevent reverse turning of said ring.

27. A dispensing device comprising a casing, a container carried by said casing and adapted to change its volume to discharge its contents, a

movable element upon said casing for decreasing said volume and a ratchet element connecting said movable element with said casing to prevent reverse movement thereof, said casing having a rigid ring surrounding its upper end and rotatable thereon and saidscontainer comprising a bag of Pliofllm having its upper end attached to said ring and having its lower end attached to said casing and means connecting said ring with said casing.

28. A dispensing device comprising a casing of soft material such as paper, a ring rotatable upon the upper end of said casing, a "Pliolm" bag having its upper end attached to said ring, a follower slidable Within said' casing, to the lower end of which said bag isv attached, said follower being provided with 4downwardly extending points which can slide upwardly within said casing but cannot rotate therein.

PERCY M. THORN. ALEXANDER C. PARLINI. HEINZ RECKER. EUGENE HASCHER.

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