AU2007231817B2

AU2007231817B2 - Liquid Dispensing Container

Info

Publication number: AU2007231817B2
Application number: AU2007231817A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Glenn Robert Beale; Peter Brooks
Original assignee: ZAMPLAS AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd
Current assignee: ZAMPLAS AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2004-01-19
Filing date: 2007-11-01
Publication date: 2012-06-07
Anticipated expiration: 2024-01-19
Also published as: AU2004200197B2; AU2005101055B4; AU2005101055A4; AU2006100921A5; AU2004200197A1; AU2006100921B4; AU2007231817A1

Abstract

-22 A container for the storage, transport and dispensing of low viscosity liquids; said container provided with a projecting ridge feature and an indented groove feature; 5 said ridge feature and said groove feature extending substantially the length of top and bottom surfaces of said container respectively; said ridge feature and said groove feature adapted to the interlocked stacking of said containers; said container further provided with an 10 outwardly projecting liquid dispensing means projecting from a recessed portion at one end of said container; depth of said recessed portion being such that said liquid dispensing means does not project beyond a plane defined by that portion of said one end extending 15 upwardly from said recessed portion; and wherein said liquid dispensing means includes a pivoting hinged lid wherein cylindrical hinge bosses retain said lid within said liquid dispensing means against hydrostatic pressure; said cylindrical hinge bosses projecting at 20 diametrically opposed positions from a rim of a disc portion of said lid; said cylindrical hinge bosses retained in hinge apertures piercing a cylindrical outer shell of said liquid dispensing means.

Description

P/00/009 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention Title: LIQUID DISPENSING CONTAINER The invention is described in the following statement together with the best method of performing it known to us: Our Ref: 032138 -2 LIQUID DISPENSING INTERLOCKING CONTAINER The present invention relates to containers provided with dispensing means and, more particularly to containers for low viscosity liquids adapted to interlocked stacking. .5 BACKGROTND Containers for liquids come in a multitude of configurations and 'sizes and for a multitude of purposes. The growth in the use -of "natural" and "spring" waters has 10 for example seen the development of a range of containers ranging from small bottles for personal use to large containers intended for use with dispensing equipment. The transport of the larger sizes of containers, their manipulation for use and the means of accessing their 15 contents are all associated with problems. Large round necked containers generally require transport in specially equipped vehicles for example and are inefficient in their use of space. The need for special dispensing equipment is a disincentive to their use, adding costs'and complication. 20 In addition, low viscosity liquids such as water do not readily lend themselves to simple dispensing attachments. It is an object of the present invention to address or ameliorate at least some of the abovementioned disadvantages. 25 -3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is provided a container for the storage, transport and dispensing of low viscosity liquids; said container 5 provided with a projecting ridge feature and an indented groove feature; said ridge feature and said groove feature extending substantially the length of top and bottom surfaces of said container respectively; said ridge feature and said groove feature adapted to the 10 interlocked stacking of said containers; said container further provided with an outwardly projecting liquid dispensing means projecting from a recessed portion at one end of said container; depth of said recessed portion being such that said liquid dispensing means does not 15 project beyond a plane defined by that portion of said one end extending upwardly from said recessed portion; and wherein said liquid dispensing means includes a pivoting hinged lid wherein cylindrical hinge bosses retain said lid within said liquid dispensing means 20 against hydrostatic pressure; said cylindrical hinge bosses projecting at diametrically opposed positions from a rim of a disc portion of said lid; said cylindrical hinge bosses retained in hinge apertures piercing a cylindrical outer shell of said liquid dispensing means. 25 Preferably, said projecting ridge feature extends along the center of the top surface of said container, -4 Preferably, said indented groove feature extends along center of the bottom surface of said container. Preferably, a said projecting ridge feature of a first lower container is adapted to enter as a light press fit 5 into a said indented groove feature of a second upper container such that said top surface of said lower container and said bottom surface of said upper container are abutting. Preferably, said top surface is interrupted by a 10 centrally located depressed section extending across the width of said container. Preferably, said projecting ridge feature forms a bridge across said depressed section; said bridge leaving an opening between an underside of said bridge and the 15 surface of said depressed section so as to form a handle by which said container may be lifted. Preferably, said recessed portion extends upwardly from said bottom surface for a portion of the height of said container and across the width of said container, 20 Preferably, said recessed portion is provided with an outwardly projecting spigot adapted to support and retain said outwardly projecting liquid dispenser. Preferably, said container is produced by the process of blow moulding from any suitable polymer material.

-5 Preferably, said liquid dispenser includes a cylindrical outer shell divided into a forward outlet end and a rearward inlet end by a dividing wall member. Preferably, said outwardly projecting spigot is provided 5 with at least a first annular projection; said first annular projection adapted to mate as a snap-fit with projecting lugs provided on an inner surface of said rearward inlet end of said liquid dispenser. Preferably, said outwardly projecting spigot is provided 10 with an external thread; said external thread adapted to receive an internal thread on an inner surface of said rearward inlet end of said liquid dispenser. Preferably, said external thread and said internal thread are provided with cooperating stop and retaining means at 15 respective thread runouts; said stop and retaining means adapted to determine a preferred orientation of said liquid dispenser on said spigot. Preferably, said dividing wall member is provided with a rearwardly projecting annular ring concentric with said 20 outer shell; said ring having a tapered section such that the outer diameter of said annular ring increases from a first smaller diameter to a second larger diameter at the junction of said annular ring with said dividing wall member.

-6 Preferably, said outer diameter is adapted to provide a press fit between said annular ring and the internal diameter of said spigot when said liquid dispenser is assembled to said spigot; said press fit forming a seal 5 between said spigot and said liquid dispenser. Preferably, a rear surface of said dividing wall member is pierced by a circular opening at the lowest point of said dividing wall member; said circular opening communicating with an outlet spout projecting forwardly 10 from a front surface of said dividing wall, Preferably, said hinge apertures piercing said outer shell have a common axis lying in a horizontal plane and passing through the central axis of said cylindrical outer shell. 15 Preferably, said hinge apertures are in communication with the outer rim of said cylindrical outer shell by means of tapering openings; said tapering openings narrowing from a first dimension at said outer rim to a second smaller dimension at the junction with said hinge 20 apertures. Preferably, said hinged lid includes a rim projecting rearwardly from said disc portion of said lid, -7 Preferably, said first dimension of said tapering openings is adapted to receive at least the diameter of said cylindrical hinge bosses and wherein said second dimension is significantly smaller than said diameter of 5 said cylindrical hinge bosses. Preferably, said second dimension is adapted to the retention of said cylindrical hinge bosses against a maximum hydrostatic force exerted by said low viscosity fluid contained in said container against said lid 10 member . Preferably, said dispenser lid is provided with a sealing ring structure projecting from a rear surface of said disc; said sealing ring structure adapted to enter said outlet spout as a light interference fit so as to provide 15 a sealing of said outlet spout when said cylindrical bosses are assembled to said hinge apertures and said central axis of said dispenser lid member is coaxial with said central axis of said outer shell portion. Preferably, said dispenser lid member is adapted to rock 20 about the common axes of said cylindrical hinge bosses and said hinge apertures between a first sealing position and a second open position.

Preferably, said sealing ring structure is withdrawn from said outlet spout when said dispenser lid portion is in said second open position. Preferably, said rearwardly projecting rim of said liquid 5 dispenser lid is provided with an opening in said rearwardly projecting rim adjacent to said sealing ring structure; said opening providing adapted to the escape of liquid from said outlet spout when said liquid dispensing lid is in said second open position, 10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container 15 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the embodiment of figure 1. Figure 3 is a sectioned part side elevation view of the embodiment of figure 1 showing an outlet spigot. 20 Figure 3A is an enlarged sectioned view of the outlet spigot of figure 3 with a liquid dispenser according to a preferred embodiment located on the spigot. Figure 4 is a side elevation and front elevation 25 view of the liquid dispenser of figure 3A, Figure 5 is a front view of two containers stacked one on the other. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a pallet stacked with a number of containers according to a preferred 5 embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFEPRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to figure 1 a first preferred 10 embodiment of a container 10 is of generally rectangular prismatic' form. Container 10 may be made of any suitable polymer adapted for blow moulding processes such as for example high density polyethylene. Formed into the central portion of upper surface 11 of 15 container 10 is depressed section 12 extending approximately a third of the length of container 11 and fully across its width. Raised above the upper surface 11 is ridge structure 13 running the full length of container 10 and positioned at the mid point of the width of 20 container 10. Ridge portion 13 forms a bridge across depressed section 12 leaving an opening 14 between the bridging portion and the surface 15 of depressed section 12 so as to effectively provide a handle 16 for the carrying of container 10. 25 As may best be seen in figure 2 the base 17 of container 10 is provided with a groove 18 running the full - 10 length of the base 17 and positioned at the midpoint of the width of container 10. The depth of groove 18 relative to the surface 19 of the base, that is the depth of intrusion of the groove into the body of the container, is at least 5 equal to the height of the ridge 16 above upper surface 11. The width of groove 18 is such as to form a light press fit with the width of ridge 16 when one container is stacked upon another and groove 18 is aligned with ridge 16 as can be seen in figure 5. 10 Dispenser end 20 of container 10 is provided with a recess 20 extending upwardly from the base 17 approximately halfway of the height of container 10 and across the width of container 10. The depth of recess 20, that is its intrusion into the body of the container is sufficient to 15 prevent the projection of liquid dispenser 32 (see figures 3 and 3A) mounted on spigot 21 beyond the projected surface of the upper portion 22 of the dispenser end 29 of __ container 10. In at least one preferred embodiment of the invention, 20 container 10 is- provided with a number of strengthening elements 23. Thus by way of illustrative example in figures 1- and 2 vertical grooves 24 intruding into' the body of container 10 act as vertical strengthening ribs. Similarly grooves 25 across the base 17 of container 10 provide 25 strengthening ribs for the base, and the grooves 23 across the upper surface 11 extending from each side of container - 11 10 and ending at central ridge 16, assist in strengthening upper surface portions 27 and 28. It will be seen that the only feature of container 10 to project beyond its generally rectangular prismatic form 5 is that of ridge 16. By this means horizontal and vertical arrays of containers may be arranged within a minimum volume of space. Furthermore the stability of multiple layers of side by side rows of containers will be greatly increased by the interlocking of ridges 16 and grooves 18. 10 This compactness of stacking and interlocking greatly facilitates the handling and transportation of palletized containers for example by requiring little if any restraining means during transport. Turning again to figures 1 and 2, lower portion 29 of 15 dispenser end 20. of container 10 is provided with a spigot 21. As may be seen in the sectioned view of figure 3, in a first preferred embodiment, spigot 21 is provided with a first annular projection 31 adjacent to the outer end of spigot 21. Spigot 21 and first annular projection 31 are 20 adapted to accept as a snap-fit the body 35 of liquid dispenser 32 as shown in figure 3A. In at least one preferred embodiment of the invention liquid dispenser is covered by a .security cap (not shown) which attaches as a snap-fit to second annular projection 30 to prevent 25 inadvertent opening of liquid dispenser 32. A tamper - 12 indicating sealing wrap around the end of the security cap may further be provided. Still with reference to figure 3A the inner surface 36 of outer shell portion 33 is provided with a plurality of 5 inwardly projecting lugs 34. Spigot 21 is sufficiently deformable to allow these lugs to snap over annular projection 31. In at least one alternative preferred embodiment spigot 21 is provided with an external thread adapted to 10 accept a matching internal thread on the inner surface of outer shell portion 33. To ensure that liquid dispenser 32 attains and remains in the correct orientation when screwed onto spigot 21, the thread on spigot 21 is provided with a stop and recess at the thread run-out with a mating 15 projection provided at the appropriate position on the thread run-out of liquid dispenser 32. The recess and projection are adapted to snap together so as to secure dispenser 32 in the correct position when screwed onto the spigot. 20 The body 35 of liquid dispenser 32 is divided into a forward outlet end 37 and a rearward inlet end 38 by dividing wall member 39. Projecting rearwardly from dividing wall member 39 is annular sealing ring 40. As can be seen in figure 3A, sealing ring 40 is tapered in section 25 so that its outer diameter increases towards dividing wall member 39. The taper of sealing ring 40 is so arranged that - 13 the taper forms an interference fit with the opening of spigot 21 when projecting lugs 34 snap into position behind annular projection 31, thus forming a seal between spigot 21 and dispenser body 35. 5 Dividing wall member 39 is pierced by outlet opening 41 communicating with outlet spout 42. A dispenser lid member 43 is shown in figure 3A in its closed, sealing position. Dispenser lid member 43 is in the form of a disc portion 53, provided at its periphery with a rearwardly 10 projecting rim 54. Disc portion 53 and rim 54 are adapted to fit inside outer shell portion 33 as a close sliding fit. Projecting from the inside surface 44 of lid member 43 is sealing ring structure 45 which, when lid member 43 is in its closed position, provides a press-fit insert into 15 outlet spout 42 thereby sealing the end of outlet spout 42. As may be seen in figure 4, lid member 43 is provided with hinge bosses 46 diametrically opposed on either side of the disc and projecting from rim 54. Hinge bosses 46 are held captive in apertures 48 in the rim 49 of dispenser body 35. 20 Apertures 48 are formed with. tapering openings 46 communicating with the outer edge of rim 49 and of dimension "D" at the intersection with apertlires 48, where "D" is significantly smaller than the diameter of bosses 47. The diameter of bosses 47 and the size "D" of the 25 openings 46 are adapted to allow for the bosses to be snap fitted into apertures 48 yet provide sufficient retaining - 14 force of the bosses to, withstand the considerable hydrostatic pressure at the outlet spout 42. Lid member 43 is further prevented from inadvertent. opening by catch projection 50 at the top of lid member 43 which abuts 5 against a rim recess 51. To open liquid dispenser 32 pressure is exerted by a user in the upper area of lid member 42 (in the area marked "PRESS" in the illustrative example of figure 4) . This overcomes the resistance of catch projection 50 against rim recess 51 and causes lid 10 member 43 to assume the tilted position as indicated by dashed lines in figure 4. Sealing structure 45 is thereby disengaged from outlet spout 42 allowing liquid to flow from the spout and container through an aperture 52 in the lower rim of lid member 43 as indicated by the arrows in 15 figure 4. The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A container for the storage, transport and dispensing of low viscosity liquids; said container provided with a projecting ridge feature and an 5 indented groove feature; said ridge feature and said groove feature extending substantially the length of top and bottom surfaces of said container respectively; said ridge feature and said groove feature adapted to the interlocked stacking of said 10 containers; said container further provided with an outwardly projecting liquid dispensing means projecting from a recessed portion at one end of said container) depth of said recessed portion being such that said liquid dispensing means does not 15 project beyond a plane defined by that portion of said one end extending upwardly from said recessed portion; and wherein said liquid dispensing means includes a pivoting hinged lid wherein cylindrical hinge bosses retain said lid within said liquid 20 dispensing means against hydrostatic pressure; said cylindrical hinge bosses projecting at diametrically opposed positions from a rim of a disc portion of said lid; said cylindrical hinge bosses retained in hinge apertures piercing a cylindrical outer shell 25 of said liquid dispensing means. -16

2. The container of claim 1 wherein said projecting ridge feature extends along the center of the top surface of said container.

3. The container of claim 1 wherein said indented 5 groove feature extends along the center of the bottom surface of said container.

4. The container of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein a said projecting ridge feature of a first lower container is adapted to enter as a light press fit 10 into a said indented groove feature of a second upper container such that said top surface of said lower container and said bottom surface of said upper container are abutting.

5. The container of any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein 15 said top surface is interrupted by a centrally located depressed section extending across the width of said container.

6. The container of claim 5 wherein said projecting ridge feature forms a bridge across said depressed 20 section; said bridge leaving an opening between an underside of said bridge and the surface of said depressed section so as to form a handle by which said container may be lifted.

7. The container of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein 25 said recessed portion extends upwardly from said -17 bottom surface for a portion of the height of said container and across the width of said container.

8. The container of claim 6 or 7 wherein said recessed portion is provided with an outwardly projecting 5 spigot adapted to support and retain an said outwardly projecting liquid dispenser.

9. The container of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said container is produced by the process of blow moulding from any suitable polymer material.

10 10. The container of any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein said liquid dispenser includes a cylindrical outer shell divided into a forward outlet end and a rearward inlet end by a dividing wall member.

11. The container of claim 10 wherein said outwardly 15 projecting spigot is provided with at least a first annular projection; said first annular projection adapted to mate as a snap-fit with projecting lugs provided on an inner surface of said rearward inlet end of said liquid dispenser. 20

12. The container of claim 10 wherein said outwardly projecting spigot is provided with an external thread; said external thread adapted to receive an internal thread on an inner surface of said rearward inlet end of said liquid dispenser, - 18

13. The container of claim 12 wherein said external thread and said internal thread are provided with cooperating stop and retaining means at respective thread runouts; said stop and retaining means 5 adapted to determine a preferred orientation of said liquid dispenser on said spigot.

14. The container of any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein said dividing wall member is provided with a rearwardly projecting annular ring concentric with 10 said outer shell; said ring having a tapered section such that the outer diameter of said annular ring increases from a first smaller diameter to a second larger diameter at the junction of said annular ring with said dividing wall member, 15

15. The container of claim 14 wherein said outer diameter is adapted to provide a press fit between said annular ring and the internal diameter of said spigot when said liquid dispenser is assembled to said spigot; said press fit forming a seal between 20 said spigot and said liquid dispenser.

16. The container of any one of claims 10 to 15 wherein a rear surface of said dividing wall member is pierced by a circular opening at the lowest point of said dividing wall member; said circular opening 19 communicating with an outlet spout projecting forwardly from a front surface of said dividing wall.

17. The container of any one of claims 10 to 16 wherein 5 said hinge apertures piercing said outer shell have a common axis lying in a horizontal plane and passing through the central axis of said cylindrical outer shell.

18. The container of claim 17 wherein said hinge 10 apertures are in communication with the outer rim of said cylindrical outer shell by means of tapering openings; said tapering openings narrowing from a first dimension at said outer rim to a second smaller dimension at the junction with said hinge 15 apertures.

19. The container of any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein said includes a rim projecting rearwardly from said disc portion of said lid,

20. The container of any one of claims 18 to 19 wherein 20 said first dimension of said tapering openings is adapted to receive at least the diameter of said cylindrical hinge bosses and wherein said second dimension is significantly smaller than said diameter of said cylindrical hinge bosses. -20

21. The container of claim 19 or 20 wherein said second dimension is adapted to the retention of said cylindrical hinge bosses against a maximum hydrostatic force exerted by said low viscosity 5 fluid contained in said container against said lid member.

22. The container of any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein said dispenser lid is provided with a sealing ring structure projecting from a rear surface of said 10 disc; said sealing ring structure adapted to enter said outlet spout as a light interference fit so as to provide a sealing of said outlet spout when said cylindrical bosses are assembled to said hinge apertures and said central axis of said dispenser 15 lid member is coaxial with said central axis of said outer shell portion,

23, The container of any one of claims 19 to 22 wherein said dispenser lid member is adapted to rock about the common axes of said cylindrical hinge bosses and 20 said hinge apertures between a first sealing position and a second open position.

24. The container of claim 23 wherein said sealing ring structure is withdrawn from said outlet spout when -21 said dispenser lid portion is in said second open position.

25. The container of claim 23 or 24 wherein said rearwardly projecting rim of said liquid dispenser 5 lid is provided with an opening in said rearwardly projecting rim adjacent to said sealing ring structure; said opening providing adapted to the escape of liquid from said outlet spout when said liquid dispensing lid is in said second open 10 position.

26. A container and liquid dispensing means as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.