Automatic dispenser cap

US4408702A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• William Horvath · Watchung, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 6, 1981
• Grant date: Oct 11, 1983
• Expiry date: Nov 6, 2001

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65D47/2075
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

An automatic dispensing cap for dispensing product contained in a squeeze-type container. A two-way valve-head comprising an upper disc closure is constructed so that it seats on the top edge of the inverted conical spout of the cap. In a preferred embodiment, the disc closure has a centrally-located air bore and depending tubular stem. Upon application of manual squeeze pressure, the valve-head unseats from the cap spout allowing product to flow through. When the squeeze pressure is released, a lower cruciform portion of the two-way valve-head acts as a spring to seat the upper disc closure, cutting off the flow of product, and allowing air to reenter the container through the central disc air bore and the tubular stem. An inverted cup-shaped check-valve closes the central air bore of the tubular stem during the dispensing phase, to prevent product from exiting therethrough. In another embodiment, primarily useful with a squeeze tube, the central disc and central stem are solid; and the check-valve is eliminated. An alternatively shaped container is disclosed which is designed to be hung in inverted position.