# US 2014/0151397 A1 · Enhanced dispensing and dosaging techniques for fluid containers

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- Number: US 2014/0151397 A1
- Document ID: US20140151397A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 13/692,423
- Filed: 2012-12-03
- Published: 2014-06-05
- Earliest claimed: 2012-12-03
- Assignees: RLM Group Ltd.
- Inventors: Robert L. Murphy; Charles A. Curtiss
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140151397A1

## CPC

- B65D 47/2031: {the element being formed by a slit, narrow opening or constrictable spout, the size of the outlet passage being able to be varied by increasing or decreasing the pressure (B65D47/2025 takes precedence)}
- B65D 35/28: for expelling contents
- B65D 47/043: {with pouring baffles, e.g. for controlling the flow}
- B65D: CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES

## Abstract

In various embodiments, the invention provides enhanced structures, devices, and techniques that allow fluids and liquid products, such as cosmetics, to dispense in a more even, smoother, and more predictable manner from fluid containers.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An apparatus for dispensing fluid, the apparatus comprising:
a fluid repository in fluid communication with a nozzle, wherein the nozzle includes at least one dispensing orifice formed therein;
at least one retaining ridge positioned on an interior surface of the nozzle; and,
a plug supported on the retaining ridge of the nozzle, wherein at least a portion of the plug comprises a pathway for communicating fluid from the fluid repository to the dispensing orifice upon application of a threshold fluid pressure.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the retaining ridge is structured for supporting an outflow portion of the plug at a predetermined gap distance from the dispensing orifice.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the predetermined gap distance is structured in response to a fluid viscosity.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plug comprises a foam material.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the foam material includes an open-cell foam material.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plug is structured to communicate fluid at a threshold fluid pressure not exceeding a pressure applied to the fluid repository.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plug is structured to communicate fluid at a threshold fluid pressure independent of a pressure applied to the fluid repository.

### Claim 8

An apparatus for dispensing fluid, the apparatus comprising:
a fluid repository in fluid communication with a nozzle, wherein the nozzle includes at least one dispensing orifice formed therein;
a plug positioned within the interior of the nozzle, wherein at least a portion of the plug comprises a pathway for communicating fluid from the fluid repository to the dispensing orifice upon application of pressure to fluid contained within the fluid repository;
a retainer positioned for supporting the plug within the interior of the nozzle; and,
a retaining ridge positioned along at least a portion of the nozzle, wherein the retaining ridge is structured to receive a correspondingly mating portion of the retainer thereon.

### Claim 9 (depends on 7)

The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the retainer is structured for supporting an outflow region of the plug at a predetermined gap distance from the dispensing orifice.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the predetermined gap distance is structured in response to a fluid viscosity.

### Claim 11 (depends on 8)

The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plug comprises a foam material.

### Claim 12 (depends on 11)

The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the foam material includes an open-cell foam material.

### Claim 13

An apparatus for dispensing fluid, the apparatus comprising:
a fluid repository in fluid communication with a nozzle, wherein the nozzle includes at least one dispensing orifice formed therein;
a retainer positioned within at least a portion of the interior of the nozzle; and,
a plug positioned within at least a portion of the interior of the retainer, wherein at least a portion of the plug is shaped to conform to an interior shape of the retainer, and wherein at least a portion of the plug comprises a pathway for communicating fluid from the fluid repository to the dispensing orifice upon application of a threshold fluid pressure.

### Claim 14 (depends on 13)

The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the retainer is structured for supporting an outflow portion of the plug at a predetermined gap distance from the dispensing orifice.

### Claim 15 (depends on 14)

The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the predetermined gap distance is structured in response to a fluid viscosity.

### Claim 16 (depends on 13)

The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the plug comprises a foam material.

### Claim 17 (depends on 16)

The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the foam material includes an open-cell foam material.