Apparatus and method for filling and dispensing a highly viscous product from a container

Abstract

A method and apparatus for filling of a dispensing container with a product to be dispensed, particularly useful for highly viscous products, in which the container has a vented dip tube structure which is inserted into the container before it is filled. Filling is accomplished by inserting a filling nozzle into the container so that it cooperates with the top of the dip tube. Filling of the container therefore occurs through the dip tube. The vent in the dip tube structure allows the air in the container to be vented as the container is filled. Because the container is filled through the dip tube, the product completely fills the dip tube at the time when the pump structure is inserted into the container. The vent structure can be used as a vent for the container during a dispensing operation as well.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.