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US 6,607,102 B1Granted
Rapid flow fitment
AssigneeEcolab Inc.
InventorsGregory G. Griese, Troy A. Anderson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A liquid dispensing apparatus (10) includes a container (70) for holding a liquid product to be dispensed. A docking station (20) receives the container (70). A reservoir (50) is positioned in the docking station (20) for receiving the liquid to be dispensed. A docking cup is connected to the docking station for opening a bottle insert (90) which is contained in the container (70). The bottle insert includes a body (93) having openings (95). A probe-engaging member is movable between a first and second position without obstructing the openings (95).
Claims23
A container having a dispensing fitment, for use with a docking station, the docking station receiving and supporting the container and the docking station having a probe to contact the dispensing fitment, the container comprising:
- a) a container body for holding a viscous liquid product to be dispensed, the container having an outlet;
- and
- b) a fitment operatively connected in the outlet of the container, the fitment comprising:
- i) a body having an inner wall defining a bore having a first closed end and a second open end, the open end proximate the container outlet and the first end positioned inward, into the container;
- ii) an aperture formed in the body, the aperture in fluid communication with the viscous liquid product to be dispensed;
- iii) a plunger having a body slidable within the fitment body and moveable between a closed position and a dispensing position;
- and
- iv) a probe engaging member operatively connected to the plunger body, the probe engaging member proximate the inner wall, thereby having the bore be unobstructed, wherein placing the container on the probe moves the plunger from the closed position to the open position allowing the viscous product to be dispensed through the probe.
5 more elements
A container having a dispensing fitment, for use with a docking station, the docking station receiving and supporting the container and the docking station having a probe to contact the dispensing fitment, the container comprising:
- a) a container body for holding a viscous liquid product to be dispensed, the container having an outlet;
- b) a fitment operatively connected in the outlet of the container, the fitment comprising:
- i) a cylindrical body having an inner wall defining a cylindrical bore having a first closed end and a second open end, the open end proximate the container outlet;
- ii) an aperture formed in the body, the aperture in fluid communication with the viscous liquid product to be dispensed;
- iii) a plunger having a cylindrical body slidable within the fitment cylindrical body and moveable between a closed position and dispensing position;
- and
- iv) a probe engaging member operatively connected to the cylindrical plunger body, the probe member positioned whereby there is an unobstructed flow path for the viscous liquid from the container, through the aperture and through the bore to the inlet of the reservoir, wherein placing the container on the probe moves the plunger from the closed position to the open position allowing the viscous product to be dispensed through the probe;
- and
- c) a biasing member positioned between the plunger and the closed end, thereby biasing the plunger in the closed position.
6 more elements
A liquid dispensing apparatus, comprising:
- a) a container for holding a viscous liquid product to be dispensed, the container having an outlet;
- b) a docking station for receiving the container, the docking station having a support for holding the container;
- c) a reservoir for receiving the viscous liquid product from the container, the reservoir having an inlet and an outlet;
- d) a docking cup operatively connected to the docking station, the docking cup having an inlet adapted to receive the outlet of the container and the docking cup having an outlet operatively connected to the inlet of the reservoir, the docking cup having a fitment engagement member;
- and
- e) a fitment operatively connected in the outlet of the container, the fitment comprising:
- i) a body having an inner wall defining a bore having a first closed end and second open end, the open end proximate the container outlet and the first end positioned inward, into the container;
- ii) an aperture formed in the body, the aperture in fluid communication with the viscous liquid product to be dispensed;
- iii) a plunger having a body slidable within the fitment body and moveable between a closed position and a dispensing position;
- and
- iv) a probe engaging member operatively connected to the plunger body, the probe engaging member proximate the inner wall, thereby having the bore be unobstructed, wherein placing the container on the docking cup moves the plunger from the closed position to the open position allowing the viscous product to be dispensed.
8 more elements
A liquid dispensing apparatus, comprising:
- a) a container for holding a viscous liquid product to be dispensed, the container having an outlet;
- b) a docking station for receiving the container, the docking station having a support for holding the container;
- c) a reservoir for receiving the viscous liquid product from the container, the reservoir having an inlet and an outlet;
- d) a docking cup operatively connected to the docking station, the docking cup having an inlet adapted to receive the outlet of the container and the docking cup having an outlet operatively connected to the inlet of the reservoir, the docking cup having a fitment engagement member;
- e) a fitment operatively connected in the outlet of the container, the fitment comprising:
- i) a cylindrical body having an inner wall defining a cylindrical bore having a first closed end and a second open end, the open end proximate the container outlet;
- ii) an aperture formed in the body, the aperture in fluid communication with the viscous liquid product to be dispensed;
- iii) a plunger having a cylindrical body slidable within the fitment cylindrical body and moveable between a closed position and dispensing position;
- and
- iv) a probe engaging member operatively connected to the cylindrical plunger body, the probe member positioned whereby there is an unobstructed flow path for the viscous liquid from the container, through the aperture and through the bore to the inlet of the reservoir, wherein placing the container on the docking cup moves the plunger from the closed position to the open position allowing the viscous product to be dispensed;
- and
- f) a biasing member positioned between the plunger and the closed end, thereby biasing the plunger in the closed position.
9 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.