Spreader apparatus, for use with dispensers

• US 20090218374A1
• Filed: 05/12/2009
• Published: 09/03/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 07/28/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mack-Ray Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Mack-Ray Incorporated
• Inventors: Liberatore, Raymond A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,824,123 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 222/566
• CPC Class Codes: B05C 17/00506 Means for connecting the outlet element to, or for disconnecting it from, the hand tool or its container
• CPC Class Codes: B05C 17/00516 Shape or geometry of the outlet orifice or the outlet element
• CPC Class Codes: B05C 17/10 Hand tools for removing partially or for spreading or redistributing applied liquids or other fluent materials, e.g. colour touchers
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 35/38 Nozzles
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 47/2018 comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 47/44 combined with slits opening when container is deformed or when pad is pressed against surface to which contents are to be applied pliable tubular containers with valves opening when closure is pressed against surfaces B65D47/2018
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 83/0005 Containers or packages provided with a piston or with a movable bottom or partition having approximately the same section as the container B65D83/0072 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 85/72 for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials

Abstract

An apparatus for use with an edible food dispenser has a nozzle, a spreader surface associated with the nozzle, and a cap for entirely covering the nozzle.

Claims

1. A nozzle for attachment to a dispenser for dispensing material, the nozzle comprising:

a) a fitting at a first end to facilitate attachment to the dispenser;

b) an opening at a second end opposite the first end through which material is dispensed, the fitting being wider than the opening, the opening defining a periphery having a lateral width dimension and a height dimension, the opening further comprising arcuate and concave surfaces at widthwise opposite ends that remain of fixed dimension to define an oval periphery, the lateral width dimension exceeding the height dimension of the opening;

c) a forwardly-projecting side wall integrally extending from the first end to the opening, a terminus of a portion of the side wall extending beyond the opening relative to the fitting; and

d) an angled interior surface of greater than 90 degrees defined between the terminus and the opening;

e) wherein the nozzle is stiff; and

f) whereby a substantially constant layer of material is dispensed through the opening.

2. A nozzle in accordance with claim 1, wherein the height dimension remains substantially constant throughout the lateral width extent of the opening.

3. A nozzle in accordance with claim 1, wherein the fitting is threaded.

4. A nozzle in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a compressible dispenser attached to the nozzle.

5. A nozzle in accordance with claim 1, the opening having a linear edge profile along the lateral width dimension of the periphery that is defined at a constant distance from the first end along a central axis of the nozzle.

6. A nozzle in accordance with claim 1, wherein the forwardly-projecting side wall tapers from the first end to the opening.

7. A nozzle in accordance with claim 1, wherein the nozzle is configured to funnel dispensed material from the first end to the opening.

8. A nozzle in accordance with claim 1, wherein the distance from the opening to the first end exceeds a thickness of the fitting.

9. A nozzle in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a cap for covering the nozzle during periods of non-use, a portion of the cap extending around the opening.

10. A nozzle in accordance with claim 9, a portion of the cap extending into the opening for plugging the opening.

11. A nozzle in accordance with claim 10, wherein a thickness of the cap exceeds a thickness of the fitting.

12. A nozzle in accordance with claim 1, a center of the opening being located along a central axis of the nozzle.

13. A nozzle in accordance with claim 1, wherein the angled interior surface is a beveled surface.

14. A nozzle for attachment to a dispenser for dispensing material, the nozzle comprising:

a) a threaded fitting at a first end to facilitate attachment to the dispenser;

b) an opening at a second end opposite the first end through which material is dispensed, the fitting being wider than the opening, the opening defining a periphery having a lateral width dimension and a height dimension, the height dimension remains substantially constant throughout the lateral width extent of the opening, the opening further comprising arcuate and concave surfaces at widthwise opposite ends that remain of fixed dimension to define an oval periphery, the lateral width dimension exceeding the height dimension of the opening;

c) the opening having an edge profile along the lateral width dimension of the periphery that is defined at a constant distance from the first end along a central axis of the nozzle;

d) a forwardly-projecting side wall integrally extending from the first end to the opening, a terminus of a portion of the side wall extending beyond the opening relative to the fitting;

e) an angled interior surface in the nature of a bevel of greater than 90 degrees defined between the terminus and the opening; and

f) a cap for covering the nozzle during periods of non-use, a portion of the cap extending around the opening and a portion of the cap extending into the opening for plugging the opening;

g) wherein the nozzle is stiff; and

h) whereby a substantially constant layer of material is dispensed through the opening.

15. A nozzle in accordance with claim 14, further comprising a compressible dispenser attached to the nozzle.

16. A nozzle in accordance with claim 14, wherein the distance from the opening to the first end exceeds a thickness of the fitting.

17. A nozzle in accordance with claim 14, wherein a thickness of the cap exceeds a thickness of the fitting.