Metering dispensing bottle

• US 4,061,253 A
• Filed: 09/22/1975
• Issued: 12/06/1977
• Est. Priority Date: 09/22/1975
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
• Original Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
• Inventors: Rockefeller, Winston C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Tollberg, Stanley H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Marmor, Charles A.
• Application Number:
  US05/615,865
• Time in Patent Office: 806 Days
• Field of Search: 222/454-457, 222/464, 222/442
• US Class Current: 222/442
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 11/262 for liquid or semi-liquid

Abstract

A container for dispensing predetermined quantities of liquid comprises a first or primary container having a bottom portion, sidewall portion and open-ended neck portion. A second container comprising an elongated tubular substantially within the first container depending from the neck portion thereof. A third container disposed completely within the first container is integral with and disposed substantially concentrically around the second container. The third container comprises sidewall, bottom and top portions which together form a fluid sealing enclosure, the top and bottom portions being integral with and supported by the outer surface of the second container. The third container, communicates with the primary container by means of an opening provided in the upper portion to its sidewall portion serving as a liquid inlet. A second tubular member of relatively small diameter connects the bottom portion of the second container with the portion of the third container. In normal use, tipping of the container to pouring position results in the discharge of liquid present in the second container. Simultaneously therewith, liquid from the primary container enters the third container through the liquid inlet opening. Restoration of the container to its normal upright position causes liquid in the third container to enter the second container through the tubular member connecting the bottom portions of these containers.

Claims

1. A container for the repetitive dispensing of substantially equal predetermined quantities of liquid comprising a first container having a bottom portion, sidewall portion and an open-ended neck portion, a second container disposed at least substantially within the first container and depending from the neck portion thereof comprising an elongated tubular member open ended at the upper extremity and closed at its bottom, a third-container disposed completely within said first container, integral with and disposed substantially concentrically around said second container to form an annular reservoir, said third container comprising sidewall, bottom and top portions which together form a fluid sealing enclosure, the top and bottom portions being integral with and supported by the outer surface of said second container, said third container communicating with said first container by means of an opening provided on the upper portion of said sidewall of said third container, said opening serving as a liquid inlet to said third container, and a second tubular member connecting the bottom portions of said second container with the bottom of said third container, and serving as a fluid passageway there between, said second tubular member having a volume substantially smaller than said third container whereby substantially the same quantity of liquid is repetively dispensed, and venting means for permitting air to escape from said third container, said venting means communicating with said first container and said third container through said second container and said second tubular member.

2. A container according to claim 1 wherein said second and third containers are essentially cylindrical in shape.

3. A container according to claim 1 wherein said neck portion is externally threaded.

4. A container according to claim 1 wherein the top portion of said third container is integral with said primary container.

5. A container according to claim 1 wherein the top portion of said third container is separate from said first container.

6. A container according to claim 1 wherein the depth of said third container is from about 15 to 50% of the depth of said second container.

7. A container according to claim 1 wherein the ratio of the effective liquid volume of said third container to the volume of said second container situated below the bottom surface of said third container is not more than about 0.9:

1.

8. A container according to claim 1 wherein the diameter of said second tubular member is from about 10 to 25% of the diameter of said second container.

9. A container according to claim 1 wherein the diameter of said third container exceeds the diameter of said second container by at least about 50%.

10. A container according to claim 1, wherein said container comprises a synthetic, polymeric, film-forming material.