Squeezable multi-layer dispensing container with one-way valve
First Claim
1. A squeezable container for dispensing a product comprising:
- a dispensing container having a resilient outer body and a flexible collapsible inner bag with the inner bag holding a product to be dispensed, the container having an open end from which the product is dispensed and a closed end, the inner bag and outer body being inner and outer layers respectively of a unitary multilayer expanded plastic perform container, wherein the inner layer is continuous and separate from the outer layer at the closed end of the container and joined thereto at least at the open end, and an aperture is provided in the outer layer at the closed end to enable air to enter between the inner and outer layers to facilitate collapse of the inner layer and form a chamber between the inner and outer layers;
a valve positioned in the aperture having an open position wherein a flow of air into the chamber is allowed and a closed position wherein a flow of air out of the chamber is restricted; and
wherein when squeezed, the outer layer deforms inwardly and the valve remains closed to increase the pressure in the chamber and cause the inner layer to collapse and dispense product out the open end of the container, and when released, the resilient outer layer returns to substantially its original shape causing a reduction in pressure within the chamber which opens the valve and allows air to flow into the chamber to maintain the inner layer in its collapsed state.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A squeezable container for dispensing a product out the open end of the container, including a collapsible inner layer and a resilient outer layer. The container is an integral body formed by expansion from a multi-layer preform, and preferably consists of one or more layers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) separated by an adjacent boundary layer, such as a barrier layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). A one-way check valve is provided at the outer layer to restrict the flow of air into a chamber which is formed between the inner and outer layers as the inner layer collapses, and preferably a second check valve is provided in the open dispensing end of the container to prevent air from being drawn into the container when the outer layer is released. The container is economical to manufacture, light in weight, easy to handle, can be made of recycled materials, and is "product efficient" in that substantially all of the product can be dispensed from the container during use.
294 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A squeezable container for dispensing a product comprising:
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a dispensing container having a resilient outer body and a flexible collapsible inner bag with the inner bag holding a product to be dispensed, the container having an open end from which the product is dispensed and a closed end, the inner bag and outer body being inner and outer layers respectively of a unitary multilayer expanded plastic perform container, wherein the inner layer is continuous and separate from the outer layer at the closed end of the container and joined thereto at least at the open end, and an aperture is provided in the outer layer at the closed end to enable air to enter between the inner and outer layers to facilitate collapse of the inner layer and form a chamber between the inner and outer layers; a valve positioned in the aperture having an open position wherein a flow of air into the chamber is allowed and a closed position wherein a flow of air out of the chamber is restricted; and wherein when squeezed, the outer layer deforms inwardly and the valve remains closed to increase the pressure in the chamber and cause the inner layer to collapse and dispense product out the open end of the container, and when released, the resilient outer layer returns to substantially its original shape causing a reduction in pressure within the chamber which opens the valve and allows air to flow into the chamber to maintain the inner layer in its collapsed state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A squeezable container for dispensing a product comprising:
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an integral container body formed by expansion from a multilayer preform, the container body including a main body portion with a plurality of layers and an open dispensing end, the layers including a continuous and collapsible inner layer and a resilient outer layer, the inner layer being joined to the outer layer at least at the open end and separate and apart from the outer layer in at least a portion of the main body to form a chamber between the inner and outer layers as the inner layer collapses, and an external aperture in the main body extending through the outer layer, wherein the inner layer has a tapered wall thickness, decreasing in thickness towards a base end of the container opposite the open dispensing end; a valve positioned in the aperture having an open position wherein a flow of air into the chamber is allowed and a closed position wherein a flow of air out of the chamber is restricted; and wherein when squeezed, the outer layer deforms inwardly and the valve remains closed to increase the pressure in the chamber and cause the inner layer to collapse and dispense product out the open end of the container, and when released, the resilient outer layer returns to substantially its original shape causing a reduction in pressure within the chamber which opens the valve and allows air to flow into the chamber to maintain the inner layer in its collapsed state. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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12. A squeezable container for dispensing a product comprising:
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a dispensing container having a resilient outer body and a flexible collapsible inner bag with the inner bag holding a product to be dispensed, the container having an open end from which the product is dispensed and a closed end, the inner bag and outer body being inner and outer layers respectively of a unitary multilayer expanded plastic preform container, wherein the inner layer is continuous and separate from the outer layer at the closed end of the container and joined thereto at least at the open end, and an aperture is provided in the outer layer at the closed end to enable air to enter between the inner and outer layers to facilitate collapse of the inner layer and form a chamber between the inner and outer layers; and a valve positioned in the aperture for restricting a flow of air into and out of the chamber. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 28)
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21. A squeezable container for dispensing a product comprising:
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a dispensing container having a resilient outer body and a flexible collapsable inner bag with the inner bag holding a product to be dispensed, the container having an open end from which the product is dispensed and a closed end, the inner bag and outer body being inner and outer layers respectively of a unitary multilayer expanded plastic preform container, wherein the inner layer is continuous and separate from the outer layer at the closed end of the container and joined thereto at least at the open end, and an aperture is provided in the outer layer at the closed end to enable air to enter between the inner and outer layers to facilitate collapse of the inner layer and form a chamber between the inner and outer layers; a valve positioned in the aperture for restricting a flow of air into and out of the chamber; and the inner layer has a tapered wall thickness, decreasing in thickness towards a base end of the container opposite the open dispensing end. - View Dependent Claims (22)
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- 23. A dispensing container having a resilient outer body and a flexible collapsible inner bag with the inner bag holding a product to be dispensed, the container having an open end from which the product is dispensed and a closed end, wherein the inner layer is separate from the outer layer at the closed end of the container and joined thereto at least at the open end, and an aperture is provided in the outer layer at the closed end to enable air to enter between the inner and outer layers to facilitate collapse of the inner layer, and wherein the inner layer has a tapered wall thickness, decreasing in thickness towards a base end of the container opposite the open dispensing end.
Specification