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Publication Number
US-10364073-B2
Publication Date
2019-07-30
Expiration Date
Abstract
A dispenser for dispensing a liquid or viscous product, comprising a dispensing valve (2). The dispensing valve, in turn, comprises: —product sealing/releasing means (21), which in a first configuration prevents outflow of the product from the dispenser and in a second configuration enables outflow of the product from the dispenser; —elastic return means (22) for returning the sealing means (21) to the first configuration from the second configuration. The elastic return means (22) and at least part of the product sealing/releasing means (21) are integrated in the same body (20).
Core Innovation
The invention concerns an ophthalmic/viscous-product dropper dispenser having a dispensing valve with product sealing/releasing means that switch between a first configuration that prevents outflow of the product and a second configuration that enables outflow. The product sealing/releasing means use fluid-dynamic sealing to provide a barrier to external air/microorganisms in the first configuration, and then allow outflow in the second configuration. Elastic return means return the product sealing/releasing means from the second configuration to the first configuration.
The elastic return means and at least part of the product sealing/releasing means are integrated in a body and encased by a casing. The dispenser channel extends between the body and the casing, and the elastic return means include an annular concavity positioned at one end of the dispenser channel. An opening for passage of the product is open at all times so that it cannot be blocked by a component of the dispenser, and the opening is formed as a groove afforded in the casing.
The dispenser includes a reservoir in fluid communication with the valve, with at least one opening for passage of the product from the reservoir to the dispenser channel. The body includes a base defining anchorage and a shank having a cavity in fluid communication with the reservoir. The document further describes reservoir pressure-increasing means to switch the valve configurations and a multipart construction including a casing/body/bottom and a container with an annular gasket to support installation.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims (clm-00001 and clm-00016). Both claims cover the same core valve-dispenser architecture, including first/second sealing configurations, integrated elastic return, an encasing casing, a dispenser channel with an annular concavity, and a reservoir opening that remains open, with the second independent claim adding container and casing insertion/contact limitations.
Valve product sealing/releasing configurations preventing and enabling outflow
A dispenser for dispensing a liquid or viscous product comprising product sealing/releasing means that in a first configuration prevents outflow of the product and in a second configuration enables outflow of the product.
Integrated elastic return in a body encased by a casing
Elastic return means for returning the sealing means to the first configuration from the second configuration, wherein the elastic return means and at least part of the product sealing/releasing means are integrated in a body and encased by a casing.
Dispenser channel with annular concavity forming elastic return
A casing encasing the body and a dispenser channel extending between the body and the casing, the elastic return means comprising an annular concavity positioned at one end of the dispenser channel.
Reservoir opening open at all times via casing groove
A reservoir in fluid communication with the valve, and at least one opening for passage of the product from the reservoir to the dispenser channel, the opening being open at all times so that it cannot be blocked by a component of the dispenser, wherein the opening comprises a groove afforded in the casing.
Container partially receiving the casing and body not contacting the container
The casing is partially inserted in the container and the body is not in contact with the container.
Across the independent claims, the inventive coverage centers on a dispensing valve whose sealing/releasing means switch between preventing outflow and enabling outflow, with an elastic return integrated in a body and encased by a casing. The claims further require a dispenser channel with an annular concavity at one end and a reservoir opening that remains open at all times, including the opening being defined as a groove in the casing; the second independent claim additionally limits casing insertion into the container and non-contact between the body and the container.
Stated Advantages
Preservation without preservatives.
Reduced component complexity.
Reduced costs.
Sturdiness due to lack of delicate kinematics.
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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