Adaptor for connecting a fluid package to a dispenser bottle

Abstract

Adapters, systems, and methods are provided that can be used to refill a fluid dispenser bottle. An adapter is used to connect a fluid package to a dispenser bottle. The adapter includes a duct configured to convey a fluid being transferred from the fluid package to the dispenser bottle; a fluid package coupler coupled with the duct and configured to couple with the fluid package so as to place the duct in fluid communication with the fluid package; a dispenser bottle coupler coupled with the duct and configured to couple with the dispenser bottle so as to place the duct in fluid communication with the dispenser bottle; and at least one orifice disposed offset from the duct for venting the dispenser bottle when fluid is transferred from the fluid package to the dispenser bottle.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The present invention relates generally to refilling a fluid dispenser bottle, and more particularly to adapters, systems, and methods that can be used to refill a dispenser bottle.[0002]There are a wide variety of fluids that are dispensed from dispenser bottles. Such fluids include edible fluids such as ketchup, mustard, barbeque sauce, mayonnaise, etc., as well as a many other fluids. These other fluids include both viscous and non-viscous fluids. Exemplary viscous fluids include ultrasound gels used to ultrasonically couple ultrasound transducers (e.g., an imaging transducer, a therapeutic transducer) with a patient.[0003]Existing dispenser bottles include dispenser bottles configured to be hand held. Such a hand-held dispenser bottle is often flexible so that the fluid can be dispensed by squeezing the bottle to discharge the fluid through a dispenser nozzle. The amount of fluid held in such a dispenser bottle may be, however, relatively modest given weight and ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention relates to a device for transferring fluid from a package to a dispenser bottle. The device includes a duct that prevents the transferred fluid from inhibiting the venting of the dispenser bottle. The duct can discharge the fluid offset from the bottle's venting orifice and can extend into the bottle when coupled with it. The duct has a smaller cross-sectional area than the receiving cross-section of the flattened bottle, which prevents the fluid from spreading too much and affecting the air bubbles in the mixture. This device helps to transfer fluid from a package to a dispenser bottle without affecting the dispensing process.

Problems solved by technology

The amount of fluid held in such a dispenser bottle may be, however, relatively modest given weight and size constraints consistent with ease of use.

As a result, a large number of such dispenser bottles, following dispensing of the fluid there from, become emptied of the fluid to a point that inhibits further effective dispensing of the fluid without refilling of the dispenser bottle.

Unfortunately, existing approaches used to refill dispenser bottles may be less than desirable due to being time consuming, messy, expensive, and / or inconvenient.

For example, some ultrasound gels are relatively viscous and can be somewhat sticky, thereby making it a more difficult and time consuming effort to refill a dispenser bottle with such an ultrasound gel.

In many applications, such as medical applications employing ultrasound gels, the expense associated with refilling a dispenser bottle is greater due to the high cost of the personnel involved.

Such an approach, however, results in a good deal of wasted material (e.g., the dispenser bottle, any residual fluid in the dispenser bottle) as well as associated disposal issues and expense.

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