Dispensing device and assembly

Abstract

A dip tube adapter for a dispensing device, such as a spray or an aerosol container includes an upper portion and a lower portion. In embodiments, the lower portion may be extended and may have a substantially cone-like or conical shape. With embodiments the lower portion includes anupper inner diameter and a lower inner diameter, wherein the upper inner diameter is proximate the upper portion, the lower inner diameter is at or about a lower distal extent of the lower portion, and the upper inner diameter is greater than the lower inner diameter, such that the lowerportion tapers from at or about the upper portion to the lower distal extent. Embodiments of a diptube assembly are also disclosed. Embodiments of a dip tube adapter or a spray or aerosol assembly may additionally include sintered elements and / or mixing formations or features.

Description

DISPENSING DEVICE AND ASSEMBLYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 596,462, filed on Nov. 6, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to dispensing devices and assemblies, including dispensing devices and assemblies associated with aerosol containers.BACKGROUND

[0003] Dispensing devices and assemblies may be used in connection with various applications, including the dispensing of aerosol contents from various containers, which may include plastic containers. Some devices and assemblies arc known, for example, from U.S. Patent Nos. 10,077,150 and 11,401,104, which are incorporated herein by reference and as supplemental disclosure to the extent that no conflict exists between such information, other statements, and drawings set forth herein. In the event of a conflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any claim herein or seeking priority hereto, then any such conflicting material is not incorporated herein by reference. With spray or aerosol containers there is, among other things, a desire to provide devices and assemblies that improve function(s), such as improved spray duration, adjustability, and / or dispensing orientation capabilities, and / or to provide cost reduction or optimization.SUMMARY

[0004] A dip tube adapter (sometimes referred to as a “tail piece”) for a spray or aerosol container may include an upper portion and a lower portion. In embodiments, the lower portion may be extended and may have a substantially cone-like or conical shape. With embodiments the lower portion includes an upper inner diameter and a lower inner diameter, wherein the upper innerdiameter is proximate the upper portion, the lower inner diameter is at or about a lower distal extent of the lower portion, and the upper inner diameter is greater than the lower inner diameter, such that the lower portion tapers from at or about the upper portion to the lower distal extent. Embodiments of a dip tube assembly are also disclosed. Embodiments of a dip tube adapter or a spray or aerosol assembly may additionally include sintered elements and / or mixing formations or features.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0006] FIG. 1 generally illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a dip tube adapter in accordance with aspects and teachings of the present disclosure;

[0007] FIG. 2 generally illustrates a front view of the dip tube adapter shown in FIG. 1;

[0008] FIG. 3 generally illustrates a cross section taken view along A-A in FIG. 2;

[0009] FIG. 4 generally illustrates a top view of FIG. 2;

[0010] FIG. 5 generally illustrates a bottom view of FIG. 2;

[0011] FIG. 6 generally illustrates an enlarged partial section view taken along B-B of FIG. 4;

[0012] FIG. 7 generally illustrates an enlarged partial section detail view E of FIG. 3;

[0013] FIG. 8 generally illustrates an enlarged partial section detail view D of FIG. 3;

[0014] FIG. 9 generally illustrates an enlarged partial section view taken along C-C of FIG. 4;

[0015] FIG. 10 generally illustrates a front partial section view of an embodiment of a dispensing assembly, including a dip tube, in accordance with aspects and teachings of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 11 generally illustrates a sintering process and aspects thereof that may be associated with the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 12 generally shows a graphical illustration of a partial side view of a dispensing assembly and a sintered element that may be associated with such assembly;

[0018] FIG. 13 generally illustrates a cross section view of a portion of a housing that generally indicates several positions in which a sintered element may be disposed;

[0019] FIG. 14 generally illustrates perspective sectional view of a portion of a dispensing assembly with a sintered element provided at a distal end of a dip tube;

[0020] FIG. 15 generally illustrates perspective sectional view of a portion of a dispensing assembly with a sintered clement provided along a portion of a dip tube;

[0021] FIG. 16 generally illustrates a sectional view of a portion of a dispensing assembly with a sintered element provided within a portion of a housing;

[0022] FIG. 17 generally illustrates a section view representation of portions of a dispensing assembly with an extended housing;

[0023] FIG. 18 generally illustrates embodiments of mixing options that may be associated with a portion of an extended housing;

[0024] FIGS. 19 and 20 generally illustrate side cross-sectional representations of pump systems / assemblies; and

[0025] FIGS. 21 and 22 generally illustrate side cross-sectional representations of pump systems / assemblies with additional reference to a sintered element.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 9 generally illustrate an embodiment of a dip tube adapter 10 embodying aspects and features of the present disclosure. As generally shown in the illustrated embodiment, a dip tube adapter 10 may have a substantially conical shape overall or a significant portion thereof (which may serve the function of a dip tube). In embodiments, a dip tube adapter 10 may be configured to have a generally conical shape with a first (e.g., greater) diameter in an upper portion 12 and may extended, and may taper, to a second (e.g., lesser) diameter in a lower portion 14. In embodiments, a dip tube adapter may be attached for use in a dispensing assembly that may be used in a spray or aerosol container that may comprise a plastic spray or aerosol container.

[0027] A dip tube adapter 10 may be comprised of a material that is compatible with intended product contents. A dip tube adapter 10 may be comprised of a polymer or plastic material, such as polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC); nylon; a rubber or silicone; or a metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel). For example, the illustrated dip tube adapter 10 may be comprised of a plastic material and may be molded, e.g., injection molded. In embodiments, the dip tube adapter may be recyclable, and the adapter, and / or associated containers and assemblies may be part of a recycling system.

[0028] A dip tube adapter 10 with a cone-shaped or conical configuration can accommodate a volume of product contents, including in the event a dispensing assembly (c.g., a spray or an aerosol container) is inverted while dispensing or spraying. With a cone-like or conical shape, the volume may be modified or adjusted, such as via a change in the angle (e.g., slope of a taper) associated with the extended length of a dip tube adapter 10.

[0029] As generally illustrated in FIG. 2, an embodiment of an upper portion 12 of a dip tube adapter 10 may include various formations. For example, an upper portion 12 may include one or more centering ribs 20, a blend 30 (or blend portion), and / or a plurality of teeth 40. Embodiments may also include a vertical length LI (e.g., from a top 60 of the upper portion 12 to a blend 30. For example and without limitation, in an embodiment of an upper portion 12, length LI may be about 0.336 in (8.53 mm) and may include two to twelve centering ribs (e.g., 8 are illustrated) and a plurality of teeth (e.g., 48 teeth).

[0030] As generally illustrated in FIG. 3, a dip tube adapter 10 may have an inner first diameter DI in an upper portion 12 and may taper down to an inner second diameter D2, which may be found at or about a distal end in the lower portion 14. For example and without limitation, in an embodiment DI may be about 0.694 in (17.65 mm) and D2 may be about 0.157 in (3.99 mm). Additionally, embodiments of a dip tube adapter 10 may have a total vertical height or length L2, which may be about 7.449 ±0.004 in (189.20 ± 0.10 mm); a vertical length L3 that may extend from a top 60 of the upper portion 12 to at or about a blend 30, which may be about 0.335 in (8.50 mm), and a vertical length L4 that may extend from a top 60 of the upper portion 12 to at or about a lower portion or feature of the upper portion 12, which may be about 0.433 in (11.00 mm); and a wall thickness T1 in the lower portion 14 may be about 0.049 in (1.25 mm). In embodiments, the vertical length or height from a top of the upper portion 12 to at or about a lower portion of the upper portion 12 is less than about 0.10 of the total vertical length of the dip tube adapter 10. In other embodiments, the vertical length from a top of the upper portion 12 to at or about a lower portion of the upper portion 12 may be less than about 0.06 of the total vertical length of the dip tube adapter 10. Container and bottle heights may vary, and in embodiments, the vertical height or length L2 of a dip tube adapter may be about 95% of the height of the related container (e.g., L10 in FIG. 7) into which it is placed.

[0031] FIGS. 4 and 5 generally illustrate top and bottom views, respectively, of an embodiment of a dip tube adapter 10. With reference to FIG. 4, angles 01 and 02 are shown (and are associatedwith views included with FIG. 6 and FIG. 9). In embodiments, 01 may be about 22.5 ± 2 degrees, and 02 may be about 48.75 ± 4 degrees.

[0032] Turning to FIG. 6, an enlarged embodiment of an upper portion 12 of a dip tube adapter 10 is illustrated. As shown an upper portion 12 may include one or more ribs (e.g., centering ribs) 20 and an annular formation or flange 50, which may have an upper surface 52 and a lower surface 54, each which may have a horizontal surface portion. In embodiments, the flange 50 may be positioned at an offset vertical distance L5 from the top 60 of the upper portion, and which may extend downwardly a vertical distance L6 from an upper surface 52 to a lower surface 54. A diameter D3 may extend across an outer surface of ribs 20 (shown taken at datum “A” in the illustrated cross section). For example and without limitation, in an embodiment L5 may be about 0.49 ±0.004 in (1.25 ± 0.10 mm), L6 may be about 0.69 ±0.004 in (1.75 ± 0.10 mm), and D3 may be about 0.679 ±0.002 in (17.24 ± 0.05 mm).

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged portion of an upper portion 12 of a dip tube adapter 10 (as generally shown in Detail E, identified in FIG. 3). As shown the depicted portion of the upper portion 12 includes an annular formation or flange 50 that may have an outer diameter D4, which may be about 0.844 ±0.004 in (21.43 ± 0.10 mm) and a thickness T2, which may be about 0.44 in (1.12 mm). An annular portion 56 may be disposed above the flange 50 and may have an outer diameter D5 (e.g., at a vertical length L8 from the top 60), which may be about 0.644 ±0.004 in (16.36 ± 0.10 mm). Additional internal diameters, at different positions within the portion, D6 and D7, are also depicted. In embodiments, inner diameters D6 and D7 - may be at vertical lengths L9 and L10 from the top 60 (e.g., L9 being about 0.130 in (3.31 mm) and L10 being about 1.94 in (4.94 mm)) - and L9 and L10 may be about 0.535 in (13.58 mm) and 0.533 in (13.55 mm), respectively, illustrating a slight taper therebetween such vertical positions.

[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged portion of an upper portion 12 of a dip tube adapter 10 (as generally shown in Detail D, identified in FIG. 3). It generally illustrates an inwardly extending inner curved formation (or bulge) 70. As generally shown, the inner curved formation 70 may involve an initial offset distance Lil and several radii - i.e., Rl, R2, and R3. In an embodiment, Lil may be about 0.10 in (0.25 mm), Rl may be about 0.020 in (0.50 mm), R2 may be about 0.30 in (0.75 mm), and R3 may be about 0.020 in (0.50 mm).

[0035] Somewhat similarly to FIG. 6, FIG. 9 also illustrates an enlarged embodiment of an upper portion 12 of a dip tube adapter 10. As shown the upper portion 12 may include an annularformation or flange 50, which may include a chamfered or tapered surface portion 58. In embodiments, the tapered surface portion 58 of flange 50 may have an angle 03 from a horizontal portion of the upper surface 52 of the flange 50. In an embodiment angle 03 may be about 35 ± 3 degrees. An outer diameter L12 at or about a top of the annular portion 56 may be about 4.0 in (101.6 mm). As demonstrated by angle 04, there may be an inner wall taper associated with such angle, which may be about 14.3 ± 2 degrees. There is a segment or portion below the flange 50 that may extend downwardly a length L13, which may be about 0.025 ± 0.002 in (0.63 ± 0.05 mm). There is a portion in the upper portion 52 below the flange 50, such as where indicated, with an inner diameter D8, which may be about 1.0 in (25.4 mm). Below the position of D8, a wall thickness T3 may be about 0.049 in (1.25 mm).

[0036] FIG. 10 generally illustrates an embodiment of a dispensing assembly 100 including a dip tube adapter 10, an upper mounting structure (e.g., mounting cup) 110, and a container body 120. In embodiments, a container body may comprise a hemispherical lower portion, such as generally illustrated. The upper mounting structure 110 may be configured to receive and retain a dip tube adapter 10, which may be connected to other components, such as a valve and / or other dispensing related components (which may comprise conventional aerosol dispensing components). As generally illustrated the length of the dip tube adapter 10 may be extended to a significant measure with respect to the length of the container body 120. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the lowermost portion of the dip tube adapter may extend to a vertical position that is a vertical distance L14 above a bottom surface of the container body 120, which may be a lowermost internal surface of the container body and may provide improved access to, and dispensing of, product contents in a more consistent and efficient manner. For example and without limitation, L14 may be about 0.135 ± 0.01 in (3.43 ± 0.30 mm).

[0037] Additionally, a cone-like or conical configuration, such as that associated with a dip tube adapter 10, such as disclosed herein, may further improve dispensing, such in connection with products that utilize particles (e.g., paint, antiperspirants, dry shampoo, and the like). With such embodiments / applications, a cone-like or conical structure (i.e., cone or cone portion of dip tube adapter) can facilitate concentration of particles / powders at a bottom or lower portion of the dip tube adapter 10, and may permit re-dispersion as the particles / powder progresses up the cone. Such re-dispersion may further be improved or facilitated with turbulence. With embodiments, turbulence may be increased, for example, with the addition of structural or mechanicalformations, which can serve as mixing formations or facilitators. For embodiments, such formations may include, for example and without limitation, veins, rods, and / or various other static mixing features. Such mixing formation / features may be independent of the cone, or may be formed (e.g., molded) as a part of the cone.

[0038] With reference to FIG. 17, an embodiment of an extended housing with a cone-like or conical dip tube 112 (which may be referred to as a “cone”). In embodiments, a retention formation or feature may be included along a wall within the dispensing assembly. A retention formation or feature may help facilitate the addition of other features with a cone to provide or improve desired performance. As generally illustrated the dip tube 112 may include an inner retention lug(s) 114. With reference to FIG. 18, a dip tube 112, such as generally referenced above and herein) may further include one or more structural or mechanical formations 114 that may serve or promote a mixing function. In embodiments, such structural or mechanical formations may be provided near a lower inner portion of a cone 112 (e.g., as generally shown in (A)), may be provided at one or more exterior locations along a vertical length of a cone (e.g., as generally shown in (B)), and / or may be provided at one or more interior locations along a vertical length of a cone, for example, in the form of internal mixing veins (e.g., as generally shown in (C)).

[0039] Embodiments of a configuration with such a dip tube adapter may, among other things, provide for improved manufacturing and / or functional operation. The use of such a dip tube adapter with a cone feature, such as described herein, may, inter alia, reduce the need to have a housing sub-assembled with a dip tube. Moreover, a conventional dip tube will typically have an arc and can shift to one side of the container. Such arc and / or shifting can cause or result in residual product, such as in instances when a consumer has the container oriented with the lower distal end of the dip tube disposed on the “high side.” Such an orientation may permit propellant to escape prior to the can being emptied. With embodiments of the present disclosure, a cone and hemispherical container can work synergistically, with more purposeful and firm respective positioning, to improve dispensing and may additionally involve lower manufacturing costs. Moreover, embodiments of the disclosure may also feed or fill faster on a production line.

[0040] The present disclosure additionally may involve the use of sintering and sintered components, which may provide various advantages and improvements. A wide range of components in various fields may utilize sintering. Utilizing sintered components in a spray or aerosol valve context can provide opportunities to, for example, create or provide a reservoir atdifferent positions in a dispensing system. Among other things, with embodiments of dispensing assemblies with dip tubes or dip tube adapters, such as disclosed herein, sintered elements may be included - and may be provided at one or more locations with respect to a dip tube or assembly. In addition to creating or providing a fluid reservoir, sintered components, in the context of a dispensing system, may be configured to specify and / or facilitate gas transfer or capillarity. Such configurations may, inter alia, facilitate continued spray in an inverted position / orientation, manage gas release with a dispensing apparatus in an inverted position / orientation, and / or may “pull” liquid (which may comprise liquids, gels, or other substances associated with spray or aerosol dispensing) into the reservoir.

[0041] FIG. 11 generally illustrates a sintering process and aspects thereof that may be associated with the present disclosure. As generally illustrated, free-flowing particles (such as shown in (A)) may adhere to each other (such as shown in (B)). That can result for example in an increase of a bridge thickness and length (such as shown in (C)), which can result in the closing or disappearance of open pores (such as shown in (D)). Sintering of materials may be managed by various processes and processing techniques. Depending upon the material and initial particle size and distribution, such processes can produce a finished component having a defined pore size and pore volume.

[0042] In embodiments, a sintered element 200 may be positioned or disposed at several locations within a dispensing assembly. FIG. 12 generally illustrates a sintered element 200 that may be positioned or disposed at a bottom of a dip tube 112 (which may instead be a dip tube adapter 10 as disclosed herein). FIG. 12 generally illustrates a vertical orientation, but it is noted that side or vertical actuation may be accomplished, for example, via triggers or other operations. As generally illustrated in FIG. 13, a housing 120 is shown. A sintered element 200 may be positioned or disposed within a portion of the housing 120 (or an upper portion 12 of dip tube adapter 10) and / or at a base of a housing 120. The use of such sintered elements 200, which may be configured in various sizes, shapes, and forms beyond those illustrated, may create or provide reservoirs in various positions or locations, including those generally illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. In embodiments, such reservoirs may hold or retain fluid and may not permit gas to pass through / around such reservoir(s) without taking or pushing the liquid to an exit orifice. With some embodiments, such formed reservoirs at the end of a dip tube (or dip tube adapter) may function to better keep a spray full during an inversion. With some embodiments in which a reservoir iscreated or formed within a dip tube (or dip tube adapter), such reservoirs may keep the spray full, or nearly full, during inversion. In some applications or embodiments, a separate piece or large dip tube diameter may be provided to achieve an intended volume within a dip tube. With some embodiments in which a reservoir is created or formed within a valve housing, such reservoirs may also keep the spray full, or nearly full, during inversion.

[0043] FIGS. 14 and 15 generally illustrate embodiments of a portion of a dispensing assembly 300. Such an assembly 300 may include a push mechanism (e.g., a side push) 310, a stem 320, a mounting cup 330, an external gasket 340, an internal gasket 350, a spring 360, a housing 370, and a dip tube 380. As generally shown in FIG. 14, a sintered element 200 may be positioned or disposed at or about an end of a dip tube 380 (or in a similar fashion with a dip tube adapter). As generally shown in FIG. 15, a sintered element 200 may be positioned or disposed within or along an inner portion of a dip tube 380 (or in a similar fashion a dip tube adapter).

[0044] FIG. 16 generally illustrates a portion of an embodiment of a dispensing system 400 in which a sintered element 200 is provided or disposed within a portion of a housing 370. Such a configuration may be desirable, for example, with larger housing systems. Moreover, an included sintered element 200 may be configured or formed to be compressible. In some embodiments or applications, such a configuration may permit a sintered element 200 to serve, at least in part, a return spring function.

[0045] FIGS. 19 and 20 generally illustrate side cross-sectional representations of pump systems / assemblies 500. With reference to the exemplary illustrated systems 500, the following elements / components may be included: head 510, chaplet 520, ball valve 530, gasket 540, closure 550, piston 560, spring 570, accumulator 580, ball valve 590, and dip tube 600. In embodiments, a vertical length L15 may, for example and without limitation, be about 0.82 inches, and vertical length L16 may be set to various desired lengths (e.g., set to customer specifications). In embodiments, a head 510 may be comprised of polypropylene; a chaplet 520 may be comprised of polypropylene; a ball valve 530 may be a 1 / 8 in. ball valve comprised of stainless steel (e.g., 430 stainless steel); a gasket 540 may be comprised of various conventional gasket materials, as required; a closure 550 may be comprised of polypropylene; a piston 560 may be comprised of HDPE; a spring 570 may be comprised of stainless steel (e.g., 302 stainless steel); an accumulator 580 may be comprised of polypropylene; a ball valve 590 may be a 3 / 16 in. ball valve comprised of stainless steel (e.g., 430 stainless steel); and dip tube 600 may be comprised of polypropylene.

[0046] FIGS. 21 and 22 generally illustrate side cross-sectional representations of pump systcms / asscmblics 500 with additional inclusion of a sintered element 700.

[0047] Various embodiments are described herein for various apparatuses, systems, and / or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0048] Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment / example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and / or characteristics of one or more other embodiments / examples without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

[0049] It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily so limited and may include one or more of such elements. Any directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader’s understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of embodiments.

[0050] Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected / coupled and in fixed relation to each other. The use of “e.g.” in the specification is to be construed broadly and is used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. Uses of “and” and “or” are to be construed broadly (e.g., to be treated as “and / or”). For example and without limitation, uses of “and” do not necessarily require all elements or features listed, and uses of “or” are intended to be inclusive unless such a construction would be illogical.

[0051] While examples of dimensions of certain components may be described herein, such dimensions are provided as non-limiting examples and the components may have other dimensions.

[0052] While processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that such methods may be practiced with the steps in a different order, with certain steps performed simultaneously, with additional steps, and / or with certain described steps omitted.

[0053] It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A dip tube adapter for a spray or aerosol container, comprising: an upper portion; a lower portion, the lower portion including an upper inner diameter and a lower inner diameter; wherein the upper inner diameter is proximate the upper portion, the lower inner diameter is at or about a lower distal extent of the lower portion, the upper inner diameter is greater than the lower inner diameter, and a wall of the lower portion tapers from at or about the upper portion to the lower distal extent of the lower portion.

2. The dip tube adapter of claim 1, wherein, in a longitudinal direction, the lower portion of the dip tube adapter has a substantially conical shape over a significant portion of its length in the longitudinal direction.

3. The dip tube adapter of claim 1, wherein the dip tube adapter is adapted for attachment to and use in a dispensing assembly.

4. The dip tube adapter of claim 1, wherein the dip tube adapter is comprised of a nylon; a rubber or silicone; or a metal.

5. The dip tube adapter of claim 1, wherein the dip tube adapter is comprised of a polymer or plastic material.

6. The dip tube adapter of claim 1, wherein the dip tube adapter is comprised of recyclable material.

7. The dip tube adapter of claim 1, wherein the upper portion includes one or more of: one or more centering ribs, a blend or blend portion, and a plurality of teeth.

8. The dip tube adapter of claim 1 , including a vertical length extending down from a top of the upper portion and the upper portion includes two to twelve centering ribs and a plurality of teeth.

9. The dip tube adapter of claim 1, wherein a vertical length from a top of the upper portion to at or about a lower segment of the upper portion is less than about 0.10 of a total vertical length of the dip tube adapter.

10. The dip tube adapter of claim 1, wherein a vertical length from a top of the upper portion to at or about a lower portion of the upper portion is less than about 0.06 of a total vertical length of the dip tube adapter.

11. The dip tube adapter of claim 1, wherein there is a tapering down from an inner first diameter in the upper portion to an inner second diameter at or about a distal end in the lower portion.

12. The dip tube adapter of claim 11, wherein the inner second diameter is less than 0.25 the inner first diameter.

13. The dip tube adapter of claim 1, wherein the upper portion includes one or more ribs centering ribs and an annular flange 50, the annular flange has an upper surface and a lower surface, and each of the upper surface and lower surface include a horizontal surface portion.

14. The dip tube adapter of claim 13, wherein the annular flange includes a chamfered or tapered surface portion.

15. The dip tube adapter of claim 1, including one or more structural or mechanical formations to promote mixing function.

16. The dip tube adapter of claim 15, wherein the one or more structural or mechanical formations comprise veins, rods, and / or other static mixing-facilitating formations.

17. The dip tube adapter of claim 15, wherein the one or more structural or mechanical formations arc provided near a lower inner portion of the lower portion.

18. The dip tube adapter of claim 15, wherein the one or more structural or mechanical formations are provided at one or more interior locations along a vertical length of the lower portion.

19. The dip tube adapter of claim 15, wherein the one or more structural or mechanical formations are provided at one or more exterior locations along a vertical length of the lower portion.

20. A dispensing assembly including a dip tube adapter as recited in claim 1, an upper mounting structure, and a container body.

21. The dispensing assembly of claim 20, wherein the upper mounting structure is configured to receive and retain a portion of the dip tube adapter; and the dip tube adapter is connected to a valve or other dispensing component.

22. The dispensing assembly of claim 20, including a sintered element.

23. The dispensing assembly of claim 22, wherein the sintered element is disposed at or about a bottom of the lower portion of the dip tube adapter.

24. The dispensing assembly of claim 22, wherein the sintered element is disposed along an inner portion of the dip tube adapter.

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