nozzle

Abstract

The present invention relates to nozzles for dispensing FMCG products from pliable containers by manual, hand pressure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to nozzles for dispensing consumer health products from pliable containers by manual, hand pressure.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] In the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, a variety of products, such as toothpastes, denture adhesives and the like, are dispensed from pliable containers by consumers using manual, hand pressure; as pressure is applied, the product is dispensed or extruded from the container. The amount of pressure required to dispense the product at a suitable rate and accuracy depends in large part on the configuration of the nozzle. If a consumer needs to squeeze hard to dispense a composition, it cannot be dispensed accurately and there is a risk that the container might split or spill.

[0003] Thus, there remains a need for further nozzles that facilitate ease of dispensing, particularly for older adults or consumers having limited hand movement or strength.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] To solve these and other problems, in a First Aspect of the Invention, there is provided a nozzle comprising: a body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end along a longitudinal axis, an external surface extending between the first and second ends around the longitudinal axis, a passageway through the body in fluid communication with an inlet at the first end and a quadrilateral outlet at the second end, the passageway comprising four interior walls defining a frusto-pyramidal portion that tapers from the inlet and terminates at the quadrilateral outlet. In preferred embodiments, the nozzle is a denture adhesive dispensing nozzle. In other embodiments, the nozzle is a toothpaste dispensing nozzle.

[0005] In some embodiments, the frusto-pyramidal portion is a frustum of a right square pyramid and the quadrilateral outlet is a generally square outlet, particularly a squircular outlet. In some embodiments, the frusto-pyramidal portion is a right rectangular pyramid, and the quadrilateral outlet is a generally rectangular outlet, particularly a rounded rectangular outlet.

[0006] Particularly each of the four interior walls curves inwardly towards the longitudinal axis thereby creating a concave taper in the frusto-pyramidal portion of the passageway towards the outlet.

[0007] Particularly the external surface comprises a substantially cylindrical skirt extending downwardly from the first end around the inlet. More particularly, the substantially cylindrical skirt is configured for attachment to a container body. The cylindrical skirt provides a transitional portion within which the shape of the passageway changes from substantially circular in cross-section (where it meets the container body at the first end) to substantially quadrilateral in cross-section at the threshold of the frusto-pyramidal portion. Particularly, the nozzle body is formed and dimensioned so that the outer surface merges smoothly with the substantially cylindrical skirt in a shoulder-less configuration. More particularly, the transition between the external surface and the substantially cylindrical skirt is a chamfered edge.

[0008] Particularly the outer surface comprises a plurality of spaced, offset partial threads configured for releasable mating engagement with outer threads on the neck of a cap. More particularly, the nozzle comprises two partial threads positioned toward the proximal end in a circumferential arrangement at least partially about the central axis. Yet more particularly, the external surface comprises an anti-back off ring disposed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis and positioned between the cylindrical skirt and the two partial threads.

[0009] Particularly, the opening of the quadrilateral outlet has a length and / or width of from about 2mm to about 4mm. More particularly, the opening of the quadrilateral outlet has a length and / or width of from about 2.66mm to about 3.10mm. In some embodiments, the opening of the quadrilateral outlet has a length of about 2.66mm and a width of about 2.66mm. In some embodiments, the opening of the quadrilateral outlet has a length of about 2.66mm and a width of about 3.10mm. In some embodiments, the opening of the quadrilateral outlet has a length of about 3.10mm and a width of about 3.10mm. Particularly, the opening of the quadrilateral outlet has an area of from about 4mm 2< to about 16mm 2< . More particularly, the opening of the quadrilateral outlet has an area of from about 7.08mm 2< to about 9.61mm 2< . Particularly, the length of the nozzle is from about 30mm to about 40mm (measured from the first end to the second end), particularly a length of from about 30.65mm to about 35.74mm.

[0010] Particularly, the nozzle is formed from a plastics material, particularly a thermo-plastic material. In certain embodiments the nozzle is formed from High-density polyethylene (HDPE). Particularly, the nozzle is injection moulded or compression moulded.

[0011] The nozzles of the Invention are for dispensing compositions using manual, hand pressure. Particularly the nozzles are for dispensing compositions having a viscosity of from 400,000-2,000,000 centipoise ((cP) measured at 25°C ± 1°C), more particularly a viscosity of from 400,000-1,000,000 cP (measured at 25°C ± 1°C).

[0012] In a Second Aspect of the Invention, there is provided a denture adhesive dispensing container comprising: a denture adhesive dispensing nozzle according to the First Aspect and a container body attached to the substantially cylindrical skirt.

[0013] Particularly, the container body comprises an aluminium barrier laminate (abl) material or a plastic barrier laminate material (pbl). Preferably, the denture adhesive dispensing container is recyclable.

[0014] In a Third Aspect of the Invention, there is provided a denture adhesive dispensing kit comprising; a denture adhesive dispensing container according to the Second Aspect, a denture adhesive composition contained in the container body and a removeable cap configured for mating engagement over at least part of the denture adhesive dispensing nozzle to close the quadrilateral outlet when the denture adhesive dispensing container is not in use to dispense the denture adhesive composition.DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0015] FIGURE 1: Embodiment of a nozzle of the Invention comprising a body (1) having a first end (A), a second end (B) opposite the first end along a longitudinal axis (A-B) and an external surface extending between the first and second ends around the longitudinal axis. A substantially cylindrical skirt (2) extends downwardly from the first end configured for attachment to a container body (not shown). The nozzle body is formed and dimensioned with a chamfered edge (3). FIGURE 2(a): Cutaway showing the internal features of the embodiment of Fig. 1. The interior of the nozzle body comprises a passageway (X-X) running the length of the body in fluid communication with an inlet (6) at the first end (A) and the quadrilateral outlet (7) at the second end (B). FIGURE 2(b): View from the base of the nozzle looking towards the outlet showing the four interior walls of the passageway (W 1 , W 2 , W 3 and W 4 ), defining the frusto-pyramidal portion. FIGURE 2(c): Cutaway of the nozzle body showing the transitional portion of the cylindrical skirt. In this embodiment, the first transitional wall has an angle of 30° (given by the angle between a vertical reference line (L 1 ) and the interior wall, extended as dashed line (L 2 )) and a second transitional wall has an angle of 62° (given by the angle between the vertical reference line (L 1 ) and the interior wall, extended as dashed line (L 3 )). FIGURE 3: Close-up view of the region of the nozzle around the outlet from above showing each of the four sides (S 1 , S 2 , S 3 and S 4 ). The exterior of the body is labelled to indicate the walls using the nomenclature used in Fig. 2(b) (W 1 , W 2 , W 3 and W 4 ). FIGURE 4: Embodiment of a pliable container with nozzle of the Invention showing a crimped tube with a container body (8) that extends along the longitudinal axis (Y-Y) from a bottom end (C) to a top end (D) at which it is connected to the substantially cylindrical skirt of the nozzle (1). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present inventors have developed improved nozzles that facilitate ease of dispensing semi-solid compositions from pliable containers, particularly for older adults or consumers having limited hand movement or strength. The nozzles enable consumers to dispense such semi-solid compositions with control and accuracy at a rate that allows them to be extruded and stick to a surface whilst also avoiding ribboning. Semi-solids have physical properties such as rigidity and viscosity intermediate between a solid and a liquid for example, pastes, ointments, creams and gels. Semi-solids can flow and be extruded from a nozzle whilst being substantially self-supporting (i.e., they retain the cross-sectional shape imparted to them by the cross-sectional shape of the nozzle outlet as they are extruded and do not collapse). Particularly, semi-solids have a viscosity of from about 300,000 to about 2,000,000 centipoise ((cP) measured at 25°C ± 1°C). By way of non-limiting example, particular semi-solids for use with the nozzles of the Invention include toothpastes and denture adhesives.

[0017] Reference will now be made to certain embodiments of the Invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. In accordance with the Invention, there is provided a nozzle for dispensing semi-solid compositions having a viscosity of from about 300,000 to about 2,000,000 cP (measured at 25°C ± 1°C) such as from about 300,000 to about 1,000,000 cP (measured at 25°C ± 1°C), from about 400,000 to about 2,000,000 cP (measured at 25°C ± 1°C) or from about 400,000 to about 1,000,000 cP (measured at 25°C ± 1°C). Particularly, the nozzle is a denture adhesive dispensing nozzle. More particularly, the nozzle is a denture adhesive nozzle that facilitates accurate delivery of a denture adhesive composition to a receiving surface, for example a surface of a denture or partial denture.

[0018] Referring to the external features of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, there is provided a nozzle comprising a body (1) having a first end (A), a second end (B) opposite the first end along a longitudinal axis (A-B) and an external surface extending between the first and second ends around the longitudinal axis. A substantially cylindrical skirt (2) extends downwardly from the first end configured for attachment to a container body (not shown). The nozzle body is formed and dimensioned with a chamfered edge (3) so that the outer surface merges smoothly with the substantially cylindrical skirt in a shoulder-less configuration. The term "substantially cylindrical" is to be understood to include the shape of a cylinder or a tapered cylinder of circular or substantially circular cross-section, or which have the shape of a cylinder or a tapered cylinder of elliptical or substantially elliptical cross-section.

[0019] The outer surface of the nozzle will generally comprise features configured to enable attachment of a closure means, such as a cap, to cover and seal the nozzle outlet. Particularly, the nozzle will comprise screw members, such as at least one thread on the outer surface for engaging with at least one thread inside a closure means. Preferably, the outer surface of the body comprises a plurality of spaced, offset partial threads configured for releasable mating engagement with the threads inside a closure means, particularly a cap. The embodiment shown comprises two partial threads (4a and 4b) positioned toward the proximal end (first end) distributed evenly around the central axis, for example at 0° and 180° around the circumference.

[0020] Anti-back off features are known in the art for preventing a closure cap from loosening or backing off from a closed sealing position. The external surface of the nozzle further comprises an anti-back off ring (5) disposed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis and positioned between the cylindrical skirt and the two partial threads. The anti-back off ring releasably engages with a corresponding groove in a closure cap to provide a sealing function. As the anti-back off ring engages with the groove in a closure cap preferably it also provides an audible click and / or haptic signal to a consumer, indicating that the closure cap is properly engaged with the nozzle.

[0021] Fig. 2(a) is a cutaway showing the internal features of the embodiment of Fig. 1. The interior of the nozzle body comprises a passageway (X-X) running the length of the body in fluid communication with an inlet (6) at the first end (A) and the quadrilateral outlet (7) at the second end (B). The passageway comprises four interior walls (shown in Fig. 2(b) as W 1 , W 2 , W 3 and W 4 ), defining a frusto-pyramidal portion that tapers from the inlet (6) and terminates at the quadrilateral outlet (7).

[0022] The interior of the cylindrical skirt (2) defines the inlet (6), an opening in the nozzle body at the start of the passageway into which composition to be dispensed is received, generally from a pliable container (not shown).

[0023] The interior of the cylindrical skirt (2) provides a smooth transitional portion within which the shape of the passageway changes from substantially circular in cross-section (where it meets the container body at the first end) to substantially quadrilateral in cross-section at the threshold of the frusto-pyramidal portion. In the embodiment shown, the interior wall of the cylindrical skirt has a first transitional portion having an angle of 30° (given by the angle between a vertical reference line (L 1 ) and the interior wall, extended as dashed line (L 2 )) and a second transitional portion having an angle of 62° (given by the angle between the vertical reference line (L 1 ) and the interior wall, extended as dashed line (L 3 )) (Fig. 2(c)).

[0024] In the embodiments shown in the figures, the frusto-pyramidal portion is a frustum of a right square pyramid and the quadrilateral outlet is a generally square outlet, particularly a rounded square outlet. However, in other embodiments, the frusto-pyramidal portion is a right rectangular pyramid, and the quadrilateral outlet is a generally rectangular outlet, particularly a rounded rectangular outlet.

[0025] The passageway tapers from the first end of the nozzle to the second end and the cross-sectional area of the passageway becomes progressively smaller towards the outlet. However, the taper of the passageway need not be a linear taper and, as shown in the exemplary embodiments in the figures, the walls of the passageway may be arcuate. In the figures, each of the four interior walls defining the passageway can be seen to curve inwardly towards the longitudinal axis thereby creating a concave taper in the frusto-pyramidal portion of the passageway towards the outlet. The surface of each of the four interior walls is smooth (free from perceptible projections, indentations or steps) and in the embodiments shown in the figures, the cross-section of each of the four interior

[0026] The quadrilateral outlet (7) is provided at the second end of the nozzle at the end of the passageway. A close-up view of the region of the nozzle around the outlet is shown in Figure 3. The term "outlet" refers to an opening in the nozzle body through which a composition is dispensed / extruded and the terms "quadrilateral outlet" and "generally quadrilateral outlet" refer to an opening that has four sides (shown in Fig. 3 as S 1 , S 2 , S 3 and S 4 ). Two of the sides (S 1 and S 2 ) are the same length and parallel to each other and the other two sides (S 3 and S 4 ) are the same length and parallel to each other. Preferably, the quadrilateral outlet is a square outlet or a rectangular outlet. The flow rate of a semi-solid through a square or rectangular opening is significantly lower at the corners where the sides meet an angle of 90°. Thus, in preferred embodiments the corners of the outlet are rounded, i.e., the outlet is a square shape having rounded corners, "a rounded square outlet" or a rectangular shape having rounded corners, a "rounded rectangular outlet". In some embodiments, the outlet is a squircle. In addition to making flow rate more uniform and avoiding accumulation of extruded product at each corner, rounded corners may also facilitate manufacture of the nozzle. However, the radius of such rounded corners is not critical.

[0027] In use, one of the pairs of sides (S 1 and S 2 or S 3 and S 4 ) defines the width dimension of an extruded composition and the other pair of sides (S 1 and S 2 or S 3 and S 4 ) defines the thickness dimension of an extruded composition.

[0028] The opening of the quadrilateral outlet has a length and / or width of from about 2mm to about 4mm, for example 2.0mm, 2.1mm, 2.2mm, 2.25mm, 2.26mm, 2.3mm, 2.4mm, 2.5mm, 2.6mm, 2.64mm, 2.65mm, 2.66mm, 2.67mm, 2.68mm, 2.69mm, 2.7mm, 2.8mm, 2.9mm, 3.0mm, 3.01mm, 3.02mm, 3.03mm, 3.04mmm 3.05mm, 3.06mm, 3.07mm, 3.08mm, 3.09mm, 3.1mm, 3.11mm, 3.2mm, 3.3mm, 3.4mm, 3.5mm, 3.6mm, 3.7mm, 3.8mm, 3.9mm or 4.0mm. The Inventors have discovered that the optimum size for the opening of the quadrilateral outlet is a length and / or width of from about 2.66mm to about 3.10mm, such as 2.66mm, 2.67mm, 2.68mm, 2.69mm, 2.70mm, 3.00mm, 3.01mm, 3.02mm, 3.03mm, 3.04mmm 3.05mm, 3.06mm, 3.07mm, 3.08mm, 3.09mm, 3.10mm. In some embodiments, the opening of the quadrilateral outlet has a length of about 2.66mm and a width of about 2.66mm. In some embodiments, the opening of the quadrilateral outlet has a length of about 2.66mm and a width of about 3.10mm. In some embodiments, the opening of the quadrilateral outlet has a length of about 3.10mm and a width of about 3.10mm. Particularly, the particularly, the opening of the quadrilateral outlet has an area of from about 7.08mm 2< to about 9.61mm 2< .

[0029] The quadrilateral outlet does not terminate with an angled, pointed or beveled end but terminates with a flat or blunt end with each of the terminal edges or sides being in the same plane, generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle.

[0030] Particularly, the length of the nozzle is from about 30mm to about 40mm (measured from the first end to the second end), such as 30.10mm, 30.15mm, 30.20mm, 30.25mm, 30.30mm, 30.35mm, 30.40mm, 30.45mm, 30.50mm, 30.55mm, 30.60mm, 30.61mm, 30.62mm, 30.63mm, 30.64mm, 30.65mm, 30.66mm, 30.67mm, 30.68mm, 30.69mm, 30.70mm, 35.10mm, 35.15mm, 35.20mm, 35.25mm, 35.30mm, 35.35mm, 35.40mm, 35.45mm, 35.50mm, 35.55mm, 35.60mm, 35.65mm, 35.70mm, 35.71mm, 35.72mm, 35.73mm, 35.74mm, 35.74mm, 35.75mm, 35.76mm, 35.77mm, 35.78mm, 35.79mm or 35.80mm. Particularly the length of the nozzle is from about 30.65mm to about 35.74mm (measured from the first end to the second end).

[0031] Particularly, the inlet has a diameter of from about 18mm to about 27mm (internal diameter of the substantially cylindrical skirt measured at the base), such as about 19mm, 19.5mm, 20mm, 20.5mm, 21mm, 21.5mm, 22mm, 22.5mm, 23mm, 23.5mm, 24mm, 24.10mm, 24.15mm, 24.20mm, 24.23mm, 24.25mm, 24,26mm, 24,27mm, 24.3mm, 24.4mm, 24.5mm, 25mm, 25.5mm, 26mm, 26.10mm, 26.15mm, 26.20mm, 26.21mm, 26.22mm, 26.23mm, 26.24mm, 26.25mm, 26.26mm 26.27mm, 26.28mm, 26.29mm, 26.30mm, 26.5mm or 27mm.

[0032] Particularly, the nozzle is formed from a plastics material, particularly a thermo-plastic material. The term "plastics material" is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary thermoplastic or thermosetting material. In particular, the plastic material may be a mixture of substances comprising monomers and / or polymers. Specifically, the plastic material may be or may comprise a thermoplastic material. Additionally, or alternatively, the plastic material may be or may comprise a thermosetting material. In certain embodiments the nozzle is formed from High-density polyethylene (HDPE). Particularly, the nozzle is injection moulded or compression moulded.

[0033] The nozzles of the Invention are for dispensing compositions using manual, hand pressure. Particularly the nozzles are for dispensing compositions having a viscosity of from 300,000-2,000,000 centipoise ((cP) measured at 25°C ± 1°C), more particularly 400,000-2,000,000 cP (measured at 25°C ± 1°C) and yet more particularly 300,000-1,000,000 cP (measured at 25°C ± 1°C) and still yet more particularly 400,000-1,000,000 cP (measured at 25°C ± 1°C).

[0034] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a pliable container comprising a nozzle of the Invention. The pliable container, in this embodiment a crimped tube, has a container body (8) that extends along the longitudinal axis (Y-Y) from a bottom end (C) to a top end (D) at which it is connected to the substantially cylindrical skirt of the nozzle. The container body may be connected to the skirt of the nozzle by any means suitable in the art, for example by in-situ moulding or thermoforming, cinching, welding or the use of adhesives and the like.

[0035] Nozzles known in the art often have a shoulder region that can facilitate connection of the nozzle to a container body. The term "shoulder" generally refers to a structure that arises as a result of a significant change in cross-sectional dimension indicated by a visible feature, such as a step, formed at the intersection of cylindrical portions having a common longitudinal axis but with very different diameters. Within a passageway, through which a semi-solid can flow, such a shoulder creates a sudden change in the flow path whilst also creating dead-zones with residual product that cannot be dispensed. Nozzles of the present Invention, and pliable containers comprising such nozzles, have a shoulder-less configuration.

[0036] The container body defines an internal cavity for holding a semi-solid composition and comprises an opening at the top end in fluid communication with the nozzle inlet. The bottom end of the container body may be sealed by any suitable method known in the art such as welding or cinching, for example. Preferably, the bottom end of the container body is hermetically sealed to prevent leaking of the contents of the internal cavity. The container body may be configured to be rolled from the bottom end towards the top end to assist in dispensing.

[0037] Particularly, the container body comprises an aluminium barrier laminate (abl) material or a plastic barrier laminate material (pbl). In some embodiments, the container body comprises HDPE. In some embodiments, the container body comprises polyethylene (PE) and ethyl vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH).

[0038] The pliable container comprising the nozzle of the Invention may also include a removable cap configured for mating engagement over at least part of the nozzle to close the quadrilateral outlet when the container is not in use to dispense a semi-solid.

[0039] There is provided a denture adhesive dispensing kit comprising; a denture adhesive dispensing container according to the Second Aspect, a denture adhesive composition contained in the container body and a removeable cap configured for mating engagement over at least part of the denture adhesive dispensing nozzle to close the quadrilateral outlet when the denture adhesive dispensing container is not in use to dispense the denture adhesive composition.Specific Embodiments

[0040] EMBODIMENT 1: A dispensing nozzle comprising: a body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end along a longitudinal axis, an external surface extending between the first and second ends around the longitudinal axis, a passageway through the body in fluid communication with an inlet at the first end and a quadrilateral outlet at the second end, the passageway comprising four interior walls defining a frusto-pyramidal portion that tapers from the inlet and terminates at the quadrilateral outlet.

[0041] EMBODIMENT 2: The dispensing nozzle of EMBODIMENT 1, wherein said frusto-pyramidal portion is a frustum of a right square pyramid, and the quadrilateral outlet is a generally square outlet, particularly a squircular outlet.

[0042] EMBODIMENT 3. The dispensing nozzle of EMBODIMENT 1, wherein said frusto-pyramidal portion is a right rectangular pyramid, and the quadrilateral outlet is a generally rectangular outlet, particularly a rounded rectangular outlet.

[0043] EMBODIMENT 4. The dispensing nozzle of EMBODIMENTS 1, 2 or 3 wherein each of the four interior walls curves inwardly towards the longitudinal axis thereby creating a concave taper in the frusto-pyramidal portion of the passageway.

[0044] EMBODIMENT 5. The dispensing nozzle of EMBODIMENT 4, wherein the external surface comprises a substantially cylindrical skirt extending downwardly from the first end around the inlet.

[0045] EMBODIMENT 6. The dispensing nozzle of EMBODIMENT 5, wherein the substantially cylindrical skirt is configured for attachment to a container body.

[0046] EMBODIMENT 7. The dispensing nozzle of EMBODIMENT 6, wherein the outer surface comprises a plurality of spaced, offset partial threads configured for releasable mating engagement with outer threads on the neck of a cap.

[0047] EMBODIMENT 8. The dispensing nozzle of EMBODIMENT 7, comprising two partial threads positioned toward the proximal end in a circumferential arrangement at least partially about the central axis.

[0048] EMBODIMENT 9. The dispensing nozzle of EMBODIMENT 8, wherein the external surface comprises an anti-back off ring disposed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis and positioned between the cylindrical skirt and the two partial threads.

[0049] EMBODIMENT 10. The dispensing nozzle of EMBODIMENT 9, wherein the transition between the external surface and the substantially cylindrical skirt is a chamfered edge.

[0050] EMBODIMENT 11. The dispensing nozzle of any preceding EMBODIMENT, wherein the quadrilateral outlet has a length and / or width of from about 2mm to about 4mm.

[0051] EMBODIMENT 12. The dispensing nozzle of EMBODIMENT 11, wherein the nozzle is injection moulded or compression molded.

[0052] EMBODIMENT 13. A dispensing container comprising: a dispensing nozzle according to any one of EMBODIMENTS 1 to 12 and a container body attached to the substantially cylindrical skirt.

[0053] EMBODIMENT 14. The dispensing container of EMBODIMENT 13, wherein the container body comprises an aluminium barrier laminate (abl) material or a plastic barrier laminate material (pbl).

[0054] EMBODIMENT 15. A dispensing kit comprising; a dispensing container according to EMBODIMENT 13 or 14, a semi-fluid composition contained in the container body and a removeable cap configured for mating engagement over at least part of the denture adhesive dispensing nozzle to close the quadrilateral outlet when the dispensing container is not in use to dispense the semi-fluid composition.

[0055] EMBODIMENT 16. The dispensing nozzle of any one of EMBODIMENTS 1 to 12, dispensing container of EMBODIMENTS 13 to 14 or the dispensing kit of EMBODIMENT 15, wherein the dispensing nozzle is a denture adhesive dispensing nozzle.

[0056] EMBODIMENT 17. The dispensing kit of EMBODIMENT 15, wherein the semi-fluid composition is a denture adhesive composition or a toothpaste composition.General

[0057] The term "comprising" encompasses "including" e.g. a composition "comprising" X may include something additional e.g. X + Y. Use of the transitional phrase "consisting essentially of" means that the scope of a claim is to be interpreted to encompass the specified materials or steps recited in the claim, and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. See, In re Herz, 537 F.2d 549, 551-52, 190 USPQ 461, 463 (CCPA 1976) (emphasis in the original); see also MPEP § 2111.03. Thus, the term "consisting essentially of" when used in a claim of this invention is not intended to be interpreted to be equivalent to "comprising". The term "consisting of" and variations thereof means including and limited to (for example, the specific recited components or steps). The term "about" in relation to a numerical value x is optional and means, for example, that the numerical value may comprise some variance around the stated number to allow for routine experimental fluctuation, measurement variance or to encompass minor deviations that may achieve substantially the same results as the stated number, such as x±10%, x±5%, x±4%, x±3%, x±2% or x±1%. The word "substantially" does not exclude "completely" e.g. a composition which is "substantially free" from Y may be completely free from Y. Where necessary, the word "substantially" may be omitted from the definition of the invention. All percentages and ratios used herein are by weight of total composition, unless otherwise indicated.

[0058] All references or patent applications cited within this patent specification are incorporated by reference herein. The purpose of the above description is to illustrate some embodiments of the present invention without implying a limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made in the apparatus or procedure of the invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A denture adhesive dispensing nozzle comprising: a body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end along a longitudinal axis, an external surface extending between the first and second ends around the longitudinal axis, a passageway through the body in fluid communication with an inlet at the first end and a quadrilateral outlet at the second end, the passageway comprising four interior walls defining a frusto-pyramidal portion that tapers from the inlet and terminates at the quadrilateral outlet.

2. The denture adhesive dispensing nozzle of Claim 1, wherein said frusto-pyramidal portion is a frustum of a right square pyramid, and the quadrilateral outlet is a generally square outlet, particularly a squircular outlet.

3. The denture adhesive dispensing nozzle of Claim 1, wherein said frusto-pyramidal portion is a right rectangular pyramid, and the quadrilateral outlet is a generally rectangular outlet, particularly a rounded rectangular outlet.

4. The denture adhesive dispensing nozzle of Claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein each of the four interior walls curves inwardly towards the longitudinal axis thereby creating a concave taper in the frusto-pyramidal portion of the passageway.

5. The denture adhesive dispensing nozzle of Claim 4, wherein the external surface comprises a substantially cylindrical skirt extending downwardly from the first end around the inlet.

6. The denture adhesive dispensing nozzle of Claim 5, wherein the substantially cylindrical skirt is configured for attachment to a container body.

7. The denture adhesive dispensing nozzle of Claim 6, wherein the outer surface comprises a plurality of spaced, offset partial threads configured for releasable mating engagement with outer threads on the neck of a cap.

8. The denture adhesive dispensing nozzle of Claim 7, comprising two partial threads positioned toward the proximal end in a circumferential arrangement at least partially about the central axis.

9. The denture adhesive dispensing nozzle of Claim 8, wherein the external surface comprises an anti-back off ring disposed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis and positioned between the cylindrical skirt and the two partial threads.

10. The denture adhesive dispensing nozzle of Claim 9, wherein the transition between the external surface and the substantially cylindrical skirt is a chamfered edge.

11. The denture adhesive dispensing nozzle of any preceding claim, wherein the quadrilateral outlet has a length and / or width of from about 2mm to about 4mm.

12. The denture adhesive dispensing nozzle of Claim 11, wherein the nozzle is injection moulded or compression molded.

13. A denture adhesive dispensing container comprising: a denture adhesive dispensing nozzle according to any one of Claims 1 to 12 and a container body attached to the substantially cylindrical skirt.

14. The denture adhesive dispensing container of Claim 13, wherein the container body comprises an aluminium barrier laminate (abl) material or a plastic barrier laminate material (pbl).

15. A denture adhesive dispensing kit comprising; a denture adhesive dispensing container according to Claim 13 or 14, a denture adhesive composition contained in the container body and a removeable cap configured for mating engagement over at least part of the denture adhesive dispensing nozzle to close the quadrilateral outlet when the denture adhesive dispensing container is not in use to dispense the denture adhesive composition.

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