Dispensing bottle for hygenic liquid formulations

Abstract

A nozzle member 13 for a bottle (fig 1A, 11) for dispensing liquid cleaning formulations comprises a vertical chamber having a lower open end 42 and an upper end 43. The upper end comprises a substantially convex curved top surface 34 for delivering a liquid cleaning formulation externally. The substantially convex curved top surface includes a plurality of apertures 26 being disposed throughout the top surface. The apertures in the substantially convex curved top surface have a total open cross sectional area (“TOCSA”) ranging between 20 to 45 mm2. A tapered pin structure 43 directs the liquid formulation towards at least two of the apertures. The apertures are preferably positioned at an angle of 10-65 degrees in an axial direction. The ratio of the TOCSA to surface area of the curved top surface is between 0.1-0.7. A bottle of a liquid cleaning formation provided with the nozzle; and a method of delivering a liquid formulation stored in the bottle are also claimed.

Description

Plastic squeezable bottles for dispensing cleaning agents are well known in the art. They are typically used for application of liquid cleaning formulations to hard surface areas, mostly inside of sanitary appliances such as inside of toilet bowls. One problem with squeeze bottles is in controlling the amount and the flow of the discharging liquid in providing suitable surface coverage of inclined toilet appliances. In particular, the volume and degree ofcoverage depends on multiple factors such as the users grip strength, the squeezability of the bottle material, the respective design of the neck of the bottle and its discharging angle, and the design of the nozzle tip. Moreover, as the viscosity of formulations rises, determining the proper dose and its potential cleaning effects would impose additional burden on users to manually navigate the degree of squeeze force and the direction of the nozzle, making the application of the liquid to the surface of choice cumbersome and problematic. To that end, there is a need in the art for bottle and nozzle combinations that facilitate easier dispensing of viscous liquids in a variety of directions. The present invention addresses the shortcomings in the art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The first aspect of the present invention is directed to a nozzle member for a bottle for dispensing liquid cleaning formulations, wherein the nozzle member comprises: an axial chamber having a lower open end and an upper end, wherein the upper end comprises a substantially convex curved top surface for delivering a liquid cleaning formulation externally, said curved top surface including a plurality of apertures being disposed throughout the top surface; wherein the apertures in the curved top surface have a total open cross sectional area (“TOCSA”) ranging between 20 to 45 mm2; a tapered pin structure to direct the liquid formulation towards at least two of said apertures; and wherein the nozzle is configured to connect with the bottle,. Preferably the tapered pin structure is positioned centrally and comprises an inverted closed tip. The tapered pin structure may further include an opposing end to the inverted closed tip having a funnel shaped cavity, and a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the closed tip. The plurality of apertures are preferably positioned on the substantially convex curved top surface at an angle ranging between 10 to 65 degrees in reference to the axial direction. Preferably the apertures are at positioned at an angle ranging between 15 to 40, and more preferably at an angle of 30 degrees to 40 degrees, and most preferably an angle of 32 + / -3 degrees in reference to the axial direction. The second aspect of the present invention is directed to a nozzle member for a bottle for dispensing liquid cleaning formulations, wherein the nozzle member comprises: a vertical chamber having a lower open end and an upper end, wherein the upper end comprise a substantially convex curved top surface for delivering a liquid cleaning formulation externally, said curved top surface including a plurality of apertures being disposed throughout the top surface; wherein the apertures in the curved top surface have a total open cross sectional area (“TOCSA”) ranging between 20 to 45 mm2; wherein the plurality of apertures includes at least two side apertures positioned on the surface of the curved top surface at an angle ranging between 10 to 65 degrees in reference to the axial direction. Preferably the apertures of the nozzle member according to the second aspect of the present invention are positioned at an angle ranging between 15 to 40, and more preferably at an angle of 30 degrees to 40 degrees, and most preferably an angle of 32 + / -3 degrees in reference to the axial direction. Preferably the nozzle member according to the second aspect of the present invention may be provided with a tapered pin structure to direct the liquid formulation towards at least two of said apertures. A nozzle member according to the second aspect of the present invention may be provided with a tapered pin structure to direct the liquid formulation towards at least two of said apertures. The following preferred features are relevant to the nozzle member according to the first aspect of the present invention and the second aspect of the present invention. The nozzle member may be provided with a sealing ring configured to plug into a bottle and prevent leakage comprising a sealing ring well and sealing walls thereof. The sealing ring preferably includes a sealing ring well. The substantially convex curved top surface has a surface area (“HSTSA”) and the ratio of the TOCSA to HSTSA is greater than 0.1 but less than 0.7. Preferably the TOCSA ranges between 25 to 40 mm2, and more preferably between 30 to 37.5 mm2. Preferably the HSTSA ranges between 30 to 450 mm2, and more preferably 36 to 400 mm2, and most preferably 42 to 375 mm2. The diameter of each aperture is preferably in the range of 1.2 to 5.0 mm, and more preferably between 2.5 to 3.5 mm. The surface area of each aperture preferably ranges between 4.5 to 78 mm2, and more preferably between 19.6 to 38.5 mm2. The nozzle member is preferably provided with between 3 to 8 apertures, and more preferably between 4 to 6 apertures, and even more preferably 5 apertures. The substantially convex curved surface is preferably substantially hemispherical. The tapered pin structure may be configured with an inverted closed tip on one side and a funnel cavity on the opposing end, wherein the diameter of the closed tip is smaller than the diameter of the funnel cavity in the opposing end. The tapered pin structure may be configured to direct the flow of the liquid in the axial chamber laterally towards substantially all of the apertures located on the hemispherical shape top surface of the nozzle member. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a bottle of a liquid cleaning formulation wherein the bottle is provided with a nozzle member according to the first aspect of the present invention or the second aspect of the present invention, and wherein the bottle contains a liquid cleaning formulation having a viscosity ranging between 1200 to 2200 cps, and preferably in the range of 1500 cps to 1800 cps. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of delivering a liquid formulation stored in a bottle wherein the bottle is provided with a nozzle member according to the first aspect of the present invention or the second aspect of the present invention, and wherein the bottle contains a liquid cleaning formulation having a viscosity ranging between 1200 to 2200 cps, comprising the steps of: (i) applying a force to the external walls of the bottle having a squeeze pressure ranging between 1000 to 5000N / m2; (ii) delivering the liquid cleaning formulation having a viscosity ranging between 1200 to 2200 cps from the bottle reservoir into the nozzle member; and (iii) applying the liquid formulation to the walls of a sanitary appliance. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of applying substantially uniform coverage of between 30ml to 50ml of a liquid cleaning composition to the walls of a toilet bowl to cover greater than 65% of the toilet bowl, wherein the liquid cleaning formulation is stored in a bottle and the bottle is provided with a nozzle member according to the first aspect of the present invention or the second aspect of the present invention, and wherein the liquid cleaning formulation has a viscosity ranging between 1200 to 2200 cps, and the method comprises the steps of: (i) applying a force to the external walls of the bottle having a squeeze pressure ranging between 1000 to 5000N / m2; (ii) delivering the liquid cleaning formulation having a viscosity ranging between 1200 to 2200 cps from the bottle into the nozzle member; and (iii) applying the liquid formulation to the walls of the toilet bowl. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects and advantageous of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bottle container (1A and 1B) and its respective annular nozzle member (1C) in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention; FIGs. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F provide side views of different variations of the nozzle member according to the first aspect of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a top view of one embodiment according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the nozzle member of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is the depiction of the angle of the apertures based on the central axis of the nozzle member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same.meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which this invention belongs and shall be understood to have the meanings described below. All publications and patents referred.to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Unless otherwise specified, the following terms have the meaning as described herein. As used herein, “about” will mean up to plus or minus 5% of the particular term. As used herein, the term “nozzle” refers to a cylindrical or round lip or tube-like structure may be projected from a container having at least one aperture through which liquid can be discharged or ejected forcibly in the form of a stream away from said apertures. As used herein, “'consisting essentially of” refers to excluding other active ingredients but.including the recited optional excipients. As used herein, "sanitary appliance" generally refers to toilet bowl, urinal, fixtures, and.similar objects in lavatory and bathroom environment. By the term “substantially free”' it is meant that the final composition contains less than 2.5% of the total weight of the respective composition to the extent that it could be detected by general quantitative assays known in the art for detection of such ingredient in the final_composition. For example, the phrase substantially free of water would mean that the respective composition contains less than 2.5% water. By the term "free" it is meant that the final 15 composition is free of any traces of the identified ingredient to the extent that it could bejdentified using the same assays as described herein above. As used herein the phrase “Total Open Cross Sectional Area (TOCSA)” refers to the sum of the areas of all the apertures present in the substantially convex curved areas of the nozzle member, where in use liquid cleaning formulation flows out through the apertures, regardless of the number of apertures on the substantially convex curved top surface. Description of the Embodiments Reference is made to FIGS. 1 to 5 showing different aspects of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, specifically 1A-1C, the bottle 11 includes a liquid reservoir 12 and a nozzle member 13. The nozzle member sits on the top end of the bottle as a lip for delivering liquid cleaning formulations stored in the reservoir 12, upon the bottle being pressed through its external walls by a user. The nozzle is configured to connect with the bottle neck 17 storing the liquid cleaning formulation in a manner to prevent any leakage. The bottle 11 also has the base footing 14 for the bottle 11 to stand on a flat surface and maintain its upright position. The footing 14 is in opposite end of the bottle 11 as compared to the top end of the bottle 11 where the nozzle sits and the bottle 11 extending upwardly from the base footing 14. The bottle 11 has a filling neck 17 at the upper end of the bottle 11. The neck 17 is shown to extend in a manner allowing the nozzle member 13 to sit on or be inserted into its respective opening on the upper end of the bottle 11 when the bottle 11 is in the upright position. The neck 17 is open to the interior of the bottle and may include threaded along its external walls. In some embodiments, the neck 17 contains threads 19 about its cylindrical periphery to allow tightening of a suitable closure cap 16 to cover the nozzle 13. Suitable closure caps include those that have internal threads 18 for engagement with the threads that may be located on the filing neck 17. Suitable closure caps typically have a cylindrical ring which in its internal surfaces may carry radially inwardly and axially extending to engage the entire top opening of the bottle and enclose the top surface of the nozzle member 13. In some arrangements, the threading of the closure cap 16 is rotated onto the nozzle till engaged with the threads of the bottle until secured to prohibit any accidental leakage of the liquid formulation outside. To remove the closure cap a person must manually apply compressive forces to the cap to configured to provide child safety closure cap as necessary. Each of the bottle 11, the nozzle member 13 and the closure cap 16 may preferably be injection molded by plastic material or plastic substitutes. The bottle is preferably made of plastic and is blow molded. FIG. 2, namely FIG 2A-2F provides further detail of the nozzle member 13 and different embodiments are shown in each of the views FIGs 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F. The nozzle member 13 extends from the open lower end 22 to an upper end 20. The upper end 20 of the member is a substantially convex curved top surface that carries a plurality of apertures located throughout of the top surface 24. The apertures are geometrically distributed so that at least three, but preferably five of such apertures 26 are located in the lower part of the top substantially convex curved top surface, but within the side perimeters of the top surface configured to allow ejection of a liquid formulations stored in the reservoir 12 outside and towards the sides of the nozzle member 13. The nozzle members 13 according to the present invention have a plurality of apertures ranging from 3 to 8 apertures, preferably 4 to 6, more preferably 5 apertures. As can be seen from Figs. 1-5, the plurality of apertures 26, 36, 46 include at least two side apertures positioned on the surface of the substantially convex curved top surface. The apertures 26, 36, 46 are configured at an angle ranging between 15 to 40, and more preferably at an angle of 30 degrees to 40 degrees, and most preferably an angle of 32 + / -3 degrees in reference to the axial direction of nozzle member 13. FIG. 3 provides a detailed view of different components of the nozzle member 13. As shown in FIG. 3 the nozzle member 13 comprises a top surface having plurality of apertures 26 that are positioned throughout the top surface area. The TOCSA ranges between 20 to 45 mm2, preferably between 25 to 40 mm2, and more preferably between 30 to 37.5 mm2. The substantially convex curved top surface has a surface area (“HSTSA”) 34 and the ratio of the TOCSA to HSTSA is greater than 0.1 but less than 0.7. In some embodiments, the ratio of TOCSA to HSTSA is preferably between 0.3 to 0.6 to provide sufficient and uniform delivery of the liquid cleaning formulation to the walls of a sanitary device such as a toilet bowl or the like. In some embodiments, the HSTSA ranges between 30 to 450 mm2, and more preferably 36 to 400 mm2, and most preferably 42 to 375 mm2. . The diameter of each aperture is preferably in the range of 1.2 to 5.0 mm, and more preferably between 2.5 to 3.5 mm. The surface area of each aperture preferably ranges between 4.5 to 78 mm2, and more preferably between 19.6 to 38.5 mm2. Table 1 below provides a sample of alternative designs of the nozzle members according to the present invention: Table 1 FIG 4 illustrates the features of the nozzle member 13 in more detail via a cross-section view. The nozzle member 13 is shown including an axial chamber 41 having a lower end 42 and an upper end 43. The upper end 43 is a substantially convex curved top surface 34configured for delivery of liquid formulations externally and away from the bottle towards the walls of a sanitary appliance such a toilet bowl. In some embodiment as stated above, the substantially convex curved top surface includes a plurality of apertures 26 being disposed along the substantially convex curved top surface. As shown in FIG.4, the nozzle includes a central tapered pin structure 43 to direct the liquid formulation towards apertures 26. The central tapered pin structure is in the form of funnel or an inverted cone wherein the diameter of the cone is higher on top 28 as compared to the bottom of the cone. The funnel shape tapered pin structure 43 is adjoined upwardly to the substantially convex curved top surface to form the funnel cavity 28,. The nozzle member 13 may further contain a sealing ring 45 and a sealing ring well 47 and is functionally attached to the axial chamber concealing any gaps between the bottle and the outside environment. Fig 5, illustrates the angles of the apertures 26 ranging between 15 to 40, and more preferably at an angle of 30 degrees to 40 degrees, and most preferably an angle of 32 + / -3 degrees in reference to the axial direction of the nozzle insert 13. In some embodiments, the nozzle contains a sealing ring 45 configured to plug into a bottle 11 and prevent leakage. In some embodiments, the sealing ring with the sealing ring well 47 and its respective side walls 49 together construct the plug that seals the opening of the bottle. In another aspect, the present invention is also directed to method of delivering a liquid formulation that is stored in the bottle having a reservoir. The method includes the step of applying an external force to the outside walls of the bottle and transferring the liquid formulation towards the filing neck 17, through the axial chamber of the nozzle member, wherein the liquid formulation flows and is ejected through the apertures 26 on the surface of the substantially convex curved top surface. The external force is applied by a user having a squeeze pressure ranging between 1000 to 5000N / m2. The tapered pin structure 43 may direct the liquid formulation towards the apertures 26 in the perimeter of the substantially convex curved top surface. The unique structure of the central tapered pin enables the liquid formulation to be redirected out of the bottle upon administration of sufficient external force by a user to the outside walls of the bottle. In such an arrangement once an external force is exerted to the outside walls of the bottle or the outside bottle walls are squeezed by a user, the liquid composition flows upward in the bottle towards the filling neck, through the axial chamber 41 until it encounters the tapered pin structure. The tapering pin structure 43 may be in the shape conical or in the form of a funnel configured to redirect the liquid composition towards the apertures 26 located on the side perimeters of the nozzle member allowing ejection of the liquid composition through the side apertures and away from the bottle. Once the liquid formulation hits the tapered pin structure, it is ejected outside of the bottle towards the inclined walls of a sanitary appliance. The method further comprises the step of providing a substantially uniform coverage of the walls of the sanitary appliance with the liquid formulation. In some embodiments, upon application of an external force of 1000 to 5000N / m2 to the bottle, the method according to the present invention provides a surface area coverage at least 65% of the toilet bowl wall of a sanitary appliance with the dispensed liquid cleaning formulation having a dispensed volume of at least 30 ml but not more than 50 ml. Preferably the external pressure applied is with a force of about 3000N / m2 +1- 1000N / m2. The viscosity of the liquid formulation in the bottle may range from between 1200 to 2200 cps at 20° C as measured with Brookfield Viscometer Brookfield RVDV-II, Spindle No. 3, at 20 rpm. The liquid cleaning formulation may comprise at least one acidic source having a viscosity ranging between 1200 to 3000 cps, preferably in the range of 1500 cps to 2500 cps, more preferably between 1500 to 1800 cps, at 20° C as measured with Brookfield Viscometer Brookfield RVDV-II, Spindle No. 3, at 20 rpm. While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may he made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A nozzle member for a bottle for dispensing liquid cleaning formulations, wherein the nozzle member comprises: an axial chamber having a lower open end and an upper end, wherein the upper end comprise a substantially convex curved top surface for delivering a liquid cleaning formulation externally, said substantially convex curved surface including a plurality of apertures being disposed throughout the top surface; wherein the apertures in the substantially convex curved top surface have a total open cross sectional area (“TOCSA”) ranging between 20 to 45 mm2; a tapered pin structure to direct the liquid formulation towards at least two of said apertures; and wherein the nozzle is configured to connect with the bottle.

2. The nozzle member according to claim 1, wherein the tapered pin structure is positioned centrally and comprises an inverted closed tip.

3. The nozzle member according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of apertures are positioned on the substantially convex curved top surface at an angle ranging between 10 to 65 degrees in an axial direction.

4. The nozzle member according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of apertures are positioned at an angle ranging between 15 to 40, and more preferably at an angle of 30 degrees to 40 degrees, and most preferably an angle of 32 + / -3 degrees in an axial direction.

5. A nozzle member for a bottle for dispensing liquid cleaning formulations, wherein the nozzle member comprises: a vertical chamber having a lower open end and an upper end, wherein the upper end comprise a substantially convex curved top surface for delivering a liquid cleaning formulation externally, said substantially convex curved top surface including a plurality of apertures being disposed throughout the top surface; wherein the apertures in the substantially convex curved top surface have a total open cross sectional area (“TOCSA”) ranging between 20 to 45 mm2; wherein the plurality of apertures includes at least two side apertures positioned on the surface of the substantially convex curved surface at an angle ranging between 10 to 65 degrees in reference to a perpendicular axis that vertically and centrally cuts the nozzle in two separate but mirror image portions; wherein the nozzle is configured to connect with the bottle.

6. The nozzle member according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of apertures are positioned at an angle ranging between 15 to 40, and more preferably at an angle of 30 degrees to 40 degrees, and most preferably an angle of 32 + / -3 degrees in an axial direction.

7. The nozzle member according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein a tapered pin structure is provided to direct the liquid formulation towards at least two of said apertures.

8. The nozzle member according to any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle member is provided with a sealing ring configured to plug into a bottle and prevent leakage comprising a sealing ring well and sealing walls thereof.

9. The nozzle member according to any preceding claim, wherein the substantially convex curved top surface has a surface area (“HSTSA”) and the ratio of the TOCSA to HSTSA is greater than 0.1 but less than 0.7.

10. The nozzle member according to any preceding claim, wherein the TOCSA ranges between 25 to 40 mm2, and more preferably between 30 to 37.5 mm2.

11. The nozzle member according to any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle member is provided with between 3 to 8 apertures, and more preferably between 4 to 6 apertures, and even more preferably 5 apertures.

12. A bottle of a liquid cleaning formulation wherein the bottle is provided with a nozzle member according to any preceding claim, and wherein the bottle contains a liquid cleaning formulation having a viscosity ranging between 1200 to 2200 cps, and preferably in the range of 1500 cps to 1800 cps.

13. A method of delivering a liquid formulation stored in a bottle wherein the bottle is provided with a nozzle member according to any of claims 1-10, and wherein the bottle contains a liquid cleaning formulation having a viscosity ranging between 1200 to 2200 cps, comprising the steps of: (i) applying a force to the external walls of the bottle having a squeeze pressure ranging between 1000 to 5000N / m2; (ii) delivering the liquid cleaning formulation having a viscosity ranging between 1200 to 2200 cps from the bottle reservoir into the nozzle member; and (iii) applying the liquid formulation to the walls of a sanitary appliance.

14. A method of applying substantially uniform coverage of between 30ml to 50ml of a liquid cleaning composition to the walls of a toilet bowl to cover greater than 65% of the toilet bowl, wherein the liquid cleaning formulation is stored in a bottle and the bottle is provided with a nozzle member according to any of claims 1-10, and wherein the liquid cleaning formulation has a viscosity ranging between 1200 to 2200 cps, and the method comprises the steps of: (i) applying a force to the external walls of the bottle having a squeeze pressure ranging between 1000 to 5000N / m2; (ii) delivering theliquid cleaning formulation having a viscosity ranging between 1200 to 2200 cps from the bottle into the nozzle member; and (iii) applying the liquid formulation to the walls of the toilet bowl.

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