Flow control

Abstract

A flow regulation insert for a dispensing closure is provided. The insert comprises a hollow body and has an outlet. The body has one or more inlet ports for introducing product into the interior thereof. The port / s are configured to cause product to swirl in the interior of the body and to exit the outlet with a progressing generally circular flow path.

Description

[0001] FLOW CONTROL

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to dispensing closures and particularly, although not exclusively, to a flow control device for a dispensing closure.

[0003] A dispensing closure is one which is typically held in place on, and associated with, the mouth of a container. They have an orifice which is associated with the container mouth such that the contents (flowable product) of the container may be dispensed via the orifice in the closure.

[0004] Such dispensing closures often comprise a lid which may be hinged to a base and which may be formed integrally therewith (known, for example, as a flip-top dispensing closure).

[0005] Existing products available in market have multiple material parts and also have problems with oblique dosing.

[0006] The present invention provides or relates to improvements in or relating to dispensing.

[0007] Some aspect and embodiments provide or relate to a flow control device, such as a flow control insert, or a flow regulation insert, or a flow restrictor. Devices may be provided as separate inserts to be fitted into a closure, or as an integral part of a closure.

[0008] Some aspects and embodiments provide or relate to a dispensing closure.

[0009] Some aspects and embodiments provide or relate generally to a closure and particularly, although not exclusively, to a dispensing closure including flow control functionality.

[0010] An aspect of the present invention provides a flow regulation insert for a dispensing closure, the insert comprising a body having a generally circular section and with a generally central, generally cylindrical flow chamber having an outlet, the body having one or more inlets comprising inlet ports for introducing product into the flow chamber, the port / s being located off-centre with respect to the circumference of the chamber to cause product to swirl in the interior of the chamber and to exit the outlet with a progressing generally circular flow path.

[0011] Guide ports which guide product to the outer wall of the chamber (and not into / through the middle of the chamber).

[0012] An aspect of the present invention provides a flow restrictor for a dispensing closure, the restrictor comprising a body having a generally circular section and with a generally central, generally cylindrical flow chamber having an outlet, the body having one or more inlets comprising inlet ports for introducing product into the flow chamber, the port / s being directed away from the centre of the chamber to provide a flow route towards the sidewall of the chamber.

[0013] The inlet ports may be positioned so that injection of product is not diametral.

[0014] The ports may have non-diametral axes.

[0015] The inlet / s may be generally dogleg shape in sectional plan view. The ports / holes may be arranged off-centre and offset to each other to guide the product (e.g. ketchup) to the outer sidewall in the chamber to initiate the spiral effect.

[0016] An aspect of the present invention provides a flow regulator for a dispensing closure, the regulator comprising a flow chamber having a generally cylindrical sidewall including an outlet, the regulator having one or more guide ports for introducing product into the flow chamber and configured to direct it towards the interior of the sidewall and not across the middle of the chamber, causing product to swirl in the interior of the chamber and to exit the outlet with a progressing generally circular flow path.

[0017] The regulator may be formed as an insert, or as an integral part of a closure.

[0018] An aspect of the present invention provides a flow regulation insert for a dispensing closure, the insert being configured to cause a progressing (generally) circular flow path from the outlet.

[0019] An aspect of the present invention flow regulation insert for a dispensing closure, the insert comprising a hollow body and having an outlet, the body having one or more inlet ports for introducing product into the interior thereof, the port / s being configured to cause product to swirl in the interior of the body and to exit the outlet with a progressing generally circular flow path.

[0020] The inlet port / s may be curved / angled tunnels extending through the body wall and providing product flow passages that cause product to flow non-diametrically and non- linearly into the interior. Inlets can, for example, be provided to cause product to flow, under pressure, into the interior of the body along a curved path. The path may have a radius of curvature which is more, less than or equal to the circle define by the interior flow chamber / channel of body.

[0021] A swirl flow can be generated in the body: a fluid flow in which the fluid particles have a tangential component of velocity about an axis which, when combined with an axial component of velocity, produces a helical or spiral flow.

[0022] In some embodiments the interior of the body has a generally circular section, and the port / s are “angled” with respect to the diameter of the interior.

[0023] Inlet ports may define a flow passage which is oblique to the diameter of the body.

[0024] Curved and / or angled ports may be provided.

[0025] “Front” and / or “rear” walls (with respect to the direction of product flow) of ports may be non-radial, for example with a rear wall being angled with respect to the diameter of the flow chamber. The rear wall may, for example, be at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees, e.g. approximately 45 degrees with respect to the diameter.

[0026] The port / s may receive and / or introduce product (from an associated container) laterally of the body.

[0027] The body may be closed at one end and open at the other, outlet end.

[0028] The circular flow path may be generally helical or generally spiral.

[0029] The body may be generally cylindrical. The insert may further comprise a flow ramp associated with the exit of the or each port and located in the interior of the body for directing product flow.

[0030] The radius of curvature of the ramp / s may be in the range 1 .6 to 2.0, for example approximately 1 .8.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention may be or provide:

[0032] • Mono version for ketchup bottle valves

[0033] • Performance as consistent as possible as silicone variant

[0034] • Improvement of the spraying behavior

[0035] • 100% recyclable due to avoidance of material composites

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention may be or provide:

[0037] • Flow control technology for medium to high viscosity products

[0038] • E.g. Sauces & Condiments without particulates

[0039] • Controlled dispensing performance

[0040] • Monomaterial solution to improve recyclability

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention can offer a fully recyclable solution, whilst minimising change parts and costs for (e.g. valved closures) and in-feed assembly tracks.

[0042] Inserts formed in accordance with the present invention may consist of a single piece moulding. Embodiments of the present invention can, for example, be used to replace silicone and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) valves with a simple, fully recyclable insert that can be fed and assembled using existing assembly equipment to offer the consumer an improved dispensing system (as opposed to an open orifice) whilst being fully recyclable and potentially moulded in post-consumer resin (PCR).

[0043] In some embodiments the design is a single-piece polypropylene (PP) insert, assembled to a closure orifice.

[0044] The body is receivable in a dispensing closure (e.g. the base of a closure). The body may comprise a surface formation, such as a retention lip, bead, rib or the like for engaging a closure. The closure may, for example, comprise a corresponding surface formation (e.g a bead).

[0045] The present invention provides a flow control insert as described herein in combination with a closure.

[0046] The closure may, for example, be a flip-top dispensing closure with a base (in which the insert is received) and a lid joined by a hinge.

[0047] The present invention also provides combinations of closures and inserts fitted to containers (e.g. squeezable containers).

[0048] The present invention provides a flow control insert fitted into a closure and in combination with a container filled with flowable product, such as a condiment (e.g. ketchup or mustard). The closure may include / provide a flow space axially beyond the inlet port / s and into which product can flow in advance of entry into the port / s.

[0049] The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

[0051] Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

[0052] The terminology used herein to describe embodiments is not intended to limit the scope. The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are singular in that they have a single referent, however the use of the singular form in the present document should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, elements referred to in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealised or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0054] In the following description, all orientational terms, such as upper and lower are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting on the invention.

[0055] Figure 1 shows a squeezable bottle 10 filled with flowable product 15 (in this example, ketchup). The bottle is closed at one end an open at the other end, but closed by a dispensing closure 20 comprising a base 22 (connected to the mouth of the bottle) and a lid 24.

[0056] The dispensing closure provides flow control for medium to high viscosity products, for example sauces and condiments without particulates. Controlled dispensing performance is provided in a monomaterial solution to improve recyclability.

[0057] The closure 20 is fitted with a flow restrictor 30, an example of which is shown in Figure 2 and described in more detail with reference to Figures 3 to 11 .

[0058] The flow restrictor 30 comprises a single-piece, hollow body which is closed at one end, the “lower” end 32 (closest to the container in use) by a bottom wall 33, and including a generally cylindrical interior flow chamber 34 that is open at the other end, the “upper” end 36 of the body to provide a product outlet 38. At the upper end 36 a sealing surface is provided by an annular rim 39.

[0059] A pair of arcuate retention beads 40a, 40b are provided approximately mid-way along the heights of the body. Circumferentially between the beads are two (in this embodiment) lateral flow inlets comprising ledges 41a, 41 b leading to product inlet ports 42a, 42b. Together the ledges and ports create generally dogleg inlets (or flow routes) leading into the chamber.

[0060] Beneath the beads 40a, 40b external axial ribs 45 extend to the lower end 32 and provide contact surfaces for assembly.

[0061] The ports 42a, 42b are themselves curved / angled tunnels extending through the body wall and providing product flow passages that lead into the central flow chamber 34. The “front” 43a, 43b and “rear” 44a, 44b walls of the ports are non-radial, being angled with respect to the diameter of the flow chamber 34.

[0062] As best shown in Figure 10, the flow chamber 34 has a defined orientation, with a centre indicated by X and Y centre lines 36, 37.

[0063] In use the product is guided to the outer wall of the chamber.

[0064] The ports / holes are arranged off-centre and offset to each other to guide the product (e.g. ketchup) to the outer sidewall 35 in the chamber 34 to initiate the spiral effect.

[0065] The ports 42a, 42b are positioned so that they do not inject in the middle of the chamber (i.e. not along the X or Y lines). Instead, an off-middle injection is achieved because the ports are circumferentially shifted. The ports therefore inject product not into the middle of the chamber. As a result the flow path established by the port injection points 46a, 46b causes product to be forced along the interior sidewall 35 of the chamber 34.

[0066] An example of circumferential shift is shown in Figure 11 , illustrating an approximately 1.28mm shift.

[0067] In this example the injection points 43a, 43b have an area (in the sidewall) of approximately 1 ,89mm2(different embodiments may have different areas).

[0068] The flow restrictor 30 is shown fitted into the spout 50 of a dispensing closure base 22 in Figure 12.

[0069] The spout 50 has a generally cylindrical L-section sidewall 52 partially closed at one end by a depending wall portion 53 to provide a dispensing orifice 54. The interior of the sidewall 52 is provided with a retention bead 55.

[0070] The flow restrictor 30 fits into the interior of the spout 50, with the arcuate retention beads 40a, 40b engaged over the spout bead 55 and the annular rim 39 sealed against the wall portion 53.

[0071] The functionality of the flow restrictor 30 is illustrated in Figure 12.

[0072] Product from a container flows under pressure into the closure. Because the end 32 is closed and a seal is provided at the end 36, product can only flow into the interior of the body along the ledges 41a, 41 b and through the ports 42a, 42b. Product can flow, under pressure, axially beyond the ports 42a, 42b and to end of the wall 52. Circulation of the ketchup prevents the direct leakage of the bottle. Flow rate / flow characteristics are determined by geometry. The spiral effect prevents kinking of the beam on exit, plus aids clean cut-off and venting.

[0073] The tortuous path defined by the flow restrictor and the closure prevents the bottle from leaking when it is upside down. This happens through the redirection of the liquid via the geometry. It is designed so that the contents can be sprayed with pleasant pressure. As the contents pass through the flow restrictor under pressure, it causes the liquid to rotate, resulting in a straight downward dispensing stream 60 that does not kink, as illustrated in Figure 13B.

[0074] This improved dosing function is illustrated comparatively in Figures 13A (current) and 13B (new).

[0075] Features of this embodiment:

[0076] ■ Mono material -> improved recyclability vs. elastomeric valves

[0077] ■ Directional flow -> greater dispensing control vs. POE valves

[0078] ■ Compatible with standard closures

[0079] ■ Improved static leak vs. orifice

[0080] ■ No compatibility concerns vs. elastomeric valves

[0081] Performance Criteria

[0082] • Dispensing

[0083] • Cold products perform well

[0084] • Vent-Back

[0085] • Upright containers vent-back immediately Cut-Off

[0086] Cleaner than a 4mm orifice

[0087] • Drop Tests

[0088] Least spillage

[0089] • Splatter Effect

[0090] Minimal splatter effect

[0091] • Static Leak Test

[0092] Reduced leakage vs. 4mm orifice

[0093] Figures 14 to 19 show a flow restrictor 130 formed according to a further embodiment.

[0094] The restrictor 130 is similar to the restrictor 30. In this embodiment, as well as swirlinducing, off-middle, lateral entry ports 142a, 142b in the body, an interior ramp 170a, 170b is provided in the flow channel 134 (upstanding from the bottom wall 133) and extend from its respective port. In this embodiment the radius of curvature of the ramps is approximately 1.8 (different radii are possible), taken at approximately the mid-point of the ramp.

[0095] In addition, the spout wall portion seals against the annular rim 139, which also serves as a retention feature; there is no separate retention bead. As a result, product does not flow axially beyond the ports in this embodiment (although in other embodiments this may be the case).

[0096] Figure 20 shows the restrictor 130 fitted into a dispensing closure 150.

[0097] Testing has shown that the ramps can provide an improved swirl effect in the body, promoting a more stable product stream. Figure 21 shows a section of a restrictor 230 formed according to a further embodiment and with particular radii shown provided for flow control ramps 270a, 270b. Although an example has been disclosed herein, other alternatives, modifications, uses and / or equivalents thereof are possible.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A flow regulation insert for a dispensing closure, the insert comprising a body having a generally circular section and with a generally central, generally cylindrical flow chamber having an outlet, the body having one or more inlets comprising inlet ports for introducing product into the flow chamber, the port / s being located circumferentially offset with respect to the centre of the chamber to cause product to swirl in the interior of the chamber and to exit the outlet with a progressing generally circular flow path.

2. An insert as claimed in claim 1 , in which the port / s are angled with respect to the diameter of the chamber.

3. An insert as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the in which the inlets have a dogleg shape in section.

4. An insert as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the inlet / s introduce product laterally of the body.

5. An insert as claimed any preceding claim, in which the body is closed at one end and open at the other, outlet end.

6. An insert as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the circular flow path is generally helical or generally spiral.

7. An insert as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body is generally cylindrical.

8. An insert as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a flow ramp associated with the or each port and located in the chamber for directing product flow.

9. An insert as claimed in claim 8, in which the radius of curvature of the ramps is in the range 1 .6 to 2.0, such as 1 .

810. An insert as claimed in any preceding claim and consisting of a single piece moulding.

11. An insert as claimed in any preceding claim in combination with a closure.

12. A combination as claimed in claim 11 , in which the closure includes a flow space axially beyond the inlet port / s and into which product can flow in advance of entry into the port / s.

13. A combination as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, associated with a squeezable container.

14. A combination as claimed in claim 13, with the container filled with product.

15. A flow regulator for a dispensing closure, the regulator comprising a flow chamber having a generally cylindrical sidewall including an outlet, the regulator having one or more guide ports for introducing product into the flow chamber and configured to direct it towards the interior of the sidewall and not across the middle of the chamber, causing product to swirl in the interior of the chamber and to exit the outlet with a progressing generally circular flow path.

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