Embodiment
The exemplary embodiment of the present invention is introduced with reference now to accompanying drawing.Illustrated while container is described in detail and make, fill outFill or using the present invention container method.
According to the present invention, the lid of the liquid for distributing metered volume is provided herein, wherein the lid is suitable to hold mounted in oneOn device.The lid includes the lid for limiting an inner space.Lid have include the side wall of entrance including the top of outlet and sealThe bottom closed.One dividing wall is arranged in lid and limited in inner space：One entrance cavity, the entrance cavity and entrance fluidConnect and there is an entrance cavity volume；One measurement chamber, the metering are in fluid communication by force with entrance cavity and have a metering chamber volume, itsThe small volume of the volume ratio entrance cavity of middle measurement chamber；With an outlet plenum, the outlet plenum is in fluid communication with measurement chamber, wherein outlet plenumWith communication.The entrance is configured to escape from entrance cavity when liquid enters fashionable permission air from entrance.
Accompanying drawing is used for the various principle and advantages furtherd elucidate according to the present invention and illustrates various embodiments, all attachedIn figure, identical reference number is used to represent identical or intimate element.Therefore, feature shown in the drawings is supported to be protectedCorresponding feature of the theme of shield and combinations thereof.
For illustrative and not limiting purpose, it is illustrated referring now to embodiment as shown in Figure 1.For distributing metered bodyLong-pending liquid 100 lid include with one top 115 lid, side wall 110, what closing bottom 160, wherein side wall include intoMouth 120, top 115 include outlet 155.Lid defines the inner space in lid.Lid is suitable on container, such containerLiquid flows into from entrance 120, from the outflow of outlet 155.As described further below, for example, lid may be configured as by a variety of companiesMode is connect on container.The diagrams of Fig. 7 and 8 show one embodiment, equipped with lid wherein on container 180.
For illustrative and not limiting purpose, Fig. 2 shows the sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1.Reference picture 2, lid also wrapInclude dividing wall 140.Dividing wall 140 limits in the inner space of lid：Entrance cavity 125, measurement chamber 130 and outlet plenum 150.LidThe liquid for distributing metered volume is configured to, the volume of wherein measurement chamber 130 is approximately equal to required liquid meter volume.
Three chambers (that is, entrance cavity 125, measurement chamber 130, outlet plenum 150) are configured as position with lid from inversionIt is moved to and uprightly returns inversion, makes liquid sequentially from the flow direction of entrance 120 outlet 155.Specifically, entrance cavity 125 and entrance 120It is in fluid communication, thus, when being inverted lid, liquid can flow into entrance cavity from entrance 120.Similarly, measurement chamber 130 and entrance cavity125 are in fluid communication, and thus, when covering upright, liquid can flow to measurement chamber 130 from entrance cavity 125.Outlet plenum 150 and measurement chamber130 and outlet 155 be in fluid communication, thus, when be inverted cover when, liquid can from measurement chamber 130 through outlet plenum 150, outlet 155Outflow lid.In addition, as described above, by the size and dimension of inlet porting 120, it is configured as allowing air in measurement chamberFlowing and the permission air passes through inlet 120 when liquid flows into from entrance between 130 and entrance cavity 125.
For a further understanding of this theme, the operation of lid is set forth below.Fig. 7 shows upright container 180 and Fig. 8 is shownInverted container 180.For exemplary purposes, arrow in Fig. 8 is represented when covering when on the container 180 equipped with liquid, liquidBody flows through the flowing of lid.Container can have arbitrary shape and size, can also be made up of any materials known in the art.Container generally includes to limit the main part of an internal chamber and connection or the neck equipped with lid or end.Container can be configuredTo accommodate any suitable liquid.For example rather than the purpose of limitation, container can accommodate liquid drug, beverage, Clean-Product, cosmetic products, daily liquid, and/or industrial liquid.
Reference picture 8, when container 180 is squeezed, liquid flows through entrance 120 from container 180 and flows into entrance cavity 125.ItTherefore anteposition can escape to container 180 and/or interior measurement chamber 130 in the air in entrance cavity 125 from entrance 120.InjectionThe volume of the liquid of entrance cavity 125 is approximately equal to the volume of entrance cavity 125, and the volume is by side wall 110, dividing wall 140 and enteredWhat the upper limb 121 of mouth 120 limited.
After entrance cavity 125 is hydraulically full, container 180 comes back to stand up position.Liquid in entrance cavity 125 flow to meterMeasure chamber 130.The volume of measurement chamber 130 is limited by the lower edge 122 of side wall 110, bottom 160 and entrance 120.The body of entrance cavity 125Product is at least equal to the more preferably volume more than measurement chamber 130.Thus, any unnecessary liquid flows back to container 180 from entrance 120.In addition, when container is upright, the air in measurement chamber 130 will flow into entrance cavity 125 before.
When container 180 is squeezed again, the liquid in measurement chamber 130 flows through outlet plenum 150 and flowed out from outlet 155Lid.Meanwhile as described above, liquid flows through entrance 120 from container 180 and flows into entrance cavity 125.So, new metered volumeLiquid has lined up the inversion for next container.In this manner, lid is distributed available for the repetition of metered volume liquid.
Reference picture 2, entrance 120 can be the openings in the side wall 110 of lid.When covering upright (as shown in Figure 1), entrance120 are located at lower section, the top of measurement chamber 130 of entrance cavity 125.Although the entrance 120 shown in Fig. 1 and 2 has filletRectangle, entrance can have other suitable shapes or size to be enough to allow air to flow between measurement chamber 130 and entrance cavity 125And when liquid is flowed into by entrance, air travels through inlet 120.But it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that entrance 120Shape and size fill influence liquid the time quantum needed for entrance cavity 125.In addition, as described above, entrance 120 is configured asWhen entrance cavity fills liquid, it is allowed to which air is escaped to container 180 and/or measurement chamber 130 from entrance cavity 125.Thus, it is possible to it will enterUnique interfaces that mouth 120 is arranged to make liquid and air flow between lid and container 180 are (for example, lid can be without stomataDeng).
Dividing wall 140, which separates lid, is defined to entrance cavity 125, measurement chamber 130, outlet plenum 150.Dividing wall 140 and sideWall 110 can form the lateral border of outlet plenum 150.Therefore, the shape of dividing wall 140 can establish outlet plenum 150 and entrance cavity125 and the shape of measurement chamber 130.For example, outlet plenum 150 can be the shape of pipe in lid or passage.But outlet plenum is notMust be circular.This pipe or passage can be aligned with outlet 155.In this manner, when container 180 tilts distribution liquid towards outlet 155During body, liquid will directly flow out along dividing wall 140 from outlet plenum through outlet 155.
With further reference to Fig. 2, dividing wall 140 can be taper surface, and girth or the size edge of such dividing wall export 155 sidesTo being gradually reduced, for example, being flowed in funnel-form with strengthening.In alternative embodiments, dividing wall can be cylinder, its girthIt is fixed.No matter what shape dividing wall 140 is, the size at the bottom 141 of dividing wall should be sufficiently large to allow liquid from measurement chamber 130Flow into outlet plenum 150.The open interface that the bottom 141 of dividing wall 140 can be formed between measurement chamber 130 and outlet plenum 150.In addition,Space between the bottom 141 of dividing wall 140 and the bottom 160 of lid allows liquid to be flowed between measurement chamber 130 and outlet plenum 150It is dynamic.The bottom 141 of dividing wall 140 can be set below the lower edge 122 of entrance 120.
One limits inner space and with size, shape, the dividing wall 140 of position and the size determined and the position determinedThe lid for the entrance 120 put, the volume of each in three chambers 125,130,150 will be determined.For example, the volume of entrance cavity 125 is led toOften the volume equal to the cap portion of the upper limb more than 121 of entrance 120 subtracts the volume that the part is located in dividing wall 140.ClassAs, the volume of measurement chamber 130 is generally equal to the volume of cap portion of the lower edge of entrance 120 below 122.But due to everyBottom 141 from wall 140 is opened to measurement chamber 130, therefore without subtracting the volume in dividing wall from the volume of measurement chamber.Nevertheless, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the volume of dividing wall in itself, it depends on its thickness and length, will subtractedThe volume of few measurement chamber.
Measurement chamber 130 can be calibrated to the liquid of metered volume known to being accommodated when container 180 is upright.To ensure measurement chamberThe liquid of entrance cavities 125 of 130 injections reaches its capacity, and the volume of entrance cavity should be equal to, but more preferably greater than the volume of measurement chamber.When container 180 is upright, any unnecessary liquid in entrance cavity 125 more than the volume of measurement chamber 130 will be flowed out by entrance 120Lid.Can be by changing for example, different sizes is (for example, the thickness of the size of side wall 110, the height of side wall 110, dividing wall 140With length, the position of entrance 120 and size), the volume of calibration measurement chamber 130.
Outlet 155 can be configured as keeping opening, and such outlet plenum 150 is open for the external world.In such implementationIn example, as long as liquid all in measurement chamber can be flowed out without flowing back to entrance cavity 125 by outlet plenum, outlet plenum 150 relative toThe size of measurement chamber 130 is not then to limit.But in certain embodiments, the top 115 of lid may include to be used to close outlet155 capping 170.In these fact Examples, the volume of outlet plenum 150 can be at least equal to or greater than the volume of measurement chamber 130, thisSample is inverted lid when capping 170 is in the closed position, and the liquid of metered volume can be maintained in outlet plenum 150.
As described in the present application, capping 170 may include further feature.For illustrative and not limiting purpose, reference picture 3-5,Capping 170 may include key 171, and thus when in open position, capping still invests the top 115 of lid.It is such to match somebody with somebodyPut and user is more convenient, because capping will not lose easily, and contaminated possibility can be reduced.Key 171 can be moreKind structure.The interlocking portion of motion for example, key may include to offset.Or the top 115 of lid and capping 170 can be formed oneSingle-piece and key 171 are configured as the flexible bridge (as shown in Figure 4 B) between capping and top.As shown in Figure 4 B, key can wrapBias arm is included to strengthen covering motion between opened and closed conditions.
In addition, capping 170 may include plug 172.For example, plug 172 can fill in outlet 155 to prevent from holding when capping is closedWhen device 180 is squeezed liquid from outlet outflow and closure.Additionally or optionally, outlet 155 can be in the top surface at top 115The opening of projection is formed on 116.In certain embodiments, plug 172 can be the hollow of the external mounting round outlet 155Shallow cylinder.Engage (snap fit) if desired, plug 172 can be formed with outlet 155.
Capping 170 may also include lip 173.Lip 173 can extend over top 115 periphery with to user provide oneThe surface for gripping or can applying a upward power covers so as to open.Additionally or optionally, lip 173 may correspond to the top of lidRecess 174 in portion 115 is to increase the area of gripping surface.
As disclosed herein described in application, top 115 may also include additional features.For example, top 115 may include one orMultiple tamper-evident parts, such as sealing, mark, adhesive tape or other packagings.For example, sealing, mark, adhesive tape or other packagings can be setBe set to and cross outlet, or provided with capping when, cross or around capping 170.By the first use of lid, tamper-evident part can quiltRemove, damage or change.Additionally or optionally, if being provided with capping, top 115 may include that being configured to first use breaksFragility label, ring or the similar tamper-evident part opened.This Brittleness can be directly in capping 170, such as press close to lipPortion 173, or on top 115, on base portion 113.In addition, tamper-evident part can be set between top 115 and container 180Interface around.For example, sealing, mark, adhesive tape, fragility label or fragility ring can be arranged at top 115 and container 180 itBetween, thus, if top removed from container, tamper-evident part will be switched off or change.This tamper-evident part can be watchfulUser's content is likely to be used, changes or polluted.
For illustrative and not limiting purpose, Fig. 6 A-C provide the lid 600 for including tamper-evident part according to the present invention.Such asShown in Fig. 6 A, top 115 may include the first interlock 190 along the top surface 116 at top 115.As shown in Figure 6A, the first interlock190 can protrude from top surface 116.First interlock 190 is configured to correspond to the second interlock 191 in capping 170, and this is second mutualLatch fitting can be located at the bottom surface of capping 170 or the inner face of lip 173.Fig. 6 B are the top views of lid 600, show the first interlock 190The other details of second interlock 191.For example, as shown in Figure 6B, the first interlock 190 may include to be configured to and the second interlockThe one or more grooves or recess that 191 one or more ridges or label coordinate.As shown in Figure 6A, for purposes of illustration,The ridge or label of second interlock 191 can with fragility be connected to capping 170 so that it is initially moved to out in capping from closingDisconnected when putting state.As described in the present application, the first and second interlocks 190,191 initially physically couple, and thus, pass through capping170 are initially opened, and the coupling disconnects.In this way, when covering closing, tamper-evident part can not touch, and sealIt is obvious that whether lid 170, which has been opened,.The replaceable configuration of tamper-evident part, including above-mentioned part can be usedReversion is set.
Additionally or optionally, lid 600 may include tamper-evident part, its substrate 113 close to top 115.For example, as schemedShown in 6A, top 115 attaches to the ring 192 of substrate 113 in which may include fragility.The ring and the substrate 113 at top 115 are parallel rightTogether.Fig. 6 C are the side cross-sectional views of lid 600, show the additional detail of ring 192.As shown in Figure 6 C, ring 192 passes through one or moreFrangible connection attaches to top 115, and so, when top 115 separates from container (not shown) first, then connector disconnects.ExampleSuch as, ring 192, which may be provided with wedge shape or cam shape inner surface, the inner surface, has upper abutment surface.In this way, lid can be placed inThe ring is located at along below the ridge or screw thread of vessel port when on container.Thus, the upper abutment surface engagement ridge or screw thread of the ring, andPrevent ring 192 from being removed from container when top 115 is removed from container.Additionally or optionally, ring 192 can be with container physically couplingClose, so when lid is removed, ring is kept at a distance.In this way, it is aobvious and easy to be put back into again on container after whether lid is removedSee.
Referring to Fig. 4 A, the top 115 of lid may include connecting portion 119, and the connecting portion 119 may include, for example, flange 117.CauseThis, top 115 can assemble lid and be connected to container 180.As described in the present application, connecting portion 119 is formd between container and lidSealing.Such as and it is unrestricted, lid can be assembled on container, and the neck of such container is placed in cylindrical flange 117 and lidBetween the side wall 110 of body (as further shown in Figure 7).Connecting portion 119 may include various fastening structures and feature, such as screw threads for fasteningPart, engaging (snap fit) connector, adhesive groove etc..So, as shown in FIG. 7 and 8, the inside of connecting portion 119 may include recessedGroove, ridge or screw thread 118, container 180 may include that corresponding groove, ridge or screw thread 181 are used to accommodate the recessed of connecting portion 119Groove, ridge or screw thread 118.The outside of connecting portion 119 may include one have texture surface, it may include, for example, groove and/orSpine for user so that provide a gripping surface 114.The whole circumference that gripping surface can surround connecting portion extends, or is positioned atOne or more regions of connecting portion 119.This gripping surface 114 can make user install or remove lid on container 180.With thisMode, lid can be removed and place back in container same or different but that construction is similar.Or can be permanently by lidBe fixed on container (such as) to prevent from reusing.
The girth and feature at the top 115 of lid can be configured as being suitable to existing conventional vessel.So, lid can be used for generationThe liquid for distributing metered volume from this conventional vessel for the original-pack lid of conventional vessel so as to provide optional, convenient mode to be used forBody.Or as needed, lid can be configured as being adapted to customization or special container to ensure its compatibility and compliance.With this sideFormula, metered volume may be selected and be adapted to the compatible appearance such as medicine, beverage, amenities, cosmetics, cleaning productsDevice.
For illustrative and not limiting purpose, the size of an exemplary lid hereafter will be apparent from.In this example,The metered volume of required liquid is about 10mL.The whole height of the lid is about 94.80mm.Its widest part (such as in connecting portion 119Width around) is about 42.00mm.The height of side wall 110 (for example, top 320 from the molding section of bottom 160 to the second 300)About 76.30mm.Side wall is cylinder, and diameter is about 29.50mm.The lower edge 122 of entrance 120 apart from the bottom of side wall 110 about35.06mm.The height of entrance 120 is about 16.88mm, and the width of its widest part is about 12.80mm.Outlet 155 diameter be about12.00mm.Capping 170 is furnished with plug 170, and the diameter of the plug is about 12.06mm so as to correspond to and be assemblied in outlet 155.PlugThe height of son 170 is about 6.00mm.In this exemplary lid, the volume of entrance cavity 125 is about 16mL, the body of measurement chamber 130Product is about 10mL, and the volume of outlet plenum 150 is about 13mL.Corresponding ratio and size can be used for other sizes, metered volumeContainer.
For purposes of illustration, the sample lid with above-mentioned size has been prepared, and has been assembled on the container equipped with water.Using the water 25 times of lid distribution metered volume, and weigh the water of each volume.Maximum weight is 9.9g in 25 samples, minimumFor 9.1g.The average weight of all samples is 9.46g, standard deviation 0.27.The lid of this data display present invention can repeat to divideThe liquid of metered volume is sent out, and there is high precision and repeatability.
The lid of the present invention can be made up of a variety of suitable materials of prior art.For example, lid disclosed herein can be withBy polymer or plastic material, for example, polypropylene, low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE),It is made up of injection.In order to simplify technique, such as disclosed herein, each several part of lid can be manufactured respectively and then is then assembled intoProduct lid.Method work of the production according to the exemplary cap of the present invention is illustrated below in conjunction with accompanying drawing 9A-9C, 10A-10D and 11A-11CSequence.
In the exemplary embodiment, for illustrating unrestricted purpose, lid can by three independent molding section 200,300,400 assemble.As in Figure 3-5 and described above, the first molding section 200 may correspond to the top 115 of lid.Reference picture 9A,First molding section may include outlet 155 and capping 170.Fig. 9 B are the sectional views of the first molding section 200 shown in Fig. 9 A.Such as Fig. 9 BShown, the side wall 210 for exporting 155 may extend to the inside of the first molding section 200.This side wall can be engaged with shape with dividing wall 140Into the outlet plenum 150 of sealing.First molding section 200 may also include the connecting portion 119 at the top 115 of lid, for example, the connecting portion hasThere is flange 117.Flange 117 may include one or more inner groovies 221.First molding section 200 may also include guiding rib 230.Figure9C is Fig. 9 B detail view, shows inner groovy (can be a plurality of) 221 and guiding rib 230.Inner groovy (can be a plurality of) 221 HesGuiding rib 230 can be engaged with the second molding section 300 so that molding section to be connected together and in the first molding section 200 and the second molding sectionFormed and be tightly connected (as detailed further below) between 300.
Referring to Figure 10 A, the second molding section 300 may correspond to lid, and can include the side wall 110 of lid, entrance 120,With dividing wall 140.Figure 10 B are the side cross-sectional views of the second molding section 300 shown in Figure 10 A.Referring to Figure 10 B, the second molding section300 may include at least one external fin 310.Figure 10 D are Figure 10 B detail views, it is shown that external fin 310.External fin 310 can be with the first mouldInternal-rib/inner groovy (can be a plurality of) 221 in portion 200 processed is engaged so that two molding section lock mutually and form the first mouldSealed connection between the molding section 300 of portion 200 and second processed.The top 320 of second molding section 300 can be fitted into the first molding sectionThe circumference side that 200 guiding rib 230 is formed.
Second molding section 300 may also include at least one inner recess of the bottom of the inner surface of the side wall 110 towards lid330.Figure 10 C are Figure 10 B detail views, it is shown that inner recess (can be a plurality of) 330.Inner recess (can be a plurality of) 330 canLocked mutually with the 3rd molding section 400 so as to which the second molding section 300 and the 3rd molding section 400 be connected together.Referring to Figure 11 A,3rd molding section 400 may correspond to the bottom 160 of the closing of lid.Figure 11 B are the sections of the 3rd molding section 400 shown in Figure 11 AFigure.Referring to Figure 11 B, the 3rd molding section 400 may include at least one external ribs 410.Figure 11 C are Figure 11 B detail views, are shown outerFlank 410.External ribs 410 can be locked mutually to form the second mould with the inner recess (can be a plurality of) 330 of the second molding section 300Sealed connection between the molding section 400 of portion 300 and the 3rd processed.Once fitting together, three molding section 200,300,400 are by shapeInto lid as illustrated in fig. 1 and 2.
Lid disclosed by the invention can be made up of any appropriate material.For example, various molding section 200,300,400 can be by phaseIt is made with material, or as needed, is made from a variety of materials different molding section.Similarly, as needed, different connectionPart can be used for connecting different molding section.
In addition, according to the present invention, the container for distributing metered volume liquid includes the container with above-mentioned lid.For example,Container may include a container body and a lid, wherein, lid is adapted to mount on container body.Lid includes the lid for limiting an inner spaceBody.Lid includes the side wall with an entrance, the top with an outlet, and the bottom of closing.Dividing wall be placed in lid fromAnd internally limited in space：One entrance cavity, its flow communication inlet simultaneously have an entrance cavity volume；One measurement chamber, it flowsBody connects entrance cavity and has a metering chamber volume, and wherein metering chamber volume is than entrance cavity small volume；And an outlet plenum, it flowsBody connects measurement chamber and outlet.Entrance is configured to when liquid flows into from entrance, it is allowed to which air is escaped from entrance cavity.
Except embodiment claimed, the invention further relates to other embodiment, and it can have above-mentioned spyAdditional characteristic feature arbitrarily may combination in sign or claim.Therefore, detailed features disclosed herein can be in the scope of the present inventionInside otherwise it is combined with each other, thus the present invention is seen as and is directed to the embodiment with any other combination.Elaboration to the specific embodiment of the invention above is in order at the purpose of explanation and example, should not will present invention is limited only to institute aboveThe embodiment of elaboration.
It should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that various modification and transformations can be made to method and system disclosed by the inventionWithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Therefore, the invention is intended to repairing in the range of being protected including appended claimsDecorations and change and its equivalent.