EP0740616A1

EP0740616A1 - Container for a free-flowing product

Info

Publication number: EP0740616A1
Application number: EP95906970A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bernd W. Peters; Marie-Claude Bossert; Johannes Hubertus Jozef Maria Kelders; Roy Edwin Van Swieten
Original assignee: Henkel AG and Co KGaA; Raycap Produktie BV
Current assignee: Henkel AG and Co KGaA; Henkel Raycap Produktie BV
Priority date: 1994-01-27
Filing date: 1995-01-18
Publication date: 1996-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2015-01-18
Also published as: AU1535695A; TW296358B; CN1052196C; CN1138312A; WO1995020496A1; US5746529A; EP0740616B1; ES2117401T3; JPH09508080A; DE59502502D1; MY112433A

Abstract

Described is a container (1) for a free-flowing product, in particular typographic correction fluid, the container having a tubular neck (2) with an application aperture with a valve closure for the controlled application of metered quantities of the fluid to a substrate. The aim of the invention is to ensure that the container remains, over an extended period, perfectly capable not only of applying spots of fluid precisely at a given point but also of applying the fluid over large areas. This aim is achieved by fitting the container with a second tubular neck (19) with a second aperture and fitted with a removable closure cap (20) with an integral applicator brush (23). Both tubular necks (2, 19) are disposed in the upper part of the container in such a way that the far end of the tubular neck (2) with the application aperture projects out beyond the cap (20) when the cap is in place over the second aperture.

Description

"Container for a flowable product"

The invention relates to a container for a flowable product, in particular for correction fluid, with a tubular extension with a pin-shaped discharge opening with valve closure for the targeted, metered application of the flowable product to a substrate.

A generic container in pen form for correction fluid is known. With such a correction pen, it is fundamentally possible to apply correction liquid to a substrate, primarily on paper, with a high degree of accuracy. The valve closure ensures that the correction fluid only escapes when the correction pen is applied with its application tip under sufficient pressure to the substrate. In practice, however, it has been found that correction pins of this type often do not work properly, since the ball valve closure is both slightly clogged and then a correct escape of the correction fluid is not guaranteed and, as a result, is not sufficiently tight when not in use, so that the correction fluid can dry out easily, which then makes the correction pen unusable overall. Another disadvantage is that with such a correction pen it is only possible with considerable effort to coat larger areas with correction liquid.

For coating larger areas, relatively small bottle-shaped containers with a screw-on closure cap, which is provided with an integrated brush-shaped application element, have therefore long been known. With such containers it is possible to apply white or colored correction liquid to paper on a relatively large area, but largely precise application is not possible. In practice it is therefore necessary to have different containers available depending on the intended use, with the previously known solutions in principle, however, no container is available with which correction liquid can largely be reliably dispensed onto a substrate over a longer period of time.

It is therefore the object of the invention to improve a generic container in such a way that even largely over a longer period of time, it is possible to dispense product precisely and, at the same time, to apply flowable product over a large area.

This object is achieved according to the invention with a container of the type described in the introduction in that a second tubular extension with a second opening is provided, which is provided with a removable closure cap with an integrated brush-shaped application element, both tubular extensions in the upper region of the container in this way are delegated that the free end of the tubular extension having the discharge opening protrudes freely over the closure cap when the second opening is closed.

With such a container, it is possible to dispense a flowable product, in particular correction fluid, onto paper or another substrate both over a long period of time, largely with pinpoint accuracy and over a large area. It has surprisingly been found that, unlike known correction pens, the valve closure does not tend to become blocked in such a container design, since opening the second opening frequently causes the container to be ventilated during use, and is therefore in the container via a no disturbing negative pressure can build up for a long time. At the same time, it is also possible, if appropriate, to fill the container with dilution liquid through the second opening if this should be necessary when the container is used over a longer period of time. Another significant advantage is that with only one container it is possible to apply the correction fluid to a substrate with a high degree of precision as well as over a large area, and the special arrangement of the two openings ensures that such, usually small, container can be handled properly . In addition, a Such containers can be reused several times after they have been completely emptied, by adding correction fluid from a storage bottle through the second opening. The arrangement of the two openings on the same side of the container also enables the flowable product to be applied via the discharge opening even when the second opening is open, without the product flowing out of the second opening.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the two tubular extensions are arranged at an acute angle to one another, the angle between the two tubular extensions preferably being between 20 ° and 40 °. With this design, it is possible in a particularly advantageous manner to solve the existing ergonomic handling problem with such small containers, since with this design both a perfect, ballpoint pen-like application by the application tip and product removal by means of the pin-shaped application element is possible.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous from an ergonomic point of view that the tubular extension with discharge opening in the standing container position has a vertical longitudinal axis and the second tubular extension is correspondingly laterally aligned.

A good seal of the second opening with the pin-shaped application element inserted therein is achieved by a resilient seal between the pin-shaped application element inserted into the second opening and the inner wall of the second opening. If the resilient seal has the shape of lips tapering downwards and is firmly connected to the second opening, it shows the additional advantage that the flowable product flows out even when the container is inclined downwards prevent. This prevents the product from flowing out if the user applies the product to the base via the pin-shaped discharge opening and has forgotten to return the sealing cap with the integrated brush-shaped application element into the second opening. In this case, however, the liquid does not escape through the second opening. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pin-shaped discharge opening can be closed with a cap which has a viewing window. This makes it possible for the user to easily recognize the different functions of the pin-shaped discharge opening and of the pin-shaped application element. Labeling or special instructions as to which cap is to be removed for which purpose is not necessary.

It is also proposed that the container have at least two opposite flat side walls. The user can easily deform the container walls and in this way increase the liquid supply to the pin-shaped discharge opening.

The handling of the container can still be significantly improved in that the container outer wall is provided with handling profiles. These can be designed, for example, as corrugations or as indentations or indentations.

A freely movable ball inside the container preferably ensures good mixing of the flowable product.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. They show on an enlarged scale

FIG. 1 shows a container according to the invention according to a first embodiment in cross section,

FIG. 2 shows the container according to FIG. 1 in a longitudinal section,

3 shows a container according to the invention according to a second embodiment in a cross section without sealing caps,

4 shows the container according to FIG. 3 in longitudinal section, FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention,

6 shows a longitudinal section through the container of FIGS. 5 and

7 shows the longitudinal section of FIG. 6 when using the pin-shaped discharge opening, which is also called "pin" in the following.

A container according to the invention for a flowable product, in particular for correction fluid, is generally designated 1 in FIGS. 1 and 2. The container 1 has a first tubular extension 2 in the upper container area, which tapers towards its free end in the exemplary embodiment shown and preferably has two circumferential snap beads 3, 4.

The first tubular extension 2 is arranged such that its longitudinal axis 5 is vertically aligned in the standing container position.

A largely conical application tip 6 is placed or bounced onto this first tubular extension 2, the application tip 6 in the attached state in the area of the locking beads 3, 4 having corresponding locking recesses which are not provided with their own reference numerals in the drawing are. In addition to the region 7 with latching recesses which engages around the first tubular extension 2 from the outside and which is correspondingly adapted to the outer contour of the tubular extension 2, the conical application tip 6 preferably also has an annular extension 8 on the inside, which extends into the interior of the tubular approach 2 engages in areas and acts as a seal.

At the front free end of the application tip 6, a passage opening 9 is cut out centrally, which opens into a pin-shaped tip 10, for example made of metal, which with an enlarged cylindrical foot region 11 is fixed in an annular receiving groove arranged coaxially to the opening 9 at the free end of the Order peak 6 is used. This pen-shaped Tip 10 is closed with a spherical head 12 with valve spring 13, wherein when the pin-shaped tip 10 is placed on a substrate, the spherical head 12 is pressed inwards against the force of the spring 13 into the pin-shaped tip and an annular discharge opens opening, such that correction fluid in the manner of a ballpoint pen can emerge from the container 1 through the first tubular extension 2, the application tip 6 and the pen-like tip 10 through the discharge opening.

Even if this is not shown in the drawing, the first tubular extension 2 could also be designed differently, namely in such a way that a valve closure is directly associated with this tubular extension 2. If the tubular extension 2 were designed accordingly, the additional parts (application tip 6 and pen-like tip 10) would then be omitted.

Preferably, a first closure cap 14 can be placed on the tubular extension 2, which is formed in two parts in the exemplary embodiment shown, namely has a conical insert 15 in addition to the actual closure cap 14. For the firm connection of these two parts, the first closure cap 14 has on the inside an annular projection 16 with latching recesses 17, into which the conical insert 15 is injected with corresponding latching beads. The cone-shaped insert 15 is otherwise designed such that it engages around the application tip 6 in a sealed state when the first closure cap 14 is in place, and is also provided with a circumferential snap bead 18 which engages in a corresponding snap groove on the application tip 6. This ensures that when the first closure cap 14 is attached, the container 1 is completely sealed.

It is essential for the design of the container 1 according to the invention that a second tubular extension 19 is additionally provided, which can be sealed with a second sealing cap 20. For this purpose, the second tubular extension 19 has an external thread 21 and the second sealing cap 20 correspondingly has a corresponding internal thread 22 such that the second sealing cap 20 can be screwed on and off. The second closure cap 20 is provided with an integrated brush-shaped application element 23, the brush tip being designated by 24. This brush-shaped applicator element 23 is attached to the second cap 20 in a suitable manner. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the brush-shaped applicator element 23 is expanded tubularly towards the second closure cap 20 (area 25) and is additionally surrounded by a tubular element 26, which serves as a seal and mainly as a product scraper and bristle centerer for the brush bristles. In addition, if there is no brush or if the container 1 falls over, it serves as a valve against product leakage. The tubular region 25 is fastened to the second closure cap 20 in a suitable manner. This has, for example on the inside, preferably an annular extension 27, between which and the outer wall of the second closure cap 20 the tubular area 25 is injected, screwed, welded or glued.

The arrangement of the second tubular extension 19 with respect to the first tubular extension 2 is such that the free end of the pin-shaped tip 10 of the first tubular extension 2 projects so far beyond the second closure cap 20 when the second closure cap 20 is fitted that an unobstructed product discharge or order from the pen-like tip 10 is possible. At the same time, the arrangement is such that the second closure cap 20 can be unscrewed in a simple manner, in order then to be able to remove correction fluid with the pin-shaped application element 23 from the container 1 and apply it to a substrate. For this purpose, the two tubular projections 2 and 19 are preferably arranged at an acute angle α to one another, this angle preferably being 30 ° in the exemplary embodiment shown.

In order to further simplify the handling of the container 1, handling profiles are preferably provided in the area of the outer wall, which are formed as grooves 28 in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2. If correction liquid is to be dispensed from the container 1 in a punctiform manner in a small or precisely metered amount, the first closure cap 16 is removed so that the pin-like tip 10 with the ball valve closure 12 is freely accessible. In the manner of a ballpoint pen, this tip 10 is then placed on the substrate to be coated. When pressure is exerted on the spherical head 12, it moves inwards against the force of the spring 13, and product emerges from the container 1 in a metered amount. If the tip 10 is removed from the substrate again, the spherical head 12 moves again into the closed position due to the spring force 13 and the application opening of the first tubular element 2 is again closed. The first closure cap 16 is then preferably put back on to improve the seal.

If a larger amount of product is now to be removed, the second closure cap 20 is unscrewed and product is removed from the container 1 with the brush-shaped application element 23, 24. Due to the fact that the second closure cap 20 is unscrewed from time to time, no negative pressure can develop in the container 1, as is the case with known correction pins, so that the valve closure 12 does not become blocked, but rather works properly. In addition, it is possible, if necessary, to refill product or a dilution liquid through the opening in the second tubular extension 19, if this should be necessary in individual cases.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a further exemplary embodiment without sealing caps and without an applied application tip on the first tubular extension 2. This embodiment differs essentially in the shape of the container, the area 1 a below the first tubular attachment 2 being rather flat, while the area labeled 1 b below the second tubular attachment 19 is rather cylindrical. In addition, the handling profiles in this exemplary embodiment are designed as part-spherical bulges 28a of area la. A different container design could of course also be selected here in principle. It is essential that two different outlet openings are provided, which are arranged ergonomically, in order to ensure that products of this type are small and difficult to handle and that the product is discharged through the respective opening in a problem-free manner.

The third embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

The device consists of a closed container 31, which is provided with a sealed bottom 32 and adjoining side walls 33, the top wall 34 located above the bottom being designed in a stepped manner. The higher part 34 'of the top wall is designed with an opening 35, the shape of which is determined by an upwardly projecting neck 36 (FIG. 6).

On this neck 36 of the opening 35 there is an injection molded part 37 which tapers upwards and on which there is a pin-shaped discharge element 38. The part 37 has an annular channel on the underside, which can receive the neck 6 of the opening 5. To achieve a latching connection, the neck is designed with a projection 39 which lies in a corresponding recess 40 in the part 37.

In the embodiment shown, the outer contour of the upper wall part 34 'is also embodied in steps at 41. The narrow upstanding part 42 of the top wall part is also provided with a projection 43 which lies in a recess in a downward overlap region 44 of the part 37. In this way, a double snap-in connection is created for the stable fastening of the injection molded part 37 on the container 31.

In a known manner, the pin-shaped discharge element 38 is fastened on the injection-molded part 37, as is a push-in pin 45, which is pushed by a spring 46 into the sleeve of the discharge element 38, and which through the channel 47 in the upper part of the injection-molded part 37 is connected to the hollow chamber 48 of the injection molding. The chamber 48 merges into the interior of the container 31 on the underside. A cap 50 having an outer part 51 and an inner part 52 can be attached to the injection molding 37. The inner part 52 has a molded part which interacts with the injection molding 37, the projection 53 ensuring a snap-in connection with the part 37. The outer part 51 slips over the injection molding 37 and merges flush with the lines into the outer wall 33 of the container 31.

The cap area 50 has a transparent part 54 through which the pin 45 can be seen even when the cap is in place.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the top wall part 34 is also provided with a shoulder part 34 ″, which forms an angle with the upper part 34 ′. In this shoulder part 34 ″ there is a second opening 60, which has an insert 61, which comprises a downward-pointing cylindrical region and a flexible spring region 62 arranged within this cylindrical region.

A screw neck 63 for a screw closure 64 is also attached to the second opening in the shoulder part 34 ″ of the container 31. The screw closure 64 is designed with a base part 65 of a handle 66 for a brush 67 that is firmly attached to it.

When the closure 64 is unscrewed, the foot 65 is carried along and the brush 67 is thus removed from the container 31.

The container 31 contains a mixing ball 68 which moves freely in the container in a known manner and ensures thorough mixing of the liquid V.

The side walls of the container are provided with ribs 69, which serve the user as an indication of where pressure can be applied with the fingers so that the liquid exits the container via the pin 45. The embodiment according to FIGS. 5 to 7 is used as follows. Starting from the position in FIG. 6, the user has the choice of using either the pen 45 or the brush 67.

In the first case, the user will remove the cap 50, exposing the pin 45. Then he can rotate the container 31 so that the pen can be placed on the paper P in Figure 7. When the pin 45 is pressed in, the liquid flows out of the container 31 via the channel 47 and reaches the paper P.

When the pin 45 is removed from the paper P, the liquid flow is automatically interrupted in that the pin 45 is pressed outwards by the spring 46 and the outflow opening is blocked. As a second possibility, the user can use the brush 67. For this purpose, the user removes the cap 64 from the neck 63, the stem 66 being carried along with the brush 67 (FIG. 5).

The use of the brush 67 as a wiping element is known. After use, the user can reinsert the brush into the container 31 in the reverse order.

The position of the stem 66 or the brush 67 is designed so that it is located approximately vertically below the opening 35. As a result, the brush 67 will remain in the liquid V of the container for as long as possible when the liquid level gradually decreases due to consumption.

A good seal between the stem 66 and the insert 61 is achieved by the resilient lips 62. The resilient lips 62 also have a second function, namely the retention of the liquid V when the device is used in the position as in FIG. 7. It is possible that the user forgets to return the stem 66 to the insert 61 with the brush 67, whereby liquid could flow out of the insert 62 through the second outlet opening. To remedy this disadvantage, the resilient element 62 is sufficiently flexible, and the lower ends are tapered, so that the opening is almost completely closed.

The invention is not limited to the previously described embodiments.

Claims

Patent claims

1. container (1, 31) for a flowable product, in particular for correction fluid, with a tubular extension with a pin-shaped discharge opening with valve closure for targeted, metered application of the flowable product onto a substrate, characterized by a second tubular extension (19) with a second opening, which is provided with a removable closure cap (20) with an integrated pin-shaped application element (23), both tubular projections (2, 19) being arranged in the upper container area in such a way that the free end of the tube having the application opening ¬ shaped approach (2) with a closed second opening protrudes freely over the cap (20).

2. Container according to claim 1, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the two tubular lugs (2, 19) are arranged at an acute angle (α) to each other.

3. Container according to claim 2, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the angle (α) between the two tubular approaches (2, 19) is between 20 ° and 40 °.

4. Container according to claim 2 or 3, so that the tubular extension (2) with the discharge opening in the standing container position has a vertically directed longitudinal axis (5) and the second tubular extension (19) is laterally aligned accordingly.

5. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a resilient seal (61, 62) between the brush-shaped application element (67) inserted into the second opening (60) and the inner wall of the second opening (60).

6. Container according to one of the preceding claims, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the pin-shaped application opening (35) can be closed with a cap (50) which has a viewing window (54).

7. Container according to one of the preceding claims, g e k e n n z e i c h n e t d u r c h at least two opposite flat side walls of the container (31).

8. Container according to one of the preceding claims, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the container outer wall is provided with handling profiles (28).

9. Container according to one of the preceding claims, g e k e n n z e i c h n e t d u r c h a freely movable ball (68) inside the container (31).