Disposable assembly for a reusable urn or vessel
Abstract
A pipe adapter assembly comprising: an accessory (204) having a flexible annular mounting flange (214) having first and second opposite flat surfaces (216), and generally a first cylindrical annular wall, generally arranged centrally (215) extending axially away from the first flat surface defining a passage therethrough; and a pipe adapter (206) having a first end and a second end opposite the first end and a flange (234) of the pipe adapter located therebetween with a lower surface, a portion of the first end being located within the passage , but without extending beyond the second flat surface, the first end having a second cylindrical wall (232) having an outer surface to firmly fix the pipe adapter to the fitting (204), the pipe adapter (206) having a wall (230) of the generally cylindrical pipe adapter at the second end, sized to be inserted into a lumen (266) of a pipe (260); a pipe (260) having a first lumen (266) with wall (230) of the cylindrical pipe adapter being located within the first lumen (266), the pipe (260) having a proximal end and a distal end; characterized in that the pipe adapter (206) has a notch (248) that separates the bottom surface of the flange (234) from the pipe adapter of a base of the second cylindrical wall, the notch (248), coupling a structure in an inner surface of the first cylindrical annular wall (215), and because the pipe adapter assembly further comprises a tap (300) having a dosing tube (304) having a second lumen (306) through it and an exit (309), extending a portion of the pipe (260) through a second lumen (306), extending a first portion (310) of the tube (304) along a first axis (311) and extending a second distal portion (312) along a second axis (313), the second axis (313) forming an angle with the first axis (311) within the range of 45 ° to 100 °.
Term
3.4 yearsto projected expiry
Projected expiry 10 February 2030, counted from filing; an application has no term until it is granted.
- Priority
- Filed
- Published
- Today
- Projected expiry
14 claims: 2 independent, 12 dependent
- 1ES 2 575 017 T3 REIVINDICACIONES 1. Un conjunto de adaptador de tubería que comprende:un accesorio (204) que tiene una brida de montaje anular flexible (214) que tiene primera y segunda superficies planas opuestas (216), y generalmente una primera pared anular cilíndrica, dispuesta generalmente de forma central (215) que se extiende axialmente lejos de la primera superficie plana definiendo un paso a través de la misma;y un adaptador de tubería (206) que tiene un primer extremo y un segundo extremo opuesto al primer extremo y una brida (234) del adaptador de tubería situado entre los mismos con una superficie inferior, estando una porción del primer extremo situada dentro del paso, pero sin extenderse más allá de la segunda superficie plana, teniendo el primer extremo una segunda pared cilíndrica (232) que tiene una superficie exterior para fijar firmemente el adaptador de tubería al accesorio (204), teniendo el adaptador de tubería (206) una pared (230) del adaptador de tubería generalmente cilíndrica en el segundo extremo, dimensionada para ser insertada en un lumen (266) de una tubería (260);una tubería (260) que tiene un primer lumen (266) con pared (230) del adaptador de tubería cilíndrica estando situada dentro del primer lumen (266), teniendo la tubería (260) un extremo proximal y un extremo distal;caracterizado por que el adaptador de tubería (206) tiene una muesca (248) que separa la superficie inferior de la brida (234) del adaptador de tubería de una base de la segunda pared cilíndrica, la muesca (248), acoplando una estructura en una superficie interior de la primera pared anular cilíndrica (215), y por que el conjunto de adaptador de tubería comprende además un grifo (300) que tiene un tubo de dosificación (304) que tiene un segundo lumen (306) a través del mismo y una salida (309), extendiéndose una porción de la tubería (260) a través de un segundo lumen (306), extendiéndose una primera porción (310) del tubo (304) a lo largo de un primer eje (311) y extendiéndose una segunda porción distal (312) a lo largo de un segundo eje (313), formando el segundo eje (313) un ángulo con el primer eje (311) dentro del intervalo de 45° a 100°.
- 2El conjunto de la reivindicación 1, en el que el extremo distal de la tubería (260) se extiende a través de la salida (309).
- 3El conjunto de la reivindicación 1, en el que la tubería (270) tiene una capa interior (274) de un copolímero de estireno e hidrocarburo y una capa exterior (272) de una poliolefina.
- 4El conjunto de la reivindicación 3, en el que el copolímero de estireno e hidrocarburo se selecciona entre los copolímeros de estireno y dieno, copolímeros de bloque de estireno y dieno, copolímeros de dibloques de estireno y dieno, copolímeros de tribloque de estireno y dieno y copolímeros StarBlock de estireno y dieno y mezclas de los mismos.
- 5El conjunto de la reivindicación 3, en el que la poliolefina es un copolímero de etileno y α-olefina.
- 6El conjunto de la reivindicación 3 en el que la poliolefina tiene una densidad de menos de 0,915 g/ml.
- 7El conjunto de la reivindicación 1, en el que una porción del tubo de dosificación (304) tiene una forma de sección transversal seleccionada entre circular y oval.
- 8El conjunto de la reivindicación. 1, en el que una porción del tubo de dosificación (304) tiene una forma de sección transversal generalmente ovalada que tiene extremos redondeados y paredes laterales aplanadas.
- 9El conjunto de la reivindicación 1, en el que la salida (309) no está centrada en el grifo (300).
- 10El conjunto de la reivindicación 1, en el que el tubo de dosificación (304) está segmentado teniendo una primera porción (310) que se extiende a lo largo del primer eje (311) y una segunda porción (312) que se extiende a lo largo del segundo eje (313).
- 11El conjunto de la reivindicación 1, en el que una porción del tubo de dosificación (304) tiene forma arqueada.
- 12El conjunto de la reivindicación 1, que comprende además una válvula (308) en el grifo (300) para controlar el seguimiento de fluido a través del segundo lumen (306).
- 13El conjunto de la reivindicación 1, que comprende además una bolsa flexible (202) que tiene una pared lateral (208) y el accesorio (204) que está fijado a la pared lateral (208). ES 2 575 017 T3
- 14El conjunto de la reivindicación 13, en el que la pared lateral (208) de la bolsa flexible (202) tiene una abertura (212) y el accesorio (204) está fijado a la pared lateral (208) alineado con la abertura (212).
Independent claims14
84 paragraphs in 5 sections, as filed
ES 2 575 017 T3
DESCRIPTION
Disposable set for use with an urn or reusable container
1. Technical field
The present invention provides a disposable set for use with a reusable urn or container for dosing fluids and, more particularly, a disposable set having a bag, a bag fitting, a tubing adapter, and a tubing that are assembled and attached. inserted into a fluid chamber of a reusable urn for dispensing beverages for human consumption.
two. Background of the invention
Self-serve dispensing containers have become very popular in restaurant environments for storing and dispensing liquid beverages. Such containers typically include a reusable urn with a dosing valve at the bottom for gravity dosing of product therein. In some cases, the urn is equipped with a disposable set that has a bag, an accessory attached to the bag, and a tubing connected to the accessory. The bag is placed inside the urn and the tubing is passed through the valve and the liquid is placed inside the bag so that it does not contact any part of the reusable urn or valve. Therefore, the container and valve remain clean for longer periods of time and can be cleaned more easily and quickly during normal cleaning procedures.
A pipe adapter assembly according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from WO 2008/014605.
Brief description of the drawings
In order to understand the present invention, it will not be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
<td>Figure 1</td><td>is a partially exploded perspective view of a prior art beverage dispensing system of the present invention;</td>
<td>Figure 2 Figure 3A Figure 3B Figure 4A</td><td>is a front view in central cross section of the dosage system of Figure 1; It is a side elevation view of a bag; is a front elevation view of the bag of Figure 3A; is a side elevation view of a prior art disposable set for use with a reusable urn or container;</td>
<td>Figure 4B Figure 5 Figure 6A</td><td>is a front elevation view of the disposable assembly of Figure 4A; is a perspective view of another prior art beverage dispensing system; is a side elevation view of another prior art disposable assembly for use with a reusable container of Figure 5;</td>
<td>Figure 6B Figure 7</td><td>is a front elevational view of the disposable assembly of Figure 6A; is a front cross-sectional view of a prior art beverage dispensing system with a prior art disposable set;</td>
<td>Figure 8</td><td>is a front cross-sectional view of a beverage dispensing system of the present invention;</td>
<td>Figure 9 Figure 10 Figures 11a, b Figure 12</td><td>is a perspective view of a tube fitting and adapter assembly; is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the tube adapter of Figure 9; are cross-sectional views of a faucet of the present invention; is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 12-12 of Figure 11b of the faucet without the tubing showing a generally oval cross-sectional shape;</td>
<td>Figure 13</td><td>is an end view taken along lines 13-13 of Figure 11b of the faucet outlet without the tubing showing a non-symmetrical outlet;</td>
<td>Figure 14</td><td>is an assembly of the faucet of Figure 11b with a fitting, the pipe adapter and the pipe; Y</td>
<td>Figure 15</td><td>is a cross-sectional view of a pipe of the present invention.</td>
Detailed description of the preferred embodiment
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a pipe adapter assembly according to claim 1.
While the present invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, the preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be construed as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and not
ES 2 575 017 T3 is intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the illustrated embodiments.
Referring now, in detail, to the Figures, and initially to Figures 1 and 2, a prior art is shown containing a dosing system 10 for a reusable containment container 12 that can be used with a disposable set having a bag 14, a spout 16, a dosing tube 18, and a dosing valve 20. Containment container 12 is generally a stainless steel or aluminum urn having an interior cavity 22, a first opening 24, and a second opening 26. Two handles 28 extend from the sides of the containment container 12 for lifting and transporting. the recipient. In addition, a cover 30 or top is also provided to cover the first opening 24 leading to the interior cavity 22 of the container. The top 30 has a flat portion 32 and a flange portion 34 that extend substantially perpendicular to the flat portion. The inside diameter of the flange 34 is dimensioned such that the top 30 is positioned over the cylindrical container 12 and is adjacent to the outside diameter of the container.
12. Typically, the container 12 is placed on a platform or stand, or has an integral support 113 to raise the dosing tube to a level where a cup or other container can be placed below the dosing tube.
The disposable assembly forms a liner for containment container 12 and dosing valve 20 such that liquid does not contact the internal components of either containment container 12 or dosing valve 20. Figures 3A and 3B show a prior art bag 14 having a first or front panel 36 having a top 38, a bottom 40, and opposite first and second sides 42, 44, and a second or back panel 46 similarly having a top portion 38, a bottom portion 40, and opposite first and second sides 42, 44. The first panel 36 has an aperture or second aperture 48 that extends through the panel 36 proximal to the bottom 40 of the first panel. Aperture 48 is sized to receive spout 16. Further illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, spout 16 has a cylindrical portion 50 that extends generally perpendicular from a generally circular flange portion 52 at the other end. Cylindrical portion 50 has a longitudinally extending fluid passageway having an inside diameter, and a longitudinal axis extending through the center of spout 16, from cylindrical portion 50 through the spout portion. flange 52. The cylindrical portion 50 also has ribs 54 that extend from an outer surface of the spout. Ribs 54 allow other components to connect to pipe 16.
The opening 48 is formed with a die that removes a portion of the wall to define the opening 48. The opening 48 is sized to allow passage of the cylindrical portion 50, but not the flange. The spout 16 is connected to the first panel 36 by heat sealing or other suitable method compatible with the use of the container. As best shown in Figure 3A, the flange 52 of the spout 16 has a first side that contacts the inner side of the first panel 36 of material. Through heat and pressure, first panel 36 is heat strengthened or welded to flange 52 to permanently fix pipe 16 in position. Spout 16 is preferably positioned towards the bottom 40 of the bag opposite the opening 62, so that when a manufactured bag 14 is placed within the containment container 12, the liquid in the inner pocket 64 of the bag will be fed, naturally outward through gravitational forces.
The first and second panels 36, 46 of the prior art bag are generally made of a flexible plastic material that is capable of heat sealing together. The material used must have a melt softening temperature greater than 79.5 ° C (175 ° F) and can be linear low-density polyethylene, polyolefins, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, nylon, and the like, including Co-extruded and laminated materials, exhibiting similar characteristics can be used.
During the manufacture of bag 14, the first and second panels 36, 46 are arc heat sealed to each other adjacent their respective bottoms 40 and opposite first and second sides 42, 44 to form a bag 14 having three sealing areas 56 , 58, 60 and a first opening 62 in an inner pocket 64 between the connected first and second panels 36, 46. When sealed together, the bottoms 40 of the panels form a second sealed end 66 of the bag, and the opposite sides 42, 44 of the panels form the first and second opposite sealed sides 68, 70 of the bag 14, respectively. . The tops of the panels form a first open end 72 of the bag. Both of the opposite side seals 56, 58 extend from the first end 72 of the bag to the second end 66 of the bag, and the bottom seal 60 extends over a length of the second end 66 of the bag. A first end 74 of the lower seal 60 is adjacent to the first of the opposed side seals 56 and a second end 76 of the lower seal 60 is adjacent to a second of the opposed side seals 58. As such, the first opening 62 of the bag extends horizontally from substantially the first seal area 56 to substantially the second seal area 58 adjacent the top or first end 72 of the bag, and provides an entrance to the inner pocket 64. As seen in Figures 3A and 3B, the inner pocket 64 of the bag is bounded on three sides by the three sealing areas 56, 58, 60, and extends from the first opening 62 of the bag adjacent to the first end 72 of the bag, to the third sealing area 60 adjacent the second end or bottom 66 of the bag. Because the bag 14 is made of a material that has a melt softening temperature greater than 79.5 ° C (175 ° F), the inner pocket 64 of the bag is capable of holding boiling water for making tea, coffee or other hot liquids. A second bag opening 48 exists through the spout opening, which is proximal to the second end 66 of the bag.
ES 2 575 017 T3
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first end 72 of the bag wraps around the first opening 24 of the containment container such that a portion of the bag 14 extends outside of the containment container 12. An optional elastic band 78 is then placed over a portion of the first end 72 of bag 14 that extends to the exterior of containment container 12 to secure bag 14 thereto. The first end 72 of the bag may, however, remain removably connected adjacent the first opening 24 of the containment container by other means. When the bag 14 is in this position, the liquid can be inserted into the inner pocket 64 of the bag through the first opening 24 of the container.
Figures 4A and 4B show another prior art system in which the dispenser 18 is connected to the spout 16. The dispenser 18 has a tube 80 having a rigid fitting 82 at one end thereof. Tube 80 is fabricated from flexible or resilient tubing or plumbing and is securely attached to fitting 82. The prior art tube 80 is manufactured from a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer and is typically, in one form of the invention, 11mm in outer diameter, and approximately 7mm in inner diameter. Of course, the use of tubes of various inside and outside diameters is contemplated as long as they can function as described herein. In a preferred form of the invention the outer diameter will be within the range of 10 to 13mm and the inner diameter will be within the range of 7-10mm. The fitting 82 is sized to securely attach to the cylindrical portion 50 of the spout 16 of the bag 14 shown in Figures 3A and 3B. The fitting 82 fits over the spout ribs 54, however other means of connection, including press fit and threads on the connectors are also contemplated. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, tube 80 is sized to be inserted through an opening or channel 86 in metering valve 20.
The prior art metering valve 20 connects to the containment vessel 12 at the second opening 26 of the containment vessel, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. A channel 86 extends through the body of the metering valve. 20 to a nozzle 88 at the end of metering valve 20. Channel 86 causes spout 88 to be in open communication with second opening 26, and thus interior cavity 22, of containment vessel 12. Dosing valve 20 has an adjustable valve 90 that controls the flow of liquid through channel 86. Adjustable valve 90 is controlled by a handle 92 on top of dosing valve 20. Valve 90 is a protruding crimper. which controls the exit rate of liquid through dosing tube 18 by closing a portion of dosing tube 18 such that liquid cannot pass through. Dosing tube 18 extends through channel 86 of dosing valve 20. By turning handle 92, valve 90 increases or decreases the amount of liquid that is able to flow through dosing tube 18 by controlling this mode the liquid exit velocity from inside the inside pocket of the bag. When fully engaged, valve 90 stops all liquid flow through metering tube 18. In general, the end of the metering valve 20 opposite the spout 88 has a threaded portion 94 that extends from a projection 96 of the metering valve 20. This threaded portion 94 extends through the second opening 26 of the dispensing container. containment 12 and partially into the inner cavity 22 such that the projection 96 of the metering valve contacts the outer wall of the containment container 12 adjacent the second opening 26. A nut (not shown) within the interior cavity 22 of the containment vessel is then screwed onto the threaded portion 94 of the metering valve 20 to secure the metering valve in place.
Accordingly, one of the initial steps necessary to set up the system, even before bag 14 is placed within interior cavity 22 of containment container 12, is to secure dosing tube 18 through accessory 82 thereof to the spout. 16. Next, if the dosing valve 20 is no longer attached to the containment container 12, the dosing valve 20 must be connected to the second opening 26 of the containment container so that the second opening 26 and the channel 86 through the dosing valve is in open communication. Once the dosing valve 20 is in position, the bag 14 is inserted into the interior cavity 22 of the containment container 12.
Figures 6A and 6B illustrate another prior art dispenser 100 that connects to spout 16. (The same components of this prior art dispenser will be described by the same reference numerals as the first prior art dispenser). The dispenser 100 comprises a dosage valve having a fitting 104 thereon. Fitting 104 is sized to securely attach dispenser 100 to cylindrical portion 50 of spout 16 of bag 14 shown in Figures 3a and 3B. Like the previous dispenser, fitting 104 engages ribs 54 on the spout. The metering valve portion of the dispenser 100 has a rotatable member 106 which, when manipulated, controls the rate of liquid exit through the dispenser 100. Therefore, unlike the first dispenser of the prior art, the dispenser 100 and the dosage are a single component. Accordingly, when using this dispenser 100 as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, a separate dispensing valve 20 is not required. With this embodiment, the liquid contacts only the inner pocket 64 of the bag, a interior of spout 16, and an interior of metering valve 100. Since bag 14, spout 16, and metering valve 100 are disposable, they are adapted to be removed from containment container 108 after use and disposed of. Only the containment vessel 108 with its cover (not shown) is a permanent item. As such, the system is adapted to allow the installation of a new bag, spout, and daily dosing valve to maintain a fully sanitized system. Any bacteria in the liquid only come into contact with the inside of the disposable items and do not contaminate the items.
ES 2 575 017 T3 permanent elements.
These prior art dosage systems are more fully set forth in commonly owned US Patent No. 6,116,467 which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein and is a part thereof. Due to the problems encountered with the use of the disposable insert assemblies described above with urns and containers having exit ports in the vicinity of a bottom wall of the casket, a new approach to the disposable assembly is needed.
More specifically, Figure 7 shows certain existing urns or containers that are adapted for use with a Tomlinson faucet that is well known in the art. A container port for mounting the Tomlinson valve is in close proximity to a bottom wall 200 of the container. And attempting to use the prior art disposable assembly (bag 14, spout 16, dosing tube 18, and dosing valve 20 described above with reference to Figures 1-4B) results in a dosing tube 18 bent due to an interference between the rigid flange of the spout 16 and the side and bottom walls of the container, and the contact of the dosing tube with the bottom wall 200 of the container. The present invention provides a disposable set insert compatible with such containers and allowing a favorable flow rate through the dosing tube and a desired dosing angle.
To this end, Figures 8-10 show another preferred embodiment of a dosing assembly and system having a disposable assembly mounted in a reusable container or urn to allow use of the urn without contaminating an interior portion of the reusable container. In a preferred form of the invention, a disposable dosing set 201 includes a flexible bag 202, a fitting 204, and a tubing adapter 206. Fitting 204 and tubing adapter 206 when assembled are considerably smaller than the prior art disposable assembly shown in Figures 1-7, and will therefore be referred to below in the Comparative Example as Mini . Bag 202 has a side wall 208 with an outer flat surface 210. A hole 212 is provided through side wall 208.
Fitting 204 has a generally circular flange 214 having a flat surface 216 and a generally centrally disposed annular wall 215 that extends axially away from flat surface 216 defining a fluid passage 218 of the annular wall and a circumference through from a hole (not shown) in accessory 204. The circular flange of the accessory attaches to the flat outer surface 210 of the bag with the through hole 212 of the bag and the through hole of the accessory is aligned to allow fluid communication between the contents of the bag and the exterior of the bag. .
The pipe adapter 206 as shown in Figures 9 and 10 has a first generally cylindrical wall 230 having a first diameter, a second generally cylindrical wall 232 having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, and an annular flange 234 between the themselves. The second cylindrical wall 232 has a semi-arrow shaped outer surface 240 having a base 242, a point 244, and a radially inwardly inclined surface 246 extending from base 242 to point 244. An annular groove 248 separates the base 242 from a lower surface 250 of the annular flange 234. The first cylindrical wall 230 extends axially away from the annular flange 234 and has a radially inwardly tapered distal end 252 to facilitate insertion into a lumen 266 of tubing 260. The annular flange has an upper surface 253 that serves as a stopper and a visual indication of the tubing adapter is fully inserted into lumen 266.
The second cylindrical wall 232 inserts into the annular wall 215 of the fitting 204 and the notch 248 engages a frame (not shown) in an interior surface of the annular wall 215 to firmly secure the pipe fitting 206 to the fitting 204.
As shown in Figure 8, fitting 204 is flexible enough to accommodate the dimensions of the space between bottom wall 200 and side wall 216 of the container so that tubing 260 does not kink after insertion in step 86 from the tap or during use.
In a preferred form of the invention, the dosage angle should be from about 45 ° to about 100 °, more preferably from 55 ° to about 90 °, and most preferably from 65 ° to about 90 °. To this end, Figures 11a, b show a faucet 300 having a fitting 302 at one end, a rigid metering tube 304 extending axially away from it and defining a fluid passageway or lumen 306 therethrough, and a valve 308 for controlling the flow of fluid through the faucet to an outlet 309. Figure 11a shows a preferred form of the faucet in which the dosing tube 304 is segmented having a first portion 310 that extends along one axis 311 and a second distal portion 312 that extends along a second axis. 313 at an angle α with axis 311. Angle α should be from about 45 ° to about 100 °, more preferably from about 55 ° to about 90 °, and more preferably from 65 ° to about 90 °.
Figure 11b shows another preferred shape of the tap 300 in which the tube of the dosing tube 304 arches or bends over the entire length of the dosing tube 304 with a radius R and the axis 313 forms an angle α with the axis 311 within. of the previously established intervals. The faucet has a valve housing 330 that has a wall
ES 2 575 017 T3 generally cylindrical 331 with a shaft 332 and defining a chamber 334 therein. The axis 332 forms an angle β with axis 311. In a preferred form of the invention, the angle β can be from about 0 ° (that is, the axis 332 parallel to the axis 311) to about 90 ° (axis 332 perpendicular to the axis 311) and more preferably from about 75 ° to about 35 ° and more preferably from about 60 ° to about 45 °. The cylindrical wall 331 has a set of threads 333 at a more distal end. The faucet 300 can be used with the Mini disposable set shown in Figures 8-14, or with the larger disposable set shown in Figures 1-7, and will be referred to as Large in the comparative example below.
In another preferred form of the invention shown in Figure 12, the dosing tube 304 may have a circular cross-sectional shape or a generally oval shape with rounded ends and flat sidewalls 342. This oval shape is believed to resist kinking of tubing 260 after insertion into lumen 306 of metering tube 304.
In another preferred form of the invention shown in Figure 13, the fluid outlet 309 has a non-symmetrical outlet, where the fluid outlet 309 is not centered, or is offset. Therefore, a wall portion 350 in the upper part of the outlet has a thickness greater than a lower portion 352. For example, for a current outlet having a diameter of 1.65 cm (0.650 inches) an upper portion may have a thickness of approximately 0.36 cm (0.140 inches) and the lower portion may be approximately 2 inches thick. 29 cm (0.90 inches) or about 65% of the thickness of the top portion. In another preferred form of the invention, a first portion of the wall will have a thickness relative to a second portion of the outlet wall within a ratio range of about 1: 3 to about 1: 1.1. In other words, a portion of the wall can be from about three times thicker to about 1.1 times thicker than a second portion of the wall. This offset helps direct tubing 260 radially into the faucet to achieve a dispensing angle close to 90 °. The displacement opening can be generally circular or generally oval as described above.
Figure 14 shows the faucet of Figure 11b in an assembly with fitting 204, tubing adapter 206, and tubing 260. A valve assembly 360 is shown mounted in valve housing 340 and having a threaded cap 362, a lever arm 364, valve member 366, and compression spring 368. Threaded cap 362 has a set of threads 370 that mate with threads 333 on the cylindrical wall. The valve is shown in an open position where valve element 366 does not constrict fluid flow through flexible tubing 260. Upon rotation of valve arm 364, valve element 360 moves axially downward to impinge on the tubing to shut off fluid flow through the tubing. Spring 368 is trapped between an interior surface of threaded cap 362 and impinges on an annular flange 372 of valve member 366 to bias the valve into a closed, fluid-free dispensing position.
It has been observed by users of tube 18 of a SEBS monolayer that it tends to kink upon insertion into channel 86 of metering valve 20. In a preferred form of the invention, the tubing resists kinking during insertion into the metering valve 20 and has a larger inner diameter of more than 7mm, while maintaining an outer diameter of 11mm. The larger internal diameter allows higher flow rates through the pipe when compared to smaller diameter pipes and allows the dispensing of fluids with a wider range of viscosities when compared to smaller diameter pipes.
Figure 15 shows the improved multilayer tube 270 having an outer layer 272, an inner layer 274 defining a central lumen 266. The lumen is sized to receive the first cylindrical wall 230 of the tubing adapter and form a fitting fit. interference with it. In a preferred form of the invention, the inner layer is a hydrogenated or unhydrogenated copolymer of styrene and hydrocarbon, more preferably a copolymer of styrene and diene, and even more preferably a block copolymer of styrene and diene. The block copolymer can be a diblock, triblock, StarBlock, or the like, and most preferably is a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene three-block copolymer. A suitable material is KRATON type polymer.
The outer layer 272 is preferably an olefin material and more preferably an ethylene terpolymer and even more preferably a copolymer of ethylene and alpha-olefin copolymer. As used herein, the term interpolymer includes copolymers, terpolymers, whether random, stereoregular (such as isotactic, syndiotactic), or block.
Suitable α-olefin and ethylene interpolymers preferably have a density, as measured by ASTM D-792 of less than about 0.915 g / ml and are commonly referred to as very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), low linear density polyethylene ( LLDPE), Ultra Low Density Ethylene (ULDPE) and the like. The α-olefin should have 3-17 carbon atoms, more preferably 4-12 and most preferably 4-8 carbon atoms. In a preferred form of the invention, copolymers of ethylene and α-olefin are obtained using single-site catalysts. Suitable single site catalyst systems, among others, are those disclosed in US Patent Nos. 5,783,638 and 5,272,236. Suitable copolymers of ethylene and α-olefin include those sold by the Dow Chemical Company under the trade name AFFINITY, by Dupont-Dow under the trade name ENGAGE, and by Exxon under the trade names EXACT and PLASTOMER.
ES 2 575 017 T3
In a preferred form of the invention, the thickness ratio of outer layer 272 to inner layer 274 is from about 1: 4 to about 1: 2 and more preferably from about 1: 3 to about 1: 2.5.
It is contemplated that the tubing may have an accordion-shaped compressing portion that is capable of flexing in discrete positions much like a flexible straw. This will provide ease of inserting the tubing into the faucet.
Comparative examples:
Four different faucets shown in Figures 11b-14 were assembled with a Large disposable set shown in Figures 1-7 or with a Mini disposable set shown in Figures 8-10 and 14 for a total of eight faucet sets. Faucet 1 had a radius R of 3.8 cm (1.495 inches), a faucet discharge with a circular cross-sectional shape, and an asymmetric, offset discharge, Figure 13. Faucet 2 was the same as Faucet 1, but it had a symmetrical discharge. Faucet 3 had a radius R of 4.13 cm (1.625 inches), a faucet discharge with an oval cross-sectional shape (Figure 12), and an asymmetric, offset discharge (Figure 13). Faucet 4 was the same as Faucet 3 except that it had a symmetrical discharge.
The flow rate results of these eight tested assemblies favorably compared to the prior art device shown in Figure 2, where the distribution angle was 45 ° and had the Large disposable assembly. The test results shown below indicate that the faucet design shown in Figures 11b-14 substantially improves the flow rate of a prior art container with a prior art disposable assembly.
The results shown in the Table below also compare favorably with a prior art urn having a Tomlinson valve with a 90 ° dosing angle and without any disposable set in which the contained fluid comes into direct contact with the walls. from the urn and with a fluid conduit inside the Tomlinson valve. This prior art container was found to have a flow rate of 147.4 g / s (5.2 oz / s).
Each faucet assembly was mounted in a water containment urn and the dosing time of 453.6 g (16 oz) of water was recorded. Each faucet was tested at over 20 intervals, time averaged, and flow rate per ounce calculated. The results are shown below in the following table. Overall, the Mini disposable set of the present invention outperformed the prior art Large disposable set. Tap 3 and 4 with an R of 4.13 cm (1.625 inches) outperformed the smaller radius of 3.8 cm (1.495 inches). This is a surprising result, as the Mini disposable set is much smaller and weighs considerably less than the prior art disposable set shown in Figures 1-4. The Mini tubing adapter weighs approximately 1g, being much lighter than the prior art 3.4g tubing adapter. Furthermore, the Mini adapter accessory weighs approximately 1.1g, which compares favorably with the 5.3g accessory of the disposable prior art disposable set.
<td colspan="2">TAP 1</td><td colspan="2">TAP 2</td><td colspan="2">TAP 3</td><td colspan="2">TAP 4</td>
<td>Big</td><td>Mini</td><td>Big</td><td>Mini</td><td>Big</td><td>Mini</td><td>Big</td><td>Mini</td>
<td> (7,19) 208,3</td><td> (5,44) 154,2</td><td> (6,53) 185,2</td><td> (5,33) 151,1</td><td> (5,78) 163,7</td><td> (5,09) 144,3</td><td> (6,16) 174,6</td><td> (5,44) 154,2</td>
<td> (6,83) 193,6</td><td> (5,22) 147,9</td><td> (6,66) 188,8</td><td> (5,22) 147,9</td><td> (6,13) 173,8</td><td> (5,33) 151,1</td><td> (6,19) 175,5</td><td> (5,22) 147,9</td>
<td> (6,33) 179,5</td><td> (5,46) 154,8</td><td> (6,50) 184,3</td><td> (5,32) 150,8</td><td> (6,12) 173,5</td><td> (5,05) 143,2</td><td> (6,21) 176,1</td><td> (5,28) 149,7</td>
<td> (6,72) 190,5</td><td> (5,31) 150,5</td><td> (7,25) 205,5</td><td> (5,56) 157,6</td><td> (6,06) 171,8</td><td> (5,28) 149,7</td><td> (6,40) 181,4</td><td> (5,34) 151,4</td>
<td> (6,65) 188,5</td><td> (5,38) 152,5</td><td> (7,56) 214,3</td><td> (5,37) 152,2</td><td> (6,09) 172,6</td><td> (5,22) 147,9</td><td> (6,32) 179,2</td><td> (5,40) 153,1</td>
<td> (6,90) 195,6</td><td> (5,41) 153,4</td><td> (6,88) 195,0</td><td> (5,25) 148,8</td><td> (6,18) 175,2</td><td> (5,37) 152,2</td><td> (6,31) 178,9</td><td> (5,35) 151,7</td>
<td> (6,81) 193,1</td><td> (5,41) 153,4</td><td> (6,66) 188,8</td><td> (5,28) 149,7</td><td> (6,15) 174,3</td><td> (5,33) 151,1</td><td> (6,28) 178,0</td><td> (5,34) 151,4</td>
<td> (6,69) 189,7</td><td> (5,42) 153,7</td><td> (7,19) 203,8</td><td> (5,35) 151,7</td><td> (6,15) 174,3</td><td> (5,15) 146</td><td> (6,32) 179,2</td><td> (5,22) 147,9</td>
<td> (6,88) 195,0</td><td> (8,31) 235,6</td><td> (7,10) 101,3</td><td> (5,28) 149,7</td><td> (6,19) 175,5</td><td> (5,21) 147,7</td><td> (6,20) 175,8</td><td> (5,19) 147,1</td>
<td> (6,75) 191,4</td><td> (5,44) 154,2</td><td> (7,23) 2,05</td><td> (5,30) 150,3</td><td> (6,07) 172,1</td><td> (5,27) 149,4</td><td> (6,19) 175,5</td><td> (5,15) 146,0</td>
<td> (6,81) 193,1</td><td> (5,35) 151,7</td><td> (7,41) 210,1</td><td> (5,22) 148,0</td><td> (5,98) 170,0</td><td> (5,18) 146,9</td><td> (6,37) 180,6</td><td> (5,14) 145,7</td>
<td> (6,83) 193,6</td><td> (5,38) 152,5</td><td> (7,14) 202,4</td><td> (5,19) 147,1</td><td> (6,03) 171,0</td><td> (5,14) 145,7</td><td> (6,35) 180,0</td><td> (5,03) 142,6</td>
<td> (6,72) 190,5</td><td> (5,29) 150,0</td><td> (6,28) 178,0</td><td> (5,28) 149,7</td><td> (6,14) 174,1</td><td> (5,18) 146,9</td><td> (6,21) 176,1</td><td> (5,25) 148,8</td>
<td> (6,77) 191,9</td><td> (5,31) 151,0</td><td> (6,53) 185,1</td><td> (5,26) 149,1</td><td> (6,32) 179,2</td><td> (5,24) 148,5</td><td> (6,25) 177,2</td><td> (5,13) 145,4</td>
<td> (6,84) 193,9</td><td> (5,33) 151,1</td><td> (7,25) 205,5</td><td> (5,31) 151,0</td><td> (6,29) 178,3</td><td> (5,22) 148,0</td><td> (6,22) 176,3</td><td> (5,27) 149,4</td>
<td> (6,72) 190,5</td><td> (5,35) 151,7</td><td> (7,36) 208,7</td><td> (5,30) 150,3</td><td> (6,18) 175,2</td><td> 5,19 147,1</td><td> (6,22) 176,3</td><td> (5,22) 148,0</td>
<td> 6,85 194,2</td><td> (5,31) 150,5</td><td> (7,32) 207,8</td><td> (5,41) 153,4</td><td> (6,13) 173,8</td><td> (5,22) 148,0</td><td> (6,32) 179,2</td><td> (5,18) 146,9</td>
<td> (6,74) 191,1</td><td> (5,36) 152,0</td><td> (7,39) 209,5</td><td> (5,35) 151,7</td><td> (6,09) 172,7</td><td> (5,31) 151,0</td><td> (6,13) 173,8</td><td> (518) 146,9</td>
ES 2 575 017 T3
<td> (6,79) 192,5</td><td> (5,34) 151,4</td><td> (7,46) 211,5</td><td> (5,34) 151,4</td><td> (6,14) 174,1</td><td> (5,28) 149,7</td><td> (6,37) 180,6</td><td> (5,23) 148,3</td>
<td> (6,69) 189,7</td><td> (5,42) 153,7</td><td> (7,25) 205,5</td><td> (5,35) 151,7</td><td> (6,16) 174,6</td><td> (5,19) 147,1</td><td> (6,29) 178,3</td><td> (5,22) 148,0</td>
<td colspan="8">AVERAGE 16 oz. (453.6 g) SPEED DELIVERY IN g (OZ) SEC</td>
<td colspan="2">TAP 1</td><td colspan="2">TAP 2</td><td colspan="2">TAP 3</td><td colspan="2">TAP 4</td>
<td>Big</td><td>Mini</td><td>Big</td><td>Mini</td><td>Big</td><td>Mini</td><td>Big</td><td>Mini</td>
<td> (6,78) 192,2</td><td> (5,36) 152,0</td><td> (7,05) 200,0</td><td> (5,31) 150,5</td><td> (6,12) 173,5</td><td> (5,22) 148,0</td><td> (6,27) 177,8</td><td> (5,24) 148,6</td>
<td> (2,35) 66,6</td><td> (2,98) 84,5</td><td> (2,26) 64,1</td><td> (3,01) 85,3</td><td> (2,61) 74,0</td><td> (3,06) 86,8</td><td> (2,55) 72,3</td><td> (3,05) 86,5</td>
Contents5
67 members in 12 offices
Priority claims3
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 369637 | United States of America | – | |
| 36963709 | United States of America | A | |
| 2010023697 | United States of America | W |
Members67
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US2003132930A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP1330022A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| KR20030063141A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| CN1433144A | China | A | |
| TW200302410A | Taiwan Province of China | A | |
| JP2003283271A | Japan | A | |
| SG112868A1 | Singapore | A1 | |
| EP1330022A3 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A3 | |
| TWI256537B | Taiwan Province of China | B | |
| US7123250B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2006290692A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| CN100377494C | China | C | |
| CN101257284A | China | A | |
| JP2008206195A | Japan | A | |
| KR20100031596A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| US7710166B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2010164599A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2010200613A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| KR100975826B1 | Republic of Korea | B1 | |
| CA2754527A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2010093654A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| EP2259268A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| KR101021576B1 | Republic of Korea | B1 | |
| AU2010213832A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| JP2011205699A | Japan | A | |
| CN101257284B | China | B | |
| EP2396239A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| US8149043B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2012139440A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP2396239A4 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A4 | |
| US8253446B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2012306838A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| JP2012253828A | Japan | A | |
| EP2259268A3 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A3 | |
| JP5127556B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| US2013037568A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| NZ594971A | New Zealand | A | |
| JP2013176143A | Japan | A | |
| JP5386549B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| US8669791B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| JP5439619B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| JP2014060816A | Japan | A | |
| EP1330022B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| JP5470430B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| US2014152387A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US8752734B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US8757441B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2014239012A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| CA2754527C | Canada | C | |
| JP5622949B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| JP2014241636A | Japan | A | |
| US8928362B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US9033186B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2015210527A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| JP5796119B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| EP2396239B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| EP3034427A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| ES2575017T3This record | Spain | T3 | |
| US9643833B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2017203951A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2019023555A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2019062141A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP3034427B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| EP3536628A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| ES2732880T3 | Spain | T3 | |
| US10508014B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US10773945B2 | United States of America | B2 |
Numbers
- Publication
- 2575017
- Application
- 10741642
Titles2
- Spanish
- Conjunto desechable para su uso con una urna o un recipiente reutilizable
- English
- Disposable set for use with an urn or reusable container
Classification
- CPC, 6
- B67D3/0054
- B67D3/0067
- B67D3/0061
- B67D3/041
- F16K7/06
- B67D2210/00049
- IPC, 3
- B65D39 04
- B65D75 58
- B65D77 06