Pressure dispenser for viscous materials

March 29, 1966 d. m. stegner 3,243,084

PRESSURE DISPENSER FOR VISCOUS MATERIALS

Filed May 17, 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet 1

<img file="US3243084A_D0001.tif" />

FIG.4INVENTOR

DOUGLASS M. STEGNER

BY Jacob i s'Dav i dsoN

ATTORNEY

March 29, 1966

D. M. STEGNER

3,243,084

PRESSURE DISPENSER FOR VISCOUS MATERIALS

Filed May 17, 1965

Sheets-Sheet 2

<img file="US3243084A_D0002.tif" />

<img file="US3243084A_D0003.tif" />

<img file="US3243084A_D0004.tif" />

<img file="US3243084A_D0005.tif" />

FIG, 8

<img file="US3243084A_D0006.tif" />

FIGG

FIG. 9

INVENTOR

DOUGLASS M. STEGNER.

BY Jacobi ^Davidson

ATTORNEY

March 29, 1966

D. M. STEGNER

3,243,084

PRESSURE DISPENSER FOR VISCOUS MATERIALS

Filed May 17, 1965

Sheets-Sheet 3

<img file="US3243084A_D0007.tif" />

United States Patent Office

3,243,084

Patented Mar. 29, 1966

3,243,084

PRESSURE DISPENSER FOR VISCOUS MATERIALS

Douglass M. Stegner, 1301 Covington St, Baltimore, Md. Filed May 17,1965, Ser. No. 472,378

Claims. (Cl. 222—95)

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Serial No. 265,460, filed March 15, 1963, and now abandoned.

The present invention relates generally to dispensing techniques, and is particularly concerned with the provision of a method of, and means for, dispensing relatively highly viscous materials from conveniently handleable and conveniently storable containers.

There are presently available shipping units which comprise, generally, an outer carton fabricated of conventional corrugated paperboard and an inner container fabricated of a flexible inert plastic material, such as, for example, polyethylene. These containers have proved particularly useful in handling fluids of low viscosity, but notwithstanding the convenience afforded thereby, such containers have generally not been usable for handling highly viscous materials due to the inability to pour the latter-type materials therefrom.

Specifically, with a container of the above prescribed type, when it is desired to dispense the contents thereof, a cap is removed from a filler neck or spout forming part of the inner container, and projectable through the outer carton portion of the unit. The container is then inverted, and the material within the container flows therefrom, just as normal liquids, such as milk, are poured from a bottle. With liquids of comparatively low viscosity, there are generally no problems in emptying the container.

However, when an attempt is made to use such units for highly viscous materials, then certain dispensing problems are experienced. For example, if a material of generally medium viscosity is packaged in the container, then it may be possible to pour a certain quantity of such material from the container initially. The hydrostatic pressure of the material above the pouring neck or spout is sufficient to cause a flow of material through the neck or spout initially, and the material may be such as to allow for entry of at least some air within the inner container. Eventually, though, as the contents of the container are dispensed, the hydrostatic pressure decreases and/or a partial vacuum is experienced above the material, and an equilibrium is reached where the hydrostatic pressure is insufficient to overcome the other pressures exerted on the material, whereupon the contents of medium viscosity can no longer be dispensed. There remains, in this instance, a wasted portion of the contents which, depending on the viscosity, can be quite substantial. Similarly, under the circumstances described in this paragraph, if a material of high viscosity is packaged in a unit as prescribed above, then it may not be possible to initially dispense any of the contents therefrom by a mere inversion operation. In essence, the viscosity of the material is, in this instance, so high that the hydrostatic pressure of the material above the pouring spout neck area is insufficient to cause even an initial flow of the material from the container.

Another important consideration is the need for a portable dispenser which is capable of dispensing a viscous material under pressure. While it is, of course, apparent that small aerosol containers do broadly fall within this category, such aerosol containers are not altogether satisfactory for many types of application. That is, aerosol containers are generally quite costly, contain only a small volume of material, and are not refillable. Also, they are generally heavy when carried in any quantity and are somewhat sensitive to high temperatures and rough handling. Thus, there still exists the need for a pressure dispenser which can carry a large 5 volume of material to be dispensed, which can withstand rough handling and extreme temperature conditions, which need not be pressurized until actually ready for use, and which has a replaceable container for the contents so that when the contents of one container have 10 been dispensed, another container can be quickly and easily replaced and utilized.

Typical of the applications to which such a portable pressure dispenser could be put would be field lubrication of vehicles. During military maneuvers and other simi15 lar circumstances, automotive vehicles are often located in remote sites, far from any service area where lubrication could be performed, if necessary. The present invention could be utilized under such circumstances to provide a pressurized dispenser which enables such lubri20 cation to be conducted right in the field. Another possible application for the present invention is in accomplishing caulking operations so often performed at remote construction sites. Instead of merely utilizing caulking guns with cartridges that must be consistently re25 placed and in which the caulking is accomplished by manual pressure on the caulking gun trigger, the present invention can be utilized to provide a pressurized means which automatically can dispense the caulking compound and which can supply an extensive amount of such com30 pound before the container contents are exhausted and a new container is needed.

Bearing in mind the foregoing, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a dispenser apparatus, assembly, or means which is readily adapted to be co35 operatively associated with a shipping unit of the above prescribed type, whereby such unit can be conveniently used for the handling, storage, and shipment of medium and high viscosity materials, such as oils, inks, creams and the like, and whereby highly viscous contents can be ⁴⁰ conveniently dispensed therefrom as desired.

Being more specific in certain respects, and more general in other respects, it is a further important primary object of the present invention to provide means cooperable and usable in combination with a shipping unit 45 including a convenient to handle outer carton and an at least partially flexible inner container housed within the outer carton, whereby non-readily flowable materials can be stored and shipped within the unit, and then conveniently dispensed therefrom substantially in their en⁵⁰ tirety.

Relating the invention to specific exemplary uses, it is an object hereof to provide means cooperatively associable with a shipping unit of the above prescribed type, which means are operative to permit the pressure dis⁵⁵ pensing of highly viscous oils, greases, shampoos, printing inks or the like. Consistent with this object, for example, the invention permits using a shipping unit as prescribed above for delivery of grease to a grease gun, or for selective or controllable delivery of printing inks, shampoos, ⁶⁰ or other highly viscous materials to an outlet spout. The uses set forth in this paragraph, as noted, are but exemplary, and yet they serve to illustrate the wide utility of the invention.

Another object of the present invention is to provide ⁶⁵ a dispenser for viscous material, which dispenser is capable of being pressurized to thereby assure that the viscous material can be properly selectively discharged.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pressurized dispenser for viscous materials, which dis70 penser: (a) is disassemblable to permit used material containers to be removed and new material containers to be inserted; (b) can accommodate a large bulk supply

3,243,084 of the material to be dispensed; (c) can withstand rough handling conditions and high temperatures encountered during handling and transit; (d) can be initially pressurized or pressurized on site; (e) is ready transportable to permit uses at remote areas; and (f) is capable of being pressurized by a gas station air pump, a bicycle pump, or any other suitable pressurizing means.

Aside from the general and more basic objects of the invention discussed above, there are certain specific objects, including the following: (a) the provision of a dispensing apparatus into which a shipping unit of the above prescribed type can be easily inserted and with which the outlet of such unit can be easily connected whereby when the shipping unit is cooperatively associated with the dispenser, the contents within the inner container of the unit can be dispensed selectively; (b) the provision of such a dispenser which can be conveniently charged with a pressurized gas or fluid initially, and then transported from place to place, or alternatively placed in particular position, as desired, for the selective dispensing thereafter of the contents in question; (c) the provision of such a dispenser which incorporates means for readily aligning a shipping unit as prescribed above in proper alignment therein whereby an operator can easily associate the shipping unit with the dispenser assembly, and (d) the provision of such a dispenser which is adapted to be used repeatedly with shipping unit after shipping unit as sucessive shipping units have the contents dispensed therefrom.

Still further, it is an important and specific object of the present invention to provide in a shipping unit of the above prescribed type, an improved spout assembly or arrangement which insures maximum discharge of the contents from the inner container portion thereof and operates to prevent trapping of contents upon container collapse during a dispensing operation.

As suggested above, and as will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative and preferred embodiments of ths invention, the assembly and component parts thereof constructed in accordance herewith permits widespread use of shipping units of the type in question for multiple purposes. By way of specific further examples, with the assembly of the invention, it is completely practical and feasible to ship grease in the shipping unit comprising an outer paperboard corrugated carton and an inner flexible plastic container, to thereafter insert such shipping unit in a dispenser constructed in accordance herewith, to thereafter charge such dispenser with gas under pressure, such as for example, compressed air, to thereafter connect the dispenser with a grease gun or the like, and to then transport the entire unit, as a small and conveniently handleable package, from place to place for the application of grease as desired. Similarly, without using a particular dispensing means such as a grease gun, it is entirely feasible with the invention to follow the above steps, exclusive of the connection with the grease gun, and to then place the unit at a convenient location, whereby through operation of a control valve or handle, particular contents, such as cream, shampoo, printing ink or the like can be selectively dispensed as the operator requires. In other words, the invention permits achieving simple and efficient dispensing of highly viscous materials from a shipping unit of the prescribed type, and in turn the invention permits using such a shipping unit for the transportation, handling and storage of materials of high viscosity.

The invention is explained and presented in connection with a generally cube-shape unit, but it will be readily apparent that the invention is not limited to the particular shape of the container. Instead, the invention is applicable to containers of various shapes, including, for example, generally rectangular shapes, such as may conveniently be used for the handling and shipping of caulking compounds. The invention will be better understood, and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description. Such description refers to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a container constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is an exploded view of the container of FIGURE 1, illustrating further the means associated therewith for dispensing the contents therefrom in accordance with one embodiment hereof;

FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional elevational view of a partially assembled dispenser arranged in accordance herewith;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the outlet connection illustrated in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a container, similar to that of FIGURE 1, but adapted particularly for use in a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 6 is an exploded view of the container of FIGURE 5 illustrating further dispenser means associated therewith for dispensing the contents in accordance with another and second embodiment hereof;

FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the assembled container and dispenser of FIGURES 5 and 6;

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of another form of outlet connection which can be used in accordance with the second embodiment hereof;

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view, partially in phantom, and presenting the container of FIGURE 1 within the dispenser utilized in the second embodiment hereof;

FIGURE 10 is an exploded view of a modification of the second embodiment hereof;

FIGURE 11 is a fragmentary sectional view of the lower portion of the assembled modification of FIGURE 10; and

FIGURE 12 is a fragmentary sectional view, similar to FIGURE 11, but showing an alternate construction for the lower portion.

In general, and in accordance with the principles of the present invention, there are provided two embodiments of pressure dispenser for viscous materials. In the first embodiment hereof, illustrated in FIGURES 1-4, a weighted element is utilized to assist in dispensing of the viscous materials. In the second embodiment hereof, illustrated in FIGURES 5-12, pressurized fluid is utilized' to assist in dispensing of the viscous materials.

Referring now to the first embodiment of invention, shown in FIGURES 1 to 4, a dispenser constructed in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the numeral 2. The dispenser 2 is comprised of a container 4 for shipping or otherwise transporting, storing and dispensing various viscous materials, such as oils, inks and the like, and of means associated with the container to facilitate dispensing contents therefrom. The container 4 comprises an outer carton 6 fabricated generally of conventional corrugated paperboard and an inner container 26. The carton 6 has usual flaps 8 at both ends, thereof which cooperate with one another in such a manner as to close that end of the carton 6 with which they are associated. Connected to at least one of the flaps 8 at one end of the carton 6, in any suitable and conventional manner, is a handle 10 whereby the container 4 may be carried manually or otherwise and thus moved from one position to another. The handle 10 may be fabricated of metal and preferably is connected to the flap or flaps 8 so that the same is foldable or pivotable from an extended position as shown in FIGURE 1 to a position in which the handle lies flat against the flaps, as seen in FIGURE 3.

The container 4, and thus the carton 6, preferably is substantially in the shape of a cube, such shape having been found to be the shape which provides the greatest volume for the minimum surface area of any parallelogram shape. It is to be understood, however, that a

3,243,084 cubic shape is not necessary, and that any desired shape may be used.

One end of the carton 6 is provided with two slightly spaced rows of perforations 12 extending completely peripherally thereabout thereby alone providing the carton with a tear strip 14. However, for convenience, if desired, a tear cord can be fixed within the carton and between the rows so as to permit easy severing of the carton along the rows of perforations. By virtue of the provision of the detaching means in the form of perforated rows and/or tear cord, the carton 6 is provided with a removable portion 16 at one end thereof, the said portion 16 comprising a cover, whereby that end of the container with which the portion 16 is associated can be selectively opened and then closed to accidental dispensing and tampering in general.

One of the flaps 8, at least, is provided with an aperture 18 for a purpose to be presently described. A liner 22 is positioned within the outer carton 6, the said liner having external dimensions generally equal to the internal dimensions of the carton 6 whereby the liner will have a snug fit therewithin. The liner 22 is fabricated in a manner similar to that of the carton 6 and, thus, has flaps 22a at the ends thereof adjacent the ends of the carton having the flaps 8. One of the flaps 22a, at least, has an aperture 20 disposed in alignment with the aperture 18 in the ultimate carton. It is to be understood that the tear strip 14 is positioned peripherally about the carton 6 so that the liner 22 will extend above the peripheral edge 24 of the carton 6 when the portion 16 has been removed therefrom.

The inner container 26 is particularly adapted to be inserted within the carton 6. The container 26 has the same general configuration as the carton 6, namely, that of a cube, although, as pointed out above, any desired shape may be used. The container 26 preferably is formed of a suitable inert flexible thermoplastic material, such as, for example, polyethylene. However, any flexible material can be used which is impervious to the transmission of the particular contents therethrough. Polyethylene is preferred only because of its unusual combination of properties including freedom from taste, odor, toxicity; flexibility at extremely low temperatures; low moisture-vapor transmission; resistance to chemicals, solvents, greases; and good characteristics from the tensile, impact and other physical points of view.

The inner container 26, as shown, is formed, preferably by heat sealing together, along the seam 28, two symmetrical halves 30 and 32. Additionally, a fold line 34 is provided whereby one half of the container 26 may be folded within the other half, to facilitate substantially completely dispensing the contents thereof. As particularly shown in FIGURE 4 of the drawings, the seam 28 and the fold line 34 are positioned in parallel relationship midway of the container 26, and are generally horizontally disposed. In this particular embodiment of the present invention, the seam 28 and fold line 34 are preferably horizontally disposed, although, as explained below, the seam and fold line may be positioned peripherally diagonally of the container 26.

Though the two symmetrical halves 30 and 34 of the container 26 may be fabricated so that the walls thereof are of the same thickness throughout, in certain instances, it can be found expedient to fabricate the half 32 so that the walls thereof are of less thickness than those of the half 30, whereby to facilitate folding of one half into the other half.

Still further to facilitate folding of one half of the container 26 within the other half thereof, the half 32 of the container can be, as shown, slightly inwardly offset with respect to the half 30, as indicated at 30α in FIGURE 3. However, it is to be understood that while this feature is important, it is not essential and the walls of both of the halves 30 and 32 of the container 26 can lie in the same place.

The inner container 26 further comprises a filler neck and pouring spout 36 in one wall 38 of the lower half 32. The neck and spout 36 can be connected to the wall 38 in any suitable manner, but, preferably, is connected 5 to a thin-walled thermoplastic annulus 40 which, in turn, is connected to the wall 38 by heat sealing. The neck and spout 36 itself is connected to the annulus 40 in the same manner. This particular construction is advantageous in that the flexibility of the annulus 40 will enable jq the neck and spout 36 to be folded, during shipping, within the confines of carton 6. It is to be understood that in use, the neck and spout 36 is extended to a position outside the carton 6 through the aligned apertures 20 in the liner 22 and 18 in the flaps 8 of the carton.

The neck and spout 36 can be fabricated of any suitable material and, preferably, is fabricated of a substantially rigid plastic. The spout 36 is comprised of a tubular portion 42 having screw threads 44 at one end thereof, whereby a cap 46 can be connected to the spout when 20 the dispenser 2 is not in use to preclude inadvertent loss of the contents of the container 26. The tubular portion 42 is preferably tapered from the screw threads 44 to an annulus 48. Thereafter, the spout 36 is generally cylindrical and has longitudinally extensive openings or 25 elongated perforations 50 positioned annularly thereabout and extending radially thereof, whereby, fluid communication exists between the interior of the container 26 and the exterior thereof through spout 36. Connected to the end of the tubular portion 42 opposite 30 the screw threads 44 is an annular collar 52, the purpose of which is two-fold, namely, (1) to prevent the wall 32α of the half 32 from closing the openings 50 when the half 32 is in a collapsed position within the half 30; (2) to maintain a raised position about the spout openings 50 35 so that the container contents are not trapped laterally of the spout area during dispensing.

Specifically, the elongated tubular portion of spout 36 with openings 50 therein and the collar 52 cooperate to provide a means juxtaposed the spout ultimate open⁴⁰ ing for maintaining the inner container in spaced relation to the spout opening area when the walls of the inner container collapse. Such means, however, can take other forms so long as it functions to permit dispensing of substantially all of the contents of the container 26. 45 With the preferred construction, the collar 52, has a diameter greater than that of the tubular portion 42, and is connected to the latter in any suitable manner, as for example, by fabricating the tubular portion 42 and the collar 52 by means of a molding process, whereby the 50 latter is integrally connected to the former.

In order to remove substantially completely the contents of the container 26, a pressure applying element 54 in the form of a weight, is provided. The element 54 may be fabricated of any suitable material and in any 55 suitable manner. The transverse dimensions of the element 56 are generally equal to the transverse dimensions of the half 32 of the container 26 and, more specifically, equal to the transverse distances between opposed walls of the half 32 when the latter is in an inverted position 60 within the half 30 of the container, as illustrated in dotted lines in FIGURE 3. It is within the scope of this invention that the pressure applying element 56 be fabricated so as to be of substantial weight whereby when the cap 46 is removed from the threaded end of the neck and 65 spout 36, the contents of the container 26 can be automatically dispensed therefrom if the viscosity of the contents is within a medium range, without the aid of any other external means. Further, this simple embodiment can be used with a manual force being applied generally 70 centrally of the pressure applying element 56, so that such force will be distributed uniformly to the half 32, whereby substantially completely all of the contents of the container 26 will be dispensed therefrom. However, this embodiment can also be used advantageously with 75 the dispensing apparatus discussed more fully below.

3,243,084

In the use of this embodiment of the present invention, the tear strip 14 is severed from the carton 6 in any suitable manner as, for example, by beginning to sever the strip with some handy implement, such as a pocketknife. Alternatively, if a cord is incorporated as indicated above, the cord can be used for this purpose. Thereafter, in either event, the tear strip 14 is completely severed manually, thereby separating the cover portion 16 from the remainder of the carton 6. The portion 16 is saved whereby the same provides a cover for that end of the carton 6 from which it has been removed. The flaps 22α of the liner 22 adjacent the portion 16 are opened and removed from the remainder of the liner in any suitable manner, as illustrated in FIGURE 3.

The pressure applying element or weight 56 is then positioned upon the half 32 of the container 26. When it is desired to use the dispenser 2, assuming that the element 56 is not a weighted element, the cap 46 is removed from the neck and spout 36, the portion 16 removed from the carton 6, and a force applied generally centrally to the said element 56. It will be obvious as pointed out supra, that pressure will then be distributed substantially uniformly to the half 32 thus emptying the contents of the container 26 in a uniform manner. In view of the relative dimensions of the halves 30 and 32, the latter will fold easily within the former and the element 56 will readily follow the half 32 as it is inverted into position within the half 30. The liner 22 will act as a guide for the element 56 as it follows the half 32.

The provision of the collar 52 provides an abutment or stop means for the wall 32α of the half 32 in its inverted position, shown in dotted lines in FIGURE 3, whereby the half 32 is precluded from closing the performations 50. Still almost all of the contents of the container 26 will be removed therefrom.

Assuming that the pressure applying element 56 is a weighted element, then the portion 16 can be left in position upon the peripheral edge 25 at all times with contents of medium viscosity. In this instance, when it is desired to dispense the contents of the container 26, it is necessary merely to remove the cap 46 from the neck and spout 36. The differential pressure between the weighted element 56 and atmosphere will enable the element 56 to apply sufficient pressure to the contents of the container and thus dispense the same therefrom. By leaving the portion 16 in position as just described, the s'ame comprises a cover for the dispenser 2 whereby tampering and accidental dispensing of its contents is prevented.

Referring now to FIGURES 5 to 8 inclusive of the drawings, another embodiment of a dispenser constructed in accordance with the present invention, is illustrated and generally designated by numeral 3.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser 3, as used, comprises generally a container, designated by numeral 5, and a housing and outlet means cooperatively associated with the container. The container 5 comprises, in turn, an outer carton 7 fabricated generally of conventional corrugated paperboard, which carton 7 has the usual flaps 9 cooperating with one another in such a manner as to close that end of the carton with which they are associated. Connected with at least one of the flaps 9 is a handle 11, the same being connected in any suitable manner, but preferably in such a manner as to be extendable without the carton 7 whereby the latter may be carried manually or otherwise translated from one position to another. Additionally, the connection of the handle 11 to the flap or flaps 9 preferably is such as to render the handle pivotable, whereby it may be pivoted to a position lying fiat against the flaps.

The carton 7 preferably is a one-piece carton, as opposed to the carton 6 described above in which a liner is provided. However, like the carton 6, the carton 7 can comprise a liner (not shown) and preferably is substantially in the shape of a cube. As pointed out above, however, a cube-shape is not necessary in the practice of the present invention, and any desired shape may be utilized.

The carton 7, if desired, can be provided with perforations 13 which permit separation from the carton of generally rectangularly shaped portions 15. The portions 15 are adapted to be severed from the remainder of the carton 7 at and by the perforations 13 whereby the portions may be positioned inwardly of the carton, thus providing a means whereby the carton may be manually carried or otherwise translated from one position to another. That end of the carton most adjacent the portions 15, or opposite the spout outlet, is closed by flaps 15 17, which flaps are generally identical to the flaps 9.

However, each of the flaps 9 is provided with a plurality of perforations 19. As illustrated, each such flap •is provided with two perforations, whereby the container 5 may properly be located with reference to its 20 dispensing location, as described more particularly hereinafter. Additionally, one of the flaps 9 is provided with an aperture 21 the purpose of which will be described hereinafter.

The container 5 of the dispenser 3 comprises, further, 25 an inner container 23, which container is particularly adapted to be inserted within the carton 7. The container 23 has the same general configuration as the carton 7, namely, that of cube, although as pointed out supra, any desired shape may be used. The container 30 23 preferably is formed of any suitable flexible thermoplastic material, such as for example, polyethylene, as pointed out above in conjunction with the container 6.

The inner container 23 is formed, generally, by heat sealing together along the seam 25 two symmetrical 35 halves 27 and 29. Additionally, a fold line 31 is provided in spaced parallel reationship with respect to the seam 25 whereby one half of the container 23 may be folded within the other half, to permit substantially complete dispensing of the contents. In this embodiment of 40 the present invention, the seam 25 and fold line 31 are positioned diagonally of the inner container 23. However, it is to be understood that the same may be positioned as the seam 28 and fold line 34, described above in conjunction with the container 26. Additionally, it is to be understood that the seams 25 and 28, and the fold ⁰ lines 31 and 34 of the containers 23 and 26 respectively, may be positioned in any suitable directional relationship with respect to said containers, the only criteria being that the fold lines be directionally positioned as to facilitate folding of the respective halves within one ^δυ another.

The walls of the halves 27 and 29 may be fabricated of the same thickness. However, it is within the scope of this invention to fabricate the walls of the half 29 of less thickness than the wall of the half 27, whereby to facilitate folding of the latter within the former.

The inner container 23 comprises, further, a filler neck and pouring spout 33, the same being generally identical to the neck and spout 36 comprising a component of the container 26 described above also in conjunction with the dispenser 9. No further description of the neck and spout 33 is deemed necessary, therefore, it being understood that like reference characters are used to indicate like parts throughout.

The dispenser 3 comprises, further, a housing or enclo⁶⁵ sure, generally indicated by the numeral 35, within which the container 5 is particularly adapted to be positioned. The enclosure 35 comprises, in turn, a cover portion 37 fabricated of any suitable material, such as metal, and in any suitable manner. The cover portion 37 is pro70 vided with a peripheral outwardly extending ledge or flange 39 at the base thereof whereby the cover portion may be securely positioned with respect to a base portion 41.

The base portion 41 preferably is fabricated of the same material as the cover portion 37 and may be con3,243,084 structed in any suitable manner. The said base portion 41 is comprised of a positioning wall 43 which, in use, is generally horizontally disposed, and supporting walls 45 integrally connected to each peripheral edge 43α of the wall 43. Each of the walls 45 are positioned generally at right angles to the wall 43 and, in use, are generally vertically positioned, whereby the enclosure 35 in toto may be supported upon a planar surface, such as a shelf, workbench, or the like. It is to be noted that the dimensional extent of the wall 43 is, in every direction, greater than the largest dimensional extent of the cover portion 37, that is, greater than the dimensional extent of the ledge 39. The wall 43 is provided with a plurality of, as illustrated, four, conventional wing-nut and bolt arrangements 47 whereby the ledge 39, and thus the cover portion 37, may be securely positioned with respect to the base 41. In this connection, planar bracket elements 49 are cooperatively associated with the wingnut and bolt arrangements in such a manner as to overlie the ledge 39 and thus securely position the cover with respect to the base. Further, there is provided a sealing gasket 39α carried by ledge 39 and extending thereunder completely thereabout. Such gasket permits sealing the enclosure 35 to the base portion 41 so that pressure can be maintained within the enclosure. Other closing arrangements are within the scope of this invention, the arrangement illustrated being merely preferred.

Fixedly positioned upon the wall 43 and extending generally upwardly therefrom are a plurality of locating pins 51. Four such pins are illustrated, it being noted that they are located so as to form, in effect, a rectangle. Each pair of pins located at the longer side of the rectangle has fixed thereto a supporting plate 53 disposed in spaced parallel relation to wall 43. The pins 51 extend through the plates 53 whereby they are particularly adapted to be positioned within the perforations 19 provided in the flaps 9. In this manner, as will be described more fully hereinbelow, the container 5 is properly located with respect to the base portion 41 and thus the enclosure 35.

The cover portion 37 is provided with a recess 55 within which a conventional air valve and pressure gauge 57 are particularly adapted to be positioned. Preferably, the air valve may take the form of any suitable, well known “check” valve which, as well understood in the art, permits flow in one direction but precludes flow in a reverse direction. Further description of this type of valve, well known to those skilled in the art, is not, therefore, deemed necessary. The pressure gauge may be of conventional form, being suitable for present purposes, namely, enabling one to determine the amount of pressure existent within the enclosure. Alternatively, the air valve may take the form of a conventional regulating valve which, as is well known to those skilled in the art, is constructed to admit and maintain a constant amount of pressure. As is the case with the check valve, further description of the regulating valve is not deemed necessary.

A tube 59 extends upwardly of the recess 55 and without the cover portion 37 whereby connection may be made to a suitable source of pressure, as for example, a compressor, or a charging CO₂ capsule. To supply the pressure within the cover portion 37, a tube 61 similar to the tube 59 extends downwardly of the recess 55. The connection between tubes and the walls through which they project is air tight to insure pressure maintenance.

Positioned within the space provided beneath the wall 43 and between the walls 45 is an outlet connection 63. The outlet connection 63 can be fabricated of small diameter copper tubing or other similar material having a bend 65 at one end whereby the connection 63 extends through and upwardly of the wall 43. A threaded coupling 67 is provided whereby the outlet connection 63 may be connected to the neck and spout 33. A bend 69 is provided at the other end of the connection 63 whereby to provide a discharge spout for the dispenser 3. An on off valve 71 of any suitable and conventional configuration is provided between the spout 69 and the wall 45 with which the spout 69 is associated to permit the contents of the container 5 to be dispensed therefrom. Connection 63 is sealed to wall 43 as by soldering again to permit maintaining pressure within the enclosure.

With reference now to FIGURE 8, a modification of the outlet connection 63 is illustrated therein. Simply, rather than the spout 69, that end of the connection 63 is threaded whereby to provide a connection 73 for a grease gun or the like. In all respects, the outlet connection 63 of FIGURE 9 is the same as that in FIGURE 8.

In the use of the dispenser 3, the wing-nut and bolt arrangement 47 are loosened and the bracket elements 49 pivoted outwardly of the ledge 39 whereby the cover portion 37 may be removed from the base portion 41. The portions 15 of the carton 7, if provided, are severed from the remainder thereof by means of the perforations 13, the same being accomplished by any suitable and handy implement, such as a pocket knife. Once severed, the portions 15 are pushed inwardly of the carton 7 whereby the same may manually be grasped and inverted from its position as shown in FIGURE 5, which position is that in which the container 5 will be shipped. Alternatively, the carton is merely inserted. The neck and spout 33 which is foldable within the outer carton 7, as described above in conjunction with the spout 36 of the dispenser 2, and which may remain generally so positioned during shipment of the container 5, is then extended outwardly of the carton 7.

In its inverted position, as shown in FIGURE 6, the container 5 is positioned upon the supporting plates 53, the same being properly located thereupon by positioning the perforations 19 to cooperate with the locating pins 51.