US3893598A

US3893598A - Dispensing device

Info

Publication number: US3893598A
Application number: US456453A
Authority: US
Inventors: Gunter G Fuss
Original assignee: Free Flow Packaging Corp
Current assignee: Free Flow Packaging Corp
Priority date: 1972-12-13
Filing date: 1974-04-01
Publication date: 1975-07-08
Anticipated expiration: 1992-07-08

Abstract

A dispensing device including a housing with pivotal flap means to distribute free-flowing subdivided material. A suitable biasing means (e.g., rubber band or spring) normally holds the flap means in a closed position. Actuating means, specifically a one-piece squeeze handle, is carried by the housing and contacts tab means on the flap means to move the latter to an open position. In one embodiment, the squeeze handle includes a support arm portion mounted to the housing and connected by a resilient elbow to an actuating arm portion which is pivotal about the elbow. Suitable operating means, a plate with cam surfaces, serves to contact the tab means and control the flap means.

Description

United States Patent Fuss July 8, 1975 DISPENSING DEVICE 2.4s2,s93 9/1949 Palmer 222/503 3,116,854 1 1964 R bb 222/506 X [75] Inventor: Gunter G. Fuss, Daly City, Calif. I a

1 1 Assigneei Free'Flow Packaging corllol'ation, Primary Examiner-Robert B. Reeves Redwood Calif- Assistant Examiner-Thomas E. Kocovsky [22] Filed. Apr 1 974 Attorney, Agent, or FirmFlehr, Hohback, Test,

Appl. No.: 456,453

Related US. Application Data Continuation of Ser. No. 314,583, Dec. 13, I972, abandoned.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 222/502 X 222/506 X 222/473 X Sanger James Peterson Albritton & Herbert {S 7 ABSTRACT A dispensing device including a housing with pivotal flap means to distribute free-flowing subdivided material. A suitable biasing means (e.g., rubber band or spring) normally holds the flap means in a closed position. Actuating means, specifically a one-piece squeeze handle, is carried by the housing and contacts tab means on the flap means to move the latter to an open position. In one embodiment, the squeeze handle includes a support arm portion mounted to the housing and connected by a resilient elbow to an actuating arm portion which is pivotal about the elbow. Suitable operating means, a plate with cam surfaces, serves to contact the tab means and control the flap means.

16 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUL R1975 SHEET 2 [1F 4 DISPENSING DEVICE This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 3 I 4,583 filed Dec. 13, I972 now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to dispensing devices of a type for use in distributing light-weight subdivided materials, such as cushioning and packaging materials.

The dispensing device of the present invention has particular application in the selective distribution of free-flowing cushioning and packaging material of the type disclosed, e.g., in US. Pat. Nos. 3,074,543 and 3,481,455. Cushioning and packaging materials of the foregoing type possess the desirable characteristic of flowability" which permits a predetermined mass of the packaging material to be flowed or poured into the confines of a shipping carton. as it is being packed, to thereby rapidly isolate the packed item from the sides of the carton and cushion the same against breakage upon external impact.

Problems are presented in the use of the foregoing materials in packaging operations due to their extreme light weight. Also, inexperienced personnel are frequently employed in the packaging operations so that the equipment utilized to dispense the materials must be relatively uncomplicated. Furthermore, a large number of packaging operations are normally employed at a single site so the dispensing equipment must be relatively durable over long-term repetitious use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND OBJECTS The present invention generally concerns a dispensing device with a housing having an opening controlled by pivotal flap means operable by tab means carried thereby in response to contact against the tab means by an actuating means also carried by the housing. The actuating means is preferably operable by squeezing pressure which urges a cam surface against the tab means to open the flap means, suitably a pair of mating flaps, to dispense the free-flowing material. A biasing means is provided to normally hold the pair of flaps in the material restraining position and to return the same to that position after release of the squeezing pressure. In one specific construction, the actuating means is a squeeze handle, preferably of integral construction, which includes a support arm portion carried by the housing and an actuating arm portion movable from said support arm portion, as by a resilient elbow portion. The actuating arm portion supports operating means such as a plate disposed generally transverse thereto with a cam surface for slidably contacting the tab means to open and close the flap means. The plate includes a slot for guiding contact of the cam surface and tab means. In one embodiment, the flap means is formed of a pair of flaps pivotally mounted on opposite sides of the housing and meeting centrally of the dispensing opening in a material closing position. The flaps either are formed as an articulated integral unit with the housing or are separately formed and mounted to the housing with hinge means.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a durable simple device for the rapid dispensing of free flowing packaging and cushioning material and similar subdivided materials.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a device of the foregoing type utilizing flap means and a durable actuator rapidly operable by simple direct squeezing pressure.

Additional objects and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description in which the preferred embodiments are set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a side elevational view illustrating a dispensing device in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view partially broken away of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the device of FIG. 1, with the flaps in a material dispensing position illustrated in phantom.

FIG. 4 is a view section along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3 illustrating the material dispensing position in phan torn.

FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating another embodiment of a dispensing device in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the dispensing device of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view, partially broken away, of the device of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the dispensing device of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is the front view of the device of FIG. 5 with the flaps in a material dispensing position illustrated in phantom.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line l0-l0 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a rear elevational view, similar to FIG. 2, illustrating a further embodiment of a dispensing device in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the dispensing device of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view, similar to FIG. 3, of the dispensing device of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a dispensing device according to the invention includes a suitable housing 11 having a generally circular inlet opening tapering down to a central section of generally rectangular cross-section defined by

opposing side walls

12 and 13 and opposing front and

rear walls

14 and 16, respectively. The lower extremities of the four walls define a dispensing opening. In the illustrated form, the last named opposing walls assume identical triangular configurations with dpwnwardly directed apices. Housing 11 is formed of a suitable durable, relatively rigid, light-weight plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride alone or copolymerized with an acrylic resin precursor (e.g., of the type sold under the trademark Kydex). For economy, the housing is of a unitary construction formed by molding.

Dispensing flap means comprising a pair of flaps 17 of appropriate material, is pivotally carried by

side walls

12 and 13 of housing ll adjacent the dispensing opening for movement from a first material restraining position to a second substantially open material dispensing position. In the material restraining position, the edges of flap l7 opposite their pivoted edges meet centrally of the dispensing opening. Also, the plane of flaps 17 is inclined to the horizontal so that the flap side edges are in registry with the corresponding triangular edges at the lower portions of

side walls

12 and 13, respectively.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, flaps 17 are suitably mounted by hinge means comprising elongated articulated hinges 18 with one plate portion suitably secured, as by rivets, to

side walls

12 and 13, respectively, and another plate portion to the pivotal flaps 17. The illustrated hinges 18 are integrally formed of a material (e.g., an appropriate plastic) which may be repeatedly bent about undercut fold line 18a without fatigue.

Tab means such as tabs 20, integrally formed with flaps 17, extend outwardly from the forward portion of the flaps to provide contact surfaces for actuating means, described hereinafter. The tabs are formed of sufficient rigidity to pivotally move flaps 17 outwardly to a substantially open material dispensing position, as illustrated in phantom in FIGS. 3 and 4, in response to actuating contact.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, biasing, means to normally hold the flaps 17 in a material restraining position comprise springs 21 received at one end by eyes of studs 22 mounted on the flaps 17 and received at their other ends by the eye of stud 23, which projects through the front wall 14. The springs 21 urge the flaps 17 together to return the same to the illustrated full line mating material restraining position, upon release of actuating pressure upon tabs 20.

Actuating means to operate tabs to move flaps 17 between substantially closed and substantially open positions comprises squeeze handle means 24 formed to be responsive to squeezing pressures exerted thereupon. As illustrated in the drawings, means 24 includes a generally U shaped portion comprising a support arm portion 26, an actuating arm potion 27 movable from the support arm portion and a connecting resilient elbow portion 28.

Portions

26 and 27 are suitably formed with a rounded gripping surface. Support arm portion 26 includes a mounting plate extension 29 which is suitably affixed to front wall 14 of housing 11 as by spaced-apart bolts 30.

Operating means carried by actuating arm portion 27 includes a plate 31 disposed generally transverse to the

arm portions

26 and 27 and having curved cam surfaces 31a to contact the tabs 20. Squeezing pressure to move the

arms

26 and 27 together causes sliding movement of the cam surfaces 31 against the tabs 20 to pivot the flaps 17 downward to an open position. The width or wedging effect of the cam of surfaces 310 determines the rate and the extent of opening of the flaps 17.

The actuating plate 31 is provided with slot means 32 to guide the movements of the cam surfaces 310 and to prevent deflection during squeezing operations of the handle means 24. As illustrated, the slot means 32 is in the form of a generally rectangular downwardly directed opening cut out from a central portion of the plate, and which cooperatingly receives the support arm 26. Stop means is provided for limiting movement of actuating arm portion 27 to prevent unnecessary bending of elbow portion 28 which might result in undue stresses. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop means comprises the top surface 32a of the slot means which contacts the support arm portion 28, thus preventing movement of the plate below the position illustrated in phantom in FIGS. 3 and 4.

For simplicity of construction, squeeze handle means 24 is integrally formed of a molded plastic material having sufficient rigidity to translate movement by sliding contact of cam surface 31a with tabs 20 and having sufficient resiliency at elbow portion 28 to easily and repeatedly bend without fatigue in response to squeezing pressure applied to the handle means 24. One suitable material comprises a polyvinyl chloride copolymer of the foregoing type as sold under the trademark Kydex". It should be understood that other materials which possess the foregoing characteristics may also be used as a construction material. Alterenatively, if desired, squeeze handle means 24 may include multiple parts to perform in the manner described herein.

Operation of a dispensing device of the foregoing type is relatively simple. Free-flowing material in a hopper or other container is disposed above the inlet opening of housing 11 or is connected to the same by a con ventional flexible or inflexible conduit. Prior to dispensing the free-flowing material, the flaps assume a material restraining position as illustrated by the solid lines of the drawings. When the operator desires to dispense a predetermined quantity of the sub-divided material for packing of fragile items or the like,

arms

26 and 27 are gripped and squeezed to slidably move camming surfaces 31a against tabs 20 to move apart flaps 17 to a desired extent for material dispensing as illustrated in phantom in FIGS. 3 and 4. Cam surfaces 31a and tab means are formed of material capable of withstanding numerous sliding movements without excessive wear. After dispensing of the material, the operator releases the squeeze handle means 24 and flaps 17 return to the material restraining position under the influence of the biasing means, springs 21.

In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 510, the flap means and tab means are slightly modified while the remainder of the dispensing device, including housing 11 and squeeze handle means 24, are substantially the same. Accordingly, identical numbers are employed to designate similar parts in the two embodiments. In general, however, the set of independent hinges 18 has been eliminated by forming the flap means integral with housing 11.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5-10, the flap means 36 are movable between the material restraining and dispensing positions shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 by squeezing the handle means 24 in the manner described above. In practice, the flap portions 36 and housing 1 1 can be integrally formed, as by molding, with the flaps initially forming a solid sealed bottom of U-shaped cross section. Thereafter, the housing bottom can be formed into the flap portions 37 by severing cuts along

lines

37 and 38 with respect to the front and

rear housing walls

14 and 16, respectively, and by a further severing cut at the intersection of the apex line 39 of the U-shaped bottom portion. In order to render flap portions 36 pivotally movable with respect to the

side walls

12 and 13, an undercut or score line 40 is provided on the outside surface to accommodate outward pivotal movements (see FIGS. 7 and 8). Biasing means 21 as previously described are provided to normally hold flap portions 36 in a normally closed or material restraining position. Housing 11 and integral flap portions 36 are suitably constructed of a material (e.g., polypropylene or other plastic material which can withstand multiple bending operations, without failure from fatigue, along a relatively thin bending line.

When the embodiment of FIGS. 5-10 is die cast, tab means comprising separately formed rigid tabs 41 are suitably mounted to flap portions 36 as by rivets 42. The use of the separate tabs 41 simplifies economic die casting of the housing and flap portions in a single molding operation.

The selection of the embodiment of FIGS. 14 or that of FIGS. 510 is primarily dependent upon the relative economics of assembly and the availability of suitable construction materials.

In a still further embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIGS. 11-14, the biasing means comprises an elastic member 210, such as a conventional rubber band. Such biasing means can be conveniently attached to the opposing flap means 17 through provisions of spaced apart slot means 220 extending a suitable distance inwardly from the forward edge of the flap means. In general, the biasing means 21a is held in position by frictional engagement within the slots, and operates to perform substantially the function of the springs 21 previously described. Thus, with reference to FIGS. 1 1 and 13, squeezing the handle means 24 will distend the biasing means 21a from the normally closed or material restraining position (FIG. 11) to the open or material dispensing position (phantom line position of FIG. 13). At the end of a desired dispensing operation, release of the pressure from the squeeze handle 24 will permit the biasing means 21a to return the flaps 17 to the normally closed or material restraining position.

It will be appreciated that the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14 is substantially identical to the embodiment of FIGS. 14, except for substitution of the rubber band 21a for the spring means 21.

It is apparent from the foregoing that the dispensing device of the present invention is of a type which is durable over long-term operation with frequent distribution of a free-flowing packaging or like subdivided material. In addition, the device is capable of close control of the amount of free-flowing material with almost instantaneous opening and closing by an operator, regardless of his experience. The squeeze handle means, itself, has many unique features such as its one-piece construction which renders it capable of almost unlimited use without breakdown of moving parts.

It should be apparent that biasing means other than the illustrated spring units 21, or the rubber band 210, might be utilized with equal success. For example, the housing and flaps might be constructed of spring metal or other suitable material configured to naturally urge the flaps together. In like fashion the hinges 18 might be constructed of a suitable resilient material. Likewise, although the one-piece squeeze handle is preferred, it should be understood that multiple parts may be employed so long as the tab means is contacted for moving the flap means by handle actuation. In addition, it is contemplated to utilize a single flap as the flap means according to the invention.

I claim:

I. A dispensing device, said device comprising a dispensing housing having side walls forming a generally rectangular dispensing opening, a pair of dispensing flap means pivotally carried by opposed parallel side walls of said housing forming said dispensing opening, said flap means being mounted for pivotal movements about parallel pivot axes as respects said opposed parallel side walls between a first material restraining position and a second substantially open material dispensing position, biasing means to normally hold said flap means in said first position, tab means carried by said flap means, and pivotally operable actuating means carried by a transverse side wall of said housing as respects said opposed parallel side walls, said actuating means comprising pivotally operable squeeze handle means formed to be responsive to squeezing pressures exerted thereupon and camming means operable with respect to said tab means in a plane which is generally transverse to the planes of said opposed parallel side walls, said camming means contacting said flap means to move the same in a camming action between said first and second positions.

2. A dispensing device as in claim I in which said dispensing flap means and housing are integrally formed and are articulated.

3. A dispensing device as in claim 1 in which said tab means is an integral part of said flap means.

4. A dispensing device as in claim 1 in which said hiasing means comprises spring means engaging said flap means and said dispensing housing.

5. A dispensing device as in claim 1 together with hinge means pivotally mounting said flap means to said housing.

6. A dispensing device as in claim 5 in which said flap means is separately formed and including hinge means for mounting said flap means to said housing.

7. A dispensing device as in claim 1 in which said flap means comprises a pair of flaps pivotally mounted on opposing sides of said housing, the edges of said flaps opposite their pivoted edges meeting centrally of said dispensing opening in said first position.

8. A dispensing device as in claim 7 in which said biasing means comprises elastic means engaging the opposing flap means.

9. A dispensing device as in claim 8 in which said opposing flap means are provided with slot means, and said elastic means is a rubber band received at opposite ends in the slot means of said flap means.

10. A dispensing device as in claim 1 in which said squeeze handle means includes a support arm portion carried by said transverse side wall of said housing, an actuating arm portion movable from said support arm portion, and operating means carried by said actuating arm portion for contact with said tab means.

11. A dispensing device as in claim 10 together with a resilient elbow portion connecting said actuating arm portion and support arm portion serving to provide said relative pivotal movement.

12. A dispensing device as in claim 11 in which said actuating arm portion, support arm portion, and resilient elbow portion are integrally formed.

13. A dispensing device as in claim 11 in which said operating means includes a camming plate disposed generally transverse to said actuating arm portion and support arm portion.

14. A dispensing device as in claim 11 in which said operating means includes a cam surface for slidably contacting said tab means to move said flap means between said first and second positions.

15. A dispensing device as in claim 11 in which said operating means includes slot means for guiding contact with said tab means.

16. A dispensing device as in claim 15 in which said slot means includes stop means for limiting movement of said actuating arm portion towards said support arm portion.

I l 4 i

Claims

1. A dispensing device, said device comprising a dispensing housing having side walls forming a generally rectangular dispensing opening, a pair of dispensing flap means pivotally carried by opposed parallel side walls of said housing forming said dispensing opening, said flap means being mounted for pivotal movements about parallel pivot axes as respects said opposed parallel side walls between a first material restraining position and a second substantially open material dispensing position, biasing means to normally hold said flap means in said first position, tab means carried by said flap means, and pivotally operable actuating means carried by a transverse side wall of said housing as respects said opposed parallel side walls, said actuating means comprising pivotally operable squeeze handle means formed to be responsive to squeezing pressures exerted thereupon and camming means operable with respect to said tab means in a plane which is generally transverse to the planes of said opposed parallel side walls, said camming means contacting said flap means to move the same in a camming action between said first and second positions.

2. A dispensing device as in claim 1 in which said dispensing flap means and housing are integrally formed and are articulated.

4. A dispensing device as in claim 1 in which said biasing means comprises spring means engaging said flap means and said dispensing housing.