Liner-based dispensing systems

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous disposable dispensers. The dispenser may include a dispense assembly comprising an outlet channel in fluid communication with a terminal apparatus, and a pressure source providing a limited supply of fluid or gas, and also includes a collapsible liner that contains a material to be dispensed, the liner detachably secured to the dispense assembly with the outlet channel in fluid communication with an interior of the liner, wherein the material in the liner is dispensed out the liner and through the outlet channel to the terminal apparatus.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A dispenser comprising:
 a dispense assembly comprising a disposable pressure source and an outlet channel in fluid communication with a terminal apparatus; and   a collapsible liner that contains a material to be dispensed, the liner detachably secured to the dispense assembly with the outlet channel in fluid communication with an interior of the liner, wherein the material in the liner is dispensed out the liner and through the outlet channel to the terminal apparatus.   
     
     
         2 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the dispense assembly causes dispense of the material to be dispensed by introducing a fluid or gas from the disposable pressure source into the liner, thereby forcing the material in the liner out of the liner and to the outlet channel. 
     
     
         3 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , further comprising an overpack that holds the liner and that detachably secures to the dispense assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The dispenser of  claim 3 , wherein the dispense assembly causes dispense of the material to be dispensed by introducing a fluid or gas form the disposable pressure source into an annular space between the liner and the overpack, thereby causing the liner to collapse and forcing the material in the liner out of the liner and to the outlet channel. 
     
     
         5 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure source is a disposable gas cartridge. 
     
     
         6 . The dispenser of  claim 5 , wherein the terminal apparatus is a spout. 
     
     
         7 . The dispenser of  claim 5 , wherein the terminal apparatus is a spray head. 
     
     
         8 . The dispenser of  claim 5 , wherein the terminal apparatus is a hose. 
     
     
         9 . The dispenser of  claim 5 , wherein the liner comprises a fitment having a closure seal providing secure containment of the materials to be dispensed. 
     
     
         10 . The dispenser of  claim 9 , wherein the closure seal is resealable. 
     
     
         11 . A dispenser comprising:
 a dispense assembly comprising an outlet channel in fluid communication with a terminal apparatus, and a pressure source providing a limited supply of fluid or gas; and   a collapsible liner that contains a material to be dispensed, the liner detachably secured to the dispense assembly with the outlet channel in fluid communication with an interior of the liner, wherein the material in the liner is dispensed out the liner and through the outlet channel to the terminal apparatus.   
     
     
         12 . The dispenser of  claim 11 , wherein the dispense assembly causes dispense of the material to be dispensed by introducing the fluid or gas from the disposable pressure source into the liner, thereby forcing the material in the liner out of the liner and to the outlet channel. 
     
     
         13 . The dispenser of  claim 11 , further comprising an overpack that holds the liner and that detachably secures to the dispense assembly. 
     
     
         14 . The dispenser of  claim 13 , wherein the dispense assembly causes dispense of the material to be dispensed by introducing the fluid or gas form the disposable pressure source into an annular space between the liner and the overpack, thereby causing the liner to collapse and forcing the material in the liner out of the liner and to the outlet channel. 
     
     
         15 . The dispenser of  claim 11 , wherein the dispenser is configured for limited use ending at least by depletion of the limited supply of the pressure source. 
     
     
         16 . A method for portable dispense of contents of a liner, the method comprising:
 detachably connecting a dispense assembly, comprising an outlet channel in fluid communication with a terminal apparatus, and a pressure source providing a limited supply of fluid or gas, with a collapsible liner with the outlet channel in fluid communication with an interior of the liner, the liner containing a material to be dispensed; and   activating the pressure source, causing the fluid or gas to be introduced into the liner, thereby forcing the material in the liner out of the liner and to the outlet channel.   
     
     
         17 . A method for portable dispense of contents of a liner, the method comprising:
 detachably connecting a dispense assembly, comprising an outlet channel in fluid communication with a terminal apparatus, and a pressure source providing a limited supply of fluid or gas, with an overpack and collapsible liner assembly, with the outlet channel in fluid communication with an interior of the liner, the liner containing a material to be dispensed; and   activating the pressure source, causing the fluid or gas to be introduced into an annular space between the liner and the overpack, thereby causing the liner to collapse and forcing the material in the liner out of the liner and to the outlet channel.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein pressure source may be controllably activated and deactivated until the limited supply of fluid or gas from the pressure source is depleted. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein dispense is controlled by a timer-controlled valve. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein dispense is triggered by sensing an external event. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the material to be dispensed from the liner is continuously dispensed until the limited supply of fluid or gas from the pressure source is depleted.