Airless dispensing pump with tamper evidence features

Abstract

An airless dispenser pump assembly (30) includes a pump mechanism with an inlet valve (57) that is configured to efficiency pump viscous fluids and that is able to be pre-primed when the pump mechanism is attached to a container. In one form, the inlet valve includes a seal member that seals an inlet port of the pump and an outer support member that secures the inlet valve to the rest of the pump mechanism. Two or more legs (88) generally extend in a circumferential direction between the support member and the seal member in order to create a large flow opening for fluid flow through the inlet valve when opened and to rapidly dose the inlet valve. The pump mechanism further includes an outlet valve (64) that is configured to draw fluid back from a nozzle of the pump after dispensing in order to minimize build up around the nozzle.

Description

[0001] References to related applications

[0002] The present application is a continuation-in-part of US Patent Application No. 10 / 930,010, filed August 30, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to airless dispensing pumps, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an airless dispensing pump with a tamper evidence feature. Background technique

[0004] Airless dispensing pumps have been developed for a wide variety of applications, including dispensing personal care products such as skin toners, body lotions, toothpaste and hairspray, as well as food sauces. Many of these products deteriorate rapidly when exposed to air, so it is important to prevent air from entering the packaging when dispensing the product. In a typical dispensing pump application, air can enter the container through the vent channel, allowing the pressure inside the package to equalize as the product is di...

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