Lower Lock Bellows Pump

Abstract

The present invention relates to an all-polymer reciprocating pump (100). The pump body (160) receives a sliding insert (170) that can be locked in a lower position when the pump (100) is not in use (e.g., for shipping purposes in e-commerce) to minimize the extension and profile of the actuator (120). The protrusion (171) slides within a guide (181) formed on the insert housing (180). Even in this lower locked position, only minimal compression is applied to the biasing member (130) to avoid fatigue, wear and / or failure of the plastic components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to pump dispensers and, more particularly, to bellows pumps made from recyclable materials (e.g., a single grade of polymeric plastic or a combination of such plastics that is compatible with and compliant with current recycling programs) wherein a lower locking feature allows the pump to be transported without compressing its own bellows. Background Art

[0002] Containers for everyday household fluid products such as soap, detergent, oil, consumable fluids and the like can be equipped with dispensing pumps to improve the ability of consumers to obtain and use fluids. Dispenser pumps of this type usually rely on a reciprocating pump driven by a compressible biasing member.

[0003] In a reciprocating pump, the axial distance traveled by the plunger during actuation draws fluid into the pumping chamber. Therefore, the ability of the pump to repeatedly and reliably contract and expand (i.e., reciprocate) is critical.

[0004] Traditionally, dispenser pumps have used metal springs to provide the biasing force required to drive the reciprocating action. Metal springs are considered particularly useful because they are less susceptible to fatigue, wear and failure than existing non-metallic alternatives such as plastic coils.

[0005] However, a significant disadvantage of metal springs is that they must be disassembled before they can be introduced into the recycling stream. As more governments and institutions adopt sustainable regulations that presume recycling, the use of metal springs in dispenser pumps is becoming less popular.

[0006] Alternatives to metal springs can be found in U.S. Patents 6,672,486 and 10,252,841 and U.S. Patent Publications 2018 / 318861 and 2017 / 216864, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Generally speaking, these disclosures can be divided into two categories of plastic-based alternatives: accordion-like "bellows" and segmented, deformable "dome pieces".

[0007] In the bellows disclosure, a hollow body defines suction and compression chambers. An elastic bellows associated with the hollow body acts as a biasing member or spring to facilitate the reciprocating action of the pump to draw fluid through the hollow body for dispensing. The bellows, as well as all other major components, can be made of recyclable polymeric materials without any metal components.

[0008] In a segmented dome, a resiliently compressible plastic dome can be deformed by compressing its top center section. As the dome returns to its original expanded shape, fluid is drawn into the dome (and subsequently expelled for dispensing on the next compression / actuation cycle). Here again, the need for metal parts is eliminated.

[0009] Of course, the nature of polymeric materials makes them more susceptible to fatigue, wear and failure than conventional metal springs. Therefore, it is desirable to avoid unnecessary compression of these biasing members other than to the extent necessary to dispense the fluid.

[0010] However, the rise of e-commerce has created a greater demand for pumps that can be shipped as transportable packaging. That is, manufacturers prefer designs where the container can be shipped as is, without the need for additional boxes or other packaging. This poses a challenge, especially for reciprocating pumps that rely on a biasing member (metal or plastic), because the pump head is always pushed into an upward position, which makes the container susceptible to leaks and damage.

[0011] Pumps of reduced size will be welcomed due to the reliable "lower lock" mechanism. In addition, to the extent that the lower lock mechanism does not compress the biasing element, it will provide the opportunity to use plastic springs and elements without unnecessarily stressing the spring, thereby increasing its service life. Ultimately, this results in a reduced size compression design (especially with respect to axial height). Summary of the invention

[0012] The subject of the invention is a dispenser pump capable of being held or locked in either of an operating and storage (storage / transport) position without causing undesirable compression of the components, the pump comprising:

[0013] an actuator defining a fluid flow path having an outlet and attached to a top end of the biasing member;

[0014] a closure body including a cylindrical skirt and a central bore that permits reciprocal movement of the actuator therethrough; and

[0015] A pump body having an outer housing fixed to the closure body, the outer housing coaxially receiving a portion of an actuator within a pump chamber formed inside the outer housing, and a sliding insert slidably received within the insert housing, wherein the insert housing is fixed to the outer housing, and stops and guides formed on the inner surface of the insert housing cooperate with projections extending radially outward from the outer surface of the insert to allow the actuator to be selectively locked upward in an operable position and locked downward in a storage position without substantially compressing the biasing member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings constitute a part of this specification, and any information on / in the drawings is both literally included (i.e., actual state values) and relatively included (e.g., ratios of the corresponding sizes of parts). In the same manner, the relative positioning and relationship of the components shown in these drawings, as well as their functions, shapes, sizes, and appearances, can further inform certain aspects of the present invention, as if fully reproduced herein. Unless otherwise specified, all dimensions in the drawings are in inches, and any printed information on / in the drawings constitutes a part of this written disclosure.

[0017] Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of a pump in a lower locked position is shown according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the pump comprising an actuator head, a bellows, a pump chamber and a ball valve.

[0018] Figure 2A is a side view of the exterior of the pump according to the second embodiment in the operating or upper locked position.

[0019] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A top view of the actuator head of the pump, where line CC represents Figure 3 and Figure 5 The cross-sectional axis shown in FIG. Arrow A indicates Figure 2A , Fig.11 and Fig.13 External views and Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of (relative to the axis ZZ). Arrow B indicates Figure 4 External view in Figure 5 , Fig.12 and Fig.14 The viewing angle of the sectional view (relative to the axis ZZ).

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the pump in FIG.

[0021] Figure 4 is a side view of the exterior of a pump in a storage or lower locked position according to a second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the pump in FIG.

[0023] Fig. 6A is an independent 3D perspective of the sliding insert, and Figure 6B This is its top plan view.

[0024] Fig. 7A is an independent 3D perspective view of the insert housing, Figure 7B is its top plan, and Figure 7C It is along Figure 7BCross-sectional side view of line DED.

[0025] Figure 8 is a top view of a sliding insert assembled within a section view of an insert housing with its top arcuate section omitted (the missing section corresponds approximately to Figure 7B Line DED shown).

[0026] Fig.9A , Fig. 9B and Fig. 9C is a side plan view of a biasing member that may be used in any of the disclosed aspects and embodiments.

[0027] Fig.10 is an isolated cross-sectional side view of a closure.

[0028] Fig.11 is a side view of the exterior of a pump according to a third embodiment in an operating or upper locked position.

[0029] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of the pump in FIG.

[0030] Fig.13 is a side view of the exterior of a pump in a partially lower locked position according to a third embodiment.

[0031] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of the pump in FIG.

[0032] Fig.15 is a side view of the exterior of a pump in a fully lower locked position according to a third embodiment.

[0033] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 Cross-sectional side view of the pump in FIG.

[0034] Fig.17 is an isolated three-dimensional perspective view of a closure according to a third embodiment.

[0035] Fig.18A is an isolated three-dimensional perspective view of the underside of the actuator head according to the third embodiment, and Fig.18B yes Fig.18A Cross-sectional side view of the actuator head in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Although specific embodiments are identified, it should be understood that elements from one described aspect may be combined with elements from a separately identified aspect. In the same manner, those of ordinary skill will have the necessary understanding of common processes, components, and methods, and this description is intended to encompass and disclose such common aspects, even if they are not explicitly identified herein.

[0037] As used herein, the words "example" and "exemplary" mean an instance or illustration. The words "example" or "exemplary" do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the word "or" is intended to be inclusive and not exclusive. For example, the phrase "A employs B or C" includes any inclusive arrangement (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs B and C). On the other hand, the articles "a" and "an" are generally intended to mean "one or more" unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0038] In general, dispenser pumps made of all recyclable materials are contemplated. The pump includes separate upward and downward locking features for the actuator head to make it more compact for transportation. In addition, in the lower locked position, the biasing element is substantially not compressed (i.e., less than 25%, less than 10%, less than 5%, and most preferably uncompressed). In some embodiments, the biasing element can remain slightly compressed, allowing the protrusion of the sliding insert to remain seated in the mating stop element formed on the interior of the housing. In this way, the biasing element can be made of the same type of plastic as the other parts while still delivering a pump suitable for e-commerce transportation. In addition, the biasing member is not subject to unnecessary stresses typically associated with the lower locked position.

[0039] The dispenser pump relies on at least two different states: an upper locked or operating state and a partially and / or fully locked lower or storage state. In the former, the actuator head is fully extended (under the urging of the biasing member), while the latter hides a large portion of it within the container to which the pump is fixed. The storage state thus reduces the axial height of the pump, but the biasing member is substantially uncompressed due to the operation of the sliding insert and the insert housing.

[0040] Turning to the drawings, the pump dispenser 100 includes an actuator portion 120 having a dispensing port or outlet nozzle 121, a closure portion 140, and a pump body portion 160 including an inlet 161 constrained by a valve 162. The closure portion 140 is formed to be attachable to a container (not shown), preferably by a screw-type or other fitting engagement as is known in the art.

[0041] Inlet 161 and outlet 121 define a flow path for liquid or other flowable material dispensed by pump 100. The liquid or flowable material is confined within the container and is expelled through pump 100 by means of a suction action created by the reciprocating motion of actuator 120 and selected components of pump body 140. Closure portion 140 is preferably sized to easily fit and attach to any number of standard container necks.

[0042] In some embodiments, the actuator 120 includes a shield member 123 that can engage the closure member 140, although in the operating position, the actuator 120 is free to move up and down relative to the closure member 140. A biasing member 130, such as an all-plastic bellows spring, is mounted to the inner surface / underside of the shield 123. A conduit or pipe 124 is coaxially contained with the biasing member 130. The outer top surface of the pipe 124 and the inner portion of the shield 123 for further defining the flow path and / or outlet 121 can be formed with mating features (e.g., beads and grooves, snap fits, threads, stop / locating flanges, etc.) to ensure that these elements remain connected together. The shield 123 can also be wrapped with similar mating engagement features to attach to the top end of the biasing member 130.

[0043] To the extent that the weight of the actuator 120 can be minimized, the structure of the biasing member 130 can be adjusted accordingly, although, obviously, the biasing force applied by the member 130 must be sufficient to lift the actuator 120 upward. The biasing member should also have sufficient shape memory and resilience to withstand repeated use. Olefin materials, including but not limited to polypropylene, polyethylene, and the like should be particularly suitable for forming the biasing member 130, especially considering the all-plastic purpose of the present invention.

[0044] The biasing member 130 is generally cylindrical in shape, although it may have a tapered and / or conical shape. When present, the tapered narrowing portion may be oriented downward near the body 140 / closure 140, although it is possible to position the narrowed end upward to attach to the actuator 120. The spiral or helical bellows 131 has an accordion-like structure so that the biasing member 130 is compressed and elastically restored to its stretched shape. Alternatively, a series of bends, indentations and extensions may be used to produce the same accordion-like structure. A more traditional metal or plastic spring formed as a coil may be used instead. The top flange 132 and the bottom flange 133 may include engagement features to fix and seal the biasing member 130 in adjacent components (e.g., actuator 120, body 160, etc.) of the pump 100.

[0045] The closure 140 includes a cylindrical cap 141. The upper portion of the cap may include features for engaging the actuator 120, while the lower portion has a cup-like shape defined by an annular skirt 142. Threads 143 are formed on the inner surface of the skirt 142 to engage the container neck. An annular panel 144 extends radially inward to define a hole 145 for receiving and accommodating the biasing member 130 and the conduit 124.

[0046] A sealing flange 146 may extend from an inner surface edge of the panel 144 into the aperture 145. The flange 146 may be angled or otherwise configured to ensure that an adequate seal is formed when the pump 100 is in the storage position, particularly in preventing fluid from entering the interior recesses of the pump 100. In addition, the panel 144 may be formed with one or more raised or lowered portions 147 (relative to a horizontal axis) to engage and accommodate connection with the pump body portion 160.

[0047] The main body portion 160 includes a piston housing 163 and a sliding piston 164 mounted within a lower portion of the housing 163 to define a variable volume pump chamber 165. In particular, due to the reciprocating motion generated by the biasing member 130, the piston 164 is pushed upward and downward through the chamber 165, wherein the upward motion creates a suction action that temporarily moves / opens the valve 162 to draw fluid into the chamber through the inlet 161. Upon downward motion (typically initiated by pressing the actuator 120 and temporarily compressing the biasing member 130), the piston 164 moves downward while allowing fluid to flow around it and into the conduit 124. Ultimately, due to the continued fluid pressure generated by the actuation, the fluid in the conduit 124 will eventually be discharged through the outlet 121.

[0048] Separately, between the piston 164 and the biasing member 130, the sliding insert 170 is captured within an insert housing 180. The housing 180, in turn, fits within the housing 163, which may include an annular ridge, shoulder, or flange to secure the housing 180 therein.

[0049] It should be noted that the insert 170 is coaxially received within the housing 180. Depending on the rotation of the actuator 120, the insert 170 will rotate and move upward or downward. More specifically, due to the fixed connection between the biasing member 130 and the regularly or irregularly (but in a manner that cooperates with corresponding features on the flanges 132 or 133) spaced formations 174 on the top of the insert 170, these items will move in unison when the actuator shroud 123 rotates.

[0050] Then, one or more protrusions 171 formed along the outer surface of the insert 170 move through a guide 181, which is configured as a channel, groove or shoulder-like structure located along the inner surface of the housing 180. Ideally, the guide 181 has a spiral shape to allow smooth rotation and movement of the actuator 120. In other embodiments, the guide 181 can have a straight vertical orientation, or even a stepped or other variable pattern. Preferably, the same number of protrusions 171 and guides 181 are provided. When there are two or more protrusions 171, they should preferably be spaced apart at uniform and equal intervals to ensure smooth movement and rotation.

[0051] The insert 170 will have a hollow tubular structure, preferably a cylindrical shape. One or more flanges may form an arcuate section along the top of the insert 170 to serve as a protrusion 171. Along the inner surface of the insert 171, ribs 172 may be provided to help position and guide the pipe 124, which will slide freely through the central hole 173. In addition, at the bottom of the insert 170, preferably on the inner surface, a groove, channel or other attachment feature will selectively receive and engage the piston 164. Similarly, the lower end of the pipe 124 has a pair of vertically spaced ridges or engagement features, which are also used to urge the piston 164 into the appropriate position within the chamber 165.

[0052] When the pump is in the storage position, the insert 170 has a sufficient diameter to extend almost completely below the insert housing 180. In some embodiments, the protrusion 171 engages a shoulder on the housing 163 that is used to constrain the insert housing 180. By moving to this lower position, the biasing member 130 is mostly or completely received within the internal volume normally occupied by the main body portion 160. This space and size are such that the biasing member 130 is not substantially compressed in this storage position. In the same manner, the conduit 124 and the piston 164 are configured at a sufficient axial height to ensure that all components will be contained within the housing 163, and more specifically, in some cases, within the chamber 165.

[0053] In contrast, when the insert 170 is in the operating or upper locked position (due to the protrusions 171 being seated in their appropriate stops 184), the sliding insert 170 remains fixed in the upper position, flush or nearly flush with the panel 144. Here, when the actuator 120 is depressed, the biasing member 130 compresses, while the associated movable components in the conduit 124 and the main body 160 move downward. When the actuator 120 is released, the biasing member 130 pushes these components upward, and in the process creates a suction effect within the chamber 165.

[0054] The insert housing 180 is also a hollow tube having the same cylindrical shape on its inner bore / bore 182. The inner diameter of the insert housing 180 accommodates the outer diameter of the sliding insert 170 and accommodates most or all of the biasing member 130 in the storage position. As described above, the guide 181 is formed on the inner surface of the bore / bore 182. In addition, a stop 184 can be set at the top and / or bottom edge of the guide 181. The stop 184 is basically a horizontal shoulder on which the protrusion can be placed. A ramp section 185 can be inserted between the main vertical channel defined by the guide 181 and the stop flange 184 to help keep the protrusion 171 on the stop 184. The ramp 185 will be formed to require a certain level of torque to move the pump 100 from the operating position to the storage position (or vice versa).

[0055] It should be noted that the outer shape (and diameter) of the insert housing 180 does not necessarily need to maintain the cylindrical shape of the insert 170. Instead, the outer surface of the housing 180 only needs to fit within and mate with the piston housing 163.

[0056] An annular flange 183 is formed at the top of the housing 180. The flange 183 helps to attach and seal the body portion 160 to the closure 140. Although only the fully upper position and the fully lower position are shown for the combination of the insert 170 and the housing 180, additional stops 184 and / or ramps 185 may be formed at intermediate positions.

[0057] In another embodiment, additional locking features may also be formed on the outer surface of the closure 140 and the inner recess defined by the shield 123. Fig.11 , Fig.13 , Fig.17 , Fig.18A and Fig.18B As shown, one or more radially inward notches or formations 125 are provided on the inner surface of the shroud 123. Accordingly, one or a series of spaced apart protrusions 148 are formed on the outer surface of the closure cap 141, possibly in the skirt 142 and / or at the upper portion.

[0058] When the actuator 120 (more specifically, the shield 123) is properly rotated, the notch 125 passes between the spaces between the protrusions 148. In some embodiments, the protrusions 148 can be similar to guides, having an inclined portion or inclined surface to facilitate the rotation of the actuator 123. In either case, when the actuator 120 is further rotated (in the same or opposite direction), the notch 125 hooks on a portion of the protrusion 148, thereby capturing and retaining the actuator 120 in the lower locked position. Depending on the axial height of the protrusion 148 relative to the sliding action of the insert 170 within its housing 180, the notch 125 / protrusion 148 can form a fully lower locked position, or they can simply provide a partial lower lock. In either case, the notch 125 / protrusion 148 provides additional protection against undesired release of the actuator 120.

[0059] Equally importantly, the notches 125 / protrusions 148 can be placed at radial locations around the perimeter to facilitate and / or terminate the twisting motion imparted by the helical guide 181 to coincide with the resting position of the protrusions 171 on the stop 184. In this manner, these further embodiments support both the operating position and the storage position of the biasing member to help maintain and protect it.

[0060] Typically, the pump bellows / biasing member 130 is used as a replacement for a metal biasing spring. By securing the bellows to a carrier element and allowing the carrier element to transition between an upper locking position and a lower locking position by engaging a radial projection into a corresponding bead, groove or hole-like structure on the inner surface of the pump body, the bellows can be concealed in the container neck and pump chamber without being compressed. When released, the projection slides freely along the inner surface, allowing normal actuation and reciprocation of the pump.

[0061] For further background on the operation and construction of accordion bellows, U.S. Patents 6,672,486; 7,246,723; and 10,252,841, and U.S. Patent Publications 2018 / 318861; 2017 / 216864; US 2009 / 0206091; and 2007 / 0241135 on segmented dome actuators are incorporated herein by reference. These publications also provide further examples and advantages of all-polymer (or all-olefin) pump dispensers and biasing mechanisms. It is anticipated that the sliding and lockable mechanisms provided herein will accommodate any of these designs.

[0062] It should also be understood that while metal springs may not be desirable in certain circumstances, they may still be incorporated into certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention.

[0063] In general, all parts should be made of materials that have adequate flexibility and structural integrity as well as being chemically inert. Materials should also be selected based on processability, cost, and weight. Common polymers suitable for injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, or other common molding processes should have particular utility.

[0064] References to coupling in this disclosure should be understood to include any conventional means used in the art. This may take the form of a snap fit or press fit of components, although threaded connections, bead-and-groove, and slot-and-flange assemblies may also be employed. Adhesives and fasteners may also be used, although these components must be chosen judiciously to maintain the recyclable nature of the assembly.

[0065] In the same way, joining may include a connection or an abutment relationship. These terms and any implicit or explicit reference to connection should be considered in the context in which the terms are used, and any perceived ambiguity may potentially be resolved by reference to the drawings.

[0066] The accompanying drawings include details on the operation and use of various embodiments. Such details should be considered to be fully disclosed and included in this written specification.

[0067] Although the present embodiment has been shown in the drawings and described in the above detailed description, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of the present disclosure, and various rearrangements, modifications and substitutions are possible. Although the exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, the above detailed description also involves further modifications and changes. These modifications and changes also fall within the scope of the attached claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. A dispenser pump (100) capable of being locked in operating and storage positions without causing undesirable compression of components, the pump comprising: an actuator (120) defining a fluid flow path (124) having an outlet (121) and attached to a top end of the biasing member (130); a closure body (140) comprising a cylindrical skirt (142) and a central bore (145) that allows the actuator (120) to reciprocate therethrough; as well as A pump body (160) having an outer housing (163) fixed to the closure body (140), the outer housing (163) receiving a portion of the actuator (120) coaxially in a pump chamber (165) formed inside the outer housing (163), and a sliding insert (170) slidably received in an insert housing (180), wherein the insert housing (180) is fixed to the outer housing (163), and a guide portion (181) and a stopper (184) formed on an inner surface of the insert housing (180) are rotatably connected to the insert housing (180). A protrusion (171) extending radially outwardly from the outer surface of the insert (170) cooperates to allow the actuator (120) to be selectively locked upward in an operable position and downward in a storage position without substantially compressing the biasing member (130), the biasing member (130) being assembled to the inner surface / underside of the shroud (123) of the actuator (120), and due to the fixed connection between the biasing member (130) and the regularly or irregularly spaced structures (174) on the top of the insert (170), these items will move in unison when the shroud (123) of the actuator is rotated.

2. The pump (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The slope (185) is located between the guide portion (181) and the stopper (184).

3. The pump (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The biasing member (130) includes a bellows.

4. The pump (100) according to claim 3, wherein: The bellows has a tapered or conical shape.

5. The pump (100) according to claim 3, wherein: The bellows includes flanges (132, 133) attached to the actuator (120) and the insert (170), respectively.

6. The pump (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The sliding insert (170) and the insert housing (180) form a coaxially mating hollow tube.

7. The pump (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The guide portion (181) is formed on the inner surface of the insert housing (180).

8. A pump according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: Radially extending protrusions (171) are formed on the outer surface of the sliding insert (170).

9. A pump according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The guide (181) follows a helical path on the inner surface of the insert housing (180).

10. The pump (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The insert housing (180) is coaxially mounted within the outer housing (163) so as to rest on an annular shoulder formed on an inner surface of the outer housing (163) on which the pump chamber (165) is disposed.

11. The pump (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: A sealing flange (146) is formed on the closure body (140) adjacent the central aperture (145).

12. The pump (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: Recesses (125) are provided on the inner surface of the actuator (120) and cooperate with external protrusions (148) formed on the outer surface of the closure body (140) to define a second storage position.

13. The pump (100) according to claim 12, wherein: The outer protrusion (148) is angled.

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