Large capacity reciprocating distributor

Abstract

The present disclosure contemplates a fixed nozzle pump suitable for food service and dispensing other fluids of varying viscosities. The components are modularly connectable for ease of assembly and cleaning. The piston and seal cooperate with chamber extensions formed in the pump body to facilitate reciprocating pump action while minimizing the number of components disposed in and exposed to the fluid flow path. A novel injection moldable valve is integrated on the dispensing nozzle. The entire assembly may be disposed within a container housing that itself includes a replaceable pouch filled with the fluid to be dispensed.

Description

[0001] Citation of Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 984,487, filed on March 3, 2020, and which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates generally to pump dispensers, and more particularly to a fixed nozzle dispenser pump capable of dispensing food, which has a simple structure and is easy to disassemble and clean. Background Art

[0004] Dispensing pumps coupled to containers have particular utility in the food service industry because they can deliver small doses of fluid from a large volume container. Specifically, these arrangements allow food service providers to obtain bulk food items and then selectively use these items as ingredients and / or condiments as appropriate. Sustainability and economic benefits can be achieved as long as the container and pump combination itself can be cleaned and reused.

[0005] An example of a dispensing pump suitable for use in the food service industry can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,960,507. Therein, a dam is provided to prevent residue from accumulating in the dispensing passage / outlet of the pump. Like many other pumps (e.g., see U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,377,408 and 8,827,121), this pump relies on an actuator head that reciprocates along a portion of its axial length / extension. Regardless of whether these designs produce sufficient suction to dispense food, reciprocating pumps may not always be ideal for food service because the dispensing outlet moves in unison with the actuator head, making it difficult to reliably place the dispensed product in a particular location.

[0006] Fixed nozzle dispensers offer an alternative to the aforementioned reciprocating designs. Examples of fixed nozzle designs can be found in U.S. Patents 4,739,904; 6,422,434; and 10,926,279. In each case, a reciprocating plunger is positioned above the dispensing nozzle, and a dip tube extends below the nozzle, giving the entire pump assembly a characteristic T-shape. Although these dispensers tend to have a larger profile, they can generate sufficient suction to dispense water and more viscous foods (e.g., pastes, sauces, and other fluids such as cream, ketchup, honey, mayonnaise, etc.).

[0007] Another consideration for food service pumps, whether fixed or mobile, involves the ability to disassemble and clean the internal components. Often, these pumps include multiple valves and other different structures that can be difficult to access, clean, and reassemble. Additionally, because of the large single shot volumes often required in the food service industry, food service dispensers often require larger chambers and rugged, durable components.

[0008] In view of the above, a robust fixed nozzle pump dispenser with modular components that are easily disassembled and cleaned would be welcome. Such a design should include features that allow for quick and easy attachment and use with bag-in-box type dispensing systems, and further have a nozzle that prevents dripping of dispensed product and accumulation at and in the nozzle. Finally, there is a need for these types of dispensers where, in addition to the biasing member, the components are all constructed of recyclable thermoplastics (and, more preferably, a single type or grade thereof). Summary of the invention

[0009] Various aspects of our proposal are set out in the claims and follow the description of the embodiments below. In general, these proposals may relate to a fixed nozzle dispenser pump having a modular construction to facilitate disassembly and assembly, in particular cleaning. The dispenser pump comprises a pump body element defining a pump chamber and an actuator (plunger) reciprocating relative to the pump body element.

[0010] The pump body element may have a lower inlet port, a dispensing nozzle and an upward tubular pump chamber extension, preferably a cylindrical tube. It may have a skirt or surround extending upwardly coaxially around the lower portion of the pump chamber extension with a gap therebetween. The skirt or surround may have one or more projections to engage and position a shield member extending upwardly around the pump chamber extension. A sealing ring is mounted at the top of the pump chamber extension and may engage outwardly against the actuator.

[0011] The actuator can be in the general form of a cap. It can include a hollow tube, which is closed at the top, for example by a top panel, and is coaxial with the tubular pump chamber extension of the main body. The interior of the tube slidably engages the sealing ring of the tubular pump chamber extension. The tube can have an engagement feature arranged at the lower end to connect accessories (piston accessories, piston elements, guide accessories). Preferably, the connector can be disassembled and attached by rotation. The accessory can engage the outer surface of the pump chamber extension (for example, via a guide ring or a cylinder) to guide the actuator to move. The main body element and the actuator tube are connected through the top of the tubular extension to form a pump chamber.

[0012] The dispenser nozzle may project laterally, for example substantially orthogonally, relative to the vertical or relative to the pump chamber extension. It may carry a nozzle adapter component, which may include an outlet valve. The nozzle adapter component may be detachably coupled to a distal edge or end of the dispenser nozzle.

[0013] The pump may include a base or base element detachably coupled to the body element, which base or base element may be used to position the pump assembly relative to a container of product to be dispensed, and the pump may include or be connected to a dip tube element. The base may be detachably coupled to the lower end of the body element (such as by corresponding engagement features of the base and the body), which are ideally coupled / decoupled by rotational movement (particularly by a bayonet-type coupling).

[0014] The pump has an inlet valve for the pump chamber, which inlet valve may be provided by an inlet element interposed between the pump body element and the base element as described above, the inlet element comprising the inlet valve. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The drawings form part of this specification, and any information on / in the drawings is included literally (i.e., the actual stated values) and relatively (e.g., corresponding ratios of part sizes). In the same manner, the relative positions and relationships of the components shown in these drawings, as well as their functions, shapes, sizes, and appearances, can further teach certain aspects of the present invention, as if fully reproduced herein. Unless otherwise stated, all dimensions in the drawings are referenced to inches, and any printed information on / in the drawings forms part of this written disclosure.

[0016] Figure 1A is a three-dimensional perspective view of one aspect of the pump of the present invention enclosed within a dispensing container and shroud assembly, and Figure 1B is along the central axis of the dispensing spout / nozzle (e.g. Figure 1A A cross-sectional perspective view taken along line BB in FIG. Figure 1B The nozzle adapter shown in subsequent views is not included.

[0017] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a supplemental three-dimensional perspective cross-sectional view of one aspect of the pump of the present invention, viewed from the front and rear angles, specifically showing the pump chamber shroud and dispenser nozzle, but excluding the lower portion of the dip tube.

[0018] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E Shows Figures 1A to 2B Various perspective and cross-sectional views of specific components depicted in FIG. 1 as follows:

[0019] Figure 3A yes Figure 2AA three-dimensional perspective view of the pump is shown without the pump chamber shroud to better illustrate the keying projections formed on the pump body element. The perspective view is taken from the bottom of the pump to include and highlight the dip tube and piercing element.

[0020] Figure 3B is along with Figure 2A A three-dimensional cross-sectional perspective view taken at a horizontal plane coinciding with line 3-3 in FIG. 1 to bisect the keying projections on each side of the pump body element. This view shows the coaxial arrangement of the components and how the keying projections are moved out of their holes in the shield by applying a compressive force to temporarily deform the shield.

[0021] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A Cross-sectional side view of the aspect shown.

[0022] Figure 3D is an isolated cross-sectional perspective view of the pump chamber and its associated components, further reference to which is made in Figure 1A and Figure 1B The arrangement method in the distribution container envisioned in .

[0023] Figure 3E is an isolated cross-sectional side view of a nozzle adapter component.

[0024] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4I yes Figure 2A and / or Figure 3A A three-dimensional perspective view of the individual components of the pump shown, wherein Figure 4A The actuator cap is shown, Figure 4B shows a sliding sealing cap, Figure 4C and Figure 4D is a supplementary view of the pump body components, Figure 4E It is the pump chamber cover. Figure 4F is the nozzle adapter, Figure 4G It is a piston accessory. Figure 4H It is an entrance base accessory. Fig. 4I It is the inlet valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Although specific embodiments are described, it should be understood that elements from one aspect described may be combined with elements from separately described aspects. In the same manner, a person of ordinary skill will have the necessary understanding of common processes, components, and methods, and this description is intended to cover and disclose such common aspects, even if they are not explicitly described herein.

[0026] As used herein, the words "example" and "exemplary" refer to an instance or illustration. The words "example" or "exemplary" do not indicate a critical 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 permutation and combination (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both 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.

[0027] A robust, high-capacity pump is envisioned. During disassembly, components may be given uniquely shaped joints (directionally selectable) to facilitate intuitive reassembly of the pump. That is, a drip-proof nozzle attachment may be coupled to a dispenser nozzle via a square or rectangular shaped connector. Attachment of the pump body element to the inlet base attachment may be by way of a multi-point bayonet connection. In turn, the inlet base may be connected to the container by way of its own unique wing-shaped bayonet, and the piston element or guide attachment may be connected to the actuator cap by way of a threaded or rotatable connection. Furthermore, many of these elements may be made from a single thermoplastic resin to simplify the manufacture and potential end-of-life recycling of these components.

[0028] The pump engine itself is characterized or unique in that an annular piston extends along the outside of an extension on the pump body, thereby defining a pump chamber. An actuator rod or cup is assembled above the extension and screwed onto the piston. Therefore, the piston itself is a main body extension with a sealing ring, and the actuator is a cylinder, but due to its reciprocating motion, it can be regarded as a piston in this article. The spring can be located below the piston and remain captured between the pump chamber and the annular skirt extending around it. The entirety of these structures can itself be hidden by a shield, which is preferably compressible, such as elastically deformable, and the shield can be attached to and released from the skirt by a keyed protrusion attachment. This arrangement can eliminate any contact between the bias spring and the dispensed fluid, while also providing an easily disassembled structure with little or no gaps, recesses or other difficult-to-clean features in the components of the structure.

[0029] The nozzle attachment can act as a one-piece anti-drip valve. Its straight edges and panels are particularly suitable for injection molding, while a simple post-molding operation creates a slit to serve as an outlet along the bottom-most angled edge. The material used for this attachment can be any of a variety of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials for improved performance, including but not limited to the grades most suitable for use in the food and beverage industry.

[0030] The shroud is coaxially mounted on the actuator head and pump body elements. The shroud is connected via separate, child-resistant keyed fittings, and will ideally be sufficiently resilient and flexible to allow engagement and disengagement of these features, thereby allowing disassembly and cleaning of the pump interior.

[0031] The overall shape and assembly of these elements allows the majority of the pump to be concealed within the container itself. This allows for a more attractive assembly with only a few, if any, obvious points that could be tampered with by the end user. Notably, the container may include a storage housing configured to house a replaceable pouch or bag filled with fluid for dispensing, with a removable cover providing convenience for replacing the pouch / bag. The cover includes an aperture to allow the actuator to reciprocate, while a covering extension may conceal the dispensing nozzle and adapter.

[0032] Further references FIG. 1A to FIG. 4I , the pump assembly 100 is largely concealed in the decorative container arrangement 10. The arrangement 10 may include a container housing 20 sized to receive a pouch or bag (not shown) containing the fluid to be dispensed. A mounting element 25 is located on the inner surface of the container 20 to attach to a base element 400, preferably via a winged bayonet connector that allows the pump 100 to slide axially downward while securing the assembly and preventing unwanted lateral movement during use. A piercing element 600 penetrates the assembly 100 and seals the assembly 100 to the bag so that the fluid can be drawn from the bag and dispensed.

[0033] The cap 30 includes a hole for receiving the actuator 200 and an extended cover 35 that fits over the dispensing nozzle 340 of the pump body 300. The cap 30 may be hinged, snap-fit, or the cap may simply rest on a lug or other mating feature provided at the top edge of the container 20.

[0034] This arrangement 10 ensures that the pump 100 can be fitted to containers of different sizes / capacities. It also enables decorative elements to be attached to the container 20 and / or the lid 30 without changing the manufacture or operation of the pump 100. This type of approach has been used in some conventional pumps, however, these conventional pumps lack the advantages of the assembly 100 described herein.

[0035] Reference only FIG. 2A to FIG. 4IThe pump assembly 100 shown, the main components are mainly (if not exclusively) made of common, easily formable / molded thermoplastic polymers. These components can be assembled and disassembled from each other without any special tools or other utensils, wherein the most important elements include a pump body 300 having a reciprocating actuator cap 200 and a shield / sleeve 250 assembled on a pump chamber extension 320. The biasing member 500 can push the actuator 200 upward and away from the container / fluid source, while the dispensing nozzle 340 extends laterally at a certain angle relative to the pump chamber extension 320 (preferably, at a substantially orthogonal angle to extend so that the body 300 has an L-shape).

[0036] The body 300 includes one or more engagement features 310 proximate the port 302 where fluid enters the body 300. The port 302 may be surrounded by a cylindrical wall 304 that is configured to be at least partially received in the base 400 and / or coupled to the dip tube 650. The features 310 may take the form of a series of posts or shaped protrusions positioned to mate with features 410, such as slots, grooves, or ports formed on a mating surface of the base 400 (conversely, the slots, grooves, or ports may be formed on the body 300 and the posts or protrusions provided on the base 400). However, other coupling arrangements may also be used, such as threaded connections or snap-fit ​​bead-and-groove elements.

[0037] The body 300 includes a hollow cylinder 306 connected upstream thereof to a pump chamber extension 320 and to a dispensing nozzle 340. This connection allows the body 300 to have an L-shape, although the dispensing nozzle may be tilted or angled away relative to the extension 320. To allow for the smoothest reciprocating motion, the extension 320 is substantially vertical.

[0038] On the outer surface of the body 300, preferably on the upper portion of the cylinder 306, keying protrusions 307 are provided. These protrusions 307 are configured to fit within and couple with the ports 252 formed in the sleeve 250 so as to keep the sleeve 250 anchored to the body 300. In contrast, the actuator 200 associated with and mounted on the pump chamber extension 320 is configured to move axially up and down relative to the body 300. Such movement may be provided by a user grasping and manipulating the actuator 200, and / or the biasing member 500 may facilitate such action.

[0039] Cylinder 306 extends coaxially on and around the hollow tubular structure including pump chamber extension 320. In some aspects, cylinder 306 completely surrounds extension 320, but is spaced apart from the extension to form a skirt with gap 308. Spring / biasing member 500 is located and maintained in gap 308 (spring is located on the horizontal surface across gap 308 along its lower horizontal end), and the top edge 309 of skirt serves as the lowest stopper for the axial movement of piston 270 and actuator 200. In addition, skirt 306 can be set to a series of independent axially extending flanges or continuous sidewalls (as shown). Preferably, the inner diameter and outer diameter of skirt section 306 are greater than the inner diameter and outer diameter of cylinder 304, and most definitely must be greater than the outer diameter of pump chamber extension 320.

[0040] The pump chamber extension 320 is a continuous hollow tube that is preferably smooth and straight along its inner surface. The internal volume defined by the middle section 321 is where the dispensed fluid is initially drawn when the pump mechanism (i.e., the combination of the actuator 200 and the spring 500, associated with the operation of the inlet valve 542 and the outlet valve 530) is actuated. At its upper edge, the engagement feature 322 facilitates connection to the sealing ring 360.

[0041] The piston 270 is an annular ring concentrically / coaxially assembled around the extension 320 to allow it to move axially up and down along the middle section 321. The bias spring 500 contacts the underside of the piston 270, thereby urging the piston and the actuator 200 detachably coupled thereto to move upward.

[0042] The piston 270 can be constructed of an inner ring 272 and an outer ring 274, the inner ring being connected to the outer ring 274 by radial webs 273. Both rings 272, 274 include axially extending walls or flanges to facilitate contact and assembly within the components of the actuator 200, but the inner and outer surfaces should be smooth to allow for ease of movement. One of the two radial surfaces on the outer ring 274 includes a coupling feature 275, such as threads or a bead / groove, to removably couple the piston 270 to the feature 222. In this way, the piston 270 moves in unison as a single element of the actuator 200.

[0043] The actuator 200 has a cup-like shape with an elongated hollow cylindrical wall 202 connecting an open end 204 to a top panel 206. The top panel 206 spans and seals the hollow portion so that when the actuator is assembled over the extension 320 (and further cooperates with the annular seal 360, as described below), the axial movement of the actuator generates suction (when moving upward) and pressure (when moving downward) to push fluid through the body 300 and into / out of the pump chamber 324 defined by the extension 320.

[0044] The top panel 206 may include an annular flange or extension 208 that extends beyond the outer diameter of the wall portion 202. In this manner, the flange 208 may cooperate with the shroud 250 to limit the range of axial movement. Additionally or alternatively, contact of the piston / guide attachment 270 with the inner shoulder 251 at the upper end of the sleeve of the shroud 250 may serve a similar purpose, thereby securing the components. In the same manner, the top surface of the skirt 306 prevents downward movement of the piston 270.

[0045] The sealing ring 360 is attached at or near the terminal end of the extension 320. The sealing ring 360 includes a sealing surface 370, such as a gasket or a smooth sliding sealing element, which exists around the outermost periphery of part or all of the sealing ring 360. The web 363 defines an arcuate slot 362, which can receive an axial fin extending downward from the top panel 210 of the cap 200. The central portion of the sealing ring 360 includes sufficient holes to allow the top panel 206 to move axially to generate suction. Grooves and / or coupling features are provided on the bottom surface and / or inner / outer radial surface of the sidewall defining the slot so that the sealing ring 360 can be removably coupled to the extension 320.

[0046] A shroud 250 comprising a hollow tubular sleeve is assembled around the midsection 321 to conceal the actuator 200, the piston 270 and the pump body 300. The keyed port 252 is configured to mate with and receive the protrusion 307. A cutout 254 at the bottom edge of the sleeve accommodates the size and shape of the dispensing nozzle 340 to simplify assembly and fitting of the components.

[0047] The sleeve itself is resilient and flexible. Therefore, when the keyed protrusion 307 is located in the port 252, a compressive force applied at a certain angle will deflect the side wall of the sleeve 250 to displace the protrusion 307 and allow the shield to be removed (by axial and / or rotational movement). With the stop shoulder 251 now free, the entire actuator 200 can also be slid upward, removed from the pump 100, and further disassembled and cleaned. In the same way, the pump body 300, spring 500 and other internal components are also exposed and easy to clean.

[0048] The dispensing nozzle 340 extends at an angle from the extension 320 and the post 306. The nozzle 340 terminates in a shaped interface connector 342 that is configured to be removably coupled to the nozzle adapter 520. In some aspects, the adapter 520 is elastically deformed to fit around the shaped interface 342, and the polygonal shape is particularly useful by quickly orienting the outlet valve 530 in its preferred downward facing position. The nozzle 340 can be slightly angled to direct the fluid back toward the body 300 and the container, or the nozzle can be angled away to encourage the fluid to be stored near the outlet 530 for a quick dispensing action.

[0049] The nozzle adapter 520 includes an outlet valve 530. The valve 530 includes a slit formed partially or entirely along the intersection of angled, downwardly facing flat panels 531. Similarly, a form-fitting flat panel 532 is connected to define a flow path toward the valve 530, while a reinforcing flange 533 is connected to the nozzle distributor 340, as described above. In some aspects, the flange 533 can be omitted or configured to include other coupling mechanisms, such as threads, bayonet-type connections, etc.

[0050] When the axial movement of the actuator 200 relative to the pump body 300 causes the fluid pressure to increase, the panels 531 are forced apart, causing the slit valve 530 to temporarily open for the dispensing of the fluid. When the actuator reciprocates back to the extended position, the panels 531 are pulled back together to prevent dripping and leakage from the valve 530.

[0051] The base element 400 is attached to the underside of the body 300, near its inlet port 302. Wing and / or bayonet connection elements 420 ensure a secure fit with the container 10, while the port 430, which is stepped in width, captures the cup-shaped inlet element 540 between the base 400 and the body 300.

[0052] The inlet element 540 includes an axial wall 542 at its periphery and a flat panel 543 in which the baffle 542 may be formed. The baffle 542 serves as an inlet valve to permit fluid to enter the pump body 300 from the pouch / container.

[0053] As shown and / or as needed to enhance the local strength of the component, reinforcing ribs and / or thickened wall sections may be provided. Furthermore, by judicious selection of appropriate materials (relative to each other and in an absolute sense, relative to their structural integrity), the various components described above may be optimized to improve performance and achieve the benefits of the invention contemplated herein.

[0054] In terms of manufacturing, the assembly reduces the number of parts compared to existing commercially viable pumps, and the assembly eliminates the need for specialized parts such as duckbill valves and / or other items that rely on expensive elastomeric materials and / or tortuous or otherwise difficult to reach and clean passageways.

[0055] The pump has a fixed nozzle and its components are of a modular nature to allow assembly, disassembly and cleaning of each individual component. Thus, in its various aspects, the pump according to the invention may include any combination of the following features:

[0056] a pump body element including a lower inlet end having a lower engagement feature, a dispensing nozzle, and a pump chamber extension, wherein a skirt extends coaxially around a portion of the pump chamber extension with a defined gap, and the skirt has one or more outwardly facing keying projections;

[0057] an actuator cap comprising a hollow tube sealed at a top end by a top panel and having an engagement feature disposed at a lower end;

[0058] a piston element configured to fit coaxially about the pump body extension, the piston element being removably coupled to the engagement feature such that the piston element and the actuator cap move axially in unison about an outer surface of a portion of the pump chamber extension;

[0059] a sealing ring removably coupled to a top edge of the pump chamber extension and configured to sealingly engage an inner surface of the hollow tube;

[0060] an integral nozzle adapter comprising an outlet valve removably coupled to a distal edge of a dispenser nozzle;

[0061] a base removably coupled to the lower engagement feature;

[0062] An inlet element between the pump body element and the base unit element, the inlet element comprising an inlet valve;

[0063] wherein the pump body extension and the dispensing nozzle form an L-shape;

[0064] Wherein, the sealing ring includes a sealing member arranged on the outermost circumference;

[0065] wherein a mating engagement is formed between a web on an upper surface of the seal ring and one or more axial projections (e.g. fins formed on the top panel);

[0066] wherein the axial projection (e.g., fin) is configured to be received in and engage with a portion of the web on the seal ring to selectively prevent rotation and / or axial movement of the actuator cap relative to the pump body element;

[0067] wherein the piston comprises an inner cylinder guide attached to the outer cylinder by a web, the outer cylinder having an engagement feature removably coupled to an engagement feature of the actuator cap, the inner cylinder guide slidably engaging the pump chamber extension;

[0068] wherein the lower engagement feature forms a bayonet-type connection with the base;

[0069] wherein the base includes a wing-shaped connector that can be attached to the container;

[0070] wherein the base comprises a piercing element configured to be fluidly connected to the pouch container;

[0071] wherein the pump assembly is carried within a rigid container having a cover member having an aperture through which the actuator cap protrudes;

[0072] a shroud comprising an elastomeric sleeve coaxially encapsulating the pump chamber extension, the skirt and the piston element;

[0073] wherein the shield comprises one or more attachment holes;

[0074] wherein the skirt includes one or more keying projections disposed on an outer surface of the skirt, the keying projections being removably retained within the attachment apertures;

[0075] wherein the sleeve deforms in response to the compressive force to release the one or more keying projections from the attachment aperture;

[0076] wherein the shield includes an inwardly projecting radial shoulder defining an upper limit of axial movement of the piston element;

[0077] Wherein the top edge of the skirt defines the lower limit of axial movement of the piston element

[0078] A form-fitting joint attaching the nozzle adapter and the distal edge;

[0079] wherein the form-fitting engagement portion is substantially polygonal;

[0080] a biasing member disposed below the piston element within the defined gap, the biasing member urging the actuator cap into an axially extended position;

[0081] wherein the flow path is defined by a gap within the pump body element and the base, and axial movement of the actuator cap draws fluid through the inlet valve and dispenses fluid through the outlet valve;

[0082] Wherein, the outlet valve is composed of a plurality of injection-molded flat panel components;

[0083] wherein the outlet valve is a slit disposed at the angled intersection of the flat panels at the lowest point of the outlet valve;

[0084] wherein the inlet valve is a flap valve attached to the inlet element along an arcuate portion; and

[0085] • wherein the sleeve includes a cutout at a lower end configured to fit around a top surface of the dispensing nozzle.

[0086] All components 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. In addition to the materials specifically mentioned above, common polymers suitable for manufacture and recycling via injection molding, extrusion, or other common molding processes should have particular utility, but metals, alloys, and other composite materials can be used to replace or supplement more traditional container and closure materials.

[0087] References to coupling in this disclosure should be understood to encompass any conventional means used in the art. This may take the form of a snap fit or forced fit of components, although threaded connections, bead and groove connections, and slot and flange assemblies may also be employed. Adhesives and fasteners may also be used, but such components must be carefully selected to maintain the basic design objectives inherent in the assembly.

[0088] In the same way, joining can include a connection or an abutment relationship. These terms and any implicit or explicit reference to connection should be considered in the context of their use, and any perceived ambiguity may be resolved by reference to the drawings.

[0089] Other aspects of the invention can be seen by careful study of the features shown in the drawings. Although the structures most relevant to operation are highlighted above, those skilled in the art will understand more functions and structures after studying the drawings as a whole. In addition, certain drawings should be considered to be drawn to scale so that the measurements of the characteristics of two or more components (length, width, height, capacity, etc.) can be scaled. Therefore, ratios and relationships between specific components in the drawings also fall within the written scope of this disclosure.

[0090] 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 disclosed embodiments, and numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions are contemplated. The exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, but further modifications and variations are included in the above detailed description. These modifications and variations also fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. A fixed nozzle dispenser pump (100) having a modular construction that facilitates disassembly and cleaning, the dispenser pump (100) comprising: A pump body element (300) comprising a lower inlet end (302) having a lower engagement feature (310), a dispensing nozzle (340), and a pump chamber extension (320), wherein a skirt (306) extends coaxially around a portion (321) of the pump chamber extension (320) with a defined gap (308), and the skirt (306) has one or more keying projections (307) disposed on an outer surface of the skirt; An actuator cap (200) comprising a hollow tube (202) sealed at a top end by a top panel (206) and having an engagement feature (222) disposed at a lower end (204); a piston element (270) configured to fit coaxially about the pump chamber extension (320), the piston element (270) being removably coupled to an engagement feature (222) of the actuator cap (200) such that the piston element (270) and the actuator cap (200) move axially in unison about an outer surface of a portion of the pump chamber extension (320); a sealing ring (360) removably coupled to a top edge of the pump chamber extension (320) and configured to sealingly engage an inner surface of the hollow tube (202); an integral nozzle adapter (520) comprising an outlet valve (530) removably coupled to a distal edge of the dispensing nozzle (340); a base member (400) removably coupled to the lower engagement feature (310) of the pump body member (300); an inlet element (540) inserted between the pump body element (300) and the base element (400), the inlet element (540) comprising an inlet valve (542); a biasing member (500) disposed below the piston element (270) within the defined gap (308), the biasing member (500) urging the actuator cap (200) into an axially extended position; and A shroud (250) comprising a resilient hollow tubular sleeve coaxially encapsulating the pump chamber extension, the skirt and the piston element, the shroud being attached to and released from the skirt by cooperating with the one or more keying projections (307).

2. The pump according to claim 1, wherein The pump chamber extension and the dispensing nozzle form an L-shape.

3. The pump according to claim 1, wherein The sealing ring includes a sealing member disposed on an outermost circumference.

4. The pump according to claim 3, wherein: A mating engagement is formed between a web on an upper surface of the seal ring and one or more axial fins formed on the top panel.

5. The pump according to claim 4, wherein The axial fins are configured to be received in and engage portions of the webs on the seal ring to selectively prevent rotation and / or axial movement of the actuator cap relative to the pump body element.

6. The pump according to claim 1, wherein The piston element includes an inner cylinder guide attached to an outer cylinder by a web, the outer cylinder having an engagement feature that is removably coupled with an engagement feature of the actuator cap, the inner cylinder guide slidably engaging the pump chamber extension.

7. The pump according to claim 1, wherein The base element includes a piercing element configured to fluidly connect with a pouch container, and wherein the pump is carried within a rigid container having a cover member having an aperture through which the actuator cap protrudes.

8. The pump according to claim 1, wherein The shroud includes one or more attachment holes, and the one or more keyed projections are removably retained within the attachment holes when the sleeve is assembled to the pump body element.

9. The pump according to claim 8, wherein The sleeve deforms in response to the compressive force to release the one or more keyed protrusions from the attachment hole.

10. The pump according to claim 1, wherein The shroud includes an inwardly projecting radial shoulder defining an upper limit for axial movement of the piston element, and wherein a top edge of the skirt defines a lower limit for axial movement of the piston element.

11. The pump according to claim 10, wherein The sleeve includes a cutout at a lower end configured to fit around a top surface of the dispensing nozzle.

12. A pump according to any preceding claim, comprising a form-fitting joint attaching the nozzle adapter and the distal edge.

13. The pump according to claim 1, wherein A flow path is defined by gaps within the pump body element and the base element, and axial movement of the actuator cap draws fluid through the inlet valve and dispenses fluid through the outlet valve.

14. The pump according to claim 1 or 13, wherein: The outlet valve is constructed from a plurality of injection molded flat panel components, and wherein the outlet valve is a slit disposed at an angled intersection of the flat panels at a lowest point of the outlet valve.

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