All-polymer spiral biasing member and pump dispenser containing the member

Abstract

A biasing member for use in a reciprocating distributor pump is envisioned. This member is made entirely of a polymeric material and is suitable as a direct replacement for a metal coil spring. The biasing member comprises a spiral shape defined by an inner and outer helical track, along one or both of these tracks, with a series of perforations. These perforations, combined with thin channels, the size and shape of the eyelets, and the size and shape of the openings, all work together to allow the spring to have sufficient elasticity and a greater spring force compared to conventional all-polymer biasing members.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to pump dispensers, and more specifically, to polymer pump dispensers that are free of metal parts and include a biasing member having an offset double helix shape with varying thickness and holes formed along the surface of the shape. Background Technology

[0002] Containers for everyday household fluid products (such as soap, detergents, oils, consumable liquids, etc.) can be equipped with dispensing pumps to improve consumers' ability to access and use fluids. This type of dispensing pump typically relies on a reciprocating pump driven by a compressible metal biasing member.

[0003] These products are often single-use, raising concerns about sustainability. Regulators are increasingly requiring consumer goods manufacturers to use product packaging and designs that are easily recyclable. For businesses that rely on pump dispensers, designing products made entirely of polymeric materials is becoming increasingly important. In this way, such “all-polymer” pumps can be recycled without the need to disassemble and / or separate metal parts and components made of materials that are difficult to recycle (e.g., metal parts or foil parts, thermosetting resins, specialized elastomers, and other materials that cannot be recycled or whose required recycling temperatures and conditions are incompatible with materials used in other parts of the design).

[0004] When it comes to creating an all-polymer reciprocating pump design, or more preferably a single-polymer reciprocating pump design, a second more problematic component is the anti-drip nozzle and the biasing member. The anti-drip nozzle is sometimes made of an elastomer, but because this is an optional feature, the design can simply eliminate this function or rely on solutions proposed, for example, in U.S. Patents 8,960,507, 10,252,841, 10,350,620, 10,717,565, and 10,723,528 (all of which are incorporated herein by reference). The biasing member is often more difficult to work with because a metal spring provides a cost-effective and reliable means of generating the necessary biasing force inherent in the operation of a reciprocating pump.

[0005] One well-known method relies on "bellows" type components, such as those disclosed in Patent Cooperation Treaty Publication WO 1994 / 020221A1 and U.S. Patents 5,819,990 and 5,924,603 (the latter incorporated herein by reference). Accordion-shaped or spiral bellows serve as the pump rod or are positioned around the pump rod and offset the pump head away from the closure cap. In some respects, prominent reinforcing ribs and convex sidewalls provide sufficient elasticity to improve the reliability and repeatability of reciprocating forces.

[0006] It is worth noting that a separate class of bellows-type structures is known, similar to those shown in U.S. Patent Publication 2006 / 0115213A1. However, these "boot joints" differ significantly in structure and function because they are designed to confine grease or other viscous substances around moving parts in an automobile. While these bellows can provide flexibility, they cannot be used as biasing members and are unsuitable for use in reciprocating pumps.

[0007] Other suggested solutions for non-metallic springs can be found in Japanese Patent Publication 2005024100A, Patent Cooperation Treaty Publication WO 2001 / 087494A1, 2018 / 126397A1 and WO The following patents are found: 2020 / 156935A1, French Patent FR2969241B1, Korean Patent KR102174715B1, US Patent Publications 2009 / 0102106A1, 2012 / 0325861A1, 2015 / 0090741A1, 2017 / 0157631A1, 2019 / 0368567A1 and 2020 / 0032870, and US Patents 5,819,990, 6,068,250, 6,113,082, 6,223,954, 6,983,924, 10,741,740 and 10,773,269. Generally, these disclosures envision arrangements in which accordion-shaped or wire-like plastic strands are provided and arranged to serve as an alternative to conventional metal coil compression springs. However, these arrangements may require either compression or extension configurations, which cannot be used as a direct replacement for the metal coil compression springs currently used in many reciprocating pump designs. Furthermore, some of these configurations may require consideration of manufacturing and lifespan.

[0008] Given the above, pump-type dispensers made of easily recyclable polymeric materials would be welcome. Specifically, a pump design is needed that does not require disassembling parts and separating them into individual recycling streams. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The accompanying drawings form part of this specification, and any information in the drawings / figures is both literally included (i.e., actual stated values) and relatively included (e.g., ratios of corresponding dimensions of parts). In the same manner, the relative positions and relationships of the components shown in these drawings, as well as their function, shape, size, and appearance, can further inform certain aspects of the invention, as if completely rewritten herein. Unless otherwise stated, all dimensions in the drawings are referenced to inches, and any typographical information in the drawings / figures forms part of this written disclosure.

[0010] All of these are combined as part of this disclosure in the drawings and attachments:

[0011] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional perspective view of a biasing component suitable for use in a reciprocating pump, based on certain aspects disclosed herein.

[0012] Figure 2A It is a perspective line drawing. Figure 2B Both are side views of a line graph. Figure 1 The biasing member shown.

[0013] Figure 3A yes Figure 1 Perspective side view of the offset component. Figure 3B It is along Figure 3A The perspective cross-sectional view of the bias member shown is taken from the diameter. Figure 3C yes Figure 3A The supplementary perspective side view of the biasing member shown after rotating it 45 degrees about its central axis. Figure 3D It is along Figure 3C The perspective cross-sectional view of the bias member shown is taken from the diameter.

[0014] Figure 4 Is Figure 1 The three-dimensional perspective cross-section of the bias member shown is taken near the midpoint of the central axis, thus highlighting the axial channel with a reduced wall thickness compared to other wall segments in the same plane.

[0015] Figure 5A It is a top-down plan. Figure 5B Both are bottom-view plan views. Figure 1 The biasing member shown.

[0016] Figure 6A It includes Figure 1 A three-dimensional perspective view of the reciprocating pump with biasing components shown. Figure 6B It is a partial quarter-section view (but retains the complete non-cross-section view of the offset member and rod). Figure 6C It is its full quarter-section view (so that the offset member and the rod are shown in quarter-section).

[0017] Figure 7A It is a cross-sectional perspective view. Figure 7B Both are cross-sectional side views. Figure 6A The pump shown.

[0018] Figure 8A This is a three-dimensional perspective view of a truncated biasing member suitable for use in a reciprocating pump according to certain aspects of the invention. Figure 8B yes Figure 8A The front perspective view of the offset member, which is axially bisected (i.e., the half in the background has been removed), highlights the variable shape of the eyelets and elongated holes. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The operation of the invention can be better understood by referring to the detailed description, drawings, claims, and abstract, all of which form part of this written disclosure. While specific aspects and embodiments are contemplated, it should be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to adapt and / or substitute certain teachings without departing from the basic invention. Therefore, this disclosure should not be construed as unduly limiting the invention.

[0020] As used herein, the terms “example” and “exemplary” refer to instances or illustrations. The terms “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate key or preferred aspects or embodiments. Unless the context otherwise requires, the word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather than exclusive. For example, the phrase “A uses B or C” includes any inclusive permutation and combination (e.g., A uses B; A uses C; or A uses both B and C). On the other hand, unless the context otherwise requires, the articles “a” and “one” are generally intended to mean “one or more”.

[0021] U.S. Patent 10,549,299 and U.S. Patent Publication 2018 / 0318861, as well as Patent Cooperation Treaty Applications Nos. PCT / EP2020 / 070871 and PCT / EP2020 / 070878, disclose various designs and components of dispenser pumps that can be constructed entirely from polymers and recyclable materials. These disclosures are incorporated herein by reference as if fully reproduced herein, thereby notifying and supplementing this disclosure in terms of material selection, construction, process, and various other aspects of this disclosure, as well as any claims based thereon.

[0022] One difference between these designs lies in the spring mechanism. Specifically, these designs all rely on the repetition of a columnar wall with a segmented top plate that can elastically deform. When axial forces are applied and released along this top plate, fluid may be drawn into the internal void defined by the column / plate combination. While this arrangement works well, its geometry dictates a relatively flat, elongated disc shape that is difficult to incorporate into commonly used reciprocating pumps, in which a metal coil compresses the spring around the reciprocating rod (see, for example, U.S. Patent 8,827,121). When using these springs, the diameter of the coil can be reduced without sacrificing spring force and suction capacity. In turn, the reduced diameter makes the spring and pump combination suitable for use in narrow-neck containers (i.e., neck diameters of 28 mm, 33 mm, and 38 mm), which are most common and preferred in the consumer market.

[0023] Previous attempts to incorporate conventional bellows springs into these narrow-neck designs have not been entirely successful. The arrangements disclosed above fail to generate sufficient, reliable spring force / suction within the coverage area required by many existing and preferred pump and container neck dimensions. Most of these arrangements also require "reinforcing ribs" and fully formed convex walls, all of which require additional material and can lead to undesirable performance characteristics (in terms of maintaining sufficient spring force / suction over extended periods). From an aesthetic standpoint, bellows have proven difficult to integrate into the housing, as this concealed spring design is used in many pump designs that rely on metal coil springs.

[0024] The inventors have now discovered that by reconfiguring the shape and relative wall thickness of the bellows-type element, a plastic biasing member can be created that can be used in narrow-neck pumps and / or conventional reciprocating pumps, wherein the biasing member is assembled around a telescopic rod. This arrangement avoids the need to rely on the walls of the bellows as part of the flow channel.

[0025] The design itself requires a truncated conical cylindrical body, in which imaginary, offset, concentric helical traces serve as characterizing features. Specifically, the outer helical trace is offset by approximately 180 degrees from the inner helical trace. Compared to the bottom, both traces have smaller diameters at the top of the shape, and the spacing between each trace is complementary to maintain a consistent shape along the entire axis (note that "axis" refers to an imaginary line running vertically through the cone / cylinder). Notably, no reinforcing ribs are formed; instead, each trace is interrupted regularly and periodically by perforations or formed adjacent to perforations, as described below.

[0026] Wall segments are provided along these external and internal spiral tracks and between these sections. However, a perforated pattern is provided so that the walls do not serve as fluid barriers and cannot serve as fluid barriers (i.e., the biasing member is not a conduit for fluid, as can be found in some conventional all-plastic designs described above).

[0027] Furthermore, the thickness of the walls forming these sections decreases regularly and intentionally along selected surfaces. For example, assuming that the eyelets and holes below have not yet been formed in the column / cone, one or more channels (preferably two or four opposite each other) are provided in the wall sections in which the eyelets and / or holes are formed (see below). These channels extend vertically downward along the surfaces on which they are provided, and the inner surfaces are preferably flush (i.e., so that the channels are visible from the outside). In addition, the channels are preferably regularly and / or equally spaced, and a portion of the thin section overlaps with one or two sets of axially aligned perforations.

[0028] Specifically, a series of axially aligned, curved, circular, or elliptical perforations are formed, preferably along 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 equidistant arc segments of a cylinder / cone. A set of individual polygonal (e.g., trapezoidal, square, triangular, rectangular, curved equivalents, etc.) holes are scattered / positioned among these perforations, preferably along the same number of arc segments. This arrangement ensures that both the outer and inner spiral traces are interrupted by the perforations or holes, although the inner spiral traces may be located near the edge of each hole. Similarly, when present, thin channels bisect the perforations and / or holes, with the inner spiral traces passing through the solid portion of the channel. In summary, these perforations and holes can be referred to as separate axially aligned perforation groups.

[0029] Each group of axially aligned perforations gradually increases in size from the top of the cylinder / cone downwards. That is, at least one of the length, width, radius, and / or diameter of the selected shape (eyelet or hole) gradually increases. Therefore, in the selected group set within the arc segment, the total surface area of ​​the perforation (eyelet or hole) closest to the top will be the smallest, and this area will increase to the maximum in the perforation closest to the bottom. However, in some respects, the eyelets can maintain the same surface area and / or the holes can remain unchanged.

[0030] In this way, a continuous perforated wall surface is formed from the top to the bottom of the column / cone. However, only a selected number of arc segments on the column / cone include vertically aligned wall segments that extend continuously from top to bottom. Similarly, only those segments vertically positioned between the holes define horizontal support members, while the corresponding segments positioned between the eyelets define inclined, skewed, or diagonal support members. It is noteworthy that the continuous vertically aligned segments have a diameter corresponding to either the outer spiral track (as shown in the figure) or the inner spiral track, such that the inclined support member corresponds to the other track (e.g., the inner spiral track, as shown in the figure).

[0031] This configuration of the helical traces and wall segments provides a “corrugated but perforated” arrangement for the surface of the offset member. Notably, this arrangement causes both the outer and inner helical traces to be interrupted by perforations (i.e., not just solid walls as they spiral along the column / cone). Furthermore, both the outer and inner helicals will have increased radii (e.g., measured from the center point / central axis of the column / cone). However, in a preferred embodiment, the minimum radius of the outer helical trace is equal to or greater than the maximum radius of the inner helical trace. Additionally, inclined support members are radially distributed above and below the horizontal supports, while a defined number of vertical supports (twice the number of hole groups, e.g., 8 vertical supports for 4 hole groups) connect these inclined and vertical supports, while defining the edges of the eyelets and holes.

[0032] Finally, individual flanges provide flat interfaces at the top and bottom of the column / cone. These interfaces may include recessed shapes separated / defined by radial ribs and inner and outer circular walls at the top. The bottom may include axially extending flanges or sidewalls with notches or connecting structures on the outer and / or inner radial faces, the notches being vertically aligned with the central axis of the column / cone. These top and bottom flanges, and any other shapes or features therein, can secure springs within a wider pump, as described below.

[0033] This corrugated yet perforated arrangement provides sufficient elasticity and biasing force while reducing weight and material usage. Without intending to be limited by operational theory, the lack of material in the biasing member of this invention allows the user to more easily compress the spring compared to conventional solid bellows, where the volume of solid material is more difficult (if not impossible) to fully compress. Notably, the specific arrangement of the vertical, inclined, and horizontal members ensures that the biasing member will return to its original shape without rotating or twisting to the extent that the biasing member itself is damaged in some way (fractured member, displacement from its original position, etc.).

[0034] The aforementioned biasing member can be injection molded from a single polymeric material similar to or the same as the rest of the components. Polypropylene, polyethylene, and other compatible and / or similar recyclable polymeric resins are particularly useful.

[0035] Regarding the helical nature of the bias member, the description of a specific chiral configuration is not intended to be restrictive. Therefore, both left-handed and right-handed helices are possible, as long as the inner and outer helical traces remain complementary (i.e., both extend in the left-handed or right-handed direction).

[0036] Turn now Figure 1-5B The offset member 100 has a generally cylindrical shape, and the sidewall section 200 approximately conforms to a truncated conical surface. A flange 300, including a top 310 and a bottom 320, defines the top and bottom edges of the member 100. The column itself includes a central axis CC.

[0037] Flange 310 may include radial ribs 312, as well as inner radial walls 314 and outer radial walls 316. Together, these features define different and possibly repeating shapes 318 (e.g., a curved trapezoid, as shown in the figure) within the horizontal surface of flange 310.

[0038] Flange 320 may include an axially extending wall 322. Spaced-apart channels or recesses 324 are formed on at least one face (inner or outer face) of wall 322.

[0039] Although features 312, 314, 316, and 318 are associated with flange 310, it should be understood that these features can also be provided on flange 320. Similarly, features 322 and 324 can be incorporated into flange 310. In some respects, wall 324 can coincide with radial wall 318, such that all the aforementioned features are provided to one or both flanges 310 and 320.

[0040] As described above, the thin-walled segment 210 extends along the axial length of segment 200. The outer helical trace 220 spirals around segment 200 at a spacing complementary to the inner helical trace 230 (i.e., the angle of the trace relative to the imaginary horizontal plane of segment 200). Eyelets 240 and holes 250 are arranged in axially aligned groups (four in each group, as shown) to interrupt the helix 220, while the helix 230 passes along the edge of the hole 250. The eyelets 240 have an elliptical shape, while the holes 250 are trapezoidal, although these may be collectively referred to as "perforations".

[0041] The continuous wall formed within section 200 includes horizontal members 260, inclined members 270, and vertical members 280. Generally, vertical member 280 will comprise a straight line of continuous solid material aligned along lines 282-282. The positioning of members 260, 270, and 280 also serves to define perforations 240 and 250.

[0042] Channel 210 in Figure 4 This is most clearly shown in the figure. Here, the thick-walled sections 202 found in parts 260, 270, and 280 contrast with the thin-walled sections 204. As shown, these thin sections 204 are aligned with the eyelets 240, although they can also form channels 210 aligned with the holes 250.

[0043] Figure 4 The arrangement also depicts how groups of eyelets 240 and groups of holes 250 alternate along the surface of segment 200. In this arrangement, each group is provided on a corresponding arcuate segment 242, 252 of wall 200. Preferably, an equal number of groups of eyelets 240 and groups of holes 250 are provided, but the arrangement can provide combinations in which one more or one less group of eyelets 240 is provided relative to the number of groups of holes 250. It is noteworthy that each arcuate segment 242, 252 is discrete and substantially non-overlapping in order to support and define members 260, 270, 280. However, in some embodiments, these groups may be arranged along a slightly spiraling path passing through axis CC.

[0044] It is worth noting that the biasing member 100 includes a hole 311 having an inner diameter that will mate with the pump rod described below. The inner diameter cut along line 326-326 at the bottom of member 100 will be larger than the inner diameter of hole 311. In some respects, the inner diameter along 326-326 will also be larger than the outer diameter of flange 310 itself.

[0045] Figure 8A and 8B An alternative arrangement of the biasing member is shown. Here, the outer helical trace 220 and the inner helical trace 230 remain on the biasing member 100A. However, a thin channel is not required. Instead, the hole 250A extends the length of the wall segment 200. Furthermore, a plurality of holes 240A, 240B, and 240C of different shapes are provided. These holes can have different shapes and sizes. Figure 8A and 8B The three holes shown are merely exemplary and not limiting. Furthermore, the holes and openings may have all the same features as described above with respect to the bias member 100.

[0046] It is worth noting that the offset member 100A retains the inclined member 270 and the vertical member 280, as described above. However, flanges 310 and 320 can provide vertical support to define the aperture 250A. Furthermore, the eyelets 240A, 240B, and 240C are aligned along a common axis or spiral track within the wall segment 200; however, their different dimensions mean they may not be as... Figures 1 to 5B The biasing members 100 are arranged uniformly as shown.

[0047] Other common features between biasing members 100 and 100A include the interruption (through a perforation) along the outer helical trace 220 and the relative diameter / radius characteristics of traces 220 and 230. Although in Figure 8A and 8B As not shown, the biasing member 100A may also include interface structures (e.g., ribs, radial walls, notches, etc.) on flanges 310, 320. Generally, this alternative arrangement provides essentially the same benefits as described above, except that the relative diameter and axial height of the biasing member 100A are not as significant (or important) as those of the biasing member 100 (which is expected to be a direct replacement for metal coil springs in many distribution pump designs).

[0048] The reciprocating pump dispenser can be made entirely of recyclable materials (such as polymers) without requiring metal components. The pump body is coupled to a container, while an all-polymer biasing member positioned between the body and the actuator generates sufficient suction (during actuation) to dispense fluid from the container. The biasing member is shaped like a hollow cylinder with two offset and consistent helical boundaries defining the member's profile. A portion of this profile is defined by solid surfaces of varying thicknesses, forming regular, discontinuous elliptical holes along the axes. In some embodiments, these axes define a truncated conical shape.

[0049] As described above, the biasing member has an outer spiral trajectory and an inner spiral trajectory that rotate more than 360°, more preferably more than 540° or 720° (i.e., one full turn, one and a half turns or two full turns) around the surface of the cylinder / cone.

[0050] A biasing member is positioned between the actuator head and the pump body. The actuator head includes a dispensing nozzle that is generally perpendicular to the axis of reciprocating motion of the pump. The nozzle is connected to a dispensing tube or rod that extends coaxially into the pump body itself. The actuator also includes a mating attachment along its bottom surface that engages the top surface of the biasing member.

[0051] The pump body includes a cap, an insert, and a body column rotatably attached to a container. The insert and / or the body column may be attached to the cap such that the entire pump body remains stationary relative to the reciprocating movement of the actuator head (caused by the biasing member). The insert may include a mating attachment on its top inner surface to receive the bottom end of the biasing member. The insert is also partially and coaxially received within the body column.

[0052] Furthermore, the main body column defines the pump chamber. A movable piston forms a sliding seal with the internal walls of the hollow main body column. Separately, a plug element is attached to the rod, and this plug element also moves within the pump chamber in response to the reciprocating motion of the actuator head and the rod, thereby changing the volume of the pump chamber. Because the plug element moves in unison with the rod, and the piston creates sufficient space during its downward stroke to temporarily open the orifice in the plug element to allow fluid to pass through, the plug element acts as an outlet valve for the pump chamber.

[0053] It is worth noting that the pump device is designed to include a locked position. Therefore, when the pump is fully extended, the sealing interface is engaged, including by the radial force applied by the plug element against the piston, to seal the piston against the inner wall of the body column. A chamfer and / or a set of bevels on the top surface of the insert or cap engages a structure on the actuator head to ensure the actuator remains locked in the upward position. Other arrangements for locking are also possible.

[0054] The locked position ensures that the bias member is not subjected to unnecessary stress associated with prolonged retention in the compressed position. It is believed that prolonged compressive stress can degrade the performance of the all-plastic bias member described herein.

[0055] The remaining features of the pump relate to its basic function. For example, the suction pipe ensures that fluid can be drawn from the internal volume of the container. An inlet valve (such as a ball valve) controls the flow of fluid into the pump chamber. The container is configured to be connected to the pump body, typically via a threaded connection, such that the pump engages a corresponding set of features at or near the container opening. The container itself must retain the fluid to be dispensed and possess sufficient rigidity and / or venting capacity to withstand the pumping motion and the accompanying pressure differentials generated by the structure disclosed herein.

[0056] While a conventional fluid distribution pump is depicted, the biasing member envisioned herein is also suitable for use in foam pumps and other dispensers. As an example, the shortened biasing member 100A has appropriate dimensions for use in trigger sprayers.

[0057] All components of the pump dispenser should be made of materials with sufficient flexibility, structural integrity, and chemical inertness. Certain grades of polypropylene and polyethylene are particularly advantageous, especially considering the absence of any thermosetting resins and / or blends of different elastic polymers. Materials should also be selected based on processability, cost, and weight. Common polymers suitable for injection molding, extrusion, or other common molding processes should have special properties.

[0058] refer to Figures 6A-7B The dispensing pump 500 includes an actuator 600 and a pump body 700. A sealing cap 800 is fixed to the cap 700, such that these components remain fixed to a container (not shown) connected to the pump 500.

[0059] Actuator 600 includes a head 610 with an outlet nozzle 630 for dispensing fluid. The fluid is delivered from a container and pump body 700 via a hollow tubular rod 620. A skirt 612 extends downward from the head 610, and engaging features 622 are disposed in the skirt 612 and / or in the outer surface of the upper portion of the rod 620. Feature 622 is coupled to flange 310 such that biasing member 100 pushes actuator 600 to an extended position (i.e., away from stationary body 700 and closure 800).

[0060] The pump body 700 includes a column 730 defining a pump chamber 732. The volume of the chamber 732 is changed by an actuation applied to the head 610 (i.e., a downward axial force), and the biasing member 100 provides sufficient force to return the actuator 600 to its extended position. In doing so, the valve 740 is temporarily displaced, and fluid is drawn into the chamber 732. Upon subsequent actuation, the fluid already in the chamber 732 is forced through the valve 742, upward through the central clearance of the rod 620, and out of the nozzle 630. The valves 740 and 742 can be temporarily displaceable ball valves, disc valves, diaphragms, or other known structures.

[0061] The bottom flange 320 of the biasing member 100 is positioned on a radial flange 752 formed on the chaplet connector 750. The connector 750 secures the body 700 to the closure 800. The connector 750 (or the interface between the body 700 and the closure 800) is configured to allow free passage of venting and / or supplemental air to avoid pressure differential between the sealed container and the surrounding environment.

[0062] Flange 752 also serves as an upper stop for piston element 720. Piston 720 slides axially within cylinder 730 to change the volume of chamber 732 (this requires piston 720 to sealably engage the inner surface of cylinder 730). The lower edge of rod 620 is coupled to or adjacent to piston 720 such that both move downwards upon actuation, while the elasticity of biasing member 100 ensures actuator 600 returns to the extended position, thereby pulling piston 720 upwards along with it. In this way (and as described above), fluid is drawn through suction tube 710 and ultimately dispensed from nozzle 630.

[0063] The closure cap 800 may include seals for venting and fluid containment, as well as connection features (e.g., threads) for attachment to the neck of the container. It is noteworthy that arrangements where the biasing member is expected to have a specific utility are those where the pump 500 is designed to be coupled to a conventional narrow-neck container. In such containers, the diameter of the neck (and the maximum permissible diameter of the biasing member 100) is smaller than the expected axial travel length of the actuator 600. In other words, this means that the biasing member 100 must be axially compressible and remain elastic along a length exceeding the maximum outer diameter of the member 100 itself. In some arrangements, the axial travel may be one, two, or three times larger than this diameter.

[0064] References to connections in this disclosure should be understood to include any conventional means used in the field. While threaded connections, bead-groove connections, and slot and flange assemblies can be used, this can also take the form of snap-fit ​​or forced assembly of components. Adhesives and fasteners can also be used, but these components must be carefully selected to maintain the recyclability of the components.

[0065] Similarly, a union can include a connection or an adjacency relationship. These terms, as well as any implicit or explicit references to unions, should be considered in the context of their use, and any perceived ambiguity can be resolved by referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] Although this embodiment has been shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, and various rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions are contemplated. Exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to preferred embodiments, but further modifications and variations also include those described in the foregoing detailed description. These modifications and variations also fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. A biasing member having axial clearance, adapted for combination with a reciprocating distributor, said biasing member comprising: The wall section has a hollow center and an outer spiral track that is radially offset from the inner spiral track, both of which spiral around the central axis of the biasing member from the bottom edge to the top edge. The wall segment comprises a solid, continuously formed polymer sheet that intersects with portions of the outer and inner spiral tracks to give the wall segment a corrugated surface. Multiple perforations are formed in the polymer sheet and positioned to regularly interrupt at least one of the outer and inner spiral tracks; and The wall segment includes at least one axially aligned channel, which has a thinner wall than the continuously formed polymer sheet constituting the rest of the wall segment.

2. The biasing member according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple axially aligned channels are provided.

3. The biasing member according to claim 2, wherein, Each axially aligned channel is spaced equidistant from each other.

4. The biasing member according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 3, wherein, The axially aligned channels are regularly interrupted by perforations.

5. The biasing member according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of perforations include multiple sets of axially aligned eyelets, each set of axially aligned eyelets being separated by a set of axially aligned holes.

6. The biasing member according to claim 5, wherein, The axially aligned eyelets interrupt the outer spiral trace.

7. The biasing member according to claim 5, wherein, The axially aligned holes interrupt the outer spiral trace.

8. The biasing member according to any one of claims 5, 6, or 7, wherein, The eyelet has a different shape than the hole.

9. The biasing member according to any one of claims 5, 6 or 7, wherein, The aperture has an oval shape.

10. The biasing member according to any one of claims 5, 6 or 7, wherein, The hole has a polygonal shape.

11. The biasing member according to claim 8, wherein, The uppermost hole in each set of axially aligned holes has a smaller diameter compared to the lowermost hole in the set.

12. The biasing member according to claim 1, wherein, The wall section comprises a continuous axial vertical section of a regular pattern, connected by horizontal and inclined members, to define a perforation.

13. The biasing member according to claim 1, wherein, The minimum radius of the external spiral trace measured in the horizontal plane of the biasing member is greater than the maximum radius of the internal spiral trace in any horizontal plane of the biasing member.

14. The biasing member according to claim 1, wherein, The multiple perforations regularly interrupt the outer and inner spiral traces.

15. The biasing member according to claim 1, wherein, The outer spiral trajectory is offset from the inner spiral trajectory by a substantially constant axial distance.

16. The biasing member according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, or 15, further comprising an upper radial flange at the top edge and a lower radial flange at the bottom edge.

17. The biasing member according to claim 16, wherein, A structure is formed on the horizontal surface of the upper radial flange and / or the lower radial flange.

18. The biasing member according to claim 17, wherein, The structure includes at least one radially aligned rib, an inner circular wall, and an outer circular wall.

19. The biasing member according to claim 16, wherein, A structure is formed on the vertical surface of the upper radial flange and / or the lower radial flange.

20. The biasing member according to claim 19, wherein, The structure includes at least one of an axially extending sidewall, a connecting structure formed on the outer surface of the axially extending sidewall, and a connecting structure formed on the inner surface of the axially extending sidewall.

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