Actuator for dual-pump distribution system

Abstract

An actuation mechanism for a dual-pump dispensing system includes an actuator housing, a semi-helical insert, and optionally, a mesh screen (3). This actuation mechanism is designed to mix viscous products that flow under force in the type of mechanical pump dispensers used in the cosmetics and personal care industries.

Description

[0001] Technical Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention belongs to the field of dispensing systems for personal care products. More specifically, this invention relates to a system comprising two mechanical pump dispensers for simultaneously dispensing two products.

[0003] Background of the Invention

[0004] Cosmetic and personal care dispensing systems that simultaneously dispense two different products from separate product reservoirs are known. Such systems can use two mechanical pump dispensers (one for each reservoir) or a single mechanical pump dispenser that draws product from both reservoirs. In both cases, there is typically only one actuation mechanism. With two mechanical pump dispensers, the two products may not be mixed before they are deposited onto the application surface (such as skin). This type of system may be preferred when the two products react with each other, but the reaction should be prevented before use. Alternatively, the two products can be allowed to mix with each other as they are delivered through the actuation mechanism.

[0005] Purpose of the invention

[0006] The main objective of this invention is to provide an actuation mechanism that thoroughly mixes two products as they are passed through it.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an actuation mechanism for a dual-pump dispensing system that thoroughly mixes two products when they are dispensed by the dual-pump dispensing system. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 An actuator mechanism according to the present invention is described.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional elevation view of the actuator housing.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the actuator housing.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a side view of the semi-spiral insert according to the present invention.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the semi-spiral insert.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a top view of the semi-spiral insert according to the present invention.

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A bottom perspective view of the semi-spiral insert and the screen.

[0015] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional elevation view of the assembled actuation mechanism fixed to the rod of the dual-pump mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, an actuation mechanism for a dual-pump dispensing system includes an actuator housing (1), a semi-helical insert (2), and an optional mesh screen (3). This actuation mechanism is designed to mix viscous products that flow under the force of a mechanical pump dispenser of the type used in the cosmetics and personal care industry. Viscous products include creams, lotions, and serums, types commonly found in the cosmetics and personal care industry. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Actuator housing

[0018] Reference Figure 1-3 The actuator housing (1) includes a top (1a), an open bottom (1b), and a skirt (1c). The top can typically serve as a surface for receiving finger pressure to actuate a dual-pump mechanism to which the actuator housing is attached. The skirt surrounds a first inlet channel (1d) capable of receiving a first product from a first product reservoir, and a second inlet channel (1e) capable of receiving a second product from a second product reservoir. Flow paths are provided for guiding the first and second products from the first and second inlet channels to a semi-spiral insert (see below) and ultimately out through an outlet (1k) leading to the outside of the actuator housing. The flow paths can be divided into a lower flow path and an upper flow path. For example, the actuator housing may include a cylinder (1f). The cylinder will typically be cylindrical and include a front and a rear section. The cylinder is longitudinally divided into a lower flow path (1h) and an upper flow path (1i) by a partition (1g). The first and second inlet channels open into the lower flow path of the cylinder. Facing the rear of the cylinder, the lower flow path is connected (or communicates) with the upper flow path via a conduit (1j). The front end of the cylinder terminates at an outlet (1k) that leads to the outside of the actuator housing. Optionally, a snap-fit ​​feature, such as an annular groove (1l), may be formed in the wall of the cylinder near the outlet (1k). Each of the first and second inlet channels (1d, 1e) is capable of receiving a product from exactly one of the two product reservoirs. For example, the first inlet channel may be enabled to receive the first rod of the dual-pump mechanism, and the second inlet channel may be enabled to receive the second rod of the dual-pump mechanism. The inlet channels are fixed to the rods (4d, 4e) of the dual-pump mechanism by an interference fit, which is common in the art.

[0019] Semi-spiral insertion part

[0020] Figure 4-7A semi-spiral insert (2) according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is depicted. The semi-spiral insert is an elongated member having a front end (2a) and a rear end (2b). The insert is designed to fit into the actuator housing (1) such that the flow paths for guiding the first and second products from the first and second inlet channels (1d, 1e) must pass through the semi-spiral insert. For example, the insert may be designed to fit into the cylinder (1f) of the actuator housing (1) via an outlet (1k).

[0021] The semi-spiral insert (2) may be cylindrical near the front end and branch towards the rear end into a relatively short lower section (2h) and a relatively long upper section (2i). The lower section fits tightly with the lower flow path (1h) and prevents product from flowing to the outlet (1k) of the cylinder. The length of the lower section is such that it terminates before reaching the first inlet channel (1d). The upper section is formed as a semi-cylindrical section, including a circular surface (2d) and a flat surface (2e). The upper semi-cylindrical section (2i) fits tightly with the upper flow path (1i) and extends across the pipe (1j) toward the rear of the cylinder (1f). The semi-spiral channel (2f) extends along the length of the upper semi-cylindrical section as it passes through the circular and flat surfaces of the upper section. One end of the semi-spiral channel is in flow communication with the pipe (1j) of the actuator housing (1) through the first channel (2j). The other end of the semi-spiral channel terminates in a second channel (2m) leading to an outlet port (2k), which is concentric with the outlet (1k) of the actuator housing. Optionally, a snap-fit ​​feature, such as an annular support (2l), may be formed near the front end of the semi-spiral insert. This support is designed to sit in an annular groove (1l) in the wall of the cylinder (1f) to hold the insert in place within the actuator housing.

[0022] Preferably, the semi-spiral channel (2f) rotates at least one full revolution around the upper semi-cylindrical section (2i). More preferably, the semi-spiral channel rotates between one and ten full revolutions around the upper semi-cylindrical section. For example, Figure 6 The diagram shows a semi-spiral channel that rotates five full revolutions around the upper semi-cylindrical section.

[0023] Mesh screen

[0024] Optionally, but preferably, the screen (3) is positioned in the flow path such that the first and second products must pass through the screen. Preferably, the products pass through the screen before they reach the semi-spiral channel. For example, the screen (3) may be positioned between the conduit (1j) of the actuator housing (1) and the first channel (2j) of the semi-spiral insert (2). The screen performs a premixing step and, if possible, a de-caking step before the two products begin to move through the semi-spiral channel. The screen can be made of any suitable material, such as polypropylene. Useful screen sizes may depend on the thickness and viscosity of the two products being mixed. Some useful sizes include 50 holes / square inch to 300 holes / square inch. The more holes on the screen, the more thoroughly the two products are mixed.

[0025] Operating principle

[0026] Reference Figure 8 In use, two different products flow from their respective reservoirs (not shown), through two rods (4d, 4e), and into the first and second inlet channels (1d, 1e). The two products then enter the lower flow path (1h), where they come into contact but are not completely mixed. From there, the two products are guided through the pipe (1j), the screen (3), and the first channel (2j) of the spiral insert (2). From there, the partially mixed product enters the semi-spiral channel (2f). As the two products travel along the semi-spiral channel, turbulence caused by different frictional forces and viscosities allows for more thorough mixing. Significant turbulence occurs because the flow direction changes abruptly when the product is transferred from the circular surface (2d) of the semi-spiral insert to the flat surface (2e) and back to the circular surface. This geometry results in very efficient mixing, even more so than a fully cylindrical spiral insert designed without abrupt changes in direction. The fully mixed product exits from the semi-spiral channel (2f) and enters the second channel (2m), passes through the outlet hole (2k) of the semi-spiral insertion part, and continues to exit from the actuator housing (1).

Claims

1. An actuation mechanism comprising an actuator housing comprising: a first inlet passageway capable of receiving a first product from a first product reservoir; a second inlet passageway capable of receiving a second product from a second product reservoir; an outlet to an exterior of the actuator housing; a path for directing the first and second products from the first and second inlet passageways to the outlet; a semi-spiral insert comprising a front end; a back end; a lower section; and an upper semi-cylindrical section having a semi-spiral passageway extending along a length of the upper semi-cylindrical section; wherein the semi-spiral insert is positioned in the actuator housing such that the path for directing the first and second products from the first and second inlet passageways to the outlet must pass through the semi-spiral passageway. the semi-spiral passageway makes between one and ten complete revolutions around the upper semi-cylindrical section.

2. The actuation mechanism of claim 1, wherein, 3. The actuation mechanism of claim 2, wherein: the flow path of the actuator housing is divided into an upper flow path and a lower flow path, the upper and lower flow paths being connected by a duct; the first and second inlet passageways open into the lower flow path; and the upper semi-cylindrical section is positioned in the upper flow path.

4. The actuation mechanism of claim 2, further comprising a mesh screen positioned in the flow path such that the first and second products must pass through the mesh screen. the first and second products pass through the mesh screen before they reach the semi-spiral passageway.

5. The actuation mechanism of claim 4, wherein, the mesh screen has from 50 to 300 holes per square inch.

6. The actuation mechanism of claim 5, wherein, the lower section of the semi-spiral insert fits tightly into the lower flow path of the actuator housing and prevents product flow to the outlet of the actuator housing.

7. The actuation mechanism of claim 1, wherein, 8. The actuation mechanism of claim 1, wherein: the actuator housing further comprises an annular groove proximate the outlet of the actuator housing; the semi-spiral insert further comprises an annular seat proximate the front end of the semi-spiral insert; and the annular seat seats in the annular groove to hold the insert in place in the actuator housing. the first inlet passageway is capable of receiving a first rod of a dual pump mechanism and the second inlet passageway is capable of receiving a second rod of the dual pump mechanism.

9. The actuation mechanism of claim 1, wherein, ​

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