Pump dispenser

Abstract

Described herein is a pump dispenser comprising: a bottle comprising a neck, the neck having a neck landing zone; a pump assembly, the pump assembly including: an actuator having a cavity therein; a closure connected to the actuator and coupled to the neck of the bottle; a dip tube; and a dual chamber pump. The double-chamber pump includes: a piston assembly; a housing including a pump chamber, a storage chamber, and a core; and a sealing cap. The piston assembly is inside and slidably engaged with the pump chamber. The storage chamber cavity includes a substance to be released in the formulation contained in the bottle. The core includes a connecting rod. The sealing cap is rigidly connected to the core and encloses the storage chamber such that the substance to be released remains stored in the storage chamber cavity. When a user pushes the actuator downwards for a first time, the piston assembly moves to push the connecting rod downwards, and the connecting rod pushes the sealing cap downwards to open the storage chamber to release the substance contained in the storage chamber in the bottle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to a pump dispenser including a bottle and a pump assembly. The pump assembly has a housing that includes a storage chamber. The storage chamber includes a substance to be released into a preparation contained in the bottle. Background Art

[0002] Pump dispensers are commonly used to dispense various liquids, including lotions, foams, gels, etc. A pump dispenser is a fluid delivery system for many consumer products such as shampoos, conditioners, bath products, hand soaps, hand sanitizers, facial cleansers, skin care compositions, fragrance products, dish detergents, surface cleaning products, plant care products, fragrance products, liquid foods, etc.

[0003] The pump assembly of a pump dispenser typically dispenses a liquid or gel from the bottle when the user pushes down (or preps) the actuator. The piston applies pressure on a spring and moves a ball valve upward, thereby carrying some of the liquid or gel with it. When the actuator is released, the piston and spring return to the rest position, thereby sealing the housing chamber to prevent the liquid or gel from flowing back into the bottle. See, for example, WO 2022 / 132693 A1.

[0004] For stability purposes, to extend the shelf life of product ingredients, or to enhance product effectiveness, a specific container is needed to keep the product ingredients separate from the preparation contained in the bottle until use. This specific container is different from other containers that pre-mix the product before shipment. Product ingredients that need to be separated from the preparation until use may be sensitive ingredients, hair dyes that need to be separated from oxidants, active ingredients such as antidandruff agents, beneficial agents such as silicone compounds, fragrances, incompatible reagents, etc. Skin beneficial agents may be reagents that are incompatible with the surfactants of the preparation due to a large amount of surfactants. Active ingredients may have additional benefits in addition to cleaning benefits. For example, the active ingredient can be a skin health or anti-acne ingredient, etc., such as niacinamide, salicylic acid.

[0005] Currently, a container generally only holds one formulation, and different contents are placed in different containers respectively. When a consumer wants to mix the contents of two or more different formulations for use, the contents need to be separately extracted and then mixed for use.

[0006] A particular container may have two compartments, including separate vessels or storage compartments, which may hold various combinations of fluids, powders, pastes stored in a separated state until the user of the container mixes and uses the product. A two-component container may include two containers separated from each other and communicating with each other after the plug is pushed out, wherein each container has a chamber for holding one component, the chamber having a thread on the neck of one container and another thread connected to the other container, wherein the threads engage with each other, and one container may be screwed relative to the other container in such a way that the plug is pushed out of its retaining element, see, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,126,032.

[0007] Accordingly, there is still a need for an improved pump dispenser that allows the product ingredients to be kept separate from the formulation contained in the bottle until use for stability purposes, to extend the shelf life of the product ingredients, or to enhance the product effectiveness.

[0008] There is a need to provide a pump dispenser that enables a wider use of ingredients due to its alleviation of stability problems in storage.

[0009] There is also a need to provide a pump dispenser that can elicit a reaction from the user based on the user's impression or sensory experience during the mixing of the ingredients, such as morphological changes (e.g., foam vs. liquid), attractive ingredients (e.g., flowers or beads floating in the liquid), etc. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] There is provided a pump dispenser 1, and the pump dispenser includes: a bottle 40 which includes a neck 41 having a neck landing zone; and a pump assembly 50. The pump assembly 50 includes: an actuator 10 which has a cavity therein; a closure 20 which is connected to the actuator 10 and is coupled to the neck 41 of the bottle 40; a draw tube 30; and a dual-chamber pump 60. The dual-chamber pump 60 includes: a piston assembly 70, wherein the piston assembly 70 is in fluid communication with the actuator 10; a housing 80 which includes a pump chamber 81, a storage chamber 82 and a core 83; and a seal cap 90. The pump chamber 81 has a cavity therein, wherein the pump chamber 81 has an upper portion 815 and a lower portion 816, and wherein the piston assembly 70 is inside the pump chamber 81 and is slidably engaged with the pump chamber 81. The storage chamber 82 has a cavity therein, wherein the storage chamber 82 has an upper portion 824 and a lower portion 825, and wherein the storage chamber cavity includes a substance S to be released into a formulation F contained in the bottle 40. The core 83 has a cavity therein; wherein the core 83 is a sleeve which projects from the lower portion 816 of the pump chamber 81 through the storage chamber 82 towards the draw tube 30. The core 83 includes a connecting rod 84. The seal cap 90 is rigidly connected to the core 83 and closes the storage chamber 82 at the lower portion 825 of the storage chamber 82 such that the substance S to be released is retained in the storage chamber cavity. When a user first pushes down the actuator 10, the piston assembly 70 moves to push down the connecting rod 84, and the connecting rod pushes down the seal cap 90 to open the storage chamber 82 to release the substance S contained in the storage chamber 82 into the bottle 40.

[0011] A pump assembly 50 is provided, and the pump assembly includes: an actuator 10 having a cavity therein; a closure 20 connected to the actuator 10 and coupled to the neck 41 of a bottle 40; a draw tube 30; and a dual-chamber pump 60. The dual-chamber pump 60 includes: a piston assembly 70, wherein the piston assembly 70 is in fluid communication with the actuator 10; a housing 80 including a pump chamber 81, a storage chamber 82, and a core 83; and a sealing cap 90. The pump chamber 81 has a cavity therein, wherein the pump chamber 81 has an upper portion 815 and a lower portion 816, and wherein the piston assembly 70 is inside the pump chamber 81 and slidably engages with the pump chamber 81. The storage chamber 82 has a cavity therein, wherein the storage chamber 82 has an upper portion 824 and a lower portion 825, and wherein the storage chamber cavity includes a substance S to be released into a formulation F contained in the bottle 40. The core 83 has a cavity therein; wherein the core 83 is a sleeve protruding from the lower portion 816 of the pump chamber 81 through the storage chamber 82 towards the draw tube 30. The core 83 includes a connecting rod 84. The sealing cap 90 is rigidly connected to the core 83 and closes the storage chamber 82 at the lower portion 825 of the storage chamber 82 such that the substance S to be released is kept stored in the storage chamber cavity. When the user first pushes down the actuator 10, the piston assembly 70 moves to push down the connecting rod 84, and the connecting rod pushes down the sealing cap 90 to open the storage chamber 82 to release the substance S contained in the storage chamber 82.

[0012] A method of releasing a substance S into a formulation F contained in a bottle 40 of a pump dispenser 1 as disclosed herein is provided, and the method preferably includes the following steps in this order:

[0013] a) Filling the storage chamber 82 of the dual-chamber pump 60 of the pump assembly 50 with the substance S to be released;

[0014] b) Closing the storage chamber 82 with the sealing cap 90;

[0015] c) Securing the closure 20 of the pump assembly 50 to the bottle 40 to provide the pump dispenser 1;

[0016] d) Triggering the actuator 10 of the pump assembly 50, which in sequence triggers the piston assembly 70, the connecting rod 84, and the sealing cap 90 of the dual-chamber pump 60, such that when the user first pushes down the actuator 10, the piston assembly 70 moves to push down the connecting rod 84, and the connecting rod pushes down the sealing cap 90 to open the storage chamber 82 to release the substance S contained in the storage chamber 82;

[0017] e) Shaking the bottle 40 to mix the substance S with the formulation F contained in the bottle 40 to form a final composition FC; and

[0018] f) Triggering the actuator 10 to dispense the final composition FC from the actuator outlet 15. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Although this specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter of the invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 A perspective view of a pump dispenser as shown and described herein is provided;

[0021] Figure 2 A perspective view of a pump assembly according to one or more aspects is provided;

[0022] Figure 3 A front perspective view of a dual-chamber pump according to one or more aspects is provided;

[0023] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the Figure 3 housing is provided;

[0024] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the Figure 3 dual-chamber pump is provided;

[0025] Figure 5A An enlarged view of a region of a Figure 5 sealing cap including the dual-chamber pump according to one or more aspects is provided;

[0026] Figure 6 An exploded view of a pump dispenser including the dual-chamber pump in a disassembled form according to one or more aspects is provided; Figure 3 of the

[0027] Figure 7 A front perspective view of another dual-chamber pump according to one or more aspects is provided;

[0028] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the Figure 7 dual-chamber pump is provided;

[0029] Figure 8A An enlarged view of a region of a Figure 8 sealing cap including the dual-chamber pump according to one or more aspects is provided;

[0030] Figure 9 An exploded view of a pump dispenser including the dual-chamber pump in a disassembled form according to one or more aspects is provided; Figure 7 of the

[0031] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a pump dispenser including a pump assembly having a dual-chamber pump, wherein the storage chamber of the dual-chamber pump contains a substance to be released into a formulation contained in a bottle prior to use is provided;

[0032] Figure 11 provides a Figure 10 cross-sectional view of a pump dispenser in which a user first pushes down on an actuator to release a substance into a formulation contained in a bottle;

[0033] Figure 12 provides a Figure 11 cross-sectional view of the pump dispenser after shaking the bottle to mix the substance and the formulation to obtain a final composition;

[0034] Figure 13 provides a Figure 12 cross-sectional view of the pump dispenser when the user continues to push down on the actuator to dispense the resulting final composition;

[0035] Figure 14 provides a cross-sectional view of another pump assembly according to one or more aspects, in which a storage chamber surrounds a pump chamber; and

[0036] Figure 15 provides a cross-sectional view of another dual-chamber pump according to one or more aspects, in which a spring is located within a hollow inner cavity of a piston rod and at least partially surrounds a pull rod and a piston tip of a piston assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Definition of Terms

[0038] In this document, unless otherwise specifically stated, in all embodiments including all aspects of the present invention, the following definitions apply.

[0039] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," and "containing" are open-ended terms, each specifying the presence of the following content, such as the presence of components, but not precluding the presence of other features known in the art or disclosed herein, such as elements, steps, or components. "Including" encompasses the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of." The pump dispensers, pump assemblies, methods, uses, and processes of the present invention may comprise, consist of, and consist essentially of the elements and limitations of the present invention described herein, as well as any of the additional or optional ingredients, components, steps, or limitations described herein. Unless incompatibility is indicated, although not explicitly illustrated in the combination, the embodiments and aspects described herein may include elements, features, or components of other embodiments and / or aspects or may be combined with elements, features, or components of other embodiments and / or aspects.

[0040] As used herein, when used in the claims, the article "a / one" shall be understood to mean one or more of the substances claimed or described.

[0041] As used herein, the terms "comprising", "including", and "containing" are intended to be non-limiting.

[0042] As used herein, "consumer product" means a product that is intended to be used or consumed in its sold form. Such products include, but are not limited to, products for treating the surface of keratin fibers, hair, skin, or fabric of interest and / or uses related to treating the surface of keratin fibers, hair, skin, or fabric of interest. As used herein, "consumer product" means baby care products, beauty care products, fabric and home care products, household care products, feminine care products, health care products, snack and / or beverage products, or devices that are intended to be used or consumed in their sold form and are not intended for subsequent commercial manufacturing or modification. Such products include, but are not limited to, fine fragrances (such as perfumes, colognes, eau de toilettes, aftershaves, pre-shave lotions, moisturizers, tonics, and other fragrance-containing compositions for direct application to the skin), diapers, bibs, wipes; products for treating human hair and / or methods related to treating human hair, including bleaching, coloring, dyeing, conditioning, shampooing, styling; deodorants and antiperspirants; personal cleansing; cosmetics; skin care, including the application of creams, lotions, and other topically applied products for consumer use; and shaving products, products for treating fabrics, hard surfaces, and any other surface in the area of fabric and home care and / or methods related to treating fabrics, hard surfaces, and any other surface in the area of fabric and home care, including: air care, dishwashing, fabric conditioning (including softening), laundry detergency, laundry washing and rinse additives and / or care, hard surface cleaning and / or treatment, and other cleaning for consumer or business use; products and / or methods related to toilet paper, facial tissue, paper handkerchiefs, and / or paper towels; tampons, feminine sanitary napkins; products and / or methods related to oral care, including toothpaste, dental gels, tooth cleaning, denture adhesives, teeth whitening; over-the-counter health care products, including cough and cold medicines, and pain relievers.

[0043] Unless otherwise indicated, as used herein, the term "cleaning composition" includes multi-purpose or "heavy-duty type" detergents in particulate or powder form, especially cleaning detergents; multi-purpose detergents in liquid, gel or paste form, especially the so-called heavy-duty liquid type; liquid fine fabric detergents; hand dishwashing detergents or light-duty dishwashing detergents, especially those of the high-foaming type; machine dishwashing detergents, including various pouch, tablet, particulate, liquid and rinse-aid types for household and institutional use; liquid cleaning and disinfecting agents, including antibacterial handwashing types, cleaning bars, mouthwashes, denture cleaners, dentifrices, automotive or carpet detergents, bathroom cleaners; hair shampoos and hair rinses; bath gels and foam baths, and metal cleaners; and cleaning aids such as bleaching additives and "stain sticks" or substrate-bearing pre-treatment type products such as dryer-added papers, dry and wet wipes and pads, non-woven substrates and sponges; and sprays and mists.

[0044] Unless otherwise indicated, as used herein, the term "fabric care composition" includes fabric softening compositions, fabric enhancing compositions, fabric freshening compositions, and combinations thereof. Such compositions are in the form of liquids, gels, beads, powders, sheets and particulates.

[0045] As used herein, the term "personal cleaning composition" refers to a composition intended for topical application to the hair and skin for cleansing.

[0046] As used herein, the term "mixture" refers to a simple combination of substances, and any compounds that may result from their combination.

[0047] As used herein, the term "substance" refers to any ingredient, composition that needs to be kept separate from the formulation contained in the bottle. Suitable ingredients can be, but are not limited to, sensitive ingredients, active ingredients, beneficial agents or incompatible reagents.

[0048] As used herein, the term "surface of interest" refers to the hair when the composition is a cleaning composition in the form of a hair shampoo or hair conditioner; alternatively, the skin when the cleaning composition is in the form of a personal care product such as a shower or bath cream, bath agent or foaming bath agent; alternatively, the fabric, such as a liquid detergent or fabric softener.

[0049] Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages are by weight (w / w) of the formulation or final composition or of the pump dispenser or pump assembly. "wt.%" means weight percent. References to 'parts' (e.g., a mixture of 1 part X and 3 parts Y) are ratios by weight. Unless otherwise specifically stated, all ratios or percentages are weight ratios or weight percentages.

[0050] Given a quantity range, these are to be understood as the total amount of the ingredients in a composition (substance, preparation or final composition), consumer product or packaging component (pump dispenser, pump assembly), or, in the case where more than one substance falls within the range of the ingredient definition, the total amount of all ingredients in the composition, consumer product or packaging component complies with the definition.

[0051] The amount of each specific ingredient or their mixture described below can be up to 100% (or 100%) of the total amount of ingredients in the composition, consumer product or packaging component.

[0052] As used herein, the term "free of" means a specific ingredient of a composition or a component of a pump dispenser or pump assembly. For example, a pump dispenser contains 0% of an ingredient based on the total weight of the specific components of the pump dispenser, and thus there is no detectable amount of the stated ingredient.

[0053] As used herein, the term "substantially free of" means less than 1%, less than 0.8%, less than 0.5%, less than 0.3% or less than a non-substantial amount of the stated ingredient based on the total weight of the composition or pump dispenser or pump assembly.

[0054] The term "room temperature" means a temperature of 25°C.

[0055] Unless otherwise specified, all measurements are understood to be made at 25°C and ambient conditions, where "ambient conditions" means a pressure of 1 atmosphere (atm) and a relative humidity of 65%. "Relative humidity" means the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of the moisture content of air to the saturated moisture content at the same temperature and pressure. Relative humidity can be measured using a hygrometer, specifically using a probe hygrometer obtained from International.

[0056] The object of the present invention is to provide a pump dispenser, a pump assembly and a method for releasing a substance into a preparation contained in a bottle of the pump dispenser for achieving the technical effects or objectives described in the summary of the invention or as described below. These objectives and other advantages described in the above summary of the invention and detailed description and defined in the subsequent claims that can be obtained by the present invention may be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0057] Pump dispenser

[0058] There is provided a pump dispenser 1, and the pump dispenser includes: a bottle 40, the bottle including a neck 41 having a neck landing zone; and a pump assembly 50.

[0059] Figure 1A perspective view of a pump dispenser 1 with a locked storage position is provided. The pump dispenser includes a bottle 40 that is coupled to a pump assembly 50. The pump assembly 50 includes an actuator 10 and a closure 20. The closure 20 is connectable to the actuator 10. More specifically, the closure 20 is coupled to the neck 41 of the bottle 40. The closure 20 can be threadedly engaged with the neck 41 of the bottle 40. The liquid or gel discharged from the pump dispenser 1 is discharged through the actuator outlet 15 of the actuator 10.

[0060] The pump dispenser 1 may further include a clip 200 to lock the actuator 10 before first use, wherein the clip 200 is positioned between the actuator 10 and the closure 20.

[0061] Alternatively, the actuator 10 can generally be self-locking. In this regard, the actuator 10 can generally be unlocked by rotating the actuator 90 degrees.

[0062] Pump assembly

[0063] The pump assembly 50 of the pump dispenser 1 includes an actuator 10 having a cavity therein; a closure 20 that is connected to the actuator 10 and coupled to the neck 41 of the bottle 40; a draw tube 30; and a dual-chamber pump 60.

[0064] Figure 2 A perspective view of the pump assembly 50 is provided, which includes an actuator 10, a closure 20 connected to the actuator 10, a draw tube 30, and a dual-chamber pump 60.

[0065] The draw tube 30 can provide fluid communication between the final composition FC, in the form of, for example, a liquid or gel, contained in the bottle 40 and the dual-chamber pump 60. The draw tube 30 can have a lower end and an upper end, the lower end being located in the liquid or gel in the bottle 40, and the upper end being connected to the dual-chamber pump 60, particularly the sealing cap 90, or alternatively connected at the sub-stem 95 of the sealing cap 90. The liquid or gel can be transported through the draw tube 30 by means of a pressure difference between the lower end and the upper end of the draw tube 30. The pressure difference can be provided by a pump that applies suction to the upper end of the draw tube 30. The draw tube 30 can be a common flexible plastic tube.

[0066] The dual-chamber pump 60 includes a piston assembly 70, wherein the piston assembly 70 is in fluid communication with the actuator 10.

[0067] The dual-chamber pump 60 further includes a housing 80, which includes a pump chamber 81, a storage chamber 82, and a core 83.

[0068] The pump chamber 81 has a cavity therein. The pump chamber 81 has an upper portion 815 and a lower portion 816. The piston assembly 70 is inside the pump chamber 81 and is slidably engaged with the pump chamber 81.

[0069] The storage chamber 82 has a cavity therein. The storage chamber 82 has an upper portion 824 and a lower portion 825. The storage chamber cavity contains the substance S to be released into the formulation F contained in the bottle 40.

[0070] The core 83 has a cavity therein. The core 83 is a sleeve that projects from the lower portion 816 of the pump chamber 81 through the storage chamber 82 towards the suction tube 30.

[0071] The core 83 includes a connecting rod 84.

[0072] The dual-chamber pump 60 further includes a sealing cap 90. The sealing cap 90 is rigidly connected to the core 83 and closes the storage chamber 82 at the lower portion 825 of the storage chamber 82 such that the substance S to be released is retained in the storage chamber cavity.

[0073] When the user first pushes down on the actuator 10, the piston assembly 70 moves to push down on the connecting rod 84, which pushes down on the sealing cap 90 to open the storage chamber 82 to release the substance S contained in the storage chamber 82 into the bottle 40.

[0074] Housing

[0075] Such as for example Figures 3 to 6 or Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the dual-chamber pump 60 includes a housing 80, which includes a pump chamber 81, a storage chamber 82, and a core 83.

[0076] The housing 80 may have an open top and an open bottom, such as for example Figure 4 as shown. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the housing 80 suitable for any aspect disclosed herein is provided.

[0077] The pump chamber 81 of the housing 80 may have an open top 811 and an open bottom 812. The open top of the housing 80 may be the same as the open top 811 of the pump chamber 81. The pump chamber 81 of the housing 80 may have a side wall 813 with an inner surface 814. The pump chamber 81 has a cavity therein. The pump chamber 81 has an upper portion 815 and a lower portion 816.

[0078] The piston assembly 70 is inside the pump chamber 81 and is slidably engaged with the pump chamber 81. The piston assembly 70 of the dual-chamber pump 60 may be axially oriented within the housing 80 and is mounted to the pump chamber 81 through the open top 811 of the pump chamber 81. The piston assembly 70 may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis L. The piston assembly 70 will be described in more detail below.

[0079] The storage chamber 82 of the housing 80 may have an open top and an open bottom 821. The open top of the storage chamber 82 may be the same as the open bottom 812 of the pump chamber 81. The storage chamber 82 of the housing 80 may have a side wall 822 with an inner surface 823. The storage chamber 82 has a cavity therein. The storage chamber 82 has an upper portion 824 and a lower portion 825. The storage chamber cavity includes the substance S to be released into the formulation F contained in the bottle 40.

[0080] In a reasonable, practical and preferred arrangement, the storage chamber 82 may be located below the pump chamber 81.

[0081] The pump chamber 81 is filled with air, while the storage chamber 82 is filled with the substance S.

[0082] Alternatively, however, as a less preferred option, the storage chamber 82 may surround the pump chamber 81 such that the pump chamber 81 is inside the storage chamber 82.

[0083] Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of another pump assembly 50 is provided, in which the storage chamber 82 surrounds the pump chamber 81.

[0084] In this regard, surrounding the pump chamber 81 with the storage chamber 82 requires increasing the size of the closure 20 of the pump assembly 50 and the corresponding neck 41 of the bottle 40.

[0085] The housing 80 of the dual-chamber pump 60 has a core 83. The core 83 has a cavity therein. The core 83 is a sleeve that projects from the lower portion 816 of the pump chamber 81 through the storage chamber 82 towards the suction tube 30.

[0086] In other words, the core 83 can be a sleeve that projects from the open bottom 812 of the pump chamber 81 towards the open bottom 821 of the storage chamber 82, preferably projects towards and beyond the open bottom 821 of the storage chamber 82. The core 83 may form a central opening coaxial with the longitudinal axis L.

[0087] The core 83 may have an open top and an open bottom 831. The open top of the core 83 may be the same as the open bottom 812 of the pump chamber 81. The core 83 may have an upper portion 832 and a lower portion 833.

[0088] The core 83 of the housing 80 may have a side wall 834 with an inner surface 835 and an outer surface 836. The core 83 of the housing 80 may have an inner shape defined by the inner surface 835 of the core 83, where the inner shape of the coupling sleeve 83 is cylindrical.

[0089] The core 83 of the housing 80 may be integrally formed with the inner surface 814 of the pump chamber 81.

[0090] The core 83 includes a connecting rod 84. The connecting rod 84 may have a hollow internal cavity 840 that is in fluid communication with the suction tube 30.

[0091] The connecting rod 84 may have an upper portion that has a diameter. The diameter of the upper portion of the connecting rod 84 may be greater than the minimum diameter of the lower portion 833 of the core 83. In this regard, the connecting rod 84 will remain positioned within the core 83, as Figure 5 or Figure 8 shown. Accordingly, the connecting rod 84 may be retained within the core 83.

[0092] The different portions of the housing 80, namely the pump chamber 81, the storage chamber 82, and the core 83, are not limited to cylindrical tubes per se. The pump chamber 81, the storage chamber 82, and / or the core 83 may have any suitable external shape, including for example a generally cylindrical shape, a generally conical shape, a generally elliptical shape, or any combination thereof. As used herein, the terms "generally cylindrical", "generally conical", and "generally elliptical" describe shapes that are strictly cylindrical, conical, and elliptical as well as shapes that deviate from the strictly cylindrical, conical, and elliptical. Examples of such "generally cylindrical" and "generally conical" or "generally elliptical" may include but are not limited to pump chambers 81, storage chambers 82, and / or cores 83 having a cross-sectional shape that deviates from circular by elongation in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (e.g., elliptical, oval, etc.). Other suitable shapes may be covered, but these shapes are not preferred, for example, polygons, rectangular prisms, cubes, etc. or combinations of generally cylindrical / conical and polygonal shapes.

[0093] Sealing cap

[0094] The sealing cap 90 may have two alternative configurations. The sealing cap 90 of the dual-chamber pump 60 may be a single piece. The sealing cap 90 may be rigidly connected to the core 83 at or adjacent to the lower portion 825 of the storage chamber 82. The suction tube 30 may be rigidly connected to the sealing cap 90. The sealing cap 90 may wrap around a portion of the core 83 such that when the user first pushes down on the actuator 10, the piston assembly 70 moves to push down on the connecting rod 84, which pushes down on the sealing cap 90 to open the storage chamber 82 to release the substance S contained in the storage chamber 82 into the bottle 40. In this regard, the sealing cap 90 remains engaged with the core 83 and does not fall into the bottle 40.

[0095] Figure 3 A front perspective view of the dual-chamber pump 60 including the sealing cap 90 as a single piece is provided. Figure 5 A Figure 3 cross-sectional view of the dual-chamber pump 60 is provided. Figure 5A An enlarged view of a Figure 5 region of the dual-chamber pump 60 including the one-piece sealing cap 90 is provided. Figure 6Provided is an exploded view of a pump dispenser 1 including a two-chamber pump 60 in a disassembled form Figure 3 of the two-chamber pump 60.

[0096] As Figure 3 shown, the two-chamber pump 60 includes: a piston assembly 70; a housing 80; and a seal cap 90. The housing 80 of the two-chamber pump 60 includes a pump chamber 81 and a storage chamber 82. The seal cap 90 is connected to the draw tube 30. As described in more detail below, the two-chamber pump 60 may further include a mesh 65.

[0097] As Figure 5 and Figure 5A shown, the seal cap 90 of the two-chamber pump 60 may be a single piece. The seal cap 90 is rigidly connected to the core 83 at or adjacent to the lower portion 825 of the storage chamber 82. The draw tube 30 is rigidly connected to the seal cap 90. The seal cap 90 wraps a part of the core 83. In particular, the seal cap 90 wraps the lower portion 833 of the core 83.

[0098] The seal cap 90 may be a sleeve having an open top 901 and an open bottom 902. The seal cap 90 may have a side wall 903 having an outer surface 904 and an inner surface 905. The seal cap 90 may have an upper portion 906 and a lower portion 907. The upper portion 906 and the lower portion 907 of the seal cap 90 may be separated by an annular ring 908. The annular ring 908 of the seal cap 90 may project from the outer surface 904 of the side wall 903 of the seal cap 90. The seal cap 90 forms a central opening coaxial with the longitudinal axis L, as for example Figure 5A shown.

[0099] The upper portion 906 of the seal cap 90 may have a diameter greater than the diameter of the lower portion 907 of the seal cap 90.

[0100] The seal cap 90 may be rigidly connected to the core 83 at or adjacent to the lower portion 825 of the storage chamber 82. In this case, the side wall 903 at the upper portion 906 of the seal cap 90 engages or wraps a part of the lower portion 833 of the core 83, alternatively, engages or wraps a part of the upper portion 832 and the lower portion 833 of the core 83, such that the annular ring 908 closes the open bottom 821 of the storage chamber 82. In this regard, the substance S contained in the storage chamber 82 can be kept separated from the formulation F contained in the bottle 40. Accordingly, the stability of the formulation F and / or the substance S can be ensured. The product components contained in the substance S or the formulation F can have an extended shelf life and promote enhanced product effectiveness.

[0101] The draw tube 30 may be rigidly connected to the sealing cap 90. The draw tube 30 may be inserted into the open bottom 902 of the sealing cap 90. A portion of the lower part 907 of the sealing cap 90 may wrap around a portion of the core 83, namely, at a portion of the lower part 833 of the core 83.

[0102] Figure 6 Illustrated is how the different components of the pump dispenser may be inserted and connected together. The connecting rod 84 is introduced into the core 83. The piston assembly 70, as described in more detail below, is inserted into the pump chamber 81. The piston assembly 70 is installed beforehand. For this purpose, the spring 73 is positioned in the spring seat 77. The pull rod 74 within the piston rod 72 is introduced into the spring 73. The piston tip 75 is inserted into the open bottom of the piston rod 72 to close the open bottoms of the piston rod 72 and the spring seat 77. The open top of the piston rod 72 is connected to the piston skirt 71 and the diaphragm 78. The mesh 65 is connected to the piston skirt 71. Then, the dual-chamber pump 60 is connected to the closure 20. The actuator 10 having the outlet 15 is inserted into the closure 20, optionally with a clip 200.

[0103] Then, the inlet check valve 96 is introduced from the open top 901 of the sealing cap 90. The draw tube 30 is connected at the open bottom 902 of the sealing cap 90.

[0104] The substance S is added to the storage chamber 82 from the open bottom 821 of the storage chamber 82. After the substance S has been added to the storage chamber 82, the sealing cap 90 closes the lower part 825 of the storage chamber 82. The sealing cap 90 also closes the open bottom of the connecting rod 84 within the core 83.

[0105] The resulting pump assembly 50 is then inserted and engaged (e.g., by screwing) with the bottle 40 containing the formulation F.

[0106] Alternatively, the sealing cap 90 may include an upper cap 93 and a sub-rod 95. The sub-rod 95 may be rigidly connected to the core 83 at or adjacent to the lower part 825 of the storage chamber 82. The draw tube 30 may be rigidly connected to the sub-rod 95. The upper cap 93 may wrap around a portion of the core 83 and a portion of the sub-rod 95 such that when the user first pushes down on the actuator 10, the piston assembly 70 moves to push down the connecting rod 84, which pushes both the upper cap 93 and the sub-rod 95 of the sealing cap 90 downward together to open the storage chamber 82 to release the substance S contained in the storage chamber 82 into the bottle 40. In this regard, the upper cap 93 and the sub-rod 95 remain engaged with the core 83 and do not fall into the bottle 40.

[0107] The sub-rod 95 may wrap around a portion of the connecting rod 84 and a portion of the core 83.

[0108] Figure 7A front perspective view of an alternative dual-chamber pump 60 including a seal cap 90 having two pieces is provided. In this regard, the same housing 80 as Figure 4 shown is used. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the dual-chamber pump 60 is provided. Figure 7 is provided. Figure 8A An enlarged view of the area including the two-piece seal cap 90 of the dual-chamber pump 60 is provided. Figure 8 is provided. Figure 9 An exploded view of the pump dispenser 1 of the dual-chamber pump 60 including the dual-chamber pump 60 in a disassembled form is provided. Figure 7 is provided.

[0109] As Figure 7 shown, the dual-chamber pump 60 includes: a piston assembly 70; a housing 80; and an alternative seal cap 90. The housing 80 of the dual-chamber pump 60 includes a pump chamber 81 and a storage chamber 82. The seal cap 90 is connected to the draw tube 30. As described in more detail below, the dual-chamber pump 60 may also include a mesh member 65.

[0110] As Figure 8 and Figure 8A shown, the seal cap 90 of the dual-chamber pump 60 has two pieces and includes an upper cap 93 and a sub-stem 95. The upper cap 93 of the seal cap 90 seals the lower part 825 of the storage chamber 82. Moreover, the upper cap 93 of the seal cap 90 wraps a part of the lower part 833 of the core 83. Thus, the sealing of the storage chamber 82 is ensured.

[0111] As Figure 8A shown, the seal cap 90 includes an upper cap 93 and a sub-stem 95. The upper cap 93 of the seal cap 90 may be a sleeve having an open top 931 and an open bottom 932. The upper cap 93 may have a side wall 933 having an outer surface 934 and an inner surface 935. The seal cap 90 may have an upper part 936 and a lower part 937. The upper part 936 and the lower part 937 of the upper cap 93 may be separated by an annular ring 938. The annular ring 938 of the upper cap 93 may project from the outer surface 934 of the side wall 933 of the upper cap 93. The upper cap 93 forms a central opening coaxial with the longitudinal axis L.

[0112] The upper part 936 of the upper cap 93 may have a diameter greater than the diameter of the lower part 937 of the upper cap 93.

[0113] The sub-stem 95 of the seal cap 90 may be a sleeve having an open top 951 and an open bottom 952. The sub-stem 95 may have a side wall 953 having an outer surface 954 and an inner surface 955. The sub-stem 95 may have an upper part 956 and a lower part 957. The sub-stem 95 forms a central opening coaxial with the longitudinal axis L.

[0114] The sub-rod 95 can be rigidly connected to the core 83 at or adjacent to the lower part 825 of the storage chamber 82. Preferably, the sub-rod 95 can be rigidly connected to a part of the lower part 833 of the core 83.

[0115] The suction tube 30 can be rigidly connected to the sub-rod 95. The suction tube 30 is connected to the lower part 957 of the sub-rod 95 at the open bottom 952 of the sub-rod 95.

[0116] The upper cap 93 can wrap a part of the core 83 and a part of the sub-rod 95. In particular, the upper cap 93 can wrap a part of the lower part 833 of the core 83 and a part of the upper part 956 of the sub-rod 95.

[0117] The sub-rod 95 can wrap a part of the connecting rod 84 and a part of the core 83. In particular, the sub-rod 95 can wrap a part of the lower part 833 of the core 83 and a part of the lower part of the connecting rod 84.

[0118] The upper cap 93 of the sealing cap 90 can also be rigidly connected to the core 83 at or adjacent to the lower part 825 of the storage chamber 82. In this case, the upper part 936 of the upper cap 93 engages with the lower part 833 of the core 83, so that the annular ring 938 of the upper cap 93 closes the open bottom 821 of the storage chamber 82.

[0119] In this regard, the substance S contained in the storage chamber 82 can be kept separated from the preparation F contained in the bottle 40. Therefore, the stability of the preparation F and / or the substance S can be ensured. The product components contained in the substance S or the preparation F can have an extended shelf life and promote enhanced product effectiveness.

[0120] Figure 9 It shows how the different components of the pump dispenser can be inserted and connected together. The connecting rod 84 is introduced into the core 83. The piston assembly 70 is inserted into the pump chamber 81 as described in more detail below. The piston assembly 70 is installed in advance. For this purpose, the spring 73 is positioned in the spring seat 77. The pull rod 74 in the piston rod 72 is introduced into the spring 73. The piston tip 75 is inserted into the open bottom of the piston rod 72 to close the open bottom of the piston rod 72 and the open bottom of the spring seat 77. The open top of the piston rod 72 is connected to the piston skirt 71 and the diaphragm 78. The mesh 65 is connected to the piston skirt 71. Then, the double-chamber pump 60 is connected to the closure 20. The actuator 10 with the outlet 15 is inserted into the closure 20, optionally with the clip 200.

[0121] Then, the suction tube 30 is connected at the open bottom 952 of the sub-rod 95. The inlet check valve 96 is introduced from the open top 951 of the sub-rod 95. The sub-rod 95 is introduced from the open top 931 of the upper cap 93 into the upper cap 93 of the sealing cap 90.

[0122] Substance S is added to the storage chamber 82 through the open bottom 821 of the storage chamber 82. After the substance S has been added to the storage chamber 82, the sealing cap 90 closes the lower part 825 of the storage chamber 82 through the upper cap 93 of the sealing cap 90. The sealing cap 90 also closes the open bottom of the connecting rod 84 within the core 83 through the sub-rod 95.

[0123] The resulting pump assembly 50 is then inserted and engaged (e.g., by screwing) with the bottle 40 containing the preparation F.

[0124] Inlet check valve

[0125] The dual-chamber pump 60 may include an inlet check valve 96 such that the inlet check valve 96 permits fluid to flow in the downstream direction from the bottle 40 or the suction tube 30 towards the pump chamber 81 and the actuator 10 to prevent fluid from flowing in the upstream direction.

[0126] Preferably, the inlet check valve 96 may be positioned within the sealing cap 90 between the connecting rod 84 and the suction tube 30. In this case, the sealing cap 90 is a single piece.

[0127] Alternatively, when the sealing cap 90 includes an upper cap 93 and a sub-rod 95, the inlet check valve 96 may be positioned within the sub-rod 95 of the sealing cap 90 between the connecting rod 84 and the suction tube 30.

[0128] The inlet check valve 96 may generally be selected from free-floating ball check valves, spring-loaded ball check valves, diaphragm check valves, swing check valves, flap valves, clack valves, reflux valves, lift check valves, straight-through check valves, umbrella valves, and duckbill valves.

[0129] Piston assembly

[0130] The dual-chamber pump 60 includes a piston assembly 70, wherein the piston assembly 70 is in fluid communication with the actuator 10.

[0131] The piston assembly 70 may include: a piston skirt 71; a piston rod 72 that engages, i.e., is attached to, the piston skirt 71; and a spring 73.

[0132] In this regard, the piston skirt 71 seals the upper part 815 of the pump chamber 81. The piston rod 72 has a hollow internal cavity 720. The hollow internal cavity 720 of the piston rod 72 may be in fluid communication with the actuator 10. The hollow internal cavity 720 of the piston rod 72 has an upper part 721 and a lower part 722.

[0133] The upper portion 721 of the hollow internal cavity 720 of the piston rod 72 includes a pull rod 74. The lower portion 722 of the hollow internal cavity 720 of the piston rod 72 includes a piston tip 75. The piston tip 75 may have a hollow internal cavity 750 that is in fluid communication with the hollow internal cavity 720 of the piston rod 72 and the core 83.

[0134] The pull rod 74 may be engaged with the piston tip 75. The piston tip 75 is slidably engaged with the core 83, and the piston tip 75 is configured to move relative to the pull rod 74.

[0135] When the user first pushes down on the actuator 10, the piston assembly 70 moves to push down on the connecting rod 84 through direct contact between the piston tip 75 and the connecting rod 84.

[0136] When the seal cap 90 is a single piece, the seal cap 90 moves along the core 83 together with the connecting rod 84 along the longitudinal axis L.

[0137] When the seal cap 90 includes an upper cap 93 and a sub-rod 95, the upper cap 93 and the sub-rod 95 of the seal cap 90 move along the core 83 together with the connecting rod 84 along the longitudinal axis L.

[0138] In both cases, when the storage chamber 82 has been opened after the user first pushes or "prepares" the actuator 10, the seal cap 90 does not fall into the bottle 40.

[0139] In operation, for example, the final composition FC as a liquid or gel is withdrawn from the bottle 40 that is in fluid communication with the manual operation pump assembly 50 via the suction tube 30. The liquid or gel enters the double-chamber pump 60 of the pump assembly 50 through the inlet check valve 96 towards the actuator 10. Specifically, the liquid or gel enters through the inlet check valve 96 into the connecting rod 84, the core 83, the hollow internal cavity 750 of the piston tip 75, the hollow internal cavity 720 of the piston rod 72 and then into the actuator 10.

[0140] The inlet check valve 96 permits flow from the bottle 40 or the suction tube 30 to the double-chamber pump 60 in the downstream direction and prevents flow in the upstream direction. The double-chamber pump 60 of the pump assembly 50 is downstream of the inlet check valve 96 and is in fluid communication therewith using the connecting rod 84.

[0141] The piston assembly 70 is inside the housing 80 of the double-chamber pump 60 and is slidably engaged with the housing 80, preferably slidably engaged with the pump chamber 81 and the core 83.

[0142] The piston assembly 70 and the housing 80 are movable relative to each other. Preferably, the piston assembly 70 and the core 83 of the housing 80 are movable relative to each other. The piston assembly 70 may be capable of moving within the fixed housing 80, which is a practical method.

[0143] Preferably, the piston assembly 70 can be inside the pump chamber 81 of the housing 80. More preferably, the piston assembly 70 can be inside the pump chamber 81 of the housing 80 and at least partially engage with the core 83.

[0144] The actuator 10 engages with either the piston assembly 70 or the housing 80 of the dual-chamber pump 60, depending on the mechanism used to provide movement of the piston assembly 70 relative to the housing 80. The actuator 10 can be pressed to actuate the movement of the piston assembly 70 relative to the housing 80. In a reasonably practical arrangement, the actuator 10 engages with the piston assembly 70 to drive the movement of the piston assembly 70 within the stationary housing 80. That is, the piston assembly 70 can move relative to the stationary housing 80, specifically relative to the stationary pump chamber 81 and the stationary core 83.

[0145] The dual-chamber pump 60 can further include a mesh member 65 having an upper end 651 and a lower end 652, wherein the actuator 10 is adapted to receive the upper end 651 of the mesh member 65, wherein the upper end 651 of the mesh member 65 is rigidly connected to the actuator 10, and wherein the mesh member 65 is in fluid communication with the actuator 10.

[0146] In this regard, the piston assembly 70 can be in fluid communication with the mesh member 65, wherein the piston skirt 71 holds the mesh member 65 and connects it to the piston rod 72 of the piston assembly 70.

[0147] The final composition FC, which is a liquid or gel, discharged from the dual-chamber pump 60 is discharged through the actuator outlet 15.

[0148] The piston assembly 70 can conform to the inner surface 814 of the pump chamber 81. The piston skirt 71 can be positioned between the piston rod 72 and the inner surface 814 of the pump chamber 81 to provide a seal between the piston rod 72 and the pump chamber 81. The piston skirt 71 seals the upper portion 815 of the pump chamber 81. The piston rod 72 can be attached to the piston skirt 71.

[0149] The pump chamber 81 of the dual-chamber pump 60 can include one or more vent holes 810. One or more vent holes 810 of the pump chamber 81 can be located at or adjacent to the upper portion 815 of the pump chamber 81.

[0150] The pump chamber 81 can preferably include one or more vent holes 810 located at the inner surface 814 of the pump chamber 81, preferably between the piston skirt 71 and the closure 20 at the inner surface 814 of the pump chamber 81, see for example Figure 10 .

[0151] When the bottle 40 is closed by the pump assembly 50, one or more vent holes 810 of the pump chamber 81 can preferably be located adjacent to the neck 41 of the bottle 40 and away from the formulation F or the final composition FC (liquid or gel) contained in the bottle 40.

[0152] During actuation of the actuator 10 by the user, air is forced out of the pump chamber 81. The pressure generated in the liquid or gel within the pump chamber 81 can drive the liquid or gel towards the actuator outlet 15.

[0153] The piston skirt 71 of the piston assembly 70 may include one or more vent holes 710, such as for example Figure 5 , Figure 8 or Figure 10 as shown. One or more vent holes 710 of the piston skirt 71 may be located at or adjacent to the upper portion 815 of the pump chamber 81, preferably away from the closure 20 and the piston rod 72.

[0154] When the actuator 10 is released, the piston assembly 70 returns to its rest position and air will enter the pump chamber 81 via one or more vent holes 710 of the piston skirt 71 to store air for the next pumping action of the actuator 10.

[0155] Moreover, air may enter the bottle 40 via the vent hole 810 of the pump chamber 81 to compensate for the space vacated by the dispensed liquid or gel. Thus, the bottle 40 can maintain a rigid shape without the need to increase the pressing force.

[0156] The dual chamber pump 60 may include an outer gasket 85. The outer gasket 85 may be frictionally fitted to the outside of the upper portion 815 of the pump chamber 81. The outer gasket 85 may serve as a gasket barrier on the bottle landing area to prevent product leakage. The outer gasket 85 may be made of a variety of materials, such as but not limited to: rubber, low density polyethylene (LDPE), etc.

[0157] The piston skirt 71 of the piston assembly 70 may engage with the diaphragm 78.

[0158] The piston assembly 70 may include a spring 73. The pump chamber 81 may include a spring seat 77, which is located at or adjacent to and spaced from the lower portion 816 of the pump chamber 81.

[0159] The spring 73 of the piston assembly 70 at least partially surrounds the piston rod 72 from a spring stop 76 at or adjacent to and spaced from the piston skirt 71 to the bottom of the spring seat 77 at or adjacent to and spaced from the lower portion 816 of the pump chamber 81.

[0160] Such as for example Figure 5 or Figure 8 as shown, the spring 73 of the piston assembly 70 surrounds the piston rod 72 from the spring stop 76 at the piston skirt 71 to the bottom of the spring seat 77 at the lower portion 816 of the pump chamber 81.

[0161] In this regard, when the actuator is pressed after "preparation" (after the first actuation), the spring 73 of the piston assembly 70 does not contact or fluidly communicate with the liquid or gel contained in the bottle 40. The spring 73 of the piston assembly 70 is positioned outside the piston rod 72.

[0162] Alternatively, the spring 73 of the piston assembly 70 can be located within the hollow internal cavity 720 of the piston rod 72, where the spring 73 at least partially surrounds the pull rod 74 and the piston tip 75.

[0163] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of another dual-chamber pump 60 is provided, where the spring 73 is located within the hollow internal cavity 720 of the piston rod 72 and at least partially surrounds the pull rod 74 and the piston tip 75 of the piston assembly 70.

[0164] In this regard, when the actuator is pressed after "preparation" (after the first actuation), the spring 73 of the piston assembly 70 can contact or fluidly communicate with the liquid or gel contained in the bottle 40. The spring 73 of the piston assembly 70 is positioned inside the piston rod 72.

[0165] In all aspects, the spring 73 can include a design selected from a single coil spring, a double coil spring, a stacked double coil spring, a wave spring, and combinations thereof.

[0166] Actuator

[0167] Figures 10 to 13 A sequential cross-sectional view of a pump dispenser 1 including a pump assembly 50 and a dual-chamber pump 60 is provided to show how the substance S contained in the storage chamber 82 of the dual-chamber pump 60 is released into the bottle 40 containing the formulation F to form and dispense the resulting final composition FC. The final composition FC can be in the form of a liquid or a gel.

[0168] As explained above, the substance S is first contained in the storage chamber 82 and kept separate from the formulation F contained in the bottle 40, as Figure 10 shown. The pump dispenser 1 is in a locked storage configuration before the first actuation and use.

[0169] Figure 11 is during the first actuation or when the pump assembly has been "prepared" Figure 10Cross-sectional view of the pump dispenser 1. When the user first pushes the actuator 10 downward, the piston assembly 70 moves to push the connecting rod 84 downward. The piston skirt 71 and the piston rod 72 are pushed downward and compress the spring 73, such that the piston tip 75 hits the connecting rod 84. The resulting linear movement of the connecting rod 84 along the longitudinal axis L pushes the single-piece seal cap 90 downward to open the storage chamber 82 to release the substance S contained in the storage chamber 82 into the bottle 40. The single-piece seal cap 90 remains engaged with the core 83 such that the seal cap 90 does not fall into the bottle 40.

[0170] Alternatively, the resulting linear movement of the connecting rod 84 along the longitudinal axis L pushes both the upper cap 93 and the sub-rod 95 of the seal cap 90 downward as Figure 11 shown to open the storage chamber 82 to release the substance S contained in the storage chamber 82 into the bottle 40. The upper cap 93 and the sub-rod 95 of the seal cap 90 remain engaged with the core 83 such that the seal cap 90 does not fall into the bottle 40, as Figure 11 shown.

[0171] In all respects, the connecting rod 84 is within the travel distance of the spring seat 77 along the longitudinal axis L, which is the same as the travel distance between the spring stop 76 and the top of the spring seat 77 along the longitudinal axis L.

[0172] The connecting rod 84 can be within a travel distance of 12 mm to 25 mm, preferably 13 mm to 23 mm, more preferably 15 mm to 20 mm, and most preferably 15.5 mm to 18.5 mm of the spring seat 77 along the longitudinal axis L.

[0173] The connecting rod 84 and the seal cap 90 can move downward along the longitudinal axis L of the dual-chamber pump 60 by a distance of 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 7.5 mm, more preferably 2.5 mm to 5.5 mm, and most preferably 5.0 mm to 5.5 mm.

[0174] To this end, the piston rod 72 compresses the spring 73 until the spring stop 76 hits the top of the spring seat 77; alternatively, until the spring 73 is fully compressed. The piston tip 75 moves linearly towards the connecting rod 84. Then, the connecting rod 84 and the seal cap 90 move downward along the longitudinal axis L of the dual-chamber pump 60 by a distance of 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 7.5 mm, more preferably 2.5 mm to 5.5 mm, and most preferably 5.0 mm to 5.5 mm.

[0175] As Figure 12 shown, after the substance S is released into the bottle 40 containing the formulation F, the final composition FC is obtained, for example, after shaking the bottle 40. The storage chamber 82 remains open. However, the seal cap 90 does not fall into the bottle 40 and remains engaged with the core 83.

[0176] After the first actuation, the travel distance of the connecting rod 84 beyond the spring seat 77. When the spring 73 is compressed, the spring 73 will not trigger the movement of the connecting rod 84, and the pump assembly 50 will function as a typical pump assembly.

[0177] As Figure 13 shown, when the user continues to actuate, the resulting final composition FC can be withdrawn from the bottle 40 via the suction tube 30. The final composition FC enters the dual-chamber pump 60 of the pump assembly 50 through the inlet check valve 96 towards the actuator 10. Specifically, the final composition FC enters through the inlet check valve 96 into the hollow internal cavities 750 of the connecting rod 84, the core 83, the piston tip 75, the hollow internal cavity 720 of the piston rod 72 and then into the actuator 10.

[0178] The inlet check valve 96 permits flow in the downstream direction from the bottle 40 or the suction tube 30 to the dual-chamber pump 60 and prevents flow in the upstream direction. The dual-chamber pump 60 of the pump assembly 50 is downstream of the inlet check valve 96 and is in fluid communication therewith via the connecting rod 84.

[0179] Exemplary packaging materials

[0180] A variety of thermoplastic materials or rigid and semi-rigid materials can be used for the pump dispenser 1, the bottle 40 and the pump assembly 50 as well as other components of the pump dispenser 1 herein. For example, rigid and semi-rigid materials can include but are not limited to metals, including but not limited to aluminum, magnesium alloys, steel; glass; including but not limited to laminates and polymeric materials such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), polyethylene terephthalate copolymer, polycarbonate (PC), polyamide, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), thermoplastic elastomers, polyoxymethylene copolymer and mixtures thereof.

[0181] Any of the aforementioned polyolefins can be derived from bio-based raw materials such as sugarcane or other agricultural products to produce bio-polypropylene or bio-polyethylene.

[0182] Other suitable thermoplastic materials include renewable polymers, such as non-limiting examples of polymers directly produced from living organisms, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (e.g., poly(β-hydroxyalkanoate), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate, NODAX (registered trademark)), and bacterial cellulose; polymers extracted from plants, agricultural crops, and biomass, such as polysaccharides and their derivatives (e.g., gums, cellulose, cellulose esters, chitin, chitosan, starch, chemically modified starch, particles of cellulose acetate), proteins (e.g., zein, whey, gluten, collagen), lipids, lignin, and natural rubber; thermoplastic starches produced from starch or chemically modified starch, and polymers derived from natural source monomers and derivatives, such as bio-polyethylene, bio-polypropylene, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, nylon 11, alkyd resins, succinic acid-based polyesters, and bio-polyethylene terephthalate.

[0183] Suitable thermoplastic materials may include one or more blends of different thermoplastic materials. For example, the blend can be a combination of materials derived from either bioderived or petroleum-derived materials, or recycled materials of bioderived or petroleum-derived materials. One or more of the thermoplastic materials in the blend can be biodegradable. The thermoplastic material can be biodegradable.

[0184] The thermoplastic material can also be, for example, a polyester. Exemplary polyesters include, but are not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The PET polymer can be derived from bio-based feedstocks, such as sugarcane or other agricultural products, to produce a partially or fully bio-PET polymer. Other suitable thermoplastic materials include copolymers of polypropylene and polyethylene, as well as thermoplastic elastomers, polyesters, polystyrene, polycarbonate, poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), poly(lactic acid), bio-based polyesters (such as poly(vinyl furanoate), polyhydroxyalkanoates), poly(vinyl furanoate) (considered an alternative or direct replacement for PET), polyhydroxyalkanoates, polyamides, polyacetals, ethylene-α-olefin rubbers, and polymers and copolymers of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers. The thermoplastic material can also be a blend of a variety of polymeric materials and non-polymeric materials. The thermoplastic material can be, for example, a blend of high, medium, and low molecular weight polymers that produces a multimodal or bimodal blend. The multimodal material can be designed in such a way as to produce a thermoplastic material that has both excellent flow properties and satisfactory chemical / physical properties. The thermoplastic material can also be a blend of a polymer with one or more small molecule additives. The small molecule can be, for example, a silicone or other lubricating molecule that, when added to the thermoplastic material, improves the flowability of the polymeric material.

[0185] The polymeric material may also include various fillers known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, mica, interference pigments, wood flour; or materials capable of "blooming" to the surface of the molded part. Other additives may include inorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, talc, clays (e.g., nanoclays), aluminum hydroxide, calcium silicate (CaSiO 3 ), glass forming fibers or microspheres, crystalline silica (e.g., quartz, cristobalite, crystallobite), magnesium hydroxide, mica, sodium sulfate, lithopone, magnesium carbonate, iron oxides; or organic fillers such as rice husk, straw, hemp fiber, wood flour or wood, bamboo or sugar cane fiber.

[0186] The pump dispenser 1, the bottle 40 and the pump assembly 50 and other components of the pump dispenser 1 herein may preferably be disposable and recyclable. The pump dispenser 1 may be made of sustainable materials selected from recycled materials and renewable materials.

[0187] Examples of renewable materials include bio-polyethylene, bio-polyethylene terephthalate and bio-polypropylene. Unless otherwise specified, "polyethylene" as used herein encompasses high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and ultra-low density polyethylene (ULDPE). Unless otherwise specified, "polypropylene" as used herein encompasses homopolymer polypropylene, random copolymer polypropylene and block copolymer polypropylene.

[0188] As used herein, "recycled" materials encompass post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, post-industrial recycled (PIR) materials and mixtures thereof. The pump dispenser 1 or the pump assembly 50 may be composed of recycled high density polyethylene, recycled polyethylene terephthalate, recycled polypropylene, recycled LLDPE or recycled LDPE, preferably composed of recycled high density polyethylene, recycled polyethylene terephthalate or recycled polypropylene, more preferably composed of recycled high density polyethylene or recycled polyethylene terephthalate.

[0189] The sustainable materials may comprise one or more bio-derived polymers or plastics selected from bio-derived polyethylene, bio-derived high density polyethylene, bio-derived polypropylene, bio-derived polyethylene terephthalate and mixtures thereof, see for example CA2762589A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0190] However, the pump dispenser 1 or the pump assembly 50 may be substantially free of, preferably free of, plastic polymer materials selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, polyamide, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and mixtures thereof.

[0191] Substances, formulations, and final compositions

[0192] Substance

[0193] The substance S that needs to be separated from formulation F until use may include sensitive components, hair dyes to be separated from oxidants, active ingredients such as antidandruff agents, beneficial agents such as silicone compounds, fragrances, reagents incompatible with the components of formulation F, etc.

[0194] The substance S may be selected from amino acid surfactants, fragrances, encapsulated fragrances, β-cyclodextrin-encapsulated fragrances, antimicrobial active substances, probiotic materials, preservative materials, beneficial phases, and mixtures thereof.

[0195] The sensitive component may be a component that is prone to oxidation, such as piroctone olamine, vitamin C, or provitamin.

[0196] Suitable beneficial agents may include fragrances, brighteners, dyes, insect repellents, siloxanes, waxes, flavoring agents, vitamins, fabric softeners, skin care agents, enzymes, fragrance delivery systems; conditioners, moisturizers, antibacterial agents, antimicrobials, thickeners, sensates, attractants, dyes, pigments, bleaching agents, and mixtures thereof.

[0197] The beneficial agent may alternatively include fragrances (such as vanillin, or ketones or aldehydes), brighteners, enzymes, fragrance delivery systems (such as β-cyclodextrin-encapsulated fragrances); conditioners, moisturizers, antimicrobials, thickeners, sensates, attractants, dyes, pigments, bleaching agents, and mixtures thereof.

[0198] The beneficial agent may be particles and insoluble materials that are not easily suspended in the formulation, for example, metal oxides; plant extracts, oils.

[0199] The beneficial agent may be selected from the group consisting of petrolatum; lanolin; derivatives of lanolin; natural waxes; synthetic waxes; volatile organosiloxanes; derivatives of volatile organosiloxanes; non-volatile organosiloxanes; derivatives of non-volatile organosiloxanes; lanolin oil; lanolin esters; natural triglycerides; synthetic triglycerides; and mixtures thereof.

[0200] Alternatively, non-limiting examples of glycerides suitable as hydrophobic skin beneficial agents herein include castor oil, soybean oil, derivative soybean oils such as maleated soybean oil, safflower oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, walnut oil, peanut oil, olive oil, cod liver oil, almond oil, avocado oil, palm oil, and sesame oil, vegetable oils, sunflower oil, and derivatives of vegetable oils; coconut oil and derivatives of coconut oil, cottonseed oil and derivatives of cottonseed oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, and mixtures thereof.

[0201] Still other suitable hydrophobic skin benefit agents include wax esters, non-limiting examples of which include beeswax and beeswax derivatives, cetyl wax, myristyl myristate, stearyl stearate, and mixtures thereof. Also useful are vegetable waxes such as carnauba wax and candelilla wax; sterols such as cholesterol, cholesterol fatty acid esters; and phospholipids such as lecithin and derivatives, sphingolipids, ceramides, glycosphingolipids, and mixtures thereof. Also suitable benefit agents also include glycerol monooleate.

[0202] Preferably, Substance S may comprise a hydrophobic benefit agent and a lipid bilayer structuring agent. The lipid bilayer structuring agent comprises glycerol monooleate, glycerol monostearate, glycerol monolaurate, or mixtures thereof. The benefit agent comprises petrolatum, soybean oil, sucrose polyester, mineral oil, or mixtures thereof.

[0203] During the mixing of Substance S and Formulation F, depending on the ingredients selected, morphological changes can be obtained, e.g., foam to liquid.

[0204] Moreover, Substance S may include one or more attractive ingredients, e.g., flowers or beads floating in the liquid, etc., which can be added to improve the overall impression and experience of the consumer.

[0205] The skin benefit agent may be a reagent that is incompatible with the surfactant of Formulation F due to the large amount of surfactant.

[0206] The active ingredient (e.g., amine) may be incompatible with other ingredients such as fragrances, including aldehydes or ketones.

[0207] The active ingredient may have additional benefits in addition to the cleansing benefit. For example, the active ingredient can be a skin health or anti-acne ingredient, etc., e.g., niacinamide, salicylic acid.

[0208] Formulation

[0209] Formulation F may comprise a surfactant system in a cosmetically acceptable carrier such as an aqueous carrier. The surfactant system may comprise an anionic surfactant (preferably a sulfate-free anionic surfactant) and a co-surfactant. Alternatively, the surfactant system may comprise a cationic surfactant.

[0210] The anionic surfactant may be selected from acyl hydroxyethyl sulfonates, acyl sarcosinates, sulfosuccinates, sulfonates, sulfoglycerinates, acyl glycinate, acyl alaninate, acyl glutamate, lactate, alkenyl lactate, gluconate carboxylates, amphoacetates, taurates, and mixtures thereof.

[0211] The co-surfactant may include an amphoteric surfactant or a zwitterionic surfactant. Suitable amphoteric surfactants or zwitterionic surfactants may include those described in U.S. Patent 5,104,646 and U.S. Patent 5,106,609.

[0212] Alternatively, the substance S may include a specific surfactant, such as fatty acyl sarcosinate or acyl glycinate, for storage in the storage chamber 82.

[0213] Final composition

[0214] The final composition FC may be a consumer product or, alternatively, a cleaning composition to be applied to the surface of interest. The final composition FC may be a liquid or a gel; and may be a personal cleaning composition in the form of a hair shampoo, a hair conditioning composition, a liquid detergent composition, a fabric care composition or a fabric softener, a shower or bath cream, a bath agent or a foaming bath agent, or a liquid hand soap.

[0215] For the purposes of defining personal cleaning compositions and methods, the product form contemplated is a rinse-off preparation, which means that the product is applied topically to the skin or hair and then subsequently (i.e., within a few minutes) rinsed off with water or otherwise wiped off using a substrate or other suitable removal device.

[0216] Alternatively, the final composition FC may be a leave-on product, such as a hand sanitizer, a facial moisturizer, or a body lotion.

[0217] The final composition FC may alternatively be a body lotion. A body lotion typically has an aqueous phase and an oil phase, an emulsifier to prevent the two phases from separating, and a beneficial agent. A suitable beneficial agent may be niacinamide.

[0218] Alternatively, the final composition FC may be a personal cleaning composition, where the personal cleaning composition is selected from liquid hand soap compositions, liquid bath agent compositions, liquid hair shampoo compositions, and combinations thereof.

[0219] Personal cleaning compositions (such as bath agents, hand soaps, or hair shampoos) may contain a surfactant system and a beneficial agent as set forth above. For bath agents, the beneficial agent may be petrolatum, mineral oil, or a vegetable oil, such as soybean oil, to provide a moisturizing effect on the skin.

[0220] Alternatively, the final composition may be a hair shampoo, wherein the hair shampoo comprises a cationic polymer (such as a cationic guar gum polymer), a conditioner (including hydrocarbon oil, fatty ester, silicone), an anti-dandruff active substance and a chelating agent. Additional suitable optional ingredients include but are not limited to particles, antimicrobial agents, foam boosters, antistatic agents, humectants, propellants, self-foaming agents, pearlescent agents, opacifiers, sensates, suspending agents, solvents, diluents, antioxidants, vitamins and mixtures thereof.

[0221] The conditioner (including hydrocarbon oil, fatty ester, silicone), the anti-dandruff active substance or the sensitivity ingredient may be Substance S.

[0222] The cationic polymer may be selected from polyquaternium-6, polyquaternium-10, cationic guar gum and mixtures thereof.

[0223] Alternatively, the final composition FC may be a hair conditioner composition, wherein the hair conditioner composition comprises:

[0224] (a) a cationic surfactant, a high melting point aliphatic compound; a silicone compound; and

[0225] (b) a carrier.

[0226] Alternatively, Substance S may include a silicone compound to be stored in the storage chamber 82.

[0227] The cationic surfactant may be those having a longer alkyl group, i.e., C 18 -C 22 alkyl groups, such as dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride, dodecyltrimethylammonium methyl sulfate, dodecyltrimethylammonium ethyl sulfate, stearyltrimethylammonium chloride, stearyltrimethylammonium methyl sulfate or stearyltrimethylammonium ethyl sulfate.

[0228] Alternatively, the cationic surfactant may be a tertiary amidoamine having an alkyl group with 12 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 16 to 22 carbon atoms. Exemplary tertiary amidoamines include: stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, stearamidopropyl diethylamine, stearamidoethyl diethylamine, stearamidoethyl dimethylamine, palmitamidopropyl dimethylamine, palmitamidopropyl diethylamine, palmitamidoethyl diethylamine, palmitamidoethyl dimethylamine, behenamidopropyl dimethylamine, behenamidopropyl diethylamine, behenamidoethyl diethylamine, behenamidoethyl dimethylamine, eicosamidopropyl dimethylamine, eicosamidopropyl diethylamine, eicosamidoethyl diethylamine, eicosamidoethyl dimethylamine, diethylamide ethyl stearamide. The available amines are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,275,055 to Nachtigal et al.

[0229] Alternatively, the cationic surfactant may include a dialkyl cationic surfactant, for example, dialkyl(14-18)dimethylammonium chloride, ditallowalkyldimethylammonium chloride, dihydrotallowalkyldimethylammonium chloride, distearyldimethylammonium chloride, dicetyldimethylammonium chloride.

[0230] As used herein, a high melting point aliphatic compound is an aliphatic compound having a melting point of 25 °C or higher, preferably 40 °C or higher, more preferably 50 °C or higher. The high melting point aliphatic compound may be selected from aliphatic alcohols, fatty acids, aliphatic alcohol derivatives, fatty acid derivatives, and mixtures thereof.

[0231] Typical aliphatic alcohols may be selected from pure cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof.

[0232] The silicone compounds useful herein may also include amino-substituted materials. Preferred aminoorganosilicons may include, for example, those conforming to formula (I):

[0233] (R 1 ) a G 3-a -Si-(-OSiG 2 ) n -(-OSiG b (R 1 ) 2-b ) m -O-SiG 3-a (R 1 ) a

[0234] wherein G is hydrogen, phenyl, hydroxyl or C 1 -C 8 alkyl, preferably methyl; a is 0 or an integer having a value of 1 to 3, preferably 1; b is 0, 1 or 2, preferably 1; n is a number from 0 to 1,999; m is an integer from 0 to 1,999; the sum of n and m is a number from 1 to 2,000; a and m are not both 0; R 1 is a monovalent group conforming to

[0235] the general formula CqH 2q L, wherein q is an integer having a value of 2 to 8, and L is selected from the following groups: -N(R 2 )CH 2 -CH 2 -N(R 2 ) 2 ; -N(R 2 ) 2 ; -N(R 2 ) 3 A; -N(R 2 )CH 2 -CH2 -NR 2 H 2 A - ; wherein R 2 is hydrogen, phenyl, benzyl or a saturated hydrocarbon group, preferably a C 1 to C 20 alkyl group; A - is a halide ion.

[0236] Alternatively, the final composition FC may be a liquid detergent composition, which contains the surfactant system as described above and contains at least one active substance selected from the following: amphiphilic alkoxylated polyalkyleneimine, cyclic polyamine or oligoamine, salt, hydrotrope, organic solvent and mixtures thereof.

[0237] The liquid detergent composition may contain probiotics or cleaning probiotics as substance S. Such ingredients are preferably separated from formulation F.

[0238] Method

[0239] A method of releasing substance S into formulation F contained in bottle 40 of pump dispenser 1 as disclosed above is provided, and the method preferably includes the following steps in this order:

[0240] a) Filling the storage chamber 82 of the double-chamber pump 60 of the pump assembly 50 with the substance S to be released;

[0241] b) Sealing the storage chamber 82 with the sealing cap 90;

[0242] c) Securing the closure 20 of the pump assembly 50 to the bottle 40 to provide the pump dispenser 1;

[0243] d) Triggering the actuator 10 of the pump assembly 50, which in turn triggers the piston assembly 70, the connecting rod 84 and the sealing cap 90 of the double-chamber pump 60, such that when the user first pushes down on the actuator 10, the piston assembly 70 moves to push down on the connecting rod 84, which pushes down on the sealing cap 90 to open the storage chamber 82 to release the substance S contained in the storage chamber 82;

[0244] e) Shaking the bottle 40 to mix the substance S with the formulation F contained in the bottle 40 to form the final composition FC; and

[0245] f) Triggering the actuator 10 to dispense the final composition FC from the actuator outlet 15.

[0246] The method of releasing substance S into the formulation F contained in the bottle 40 of the pump dispenser 1 as disclosed previously may also specify that in step d), the sealing cap 90 remains engaged with the core 83 and does not fall into the bottle 40.

[0247] Alternatively, a method of releasing substance S into the formulation F contained in the bottle 40 of the pump dispenser 1 as disclosed previously is provided, and the method preferably includes the following steps in this order:

[0248] a) Filling the storage chamber 82 of the dual-chamber pump 60 of the pump assembly 50 with the substance S to be released;

[0249] b) Sealing the storage chamber 82 with a sealing cap 90, which includes an upper cap 93 and a sub-rod 95 as disclosed previously;

[0250] c) Securing the closure 20 of the pump assembly 50 to the bottle 40 to provide the pump dispenser 1;

[0251] d) Triggering the actuator 10 of the pump assembly 50, which in sequence triggers the piston assembly 70, the connecting rod 84, and the sealing cap 90 of the dual-chamber pump 60, such that when the user first pushes down on the actuator 10, the piston assembly 70 moves to push down the connecting rod 84, which pushes down both the upper cap 93 and the sub-rod 95 of the sealing cap 90 together to open the storage chamber 82 to release the substance S contained in the storage chamber 82;

[0252] e) Shaking the bottle 40 to mix the substance S with the formulation F contained in the bottle 40 to form the final composition FC; and

[0253] f) Triggering the actuator 10 to dispense the final composition FC from the actuator outlet 15.

[0254] The method of releasing substance S into the formulation F contained in the bottle 40 of the pump dispenser 1 as disclosed previously may also specify that in step d), both the upper cap 93 and the sub-rod 95 remain engaged with the core 83 and do not fall into the bottle 40.

[0255] The dimensions and values disclosed herein should not be construed as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the recited value and a range functionally equivalent around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to represent "about 40 mm".

[0256] Each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or application, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed herein or claimed herein, or that it alone, or in any combination with any one or more other references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, when any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this invention shall govern.

[0257] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pump dispenser (1), comprising: a) a bottle (40), said bottle including a neck (41) having a neck landing zone; b) a pump assembly (50), said pump assembly including: b1) an actuator (10) having a cavity therein; b2) a closure (20) connected to the actuator (10) and coupled to the neck (41) of the bottle (40); b3) a draw tube (30); b4) a dual-chamber pump (60), said dual-chamber pump including: i) a piston assembly (70), wherein the piston assembly (70) is in fluid communication with the actuator (10); ii) a housing (80), said housing including a pump chamber (81), a storage chamber (82) and a core (83): iia) wherein the pump chamber (81) has a cavity therein, wherein the pump chamber (81) has an upper portion (815) and a lower portion (816), wherein the piston assembly (70) is inside the pump chamber (81) and is slidably engaged with the pump chamber (81); iib) wherein the storage chamber (82) has a cavity therein, wherein the storage chamber (82) has an upper portion (824) and a lower portion (825), wherein the storage chamber cavity contains a substance (S) to be released into a formulation (F) contained in the bottle (40); iic) wherein the core (83) has a cavity therein; the core (83) is a sleeve protruding from the lower portion (816) of the pump chamber (81) through the storage chamber (82) towards the draw tube (30); wherein the core (83) includes a connecting rod (84); iii) a sealing cap (90), wherein the sealing cap (90) is rigidly connected to the core (83) and closes the storage chamber (82) at the lower portion (825) of the storage chamber (82), such that the substance (S) to be released is retained in the storage chamber cavity; such that when the user first pushes down the actuator (10), the piston assembly (70) moves to push down the connecting rod (84), and the connecting rod pushes down the sealing cap (90) to open the storage chamber (82) to release the substance (S) contained in the storage chamber (82) into the bottle (40).

2. The pump dispenser (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting rod (84) and the sealing cap (90) move downward along the longitudinal axis (L) of the dual-chamber pump (60) by a distance of 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 7.5 mm, more preferably 2.5 mm to 5.5 mm, and most preferably 5.0 mm to 5.5 mm.

3. The pump dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the user first pushes down the actuator (10), the sealing cap (90) remains engaged with the core (83) and does not fall into the bottle (40).

4. The pump dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing cap (90) is a single piece, wherein the sealing cap (90) is rigidly connected to the core (83) at or adjacent to the lower part (825) of the storage chamber (82), wherein the suction tube (30) is rigidly connected to the sealing cap (90), wherein the sealing cap (90) wraps a part of the core (83), such that when the user first pushes the actuator (10) downward, the piston assembly (70) moves to push the connecting rod (84) downward, and the connecting rod pushes the sealing cap (90) downward to open the storage chamber (82) to release the substance (S) contained in the storage chamber (82) into the bottle (40); and wherein the sealing cap (90) remains engaged with the core (83) and does not fall into the bottle (40).

5. The pump dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sealing cap (90) comprises an upper cap (93) and a sub-rod (95), wherein the sub-rod (95) is rigidly connected to the core (83) at or adjacent to the lower part (825) of the storage chamber (82), wherein the suction tube (30) is rigidly connected to the sub-rod (95), wherein the upper cap (93) wraps a part of the core (83) and a part of the sub-rod (95), such that when the user first pushes the actuator (10) downward, the piston assembly (70) moves to push the connecting rod (84) downward, and the connecting rod pushes both the upper cap (93) and the sub-rod (95) of the sealing cap (90) downward together to open the storage chamber (82) to release the substance (S) contained in the storage chamber (82) into the bottle (40); and wherein both the upper cap (93) and the sub-rod (95) remain engaged with the core (83) and do not fall into the bottle (40).

6. The pump dispenser (1) according to claim 5, wherein the sub-rod (95) wraps a part of the connecting rod (84) and a part of the core (83).

7. The pump dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage chamber (82) is located below the pump chamber (81).

8. The pump dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the storage chamber (82) surrounds the pump chamber (81) such that the pump chamber (81) is inside the storage chamber.

9. The pump dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dual-chamber pump (60) includes an inlet check valve (96) such that the inlet check valve (96) permits fluid to flow in a downstream direction from the bottle (40) or the draw tube (30) towards the pump chamber (81) and the actuator (10) to prevent fluid from flowing in an upstream direction, preferably wherein the inlet check valve (96) is positioned within the sealing cap (90) between the connecting rod (84) and the draw tube (30).

10. The pump dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the piston assembly (70) comprises: a piston skirt (71); a piston rod (72) that engages with the piston skirt (71); and a spring (73): wherein the piston skirt (71) seals the upper portion (815) of the pump chamber (81); wherein the piston rod (72) has a hollow internal cavity (720) that has an upper portion (721) and a lower portion (722); wherein the upper portion (721) of the hollow internal cavity (720) includes a pull rod (74); wherein the lower portion (722) of the hollow internal cavity (720) includes a piston tip (75); wherein the pull rod (74) engages with the piston tip (75); wherein the piston tip (75) slidably engages with the core (83), and the piston tip (75) is configured to move relative to the pull rod (74); preferably, when the user first pushes down on the actuator (10), the piston assembly (70) moves to push down on the connecting rod (84) through direct contact between the piston tip (75) and the connecting rod (84).

11. The pump dispenser (1) according to claim 10, wherein the spring (73) at least partially surrounds the piston rod (72) from a spring stop (76) at or adjacent and spaced from the piston skirt (71) to the bottom of a spring seat (77) at or adjacent and spaced from the lower portion (816) of the pump chamber (81).

12. The pump dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the spring (73) is located within the hollow internal cavity (720) of the piston rod (72), wherein the spring (73) at least partially surrounds the pull rod (74) and the piston tip (75).

13. The pump dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substance (S) is selected from amino acid surfactants, fragrances, encapsulated fragrances, β-cyclodextrin-encapsulated fragrances, antimicrobial active substances, probiotic materials, preservative materials, beneficial phases, and mixtures thereof.

14. A pump assembly (50), comprising: an actuator (10) that has a cavity therein; Closure (20), said closure being connected to said actuator (10) and being parallel-connected to the neck (41) of said bottle (40); Suction tube (30); Two-chamber pump (60), said two-chamber pump comprising: i) Piston assembly (70), wherein said piston assembly (70) is in fluid communication with said actuator (10); ii) Housing (80), said housing comprising a pump chamber (81), a storage chamber (82) and a core (83): iia) wherein said pump chamber (81) has a cavity therein, wherein said pump chamber (81) has an upper part (815) and a lower part (816), wherein said piston assembly (70) is inside said pump chamber (81) and is slidably engaged with said pump chamber (81); iib) wherein said storage chamber (82) has a cavity therein, wherein said storage chamber (82) has an upper part (824) and a lower part (825), wherein said storage chamber cavity contains a substance (S) to be released into the preparation (F) contained in said bottle (40); iic) wherein said core (83) has a cavity therein; said core (83) is a sleeve protruding from the lower part (816) of said pump chamber (81) through said storage chamber (82) towards said suction tube (30); wherein said core (83) comprises a connecting rod (84); iii) Sealing cap (90), wherein said sealing cap (90) is rigidly connected to said core (83) and closes said storage chamber (82) at the lower part (825) of said storage chamber (82), such that the substance (S) to be released is kept stored in said storage chamber cavity; such that when the user first pushes down said actuator (10), said piston assembly (70) moves to push down said connecting rod (84), and said connecting rod pushes down said sealing cap (90) to open said storage chamber (82) to release the substance (S) contained in said storage chamber (82).

15. A method of releasing a substance (S) into a preparation (F) contained in a bottle (40) of a pump dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, preferably in this order comprising the following steps: a) filling the storage chamber (82) of the two-chamber pump (60) of the pump assembly (50) with the substance (S) to be released; b) closing said storage chamber (82) with a sealing cap (90); c) securing the closure (20) of said pump assembly (50) to said bottle (40) to provide said pump dispenser (1); d) triggering the actuator (10), said actuator sequentially triggering the piston assembly (70) of the two-chamber pump (60), said connecting rod (84) and the sealing cap (90) of the two-chamber pump (60), such that when the user first pushes down said actuator (10), said piston assembly (70) moves to push down said connecting rod (84), and said connecting rod pushes down said sealing cap (90) to open said storage chamber (82) to release the substance (S) contained in said storage chamber (82); e) Shake the bottle (40) to mix the substance (S) with the formulation (F) contained in the bottle (40) to form the final composition (FC); and f) Actuate the actuator (10) to dispense the final composition (FC) from the actuator outlet (15).

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