Actuator for dual pump dispensing system

Abstract

The actuation mechanism for a dual pump dispensing system comprises an actuator housing, a semi-spiral insert, and optionally a mesh screen (3). The actuation mechanism is intended to mix viscous products that flow under forces achieved with mechanical pump dispensers of the type used in the cosmetics and personal care fields.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of dispensing systems for personal care products. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system including two mechanical pump dispensers for dispensing two products simultaneously. [Background technology]

[0002] Cosmetic and personal care dispensing systems are known that simultaneously dispense two different products from separate product reservoirs. Such systems may use two mechanical pump dispensers (one for each reservoir) or one mechanical pump dispenser that draws products from both reservoirs. In either case, there is usually only one actuation mechanism. In the case of two mechanical pump dispensers, the two products may not be mixed until they are deposited on the application surface, such as the skin. This type of system may be preferred when the two products react with each other, but should not react until the time of use. Alternatively, the two products may be mixed with each other as they pass through the actuation mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0003] the purpose A primary object of the present invention is to provide an actuation mechanism which thoroughly mixes two products as they pass through the actuation mechanism.

[0004] Another object of the present invention is to provide an actuation mechanism for a dual pump dispensing system that thoroughly mixes the two products as they are dispensed by the dual pump dispensing system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an actuator mechanism according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the actuator housing. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the actuator housing. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a half-spiral insert in accordance with the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the half-spiral insert of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view of a half-spiral insert according to the present invention. [Figure 7] 7 is a bottom perspective view of the half-spiral insert and mesh screen of FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the actuation mechanism assembled and secured to the stem of the dual pump mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0006] overview In accordance with the present invention, an actuation mechanism for a dual pump dispensing system comprises an actuator housing (1), a semi-spiral insert (2), and optionally a mesh screen (3). The actuation mechanism is intended to mix viscous products that flow under forces achieved with mechanical pump dispensers of the type used in the cosmetics and personal care fields. Viscous products include creams, lotions, and serums of the type common in the cosmetics and personal care fields.

[0007] Detailed Description Actuator Housing Referring to Figures 1-3, the actuator housing (1) includes a top (1a), an open bottom (1b), and a skirt wall (1c). The top can typically function as a surface that receives finger pressure to actuate a dual pump mechanism to which the actuator housing is attached. The skirt wall encloses a first inlet passage (1d) capable of receiving a first product from a first product reservoir, and a second inlet passage (1e) capable of receiving a second product from a second product reservoir. Flow paths are provided to direct the first and second products from the first and second inlet passages to a semi-spiral insert (see below) and ultimately to an outlet (1k) that opens to the outside of the actuator housing. The flow paths may be divided into a lower flow path and an upper flow path. For example, the actuator housing may include a barrel (1f). The barrel is typically cylindrical and includes a front portion and a rear portion. The barrel is longitudinally divided by a partition (1g) into a lower flow path (1h) and an upper flow path (1i). The first and second inlet passages open into the lower passage of the barrel. Towards the rear of the barrel, the lower passage connects (or communicates) with the upper passage via a duct (1j). The front of the barrel ends in an outlet (1k) that opens to the outside of the actuator housing. Optionally, a snap-fit ​​feature such as an annular groove (1l) may be formed in the wall of the barrel near the outlet (1k) of the barrel. Each of the first and second inlet passages (1d, 1e) can receive product from exactly one of two product reservoirs. For example, the first inlet passage can receive a first stem of a dual pump mechanism and the second inlet passage can receive a second stem of the dual pump mechanism. The inlet passages are fixed to the stems (4d, 4e) of the dual pump mechanism by an interference fit, as is commonly done in the art.

[0008] Semi-spiral insert 4 to 7 show a semi-spiral insert (2) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The semi-spiral insert is an elongated member having a front end (2a) and a rear end (2b). The insert is designed to fit into the actuator housing (1), and the flow paths for directing the first and second products from the first and second inlet paths (1d, 1e) necessarily pass through the semi-spiral insert. For example, the insert may be designed to fit into the barrel (1f) of the actuator housing (1) through the outlet (1k).

[0009] The semi-helical insert (2) may be cylindrical near the front end and branch towards the rear end into a relatively short lower section (2h) and a relatively long upper section (2i). The lower section fits snugly into the lower flow passage (1h) and prevents the product from flowing towards the outlet (1k) of the barrel. The length of this lower section is such that it stops before the first inlet passage (1d). The upper section is formed as a semi-cylindrical section with a rounded surface (2d) and a flat surface (2e). The upper semi-cylindrical section (2i) fits snugly into the upper flow passage (1i) and extends onto a duct (1j) towards the rear of the barrel (1f). The semi-helical path (2f) extends along the length of the upper semi-cylindrical section as it passes through the rounded and flat surfaces of the upper section. One end of the semi-spiral path communicates with a duct (1j) in the actuator housing (1) via a first passage (2j). The other end of the semi-spiral path terminates in a second passage (2m) that leads to an outlet orifice (2k) concentric with the outlet (1k) in the actuator housing. Optionally, the semi-spiral insert may be formed with a snap-fit ​​feature such as an annular detent (2l) near its front end. The detent fits into an annular groove (1l) in the wall of the barrel (1f) to hold the insert in place within the actuator housing.

[0010] Preferably, the semi-helical path (2f) makes at least one revolution around the upper semi-cylindrical portion (2i). More preferably, the semi-helical path makes between 1 and 10 revolutions around the upper semi-cylindrical portion. For example, Figure 6 shows a semi-helical path making 5 revolutions around the upper semi-cylindrical portion.

[0011] Mesh screen Optionally, but preferably, a mesh screen (3) is placed in the flow path to ensure that the first and second products pass through the mesh screen. The products preferably pass through the mesh screen before reaching the semi-spiral path. For example, the mesh screen (3) may be placed between the duct (1j) of the actuator housing (1) and the first passage (2j) of the semi-spiral insert (2). The mesh performs a premixing step and possibly a deagglomeration step before the two products start to move through the semi-spiral path. The screen may be made of any suitable material, such as polypropylene. Useful mesh sizes may depend on the thickness and viscosity of the two products to be mixed. Useful sizes include 50 holes / sq. in. to 300 holes / sq. in. The more holes in the mesh screen, the more complete the mixing of the two products.

[0012] Operating principle Referring to FIG. 8, in use, two different products flow from their own reservoirs (not shown) through two stems (4d, 4e) into the first and second inlet paths (1d, 1e). The two products then enter the lower flow (1h) path where they come into contact but do not mix completely. There they form and are sent through a duct (1j), a mesh screen (3) and the first passage (2j) of the helical insert (2). From there, the partially mixed product flows into the semi-helical path (2f). As both products travel through the semi-helical path, turbulence caused by friction and viscosity differences causes the products to mix more thoroughly. Significant turbulence is created as a result of the sudden change in flow direction that occurs as the products pass from the rounded face (2d) of the semi-helical insert, through the flat face (2e) and back to the rounded face. This geometry results in much more efficient mixing than if the insert were formed into a perfect cylindrical helix with no sharp turns. The thoroughly mixed product exits the semi-helical path (2f) into a second passage (2m), passes through the exit orifice (2k) of the semi-helical insert, and continues outside the actuator housing (1).

Claims

1. An actuation mechanism comprising: a first input pathway capable of receiving a first product from a first product reservoir; a second input pathway capable of receiving a second product from a second product reservoir; an outlet opening to the outside of the actuator housing; a flow path for directing the first and second products from the first and second inlet paths to the outlet; The actuator housing includes: The front end and A rear end portion and The lower part and an upper semi-cylindrical portion having a semi-helical path extending along a length of the upper semi-cylindrical portion; a semi-helical insert is disposed within the actuator housing, and the flow paths for directing the first and second products from the first and second inlet paths to the outlet necessarily pass through the semi-helical path; An actuation mechanism comprising said semi-spiral insert.

2. The actuation mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the semi-helical path completes between 1 and 10 revolutions around the upper semi-cylindrical portion.

3. The flow passage of the actuator housing is divided into an upper flow passage and a lower flow passage connected via a duct, the first and second inlet paths open into the lower flow passage, The actuation mechanism of claim 2 , wherein the upper semi-cylindrical portion is disposed within the upper channel.

4. 3. The actuation mechanism of claim 2, further comprising a mesh screen disposed within the flow path, the first and second products necessarily passing through the mesh screen.

5. The actuation mechanism of claim 4 , wherein the first and second products pass through the mesh screen before reaching the semi-spiral path.

6. The actuation mechanism of claim 5, wherein the mesh screen has between 50 holes / in2 and 300 holes / in2.

7. 4. The actuation mechanism of claim 3, wherein the lower portion of the half-spiral insert fits snugly into the lower flow passage of the actuator housing to prevent product from flowing toward the outlet of the actuator housing.

8. the actuator housing further comprising an annular groove adjacent the outlet of the actuator housing; the semi-helical insert further comprising an annular detent adjacent the front end of the semi-helical insert; the annular detent fits within the annular groove to hold the half-spiral insert in place within the actuator housing; 2. The actuation mechanism of claim 1.

9. 2. The actuation mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first inlet passage is capable of receiving a first stem of a dual pump mechanism and the second inlet passage is capable of receiving a second stem of the dual pump mechanism.

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