Integrated and removable pump dispenser with camming collet and collar

Abstract

A closure system employs a unitary collet having resilient and / or flexible claws positioned opposite a camming mechanism. This collet connects to the pump engine and actuator, and the collet is received coaxially inside of a collar element. Depending upon the axially and rotationally movement of the collar relative to the collet, the system can couple to or disengage a container necks without the need for threads, thereby allowing for removal of the closure / dispenser in order to refill the container and / or separate the various components for recycling and / or reuse.

Description

PATENT APPLICATIONInventors: Rafael CaponegriDocket No.: 43720-00478TITLEINTEGRATED AND REMOVABLE PUMP DISPENSER WITH CAMMING COLLET AND COLLARCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to United States provisional patent application serial no. 63 / 687,900 filed on August 28, 2024, which is incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to dispensers that can be coupled to containers without the need for threaded connections and. more specifically, to a reciprocating pump dispenser, such as a misting dispenser, having an integrated camming collet and collar that can be coupled and removed from a smooth container neck.BACKGROUND

[0003] Pump dispenses provide a convenient means for dispensing fluids, and they can be especially useful for dispensing a mist of atomized and / or finely dispersed droplets. Typically, these dispensers require a pump engine including a reciprocating plunger driven by a biasing member and actuator head, with the pump engine itself coupled to a closure. In turn, the closure is being releasably or permanently attached to a container, from which the dispensed fluid is drawn.

[0004] As sustainability leads to increasingly stringent legal and regulator}7requirements, dispensers for consumer products must be designed with an eye toward recycling and / or reuse. In these regards, reciprocating pumps present specific and unique challenges because many designs use a combination of materials (i.e., metals, thermoplastics, and / or thermoset plastics) that must be separated prior to recycling. Some conventional dispenser mechanisms are specifically engineered to remain permanently coupled to a container in order to minimize postproduction tampering, although this also prevents the ability to refill and reuse the container / dispenser combination.136715927.1

[0005] While dispensers can be atached by way of a threaded or rotational connections, there are a number of instances in which threaded couplings are impractical or not favored. As one example, high end consumer products — and especially misting products like perfumes, sprays, and the like — tend to be packaged in glass, metallic, or plastic containers where the profile of the botle and / or the finish on the edge of the neck make threaded sections undesirable. As a result, dispensers on these containers are “crimped'’ onto a rounded neck edge or an annular bead / protrusion formed thereon, such as can be seen in United States patent 4,029,261 , to prevent removal / tampering and / or to meet the desired aesthetic.

[0006] In view of the foregoing, various mechanisms and methods for connecting a plastic pump dispenser to a container neck edge are currently known. On a conceptual level, German patent publication DE2307715A1. published on September 20, 1973. discloses a stopper with a repeating series of radial flanges extending away from it so that, when a cap is screwed down onto the stopper the flanges are forced downward around an outer edge of the container neck. This design is an iteration of the plastic cap disclosed in German patent DE1033534B, granted on December 31. 1958, where a continuous annular flange is similarly forced into place when a threaded ring is screwed down onto the outer periphery of the cap. United States patent 4,773,553 provides a similar example, with a mounting cap including an annular groove so that an edge formed on the deformable tabs prevents the mounting cap from being moved axially upward after the tabs are engaged. United States patent 8,757,409 discloses a further variation in which the locking tabs are separated by slots, so that a sleeve can be moved to disengage the locked tabs.

[0007] United States patent publication 2004 / 0026354A1 relies on fixed pins on an outer shell to cooperate with a cam on an inner shell. This arrangement forces the low er edge of a liner into sealing contact with a beaded container neck. United States patent 8,544,691 contemplates cooperation between an exterior collar, a sleeve / interior collar, and a hoop seat coaxially over these pieces to engage fasteners formed on the sleeve based upon rotation of a protrusion on the exterior collar within a “slide way” on the sleeve. United States patent 11,185.876 discloses a similar mechanism, excepting that the atachment means are engaged by a translation motion.

[0008] Yet another approach is shown in United States patent publication 2024 / 0025603A1. Here, a container and closure are formed with malleable edges having radially displaceable elements. These elements cooperate to seal a housing on the closure to the container. Specifically, the malleable edge of the closure is carried on a discrete coupling236715927.1engine that becomes trapped between the housing and the container edge. A dispensing system can then be interchanged by screwing it onto the top of a threaded connector on the housing.

[0009] Finally, United States patent 11,883,835 contemplates a refillable container where a removable dispensing closure is coupled to an outer package for refill element. This combination can then be seated inside of a rigid reservoir, thereby allowing the refill element to be replaced without discarding the rigid reservoir or the dispensing closure.

[0010] In view of the foregoing, a dispenser system that can be attached and removed from a non-threaded container neck would be welcome. More preferably, the closure system would be made from a minimal number of parts and possess a comparatively small footprint relative to the diameter of the container neck / opening. Also, that container neck would not require a malleable or specially formed edge and, instead, resemble existing beaded container necks. In the same manner, a dispensing system that can thereafter be removed for recycling or refilling purposes, again without the need for threaded connections, is needed.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0011] A closure system that can be selectively coupled and decoupled to a container neck is described. The system relies upon a unitary collet having resilient and / or flexible engagement flanges and a frangible camming mechanism. This collet is received coaxially inside of a collar element. The collar moves both axially and rotationally so as to engage or disengage the flanges in the collar. A suitable pump engine is affixed to the collet, while an actuator head is coupled to the pump engine. The resulting closure system can be employed on container necks without the need for threads, and this system can be installed and disassembled easily, thereby allowing for the refilling of the container and / or the separation and recycling or reuse of the container and, separately, the closure system.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Operation of the invention can be understood by reference to the detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations. These appended drawings form part of this specification, and any information on / in the drawings is both literally encompassed (i.e., the actual stated values) and relatively encompassed (e.g., ratios for respective dimensions of parts). In the same manner, the relative positioning and relationship of the components as shown in these drawings, as well as their function, shape, dimensions, and appearance, may all further inform certain aspects of the invention as if fully rewritten herein. Unless otherwise336715927.1stated, all dimensions in the drawings are with reference to inches, and any printed information on / in the drawings form part of this written disclosure.

[0013] In the drawings and attachments, all of which are incorporated as part of this disclosure:

[0014] Figures 1 A and IB are exploded perspective views of the basic components of two different aspects of the closure system. Fig. 1 A depicts a collar with a radial flange and a collet having spaced apart engagement flanges (also see Figs. 7Ato 9C). while Fig. IB shows a collar with straight tubular walls and a collet in which a flange skirt, including flexing sections, conceals the engagement flanges (also see Figs. 2-6).

[0015] Figure 2 is a cross sectional side view' of the closure system taken along a diameter that bisects the nozzle / dispensing channel of the actuator according to an aspect in which the collet includes a thinned skirt between the flanges, which present as thickened wedges / sidewall segments on the inner surface of the lower skirt of the collet (with even thinner flexing sections provided at intervals around the circumference).

[0016] Figures 3A and 3B are complementary perspective views, with the latter showing a diametric cross section, of the collet of Fig. 2 shown in isolation.

[0017] Figures 4A and 4B are complementary perspective views, with the latter showing a diametric cross section and an exploded sectional view highlighting the ribs, of the collar of Fig. 2 shown in isolation.

[0018] Figure 5 is a perspective, diametric cross sectional view of the collet of Fig. 3B seated within the collar of Fig. 4B.

[0019] Figure 6 is a schematic cross sectional view of the closure system of Figs. 1 or 2 in the sealed and engaged position on the neck of a container.

[0020] Figures 7A and 7B are cross sectional schematic illustrations of the sequential steps required to couple the closure system contemplated herein to the non-threaded edge of a container neck. Arrows Fl in Fig. 7B indicate the axial force that must be applied to constrict the collet and couple the system to the container neck. The collar shown here includes an optional axial extension to improve alignment and / or engagement between the collar and the collet.

[0021] Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C are schematic illustrations illustrating the sequential steps necessary' to decouple the system of Fig. 7B from the non-threaded edge of the container neck, thereby enabling the refilling of the container or the separation of container from dispensing system for recycling and / or reuse of the system and the container. The collar element is omitted in all of these views so as to provide better visibility of the camming features in the collet. Fig.436715927.18A shows the system in a locked / engaged state. Fig. 8B illustrates the motion to engage the camming features, with arrow F2 representing the rotational / helical force that must be applied to slide the top and bottom portions of the upper skirt of the collect along the camming features. Fig. 8C shows the system in a released state.

[0022] Figures 9A and 9B are sequential perspective views of the engagement flanges cooperating with an anti-rotational fin formed on the container. The collar element is omitted in all of these views so as to provide better visibility to the fitment of the anti-rotational fin within the interstices of the spaced apart engagement flanges.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Specific reference is made to the appended embodiments, drawings, and description, all of which disclose elements of the invention. While specific embodiments are identified, it will be understood that elements from one described aspect may be combined with those from a separately identified aspect. In the same manner, a person of ordinary skill will have the requisite understanding of common processes, components, and methods, and this description is intended to encompass and disclose such common aspects even if they are not expressly identified herein.

[0024] As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary ” mean an instance or illustration and, as such, are not intended to indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” should be construed as inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. For example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any combination or permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggest otherwise.

[0025] Understanding that the invention is particularly useful with elongated containers having a plunger that reciprocates along an axis, it will be understood that “axial” and “longitudinal” may be used synonymously, with both referring to a direction on or parallel to that axis (in some drawings, axial may also correspond to vertical or up / down directions). In contrast, “radial” or “transverse” are with reference to the axial direction, meaning an orthogonal relationship (in some drawings, radial may correspond to horizontal or left / right directions). Fluid enters the pump through an inlet oriented at one end of the pump, while flowing dow nstream from the inlet to an outlet positioned at a distal end of the plunger.

[0026] With reference to Figs. 1 through 9C. a closure system 1 comprises a collar 2, a collet 3, a pump engine 4, and an actuator 5. The system 1 is specifically designed to engage a536715927.1container neck 11 having a bead or one or more protrusions 12 at or near the top edge of the container 13. Notably, this region will not include or need threads, thereby allowing for a more axially compact region in which the container and closure attach, as well as allowing the use of materials and manufacturing techniques that are different from conventional threaded container necks. Non-threaded necks also create an aesthetic that might be associated with higher quality and / or of more sophisticated and refined origin.

[0027] The system 1 is also adaptable, in that a variety of different pump engines 4 and actuators 5 can be accommodated without significantly altering the coupling mechanism between the collar 2, the collet 3, and the container neck 11. Thus, so long as a pump engine 4 can be coupled to an inner surface of the collet 3, that engine may be a foamer, a lotion pump, a misting sprayer, and the like. Further still, to the extent the engine and all of its components are made from a particular material (and, more preferably, from the same polymeric material), the actuator 5, collet 3, and collar 2 can be made from the same or compatible materials, so as to allow the entire system 1 to be introduced to a recycling stream. At a minimum, the ability to decouple the system 1 from the container 13 will allow for the recycling or reuse of the container (and possibly the system 1).

[0028] The collar 2 will have a hollow cylindrical construction so as to accommodate the reciprocating movement of the pump engine 4 / actuator 5 and, separately, the axial movements of the collet 3. As such, collar 2 includes a main tubular body 21 and a radial flange 22. Flange 22 may include a terminal skirt 221 to better conceal the connection of the system 1 and container 13 (and / or for other desired aesthetics). On an interior facing of the body 21 (and / or on the ledge 23 and / or the axial extension 24) where the upper portion of the collet 3 interfaces with the collar 2, a series of locking guides 211, such as ribs, grooves, protrusions, etc., are provided. The top edge of body 21 may also include a radial ledge 23 and an optional axial extension 24 protruding downward from the inner edge of ledge 23 to further improve alignment and engagement of collar 2 with the collet 3. In some aspects, the guides 211 prevent rotation between the collar 2 and the collet 3 when engaged. Anti-rotation can be achieved via interlocking of guides on each element, although a single element may include guides formed to provide sufficient interference or frictional fit between the collar 2 and the collet 3, so as to eliminate the need for corresponding features on the collet (with the aspect of Figs. 3A-5 providing an example thereof).

[0029] In this manner, a receiving pocket is created between the sidewall of the body 21 and the extension 24. with the pocket being configured to receive the upper reaches of the collet 3. In some aspects, the guides 211 can be formed within the pocket on the inner surface of the636715927.1body 21 and / or on, in, or through portions of the extension 24. In some aspects, the underside of the ledge 23 may serve as a stopper that abut the collet 3 and forces it downward when axial force Fl is applied when the system 1 is initially coupled to the container 13. In that context, ledge 23 may include engagement features and / or portions of the guides 211. In an alternative arrangement, the locking guides 331 may be provided on the upper reaches of the collet 3 itself (alone or in combination with guides 211), such as on the inner, outer, and / or top surfaces of the upper skirt 33 and, more specifically, the upper portion 33a thereof.

[0030] The inner diameter between the inner facings of the axial extension will be sufficient to receive and allow axial reciprocation of the actuator 5. Further, the inner diameter between the inner facings of the sidewalls of the body 21 will be sized to receive the upper portions of the collet 3 while, simultaneously being smaller than the initial outer diameter of the engagement flanges 321 on the collet 3. In this manner, the junction between the body 21 and the radial flange 22 urges the engagement flanges 321 into a closed position when the collar 2 is moved axially downward (as in Fig. xB).

[0031] Collet 3 also has a tubular shape. A radial connector 31 extends inwardly inside of this tube, typically in the middle section. A lower skirt 32 protrudes below the connector 31, hile an upper skirt 33 extends above it. The connector 31 may include a connection cup 311 that is offset by flange 312 from the sidewalls defining the skirts 32, 33. The connection cup 311 includes an central aperture that allows for connection between the pump engine 4 and the actuator 5, and the interfacing surfaces of the collet 3 (particularly along the cup 311 and / or flange 312) and the pump engine 4 may be imparted with coupling features to insure these components remain connected. A gasket 313 may be positioned beneath the connector 31 to improve sealing betw een the system 1 and the container 13.

[0032] The lower skirt 32 is characterized by a plurality of engagement flanges 321 on its lower terminal edge. Flanges 321 may have bulbous end whose thickness is larger in comparison to the sidewall to which they are attached. The bulbous or thickened end also flares away from the main body of the collet 3, so that the outer diameter between diametrically opposing flanges 321 will be larger than the inner diameter of the body 21. In some aspects, that outer diameter of flanges 321 is also larger than the outer diameter of any other portion of the collet 3. Further aspects contemplate a collet 3 with parallel, vertical sidewalls except for the flared portion of the flanges 321.

[0033] The shape of the flanges 321 can be formed along an inner facing to conform and / or seal to the bead 12. In this manner, the flanges 321 capture the bead 12 and lock into place so as to couple the closure to the container, with the lock only being released when the camming736715927.1features are engaged. Flanges 321 will also possess sufficient flexibility so as to allow them to end inwardly when the collar 2 is slid down into an engaging position. Thereafter, the flanges 321 will couple the closure system 1 to the container 13 until they are released. In some aspects, the flanges 321 may be constructed to have resilience so that, when the closure 1 is released, the flanges 321 return to their flared position and, possibly, allow for re-engagement and reuse of the system 1. The engagement flanges 321 may be formed as a unitary- circumferential element or as a series of discrete appendages positioned along the edge of the lower skirt 32.

[0034] Flanges 321 may be provided as discrete appendages may be spaced apart at regular intervals along portions or the entire circumference of the skirt 32, as seen best in Fig. 8A. Preferably at least two, three, or four appendages should be provided when the flange 321 does not substantially circumscribe the edge, with the appendages being diametrically opposed or positioned at sufficiently regular intervals to remain engaged when the closure 1 is pressed downward onto the container neck. In other aspects, a flange skirt 323 can fill the gaps between the appendages, with the flange skirt having a thickness that is than that in the appendages 321. The flange skirt 323 can also include spaced apart flexing sections 324 having a reduced thickness even in comparison to the flange skirt 323. Use of the flange skirt 323, with or without flexing sections 324, should minimize or eliminate the tendency for the appendages 321 to become entangled when the closure system 1 is mass produced. The skirt 323 may also be perceived as having a more pleasing aesthetic in designs where the collar 2 does not include a radial flange and / or does not fully conceal the connection point between the collet 3 and the container.

[0035] The upper skirt 33 includes a number of features. First, the surfaces and / or top edge of the sidewall may include optional cooperating guides 331. Guides may be configured to engage the guides 211 on the collar so as to direct insure smooth downward travel of the collar 2 and the collet 3 when the closure 1 is installed. The engagement of guides 211, 331 also serve to prevent rotation of the collet 3 relative to the collar 2, thereby enabling the camming features to cause the release of the flanges 321 on the collect from the bead 12 on the container 13. Guides 211, 331 can take the form of slot-and-groove, complimentary- ribs, or other similar features. As noted elsewhere herein, guides 211 could be configured with tolerances (relative to the size and spacing of the collar and the collet) so as to create an interference fit and thereby eliminate the need for corresponding guides 331 (and vice versa).

[0036] As seen best in Figs. 8A-C, the sidewall of the collet 3 will include a camming feature 332. This camming feature may be gap 333 having a sawtooth or ramp-like configuration. In some aspects, two (as shown), three, four, five, or six ramps of identical or836715927.1repeating and cooperating sizes and shapes are spaced around the circumference upon which the gap 333 is circumscribed. Frangible elements 334 periodically span the gap so as to initially maintain the unitary construction of the collet 3. Preferably, the gap 333 will be positioned entirely above the elevation of the connector 31, with the gap 333 defining a boundary between upper portion 33a and lower portion 33b. While the upper skirt 33 could be manufactured in two separate pieces fitted with cooperating camming features along the interface that takes the place of the gap 333, use of frangible elements 334 allows the collet to be molded as a single and unitary piece. Preferably, the elements 334 are spaced apart regularly and or evenly along the entirety7of the gap, with at least 2 and up to 12, preferably provided (the collet of Figs. 3A and 3B includes 6 such elements 334).

[0037] The camming ramps that define the upper and lower boundaries of the gap 333 eliminate the need to coaxially seat independent elements (as was seen in previous designs), thereby reducing the number of parts, simplifying the assembly of the system, and reducing the mass (and plastic usage) of the system. Further, the inventive designs eliminate the need to index / align pins and grooves on separate parts, so that the collet can be provided to the collar in a wider arrangement of orientations (particularly when guides 211 or 331 provide an interference fit). Further still, because the camming ramps are positioned vertically, the diametric footprint of the system can be reduced in comparison to previous designs.

[0038] In terms of operation and use, the camming feature can be activated only after the closure 1 is installed. That is, the collar 2 must be pushed down so as to cause the flanges 321 to couple to the bead 12, keeping in mind that this action also urges the guides 211, 331 into engagement. Because the guides are engaged, sufficient rotational force applied to the collar 2 will translate onto the upper skirt 33. However, the engagement of the flanges 321 in the lower skirt 31 will cause torque that breaks frangible elements 334. Thereafter the upper portion 33a remains coupled to and moves in concert with the collar 2, whereas the remainder of the collet 3, including portion 33b, remains coupled to the container 13 and comparatively immovable. Thus, the upper portion will slide upward along the ramps, causing the collar to move axially upward. In turn, once the body 21 of the collar is no longer constraining the flanges 321, these flanges 321 can and will return to their flared position as the collar 2 is twisted / moved helically upward. Thereafter, the closure 1 can be removed from the container 13. Notably, the coupling features at the interface of the collet 3 and pump engine 4 and the flared positioning of the flanges 321 on the underside of radial flange 22 are cumulative sufficient to allow upward force to remove the closure 1 as a unitary elelment. Further, if the flanges 321 are configured with suifficient resilience / biasing to allow for handling (e.g., by way of materials selection)936715927.1reinstallation and reuse of the closure 1 may be possible even after the frangible elements 334 are disconnected.

[0039] In a further aspect, the container neck 11 may include one or more anti-rotational fins 1 la on its outer surface. Fins 1 la are configured to fit between the interstices of the discrete appendages of engagement flanges 321, particularly (but not exclusively) in aspects where a flange skirt 323 is not employed. In this manner, the necessary resistance for operation of the camming features 332 is enhanced, thereby reducing the frictional force needed between flanges 321 and container neck 11 .

[0040] The pump engine 4 may be of any conventional construction. Normally, this will include a piston that moves within a pumping chamber to create sufficient suction to draw and expel fluids in combination with at least one inlet valve (an outlet valve can also be employed). At least one biasing member urges the piston into a desire position, while the actuator 5 includes a nozzle or dispensing channel 51 to direct the dispensed fluid as desired. In the case of fine mist dispensers, dispensing channel 51 can include swirl elements to promote atomization. As previously noted, the materials used to construct engine 4 and / or actuator 5 can be selected to match or be compatible with those chosen to form the collar 2 and the collet 3. In this manner, the entirety of closure system 1 can be made from a single polymer or a combination of materials that are amenable to single-stream recycling.

[0041] Conversely, the ability to release the closure 1 from the container 13 enables the container 13 to be formed from any desired material, including metal, glass, or other polymers (any / all of which can be selected for their cost, appearance, longevity, and the like). In the same manner, the ability to form an all-plastic closure 1, including integrated dispensing capabilities, will be cost reduction in comparison to conventional crimped closures in which a metallic element must be swaged onto the container (either at the neck or along another feature formed on the container near the interface with the closure).

[0042] Because the closure system 1 does not require threads, the amount of axial travel required to couple the system to the container can be minimized. Similarly, reliance upon a smooth finish on the container neck, with only a small lip, annular bead, or attachment groove can simplify the manufacture of the container and allow for numerous aesthetic options that may be costly or difficult to implement when relying on conventional threaded connections. In these regards, the closure system allows for greater flexibility in materials selection for the container.

[0043] Simultaneously, the ability to use an all-plastic closure system 1 allows for one step detachment and recycling of that component. Or, to the extent a manufacturer finds it expedient1036715927.1or necessary to rely on a mixed material pump (i.e., one requiring plastic and metal or thermoplastic and metal / thermoset materials), the closure systems contemplated herein enable the detachment and recycling or reuse of the container.

[0044] Certain embodiments of the closures described herein can be detached and reused. Thus, it may be possible to refill the original container, to reuse the closure on a separate container, or to repurpose components from the closure. In each of these cases, it will be advantageous in comparison to closure systems that must be permanently crimped onto a container.

[0045] In selected aspects, the invention is drawn to closure system attachable to a container neck. In its broadest form, the system includes a collar having an annular shape with a radial ledge extending inward on a top end; a collet with a tubular shape received within the collar and abutting the radial ledge, the collect including: a plurality of engagement flanges formed on a lower extremity of the collet and flaring outward therefrom and a camming feature formed in a sidewall of the collet; and a pump engine, including an actuator, coupled to and positioned coaxially within the collet. The collar is configured to urge the collet downward when the closure system is initially installed, thereby causing the plurality of engagement flanges to move radially inward and wherein, when the collar is rotated relative to the pump engine, the camming feature urges an upper portion of the collar upward so as to allow the plurality of engagement flanges to move radially outward when the closure is removed. Optionally, the system may also include a container having a neck with a formation configured to cooperate with and capture an inner surface on each of the plurality of engagement flanges. Additional / alternative aspects may include any one or combination of the following:• wherein the collet includes a straight cylindrical sidewall defining portions of an upper skirt and a lower skirt and a connector flange positioned between the upper and lower skirt and extending inwardly from the cylindrical sidewall so as to provide a connection between the collet and the pump engine;• wherein the camming feature is formed in the upper skirt;• wherein frangible elements span a saw-toothed gap formed within a circumference of the upper skirt;• wherein a locking guide is formed in one or both of the upper skirt of the collet and an inner facing of the collar;1136715927.1• wherein the plurality of engagement flanges are formed in the lower skirt as a plurality of discrete appendages defining an outer diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of the collar at an interface where the collar contacts the lower skirt;• wherein the plurality of discrete appendages are spaced apart evenly around a full circumference of the lower skirt;• wherein each discrete appendage have has an increased thickness in comparison to the lower skirt;• wherein a flange skirt forms a continuous connection between each discrete appendage, with the flange skirt having a thinner wall in comparison to a thickness of the appendages;• wherein the flange skirt includes thinned flexing sections;• wherein the collar includes a radial flange configured to conceal the collet when the closure system is engaged;• wherein an axial extension extends down from the radial ledge so as to define: i) a receiving pocket for an upper portion of the collet on an outer surface of the axial extension, and ii) an aperture for coaxially receiving the pump engine along an inner surface of the axial extension;• wherein the neck is smooth and does not include any threaded engagement mechanisms;• wherein the formation includes an anti-rotational fin configured to cooperate axial edges of the engagement flange;• wherein an inner guide is positioned on an inner facing of the collar; and• wherein a cooperating guide is positioned on the collet so as to cause the collar and the collet to interlock.

[0046] All components of the pump dispenser should be made of materials having sufficient flexibility and structural integrity, as well as a chemically inert nature. Certain grades of polypropylene and polyethylene are particularly advantageous. Notably, high density polyethylene (i.e., having a density of greater than 0.940 g / cm3) possesses certain advantages over lower density polyethylene types (e.g., medium density at 0.925 to 0.940 g / cm3and / or lower density at 0.880 to 0.925 g / cm3), as well as allowing for consideration of other specialized, stiffer versions capable of cross-linking.

[0047] References to coupling in this disclosure are to be understood as encompassing any of the conventional means used in this field. This may take the form of snap- or force fitting of1236715927.1components, although threaded connections, bead-and-groove, and slot-and-flange assemblies could be employed. Adhesive and fasteners could also be used, although such components must be judiciously selected so as to retain the recyclable nature of the assembly.

[0048] In the same manner, engagement may involve coupling or an abutting relationship. These terms, as well as any implicit or explicit reference to coupling, will should be considered in the context in which it is used, and any perceived ambiguity can potentially be resolved by referring to the drawings.

[0049] References sealing or being in a sealed state means that interfacing components are in sufficient and intimate contact to prevent unwanted fluid flow across that interface. These fluids may be liquid (e.g., dispensed fluids) or gaseous (e.g., make-up air). These seals can be temporary, as is the case with sliding seals on the piston, so that the interfacing surfaces are capable of sliding over / across one another. In other instances, the seal is intended to be permanent, so that the aforementioned coupling arrangements or force fittings created by a “plug seal” arrangement (in which an edge or flange is forced fitted into a gap on the other component) are effective and appropriate. In the drawings, it will be understood that sealing features are or may need to be employed, particularly in those areas where a non-linear interface appears.

[0050] Although the present embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, and numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions are also contemplated. Any patents identified in this document are incorporated by reference to provide further details informing aspects of the background and aspects of the invention itself. The exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, but further modifications and alterations encompass the preceding detailed description. These modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the appended embodiments or the equivalents thereof.1336715927.1

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A closure system attachable to a container neck, the system comprising: a collar having an annular shape with a radial ledge extending inward on a top end ; a collet with a tubular shape received within the collar and abutting the radial ledge, the collect including: a plurality of engagement flanges formed on a lower extremity of the collet and flaring outward therefrom and a camming feature formed in a sidewall of the collet; a pump engine, including an actuator, coupled to and positioned coaxially within the collet; and wherein the collar is configured to urge the collet downward when the closure system is initially installed, thereby causing the plurality of engagement flanges to move radially inward and wherein, when the collar is rotated relative to the pump engine, the camming feature urges an upper portion of the collar upward so as to allow the plurality of engagement flanges to move radially outward when the closure is removed.

2. The closure system of claim 1 wherein the collet includes a straight cylindrical sidewall defining portions of an upper skirt and a lower skirt and a connector flange positioned between the upper and lower skirt and extending inwardly from the cylindrical sidewall so as to provide a connection between the collet and the pump engine.

3. The closure system of claim 2 wherein the camming feature is formed in the upper skirt.

4. The closure system of claim 3 wherein frangible elements span a saw-toothed gap formed within a circumference of the upper skirt.

5. The closure system of claim 4 wherein a locking guide is formed in one or both of the upper skirt of the collet and an inner facing of the collar.

6. The closure system of claim 2 wherein the plurality of engagement flanges are formed in the lower skirt as a plurality of discrete appendages defining an outer diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of the collar at an interface where the collar contacts the lower skirt.

7. The closure system of claim 6 wherein the plurality' of discrete appendages are spaced apart evenly around a full circumference of the lower skirt.

8. The closure system of claim 6 wherein each discrete appendage have has an increased thickness in comparison to the lower skirt.

9. The closure system of claim 6 wherein a flange skirt forms a continuous connection between each discrete appendage, with the flange skirt having a thinner wall in comparison to a thickness of the appendages.

10. The closure system of claim 9 wherein the flange skirt includes thinned flexing sections.1436715927.

111. The closure system of claim 2 wherein the collar includes a radial flange configured to conceal the collet when the closure system is engaged.

12. The closure system of claim 1 wherein an axial extension extends down from the radial ledge so as to define: i) a receiving pocket for an upper portion of the collet on an outer surface of the axial extension, and ii) an aperture for coaxially receiving the pump engine along an inner surface of the axial extension.

13. The closure system of claim 1 further comprising a container having a neck with a formation configured to cooperate with and capture an inner surface on each of the plurality of engagement flanges.

14. The closure system of claim 13 wherein the neck is smooth and does not include any threaded engagement mechanisms.

15. The closure system of claim 13 wherein the formation includes an anti-rotational fin configured to cooperate axial edges of the engagement flange.

16. The closure system of claim 1 wherein an inner guide is positioned on an inner facing of the collar.

17. The closure system of claim 16 wherein a cooperating guide is positioned on the collet so as to cause the collar and the collet to interlock.1536715927.1

Images