Fluid dispensing apparatus and method

Abstract

A fluid dispenser system including a pump having a pump body that defines a chamber, a pump mechanism movable relative to the chamber and a pump valve connector. The fluid dispenser system further comprises a container having a fluid reservoir and a sleeve disposed within the fluid reservoir, the sleeve fluidically isolating the sleeve interior volume from the reservoir volume. The sleeve includes a sleeve connector valve switchable between an open position and a closed position. The pump is releasably connectable to the container. When the pump is connected to the container, the pump body is at least partially disposed within the sleeve and the pump valve connector is configured to engage with the sleeve connector valve so as to switch the sleeve connector valve to an open position to allow for fluid within the reservoir volume to be drawn, upon movement of the pump mechanism, from the reservoir volume into the chamber through the first and second valve connectors without fluid contacting the exterior surface of the chamber or the sleeve interior volume.

Description

AppAsFiled_DP02207PCFLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS AND METHODTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates, generally, to a fluid dispenser system including a pump and a container having a fluid-storing reservoir and, more particularly, to a fluid dispenser system including a pump and a container having a fluid-storing reservoir where the pump is releasably attachable to the container.BACKGROUND

[0002] In various industries, such as the cleaning industry, it is important to dispense fluid in accurate quantities. Fluid dispensers are typically able to dispense fluid of different types, for example cleaning chemicals, floor and other surface treatment fluids, comestible fluids, oils, coolants, heat exchange fluids, lubricants, chemical additives, paint, colorants, foodstuffs, sauces, drink concentrates, medical fluids and so on.

[0003] Such fluid dispensers may be portable, enabling a user to transport the fluid dispenser to a specific location where the fluid may be dispensed. For example, a user may wish to dispense a specific quantity of fluid into another container, such as with chemical-based cleaning products where a specific quantity of fluid should be diluted with a specific quantity of water. In order to make a fluid dispenser portable, the fluid dispenser can include a fluid reservoir for storing the fluid to be dispensed. An example of such a fluid dispenser is shown in US patent number US 10,576,486 B2, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. Such a fluid dispenser is capable of accurately dispensing two or more different amounts of fluid.

[0004] With fluid dispensers, it is often desirable to reduce the risk of the user contacting any of the fluids inside of the fluid reservoir. For example, some existing products use a connecting device that is non-removably attached to a fluid reservoir in order to prevent the user from disassembling the fluid dispenser and being able to come into contact with fluid stored inside the fluid reservoir of the fluid dispenser.

[0005] However, with certain fluid dispensers, it would be desirable to be able to allow the user to disassemble the fluid dispenser in order to allow for the recycling and / or re-use of certain components of the fluid dispenser.AppAsFiled_DP02207PCBRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] This summary is provided to describe select concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a fluid dispenser system for containing and dispensing metered amounts of fluid. The fluid dispenser system comprises a pump. The pump includes a pump body having an interior surface and an exterior surface, where the interior surfaces of the pump body define a chamber. A pump mechanism is movable relative to the chamber, where the pump mechanism is at least partially disposed within the chamber and configured to draw fluid into the chamber when the pump mechanism is moved relative to the chamber. The pump includes a pump valve connector. The fluid dispenser system further comprises a container. The container includes a fluid reservoir configured to store fluid within a reservoir volume thereof. The fluid reservoir comprises an opening and a sleeve disposed within the fluid reservoir. The sleeve is attached to the container and includes a sleeve interior volume. The sleeve is configured to fluidically isolate the sleeve interior volume and the opening from the reservoir volume. The sleeve further comprises a sleeve connector valve, the sleeve connector valve having an open position and a closed position. The sleeve connector valve is configured to, in the closed position, prevent fluid from flowing therethrough. The pump is releasably connectable to the container. When the pump is connected to the container, the pump body is at least partially disposed within the sleeve and the pump valve connector is configured to engage with the sleeve connector valve so as to switch the sleeve connector valve to an open position to allow for fluid within the reservoir volume to be drawn, upon movement of the pump mechanism relative to the chamber, from the reservoir volume into the chamber through the first and second valve connectors without fluid contacting the exterior surface of the chamber or the sleeve interior volume.

[0008] In an embodiment, the pump mechanism comprises a piston movable relative to the chamber so as to draw fluid into the chamber when the piston is moved in a first direction relative to the chamber, and wherein the piston is movable in a second direction opposite to the first direction to force fluid in the chamber to a dispensing spout via a conduit fluidically connected to the chamber.

[0009] In an embodiment, the conduit comprises a one-way valve configured to allow fluid to be forced from the chamber into the conduit and to prevent reverse fluid passagetherethrough.AppAsFiled_DP02207PC

[0010] In an embodiment, the pump valve connector comprises a one-way valve configured to allow fluid to be drawn into the chamber via the pump valve connector and to prevent reverse fluid passage therethrough.

[0011] In an embodiment, the fluid dispenser system further includes a keying system configured to allow the pump to be releasably connected to the container and configured to prevent an unauthorized pump from being releasably connected to the container. Optionally, the keying system comprises at least one first protrusion associated with either the pump body or the sleeve and at least one corresponding first groove associated with the other of the pump body or the sleeve, wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to be slidingly received within the at least one corresponding first groove to allow the pump to be releasably connected to the container. Optionally, the at least one first protrusion comprises a plurality of first protrusions associated with either the pump body or the sleeve and the at least one corresponding first groove comprises a plurality of corresponding first grooves associated with the other of the pump body or the sleeve.

[0012] In an embodiment, the sleeve is attached to the container such that removal of the sleeve from the container would damage the container. For example, the sleeve may be permanently attached to, or formed integrally with, the container.

[0013] In an embodiment, the pump valve connector includes a spigot, the spigot comprising at least one inlet and a channel fluidically connecting the at least one inlet to the chamber, optionally wherein the spigot comprises an exterior surface including a groove and a sealing ring seated within the groove. The sealing ring is configured to abut against a sidewall of the sleeve so as to seal against fluid flowing around the spigot and bypassing the at least one inlet.

[0014] In an embodiment, the sleeve connector valve comprises a valve plug, a valve seat and a resilient member configured to bias the valve plug toward the valve seat.

[0015] In an embodiment, the releasable connection formed between the pump and the container causes the pump valve connector to be urged toward the sleeve connector valve, such that when the releasable connection is formed, the pump valve connector urges the sleeve connector valve from the closed position to the open position.

[0016] In an embodiment, the releasable connection between the pump and the container is formed between a cap of the pump, the cap having internal threads disposed thereon, and a neck of the container, the neck having external threads disposed thereon, and wherein threading of the internal threads with the external threads forces the pump valve connector to be urged toward the sleeve connector valve.AppAsFiled_DP02207PC

[0017] In an embodiment, the sleeve further comprises a temporary seal configured to prevent fluid from flowing from the sleeve connector valve and through the opening, wherein the temporary seal is configured to be removed or broken when the pump is connected to the container.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a container for a fluid dispenser system. The container comprises a fluid reservoir configured to store fluid within a reservoir volume, the fluid reservoir comprising an opening; and a sleeve disposed within the fluid reservoir, the sleeve attached to the container, the sleeve comprising a sleeve interior volume, wherein the sleeve is configured to fluidically isolate the sleeve interior volume and the opening from the reservoir volume, wherein the sleeve further comprises a connector valve, the connector valve having an open position and a closed position, the connector valve being biased toward the closed position and being configured to, in the closed position, prevent fluid from flowing therethrough, wherein the connector valve is configured to be forced, upon engagement by a corresponding connector, into an open position to allow fluid to flow therethrough.

[0019] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a pump for a fluid dispenser system. The pump comprises a pump body having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surfaces of the pump body defining a chamber; and a pump mechanism movable relative to the chamber so as to draw fluid into the chamber and discharge fluid from the chamber; and a pump valve connector connected to the pump body, the pump valve connector configured to engage with and open a corresponding connector valve of a container to allow fluid flow therethrough.

[0020] Optionally, the pump mechanism comprises a piston movable with respect to the chamber, the piston movable in a first direction to draw fluid into the chamber and movable in a second direction opposite to the first direction to expel fluid from the chamber.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a container for a fluid dispenser system. The method comprises providing a container having a fluid reservoir and an opening; introducing fluid into the fluid reservoir; and attaching a sleeve to the container, the sleeve being disposed within the fluid reservoir, the sleeve comprising a sleeve interior volume configured to fluidically isolate the sleeve interior volume and the opening from the reservoir volume, wherein the sleeve comprises a sleeve connector valve, the sleeve connector valve having an open position and a closed position, the sleeve connector valve being biased toward the closed position and being configured to, in the closed position, prevent fluid from flowing therethrough, wherein the sleeve connector valve is configured to be forced, upon engagement by a corresponding valveAppAsFiled_DP02207PCconnector, into an open position to allow fluid to flow therethrough, optionally wherein the step of attaching the sleeve to the container comprises forming a attachment between the sleeve and the container such that removal of the sleeve from the container damages the container. The attachment between the sleeve and the container may be a permanent attachment.

[0022] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing or retrofitting a pump for a fluid dispenser system. The method comprises providing a pump having a pump body with an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface of the pump body defining a chamber; and a piston movable relative to the chamber to draw fluid into the chamber when the piston is moved in a first direction, and to discharge fluid from the chamber when the piston is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and attaching to the pump body a pump valve connector, the pump valve connector configured to engage with and open a corresponding connector valve of a container to allow fluid flow therethrough.

[0023] Other desirable features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the preceding background.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a known fluid dispenser;

[0026] FIG. 2 is another schematic illustration of the fluid dispenser show n in FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a fluid dispenser system in accordance with embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 4A shows a pump valve connector and a sleeve connector valve in accordance with embodiments;

[0029] FIG. 4B shows another view of the pump valve connector and the sleeve connector valve of FIG. 4A;

[0030] FIG. 5 shows another fluid dispenser system in accordance with embodiments;

[0031] FIG. 6 shows a keying system in accordance with embodiments;

[0032] FIGs. 7A-7C shows a technique of attaching a pump to a container using the keying system of FIG. 6;

[0033] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a container in accordance with embodiments; andAppAsFiled_DP02207PC

[0034] FIG. 9 shows a method of manufacturing or retrofitting a pump in accordance with embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure or the application and uses of the present disclosure. As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Thus, any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All of the embodiments described herein are exemplary embodiments provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure and not to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined by the claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary, or the following detailed description.

[0036] Broadly, example embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fluid dispenser system that may be disassembled by a user. With such a fluid dispenser system, it is desirable to prevent user contact with fluid stored within the fluid dispenser system so as to reduce the potential of health, safety, and / or other liability risks related to potential user exposure this fluid.

[0037] Additionally, it is desirable to prevent a user from using a fluid dispenser system with an incorrect product, which can cause a number of problems, including dispenser leakage, failure, improper dispense amount, and even property damage and user injury as a result of an incorrect dispense. Fluid reservoir refill control or prevention can also further reduce the risk of user contact with fluids stored within and dispensed by the fluid dispenser and / or retained in a fluid reservoir thereof, can prevent a user from using a fluid dispenser system to dispense a fluid for which the fluid dispenser system is not adapted or suitable, and can reduce the potential of health, safety, and / or other liability risks when a user uses one party’s fluid dispenser to dispense fluid obtained from another party.

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates a known fluid dispenser 10. The fluid dispenser 10 includes a container 15 and a pump 20 having a piston 35. The fluid dispenser 10 also includes a handle 25 and / or a spout 30 of any form desired. The illustrated fluid dispenser of FIG. 1 also includes a user-manipulatable control 40 for selecting an amount of fluid to be dispensed upon actuation of the piston 35. The fluid dispenser 10 is portable and is intended to be movable from location to location as needed for dispensing fluid at such locations. The fluid dispenser 10 can also be mounted in a wall rack or refilling station to preventAppAsFiled_DP02207PCmisplacement or theft, and / or to provide a central identified and controlled location for dispensing operations.

[0039] The fluid dispenser 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is operable to draw fluid from within the container 15 by actuating the piston 35 of the pump 20 in a first direction, and to dispense a particular quantity of the fluid (i.e., a predetermined, metered, or dosed amount) through the spout 30 by actuating the piston 35 in a second direction. Any type of fluid can be retained within and dispensed from the fluid dispenser 10, such as cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, floor and other surface treatment fluids, comestible fluids, body sprays, oils, coolants, and other automotive, heat exchange, and / or lubricant fluids, chemical additives, paint, colorants, and the like.

[0040] In many applications, access to the interior of the container 15 (whether for purposes of refilling the container 15 or access to the fluid stored therein) is undesirable. Also, in many applications, the ability to remove and replace the container 15 with another container of the same or different type is undesirable. In the known fluid dispenser, the pump 20 is non-removably connected to the container 15 in order to prevent a user from accessing fluid stored within a fluid reservoir of the container 15. This non-removable connection is fluid-tight and can be established by a number of different techniques, such as by spin-welding, vibration welding, or welding in any other manner, adhesive or cohesive bonding material, a non-releasable mechanical connection such as a toothed, swaged, or non-reversible threaded locking engagement, shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 as a cap 12 having internal threads 14 which are non-releasably connected to external threads 18 located upon a neck 16 of the container 15. In order to connect the pump 20 to the container 15, the cap 12 is received within a portion of a pump body 22, and can spin relative to the pump body 22 and the container 15 in order to tighten the cap 12 thereon. After the cap 12 is spun by a certain amount, a locking engagement prevents the cap 12 from being screwed in the other direction to release the pump 20 from the container 15. A combination of these and other types of non-releasable connections is also possible. Any of these and other types of non-releasable connections between the pump 20 and the container 15 of the known fluid dispenser 10 may be used. By way of example only, a non-releasable fitting is described and illustrated in detail in US Patent Number 6,772,914 Bl, which is incorporated herein by reference for its teachings of bottle-to-container connections and connection methods.

[0041] The container 15 and the pump 20 (and pump components, described in greater detail below) can be made from any resilient material or combination of materials, such as plastic, elastomer, fiberglass, composite material, aluminum, steel or other metal, and the like. Also, the container 15 and the pump 20 can be formed by injection molding, blow molding,AppAsFiled_DP02207PCrotational molding, casting, machining, stamping, or other suitable manufacturing processes. In some embodiments, the material(s) are selected to be light-weight and / or resistant to corrosion from exposure to the types of fluid(s) to be retained in and dispensed from the dispenser 10 . The container 15 can have any shape desired, and in some embodiments is shaped to permit the container 15 to stand substantially upright on a horizontal surface. By way of example only, the illustrated container 15 is generally cuboid in shape, and has bulbs at each of four bottom comers. However, other shapes, materials and configurations of containers can instead be used as desired. In other, non-illustrated embodiments, the container 15 is replaced with a bag-in-box arrangement, such that a bag, pouch or other flexible container contains the fluid and is at least partially contained within a box or other container that can provide structural support for the bag.

[0042] As described above, the known fluid dispenser 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 includes a handle 25 that allows the user to lift or hold the fluid dispenser 10. The illustrated handle 25 extends generally radially outward from the pump 20, and includes an end portion that curves downward to inhibit a user's hand from sliding off the handle 25 while lifting or carrying the fluid dispenser 10. However, in other embodiments, the handle 25 can have any other shape desired, including a hook, loop, or other curved shape, a substantially flat shape extending at any angle with respect to the pump 20, and the like.

[0043] With continued reference to the known fluid dispenser illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the spout 30 extends radially away from the pump 20, and may be shaped to extend in a generally downward direction. The spout 30 is in fluid communication with a conduit 45 that receives fluid from a pump chamber 24. The conduit 45 can have any length and can extend in any direction suitable for performing this function. In the known fluid dispenser illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the conduit 45 extends from a bottom of the pump chamber 24 to the spout 30. The conduit 45 is defined by one or more tubes and fittings connected to the spout 30 and to a pump cylinder 85 at least partially defining the pump chamber 24.

[0044] The pump 20 in the illustrated fluid dispenser of FIGS. 1-2 includes an aperture opening 50 through which the piston 35 is received. The piston 35 is movable with respect to the container 15 (e.g., movable into and out of the container 15) and is sealed with respect to the pump chamber 24 by a piston seal 55 to ensure a leak-proof relationship between the piston 35 and the pump cylinder 85 within which the piston 35 moves. Therefore, as the piston 35 is moved in an upward direction, the piston seal 55 generates a vacuum force within the pump cylinder 85, causing fluid from within the container 15 to be drawn into the pump cylinder 85 via tube 42. As the piston 35 is then moved in a downward direction, the piston seal 55 generates an increased fluid pressure within the pump cylinder 85, causing fluid to beAppAsFiled_DP02207PCdischarged from the pump cylinder 85 through the conduit 45 and spout 30. Typically, the piston 35 is biased outward (i.e., upward in FIGS. 1-2) by a spring 60. Alternatively, opposite ends of a coil spring can be attached to the top of the pump cylinder and to the bottom of the piston 35 in order to provide a similar biasing force. In another alternative, a sealed and pressurized chamber can be positioned to exert a biasing force upon the piston 35 to perform the same function. Alternatively, no such spring or other biasing device is used to bias the piston 35, in which cases the piston 35 can be moved outwardly by a user.

[0045] The amount of fluid dispensed by the actuation of the pump (i.e., by movement of the piston 35) depends upon the amount of movement of the piston 35 . To dispense a larger or smaller amount of fluid from the dispensing pump chamber 24 in the illustrated fluid dispenser 10 of FIGS. 1-2, the piston 35 is moved upward and downward a larger or smaller amount, respectively. Accordingly, the amount of fluid dispensed from the fluid dispenser can be controlled by limiting or otherwise controlling the amount of movement of the piston 35 with respect to the pump cylinder 85. This function can be performed by a movable connection between the piston 35 and one or more other parts of the pump 20. In some embodiments, this movable connection includes one or more protrusions (e.g., pins, posts, bumps, walls, and the like) of the piston 35 movable along one or more apertures (e.g., grooves, slots, channels, elongated recesses, and the like) on an adjacent portion of the pump 20. Alternatively, this movable connection includes one or more apertures (e.g., grooves, slots, channels, elongated recesses, and the like) formed in the piston 35 which move one or more protrusions (e.g., pins, posts, bumps, walls, and the like) of an adjacent portion of the pump 20.

[0046] The piston 35 of the pump 20 is rotatable and can be twisted by a user to different circumferential positions with respect to the rest of the pump 20. Different circumferential positions of the piston 35 may, via an arrangement of mating grooves and protrusions, correspond to different amounts of movement of the piston 35, which limits the amount of fluid that may be drawn into and expelled from the pump chamber 24. For example, a clockwise rotation of the piston 35 to a first predetermined angle may cause a first groove (not shown) in the piston 35 to align with a protrusion (not shown). The first groove may have a predetermined length such that, when the first groove is aligned with the protrusion, the piston 35 may be moved into and drawn out of the pump chamber 24 by an amount corresponding to the length of the first groove. The limitation of the amount of movement by which the piston 35 can be moved into and out of the pump chamber 24 allows for accurate dispensing of a predetermined amount of fluid into and out of the pump chamber 24 when the piston 35 is rotated to the first predetermined angle. Similarly, a counter-clockwise rotationAppAsFiled_DP02207PCof the piston 35 to a second predetermined angle may cause a second groove (not shown) in the piston 35 to align with the protrusion. The second groove may have a predetermined length such that, when the second groove is aligned with the protrusion, the piston 35 may be moved into and drawn out of the pump chamber 24 by an amount corresponding to the length of the second groove. The limitation of the amount of movement by which the piston 35 can be moved into and out of the pump chamber 24 allows for accurate dispensing of a predetermined amount of fluid into and out of the pump chamber 24 when the piston is rotated to the second predetermined angle. In other words, a user can set the amount of fluid to be dispensed from the dispenser 10 by twisting the piston 35 to a desired rotational setting corresponding to a protrusion and groove positional relationship in which the piston 35 will move the proper distance to dispense the desired predetermined amount of fluid. In other words, two or more quantities of fluid can be dispensed from the fluid dispenser 10. In some embodiments, the two quantities can have a ratio of around about 10:1. By way of example only, in a given embodiment, a first dispensed quantity of fluid can be about 7 mL by moving the piston into the dispenser about 4-5 mm, whereas a second dispensed quantity of fluid can be about 75 mL by moving the piston into the dispenser about 150 mm. Other quantities, ratios and distances are also possible, and fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0047] Additionally, the piston 35 can be rotated to a locking position which prevents the piston 35 from being moved to draw fluid into the pump chamber 24, in order to retain the pump 20 in a compact state, which is desirable during, for example, shipment or storage.

[0048] As can also be seen in FIG. 2, the pump 20 includes two one-way valves 37, 38. Each valve 37, 38 may a ball valve (for example a ball valve comprising a ball 82), a mitril valve, duck bill valve, umbrella valve, or any other type of one-way valve. The first one-way valve 37 prevents backflow of fluid from the pump chamber 24 back into thecontainer 15 (e.g., when the pump 20 is actuated to dispense fluid from the pump chamber 24), and can be connected to or seated upon a valve plate at least partially defining an end of the pump cylinder 85. The second valve 38 prevents air from being drawn into the pump chamber 24 (e.g., when the pump 20 is actuated to draw fluid into the pump chamber 24 from the container 15), and can be connected to or seated upon the valve plate described above, or can alternatively be located in the conduit 45 or spout 30.

[0049] Whilst the known fluid dispenser 10 is able to accurately dispense predetermined quantities of fluid in a compact and reliable manner whilst limiting exposure of the user to fluids stored within the container 15, the present inventors recognized that it would be desirable to be able to rc-usc certain components of the fluid dispenser 10. In particular, the pump 20 of the fluid dispenser 10, which is designed to accurately dispense specificAppAsFiled_DP02207PCpredetermined quantities of fluid, has a relatively complex design. It would therefore be desirable to be able to re-use the pump 20 of the fluid dispenser instead of disposing of the pump 20 with the container 15 after a user no longer has need of the container 15. However, with the existing design, if the pump 20 were to be made re-usable such that the pump 20 could be releasably attached to the container, the likelihood that a user would be exposed to fluid stored within the container 15 increases.

[0050] A fluid dispenser system 100 in accordance with embodiments of the invention is shown in FIGS. 3. Some elements of the fluid dispenser system 100, such as the action of a piston 350 to draw one or more quantities of fluid into a pump chamber 240, are the same as the known fluid dispenser 10 and the explanations thereof will not be repeated in detail. However, the fluid dispenser system 100 has a design which advantageously allows for the re-use of the pump 200 with different containers 150 whilst still minimizing the exposure of a user to fluid stored within each container 150. Each container 150 includes a reservoir volume 151 within which fluid may be stored and an aperture opening 500 through which a piston 350 and pump cylinder 850 of a pump 200 may be received. The container 150 also includes a sleeve 155 disposed within the reservoir volume 151. The sleeve 155 is configured to fluidically isolate the opening 500 from the reservoir volume 151. Additionally, the sleeve 155 is hollow, and comprises an interior volume 156. The sleeve 155 is configured to fluidically isolate the sleeve interior volume 156 from the reservoir volume 151. The sleeve interior volume 156 is open to the aperture opening 500 such that a user may insert an item through the opening 500 and into the sleeve interior volume 156. In embodiments, the sleeve 155 is attached to the container 150 such that removal of the sleeve 155 from the container 150 would damage or destroy the container 150, rendering the subsequent use of the container 150 difficult or impossible. In other words, removal of the sleeve 155 from the container 150 will cause the connection between the sleeve 155 and the container 150 to be damaged to such an extent that it is difficult or impossible to effectively refill the container 150 with another fluid and continue normal dispensing operations with the refilled fluid. This attachment of the sleeve 155 to the container 150, which may be a permanent connection, is fluid-tight and can be established by a number of different techniques, such as by spinwelding, vibration welding, or welding in any other manner, adhesive or cohesive bonding material, or a non-releasable mechanical connection such as a toothed, swaged, or non-reversible threaded locking engagement.

[0051] In embodiments, the sleeve 155 is cylindrical in nature, with a first axial end of the sleeve 155 directly or indirectly attached to the container 150 at a location proximate to the opening 500, for example at a location at the opening 500 and a second axial end of theAppAsFiled_DP02207PCsleeve 155 disposed within the reservoir volume 151. However, it will be appreciated that other arrangements are possible. For example, the sleeve 155 may have other three-dimensional shapes such as a hollow rectangular prism, a hollow cone or otherwise, and may be directly or indirectly attached to other locations within the container 150, as long as the sleeve 155 fluidically isolates the sleeve interior volume 156 and the opening 500 from the reservoir volume 151.

[0052] The sleeve 155 includes a sleeve connector valve 700. The sleeve connector valve 700 has a first, closed, position in which the passage of fluid through the sleeve connector valve 700 is prevented, and a second, open, position, in which the passage of fluid through the sleeve connector valve 700 is allowed. The operation of the sleeve connector valve 700 will be explained in greater detail below.

[0053] The fluid dispenser system 100 further includes a pump 200. As noted above, several features of the pump 200 are the same as the pump 20 of the known fluid dispenser 10 explained above. For example, the pump 200 includes a piston 350 that is movable with respect to a pump chamber 240 which is defined in some embodiments by the interior surface of a pump cylinder 850, a handle 250 and / or a spout 300. The action of the piston 350 allows for accurate metering of fluid to be dispensed from the pump chamber 240, via a conduit 450, and out of the spout 300. The piston 350 is at least partially disposed within the pump chamber 240. As used herein, the term “at least partially disposed within” is used to mean that, in at least one position of the piston 350 with respect to the pump chamber 240, at least part of the piston 350 is disposed within the interior volume of the pump chamber 240. For example, the piston 350 may be pressed into and withdrawn from the interior volume of the pump chamber 240. With such an arrangement, the overall dimensions of the fluid dispenser system may be advantageously reduced as compared to an arrangement in which the piston 350 or other pump mechanism is disposed outside of the pump chamber 240.

[0054] The pump 200 of the fluid dispenser system 100 additionally has several differences as compared to the pump 20 of the known fluid dispenser 10.

[0055] A first difference is that the pump 200 is releasably connectable to the container 150 as compared to the non-releasable connection formed between the pump 20 and the container 15 of the known fluid dispenser. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, this releasable connection is formed using a cap 120 of the pump 200, the cap having internal threads disposed thereon, which internal threads may be releasably connected to external threads 180 located upon a neck 160 of the container 150. In other words, in order to releasably connect the pump 200 to the container 150, a user may insert the pump cylinder 850 into the sleeve 155 of the container 150, align the internal threads on the cap 120 of the pump 200 with theAppAsFiled_DP02207PCexternal threads 180 on the neck 160 of the container 150 and screw the internal threads onto the external threads 180. Similarly, in order to releasably disengage the pump 200 with the container 150, a user may unscrew the internal threads of the cap 120 with the external threads 180 of the neck 160 of the container 150 and then withdraw the pump body 850 of the pump 200 from the sleeve 155 of the container 150. In this manner, after all or most of the fluid stored in a container 150 is dispensed using the pump 200, the pump 200 may be disconnected from the container 150 and then attached to a new container 150. It will be appreciated that other means of forming a releasable connection between the pump 200 and the container 150 exist, for example using a releasable clamping mechanism or other such releasable connection mechanism.

[0056] A second difference from the known fluid dispenser 10 is that the pump 200 of the fluid dispenser system 100 includes a pump valve connector 750. When the pump 200 is connected to the container 150, the pump valve connector 750 is configured to engage with the sleeve connector valve 700 so as to switch the sleeve connector valve 700 from a closed position through which fluid cannot be drawn to an open position through which fluid can be drawn. In the open position of the sleeve connector valve 700, fluid may be drawn, via movement of the piston 350, from the fluid reservoir 151, through the sleeve connector valve 700 and the pump valve connector 750, into the pump chamber 240 of the pump 200.

[0057] The interaction of the pump valve connector 750 and the sleeve connector valve 700 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In FIG. 4A, the pump valve connector 750 is shown in a position where the pump valve connector 750 is disposed inside the sleeve 155 and is not in engagement with the sleeve connector valve 700. The pump valve connector comprises a spigot 751 comprising a channel 752 through which fluid may pass. The spigot 751 also includes one or more inlets 753 fluidically connected to the channel 752. A one-way valve 370 is disposed within the pump chamber 240. In embodiments, the one-way valve 370 may be positioned proximate to an outlet of the channel 752 into the pump chamber 240. The one-way valve 370 is configured to allow fluid to be drawn into the fluid chamber 240 via the one or more inlets 753 but to prevent a reverse flow of fluid therethrough.

[0058] The sleeve connector valve 700 comprises a valve plug 710 and a valve seat 720. In embodiments, the valve plug 710 is urged toward the valve seat 720 by a resilient member 730, for example a coil spring. A first end of the resilient member 730 may contact the valve plug 710. A second end of the resilient member 730 may contact a valve cage 740 that surrounds the valve seat 720. The valve cage 740 comprises openings to allow fluid through the valve cage 730 to the valve plug 710 and the valve scat 720. The spring force supplied by the resilient member 730 biases the valve plug 710 against the valve seat 720, therebyAppAsFiled_DP02207PCforming a fluid seal to prevent fluid from flowing through the sleeve connector valve 700. In embodiments, the valve cage may be retained in position via an exterior side wall 158 of the sleeve 155.

[0059] The position of the pump valve connector shown in FIG. 4A may correspond to a configuration where the pump 200 has been inserted into the sleeve 155 of the container 150 but a releasable connection between the pump 200 and the container 150 has not yet been fully formed or fully secured, for example internal threads on the cap 120 have not yet been fully screwed onto external threads 180 of the neck 160 of the container 150. It is noted that, in such a configuration, the sleeve 155 may additionally provide further structural support for the pump 200 disposed therein.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4B, as the releasable connection between the pump 200 and the container 150 is fully formed or fully secured, for example by fully screwing the internal threads on the cap 120 onto the external threads 180 of the neck 160 of the container, the spigot 751 of the pump valve connector 700 is urged towards and contacts the valve plug 710 of the sleeve connector valve 700. The spigot 751 forces the valve plug 710 away from the valve seat 720, overcoming the compression force supplied by the resilient member 730, thereby allow fluid to be drawn from the fluid reservoir 151 through the sleeve connector valve 700 via movement of the piston 350. Fluid drawn through the sleeve connector valve 700 passes through the one or more inlets 730 of the spigot 751, through the channel 752 of the spigot 751, and into the pump chamber 240 of the pump 200 via the one-way valve 370.

[0061] In embodiments, a groove 758 is provided in an exterior surface of the spigot 751, which groove may seat a sealing ring such as an O-ring so as to prevent fluid ingress past the spigot 751, bypassing the one or more inlets 753 and into the interior of the sleeve 155. The sealing ring is configured to abut against a surface of an interior side wall 159 of the sleeve 155 in order to seal against fluid ingress into the sleeve 155. In embodiments, the interior side wall 159 is parallel to an exterior side wall 158 of the sleeve which acts to retain the valve cage 740 in position, for example via the use of corresponding ridges on the valve cage 740 and the exterior side wall 158. In an alternative arrangement, the sealing ring may be seated on an internal surface of the sleeve, for example on a groove formed in the interior side wall 159.

[0062] Once fluid has been drawn into the pump chamber 240 in the above-described manner via movement of the piston 350 in a first direction, the fluid may be dispensed out of the spout 300 from the pump chamber 240 via movement of the piston 350 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. When the piston 350 is moved in a second direction opposite toAppAsFiled_DP02207PCthe first direction, fluid is forced into a conduit 450 of the pump 200 via a one-way valve 380, which conduit 450 is fluidically connected to the spout 300.

[0063] It will be appreciated from the above explanation that the use of the pump valve connector 750 and sleeve connector valve 700 allows for fluid to be drawn into the pump chamber 240 of the pump 200 without an exterior surface of the pump cylinder 850 being exposed to the fluid contained within the fluid reservoir 151. The only path for fluid to take when being drawn from the fluid chamber 151 into the pump chamber 240 of the pump is through the pump valve connector 750 and the sleeve connector valve 700. In addition, this is only possible when the pump valve connector 750 and the sleeve connector valve 700 are forced into engagement with each other via a releasable connection being formed between the pump 200 and the container 150. Fluid from the reservoir 151 is therefore unable to contact the exterior surface of the pump cylinder 850 or the interior surface of the sleeve 155.

[0064] When the user wishes to disconnect the pump 200 from the container 150, for example to connect the pump 200 to another container 150, the user may release the releasable connection formed between the pump 200 and the container 150, and then withdraw the pump cylinder 850 of the pump 200 from the sleeve 155 of the container 150. Since neither the exterior surface of the pump cylinder 850 nor the interior surface of the sleeve 155 has been exposed to fluid stored within the fluid reservoir, the likelihood of the user being exposed to fluid during the disconnection of the pump 200 from the container 150 is minimized, since all surfaces which the user might grip or handle during such an operation have been isolated from fluid stored within the fluid reservoir 151. The user may then connect the pump 200 to another container 150, for example.

[0065] Returning to FIG. 3, in embodiments a temporary seal 167 may be provided within the sleeve 155. The temporary seal 167 is configured to prevent fluid from flowing from the sleeve connector valve 700 to the opening 500, should the sleeve connector valve fail and allow fluid to flow therethrough without the pump valve connector 750 being in engagement therewith. The temporary seal 167 may be of the form of a foil seal cap or other such breakable form that is bonded to a location within or on the sleeve 155, and which is pierced or otherwise broken when the pump 200 is connected to the container 150.

[0066] FIG. 5 shows another view of the fluid dispenser system 100 in which the pump 200 is releasably connected to the container 150, for example by means of mating internal threads formed on a cap 120 of the pump 200 and external threads formed on a neck of the container 150. As can be seen in FIG. 5, when the pump valve connector 750 and the sleeve connector valve 700 arc engaged, the sleeve connector valve 700 is forced into an “open” position that allows fluid stored within the fluid reservoir 151 of the container 150 to be drawn, uponAppAsFiled_DP02207PCmovement of the piston 350, through the sleeve connector valve 700, through the pump valve connector 750 and into the pump chamber 240. As can also be seen in FIG. 5, in the “closed” position of the sleeve connector valve 700, fluid contained within the fluid reservoir 151 is only able to contact an exterior surface of the pump cylinder 850, an interior surface of the fluid reservoir 151, the valve cage 740 and the valve plug 710. Furthermore, in the “open” position of the sleeve connector valve 700, which is caused by engagement of the sleeve connector valve 700 with the pump valve connector 750, fluid may be drawn, upon movement of the piston 350, through the sleeve connector valve 700 and the pump valve connector 750 and into the pump chamber 240, without contacting an interior surface of the sleeve 155 or an exterior surface of the pump cylinder 850. Fluid may then be forced, upon movement of the piston 350 in the opposite direction, from the pump chamber 240 to the dispensing spout 300 via the conduit 450.

[0067] In this manner, the likelihood of a user being exposed to fluid stored within the reservoir is reduced, even when the user detaches the pump 200 from the container.

[0068] In addition to reducing the risk of user contact with fluids during detachment of the pump 200 from the container 150, it is also desirable to reduce the risk of user contact with fluids dispensed by the fluid dispenser which may be caused by a user using a fluid dispenser to dispense a fluid for which the fluid dispenser is not adapted or suitable, and also to reduce the potential of health, safety, and / or other liability risks when a user uses a pump of one party’s fluid dispenser to dispense fluid obtained from another party or to dispense fluid from a container supplied by another party. For example, with the pump valve connector 750 and sleeve connector valve 700 arrangement outlined above, the pump cylinder 850 and pump valve connector 750 must each have a specific predetermined length in order to correctly engage and open the sleeve connector valve 700 when the pump cylinder 850 of the pump 200 is inserted into the sleeve 155 of the container 150, which prevents the use of a pump 200 with a different (for example shorter) pump body 850 from being used to draw fluid from the fluid reservoir via the sleeve connector valve 700.

[0069] However, in order to further reduce these other risks, in embodiments the fluid dispenser system 100 comprises a keying system 900 that allows only a specific type of pump 200 to be connected to a specific type of container 150.

[0070] An exemplary keying system 900 is shown in FIG. 6. In an embodiment, the keying system 900 comprises at least one first protrusion 901 disposed on a pump key ring 902 attached to the pump cylinder 850. It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the at least one first protrusion 901 may be disposed directly on the pump cylinder 850.AppAsFiled_DP02207PC

[0071] The keying system 900 further comprises at least one corresponding first groove 903 formed in a container key ring 904 attached to the container 150, for example to an interior surface of the neck 160 of the container 150. It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the at least one corresponding first groove 903 may be disposed directly on the interior surface of the sleeve 155.

[0072] Irrespective of the locations of the pump key ring 902 and container key ring 904, and of whether the at least one first protrusion 901 and the at least one corresponding first groove 903 are formed on a pump key ring 902 and a container key ring 904, respectively, or whether the at least one first protrusion 901 and the at least one corresponding first groove 903 are formed on an exterior surface of the pump cylinder 850 and an interior surface of the sleeve 155, respectively, the at least one first protrusion 901 and the at least one corresponding first groove 903 act to prevent mis-matched or unauthorized pumps 200 and container 150 from being connected together. In other words, the dimensions and / or spatial arrangement of the at least one first protrusion 901 and the at least one corresponding first groove 903 act to allow only matching protrusion / groove pairs of pumps 200 and containers 150 to be connected together. In this manner, the keying system 900 may allow only specific / authorized pumps 200 to be connected to a particular container 150. The specific I authorized pumps 200 may be selected so as to, for example, be able to dispense one or more specific dosage amounts from the container 150, whereas unauthorized pumps which are not able to connect with the container 150 via the keying system 900 may be designed so as to dispense fluid with other dosage amounts. For example, a container 150 containing substance X may have a keying system 900 that only allows authorized pumps 200 to connect to the container 150. These authorized pumps 200 may be configured to allow dispensing of fluid in specific dosage amounts of XI or X2. The keying system 900 therefore ensures that substance X may only be dispensed in quantities of XI or X2 via the authorized pump 200. Another, unauthorized pump which is configured to dispense of fluid in one or more different dosage amounts, for example a pump that is configured to connect to a different keying system of a different container, would not therefore be able to connect via the keying system 900 to the container 150 containing substance X. Substance X could not therefore be dispensed with an incorrect dosage amount using the unauthorized pump. In this manner, the keying system 900 reduces the likelihood that an incorrect dosage of fluid stored within a container 150 is dispensed due to user error of connecting an incorrect pump to the container 150.

[0073] It will be appreciated that visual guidance may be provided to signify to a user that a particular authorized pump 200 will connect, using the keying system 900, to a particularAppAsFiled_DP02207PCcontainer 150. For example, the authorized pump 200 may have one or more elements coloured to match one or more elements of the container 150 in order to signify to a user that the authorized pump 200 may be connected to the container 150. A mis-match in colour between the pump 200 and the container 150 would signify that the pump 200 is not authorized for use with the container 150 and therefore will not be able to connect with the container 150 via the keying system 900. It will also be appreciated that other visual or tactile guidance, such as etched or printed labelling on the pump 200 and the container 150, or other such guidance may be provided to signify that a particular pump 200 is authorized for use with a particular container 150.

[0074] In various embodiments, the at least one first protrusion 901 comprises a plurality of first protrusions 901 and the at least one first corresponding groove 903 comprises a plurality of corresponding first protrusions 903. In order to pass the plurality of first protrusions 901 through the plurality of corresponding first grooves 903 and thereby allow the pump 200 including the plurality of first protrusions 901 to be releasably connected to the container including the plurality of first grooves 903, the spatial arrangement of the plurality of first protrusions 901 must match with the spatial arrangement of the corresponding first grooves 903 to allow the plurality of first protrusions 901 to pass therethrough. If the spatial arrangement of the plurality of first protrusions 901 does not match with the spatial arrangement of the corresponding first grooves 903, the plurality of first protrusions 901 cannot pass through the plurality of corresponding first grooves 903 and the pump cylinder 850 associated with the plurality of first protrusions 901 cannot be inserted into the sleeve 155 associated with the plurality of corresponding first grooves 903.

[0075] In this manner, the keying system 900 allows only allows for predetermined, authorized pairings of pumps 200 and containers 150 to be connected together, in the manner as described above.

[0076] It will be appreciated that whilst the above explanation is provided with respect to an example in which protrusions are associated with the pump cylinder 850 and corresponding grooves are associated with the sleeve 155, this configuration may be reversed in alternative embodiments such that grooves are associated with the pump cylinder 850 and corresponding protrusions are associated with the sleeve 155. It will also be appreciated that other forms of keying system 900 may be used, for example a keying system based on corresponding helical threads of a certain pitch, a keying system comprising retractable or spring-loaded pins that align with corresponding detents, a keying system which relies upon the shape of an exterior of the pump cylinder matching with a shape of the sleeve, or a rotary disc-type keying arrangement. It will also be appreciated that multiple keying rings 902, 904 with multipleAppAsFiled_DP02207PCprotrusions and grooves may additionally or alternatively be included in the keying system 900.

[0077] Turning to FIGS. 7A-C, a technique of attaching a pump 200 to a container 150 using a keying system 900 is shown.

[0078] In FIG. 7A, a transport cap 1200 of the container 150 is removed by a user. Fluid is stored within the container 150. In FIG. 7B, a pump cylinder 850 of a pump 200 is inserted into a sleeve (not shown) disposed within the container 150. In embodiments, a keying system 900 ensures that only an authorized pump 200 may be connected to the container 150. In FIG. 7C, a releasable connection is fomied between the pump 200 and the container 150, for example through the use of a cap 120 of the pump 200 having internal threads which are releasably connected to external threads located upon a neck 160 of the container 150.Forming the releasable connection causes a pump valve connector 750 associated with the pump 200 to engage with a sleeve connector valve 700 associated with the container 150 to thereby switch the sleeve connector valve from a “closed” position to an “open” position. In an “open” position, the sleeve connector valve is configured to allow fluid to be drawn from the fluid reservoir of the container 150 into a pump chamber of the pump upon movement of a piston 350 of the pump 200. The fluid dispenser system 100 is then ready for use in dispensing of specific quantities of fluid.

[0079] Turning to FIG. 8, a flowchart of a method 1090 of manufacturing a container in accordance with embodiments is shown. The method 1090 begins at step 1091, at which step a container having a fluid reservoir and an opening is provided. The method then progresses to step 1092. At step 1092, fluid is introduced into the fluid reservoir. The method then progresses to step 1093. At step 1093, a sleeve is attached to the container. The sleeve is disposed within the fluid reservoir and includes a sleeve interior volume configured to fluidically isolate the sleeve interior volume and the opening from the reservoir volume. The sleeve comprises a sleeve connector valve which has an open position and a closed position, the sleeve connector valve being biased toward the closed position and being configured to, in the closed position, prevent fluid from flowing therethrough. The sleeve connector valve is configured to be forced, upon engagement by a corresponding valve connector, into an open position to allow fluid to flow therethrough. In an embodiment, the step of attaching the sleeve to the container comprises forming an attachment, such as a permanent attachment, between the sleeve and the container such that removal of the sleeve from the container damages the container.

[0080] Turning to FIG. 9, a flowchart of a method 1190 of manufacturing or retrofitting a pump for a fluid dispenser system is shown. The method 1190 starts at step 1191, at whichAppAsFiled_DP02207PCstep a pump is provided, the pump including a pump body having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface of the pump body defining a pump chamber; and a piston movable relative to the pump chamber to draw fluid into the chamber when the piston is moved in a first direction, and to discharge fluid from the chamber when the piston is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The method then progresses to step 1192, at which step a pump valve connector is connected to the pump body, the pump valve connector configured to engage with and open a corresponding connector valve of a container to allow fluid flow therethrough.

[0081] It will be appreciated that the skilled person, armed with the knowledge of the above disclosure, will be able to modify certain features of the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the above explanation has been provided with respect to the pump mechanism including a piston 350 that is movable with respect to a pump chamber 240. Such an arrangement allows for accurate dispensing of both large and small dosing volumes.Furthermore, such an arrangement allows for the pump 200 to be made slim and compact, thereby reducing the volume of the pump 200.

[0082] However, the pump 200 may have other forms. For example, the pump may alternatively include bellows instead of a piston, wherein the bellows are able to expand and contract with the chamber in response to user input, for example the user interacting with a motor configured to expand or contract the bellows or the user physically interacting with the bellows to manually expand or contract the bellows, where expansion of the bellows draws fluid into the pump chamber and contraction of the bellows expels fluid out of the pump chamber. The bellows may be at least partially disposed within the chamber, or may form the chamber.

[0083] Alternatively, the pump may be a gear metering pump including one or more gears at least partially disposed within the chamber, where rotation of the gears in a first direction is configured to draw fluid into the chamber and rotation of the gears in a second direction is configured to expel fluid from the chamber.

[0084] Still further alternatively, the pump may be a peristaltic metering pump that includes a rotating mechanism at least partially disposed with the chamber and configured to create a compressive force on a flexible tube within the chamber in order to create a suction force to draw fluid into and expel fluid from the chamber.

[0085] It will be appreciated that other alternatives and equivalents of the pump are possible.

[0086] Similarly, whilst the above explanation has been provided with respect to a sleeve connector valve 700 which is biased toward the closed position, it will be appreciated that alternative sleeve connector valves may be provided. For example, an alternative sleeveAppAsFiled_DP02207PCconnector valve may not be arranged so as to be biased towards a closed position. Instead, the sleeve connector valve may include a valve seat and a valve plug, where the valve seat and the valve plug are fixed together. Upon engagement of the sleeve connector valve with the pump valve connector, the pump valve connector is configured to forcibly disconnect the valve seat and the valve plug of the sleeve connector valve, for example by breaking the fixation between the valve seat and the valve plug or by otherwise breaking the seal formed by the valve plug, such as by piercing the valve plug. It will be appreciated that, with such a configuration, no re-sealing of the sleeve connector valve is possible and therefore all or most of the fluid disposed within the fluid reservoir should preferably be dispensed before the pump is removed from the container in order to minimize the likelihood of exposure of the user to fluid stored within the fluid reservoir when the user is detaching the pump from the container.

[0087] Alternatively, the sleeve connector valve may comprise a valve seal and a valve plug that is configured to open when the sleeve connector valve is engaged by the pump valve connector and to close when the pump valve connector is removed from engagement with the sleeve connector valve, where no biasing element is required to bias the valve plug toward the valve seat. In such an arrangement, the valve seat may be connected to the valve plug via at least one locating arm. The valve plug has a recess or other connecting mechanism to temporarily attach the valve plug to the pump valve connector, such that when the pump valve connector forces the valve plug away from the valve seat to switch the sleeve connector valve to the open position, the valve plug remains temporarily attached to the pump valve connector in this open position. When the pump is detached from the container, the pump valve connector is withdrawn from the sleeve valve connector, and the temporary attachment between the pump valve connector and the valve plug causes the valve plug to be drawn toward and to seal the valve seat of the sleeve valve connector. The force required to break the temporary attachment between the valve plug and the pump valve connector is sufficient to wedge the valve plug into the valve seat to thereby seal the sleeve connector valve.

[0088] It will be appreciated that other alternatives and equivalents of the sleeve valve connector and pump connector valve are possible. It will also be appreciated that other alternatives and equivalents of the pump and the container are possible. For example, the handle 250 may be located on the container 150 instead of on the pump 200.

[0089] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. Numerical ordinals such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. simply denote different singles of aAppAsFiled_DP02207PCplurality and do not imply any order or sequence unless specifically defined by the claim language. The sequence of the text in any of the claims does not imply that process stepsmust be performed in a temporal or logical order according to such sequence unless it is specifically defined by the language of the claim. The process steps may be interchanged in any order without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as long as such an interchange does not contradict the claim language and is not logically nonsensical.

[0090] Furthermore, depending on the context, words such as “connect” or “coupled to” used in describing a relationship between different elements do not imply that a direct physical connection must be made between these elements. For example, two elements may be connected to each other physically, electronically, logically, or in any other manner, through one or more additional elements.

[0091] As used herein, the term “axial” refers to a direction that is generally parallel to or coincident with an axis of rotation, axis of symmetry, or centerline of a component or components. For example, in a cylinder or disc with a centerline and generally circular ends or opposing faces, the “axial” direction may refer to the direction that generally extends in parallel to the centerline between the opposite ends or faces. In certain instances, the term “axial” may be utilized with respect to components that are not cylindrical (or otherwise radially symmetric). For example, the “axial” direction for a rectangular housing containing a rotating shaft may be viewed as a direction that is generally parallel to or coincident with the rotational axis of the shaft. Furthermore, the term “radially” as used herein may refer to a direction or a relationship of components with respect to a line extending outward from a shared centerline, axis, or similar reference, for example in a plane of a cylinder or disc that is perpendicular to the centerline or axis. In certain instances, components may be viewed as “radially” aligned even though one or both of the components may not be cylindrical (or otherwise radially symmetric). Furthermore, the terms “axial” and “radial” (and any derivatives) may encompass directional relationships that are other than precisely aligned with (e.g., oblique to) the true axial and radial dimensions, provided the relationship is predominantly in the respective nominal axial or radial direction. As used herein, the term “substantially” denotes within 5% to account for manufacturing tolerances. Also, as used herein, the term “about” denotes within 5% to account for manufacturing tolerances.

[0092] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the present disclosure, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplaryAppAsFiled_DP02207PCembodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed descriptionwill provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

AppAsFiled_DP02207PCCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A fluid dispenser system (100) for containing and dispensing metered amounts of fluid, the fluid dispenser system comprising:a pump (200), the pump comprising:a pump body (850) having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surfaces of the pump body (850) defining a chamber (240);a pump mechanism (350) movable relative to the chamber, the pump mechanism being at least partially disposed within the chamber and configured to draw fluid into the chamber when the pump mechanism is moved relative to the chamber; anda pump valve connector (750);the fluid dispenser system further comprising a container (150), the container comprising:a fluid reservoir (151) configured to store fluid within a reservoir volume, the fluid reservoir comprising an opening (500); anda sleeve (155) disposed within the fluid reservoir (151), the sleeve attached to the container, the sleeve comprising a sleeve interior volume (156), wherein the sleeve is configured to fluidically isolate the sleeve interior volume and the opening from the reservoir volume, wherein the sleeve further comprises a sleeve connector valve (700), the sleeve connector valve having an open position and a closed position, the sleeve connector valve being configured to, in the closed position, prevent fluid from flowing therethrough, wherein the pump is releasably connectable to the container and wherein, when the pump is connected to the container, the pump body (850) is at least partially disposed within the sleeve (155) and the pump valve connector (750) is configured to engage with the sleeve connector valve (700) so as to switch the sleeve connector valve to an open position to allow for fluid within the reservoir volume to be drawn, upon movement of the pump mechanism relative to the chamber, from the reservoir volume into the chamber through the first and second valve connectors without fluid contacting the exterior surface of the chamber or the sleeve interior volume.

2. The fluid dispenser system of claim 1, wherein the pump mechanism comprises a piston (350) movable relative to the chamber (240) to draw fluid into the chamber when the piston is moved in a first direction, and wherein the piston is movable in a second directionAppAsFiled_DP02207PCopposite to the first direction to force fluid in the chamber (240) to a dispensing spout (300) via a conduit (450) fluidically connected to the chamber.

3. The fluid dispenser system of claim 2, wherein the conduit (450) comprises a one-way valve (380) configured to allow fluid to be forced from the chamber into the conduit and to prevent reverse fluid passage therethrough.

4. The fluid dispenser system of any preceding claim, wherein the pump valve connector (750) comprises a one-way valve (370) configured to allow fluid to be drawn into the chamber (240) via the pump valve connector and to prevent reverse fluid passage therethrough.

5. The fluid dispenser system of any preceding claim, further comprises a keying system (900) configured to allow the pump (200) to be releasably connected to the container (150) and configured to prevent an unauthorized pump from being releasably connected to the container (150), optionally wherein the keying system (900) comprises at least one first protrusion (901) associated with either the pump body (850) or the sleeve (155) and at least one corresponding first groove (903) associated with the other of the pump body (850) or the sleeve (155), wherein the at least one protrusion (901) is configured to be slidingly received within the at least one corresponding first groove to allow the pump (200) to be releasably connected to the container (150), optionally wherein the at least one first protrusion (901) comprises a plurality of first protrusions associated with either the pump body (850) or the sleeve (155) and the at least one corresponding first groove (903) comprises a plurality of corresponding first grooves associated with the other of the pump body (850) or the sleeve (155).

6. The fluid dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein the sleeve (155) is attached to the container (150) such that removal of the sleeve from the container would damage the container.

7. The fluid dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein the pump valve connector (750) comprises a spigot (751), the spigot comprising at least one inlet (753) and a channel (751) fluidically connecting the at least one inlet (753) to the chamber (240), optionally wherein theAppAsFiled_DP02207PCspigot comprises an exterior surface including a groove (758) and a sealing ring seated within the groove, the sealing ring configured to abut against a sidewall (159) of the sleeve (155) so as to seal against fluid flowing around the spigot and bypassing the at least one inlet (753).

8. The fluid dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein the sleeve connector valve (700) comprises a valve plug (710), a valve seat (720) and a resilient member (730) configured to bias the valve plug toward the valve seat.

9. The fluid dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein the releasable connection formed between the pump (200) and the container (150) causes the pump valve connector (750) to be urged toward the sleeve connector valve (700), such that when the releasable connection is formed, the pump valve connector urges the sleeve connector valve from the closed position to the open position.

10. The fluid dispenser of Claim 9, wherein the releasable connection between the pump (200) and the container (150) is formed between a cap (120) of the pump, the cap having internal threads disposed thereon, and a neck (160) of the container, the neck having external threads (180) disposed thereon, and wherein threading of the internal threads with the external threads forces the pump valve connector (750) to be urged toward the sleeve connector valve (700).

11. The fluid dispenser of any preceding claim, further comprising a temporary seal (167) configured to prevent fluid from flowing from the sleeve connector valve (700) and through the opening (500), wherein the temporary seal is configured to be removed or broken when the pump is connected to the container.

12. A container for a fluid dispenser system, the container comprising:a fluid reservoir (151) configured to store fluid within a reservoir volume, the fluid reservoir comprising an opening (500); anda sleeve (155) disposed within the fluid reservoir (151), the sleeve attached to the container, the sleeve comprising a sleeve interior volume, wherein the sleeve is configured to fluidically isolate the sleeve interior volume and the opening from the reservoir volume, wherein the sleeve further comprises a connector valve (700), the connector valve having anAppAsFiled_DP02207PCopen position and a closed position, the connector valve being biased toward the closed position and being configured to, in the closed position, prevent fluid from flowing therethrough, wherein the connector valve is configured to be forced, upon engagement by a corresponding connector, into an open position to allow fluid to flow therethrough.

13. A pump (200) for a fluid dispenser system, the pump comprising:a pump body (850) having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surfaces of the pump body (850) defining a chamber (240);a pump mechanism movable relative to the chamber so as to draw fluid into the chamber and discharge fluid from the chamber; anda pump valve connector (750) connected to the pump body, the pump valve connector configured to engage with and open a corresponding connector valve of a container to allow fluid flow therethrough.

14. A method of manufacturing a container for a fluid dispenser system, the method comprising:providing a container (200) having a fluid reservoir (151) and an opening (500); introducing fluid into the fluid reservoir; andattaching a sleeve (155) to the container, the sleeve (155) being disposed within the fluid reservoir (151), the sleeve comprising a sleeve interior volume configured to fluidically isolate the sleeve interior volume and the opening from the reservoir volume, wherein the sleeve comprises a sleeve connector valve (700), the sleeve connector valve having an open position and a closed position, the sleeve connector valve being biased toward the closed position and being configured to, in the closed position, prevent fluid from flowing therethrough, wherein the sleeve connector valve is configured to be forced, upon engagement by a corresponding valve connector, into an open position to allow fluid to flow therethrough, optionally wherein the step of attaching the sleeve to the container comprises forming a attachment between the sleeve and the container such that removal of the sleeve from the container damages the container.

15. A method of manufacturing or retrofitting a pump for a fluid dispenser system, the method comprising:providing a pump (200) comprising a pump body (850) having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface of the pump body (850) defining a chamber (240); andAppAsFiled_DP02207PCa piston (350) movable relative to the chamber to draw fluid into the chamber when the piston is moved in a first direction, and to discharge fluid from the chamber when the piston is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction; andattaching to the pump body a pump valve connector (750), the pump valve connector configured to engage with and open a corresponding connector valve of a container to allow fluid flow therethrough.

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