U.S. patent application number 12/210832 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-19 for dispensing pump for product storage and dispensing container and container provided with such a pump.
This patent application is currently assigned to L'OREAL. Invention is credited to Leandre LASFARGUES.
Application Number | 20090071982 12/210832 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39472840 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090071982 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LASFARGUES; Leandre |
March 19, 2009 |
DISPENSING PUMP FOR PRODUCT STORAGE AND DISPENSING CONTAINER AND
CONTAINER PROVIDED WITH SUCH A PUMP
Abstract
A pump is arranged to be mounted on a product storage and
dispensing container. It includes a variable-volume pumping chamber
and a dip tube having a first end able to be inserted inside the
container where it picks up product and a product-dispensing second
end at the exit from the pumping chamber. The dip tube can be
produced by extrusion and typically has two valves and at least one
elastically deformable portion running between the valves.
Inventors: |
LASFARGUES; Leandre; (Paris,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
L'OREAL
Paris
FR
|
Family ID: |
39472840 |
Appl. No.: |
12/210832 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60977987 |
Oct 5, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/207 ;
222/211 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B 11/303 20130101;
B05B 15/30 20180201; B05B 11/3033 20130101; B05B 11/3032
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/207 ;
222/211 |
International
Class: |
B65D 37/00 20060101
B65D037/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 13, 2007 |
FR |
07 06421 |
Claims
1. A dispensing pump to be mounted on a product storage and
dispensing container, the dispensing pump comprising: a
variable-volume pumping chamber disposed in a dip tube, the dip
tube including a first end configured to be inserted into the
container where the dip tube picks up product and including a
product-dispensing second end connected to an exit of the pumping
chamber, wherein the dip tube includes two valves and at least one
elastically deformable portion running between the valves, and the
valves delimit the pumping chamber.
2. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the elastically
deformable portion and the dip tube are a single integral
piece.
3. The pump according to claim 2, wherein the stiffness constant of
the tube is between 3000 N/m and 6000 N/m.
4. The pump according to claim 3, wherein the stiffness constant of
the tube is 4000 N/m.
5. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the first end has an end
region set back relative to a free end of the tube.
6. The pump according to claim 5, wherein the first end of the tube
includes a cutout.
7. The pump according to claim 6, wherein the free first end of the
tube includes at least one slot.
8. The pump according to claim 7, wherein the slot has a
triangular, square, or rectangular cross-section.
9. The pump according to claim 6, wherein the free first end of the
tube is mitred.
10. The pump according to claim 6, wherein the free first end of
the tube has an overall corrugated shape.
11. The pump according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
valves is a distinct component from the tube and held in the tube
by friction.
12. The pump according to claim 1, wherein, when at rest, the tube
has a cross section of constant size.
13. The pump according to claim 12, wherein the cross section of
the tube has a diameter of between 3 mm and 15 mm.
14. The pump according to claim 13, wherein the tube has a diameter
of between 8 mm and 12 mm.
15. The pump according to claim 13, wherein the tube has a diameter
of 10 mm.
16. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the tube engages
directly with a neck of the container.
17. The pump according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
valves includes at least one of a ball valve, a disc valve, a slot
valve, a gate valve in which a gas has a translational movement, a
flap valve in which a flap has a pivoting movement, and a needle
valve.
18. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the
tube has a self-closing peripheral wall that moves under the effect
of a raised pressure caused when the pumping chamber is
deformed.
19. The pump according to claim 1, further comprising a product
applicator mounted on the second end of the tube.
20. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the dip tube is an
extruded tube.
21. The pump according to claim 1, further comprising a pump
actuating member that deforms the pumping chamber.
22. The pump according to claim 21, further comprising an actuating
member positioned between a dispensing valve and a mouth of the
container which mouth defines a mounting opening for the tube.
23. The pump according to claim 21, wherein the actuating member
comprises a clamp.
24. The pump according to claim 21, wherein the actuating member
comprises a tab accessible by a user and that allows the tube to be
twisted.
25. The pump according to claim 21, wherein the actuating member
comprises a member for lengthening the tube.
26. The pump according to claim 25, wherein the actuating member
comprises a trigger equipped with a first end region that can be
actuated by hand, and with a second end region, at the opposite end
to the first end region with respect to an axis about which the
trigger is articulated and which region is firmly attached to the
tube.
27. The product storage and dispensing container comprising a
reservoir that stores the product, the container including a pump
according to claim 1, mounted on the reservoir.
28. The container according to claim 27, wherein the first end of
the dip tube extends, inside the reservoir, to within 10 mm of the
closed end of the reservoir.
29. The container according to claim 28, wherein the dip tube is in
contact with the closed end of the reservoir.
30. The container according to claim 27, wherein the reservoir
contains a flexible pouch on which the pump is mounted.
31. The container according to claim 30, further comprising a rigid
outer shell surrounding the reservoir.
32. The container according to claim 27, wherein the reservoir
comprises a rigid material, and the pump comprises an air intake
passage.
33. The method of dispensing a product using a pump according to
claim 1, comprising the steps of: deforming the dip tube by locally
reducing the cross section of the tube at least in the region lying
between the valves; collecting a dose of product; and filling the
pumping chamber by releasing the tube.
34. The method according to claim 33, wherein deforming the tube
includes bending the tube.
35. The method according to claim 33, wherein deforming the tube
includes compressing the tube.
36. The method according to claim 33, wherein deforming the tube
includes lengthening the tube.
37. The method according to claim 33, wherein deforming the tube
includes twisting the tube.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This document claims priority to French Application Number
07 06421, filed on Sep. 13, 2007, and U.S. Provisional Application
No. 60/977,987, filed on Oct. 5, 2007, the entire contents of each
of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a dispensing pump
configured to be mounted on a product storage and dispensing
container for dispensing product stored therein.
[0003] More specifically, the invention relates to a pump in which
product is dispensed by deforming a variable-volume pumping chamber
either by hand or using an actuating member.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Discussion of Background
[0004] Dispersing pumps are already known in the art. Document EP B
0 900 598, describes a pump for a fluid cosmetic product, which
comprises a pumping chamber that can be elastically deformed under
the action of a push-button and which is associated with a product
inlet valve. The valve communicates with a container on which the
pump is mounted and is also associated with a product dispensing
valve via which the product is delivered as it leaves the pump.
[0005] According to the pump described in that document, the
push-button is actuated in an overall direction that is coaxial
with the container, thus imposing limitations on how the pump can
be used.
[0006] Furthermore, that pump comprises a relatively high number of
parts, which has an impact on its cost of manufacture and on
environmental conservation issues.
[0007] Also described, from document EP A 1 243 216, is a
dispensing pump for dispensing shampoo and which comprises, mounted
in a cylindrical support itself fixed to the neck of a container, a
dip tube, a pumping chamber, and an axially actuated dispensing
member. Valves are provided on each side of the distribution
chamber.
[0008] As already indicated, according to the arrangement described
in that document, actuation is in a direction coaxial with the
tube. Further, the pump also comprises a relatively high number of
parts, making it relatively expensive to manufacture.
[0009] What is more, according to this arrangement, the pumping
chamber is produced in the form of a bellows, this meaning that it
has to be manufactured separately from the dip tube and the
actuating member. Furthermore, the use of a bellows means that it
is difficult to have effective control over the deformation
experienced by the pumping chamber upon actuation, leading to poor
control over the dose dispensed and poor repeatability of dispensed
doses. The use of a bellows presents additional problems of
reliability, particularly when using a large-diameter pumping
chamber, as the bellows is liable to rupture eventually.
[0010] With a view to improving ergonomics, it has been proposed
that the pumping chamber be produced in such a way as to make it
radially deformable, either by hand or under the action of a
trigger provided with an operating lever which, during operation,
presses laterally against the deformable wall of the pumping
chamber.
[0011] In this regard, reference may be made to FR 2 141 309 which
describes an arrangement such as this.
[0012] However, the pump described in that document once again has
a relatively high number of parts, making its cost of manufacture
relatively high.
[0013] It has further been proposed to produce the pumping chamber
in the form of a flexible tube that may extend right into the
reservoir to form a dip tube.
[0014] FR 1 508 161, GB A 2 182 726, U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,008, U.S.
Pat. No. 3,066,832, U.S. Pat. No. 3,881,641 and FR 2 389 105
provide information as to how to produce such pumps.
[0015] The pumps described in those documents are trigger operated
which generally means that the product has to be dispensed in just
one position, either head up or head down.
[0016] In any event, the tube used to produce the pumping chamber
typically has no valve, which means that if the pump is unused for
a lengthy period of time, there is a risk that the product will
become impaired and the pump blocked, especially if the product is
viscous.
[0017] Furthermore, in numerous solutions recommended in the
background art, the doses that can be dispensed are relatively
small.
[0018] Finally, reference may be made to FR 2 341 518, which
describes another type of dispensing pump comprising a dip tube
inserted in a container and internally comprising two valves
delimiting a pumping chamber, and a member for actuating the
pumping chamber in order to deform it radially.
[0019] However, the dip tube here is made in two parts and
comprises, particularly in the region of the pumping chamber, a
flexible internal tube and a member covering this tube. This cover
member comprises a rigid outer tube, or sleeve, fixed to the neck
of the container, and the actuating member comprises a stem that
fits in between the elastically deformable tube and the rigid tube
and acts upon a part of the dip tube located inside the volume of
the container.
[0020] As a result, the dip tube has a relatively complicated
structure and its assembly is difficult to reconcile with high
production rates.
[0021] Furthermore, the cover member made of a metallic material,
being in contact with the product, may cause undesirable
interactions with the product and may, in particular, bring about
physio-chemical changes to the product, for example it may cause
the product to take on a different color.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] In the light of the foregoing, there is therefore a desire
to have a pump which solves all or some of the aforementioned
disadvantages and, in particular, is attractive from an aesthetic
viewpoint, ergonomic and relatively simple to manufacture, and can
be manufactured at relatively low cost.
[0023] A subject of the invention, in one of its aspects, is a
dispensing pump arranged to be mounted on a product storage and
dispensing container comprising a variable-volume pumping chamber,
and a dip tube having a first end able to be inserted inside the
container where it picks up product and a product-dispensing second
end at the exit from the pumping chamber.
[0024] According to a general feature of this pump, the dip tube
has two valves and at least one elastically deformable portion
running between the valves that delimit the pumping chamber.
[0025] The invention thus makes it possible, by virtue of the fact
that the pumping chamber is produced in the form of an elastically
deformable portion of a dip tube delimited by two valves, for
letting product into the chamber and for dispensing the product, to
produce a pump from a relatively small number of parts and at low
cost, making it possible to offer various actuating options, while
at the same time reducing the risk of product impairment. In
particular, a pump such as this can be produced from a single type
of material, thus offering an advantage from the standpoint of the
recycling of the parts employed.
[0026] Furthermore, according to another feature of the invention,
the tube is produced by extrusion. This arrangement considerably
simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the pump, and in
particular, the production of the dip tube.
[0027] As a result, advantageously, the elastically deformable
portion and the dip tube can be produced as a single piece.
[0028] Advantageously, the first end has an end region set back
relative to a free end of the tube.
[0029] It is thus possible to extend the dip tube right down to the
closed end of the container, or even into contact with the closed
end, where it can collect product, without the free end of the dip
tube being blocked off by the wall of that closed end.
[0030] Thus, in one embodiment, the first end of the tube has a
cutout.
[0031] For example, the free first end of the tube has at least one
slot particularly of triangular, square, or rectangular cross
section.
[0032] As an alternative, the free first end of the tube is mitred
or has an overall corrugated shape.
[0033] According to a preferred embodiment that generates little or
no scrap, this first end of the tube is cut in a relatively easy
way using a linear and sequential process. The chosen shape allows
part of the dip tube to be in contact with the closed end of the
container while at the same time allowing product contained in this
container to be collected.
[0034] According to another feature of the pump according to the
invention, at least one of the valves is added to the tube and held
therein by friction, clamping, or force-fitting.
[0035] It will be noted that, for example, when at rest, the tube
typically has a cross-section of constant size.
[0036] Advantageously, the cross section of the tube has a size,
particularly a diameter, preferably of between 3 mm and 15 mm, more
preferably between 8 mm and 12 mm, and more preferably of about 10
mm.
[0037] The tube may also advantageously engage, if appropriate
fixedly, directly with the neck of the container. In other words,
the external wall of the tube may engage with the internal wall
defined by the mouth of the container.
[0038] In various embodiments, at least one of the valves is formed
with an element chosen from a ball valve, a disc valve, a slot
valve, a gate valve in which the shutter has a translational
movement, a flap valve in which the shutter has a pivoting
movement, and a needle valve.
[0039] According to yet another feature of the invention, the
second end of the tube has a self-closing peripheral wall capable
of opening under the effect of a raised pressure caused when the
pumping chamber is deformed.
[0040] In one exemplary embodiment, the pump further comprises a
product applicator mounted on the second end of the tube.
[0041] It may also comprise a pump actuating member capable of
deforming the pumping chamber. The actuating member may be designed
to create suction within the tube. It may be positioned between a
dispensing valve and a mouth of the container defining a mounting
opening for the tube. More generally, the actuating member may run
between the opening and the dispensing head. This actuating member
may be mounted such that it can be removed, if appropriate so that
it is interchangeable.
[0042] This actuating member can thus be provided on an external
part of the tube that projects out of the container. In other
words, this member may extend outside the interior volume defined
by the container, and may potentially do so exclusively. The mouth
may itself form an actuating surface that the user may, for
example, use as a surface to which he or she applies force in order
to deform the cross section of the tube, particularly by folding or
bending it. This external part may also be large enough to allow
the user to operate the tube with his or her fingers directly, such
as by compressing the tube.
[0043] The dispensing valve may also be provided in the external
part of the dip tube that projects out of the container. The inlet
valve may for its part lie within the interior volume of the
container. As an alternative, the inlet valve may also be provided
outside of this volume.
[0044] For example, the actuating member may comprise a clamp.
[0045] It may also comprise a tab capable of allowing the tube to
be twisted.
[0046] The actuating member may also comprise a member for
lengthening the tube.
[0047] For example, the actuating member may comprise a trigger
equipped with a first end region that can be actuated by hand, and
with a second end region, at the opposite end to the first end
region with respect to an axis about which the trigger is
articulated and which region is firmly attached to the tube.
[0048] Another subject of the invention, in another of its aspects,
is a product storage and dispensing container comprising a
reservoir for storing the product. This container further comprises
a pump as defined hereinabove.
[0049] According to another feature of the container, the first end
of the dip tube extends, inside the reservoir, down near to the
closed end of the reservoir, or even into contact with the closed
end
[0050] In one embodiment, the reservoir contains a flexible pouch
on which the pump is mounted.
[0051] The container may further comprise a rigid outer shell
surrounding the reservoir.
[0052] In another embodiment, the reservoir is made of a rigid
material, the pump comprising an air intake passage.
[0053] A further subject of the invention is a method of dispensing
a product using a pump as defined hereinabove, this method
involving the steps of deforming the dip tube by locally reducing
the cross section of the tube at least in the region lying between
the valves, collecting a dose of product, and filling the pumping
chamber by releasing the tube.
[0054] In one embodiment, when the tube is being deformed, it is
being deformed by bending it.
[0055] The tube may also be deformed by compressing it.
[0056] The tube may alternatively be deformed by lengthening the
tube.
[0057] As an alternative, the tube may be deformed by twisting
it.
[0058] Another subject of the invention is a dispensing pump
intended to be mounted on a product storage and dispensing
container, comprising a variable-volume pumping chamber, and a dip
tube having a first end able to be inserted inside the container
where it picks up product and a product-dispensing second end at
the exit from the pumping chamber, in which the dip tube defines an
axis of elongation and at rest has a cross section of substantially
constant size, the tube comprising two valves, at least one
elastically deformable portion running between the valves that
delimit the pumping chamber. A tube such as this could then
preferably be produced by extrusion, or otherwise, using rotational
molding or injection molding.
[0059] A further subject of the invention is a dispensing pump
intended to be mounted on a product storage and dispensing
container, comprising a variable-volume pumping chamber, and a dip
tube having a first end able to be inserted inside the container
where it picks up product and a product-dispensing second end at
the exit from the pumping chamber, in which the tube comprises two
valves, at least one elastically deformable portion running between
the valves that delimit the pumping chamber and in which this tube
has a part external to the container that can be actuated by hand
by the user by pressing his or her fingers directly onto the
portion or using a product-dispensing actuating member attached
around this external part.
[0060] A further subject of the invention is a dispensing pump
intended to be mounted on a product storage and dispensing
container, comprising a variable-volume pumping chamber, and a dip
tube having a first end able to be inserted inside the container
where it picks up product and a product-dispensing second end at
the exit from the pumping chamber. The tube comprises two valves,
at least one elastically deformable portion running between the
valves that delimit the pumping chamber. The pump includes means of
twisting the tube that act as a product-dispensing actuating
member.
[0061] As should be apparent, the various embodiments of the
invention can provide a number of advantageous features and
benefits. It is to be understood that, in practicing the invention,
an embodiment can be constructed to include one or more features or
benefits of embodiments disclosed herein, but not others.
Accordingly, it is to be understood that the preferred embodiments
discussed herein are provided as examples and are not to be
construed as limiting, particularly since embodiments can be formed
to practice the invention that do not include each of the feature
of the disclosed examples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0062] A better understanding of the invention will be gained from
reading the following description in conjunction with the
accompanying figures. The figures are offered purely as a guide and
by way of example, and in no way limit the invention.
[0063] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a product storage and
dispensing container equipped with one exemplary embodiment of a
pump according to the invention;
[0064] FIG. 2 is an outline diagram illustrating the operation of
the pump of FIG. 1;
[0065] FIG. 3 illustrates a first alternative form of the pump of
FIG. 1;
[0066] FIG. 4 shows a second alternative form of the pump of FIG.
1;
[0067] FIG. 5 illustrates the principle of operation of the pump of
FIG. 4;
[0068] FIG. 6 shows a third alternative form of the pump of FIG.
1;
[0069] FIG. 7 illustrates the principle of operation of the pump of
FIG. 6;
[0070] FIG. 8 is an outline diagram illustrating another way of
using a pump according to the invention;
[0071] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth alternative form of
a pump according to the invention, employing the principle
illustrated in FIG. 8;
[0072] FIGS. 10 to 19 illustrate various embodiments of the valves
that form part of a pump according to the invention;
[0073] FIGS. 20 to 22 schematically illustrate various embodiments
of the free end of the dip tube; and
[0074] FIG. 23 illustrates one way of using a pump according to the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0075] Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals are
used to designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the
several views.
[0076] FIG. 1 depicts, schematically and in perspective, a product
storage and dispensing container 1 provided with a pump 2 according
to the invention.
[0077] In the position illustrated in FIG. 1, the assembly has an
overall axis X-X' depicted in a position assumed to be
vertical.
[0078] In the exemplary embodiment depicted, the container 1
comprises a reservoir that has a closed bottom end 3 and an open
top end 4 forming a neck, on which the pump 2 is mounted, for
example by screwing.
[0079] The container is, for example, intended to contain a
cosmetic or care product. The cosmetic product is to be understood
to mean a product as defined in Commission Directive 93/35/EC of 14
Jun. 1993.
[0080] However, it would not constitute a departure from the scope
of the invention if any other fluid, liquid or viscous product were
to be contained in the container 1 and dispensed by the pump 2.
[0081] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the pump 2 essentially consists of
a dip tube 5 which comprises a lower end 6 via which the product
contained in the container 1 enters the tube 5 and which extends
into the container toward the closed bottom end 3 of the container
1, particularly in contact with the end wall 7 of the container,
and an opposite top end 8 which extends out of the container and
via which the product is dispensed as it leaves the pump.
[0082] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the tube 5, at rest,
advantageously has a cross section of constant size. This cross
section is advantageously circular but could equally well be of
another shape such as polygonal, particularly square, or oval. This
cross section may have a size and, in particular a diameter,
preferably between 3 mm and 15 mm, more preferably of between 8 mm
and 12 mm, and in particular of about 10 mm.
[0083] The lower end 6 of the dip tube may extend into contact
with, or, preferably, up to 10 mm away from, the end wall of the
container.
[0084] The tube 5 may be mounted on the container using a fastener.
This fastener may involve a clip-fastening, screw-fastening or
crimping ring to be mounted on the neck of the container as a tight
fit.
[0085] For example, in its middle, the tube 5 may be provided with
a threaded ring b, screw-fastened onto the neck of the container
and thus holding the tube 5 in place, for example through
friction.
[0086] The container may alternatively be provided with a cap (not
depicted) that fits over the top end of the tube.
[0087] With reference also to FIG. 2, one way in which the pump
works is essentially based on deforming a pumping head formed by a
manually accessible portion 9 of the tube 5 which therefore extends
out of the container 1.
[0088] Thus, the dip tube 5 is at least partly made of an
elastically deformable material, particularly the portion 9. For
example, for a tube having an internal diameter of 10 mm and an
external diameter of 14 mm, the stiffness constant of the tube,
axially measured using a texturometer, is preferably 4000 N/m.
However, regardless of the internal diameter and of the external
diameter, the stiffness constant of the tube is advantageously
between 3000 N/m and 6000 N/m, to ensure comfortable and efficient
working of the tube.
[0089] The tube 5 and the portion 9 are typically produced as one
piece.
[0090] Advantageously, the tube 5 is made as one piece by extruding
a flexible plastic. As an alternative, this tube could just as well
be produced by a molding operation, such as a rotational molding or
an injection molding operation.
[0091] However, producing the tube by extrusion is also
advantageous in that it allows the production of a very long tube,
for example one more than three centimeters, particularly more than
eight centimeters, and even more particularly more than twelve
centimeters long, with a diameter that is constant.
[0092] The tube 5 is also advantageously a one-walled tube, that is
to say a tube that has no sleeve or outer wall. For preference, all
the component parts of the pump are made of one and the same type
of material such as one or more plastic.
[0093] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,
deformation is produced by taking hold of the tube 5 by hand, in
the portion 9 that forms the pump body and, in particular, by
squeezing it between two fingers D, for example between the thumb
and index finger, so as to apply a force in a radially inward
direction (arrow F1).
[0094] As can be seen in FIG. 2, which illustrates the principle of
operation of the pump, the manually operable region 9 is delimited
by a bottom valve, referenced 10, and by a top valve, referenced
11, positioned facing one another so that they operate in the same
direction.
[0095] It will be noted in this regard that, because the tube is
made as one piece and, in particular, because the tube can be
produced by extrusion, it is possible to produce a dip tube that
has an elastically deformable region delimiting a pumping chamber
and also incorporating valve seats S.
[0096] In the example depicted, the bottom and top valves consist
of valves of the ball valve type, with the balls, such as B,
resting, when at rest, on a seat S. They are each positioned in the
tube 5 in such a way that when a raised pressure caused by a force,
in this instance a transverse force, is applied to the tube in such
a way as to cause a resultant deformation that leads to a localized
reduction in cross section, one of the valves, namely the bottom
valve 10, closes (arrow F2), while the other valve, namely the top
valve 11, opens and a dose of product is dispensed through the top
valve 11 and then to the pump outlet (arrow F3).
[0097] After the product has been dispensed, when the tube 5 is
released, the elastically deformable region 9 returns to its
initial position. The resultant suction causes the top valve 11 to
close, the bottom valve 10 to open and resultant filling of the
deformable region 9 of the dip tube.
[0098] In other words, the elastically deformable and manually
operable region 9 of the dip tube 5 constitutes a variable-volume
pumping chamber axially delimited by the bottom and top valves,
which can be locally compressed in order to reduce its volume and
cause a dose of product to be dispensed. The pumping chamber,
following release, returns to its initial volume in order to admit
product because of the elasticity of the wall of which the tube is
made. The lower end 6 of the tube 5 is therefore desired to be
upstream of the pumping chamber while the top end 8 extends
downstream of the pumping chamber.
[0099] It is typical to produce the tube and, in particular, the
pumping chamber, from a material that can easily be deformed by
hand, while being unlikely to allow unwanted actuation of the pump,
and which is capable of returning to its initial position, at the
same time drawing in product, all this according to the nature of
the product to be drawn in.
[0100] As indicated earlier, producing the tube using extrusion is
advantageous insofar as it allows the production of a tube and, in
particular, of a pumping chamber, that provides better control of
the dose of product dispensed.
[0101] It is typical in this regard to choose a material with a
shore hardness of less than 45 D and a bending modulus of less than
200 MPa.
[0102] By way of example, the tube 5 may be made of elastomer, for
example elastomers of the SBR or CR type, such as the elastomers
marketed under the names NEOPREN.RTM. or BAYPREN.RTM., of the EPDM
or EPM type, such as the neoprenes marketed under the names
VISTALON.RTM., POLYSAR EPM.RTM., BUNA EP.RTM. or NORDEL.RTM., of
the FPM or FKM type, such as the elastomers marketed under the
trade names TECHNOFLON.RTM., FLUOREL.RTM., AFLAS.RTM. or
VITON.RTM., of the MQ, MVQ, MPQ, FVMQ or FMQ type, such as the
elastomers marketed under the trade names TYGOPRENE.RTM.,
SYLOPRENE.RTM., SYLASTIC.RTM., FSE.RTM., SYLON.RTM.,
ELASTOSIL.RTM., or RHODORSIL.RTM., of the EVM type such as the
LEVAPREN, LEVAMELT.RTM., BAYMOD L.RTM. elastomers, or alternatively
of the AU or EU type.
[0103] Use may also be made of thermoplastic elastomers of the TPO
or TPV type, such as the elastomers marketed under the names
ENGAGE.RTM., SANTOPRENE.RTM., TREFSIN.RTM., SARLINK.RTM. or
ALCRYN.RTM., or the SBC, TPU, PEBA type or those based on Propylene
Ethylene such as the elastomers marketed under the names MULTIFLEX
TPE.RTM., PEBAX.RTM. or ADFLEX.RTM..
[0104] However, use could equally be made of flexible
thermoplastics of the EVA or VLDPE type, such as the thermoplastics
marketed under the names EVATANE.RTM., GREENFLEX.RTM., ESCORENE
ULTRA.RTM. or CLEARFLEX.RTM..
[0105] The arrangement that has just been described makes it
possible to produce a pump essentially consisting of a dip tube
internally provided with two, bottom and top, valves which between
them delimit a pumping chamber, the pump therefore being produced
with a reduced number of parts, this advantageously having an
impact on its cost of manufacture and also on environmental
protection issues.
[0106] Further, by virtue of the fact that the pump is produced
with a small number of parts, the number of materials of different
kinds in contact with the fluid that has to be circulated is
minimized. Furthermore, actuating the pump by deforming the dip
tube by hand allows, as will be described in detail later, wide
flexibility in its use, allowing various operating options and
furthermore allowing for particularly quiet operation.
[0107] Thus, for one and the same tube, it is possible to deform
the pumping chamber in different ways, by lengthening it, by
twisting it, by rubbing it, etc.
[0108] It will also be noted that, in use, the amount of product
dispensed depends on the extent to which the tube is deformed.
Specifically, the dose of product dispensed by the pump is equal to
the variation in volume caused by the mechanical deformation
applied to the flexible tube. It is therefore possible to deliver
different doses, from one use to another, according to the user's
desires and, if appropriate, to deliver large quantities of
product.
[0109] It will also be noted that, whereas in the exemplary
embodiment described, the tube may be mounted on the container by a
fastener, it may also as an alternative be possible to mount the
tube in such a way that it comes into direct contact with the
internal wall of the neck so that the neck holds the tube in place
by friction so as to obtain a sealed assembly, it then being
possible to omit the fixing ring.
[0110] It is noted that, with a view to making the pump easier to
use, the top end 8 may be provided with a dispensing member. It is
possible, in this regard, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, to provide
the tube 5 with a dispensing head 12, for example push-fitted onto
the top end 8 of the tube to make dispensing easier, and in
particular to improve precision. In particular, the dispensing head
may comprise a duct of small cross section or may be fitted with a
nozzle provided with a swirl-inducing system.
[0111] Of course, as an alternative, other types of applicator or
dispensing member may be mounted on the top end of the tube 5.
Members such as a porous element, rollerball, etc. type may be used
in this regard.
[0112] The invention is not restricted to the embodiment described,
and other embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 23.
[0113] Whereas in the embodiment described previously with
reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tube was deformed by squeezing the
tube manually between two fingers D, with reference to FIG. 3 it is
possible to fit the pump head with a pump actuating member.
[0114] However, it is noted that in these various embodiments, the
pumping chamber extends, at least in part, outside of the
container. In other words, when it is intended to be operated by
hand, the user can easily position his or her fingers on the
elastically deformable pumping chamber in order to actuate it by
hand. Likewise, when use is made of an actuating member, this
member is mounted on the outside of the container in such a way
that it can be replaced should it malfunction or changed if there
is any desire to change the way in which the pumping chamber is
actuated.
[0115] In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the tube is
provided with a clamp P of which two branches 13 and 14 locally
surround the manually accessible region 9 and can be brought closer
together by hand (arrow F4) in order to deform the tube
transversely. The clamp P may be made of an elastically deformable
material capable of avoiding preventing the filling of the pumping
chamber. As an alternative, the clamp may be made of a rigid,
non-deformable, material provided with an articulation returned to
the rest position in the released position, by virtue of the
flexibility of the tube.
[0116] Furthermore, whereas in the exemplary embodiments already
described, the tube is deformed by compressing it, it is also
possible, as an alternative and as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, to
envisage deforming the tube by bending it (arrow F5).
[0117] In this embodiment, which essentially differs from the
embodiments already described only in the way in which the pump
head is actuated, from a rest position in which the tube runs
essentially along the axis X-X' of the container, it is simply
necessary to exert a lateral force on the free end 8 of the tube in
order to bend it and thereby cause a localized reduction in cross
section causing a resultant reduction in the volume of the pumping
chamber.
[0118] The free end of the tube may then be provided with a fixed
stop produced, for example, in the form of a relief 15, to make the
pump head easier to actuate. However, as an alternative, the mouth
of the container, particularly the internal edge delimiting the
opening of this mouth, may form a surface actuating the pumping
chamber by folding the tube at this point.
[0119] According to a third alternative form illustrated in FIGS. 6
and 7, the pumping chamber is deformed by applying torsion to the
tube by twisting it. This can be done by applying a torsional force
to the tube and thereby reducing the volume of the pumping chamber.
As visible in FIG. 6, the pump head may then be fitted with a tab
16 to make it easier to apply the torsional force (arrow F6).
[0120] With reference now to FIG. 8, the tube may alternatively be
deformed by elongating it.
[0121] In other words, when a tensile force is applied to the tube,
the resultant deformation leads to a reduction in cross section
along the pumping chamber and causes product to be dispensed
through the top valve 11.
[0122] By contrast, when the tube is released, the pumping chamber
returns to its initial position (arrow F7) which causes suction in
the pumping chamber. This suction causes the top valve 11 to close,
the bottom valve 10 to open (arrow F8) and the product to be sucked
in through the bottom valve 10 (arrow F9).
[0123] With reference to FIG. 9, to make it easier to lengthen the
tube, a lengthening member may be provided on the ring b, this
member comprising a trigger 17 comprising a first end region 17a
that can be actuated by hand in a direction that is generally
transverse (arrow F10), a second end region 17b firmly attached to
the free end 8 of the tube, and a middle part 17c bearing against
or articulated to a base 18 secured to the ring b.
[0124] In this embodiment, dispensing is in a direction essentially
transverse or essentially oblique to the overall axis X-X' of the
tube, the pumping chamber then being configured in such a way as to
form an elbow inserted and guided in a groove 19 made in the
base.
[0125] For example, in this embodiment, the second end region 17b
forms a fork on which there rests a collar 20 made near the free
end of the tube 5 and, in particular, the face of the collar
situated on the opposite side to the end of the tube 5. As a
result, when pressure is exerted on the first end region 17a, the
second end region 17b applies a lateral or, in general, an oblique,
force to the collar 20 and as a result causes the pumping chamber
to lengthen.
[0126] This deformation by lengthening causes a reduction in the
cross section of the tube and causes a dose of product of a size
corresponding to the amount of deformation to be dispensed.
[0127] Following release, the elasticity of the tube on the one
hand fills the pumping chamber and, on the other hand, repositions
the trigger in its initial position.
[0128] As already mentioned, in the various embodiments described,
the pumping chamber is delimited by a bottom valve 10 and by a top
valve 11. In the embodiment visible in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8, the top
and bottom valves each consist of a ball valve.
[0129] In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the valve comprises
a body 22 which has a generally cylindrical external peripheral
surface and a closed end provided with one or more passages 23 and
which internally comprises a housing accommodating a ball B
delimited, on the one hand, by the closed end 23 and, on the other
hand, by an annular seat 24 against which the ball B rests when the
valve is in the open position.
[0130] However, it is possible to use, in place of a ball valve, a
slot valve (FIG. 11), a disc valve (FIGS. 12 and 13) in which a
moving disc 25, held by elastically deformable lateral branches
such as 26, closes a product flow orifice, or alternatively a gate
valve in which the shutter can move translationally (FIG. 14), a
needle valve (FIG. 15), or alternatively a flap valve in which the
shutter is able to pivot (FIG. 16).
[0131] It is noted that, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12
and 13, the valve is produced from a flexible material, for example
a flexible elastomer. Although this has the disadvantage of
creating a restriction, it remains very simple to produce.
[0132] In the various envisaged embodiments, the inlet or bottom
valve 10 that lets product into the chamber may be provided in the
interior volume of the container, while the delivery valve that
dispenses product may extend outside of the container, that is to
say beyond the neck of the container.
[0133] It will be noted in this regard that, as already mentioned,
the pumping chamber extends at least partly outside of the
container. In other words, the dip tube comprises a part which is
inserted in the container and thus falls inside the interior volume
of the container and extends as far as the mouth, and a part
external to the container, that projects out of the container and
of its mouth. This projecting part may serve to attach the
actuating member.
[0134] At least the internal part may have no covering sheath or
external sleeve, over at least 50% of its height, preferably over
75% of its height, and as a preference over its entire height, so
that over its height via which the tube is intended to be inserted
into the tube in contact with the product, the volume reserved for
the product in the container can be greater. It is also possible to
envisage at least the external part of the tube having no cover
member. The tube may possibly be devoid of any cover member over
its entire height, possibly except for the height of a dispensing
head attachment section. This partial or complete lack of cover
member makes it possible to avoid potential physio-chemical
modifications to the product contained in the container,
particularly when this cover member is made of (a) metallic
material(s).
[0135] With reference to FIGS. 17 to 19, as far as the top valve 11
is concerned, the second end 8 of the pumping chamber may
alternatively be produced in the form of a self-closing peripheral
wall, that is to say of a wall which is closed in the rest position
(FIGS. 17 and 18). By contrast, when a raised pressure is created
in the pumping chamber, this end opens up spontaneously to allow
the fluid to flow. When the pumping chamber is released, the end of
the pumping chamber will spontaneously close itself again to let
product into the chamber.
[0136] In the various embodiments envisaged in FIGS. 10 to 16, the
valves are preferably produced in the form of an added element
inserted into the dip tube 5 and held therein by friction, clamping
or force fitting. This embodiment has the advantage of reducing
costs and enhancing ease of use.
[0137] By way of example, according to one of the advantageous
features, the valves are kept in place by elastic deformation of
the tube. Preferably, the valves have a length greater than their
diameter.
[0138] In the various embodiments, the dip tube 5 will preferably
be produced in such a way that its free end bears against the
surface of the end wall 7 of the container 1. Thus, in use, the
container 1 can be completely emptied, it then becoming easier for
liquid to be drawn up from the closed end of the container.
[0139] However, in order to prevent the end wall 7 from being
sucked in and blocking the lower end 6 of the dip tube, this end of
the tube is configured in such a way that it has an end region 27
which is set back from the free end 28. For example, with reference
to FIG. 20, this set-back region may be produced in the form of a
slot of triangular, square or rectangular overall shape. However,
as an alternative, it is equally possible to configure the free end
in the form of a mitre (FIG. 21) or in a corrugated form (FIG. 22).
These various shapes are grouped together under the common heading
of cutout.
[0140] It is noted that the pump system that has just been
described may advantageously be used under conditions of the
"airless" type, that is to say packages in which the products are
stored out of contact with the air. In this case, as illustrated in
FIG. 23, the container essentially comprises a flexible pouch 29 on
which the pump 2 is mounted. The reservoir may alternatively also
have a rigid outer shell 30 that conceals or protects the flexible
pouch 29.
[0141] However, it is equally possible to use the pump that has
just been described on rigid containers. In this case, air intake
passages which serve in particular to lead atmospheric pressure
into the container before or during the filling of the chamber are
advantageously provided in the pump. Air intake can also be
obtained due to the elastically deformable material.
[0142] It is further noted that the invention is not of course
restricted to the embodiments described or envisaged. In
particular, the embodiments whereby the tube is made as a single
piece by extrusion, the embodiments whereby the tube at rest has a
cross-section of constant size, the embodiments whereby the
elastically deformable pumping chamber is accessible from the
outside, and the embodiments whereby use is made of pumping chamber
actuating means that involve applying torsion to or twisting the
tube may be envisaged independently of one another and, as
appropriate, combined with all the other alternative forms
envisaged earlier.
[0143] It should be noted that numerous modifications and
variations of the present invention are possible in light of the
above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the
scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced
otherwise than as specifically described herein.
* * * * *