U.S. patent application number 12/157417 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-10 for elastomeric dispensing pump that can be made with as few as two components.
Invention is credited to Marcel Lavabre.
Application Number | 20090302064 12/157417 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41399365 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090302064 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lavabre; Marcel |
December 10, 2009 |
Elastomeric dispensing pump that can be made with as few as two
components
Abstract
A fluid dispensing pump that can be manufactured from as few as
two parts: a stationary pump base (200) provided with an inlet
passageway (201), and an integral pump top (300) provided with a
fluid-tight attachment to the pump base and including a generally
rigid core (310) and a self-restoring elastomeric layer (320). The
generally rigid core (310) has a base attachment portion (311) and
a dispensing valve core (315). The elastomeric layer (320) includes
a resilient self-restoring pump wall (323) and a dispensing valve
membrane (325). Upon assembly of the pump base and the pump top, a
fully functional dispensing pump (100) is created with an inlet
passageway (101), a one-way inlet valve (102), a self-restoring
resilient pump cavity of variable volume (103) and a one-way
dispensing valve (105). The one-way dispensing valve is preferably
self-closing. The integral pump top (300) may have a rigid or
semi-rigid actuator portion (314) bound to or imbedded into the
resilient self-restoring pump wall (323). The dispensing pump of
the present invention may have a valved venting passage for those
applications that require it and may have a secure lock-in
mechanism for leakage prevention during storage or
transportation.
Inventors: |
Lavabre; Marcel; (Darina Del
Rey, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CLIFFORD H. KRAFT
320 ROBIN HILL DR.
NAPERVILLE
IL
60540
US
|
Family ID: |
41399365 |
Appl. No.: |
12/157417 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/207 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B 11/00442 20180801;
B05B 11/3052 20130101; B05B 11/3033 20130101; B05B 11/3032
20130101; B05B 11/0039 20180801; B05B 11/0027 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/207 |
International
Class: |
B65D 37/00 20060101
B65D037/00 |
Claims
1. A fluid dispensing pump comprising: a stationary pump base (200)
provided with an inlet passageway (201), an upper inlet orifice
(201a), an upper surface (202) that may be planar or generally
concave and a top attachment portion (211); an integral pump top
(300) provided with means for fluid-tight attachment to the pump
base including a generally rigid core (310) and an elastomeric
layer (320), said integral pump top (300) being a multi-material
integrally molded part that is one continuous piece, wherein the
generally rigid core (310) is made of a rigid material and the
elastomeric layer (320) is made of an elastomeric material; said
generally rigid core (310) having a base attachment portion (311)
with a periphery circumferentially corresponding to said top
attachment portion (211) of said stationary pump base (200), either
alone, or in conjunction with said elastomeric layer (320) forming
a fluid-tight attachment to said pump base (200), and a dispensing
valve core (315) optionally extending outwardly from said base
attachment portion (311); said elastomeric layer (320) including: a
resilient self-restoring pump wall (323) defining a top portion of
the pump chamber (103); a dispensing valve membrane (325)
cooperating with said dispensing valve core (315) permitting a
one-way controlled exit of a flowable substance through a one-way
dispensing valve (105) formed by said dispensing valve core (315)
and said dispensing valve membrane (325); Said elastomeric layer
(320) being joined to said rigid core (310) thereby forming a pump
chamber (103) wherein said upper surface (202) is the base of said
pump chamber (103), whereby upon assembly of the pump base and the
pump top, a fully functional dispensing pump (100) is created with
an inlet passageway (101), a one-way inlet valve (102), a
self-restoring resilient pump cavity of variable volume (103), and
a one-way dispensing valve (105).
2. The dispensing pump of claim 1, wherein said elastomeric layer
(320) comprises a plurality of portions attached to corresponding
edges of said generally rigid core (310), preferably through
interface solidification of melted portions of said rigid material
and said elastomeric material, said elastomeric layer (320) and
said generally rigid core (310) forming a continuous surface.
3. The dispensing pump of claim 1, wherein said one-way inlet valve
is shut-off when the pump is in a quiet position.
4. The dispensing pump of claim 1, wherein said integral pump top
(300) further comprises a rigid or semi-rigid actuator portion
(314) bonded to or imbedded into the resilient self-restoring pump
wall (323) and preferably connected to said base attachment portion
of the rigid core (311).
5. The dispensing pump of claim 1, wherein said stationary pump
base (200) and said integral pump top (300) are molded together and
attached by at least one flexible attachment (109).
6. The dispensing pump of claim 5, wherein said flexible attachment
(109) is used as a tamper-proof feature, wherein the pump is
inoperable and securedly locked-in on assembly, and wherein said
flexible attachments need to be broken on first use for said
dispensing pump to be operable.
7. The dispensing pump of claim 1 further comprising means for
secure lock-in and leakage prevention during storage and
transportation.
8. The dispensing pump of claim 1 further comprising a valved
venting passage.
9. The dispensing pump of claim 1, wherein said inlet passageway of
said stationary pump base further comprises a one-way inlet
valve
10. The dispensing pump of claim 1, wherein said elastomeric layer
(320) comprises a lower elastomeric membrane (322) with a chamber
inlet aperture (322a), and an inlet membrane valve portion (322b)
that covers entirely the upper inlet orifice (201a), forming a
one-way inlet valve (102) over said upper inlet orifice (201a), and
wherein said inlet membrane valve portion (322b) is liftable from
said upper surface (202) of said stationary pump base (200) when a
negative pressure differential is applied from within said pump
chamber (103) causing inflow of fluid through said inlet passageway
(201) into said pump chamber (103), and said inlet membrane valve
portion (322b) seals off said upper inlet orifice (201a) when a
positive pressure differential is applied from within said pump
chamber (103).
11. The dispensing pump of claim 10, wherein said integral pump top
(300) is movable relative to said stationary pump base (200) and
said upper inlet orifice (201a) and said inlet membrane valve
portion (322b) define an open and a closed position wherein, 1)
when said integral pump top (300) is positioned in the open
position, said inlet membrane valve portion (322b) covers entirely
said upper inlet orifice (201a), forming a one-way inlet valve
(102) over said upper inlet orifice (201a) and 2) when said
integral pump top (300) is positioned in the closed position, said
inlet membrane valve portion (322b) releases the upper inlet
orifice (201a) and the one-way inlet valve (102) is disabled so
that a positive pressure differential applied from within said pump
chamber (103) causes outflow of fluid back through said inlet
passageway (201).
12. The dispensing pump of claim 1, wherein said dispensing valve
membrane (325) has a dispensing slit or orifice (326) and a
liftable portion (325a) liftable away from said dispensing valve
core (315) wherein a positive pressure differential in said pump
chamber (103) lifts said liftable portion (325a) of said dispensing
valve membrane (325) and opens an outlet passageway (106)
permitting the exit of a flowable substance from said pump chamber
(103) through said dispensing slit or orifice (326); said liftable
portion (325a) retracts against said dispensing valve core (315)
upon pressure release or when a negative pressure differential is
applied from said pump chamber (103), closing-off said outlet
passageway (106).
13. The dispensing pump of claim 12, wherein said integral pump top
is movable from a secured locked-in position where said liftable
portion (325a) is prevented from lifting away from said dispensing
valve core (315), sealing off said outlet passageway (106), to an
operable position where said liftable portion (325-a) may be lifted
away from said dispensing valve core (315).
14. The dispensing pump of claim 12, wherein said pump base (200)
has a base valve recess (215) and said generally rigid core (310)
has a rigid core valve aperture (315a) located underneath said
dispensing valve core (315), the dispensing pump having an
operative position and a locked-in position whereas 1) in the
operative position said rigid core valve aperture (315a) is aligned
with said base valve recess (215) and said liftable portion (325a)
of said dispensing valve membrane (325) can move away from said
dispensing valve core (315) when a positive pressure differential
is applied within said pump chamber (103) and 2) in the locked-in
position said liftable portion (325a) of said dispensing valve
membrane (325) is prevented from moving away from said dispensing
valve core (315) shutting off the one-way dispensing valve
(105).
15. A dispensing pump comprising: a stationary pump base including
an inlet passageway, an upper inlet aperture, an upper surface and
a top attachment portion; an integral pump top attached to said
pump base, said integral pump top including a generally rigid core
and an elastomeric layer said generally rigid core having an
attachment portion circumferentially corresponding to said top
attachment portion of said pump base and forming a fluid-tight seal
with said pump base, said generally rigid core also having an
dispensing valve core extending outwardly from said attachment
portion of said core; said elastomeric layer being joined to said
rigid core, said rigid core and said elastomeric layer forming: a
pump chamber with a self-restoring top portion; a one-way
dispensing valve membrane cooperating with said dispensing valve
core to form an dispensing valve and allow outflow of a fluid
through said dispensing valve when said self-restoring top portion
is depressed; a one-way inlet valve cooperating with said upper
inlet orifice to allow inflow of said fluid through said inlet
passageway when said self-restoring top portion is released.
16. The dispensing pump of claim 15, wherein said integral pump top
is a multi-material integrally molded part that is one continuous
piece, said rigid core being made of a rigid material and said
elastomeric layer being made of an elastomeric material and molded
together in a multi-shots molding process.
17. The dispensing pump of claim 15, wherein said integral pump top
contains a rigid or semi-rigid actuator.
18. The dispensing pump of claim 15, wherein said stationary pump
base and said integral pump top are attached by a flexible
attachment member.
19. The dispensing pump of claim 15, wherein said integral pump top
is movable from an open position to a locked-in position, whereby
in said open position said pump can operate to dispense said fluid
and in said locked-in position said pump is sealed.
20. A fluid dispensing pump comprising: a stationary pump base
(200) provided with an inlet passageway (201), an upper inlet
orifice (201a), an upper surface (202) that may be planar or
generally concave and a top attachment portion (211); an integral
pump top (300) provided with means for fluid-tight attachment to
the pump base including a generally rigid core (310) and an
elastomeric layer (320) said generally rigid core (310) having a
base attachment portion (311) with a periphery circumferentially
corresponding to said top attachment portion (211) of said
stationary pump base (200), either alone, or in conjunction with
said elastomeric layer (320) forming a fluid-tight attachment to
said pump base (200), and a dispensing valve core (315) optionally
extending outwardly from said base attachment portion (311); said
elastomeric layer (320) including: a resilient self-restoring pump
wall (323) defining a top portion of the pump chamber (103); a
dispensing valve membrane (325) cooperating with said dispensing
valve core (315) permitting a one-way controlled exit of a flowable
substance through a one-way dispensing valve (105) formed by said
dispensing valve core (315) and said dispensing valve membrane
(325); Said elastomeric layer (320) being joined to said rigid core
(310) thereby forming a pump chamber (103) wherein said upper
surface (202) is the base of said pump chamber (103), whereby upon
assembly of the pump base and the pump top, a fully functional
dispensing pump (100) is created with an inlet passageway (101), a
one-way inlet valve (102), a self-restoring resilient pump cavity
of variable volume (103), and a one-way dispensing valve (105).
21. The dispensing pump of claim 20, wherein the integral pump top
(300) is made of an elastomeric material of varying thickness with
a greater thickness semi-rigid portion forming said generally rigid
core (310) and a lesser thickness flexible portion forming said
elastomeric layer (320).
22. The dispensing pump of claim 20, wherein the integral pump top
(300) is a multi-material integrally molded part that is one
continuous piece, and wherein the generally rigid core (310) is
made of a rigid material and the elastomeric layer (320) is made of
an elastomeric material.
23. The dispensing pump of claim 20, wherein said integral pump top
(300) further comprises a rigid or semi-rigid actuator portion
(314) bonded to or imbedded into the resilient self-restoring pump
wall (323) and preferably connected to said base attachment portion
of the rigid core (311).
24. The dispensing pump of claim 20, wherein said stationary pump
base (200) and said integral pump top (300) are molded together and
attached by at least one flexible attachment (109).
25. The dispensing pump of claim 20 further comprising means for
secure lock-in and leakage prevention during storage and
transportation.
26. The dispensing pump of claim 20, wherein said one-way inlet
valve is shut-off when the pump is in a quiet position.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
fluid dispensing pumps and more particularly to an elastomeric
dispensing pump with optional self-closing, positive shut-off and
valved venting passage mechanisms and that can be made with as few
as two easily assembled components.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Dispensing pumps are well known in the art and are commonly
used for dispensing liquids having widely varying flow
characteristics and viscosities. The form of discharge from these
pumps varies from a fine spray to a slow moving flow. Common
examples are numerous dispensers found on the market such as
container-mounted, finger-operated dispensing pumps for such
products as hand creams, lotions, shampoos, liquid soap or window
cleaner as well as wall-mounted dispensers such as soap dispensers
found in public bathrooms.
[0005] Reciprocating piston pumps are the most widely used type of
dispensing pumps. Such pumps are rather complex, having nine parts
or more and involve the use of one-way ball valves, various
springs, sliding pistons, sealing elements and related engineering
elements that require complex tooling and assembly. They also have
a size limitation as it becomes difficult to maintain proper
dimensional tolerance when size increases; likewise,
miniaturization is limited due to the large number of components.
They also have design restrictions that limit their esthetics and
reduce design creativity by being limited to cylindrical shapes for
their main body and being rather bulky.
[0006] The inconveniences of reciprocating dispensing pumps are
well known in the art and have been tentatively addressed in the
patent literature, generally with pumps having flexible or
deformable walls such as bellows, elastomeric walls and the like
that require far fewer parts, some of them having as few as two
integral parts. However, such pumps present assembly challenges for
mass-production as the flexible parts tend to deform during
assembly which raises positioning issues and may result in
unacceptable levels of defective parts, especially when assembly
involves groves, annular rings or sliding seals, and tight fitting
is required for proper sealing. They also present reliability
issues as it can be difficult to get a sealing connection between
the flexible components and the rigid components. Furthermore, most
pumps with flexible walls tend to dispense fluid when sufficient
positive pressure is applied to the inlet port of the pump which
may occur upon sufficient temperature change causing a substantial
increase of the air pressure inside a container, especially when
the fluid inside the container is volatile. Such spontaneous fluid
dispensing without user intervention is highly undesirable.
[0007] The present invention concerns pumps with deformable walls,
and more precisely, pumps with elastomeric walls, addressing the
challenges particular to such pumps.
[0008] Considering the prior art, a few patents disclose dispensing
pumps that can be made with as few as two components: a rigid pump
base and an elastomeric component forming a pump body, and most
have spontaneous dispensing issues and present mass-production
challenges as the requirement for tight fitting and rather complex
geometry of a flexible part and a rigid part greatly complicates
automated assembly. It would be advantageous to resolve this issue
by using a rigid core joined to the flexible part allowing easy and
reliable fitting to a rigid pump base.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,486,663 discloses an elastomeric pump
consisting of an elastomeric member having a recessed portion
adapted for sealing engagement with a supporting surface of a base
member through which two ports open to define a closed chamber. The
dispensing pump embodiment taught here has a partition in the
recessed portion having an hedge resting resiliently across and
against the surface of the base member. Such setting requires a
dual compartment and raises reliability and assembly issues. [0010]
U.S. Pat. No. 3,752,366 discloses a two-piece suction pump with a
deformable member, having an annular groove and an annular ring in
sealing engagement to a cap member. [0011] U.S. Pat. No. 3,820,689
discloses an elastomeric pump with a rigid base member and an
elastomeric upper member having a dome-shaped part and an extending
elongated lip or flat member. There are some problems with this
type of design: for example, pressure applied to the pump will tend
to peel off the "integral resilient upper member" from the "base
member", whether it is mechanically bound (with a grove for
instance) or glued (the method favored by the patent). Also,
automated assembly of such a pump in a production line may be very
difficult to accomplish in practice. [0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,755,327
teaches a complex pump using a sliding seal. This can be
problematic. Also, a "stationary end sealed to the pump base about
the inlet passageway" may raise leakage issues. [0013] U.S. Pat.
No. 6,910,603 also teaches a fairly complicated pump. The "annular
barrier seal (23) in rubbing contact between the upper (10) and
lower (11) components" may not be reliable and may be prone to
leakage because of the length of the seal is the entire perimeter.
This is also true for the "annular discharge compartment (31).
[0014] It would be advantageous to have a pump that remedies the
various inconveniences of existing dispensing pumps. Using the pump
of the present invention:
[0015] 1) The rigid core gives strength and structure to the
integral pump top, and assembly of the integral pump top and the
pump base can be as easy as a simple and secure snap-in or
pressed-on assembly that doesn't require sophisticated tooling.
When the pump top and pump base are attached upon fabrication,
assembly is even easier as the parts are pre-registered, and
assembly may be done on the mold itself upon demolding, eliminating
one assembly step.
[0016] 2) Startup costs such as molding and tooling costs as well
as production and assembly costs are therefore greatly reduced as
the pump may comprise only two simple components, while performance
and reliability is increased as the pump chamber is self-sealing in
its preferred embodiment, and the pump offers highly desirable
optional features such as self-closing and secure lock-in.
[0017] 3) Tooling can be very simple for simple shapes, while the
pump design permits great flexibility of shapes.
[0018] 4) The combination of two materials allows creative design
and color combinations for esthetically pleasing packaging.
[0019] 5) There is greater size flexibility as dimensional
tolerance is not an issue, especially in embodiments with a lower
elastomeric membrane because such a membrane is self-sealing
against the pump base. Likewise, miniaturization is not an issue
and the pump can be rather small.
[0020] 6) The leakage issue inherent to most flexible membrane
pumps is essentially eliminated because an increase of pressure
inside the pump chamber pushes the elastomeric layer against the
pump base and the rigid core therefore improving the seal of the
pump chamber. The effect is enhanced in embodiments with a lower
membrane as the lower membrane further seals against the pump
base.
[0021] 7) The dispensing end of most prior art dispensing pumps is
movable which is inconvenient to the user, while the dispensing end
of the pump under the present invention is stationary for a more
convenient use. The optional actuator further increases
user-friendliness and ergonomics. Most dispensing pumps require
vertical finger pressure, while the pump of the present invention
can be operated in any finger position.
[0022] 8) The spontaneous dispensing issue common to most prior art
dispensing pumps with flexible walls can be partly solved by using
a concave upper surface for the pump base of the preferred
embodiment of the current invention. This issue can be eliminated
in an alternate embodiment wherein the pump's inlet valve is
shut-off when the pump is in its quiet position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The present invention overcomes the above-mentioned and/or
other problems, and relates to a fluid dispensing pump that can be
manufactured from as few as two easily assembled parts that is
reliable and user-friendly, and among various advantages, offers
improved ergonomics and greater flexibility of design and esthetics
than existing art.
[0024] The preferred embodiment of the pump has a stationary pump
base (200) and an integral pump top (300) with a fluid-tight
attachment to the pump base. The stationary pump base (200) has an
inlet passageway (201), an upper surface (202), an upper inlet
orifice (201a) and a top attachment portion (211). The pump top
includes a generally rigid core (310) and a self-restoring
elastomeric layer (320).
[0025] The generally rigid core (310) has a base attachment portion
(311) circumferentially corresponding to the top attachment portion
(211) of the stationary pump base (200), either alone, or in
conjunction with the elastomeric layer (320), for fluid-tight
attachment to the pump base (200), and a dispensing valve core
(315) optionally extending outwardly from the base attachment
portion (311).
[0026] The elastomeric layer (320) is joined to the generally rigid
core (310) to form a continuous closed surface, thereby forming a
pump chamber (103), the upper surface (202) of the pump base (200)
being the base of the pump chamber (103), and the rigid core (310)
giving strength and structure to the pump chamber (103). The
elastomeric layer (320) includes a resilient self-restoring pump
wall (323) defining a top portion of the pump chamber (103).
[0027] The elastomeric layer (320) further includes a dispensing
valve membrane (325) cooperating with the dispensing valve core
(315) to form a one-way dispensing valve (105) and a dispensing
slit or orifice (326). In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the dispensing valve core (315) may be solid; in an
alternate embodiment, it may be hollow and include a core outlet
passageway (106), the dispensing valve membrane including an
elastically deformable portion that forms a one-way outlet valve
(107).
[0028] The elastomeric layer (320) may further include a lower
elastomeric membrane (322) having a chamber inlet aperture (322a)
and an inlet membrane valve portion (322b). Upon assembly of the
pump, the membrane valve portion (322b) cooperates with the upper
inlet orifice (201a) of the stationary pump base (200) to form a
one-way inlet valve (102).
[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
elastomeric layer (320) is joined to the entire
periphery--preferably the inner periphery--of the base attachment
portion (311) of the generally rigid core (310),
[0030] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the
elastomeric layer (320) comprises a plurality of discrete portions,
each attached at their edge or at their periphery to corresponding
edges or peripheries of the rigid core (310), preferably through
interface solidification of melted portions of the rigid material
of the generally rigid core (310) and the elastomeric material of
the elastomeric layer (320) in such a manner that a continuous
inner surface is formed by the rigid core and the elastomeric
membrane. The lower edge of the elastomeric layer (320) is joined
to the upper edge of the generally rigid core (310). The dispensing
valve membrane (325) may be fitted over or within the dispensing
valve core (315) continuously with the remaining portion of the
elastomeric layer (320), or it may be attached to the outer edge of
the dispensing valve core (315) and other corresponding edges of
the rigid core (310). The lower elastomeric membrane (322) may be a
continuous portion of the elastomeric layer (320), or it may be
attached to the edge of the base attachment portion (311).
[0031] Upon assembly of the pump base (200) and the pump top (300),
a fully functional dispensing pump (100) is created with an inlet
passageway (101), a one-way inlet valve (102), a self-restoring
resilient pump cavity of variable volume (103) and a one-way
dispensing valve (105) which is self-closing in most embodiments of
the present invention. In an alternate embodiment of the present
invention, the one-way inlet valve may be shut-off when the
dispensing pump is in its quiet position. An air-vent may be added
to the dispensing pump if necessary.
[0032] An alternate embodiment, the integral pump top (300) has a
rigid or semi-rigid actuator portion (314) bound to, or imbedded
into, the resilient self-restoring pump wall (323), and preferably
connected to the base attachment portion of the rigid core (311).
The actuator portion (314) may also be connected to the base
attachment portion of the rigid core (311) in a spring-like manner
for increased pump efficiency. Also, the integral pump top (300) is
optionally movable relative to the pump base or rotatable around a
central axis between an open position and a closed position so that
in an open position the pump operates to dispense fluid, and in a
closed position the pump is shut-off and inoperable.
[0033] An object of the present invention is to provide a
dispensing pump which employs as few as just two easily assembled
parts, which operates reliably, which is inexpensive to
manufacture, which requires lower tooling cost and equipment cost
and offers increased ergonomics and flexibility of design compared
to dispensing pumps currently on the market.
[0034] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
dispensing pump employing an optional self-closing and positive
shut-off mechanism which is inexpensive to manufacture and
assemble, which is user-friendly, and which provides increased
leak-proofing without spillage in closed position. Self-closing is
desirable to avoid deterioration of the substance remaining in the
dispensing passageway and to ensure that the dispensing slit or
orifice remains clean. Also fluid leakage is always a concern
throughout the life of the pump. When shipping the pump, internal
container pressure may fluctuate as a result of temperature changes
and/or handling shocks and may create leakage, even when the pump
is not actuated; therefore, an efficient positive shut-off
mechanism is a highly desirable feature.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0035] Attention is directed to the following illustrations of
aspects of embodiments of the present invention:
[0036] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment
of the present invention with a means for attachment to a container
provided within the pump base.
[0037] FIG. 1B shows a frontal view of the embodiment of FIG.
1A.
[0038] FIG. 2A shows a front view of the rigid core pump top part
of FIG. 1A with a dispensing valve core and a rigid core valve
aperture.
[0039] FIG. 2B shows a front view of the rigid core pump top part
of FIG. 1A with an elastomeric layer molded over it.
[0040] FIG. 2C shows a bottom view of the rigid core pump top of
FIG. 2A.
[0041] FIG. 3 shows the stationary pump base of FIG. 1A-1B with a
base valve recess.
[0042] FIG. 4 shows a side sectional view of an alternate
embodiment with a concave base upper surface.
[0043] FIG. 5A shows a side sectional view of the embodiment of
FIG. 1A in a relaxed or quiet state ready to pump.
[0044] FIG. 5B shows the embodiment of FIG. 5A while the
elastomeric pump layer is being depressed and fluid is being
dispensed.
[0045] FIG. 5C shows the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5B after the
elastomeric pump layer is released and the inlet valve opens.
[0046] FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of the
invention with the pump top rotated to a secure shipping position
wherein the pump is disabled.
[0047] FIG. 7A shows a sectional view of an embodiment of the
invention with a rigid actuator portion embedded in the elastomeric
layer; the elastomeric layers consists of three separate portions
attached to corresponding edges of the rigid core.
[0048] FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of the rigid core of the
embodiment of FIG. 7A with the attached actuator portion before
over-molding of the elastomeric layer.
[0049] FIG. 7C shows a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 7A
showing both the rigid actuator and the elastomeric layer.
[0050] FIG. 8 shows a cross-section of another embodiment with a
conventional duck bill dispensing valve.
[0051] FIG. 9A shows a cross-section of an alternate embodiment
with a vertical duck-bill dispensing valve and a lock-in
insert.
[0052] FIG. 9B shows a cross-section of the embodiment of FIG. 9A
with the lock-in insert in secure locked position.
[0053] FIG. 10 shows an alternate embodiment with the pump base and
pump top attached by a dual attachment that also serves as
temper-proof.
[0054] FIG. 11A shows an air inlet in the closed position.
[0055] FIG. 11B shows the air inlet of FIG. 11A in the open
position.
[0056] FIG. 12A shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment
of the present invention in a secured locked-in position.
[0057] FIG. 12B shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.
12A in dispensing position.
[0058] FIG. 12C shows a sectional view of FIG. 12A.
[0059] FIG. 12D shows a sectional view of FIG. 12B.
[0060] FIG. 13A Shows a variant of the embodiment of FIG. 12A.
[0061] FIG. 13B shows a side sectional view of the embodiment of
FIG. 13C.
[0062] FIG. 14A shows a sectional view of an alternate embodiment
of FIG. 7A with the pump assembled and an inlet passageway plug
attached to the actuator portion.
[0063] FIG. 14B shows another sectional view of the embodiment of
FIG. 14A.
[0064] FIG. 15 shows a sectional view of an alternate embodiment
with the pump base having a duckbill valve inserted inside the
inlet passageway.
[0065] Several drawings and illustrations have been presented to
aid in understanding the present invention. The scope of the
present invention is not limited to what is shown in the
figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0066] The present invention relates to a fluid dispensing pump
that can be fabricated with as little as two easily assembled
separate parts: a pump base part and an integral pump top part that
is securely attached to the pump base in a fluid-tight manner, the
pump top part having a rigid core and a self-restoring resilient
layer. The two parts of the pump top can be made by multi-material
molding in the same mold or over-molding whereas the core is made
first and then placed in a mold again to over-mold the elastomeric
layer.
[0067] The rigid core and the elastomeric layer may be joined
through: 1) a mechanical binding such as groves, asperities, holes
or other surface means 2) a chemical bind such as interface
solidification of melted portions of the two materials. 3) or they
may just overlay in a weak binding. Some embodiments of the present
invention do not require a particularly strong binding because the
elastomeric layer is self-sealing; however, embodiments that have
rotating components require stronger binding so that the
elastomeric layer rotates properly with the rigid core.
[0068] It is within the scope of the present invention to use the
same material for the rigid part of the pump top and the
elastomeric layer part in a one-step molding using varying
thickness and resiliency to define flexible portions and semi-rigid
portions; however, the preferred method is to use two different
materials.
[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the elastomeric layer extends
continuously to form a lower elastomeric membrane in sealing
contact with the upper surface of the pump's bottom part, with a
portion of the lower elastomeric membrane covering entirely the
inlet passageway to form a one-way inlet valve.
[0070] After the pump top part is attached to the pump base, and
the pump is in an operational state, when the top portion of the
elastomeric layer is depressed, internal pressure closes the inlet
valve and forces fluid out of the dispensing valve. When this top
portion is then released, it returns to its original shape causing
a negative pressure that closes the dispensing valve and opens the
inlet valve pulling fluid into the pump chamber. The dispensing
valve is self-closing in most embodiments of the present invention.
An air-vent may be added for those applications that require it. An
optional shut-off mechanism may be employed which secures and
shuts-off the dispensing valve for shipping and storage. The
dispensing pump under the present invention may be used as a
dispensing closure when it is attached to a squeezable container.
In an alternate embodiment, the pump's inlet valve can be shut-off
when the pump is in its quiet position to prevent spontaneous
dispensing due to pressure increase within an attached
container.
[0071] Turning to FIGS. 1A-1B, a perspective view and a frontal
view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is seen. A
stationary pump base (200) provided with means for attachment to a
container (not shown) has an integral pump top (300) mounted on it.
A one-way self-closing dispensing valve (105) protrudes and
provides an exit for the fluid material in the container. The
one-way self-closing dispensing valve (105) with the dispensing
slit (326) is for ease of operation by a user, although it is not
necessary that it be as long as shown, or that it protrude at all.
The pump in FIGS. 1A-1B is shown in the operating mode with the
dispensing valve (105) aligned with the base valve recess (215).
The frontal view FIG. 1B shows the rigid core valve aperture (315a)
located underneath the dispensing valve (105) aligned with the base
valve recess (215). An elastomeric layer (320) fits over, and is
sealed to the rigid core (310) of the integral pump top (300). When
depressed, this elastomeric layer (320) causes fluid to exit the
pump chamber formed under it, and when it is released, it draws
fluid from the container into that pump chamber. The rigid portions
of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1B may be made from any adequate
thermoplastic material such as polypropylene. The self-restoring
resilient elastomeric layer (320) can be any flexible material
layer and may be a thermoplastic elastomer, or in some embodiments
simply be a much thinner layer of the same material as the rigid
portion of the pump top.
[0072] FIG. 2A shows the rigid core (310) with the base attachment
portion (311), the dispensing valve core (315) and the rigid core
valve aperture (315a) of the pump of FIGS. 1A-1B. FIG. 2B shows the
integral pump top (300) fully fabricated with the elastomeric layer
(320) having a deformable part forming a resilient self-restoring
pump wall (323) molded over the rigid core (310) and the dispensing
valve membrane (325) and further having a dispensing slit (326).
FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the same integral pump top as shown in
FIG. 2B and shows the lower elastomeric membrane (322) with the
chamber inlet aperture (322a) and the inlet membrane valve portion
(322-b) as well as the liftable portion (325a) of the dispensing
valve membrane (325).
[0073] FIG. 3 shows the stationary pump base (200) of FIG. 1A-1B
with the upper inlet orifice (201a), the upper surface (202), the
top attachment portion (211) and the base valve recess (215). In
this particular embodiment, the integral pump top (300) (shown in
FIGS. 2B) is attached to the top and inside the pump base (200).
The pump base (200) may be attached to a container.
[0074] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of the internal structure of an
alternate embodiment of the pump of the present invention with a
concave base upper surface (202) so that upon assembly of the
integral pump top (300) and the stationary pump base (200), the
inlet membrane valve portion (322b) fits positively over the upper
inlet orifice (201a) when the dispensing pump is positioned in
operating position, and positive pressure is required to open the
one-way inlet valve (102). This prevents spontaneous fluid
dispensing caused by an air pressure increase within the container
to which the dispensing pump may be attached. The amount of
positive pressure necessary to open the one-way inlet valve (102)
depends on the curvature of the upper surface (202) and the
resiliency of the inlet membrane valve portion (322b).
[0075] FIG. 5A shows a cross-section of the internal structure of
the pump of FIGS. 1A-1B. FIGS. 5B and 5C show the operation and
internal structure of the embodiment of FIG. 5A in sectional form.
The stationary pump base (200) has an inlet passageway (201), an
upper inlet orifice (201a), an upper surface (202), a top
attachment portion (211) and a base valve recess (215). The
integral pump top has a generally rigid core (310) including a base
attachment portion (311), a dispensing valve core (315) and a rigid
core valve aperture (315a). An elastomeric layer (320) is molded
over the inner periphery of the base attachment portion (311) and
over the dispensing valve core (315) to form a continuous surface
that forms a self-restoring, resilient pump chamber (103). The
elastomeric layer (320) extends into a lower elastomeric membrane
(322) with a chamber inlet aperture (322a) and an inlet membrane
valve portion (322b) that covers the upper inlet aperture (201a),
forming an one-way inlet valve (102). The elastomeric layer (320)
has a self-restoring pump wall portion (323) and a dispensing valve
membrane (325) fitted over the dispensing valve core (315) and a
dispensing slit (326) located at its distal end. The dispensing
valve membrane (325) has a bound portion (325b) and liftable
portion (325a) forming, together with the dispensing valve core
(315), a one-way dispensing valve (105).
[0076] After the pump has operated once, the pump chamber (103)
will be filled with the flowable substance to be pumped and will be
in the ready or quiet state. Pressure applied to the resilient
self-restoring pump wall (323) by such means as finger pressure
creates a positive pressure in the pump chamber (103) and closes
the one-way inlet valve (102). FIG. 5B shows the resilient
elastomeric self-restoring pump wall (323) being depressed. When
the pump is positioned in its operating position, and the rigid
core inlet aperture (315a) is aligned with the base valve recess
(215), the liftable portion (325a) is free to move away from the
dispensing valve core (315). Positive pressure in the pump chamber
(103) causes this liftable portion (325a) of the dispensing valve
membrane (325) to lift off from the dispensing valve core (315)
forming an outlet passageway (106) through which fluid is expelled.
After the exit stroke, the resilient self-restoring pump wall (323)
is released. FIG. 5C shows this condition. As the resilient
self-restoring pump wall (323) returns to its original shape, a
negative pressure is developed in the pump chamber (103) which
pulls the liftable portion (325a) of the dispensing valve membrane
(325) against the dispensing valve core (315) closing the one-way
dispensing valve (105), and causes the inlet membrane valve portion
(322b) to lift up from the upper surface (202) freeing the upper
inlet orifice (201a) and opening the one-way inlet valve (102). The
negative pressure draws fluid into the pump chamber (103) from the
container through the inlet passageway (201) again filling the pump
chamber (103) with fluid. Unless the attached container is an
airless container, a valved venting passage is normally required to
replenish the air into the container. Such and air inlet will be
described subsequently.
[0077] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the pump of FIGS. 5A-5C with
the pump top rotated into a safe shipping position. In this
position, the inlet membrane valve portion (322b) does not cover
the upper inlet aperture (201a), and the one-way inlet valve (102)
is disabled. Furthermore, the rigid core valve aperture (315a) is
not aligned with the base valve recess (215), and the liftable
portion (325a) of the dispensing valve membrane (325) is prevented
from moving away from the dispensing valve core (315). This shuts
off the one-way dispensing valve (105).
[0078] FIG. 7A-7C show an alternate embodiment of the present
invention with a rigid or semi-rigid actuator portion (314)
attached to the rigid core (310) and embedded within the resilient
self-restoring pump wall (323). The attachment between the actuator
portion and the rigid core may optionally act as a spring to
improve the pump performance. This actuator portion (314) improves
the pump's ergonomics and performance. FIG. 7B shows the rigid or
semi-rigid actuator portion (314) attached to the rigid core (310)
before overmolding of the elastomeric layer (320).
[0079] FIG. 7C shows a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 7A
showing the rigid actuator (314) embedded in the elastomeric layer
(320) and also the lower edge (320a) of the resilient
self-restoring pump wall (323) portion of the elastomeric layer
(320) being joined through interface solidification to the upper
edge (310a) of the rigid core (310). The dispensing valve membrane
(325) is joined at the edge of the dispensing valve core (315) and
at the edge of the rigid core valve aperture (315a). The lower
elastomeric membrane (322) is joined at its periphery to the lower
edge of the base attachment portion (311).
[0080] FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B show alternative embodiments of the
present invention wherein the integral pump top (300) is the means
for attachment to a container, and the pump base (200) is inserted
inside the container attachment portion of the pump top, and where
the dispensing valve core is hollow and forms an outlet passageway
(106). The dispensing valve membrane has a one-way outlet valve
portion (107) forming a duckbill valve inside the outlet passageway
(106). In cross section FIG. 9A, the one-way outlet valve portion
(107) is a vertical duckbill valve, and an optional lock-in insert
(338) is located at the distal protruding end of the outlet
passageway (106) of the dispensing valve core (315), and is
rotatable from an open position to a secure locked position where
the lock-in insert shuts off the dispensing valve as shown in FIG.
9B
[0081] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment with the pump base (200) and
pump top (300) attached by a dual attachment (109) that serves as a
tamper-proof device. In this embodiment, when the pump is
assembled, the inlet membrane valve portion (322-b) of the lower
elastomeric membrane (322) does not cover the inlet passageway
(201a), and the liftable portion (325a) of the dispensing valve
membrane is prevented from moving away from the dispensing valve
core. In this position, the one-way inlet valve is disabled and the
one-way dispensing valve is shut-off, placing the pump in a safe,
secure and sealed state for shipping and storage. Any positive
pressure in the pump chamber acts to press the fluid downward in
the inlet passageway. The pump cannot operate because fluid cannot
exit the pump chamber. In order for the pump to operate, the pump
top must be rotated approximately 180 degrees around a central
axis, breaking the attachments (109). In this new position, the
inlet membrane valve portion (322b) of the lower elastomeric
membrane (322) covers the upper inlet aperture (201a) and the base
valve recess (215) is aligned with the rigid core valve aperture
(315a) so that the one-way inlet valve and the one-way dispensing
valve are both operational. This provides a tamper-proof
feature.
[0082] FIGS. 11A-11B show one of the many ways a valved venting
passage can be realized. Here, the pump base (200) has a radial
passageway, and the base attachment portion (311) of the rigid pump
top core (310) has a corresponding groove making an air inlet
(401). The lower elastomeric membrane (322) has a vertical
passageway that is offset from the rigid core groove. The pump base
forms a vertical passageway into the container. When negative
pressure is applied from the pump chamber by releasing the
self-restoring layer, the lower elastomeric membrane (322) is
pulled downward allowing air to enter the container as shown in
FIG. 11B. It should be noted that there are numerous different ways
to include a valved venting passage or any other type of air
passage into the pump of the present invention. Each of these ways
is within the scope of the present invention.
[0083] FIGS. 12A-12D and 13A-13B show alternate embodiments of the
present invention with an actuator portion (314) embedded in the
elastomeric layer (320) wherein the pump top (300) is movable
slidingly relative to the pump base (200) from a secured locked-in
position to an operating position. FIGS. 12A and 12C show
respectively a perspective view and a sectional view of the pump in
a secured locked-in position with the rigid core (310) retracted in
the pump base (200) so that the distal end of the dispensing valve
core (315) is confined within the pump base (200), and the liftable
portion (325a) of the dispensing valve membrane is prevented from
moving away from the dispensing valve core (315), therefore
shutting off the dispensing valve (105). The inlet membrane valve
portion (322b) does not cover the upper inlet aperture (201a), and
the one-way inlet valve (102) is disabled. FIGS. 12B and 12D show
respectively a perspective view and a sectional view of the pump in
an operable position with downward pressure applied to the actuator
portion (314). The liftable portion (325a) of the dispensing valve
membrane (325) is extended away from the dispensing valve core
(315) opening up an outlet passageway (106). The pump of this
embodiment can be very small and may be used as a dispensing pump
for samplers, amenities or magazine inserts and may be glued to a
container, or even be an integral part of a container. FIGS. 13A
and 13B show a variant of the present embodiment with a means for
attachment to a bottle and may be designed for large volume
dispensing.
[0084] FIG. 14A shows a sectional view and a detail of an alternate
embodiment of the present invention with an inlet valve insert
(312) attached to the rigid or semi-rigid actuator portion (314)
and fitted inside the inlet passageway (101). The inlet passageway
has an upper portion forming an inlet valve rest (202b) having a
base valve opening (202c). The inlet valve insert (312) has a
cut-off making a core inlet valve aperture (312a). An inlet valve
membrane (322c) is fitted over the inlet valve insert (312) and has
an inlet valve membrane aperture (322d) forming a one-way inlet
valve (102). When the dispensing pump is in its quiet position, the
inlet valve membrane aperture is sealed by the inlet valve rest
(202b), and the one-way inlet valve (102) is shut-off. Positive
pressure applied from within the inlet passageway presses the inlet
valve insert (312) and the inlet valve membrane (322c) against the
inlet valve rest (202b), therefore preventing flow of the fluid
inside the pump chamber (103). When the dispensing pump is in a
depressed position, the inlet valve membrane (322c) moves away from
the inlet valve rest (202b), and negative pressure differential
from within the pump chamber (103) lifts the inlet valve membrane
(322c) from the inlet valve insert (312) allowing fluid flow from
the core inlet valve aperture (312a) thru the inlet membrane valve
aperture (322d) and the base valve opening (202c) into the pump
chamber (103). FIG. 14B shows another sectional view indicating the
position of the base valve opening (202b) and the core inlet valve
aperture (312a).
[0085] FIG. 15 shows a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention with the stationary pump base (200) having a
duckbill inlet valve (102) inserted inside the inlet passageway
(101). The duckbill inlet valve (101) may be made of an elastomeric
material and molded within the inlet passageway (101) in a
multi-shot molding process or it may be inserted inside the inlet
passageway (101) on assembly.
[0086] Several descriptions and illustrations have been provided to
aid in understanding the present invention. One of skill in the art
will realize that there are numerous changes and variations that
can be applied without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Each of these changes and variations is within the scope of the
present invention.
* * * * *