U.S. patent application number 12/851973 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-10 for pump device and methods of making the same.
Invention is credited to Santiago Julian Pidevall, Victor Ribera Turro.
Application Number | 20110030551 12/851973 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43533765 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110030551 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ribera Turro; Victor ; et
al. |
February 10, 2011 |
PUMP DEVICE AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME
Abstract
A pump including a flexible membrane and a body defining a fluid
pump chamber therebetween may be fitted with an overlying,
removable, rigid cap to protect inadvertent actuation of the
membrane pumping mechanism.
Inventors: |
Ribera Turro; Victor;
(Barcelona, ES) ; Julian Pidevall; Santiago;
(Barcelona, ES) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION;ATTN: IP LEGAL DEPARTMENT
1021 MAIN CAMPUS DRIVE
RALEIGH
NC
27606
US
|
Family ID: |
43533765 |
Appl. No.: |
12/851973 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61232085 |
Aug 7, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
92/96 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01B 19/02 20130101;
F04B 43/0054 20130101; F04B 43/0063 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
92/96 |
International
Class: |
F01B 19/00 20060101
F01B019/00 |
Claims
1. A pump, comprising: a body; a membrane secured to an open end of
the body; a closure attached to the body; a fluid chamber defined
between the membrane and the closure; and a passageway in
communication with the fluid chamber.
2. The pump of claim 1, wherein the body and the membrane comprise
a bi-injected component.
3. The pump of claim 1, wherein the body comprises the
passageway.
4. The pump of claim 1, wherein the closure further comprises: a
ball seat; a tube retainer; a closure mechanism; and a valve
post.
5. The pump of claim 4, wherein the valve post comprises a valve
post extending from the closure and contacting the membrane.
6. A pump, comprising: a body; a membrane secured to an open end of
the body; a closure attached to the body; a fluid chamber defined
between the membrane and the closure; a passageway in communication
with the fluid chamber; and a cap fitted to the body and overlying
at least a portion of the membrane.
7. The pump of claim 6, wherein the cap further comprises: a cap
body attached to the body of the pump; and a removable cap portion
partially covering the membrane.
8. The pump of claim 7, further comprising a cap opening between
the cap body and the removable cap portion.
9. A pump, comprising: a body; a membrane secured to an open end of
the body; a closure, comprising: a ball seat; a tube retainer; a
closure mechanism; and a valve post, wherein the closure is
attached to the body; a fluid chamber defined between the membrane
and the closure; and a passageway between the fluid chamber and an
exterior of the body.
10. The pump of claim 9, further comprising a lip circumscribing at
least a portion of the closure and configured to attach the closure
to the body of the pump.
11. The pump of claim 9, further comprising a cap, comprising: a
cap body; and a removable cap portion at least partially covering
the membrane.
12. The pump of claim 11, further comprising a cap opening between
the cap body and the removable cap portion.
13. The pump of claim 9, wherein the body further comprises: a main
wall attached to the membrane; and a secondary wall.
14. The pump of claim 9, wherein the membrane further comprises a
valve.
15. The pump of claim 14, wherein the valve post abuts against the
valve.
16. The pump of claim 9, wherein the body and the membrane are
secured through bi-injection.
17. The pump of claim 9, wherein the membrane comprises a material
selected from the group consisting of an elastomeric material, a
flexible material, and a deformable material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61232085, entitled "PUMP DEVICE AND METHODS OF
MAKING THE SAME," filed Aug. 7, 2009, and incorporates the same
herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention:
[0003] Embodiments of the invention relate to fluid pump devices
and more particularly to fluid pump devices which may be mounted to
containers for pumping fluids from the containers utilizing a
deformable membrane.
[0004] 2. State of the Art:
[0005] Pump devices are well known and are used on a variety of
products to pump liquids. For example, pump devices are generally
attached to liquid containing containers in order to facilitate
evacuation of the liquid from the container. Conventional pump
systems include piston pump systems and membrane-type pump
systems.
[0006] Conventional piston pumps are well known and typically
include a piston positioned within an accumulator. A valve in the
accumulator may prevent or allow liquid from a container to flow
into the accumulator depending on the stroke of the piston. A
spring typically biases the piston. When the piston is pushed
downward into the accumulator, commonly referred to as the
downstroke, a fluid flow path around the piston opens and the
accumulator valve remains shut such that any fluid accumulated in
the accumulator may be forced through the fluid flow path. A spring
force acts against the piston. When the piston is released from the
downstroke the spring biases the piston back into its starting
position; this is also known as the upstroke. During the upstroke,
movement of the piston opens the accumulator valve, pulling fluid
into the accumulator for delivery during the next downstroke.
Operation of conventional piston pumps is well known and may vary
from the foregoing.
[0007] Membrane-type pump devices typically include a deformable
membrane defining a pump chamber. Application of a force to the
membrane pushes liquid product out of the pump chamber through a
valve or liquid flow path. Release of the force on the membrane
allows the membrane to return to its original form. During the
return of the membrane to its original form a valve may be opened
allowing liquid to flow into the pump chamber from a container or
other liquid storage device. For example, U.S. Patent Application
Publications 20070181611 and 2007164052 disclose such membrane-type
pump devices.
[0008] Membrane-type pump devices may be less expensive than
conventional piston pumps in some instances because they typically
include fewer moving parts and are easier to assemble. However,
membrane-type pumps may sacrifice quality and functionality to
achieve such lower costs and ease of assembly. Therefore, it is
desirable to decrease the cost of membrane-type pumps and/or to
improve the functionality of membrane-type pumps.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to certain embodiments of the invention, a pump
may include a body, a closure, a membrane and a cap, wherein the
body and the closure are fitted together and the membrane is fitted
to the body such that a cavity is formed between the membrane and
the closure. A cap fitted over the membrane may include a removable
cap portion.
[0010] According to various embodiments of the invention, a cap may
include a cap body and a removable cap portion. In some
embodiments, the removable cap portion may be configured to protect
the membrane from actuation. In other embodiments, the removable
cap portion may be configured to support a top load. In still other
embodiments of the invention, the removable cap portion may be
configured to evidence tampering with the membrane or the pump.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming particular embodiments of the
present invention, various embodiments of the invention can be more
readily understood and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the
art from the following descriptions of various embodiments of the
invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a pump according to various embodiments
of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pump
according to various embodiments of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a closure for a pump according to various
embodiments of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a closure
according to various embodiments of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a body and membrane for a pump according
to various embodiments of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a body and
membrane for a pump according to various embodiments of the
invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a cap for a pump according to various
embodiments of the invention; and
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cap for a
pump according to various embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] According to embodiments of the invention, a pump for
dispensing fluid products may include a flexible or elastomeric
membrane attached to a body wherein the membrane and the body
define a pump chamber. The membrane and the body may be a molded
plastic part, a bi-injected plastic part including at least two
plastic or moldable materials, or separate molded or formed parts
fitted together. A closure device may be attached to, fitted with,
integrally formed, or otherwise associated with the body for
attaching the pump to a container or fluid source. The membrane may
include one or more sealable openings through which a fluid product
may be dispensed when a force is applied to the membrane. A cap may
be fitted over a portion or all of the membrane and a portion of
the cap may be removable such that a portion of the cap prevents
activation of the membrane or the application of a force to the
membrane until the portion of the cap is removed.
[0021] A pump 100 according to various embodiments of the invention
is illustrated in FIG. 1. The pump 100 may include a body 110, a
closure mechanism (not shown), a membrane 130, and a cap 140
covering at least a portion of the membrane 130. A dip tube 124 may
be attached to the pump 100 and the pump 100 may be attached to a
container or other fluid source.
[0022] A cross sectional view of a pump 100 according to various
embodiments of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 2. As
illustrated, a pump 100 may include a body 110, a closure 120, a
membrane 130, and a cap 140. The closure 120 and the body 110 may
be fitted together such that the closure 120 fits inside the body
110 and is secured or attached thereto. In some embodiments, the
closure 120 may be frictionally fit or attached to the body 110. In
other embodiments, the closure 120 may be welded, melted, or
otherwise attached to or secured to the body 110 as desired. In
still other embodiments, the closure 120 and body 110 may be a
single component molded or otherwise formed together. The membrane
130 and the body 110 may also be secured or attached together. In
some embodiments, the membrane 130 and the body 110 may be formed
of two plastic or moldable materials that are bi-injected in a
single molded piece. The cap 140 may also be attached or secured to
the body 110. The cap 140 may include a removable cap portion
protecting at least a part of the membrane 130.
[0023] A closure 120 according to various embodiments of the
invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. A closure 120 may
include one or more of a ball seat 121, a tube retainer 123, a
closure mechanism 126, and a valve post 128.
[0024] A ball seat 121 may include any conventional ball seat 121
or mechanism for retaining a ball 122 for a valve. In other
embodiments of the invention, a ball seat 121 and ball 122 may be
substituted with an alternative valve such as a flap valve or other
valve system as conventionally known.
[0025] A tube retainer 123 may include any conventional tube
retaining mechanism. For example, the tube retainer 123 illustrated
in FIG. 4 may include ribs, bumps, or other features to retain a
dip tube 124 to the closure 120 as illustrated in FIG. 2. In
addition, the tube retainer 123 may include a larger diameter than
a dip tube 124 such that a dip tube 124 overlying the tube retainer
123 is frictionally fitted to the tube retainer 123. In other
embodiments, a dip tube 124 may be retained on an interior surface
of the tube retainer 123 rather than on the exterior surface as
illustrated in FIG. 2. Any conventional method or structure for
retaining a dip tube 124 to the closure 120 may be used with
various embodiments of the invention.
[0026] The closure mechanism 126 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a
screw-type closure as conventionally known. Other closure
mechanisms 126 may also be used with various embodiments of the
invention. For example, the closure mechanism 126 may include a
snap-on closure system or a bayonet closure system. The closure
mechanism 126 may be used to secure or fit a pump 100 to a bottle
or container using conventional methods.
[0027] According to various embodiments of the invention, the
closure 120 may also include a valve post 128. The valve post 128
may extend from the closure 120 vertically or in another direction
such that when the closure 120 is mounted or attached to the body
110, the valve post 128 abuts or otherwise contacts at least a
portion of the membrane 130.
[0028] A closure 120 may also include a lip 129 or a partial lip
129 circumscribing the closure 120. The lip 129 may be used to
retain the closure 120 within a body 110 of a pump 100.
[0029] A closure 120 according to various embodiments of the
invention may be a single piece. For example, the closure 120 may
be a single molded plastic part. In other embodiments, the closure
120 may be made of one or more parts which have been attached
together or otherwise joined to form the closure 120.
[0030] A body 110 and membrane 130 combination of a pump 100
according to embodiments of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5
and 6. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the membrane 130 may appear to
rest on the top portion of the body 110. In some embodiments, the
membrane 130 and body 110 may include two separate components
attached or otherwise joined together. In other embodiments, the
body 110 and membrane 130 may include two or more different
materials joined together, such as by being bi-injected
together.
[0031] A body 110 according to embodiments of the invention may be
formed of a plastic or other material and in some instances, a
moldable material. As illustrated in FIG. 6, a body 110 may include
a spout 112 having a passageway 113 from an interior of the body
110 to an exterior of the body 110. A body 110 may also include a
main wall 114 and a secondary wall 116 extending outwardly from the
main wall 114. The main wall 114 may be attached to, in
communication with, or otherwise joined with a membrane 130. One or
more projections 115 on an interior surface of the main wall 114
may also be included with the body 110.
[0032] A membrane 130 according to embodiments of the invention may
include an elastomeric material, flexible material, or material
which may be deformed and which will return substantially to its
original shape after being deformed. In some embodiments of the
invention, the membrane 130 includes an elastomeric material
bi-injected with the body 110 such that the membrane 130 and body
110 are a single part. In other embodiments of the invention, a
membrane 130 may be attached to, secured to, or otherwise joined
with a body 110 to form a body 110 and membrane 130 structure as
illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0033] According to embodiments of the invention, a membrane 130
may include a valve 132. A valve may include a slot cut in the
membrane 130, a flap in the membrane 130, or other structure in the
membrane 130 or attached to the membrane 130 to act as a valve
between an interior space between the membrane 130 and the closure
120 and the passageway 113 through the body 110. For example, the
membrane 130 illustrated in FIG. 2 may include a slot cut in the
membrane 130 wherein the slot abuts the valve post 128 of the
closure.
[0034] A closure 120 may be fitted on an interior of the body 110
as illustrated in FIG. 2. The closure 120 may be snap-fitted,
frictionally fit, or otherwise attached to the body 110. In some
instances, the lip 129 of a closure 120 may snap past one or more
projections 115 of a body 110 to retain the closure 120 within the
body 110 or to assemble the closure 120 with the body 110 of a pump
100. When a closure 120 is fitted with the body 110 a valve post
128 of the closure 120, if there is one, may abut against or
otherwise touch a portion of the membrane 130. In some embodiments
of the invention, a valve post 128 may cover a portion of the
membrane 130 having a valve 132 or slit through which a fluid
product may pass. Contact between the valve post 128 and the valve
132 of the membrane 130 may improve sealing of the valve 132 or may
help prevent air entering the spout 112 from passing through the
valve 132 to contact a fluid product in the pump 100.
[0035] A cap 140 according to embodiments of the invention may be
fitted to the body 110 around or over the membrane 130. A cap 140
may include one or more of a cap body 142, a removable cap portion
144, and a cap opening 146.
[0036] For example, a cap 140 according to embodiments of the
invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The cap 140 illustrated
in FIGS. 7 and 8 includes a cap body 142 which may be attached to
the body 110 to help define the shape of the pump 110. The cap 140
also includes a removable cap portion 144 which partially covers
the membrane 130 with the cap 140 is attached to the body 110. A
cap opening 146 between the cap body 142 and removable cap portion
144 provides a space through which the membrane 130 may be seen or
by which leverage may be applied to the removable cap portion 144
to separate the removable cap portion 144 form the cap body
142.
[0037] According to some embodiments of the invention, a removable
cap portion 144 of a cap 140 may protect the membrane 130 under the
removable cap portion 144 from actuation. For example, a cap 140 as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 may include a removable cap portion
144 covering most of the membrane 130. A force applied to the
removable cap portion 144 may not be transferred to the membrane
130 due to the rigidity of the removable cap portion 144. Thus, the
removable cap portion 144 protects the membrane 130 from
inadvertent actuation. In addition, the removable cap portion 144
may be strong enough to support additional weight such that pumps
100 may be stacked on top of one another during shipment without
the worry that the additional weight caused by the stacking of the
pumps 100 will cause actuation of the membrane 130.
[0038] Inclusion of a removable cap portion 144 with pumps 100
according to embodiments of the invention also provides
notification to a purchaser or user of tampering. For example, if a
removable cap portion 144 is intact with the cap body 142 tampering
may not have occurred. However, if the removable cap portion 144 is
missing or has been partially separated from the cap body 142,
evidence of tampering is visually apparent.
[0039] A removable cap portion 144 may be formed with the cap
during molding or production of the cap. For example, the removable
cap portion 144 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 includes tabs between
the cap body 142 and the removable cap portion 144. The tabs may be
molded during formation of the cap 140 and may allow the removable
cap portion 144 to be removed or separated from the cap body 142.
Other devices, structures, or features may also be incorporated
with embodiments of the invention to fit the cap body 142 and the
removable cap portion 144 together.
[0040] In some embodiments of the invention, a vent in the pump 100
allows the interior of a container to which the pump 100 is
attached to equilibrate with atmospheric pressure.
[0041] According to various embodiments of the invention, a pump
100 may be assembled by providing a closure 120, a body 110, a
membrane 130 and a cap 140. A ball 122 may be fitted in a ball seat
121 of the closure 120 and a dip tube 124 may be attached or
otherwise joined to a tube retainer 123 portion of the closure 120.
The closure 120 may be snap fitted or otherwise joined with the
body 110 such that a fluid chamber between a top surface of the
closure 120 and an interior surface of a membrane 130 connected to
the body 110 is formed. A membrane 130 may be attached to the body
110 or may be integral with the body 110 prior to joining the
closure 120 with the body 110. A cap 140 may be positioned over the
membrane 130 and body 110 and joined to the body 110 to finalize
the pump 100.
[0042] According to certain embodiments of the invention, the
assembly of the pump 100 may include the cutting of a valve 132 in
the membrane 130. In further embodiments, the closure 120 and body
110 may be aligned prior to joining such that a valve post 128 of
the closure 120 mates with, abuts, or otherwise contacts a valve
132 in the membrane 130 in the assembled form.
[0043] A pump 100 according to embodiments of the invention may be
used in any desired manner. According to some embodiments, a pump
100 may include a removable cap portion 144 preventing actuation of
the pump 100. Removal of the removable cap portion 144, such as by
prying or otherwise pulling the removable cap portion 144 from the
cap body 142, may expose the membrane 130 and allow operation of
the pump 100. An application of force on the membrane 130 may
collapse or deform the membrane 130, forcing a fluid product in the
pump chamber between the membrane 130 and the closure 120 out a
valve 132 of the membrane 130.
[0044] For example, the pump 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 may be
attached to a container containing a fluid and used in the
following manner. The removable cap portion 144 of the cap 140 may
be removed from the pump 100 to expose the membrane 130. The
membrane 130 may be actuated by pushing on the membrane 130. Upon
actuation, the membrane 130 deforms pushing air or other fluid in
the pump chamber out of the valve 132 in the membrane 130. Release
of the force on the membrane 130 allows the membrane 130 to return
to its original shape, while at the same time forming a vacuum
which opens the ball valve, pulling fluid from within the container
into the pump chamber. The priming of the pump 100 may continue in
this fashion as known until the pump chamber is filled with fluid
from the container. Actuation of the membrane 130 then forces fluid
stored in the pump chamber out through the valve 132, along
passageway 113 and out spout 112, thereby dispensing the fluid
product to the user.
[0045] Pump devices according to various embodiments of the
invention may include membranes 130 made from one or more
elastomeric materials. An elastomeric material may include any
material capable of being subjected to a resilient deformation
sufficient to fulfill the requirements of the one or more
embodiments of the invention. Elastomeric materials used with
embodiments of the invention may include plastic materials such as
for example polypropylene. Other materials may also be used to form
the membranes or part of the membranes 130 according to various
embodiments of the invention.
[0046] According to embodiments of the invention, the various
components of a pump 100 may be made in any desired shape or form
and are not limited to those illustrated. Further, the components
may be made from different materials, different colored materials,
or different textured materials to add aesthetic effects to the
pumps 100.
[0047] While various embodiments of the invention are described
with respect to the delivery or pumping of fluid products or
liquids, it is understood that such embodiments may also be used to
deliver and/or pump products made of a combination of any of
liquid, solid, or gas. For example, a fluid product including a
liquid having solid particles mixed therein may be pumped or
dispensed utilizing various embodiments of the invention.
[0048] Having thus described certain particular embodiments of the
invention, it is understood that the invention defined by the
appended claims is not to be limited by particular details set
forth in the above description, as many apparent variations thereof
are contemplated. Rather, the invention is limited only be the
appended claims, which include within their scope all equivalent
devices or methods which operate according to the principles of the
invention as described.
* * * * *