U.S. patent application number 14/718668 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-10 for pumps with container vents.
The applicant listed for this patent is GOJO Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Nick E. Ciavarella, John J. McNulty, Robert L. Quinlan, Cory J. Tederous.
Application Number | 20150251841 14/718668 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50033847 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150251841 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McNulty; John J. ; et
al. |
September 10, 2015 |
PUMPS WITH CONTAINER VENTS
Abstract
Exemplary embodiments of pumps, refill units and dispensers are
disclosed herein. Some embodiments include a container for holding
a fluid and a pump housing secured to the container. The pump
housing includes an annular collar for securing the pump housing to
the container. The pump housing includes an air chamber and a vent
valve located at least partially within the air chamber. One or
more air passageways are provided in the collar for providing air
to the air chamber. A compressible liquid pump chamber is also
located in the housing. The exemplary embodiment includes a liquid
inlet valve for allowing liquid to flow from the container into the
compressible pump chamber; and a liquid outlet valve located
downstream of the pump chamber.
Inventors: |
McNulty; John J.; (Broadview
Heights, OH) ; Ciavarella; Nick E.; (Seven Hills,
OH) ; Quinlan; Robert L.; (Stow, OH) ;
Tederous; Cory J.; (Stow, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GOJO Industries, Inc. |
Akron |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50033847 |
Appl. No.: |
14/718668 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13747909 |
Jan 23, 2013 |
9038862 |
|
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14718668 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/325 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B 11/0044 20180801;
A47K 5/14 20130101; B05B 11/00442 20180801; B05B 11/3015 20130101;
A47K 5/1217 20130101; B05B 7/0025 20130101; B05B 11/3087 20130101;
B65D 83/38 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/38 20060101
B65D083/38 |
Claims
1. A refill unit comprising: an inverted container for holding a
fluid; the inverted container having a neck portion located on the
bottom of the inverted container; a pump housing secured to the
neck of the inverted container to pump liquid; the pump housing
having an annular collar for securing to the neck of the inverted
container; an air chamber located within the pump housing; a vent
valve located at least partially within the air chamber; one or
more air passageways in the collar for providing air to the air
chamber; a compressible liquid pump chamber located in the housing;
a liquid inlet valve for allowing liquid to flow from the container
into the compressible pump chamber; and a liquid outlet valve
located downstream of the pump chamber.
2. The refill unit of claim 1 wherein the vent valve is located
adjacent the liquid inlet valve.
3. The refill unit of claim 1 further comprising a seat member,
wherein the seat member comprises an air passage and a liquid
passage, and the vent valve is located proximate the air passage
and the liquid inlet valve is located proximate the liquid
passage.
4. The refill unit of claim 3 wherein the neck of the inverted
container is in contact with the seat member.
5. The refill unit of claim 3 wherein the seat member further
comprises a deflector member for deflecting air entering the
container away from the liquid passage in the seat member.
6. The refill unit of claim 1 further comprising a compressible air
chamber and a mixing chamber, wherein the mixing chamber has an air
inlet in fluid communication with the compressible air chamber and
a liquid inlet downstream of the liquid outlet valve and in fluid
communication with the liquid pump chamber.
7. The refill unit of claim 1 further comprising a liquid contained
in the inverted container.
8. The refill unit of claim 1 wherein the air passage is located
between a wall of the collar and a wall of the inverted
container.
9. A refill unit comprising: a container for holding a fluid; a
pump housing secured to the container; the pump housing having an
annular collar for securing the pump to the container; a seat
member located at least partially within the annular collar; an air
chamber located within the pump housing below the seat member; one
or more air passageways in the collar for providing air to the air
chamber; a vent valve secured to the seat member for controlling
the flow of air from the air chamber into the container; a
compressible liquid pump chamber located in the housing; a liquid
inlet valve secured to the seat member for allowing liquid to flow
from the container into the compressible pump chamber; and a liquid
outlet valve located downstream of the pump chamber.
10. The refill unit of claim 9 wherein the air passage is located
between a wall of the collar and a wall of the container.
11. The refill unit of claim 9 wherein the container is in contact
with the seat member.
12. The refill unit of claim 9 wherein the seat member further
comprises a deflector member for deflecting air entering the
container away from the liquid passage in the seat member.
13. The refill unit of claim 9 wherein the seat member is a single
unitary piece.
14. A refill unit for a dispenser comprising: a container for
holding a liquid; a housing secured to the container; the housing
having a opening; a sleeve inserted in the opening; a piston
movable within the sleeve; the piston including a sealing member; a
first aperture through a wall of the opening; the first aperture
placing an area between the sleeve and the opening in fluid
communication with the interior of the container; a second aperture
through a wall of the sleeve, the aperture located so that the
second aperture is closed off by the sealing member when the piston
is in a first position; and wherein when the piston is in a second
position, the second aperture is in fluid communication with the
atmosphere.
15. The refill unit of claim 14 further comprising a one-way valve
located proximate the first aperture to allow air to enter the
container.
16. The refill unit of claim 15 further comprising a vent tube in
fluid communication with the first aperture and extending up into
the container to a position that is above the top of a fluid fill
level.
17. The refill unit of claim 14 further comprising one or more
sealing members that create an air passage between the sleeve and
the opening.
18. The refill unit of claim 15 further comprising a third
aperture, the third aperture located in the housing between a
liquid inlet valve and a liquid outlet valve, the third aperture
placing a liquid chamber located at least partially within the
sleeve in fluid communication with the interior of the
container.
19. The refill unit of claim 18 wherein the inlet valve and the
outlet valve are stacked on top of each another.
20. The refill unit of claim 19 further comprising an outlet
nozzle, wherein the outlet nozzle is secured in a fourth aperture
of the housing and the outlet nozzle includes a projecting member
that retains the stacked inlet valve and the outlet valve.
21. The refill unit of claim 14 wherein the sleeve is located in a
substantially horizontal orientation and the piston reciprocates
back and forth in a substantially horizontal direction.
22. A refill unit comprising: a container for holding a liquid; a
pump housing secured to the container; the pump housing having a
substantially cylindrical valve cavity and a substantially
cylindrical pump cavity; a sleeve located at least partially within
the pump cavity; an aperture between the valve cavity and the pump
cavity; a piston movable horizontally within the sleeve; and an
inlet valve and an outlet valve stacked on each another, wherein
the inlet and outlet valve are offset from the neck of the
container.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefits of U.S.
application Ser. No. 13/747,909, filed Jan. 23, 2013, titled PUMPS
WITH CONTAINER VENTS, which application is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to pumps, refill
units for dispensers, and dispensers, and more particularly to
pumps, refill units and dispensers that have a non-collapsible
container that requires venting.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Liquid dispenser systems, such as liquid soap and sanitizer
dispensers, provide a user with a predetermined amount of liquid
upon actuation of the dispenser. In addition, it is sometimes
desirable to dispense the liquid in the form of foam by, for
example, injecting air into the liquid to create a foamy mixture of
liquid and air bubbles. Many dispensers are refillable with refill
units that comprise a pump (or a pump and an air compressor) and a
container. Many of the refill units currently on the market are
inverted. In an inverted refill unit, the pump is located under the
container when installed in the dispenser and the containers are
often "collapsible" containers. That is, as liquid is pumped out of
the container, a vacuum is created in the container and the vacuum
pressure collapses the container because air does not flow into the
container to replace the liquid. Providing a vent in the bottom of
the container subjects the container to potential leakage
problems.
SUMMARY
[0004] Exemplary embodiments of pumps, refill units and dispensers
are disclosed herein. Some embodiments include a container for
holding a fluid and a pump housing secured to the container. The
pump housing includes an annular collar for securing the pump
housing to the container. The pump housing also includes an air
chamber and a vent valve located at least partially within the air
chamber. One or more air passageways are provided in the collar for
providing air to the air chamber. A compressible liquid pump
chamber is also located in the housing. The exemplary embodiment
includes a liquid inlet valve for allowing liquid to flow from the
container into the compressible pump chamber and a liquid outlet
valve located downstream of the pump chamber.
[0005] Another exemplary refill unit includes a container for
holding a fluid and a pump housing secure to the container. The
pump housing has an annular collar for securing the pump housing to
the container. A seat member is located at least partially within
the annular collar. An air chamber is located within the pump
housing below the seat member. One or more air passageways are in
the collar for providing air to the air chamber. A vent valve is
secured to the seat member for controlling the flow of air from the
air chamber into the container. A compressible liquid pump chamber
is also located in the housing. A liquid inlet valve is secured to
the seat member for allowing liquid to flow from the container into
the compressible pump chamber, and a liquid outlet valve is located
downstream of the pump chamber.
[0006] Another exemplary refill unit includes a container for
holding a liquid. A housing is secured to the container. The
housing includes an opening with a sleeve located in the opening. A
piston is provided that is movable within the sleeve. The piston
includes a sealing member. The housing includes first aperture
through a wall of the opening. The first aperture places an area
between the sleeve and the opening in fluid communication with the
interior of the container. A second aperture through a wall of the
sleeve is provided. The second aperture is located so that the
second aperture is closed off by the sealing member when the piston
is in a first position. When the piston is in a second position,
the second aperture is in fluid communication with the
atmosphere.
[0007] Another exemplary refill unit includes a container and a
pump housing secured to the container. The pump housing includes a
substantially cylindrical valve cavity and a substantially
cylindrical pump cavity. A sleeve is located at least partially
within the pump cavity. An aperture places the valve cavity in
fluid communication with the pump cavity. A piston is provided, and
the piston is movable horizontally within the sleeve. An inlet
valve and an outlet valve are stacked on each other and are offset
from the neck of the container.
[0008] Exemplary pumps are also disclosed herein, and the exemplary
embodiments of refill units described above include the exemplary
embodiments of the pumps. Similarly, the above described refill
units may be used in dispensers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description and accompanying drawings in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a cross-section of an exemplary foam dispenser
having a refill unit with a non-collapsible container;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-section of an exemplary refill unit with a
pump and a container vent;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-section of an exemplary refill unit with a
pump having a simplified inlet and outlet valve and a container
vent; and
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates another cross-section of an exemplary
refill unit with a pump having a simplified inlet and outlet valve
and a container vent.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a foam
dispenser 100. The cross-section of FIG. 1 is taken through the
housing 102 to show the foam pump 120 and container 116. Foam
dispenser 100 includes a disposable refill unit 110. The disposable
refill unit 110 includes a non-collapsible container 116 connected
to foam pump 120. The foam dispenser 100 may be a wall-mounted
system, a counter-mounted system, an un-mounted portable system
movable from place to place or any other kind of foam dispenser
system. Some of the exemplary embodiments described herein have
foam pumps; that is, they contain a liquid pump and an air
compressor. However, the inventive venting system described herein
works equally well with a liquid pump that does not include an air
compressor.
[0015] The container 116 forms a liquid reservoir that contains a
supply of a foamable liquid within the disposable refill unit 110.
In various embodiments, the contained liquid could be for example a
soap, a sanitizer, a cleanser, a disinfectant or some other liquid
that may be foamable or not foamable (in the case of a liquid only
pump). In the exemplary disposable refill unit 110, the container
116 is a non-collapsible container and can be made of thin plastic
or like material. In other embodiments, the container 116 may be
formed by a rigid housing member, or have any other suitable
configuration for containing the foamable liquid without leaking
The container 116 may advantageously be refillable, replaceable or
both refillable and replaceable.
[0016] In the event the liquid stored in the container 116 of the
installed disposable refill unit 110 runs out, or the installed
refill unit 110 otherwise has a failure, the installed refill unit
110 may be removed from the foam dispenser 100. The empty or failed
disposable refill unit 110 may then be replaced with a new
disposable refill unit 110.
[0017] In one embodiment, the housing 102 of the foam dispenser 100
only extends part way around the container 116 thereby exposing at
least a portion of the container 116. In such an embodiment, having
a container that does not collapse as liquid is pumped out is
aesthetically pleasing. The housing 102 of the foam dispenser 100
contains one or more actuating members 104 to activate the pump
120. As used herein, actuator or actuating members or mechanism
includes one or more parts that cause the dispenser 100 to move
liquid, air or foam. Actuator 104 is generically illustrated
because there are many different kinds of pump actuators which may
be employed in the foam dispenser 100. The actuator of the foam
dispenser 100 may be any type of actuator such as, for example, a
manual lever, a manual pull bar, a manual push bar, a manual
rotatable crank, an electrically-activated actuator or other means
for actuating the foam pump 120 which includes a liquid pump
portion 124 and air compressor portion 122. Electronic actuators
may additionally include a sensor (not shown) to provide for a
hands-free dispenser system with touchless operation. In one
embodiment, actuator 104 is connected to housing 102 by a hinge
member 106. Various intermediate linkages, such as for example
linkage 105, connect the actuator member 104 to the foam pump 120
within the system housing 102. In one embodiment, linkage 105 has a
socket 107 that snaps onto a ball 245 (FIG. 2) at the proximate end
of piston 240. An aperture 115 in bottom plate 103 of housing 102
allows foam dispensed from the nozzle 125 of foam pump 120 to be
dispensed to a user.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment
of a refill unit 200 suitable for use in foam dispensers. Refill
unit 200 includes a non-collapsible container 221 for holding a
foamable liquid connected to a foam pump 201. Foam pump 201
includes a housing 202. Housing 202 receives seat member 216. Seat
member 216 includes an annular projection 218. A neck of a
container 221 is received within an annular groove 222 formed
between annular projection 218 and housing 202. Housing 202 may be
connected to the container 221 by any means such as, for example, a
snap-fit connection, a threaded connection, a welded connection, an
adhesive connection or the like.
[0019] Seat member 216 includes one or more liquid inlet apertures
224 located therethrough. In addition, seat member 216 includes an
inlet valve retaining aperture and one-way inlet valve 226 is
secured to seat member 216 therethrough. One-way liquid inlet valve
226 may be any type of one-way valve such as, for example, a ball
and spring valve, a poppet valve, a flapper valve, an umbrella
valve, a slit valve, a mushroom valve, a duck-bill valve or the
like.
[0020] In addition, seat member 216 includes an air inlet aperture
292 and one-way air inlet valve 294. One-way air inlet valve 294
includes one or more air inlet apertures 296. Housing 202 includes
an annular projection 299 that engages with a second annular
projection 227 of seat member 216 to form a liquid passageway on
the inside of first annular projection 299 and second annular
projection 227. Located outside of the first annular projection 299
and second annular projection 227 is an air chamber 298. Housing
202 includes one or more small channels 290 between the neck of the
container 221 and housing 202 that form an air passageway to
provide air from the outside atmosphere to the air chamber 298.
[0021] During operation, as liquid is pumped out of container 221,
a vacuum is created inside the container 221. Once the vacuum
pressure rises above the cracking pressure of the air inlet valve
294, air from air chamber 298 is drawn into container 221 to
relieve the vacuum pressure. Liquid is prevented from leaking out
of container 221 by one-way air inlet valve 294. In addition, in
one embodiment, the channels 290 in housing 202 that form the air
passage are very small and if a small amount of liquid enters air
chamber 298 it is trapped in the air chamber 298 and will not leak
through the channels 290. In one embodiment, seat member 216
includes a deflector member (not shown) between liquid inlet valve
226 and air inlet valve 294 to prevent air from being sucked into
the liquid inlet
[0022] Pump housing 202 includes a liquid chamber 204. In one
embodiment liquid chamber 204 is cylindrical. Located at least
partially within liquid chamber 204 is a sleeve 232. Housing 202
includes an annular projection 210 at one end of the liquid chamber
204. Sleeve 232 is secured to annular projecting member 210 by
collar 211. Collar 211 includes an aperture 212.
[0023] A piston 240 includes a shaft 241 that projects through
aperture 212. Piston 240 is slideable in a reciprocating manner
within sleeve 232. Piston 240 includes a piston head having a
double wiper seal 244 located at the distal end. Movement of piston
240 causes the volume of liquid chamber 204 to expand and contract.
Double wiper seal 244 may be any type of sealing member such as,
for example, an o-ring, a single wiper seal or the like. Housing
202 includes a projecting member 206 that contacts an end 207 of
piston 240 to stop movement of piston 240 when it reaches the end
of its stroke.
[0024] In addition, piston 240 includes a second piston head and
sealing member 242 located at the proximal end of piston 240.
Second sealing member 242 engages the inside of the air compressor
housing 230. The term "air compressor" may be used interchangeably
herein with the term "air pump." In one embodiment, air compressor
housing 230 and sleeve 232 are formed as one piece. Movement of
piston 240 causes air chamber 243 to expand and contract. Air
chamber 243 includes an air outlet 236, which is also an air inlet
to mixing chamber 262. In one embodiment, air outlet 236 is
integrally formed with both sleeve 232 and air compressor housing
230.
[0025] A liquid inlet passageway 250 is formed between sleeve 232
and the wall of liquid chamber 204. The liquid inlet passageway 250
may extend entirely around sleeve 232 or may be enclosed by one or
more rib projections (not shown) that cause liquid in inlet
passageway 250 to flow through passage 250 and passage 252 into the
interior of sleeve 232. Outlet passages 254, 256 also exist between
sleeve 232 and the walls of liquid chamber 204. Outlet passageway
256 may extend entirely around sleeve 232 or may be enclosed by one
or more rib projections (not shown) that cause liquid to flow from
the interior of sleeve 232 through passageways 254, 256. Passageway
254 and passageway 250 may be connected to form a common
passageway.
[0026] Housing 202 includes an outlet passage 208. Connected to
housing 202 is lower housing 260. Lower housing 260 may be
connected to housing 202 by any means such as, for example, a
threaded connection, a snap-fit connection, a welded connection an
adhesive connection or the like. In the present exemplary
embodiment, lower housing 260 includes annular projection 267 that
snaps onto annular projection 209 of housing 202. Located proximate
outlet passage 208 is a liquid outlet valve 264. Liquid outlet
valve 264 includes a slit 266. Slit 266 opens to allow liquid to
flow from liquid chamber 204 into mixing chamber 262. The backing
provided by the wall surrounding the liquid outlet 208 prevents the
slit 266 from opening when there is pressure in mixing chamber 262
and prevents liquid and/or air from entering liquid chamber 204
from mixing chamber 262. Liquid outlet valve 264 is retained in
place by annular rim 263 on lower housing member 260. While a slit
valve is shown and advantageously takes up very little room, other
types of liquid outlet valves may be used such as, for example, a
ball and spring valve, a flapper valve, a poppet valve, a mushroom
valve, a duck-bill valve or the like.
[0027] Lower housing 260 has an interior cavity that forms a mixing
chamber 262. Lower housing 260 includes an opening 273 in the wall
of mixing chamber 262. The air outlet 236 of air chamber 243 is
fitted into opening 273 to allow mixing chamber 262 to be in fluid
communication with air chamber 243. Mixing chamber 262 is in fluid
communication with liquid chamber 204 through valve 264. In
addition, lower housing 260 includes an outlet opening 261 and a
lower annular projection 269. Outlet nozzle 270 fits over lower
projection 269 to secure outlet nozzle 270 to lower housing 260.
Outlet nozzle 270 is secured using a press-fit connection, but may
be connected by other means such as, for example, a snap-fit
connection, an adhesive, a threaded connection or the like. Outlet
nozzle 270 includes a base 271, a tapered portion 272 and an outlet
274. In addition, a foaming media 275, such as one or more screens,
is included in outlet nozzle 270. Optionally, a foaming cartridge
may be used whereby the foaming cartridge rests on base 271. In
some embodiments, screens 275 are replaced by one or more porous
members or baffles.
[0028] An exemplary benefit to using sleeve 232 is that the liquid
inlet 224 or liquid inlet valve 226 may be positioned over any
portion of the sleeve 232 without affecting the volume of liquid
chamber 204 or reducing the efficiency of pump 201. Similarly, the
liquid outlet 208 and/or liquid outlet valve 264 may be located
along any portion of the sleeve 232 without reducing the volume of
liquid chamber 204 or reducing the efficiency of pump 201. In some
embodiments, the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are off-set
from each other. In some embodiments, the liquid outlet is located
closer to the front of the dispenser than the liquid inlet when the
pump 201 is installed in the foam dispenser. In some embodiments,
the liquid inlet and liquid outlet are along a common axis. The
piston 240 may move along a pump axis that is substantially
horizontal. In some embodiments, the liquid inlet valve 226 moves
along an axis that is substantially normal to the pump axis. In
some embodiments, at least a portion of the liquid inlet valve 226
moves along a substantially vertical axis even though it may
collapse both horizontally and vertically.
[0029] In addition, although the pump 201 has been described as
being made of selected sub-parts, pump 201, as well as the other
embodiments of pumps disclosed herein, may be made from more
sub-parts or fewer sub-parts.
[0030] During operation, as piston 240 of pump 201 moves from a
discharged position to a charged position or primed state, liquid
flows in through liquid inlet 224, past one-way inlet valve 226,
into liquid chamber 204, through passages 250, 252 and into the
interior of sleeve 232, which also forms a portion of the liquid
chamber 204.
[0031] Movement of piston 240 from the charged position to the
discharged position causes fluid to flow out of the liquid chamber
204 (including the center of the sleeve 232) through passages 254,
256, past liquid outlet valve 264 and into mixing chamber 262.
Simultaneously, the volume of air chamber 243 is reduced and air
flows out of air outlet 236 into mixing chamber 262. The air and
liquid mixture is forced through opening 261 and through foam media
275 to create a rich foam. The rich foam travels through tapered
section 272 where it accelerates due to the reduced volume and
exits foam pump 201 through outlet 274.
[0032] The air compressors and liquid pumps described herein may
include biasing members to return them to a charged or primed
state. In some embodiments, a biasing member in the actuator
mechanism returns the air compressor and/or liquid pump to a first
state. Still yet, if the air compressor and/or liquid pump are
electrically operated, they may be moved to the first state
electronically.
[0033] In some embodiments, the foam pump 201 is replaced with a
liquid pump that does not include an air compressor.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment
of a refill unit 300 suitable for use in a dispensers. Refill unit
300 includes a non-collapsible container 321 for holding a liquid
connected to a pump 301. Pump 301 includes a housing 302. Housing
302 includes an annular collar 307 and an interior annular
projection 318 that forms an annular groove 322 for receiving the
neck of container 321. Housing 302 may be connected to the
container 321 by any means such as, for example, a snap-fit
connection, a threaded connection, a welded connection, an adhesive
connection or the like.
[0035] Housing 302 includes a base 309. Base 309 includes a liquid
inlet aperture 324 that leads into a valve cavity 325, placing the
valve cavity 325 in fluid communication with container 321. Valve
cavity 325 is formed in part by wall 306. Located within valve
cavity 325 is an annular projection 308 that serves to retain valve
stem 336. Valve stem 336 is part of lower housing 330. Lower
housing 330 includes an annular projection 333 to secure to the
wall 306 of housing 302. Lower housing 330 may be secured to
housing 302 by any means, such as, for example, a snap-fit
connection, a threaded connection, an adhesive connection, a welded
connection or the like. Lower housing 330 also includes an outlet
334 for dispensing a fluid. Valve stem 336 supports inlet valve 342
and outlet valve 339 which are stacked on top of each other.
Located in a wall of valve cavity 325, in between the inlet valve
342 and the outlet valve 339 is an aperture 305. Aperture 305
places the valve cavity 325 in fluid communication with pump
chamber 304. Inlet valve 342 and outlet valve 339 are one-way
valves and allow liquid to pass in one direction. The valves are
simple wiper valves and are interchangeable with each other.
[0036] Pump housing 302 includes a pump chamber 304. In one
embodiment pump chamber 304 is cylindrical. Located at least
partially within pump chamber 304 is a sleeve 332. Housing 302
includes an annular projection 310 at one end of the pump chamber
304. Sleeve 332 is secured to annular projecting member 310 by
collar 311. The connection may be any type of connection, such as,
for example, a snap-fit connection, a threaded connection, an
adhesive connection, a welded connection or the like. Collar 311
includes an aperture 312.
[0037] A piston 340 includes a shaft 341 that projects through
aperture 312. Piston 340 is slideable in a reciprocating manner
within sleeve 332. Piston 340 includes a piston head having a
double wiper seal 344 located at the distal end. Movement of piston
340 causes the volume of pump chamber 304 to expand and contract.
Double wiper seal 344 may be any type of sealing member such as,
for example, an o-ring, a single wiper seal or the like.
[0038] Sleeve 332 includes an aperture 392. Aperture 392 places the
area between the sleeve 332 and the housing 302 in fluid
communication with the atmosphere when the liquid piston is moved
forward as illustrated in FIG. 3. When the piston 340 moves
outward, piston double wiper seal 344 closes off aperture 392 and
seals aperture 392 from the atmosphere. Located around sleeve 332
is a sealing member 390. Sealing member 390 seals the area between
sleeve 332 and housing 302 to prevent liquid from passing from the
pump chamber 304 into the area that is periodically open to the
atmosphere when the piston double wiper seal 344 is moved off of
aperture 392.
[0039] Base 309 of housing 302 includes an aperture 394, which may
include an annular projection 395. A vent tube 396 is inserted into
aperture 394 and projection 395. The top 397 of the vent tube 396
is located proximate the top 323 of container 321 allowing the air
to vent the container without fluid traveling down the vent tube
396 into the area between the sleeve 332 and housing 302. In one
embodiment, piston 340 is moved outward to seal off aperture 392
during shipping.
[0040] In addition, although the pump 301 has been described as
being made of selected sub-parts, pump 301, as well as the other
embodiments of pumps disclosed herein, may be made from more
sub-parts or fewer sub-parts.
[0041] During operation, as piston 340 of pump 301 moves from a
discharged position (as illustrated in FIG. 3) to a charged
position or primed state, liquid flows into valve cavity 325
through liquid inlet aperture 324, past one-way liquid inlet valve
342, through aperture 305 and into pump chamber 304 to charge the
pump 301 or place the pump 301 in the charged position.
[0042] Movement of piston 340 from the charged position to the
discharged position causes fluid to flow out of the pump chamber
304 back into valve chamber 325. One-way liquid inlet check valve
342 prevents liquid from flowing back into container 321 and
accordingly, the liquid flows past one-way liquid outlet valve 339
into outlet nozzle 334 where it is dispensed to a user.
[0043] Pumping liquid out of container 321 causes a vacuum to
develop in container 321. When the piston 340 is moved toward the
discharged position and double wiper seal 344 moves off of air
inlet aperture 394, the vacuum pressure draws in air from the
atmosphere up the vent tube 396 into the container 321.
[0044] In some embodiments, pump 301 is used without the vent tube
396, aperture 394 and sealing member 390 and used with a
collapsible container instead of a non-collapsible container.
[0045] FIG. 4 is another exemplary embodiment of a refill unit 400.
Pump 401 is substantially similar to pump 301. The liquid pumping
portion is so similar, the components are not renumbered with
respect to FIG. 4, and only the venting components are described
with respect to FIG. 4. Pump 401 includes a venting aperture 492
through a wall of sleeve 432. An aperture 494 is through base 406
of housing 402. An annular projecting member 495 projects up from
base 406 around aperture 494. Additional air inlet apertures 494A
may be included around aperture 494 if aperture 494 is used solely
to anchor one-way air inlet valve 496 to base 406. Optionally, air
may flow through grooves (not shown) in the base of one-way air
inlet valve 496 and through aperture 494. A sealing member 490,
such as, for example, an o-ring provide an air passage between
sleeve 432 and base 402 for air to flow to one-way air inlet valve
496. One-way air inlet valve 496 allows air to flow into container
421 once sufficient vacuum pressure builds within container 421 to
overcome the cracking pressure of valve 496. Operation of pump 401
and the venting system is similar to the operation of the prior
embodiments and will not be re-discussed herein.
[0046] While the present invention has been illustrated by the
description of embodiments thereof and while the embodiments have
been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of
the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the
appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and
modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art.
Moreover, elements described with one embodiment may be readily
adapted for use with other embodiments. Therefore, the invention,
in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the
representative apparatus and illustrative examples shown and
described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details
without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicants'
general inventive concept.
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