MX2010013532A - Elastomeric dispensing pump that can be made with as few as two components. - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid dispensing pump manufactured from as few as two parts: a stationary pump base with an inlet passageway; and an integral pump top with a fluid-tight attachment to the pump base, a generally rigid core and a self-restoring elastomeric layer. The core has a base attachment portion and a dispensing valve core. The elastomeric layer includes a resilient self-restoring pump wall and a dispensing valve membrane. Assembling the pump base and the pump top creates a dispensing pump with an inlet passageway, a one-way inlet valve, a self-restoring resilient pump cavity of variable volume and a one-way dispensing valve. The integral pump top may have a rigid or semi-rigid actuator portion with the resilient self-restoring pump wall. The pump may have a valved venting passage and may have a secure lock-in mechanism for leakage prevention.

Description

ELASTOMERIC DISPENSING PUMP THAT CAN BE MADE WITH FROM TWO COMPONENTS BACKGROUND Field of the invention The present invention relates generally to the field of fluid dispensing pumps and more particularly to an elastomer dispensing pump with optional automatic shut-off, positive shut-off and venting mechanisms with valve and that can be done with from two components of easy armed.

Description of the prior art Dispensing pumps are well known in the art and are commonly used to dispense fluids having extremely varied flow characteristics and viscosities. The form of discharge from these pumps varies from a fine spray to a slow-moving flow. Common examples include dispensers that are on the market such as container mounted, finger operated dispensing pumps for products such as hand creams, lotions, shampoos, liquid soap or window cleaners as well as wall mounted dispensers such as for example dispensers of soap such as those found in public toilets.

The reciprocating piston pumps are the most widely used dispensing pumps. These pumps are somewhat complex, have nine parts or more and involve the use of unidirectional ball valves, several springs, sliding pistons, sealing elements and related engineering elements that require complex tools and assemblies. They also have limits in terms of size since it is difficult to maintain appropriate dimensional tolerance when the size increases; likewise, miniaturization is limited due to the large number of components. They also have design restrictions that limit their aesthetics and reduce the creativity of designs by being limited to cylindrical forms for their main body and being rather cumbersome.

The inconveniences of reciprocal dispensing pumps are well known in the art and have been tentatively addressed in the patent literature, usually with pumps having flexible or deformable walls such as bellows, elastomeric walls and the like which require many fewer parts, some of them as little as two integral pieces. However, these pumps present assembly challenges for mass production as flexible parts tend to deform during assembly, which presents placement issues and can result in unacceptable levels of defective parts, especially when the assembly involves grooves, annular rings or sliding seals, and a tight fit is required for proper sealing. They also have Skill problems since it can be difficult to obtain a sealing connection between the flexible components and the rigid components. In addition, most pumps with flexible walls tend to dispense fluid when enough positive pressure is applied to the inlet port of the pump which can occur after a sufficient change in temperature which causes a substantial increase in air pressure inside the container, especially when the fluid inside the container is volatile. This spontaneous dispensation of fluid without user intervention is highly undesirable.

The present invention relates to pumps with deformable walls, and more precisely, to pumps with elastomeric walls, which solve the particular challenges of these pumps.

Considering the prior art, patents present dispensing pumps that can be made with only two components: a rigid pump base and an elastomeric component that forms the body of a pump, and most have problems of spontaneous dispensation and present challenges for his mass production since the requirement of a tight fit and the rather complex geometry of a flexible part and a rigid part greatly complicate the automatic assembly. It will be advantageous to solve this question the use of a rigid core attached to the flexible part to allow an easy and reliable adjustment to a rigid pump base.

• U.S. Patent No. 3,486,663 discloses an elastomeric pump consisting of an elastomeric member having a submerged portion adapted to have a seal coupling with a support surface of a base member through which two ports are opened to define a closed camera. The dispensing pump embodiment illustrated herein has a split in the depressed portion having an edge that rests flexibly across and against the surface of the base member. This configuration requires a double compartment and presents issues of reliability and assembly.

• U.S. Patent No. 3,752,366 discloses a two-piece suction pump with a deformable member having an angular groove and an annular ring in sealing engagement with a cap member.

• U.S. Patent Number 3,820,689 presents a bomb elastomeric with a rigid base member and an elastomeric upper member having a dome-shaped part and a flatly extending elongated lip or member. There are some problems with this type of design: for example, the pressure applied to the pump will have the tendency to detach the "integral flexible upper member" from the "base member", whether it is mechanically attached (with a groove for example) or stuck (the favorite method of the patent). Also, the automatic assembly of this pump in a production line can be very difficult to achieve in practice.

• U.S. Patent No. 6,755,327 presents a complex pump utilizing a slidable seal. It can be problematic. Also, a "stationary end sealed to the base of the pump around the entry passage" may present leakage problems.

• U.S. Patent No. 6,910,603 also presents a rather complicated pump. It is possible that the "annular barrier seal 23 in frictional contact between the upper 10 and lower 11" components is not reliable and may be prone to leakage because the seal length is all the perimeter. The same can be said for the "Annular discharge compartment 31".

It will be advantageous to have a pump that remedies the various disadvantages of the dispensing pumps that exist. The use of the pump of the present invention: 1) The rigid core provides strength and structure to the integral upper part of the pump, and the assembly of the integral upper part of the pump and the base of the pump can be made as easy as a secure press fit or pressure assembled that does not require sophisticated tools. When the upper part of the pump and the base of the pump are attached after manufacturing, the assembly is even easier since the parts are pre-registered, and the assembly can be done in the same mold after removing them from the mold, which eliminates an assembly step. 2) Start-up costs such as the cost of molds and tools as well as production and assembly costs are therefore greatly reduced since the pump can only comprise two simple components, while the performance and reliability are increased since the pump chamber seals itself in this preferred embodiment, and the pump offers highly desirable optional features such as automatic closing and safe closing. 3) The tools can be very simple for simple forms, same time that the design of the pump allows a great flexibility in terms of forms. 4) The combination of two materials allows creative design and color combinations for an aesthetically pleasing package. 5) There is a great flexibility of size since dimensional tolerance is not a problem, especially in modalities with a lower elastomeric membrane because said membrane is sealed by itself against the base of the pump. Similarly, miniaturization is not a problem and the pump can be very small.

The leakage problem inherent in most membrane pumps is essentially eliminated because an increase in pressure inside the pump chamber pushes the elastomer layer against the base of the pump and the rigid core therefore improves the sealing of the pump chamber. The effect is improved in modalities with a lower membrane since the lower membrane seals even more against the base of the pump. 7) The dispensing end of most dispensing pumps of the prior art is mobile, which is inconvenient for the user, at the same time time that the dispensing end under the present invention is stationary for more convenient use. The optional actuator further increases ease of use and ergonomic features. Most dispensing pumps require vertical pressure of the finger, while the pump of the present invention can be operated with any position of the fingers. 8) The issue of spontaneous dispensing common to most dispensing pumps with flexible walls can be partially solved by using a concave upper surface for the pump base of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The problem can be eliminated in an alternative mode where the pump inlet valve closes by itself when the pump is in its unused position.

The present invention overcomes the aforementioned and / or other problems, and relates to a fluid dispensing pump that can be manufactured from at least two easily assembled parts that is reliable and easy to use, and among several advantages, offers ergonomic features improved and more flexible design and aesthetics than the existing technique.

The preferred embodiment of the pump has a stationary pump base 200 and an integral pump upper part 300 with an airtight coupling with the base of the pump. The base of the stationary pump 200 has an inlet passage 201, an upper surface 202, an upper inlet hole 201 a and an upper coupling portion 211. The upper part of the pump includes a generally rigid core 310 and a layer elastomeric automatic restitution.

The generally rigid core 310 has a coupling base portion 311 corresponding circumferentially to the upper coupling portion 211 of the stationary pump base 200, either alone, or in conjunction with the elastomeric layer 320, to obtain a coupling airtight with the base of the pump 200 and a dispensing valve core 315 optionally extending outwardly from the coupling portion of the base 311.

The elastomeric layer 320 is attached to the generally rigid core 310 to form a closed and continuous surface, so as to form a pump chamber 103, the upper surface 202 of the base of the pump 200 is the base of the pump chamber 103 and the rigid core 310 gives strength and structure to the pump chamber 103. The elastomeric layer 320 includes a flexible wall of the self-restoring pump 323 and defining an upper portion of the pump chamber 103.

The elastomeric layer 320 further includes a dispensing valve membrane 325 which cooperates with the core of the dispensing valve 315 to form a unidirectional dispensing valve 105 and a slot or orifice for dispensing 326. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the core of the 315 dispensing valve can be solid; in an alternative embodiment, it may be hollow and includes a core exit passage 106, the membrane of the dispensing valve includes an elastically deformable portion forming a unidirectional outlet valve 107.

The elastomeric layer 320 may further include a lower elastomeric membrane 322 having an inlet opening to the chamber 322a and a valve portion to the inlet membrane 322b. After assembly of the pump, the valve portion of the membrane 322b cooperates with the upper inlet hole 201 a of the base of the stationary pump 200 to form a unidirectional inlet valve 102.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastomeric layer 320 is attached to the entire periphery, preferably the inner periphery, of the base engaging portion 311 of the generally rigid core 310.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the elastomeric layer 320 it comprises a plurality of discrete portions, each joined at its edge or at its periphery to corresponding edges or peripheries of the rigid core 310, preferably through interface solidifications of melted portions of the rigid material of the generally rigid core 310 and the material elastomeric of the elastomeric layer 320 in such a way as to form a continuous inner surface with the rigid core and the elastomeric membrane. The lower edge of the elastomeric layer 320 is attached to the upper edge of the generally rigid core 310. The membrane of the dispensing valve 325 can be coupled onto or within the core of the dispensing valve 315 continuously with the remaining portion of the elastomeric layer 320, or may be attached to the outer edge of the core of the dispensing valve 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 may be attached to the edge of the elastomeric layer 320. coupling portion of the base 311.

After assembling the base of the pump 200 and the upper part of the pump 300, a fully functional dispensing pump is created with an inlet passage 101, a unidirectional inlet valve 102, an elastic pump cavity with variable volume automatic restitution. 103 and a self-closing unidirectional dispensing valve 105 in most embodiments of the present invention. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the Unidirectional inlet valve can be closed when the dispensing pump is in its unused position. An air vent can be added to the dispensing pump if necessary.

An alternative embodiment, the upper part of the integral pump 300 has a semirigid actuator portion 314 attached to, or within, the wall of the automatic return spring pump 323 and preferably connected to the coupling portion of the core base rigid 31 1. The portion of the actuator 314 may also be connected to the coupling portion of the base of the rigid core 311 in a similar manner to a spring to increase the efficiency of the pump. Also, the upper part of the integral pump 300 is optionally movable relative to the base of the pump or rotatable about a central axis between an open position and a closed position so that when in the open position the pump operates to dispense fluid, and in the closed position the pump is closed and inoperable.

An object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing pump employing as few as two easily assembled parts, which operates reliably, which is not costly in its manufacture, which requires lower tool costs and equipment cost and offers better ergonomic characteristics and Design flexibility compared to dispensing pumps currently in the market.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a dispensing pump employing an optional automatic closing and positive closing mechanism which is inexpensive in its manufacture and assembly, which is easy to use and which provides greater safety against leaks without spills in the closed position . Automatic closure is desirable to prevent deterioration of the substance remaining in the dispensing passage and to ensure that the dispensing slot or orifice remains clean. Also fluid leaks are always a concern during the life of the pump. When the pump is shipped, the internal pressure of the container may vary as a result of temperature changes and / or bumps during handling and may create leaks, even when the pump is not actuated; therefore, an efficient positive closing mechanism is a highly desirable feature.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Attention is drawn to the following illustrations of aspects of the embodiments of the present invention: Figure 1A shows a perspective view of the preferred modality of the present invention with means for coupling to a container supplied within the base of the pump.

Figure 1 B shows a front view of the embodiment of Figure 1A.

Figure 2A shows a front view of the upper part of the rigid core pump of Figure 1A with a dispensing valve core and a rigid central valve opening.

Figure 2B shows a front view of the upper part of the pump with rigid core of Figure 1A, with an elastomeric layer molded around it.

Figure 2C shows a bottom view of the upper part of the rigid core pump of Figure 2A.

Figure 3 shows the stationary pump base of Figure 1A-1 B with a space in the base valve.

Figure 4 shows a side sectional view of an alternative embodiment with a concave upper surface in the base.

Figure 5A shows a side sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 1A in a relaxed or unused state ready for pumping.

Figure 5B shows the embodiment of Figure 5A while the elastomer pump layer is pressed and fluid dispensed.

Figure 5C shows the embodiment of Figures 5A and 5B after the elastomeric layer of the pump is released and the inlet valve is opened.

Figure 6 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of the invention with the upper part of the pump rotated to a safe position for boarding where the pump is disabled.

Figure 7A shows a sectional view of an embodiment of the invention with a rigid actuator portion embedded in the elastomeric layer; the elastomeric layers consist of three separate portions attached to corresponding edges of the rigid core.

Figure 7B shows a perspective view of the rigid core of the embodiment of Figure 7A with the portion of the actuator attached before overmolding the elastomeric layer.

Figure 7C shows a sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 7A showing the rigid actuator and also the elastomeric layer.

Figure 8 shows a cross-section of another embodiment with a conventional duckbill dispensing valve.

Figure 9A shows a cross-section of an alternative embodiment with a vertical duckbill dispensing valve and a secure insert.

Figure 9B shows a cross section of the embodiment of Figure 9A with the security insert in the secured position.

Figure 10 shows an alternative mode with the base of the pump and the upper part of the pump joined by a double coupling that also serves to prevent manipulations.

Figure 1 1A shows an air inlet in the closed position.

Figure 11 B shows the air inlet of Figure 11 A in the open position.

Figure 12A shows a perspective view of an alternative modality of the present invention in a secured position.

Figure 12B shows a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 12A in the dispensing position.

Figure 12C is a sectional view of Figure 12A.

Figure 12D is a sectional view of Figure 12B.

Figure 13A shows a variant of the embodiment of Figure 12A.

Figure 13B shows a sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 13C.

Figure 14A shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of Figure 7A with the pump assembled and a plug of the inlet passage engaged in the portion of the actuator.

Figure 14B shows another sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 14A.

Figure 15 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment with the base of the pump having a duckbill valve inserted into the entry ticket.

Various drawings and illustrations have been presented to help understand the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by what is illustrated in the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a fluid dispensing pump that can be manufactured from only two easily assembled separate pieces: a pump base part and an integral pump upper part that is firmly attached to the base of the pump. fluid form, the upper part of the pump has a rigid core and an elastic layer of automatic restitution. The two parts of the upper part of the pump can be made by molding multiple materials in the same mold or on the mold while the core is first made and then placed in a mold again to overmold the elastomeric layer.

The rigid core and the elastomeric layer can be joined: 1) by a mechanical connection such as grooves, rough edges, holes or other surface means 2) a chemical bond such as for example a solidification of molten portions of the two materials. 3) or they can only be one on top of the other in a weak link. Some embodiments of the present invention do not require a particularly strong bond because the elastomeric layer seals by itself; however, embodiments having rotating components require stronger links for the elastomeric layer to rotate correctly with the rigid core.

It is within the scope of the invention to use the same material for the rigid part of the upper part of the pump and the part of the elastomeric layer in a one-step molding using various thicknesses and elasticity to define flexible portions and semi-rigid portions; however, the preferred method is to use two different materials.

In a preferred embodiment, the elastomeric layer extends continuously to form an elastomeric lower membrane in sealing contact with the upper surface of the lower part of the pump, with a portion of the lower elastomeric membrane completely covering the entrance passage to form a unidirectional inlet valve.

After the top of the pump is attached to the base of the pump, and the pump is in an operational state, when the upper portion of the elastomeric layer is depressed, the internal pressure closes the inlet valve and causes the the fluid comes out of the dispensing valve. When the upper portion is released later, it returns to its original shape which causes a negative pressure that closes the dispensing valve and opens the inlet valve that draws fluid into the pump chamber. The dispensing valve closes by itself in most of the embodiments of the present invention. An air vent can be added for applications that require it. An optional closing mechanism can be used to secure and close the dispensing valve for shipping and storage. The dispensing pump under the present invention can be used as a dispensing lid when coupled to a compressible container. In an alternative embodiment, the inlet valve of the pump can be closed when the pump is in its rest position to prevent spontaneous dispensing due to pressure increases within an enclosed container.

It is seen with reference now to Figures 1A-1B, a respective view and a front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A base for stationary pump 200 provided with means for coupling with a container (not shown) has an integral pump upper part 300 mounted thereon. A unidirectional self-closing dispensing valve 105 projects and provides an outlet for the fluid material in the container. The unidirectional automatic closing valve 105 with the slot 326 dispenser is for ease of user operation, although it is not necessary to be as long as illustrated, or to excel at all. The pump in Figures 1A-1 B is shown in the operation mode with the dispensing valve 105 aligned with the recesses of the base valve 215. The front view in Figure 1 B shows the valve opening of the rigid core 315a located under the dispensing valve 105 aligned with the recess of the base valve 215. An elastomeric layer 320 fits over, and is sealed with the rigid core 310 of the upper part of the integral pump 300. When depressed, this elastomeric layer 320 It causes the fluid to leave the pump chamber formed under it, and when it is released, it attracts the fluid from the container to the pump chamber. The rigid portions of the embodiment of Figures 1A-1B may be made of any suitable thermoplastic material such as polypropylene. The elastic return elastomeric layer 320 may be any layer of flexible material and may be a thermoplastic elastomer, or in some embodiments it may simply be a much thinner layer of the same material as the rigid portion of the top of the pump.

Figure 2A shows the rigid core 310 with the coupling portion with the base 311, the core of the dispensing valve 315 and the opening of the valve of the rigid core 315a of the pump of Figures 1A-1B. Figure 2 shows the upper part of the integral pump 300 completely manufactured with the elastomeric layer 320 having a deformable part forming a pump wall with automatic and elastic restitution 323 molded on the rigid core 310 and the membrane of the dispensing valve 325 and which also has a dispensing slot 326. Figure 2C is a bottom view of the same upper part of the integral pump as illustrated in Figure 2B and shows the lower elastomeric membrane 322 with the inlet opening to the chamber 322a and the valve portion of the the inlet membrane 322b as well as the usable portion 325a of the membrane of the dispensing valve 325.

Figure 3 shows the base of the stationary pump 200 of Figures 1A-1 B with the upper inlet hole 201 a, the upper surface 202, the upper coupling portion 21 1 and the recess of the base valve 215. In this In particular, the upper part of the integral pump 300 (illustrated in Figures 2B) is attached to the upper part and inside the base of the pump 200. The base of the pump 200 can be attached to a container.

Figure 4 shows a cross section of the internal structure of an alternative embodiment of the pump of the present invention with an upper surface of the concave base 202 so that after assembly of the upper part of the integral pump 300 and the base of the stationary pump 200, the Inlet membrane valve portion 322b positively fits over the upper inlet hole 201 a when the dispensing pump is placed in the operating position, and positive pressure is required to open the unidirectional inlet valve 102. This prevents dispensing spontaneous fluid caused by an increase in air pressure within the container to which the dispensing pump can be attached. The amount of positive pressure needed to open the unidirectional inlet valve 102 depends on the curvature of the upper surface 202 and the elasticity of the inlet membrane valve portion 322b.

Figure 5A shows a cross-section of the internal structure of the pump of Figures 1A-1B. Figures 5B and 5C show the operation and internal structure of the embodiment of Figure 5A in sectional form. The base of the stationary pump 200 has an inlet passage 201, an upper inlet hole 201 a, an upper surface 202, an upper coupling portion 21 1 and a base valve recess 215. The upper part of the integral pump has a generally rigid core 310 including a coupling portion with the base 31 1, a dispensing valve core 315 and a valve opening of the rigid core 315a. An elastomeric layer 320 is molded on the inner periphery of the base engaging portion 31 1 and on the core of the dispensing valve 315 to form a continuous surface that forms a automatic return and elastic pump chamber 103. The elastomeric layer 320 extends in a lower elastomeric membrane 322 with an inlet opening to the chamber 322a and an inlet membrane valve portion 322b that spans the upper inlet opening 201 a , which forms a unidirectional inlet valve 102. The elastomeric layer 320 has a pump wall portion with automatic restitution 323 and a dispensing valve membrane 325 coupled on the core of the dispensing valve 3 5 and a dispensing slot 326 located therein. distant end. The membrane of the dispensing valve 325 has a connected portion 325b and a lift-up portion 325a that together with the core of the dispensing valve 315 form a unidirectional dispensing valve 105.

After the pump has been operated once, the pump chamber 103 will be filled with the fluid substance to be pumped and will be in the ready or at rest state. The pressure applied to the wall of the pump with elastic automatic return 323 by means of tactile pressure creates a positive pressure in the pump chamber 103 and closes the unidirectional inlet valve 102. Figure 5B shows the wall of the pump with restitution elastic elastomeric automatic 323 being pressed. When the pump is put into its operating position, and the entry opening of the rigid core 315a is aligned with the recess of the base valve 215, the usable portion 325a is free to move in opposite direction to the core of the dispensing valve 315. The positive pressure in the pump chamber 103 causes this lifting portion 325a of the membrane of the dispensing valve 325 to rise from the core of the dispensing valve 315 to form a exit passage 106 through which the fluid is expelled. After the first use, the wall of the pump with elastic automatic reconstitution 323 is released. Figure 5C shows this condition. As the pump wall with elastic reconstitution 323 returns to its original shape, a negative pressure develops in the pump chamber 103 which attracts the usable portion 325a of the membrane of the dispensing valve 325 against the core of the dispensing valve 315 which closes the unidirectional dispensing valve 105, and causes the portion of the inlet membrane valve 322b to rise from the upper surface 202 to release the upper inlet hole 201 and open the unidirectional inlet valve 102 The negative pressure attracts fluid into the pump chamber 103 from the container through the inlet passage 201 to again fill the pump chamber 103 with fluid. Unless the attached container is an airless container, a vent passage with valve is usually required to replenish the air within the container. This air inlet will be described later.

Figure 6 shows a pump embodiment of Figures 5A-5C with the top of the pump turning to a safe position for boarding. In this position, the inlet membrane valve portion 322b does not cover the upper inlet opening 201 a and the unidirectional inlet valve 102 is disabled. In addition, the valve opening of the rigid core 315a is not aligned with the recess of the base valve 215 and the lifting portion 325a of the dispensing valve membrane 325 is prevented from moving away from the core of the dispensing valve 315. This closes the unidirectional dispensing valve 105.

Figures 7A-7C show an alternative embodiment of the present invention with a rigid or semi-rigid actuator portion 314 coupled to the rigid core 310 and embedded within the wall of the pump with elastic automatic return 323. The coupling between the portion of the actuator and The rigid core can optionally act as a spring to improve the performance of the pump. This portion of the actuator 314 improves the ergonomic characteristics and performance of the pump. Figure 7B shows the portion of the rigid or semi-rigid actuator 314 coupled to the rigid core 310 before overmolding the elastomeric layer 320.

Figure 7C shows a sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 7A showing the rigid actuator 314 embedded in the elastomeric layer 320 and also the lower edge 320a of the pump wall portion with elastic automatic restitution 323 of the elastomeric layer 320 which is bonded through the solidification of interfaces to the upper edge 310a of the rigid core 310. The dispensing valve membrane 325 is attached to the edge of the core of the dispensing valve 315 and at the edge of the valve opening of the rigid core 315a. The lower elastomeric membrane 322 is attached at its periphery to the lower edge of the coupling portion to the base 311.

Figures 8, 9A and 9B show alternative embodiments of the present invention wherein the upper part of the integral pump 300 is the means for coupling to a container, and the base of the pump 200 is inserted into the container engaging portion. of the upper part of the pump, and wherein the core of the dispensing valve is hollow and forms an outlet passage 106. The membrane of the outlet valve has a unidirectional outlet valve portion 107 that forms a peak valve of duck within the inlet passage 106. In cross section Figure 9A, the unidirectional outlet valve portion 107 is a vertical duckbill valve and an optional safety insert 338 is located at the distant projecting end of the outlet passage 106 of the dispensing valve core 315, and is rotatable from an open position to a secured position wherein the safety insert closes the dispensing valve as shown in FIG. illustrated in Figure 9B.

Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment with the base of the pump 200 and the upper part of the pump 300 joined by a double coupling 109 which also serves to prevent tampering. In this embodiment, when the pump is assembled, the inlet membrane valve portion 322b of the lower elastomeric membrane 322 does not cover the inlet passage 201a and the usable portion 325a of the membrane of the dispensing valve is prevented. move away from the core of the dispensing valve. In this position, the unidirectional inlet valve is disabled and the unidirectional dispensing valve closes, which puts the pump in a safe, secured and sealed state for shipping and storage. All positive pressures in the chamber act to press the fluid down into the inlet passage. The pump can not operate because the fluid can not leave the pump chamber. For the pump to work, the upper part of the pump must be rotated approximately 180 degrees around a central axis, breaking the couplings 109. In this new position, the valve portion of the inlet membrane 322b of the lower elastomeric membrane 322 covers the upper inlet opening 201a and the recess of the base valve 215 is aligned with the opening of the rigid core valve 315a so that the unidirectional inlet valve and unidirectional dispense valve are both in operation. This provides a tamper proof feature.

Figures 1 1A-11 B show one of the many ways in which a valve ventilation passage can be made. Here, the base of the pump 200 has a radial passage, and the coupling portion to the base 311 of the upper core of the rigid pump 310 has a corresponding groove forming an air inlet 401. The lower elastomeric membrane 322 has a passage vertical that is separated from the groove of the rigid core. The base of the pump forms a vertical passage to the container. When negative pressure is applied to the pump chamber releasing the automatic restitution layer, the lower elastomeric membrane 322 is pulled down to allow air to enter the container as illustrated in Figure 11 B. It should be noted that there are many forms different from including a vent passage with valve or any type of passage for air inside the pump of the present invention. Each of these forms is within the scope of the present invention.

Figures 12A-12D and 13A-13B show alternative embodiments of the present invention with an actuator portion 314 embedded in the elastomeric layer 320 wherein the upper part of the pump 300 is slidably movable to the base of the pump 200 from a secured position to an operating position. Figures 12A and 12C respectively show a perspective view and a sectional view of the pump in a secured position with the rigid core 310 retracted in the base of the pump 200 so that the end Distant from the core of the dispensing valve 315 is confined within the base of the pump 200 and the lifting portion 325 of the membrane of the dispensing valve is prevented from moving away from the core of the dispensing valve 315, and therefore closes the dispensing valve 105. The portion of the inlet membrane valve 322b does not cover the upper inlet opening 201a and the unidirectional inlet valve 102 is disabled. Figures 12B and 12D respectively show a perspective view and a sectional view of the pump in an operating position with downward pressure applied to the portion of the actuator 314. The usable portion 325a of the membrane of the dispensing valve 325 extends in the opposite direction to the core of the dispensing valve 315 to open an outlet passage 106. The pump of this mode can be very small and can be used as a dispensing pump for samples, amenities or magazine inserts and can be pasted to a container, or even be an integral part of a container. Figures 13A and 13B show a variant of the present embodiment with a means for coupling to a bottle and can be designed to dispense large volumes.

Figure 14A shows a sectional view and a detail of an alternative embodiment of the present invention with an inlet valve insert 312 coupled to the rigid or semi-rigid driven portion 314 and engaged within the Inlet passage 101. The inlet passage has an upper portion that forms a rest for the inlet valve 202b having a base valve opening 202c. The inlet valve insert 312 has a cut that makes an inlet valve opening of the core 312a. An inlet valve membrane 322c is engaged over the inlet valve insert 312 and has a valve membrane opening 322d which forms a unidirectional inlet valve 102. When the dispensing pump is in the rest position, the opening of the The inlet valve membrane is sealed by the inlet of the inlet valve 202b and the unidirectional inlet valve is closed. The positive pressure applied from the inside of the inlet passage presses the insert of the inlet valve 312 and the membrane of the inlet valve 322c against the inlet of the inlet valve 202b, which therefore prevents the flow of the fluid inside. of the pump chamber 103. When the dispensing pump is in a depressed position, the membrane of the inlet valve 322c moves away from the inlet of the inlet valve 202b and the negative pressure differential from inside the chamber of the Pump lifts the inlet valve membrane 322c from the inlet valve insert 312, to allow fluid to flow from the opening of the inlet valve of the 312a through the opening of the inlet membrane valve 322d and opening the base valve 202c into the interior of the pump chamber 103. Figure 14B shows another sectional view indicating the position of the opening of the base valve 202b and opening of the inlet valve of the 312a core.

Figure 15 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention with the base of the stationary pump 200 having a duckbill valve 102 inserted into the inlet passage 101. The duckbill 101 inlet valve can be made of an elastomeric material and can be molded into the inlet passage 101 in a molding pro with multiple injections or it can be inserted into the inlet passage 101 during assembly.

Various descriptions and illustrations have been presented to help understand the present invention. Those skilled in the art will realize that numerous changes and variations can be applied without departing from the spirit of the invention. All these changes and variations are within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (15)

1. A fluid dispensing pump comprising: a base of the stationary pump provided with an inlet passage, a top inlet orifice, a top surface which may be flat or generally concave and a top coupling portion; an integral pump upper part provided with means for a hermetic coupling to the base of the pump which includes a generally rigid core and an elastomeric layer, said integral pump upper part is a molded part I 0 integrally with multiple materials which is a continuous piece, wherein the generally rigid core is made of a rigid material and the elastomeric layer is made of an elastomeric material; said generally rigid core has a coupling base portion corresponding circumferentially to said upper coupling portion of said stationary pump base, either alone, or in conjunction with said elastomeric layer forming an airtight coupling with said base. the pump and a dispensing valve core optionally extending outwardly from said base engaging portion. said elastomeric layer includes: 0 a pump wall with elastic automatic restitution that defines an upper portion of the pump chamber. a dispensing valve membrane that cooperates with said valve core dispenser for allowing a controlled unidirectional exit of a fluid substance through a unidirectional dispensing valve formed by said dispensing valve core and said dispensing valve membrane; Said elastomeric layer is attached to said rigid core to thus form a pump chamber wherein said upper surface is the base of said pump chamber, whereby after assembling the base of the pump and the upper part of the pump, a fully functional dispensing pump is created with an inlet passage, a unidirectional inlet valve, an elastic pump cavity for automatic restitution and a unidirectional dispensing valve.

2. The dispensing pump of Claim 1, wherein said elastomeric layer comprises a plurality of portions attached to corresponding edges of said generally rigid core, preferably by solidification of interfaces of molten portions of said rigid material and said elastomeric material, said Elastomeric layer and said generally rigid core form a continuous surface.

3. The dispensing pump of Claim 1, wherein said unidirectional inlet valve is closed when the pump is in the rest position.

4. The dispensing pump of Claim 1, wherein said upper portion of the integral pump further comprises a portion of a rigid or semi-rigid actuator attached to, or within, the wall of the elastic pump for automatic restitution and preferably connected to said portion of said pump. coupling the base of the rigid core.

5. The dispensing pump of Claim 1, wherein said stationary pump base and said integral pump upper part are molded together and joined by at least one flexible coupling. Said flexible coupling can be used as a tamper-proof feature, wherein the pump is not operable and is securely closed in the assembly, and wherein said flexible couplings need to be broken on the first use so that said dispensing pump is operable.

6. The dispensing pump of Claim 1 further comprising a means for securely fixing and preventing leakage during shipping and storage.

7. The dispensing pump of Claim 1 further comprising a vent passage with valve.

8. The dispensing pump of Claim 1, wherein said passage of The inlet of said stationary pump base comprises a unidirectional inlet valve.

9. The dispensing pump of Claim 1, wherein said elastomeric layer comprises a lower elastomeric membrane with an inlet opening to the chamber, and an inlet membrane valve portion that completely covers the upper inlet orifice, to form a valve. of unidirectional inlet over said upper inlet orifice, and wherein said inlet membrane valve portion can be lifted from said upper surface of said stationary pump base when a negative pressure differential is applied from within said pump chamber to causing a flow into the fluid interior through said inlet passage into said pump chamber, and said inlet membrane valve portion sealing said upper inlet orifice when a positive pressure differential is applied from the interior of the pump chamber. said pump chamber.

10. The dispensing pump of Claim 9, wherein said upper part of the integral pump is movable relative to said stationary pump base and said upper inlet orifice and said inlet membrane valve portion define an open and a closed position in where, 1) when said integral pump upper part is placed in the open position, said inlet membrane valve portion completely covers said inlet opening. upper inlet, which forms a unidirectional inlet valve over said upper inlet orifice and 2) when said integral pump upper part is placed in the closed position, said inlet membrane valve portion releases the upper inlet and valve Unidirectional input is disabled so that a positive pressure differential applied from said pump chamber causes an outward flow of fluid through said inlet passage.

11. The dispensing pump of Claim 1, wherein said dispensing valve membrane has a dispensing orifice and a portion that can be lifted away from said dispensing valve core where a positive pressure differential in said pump chamber raises said portion that can be lifted from said dispensing valve membrane and opens an exit passage that allows the exit of a fluid substance from said pump chamber through said dispensing orifice or slot; said lifting portion is retracted against said dispensing valve core after releasing the pressure or when a negative pressure differential is applied from said pump chamber, which closes the exit passage.

12. The dispensing pump of Claim 12, wherein said integral pump upper part is movable from a secured position wherein said lifting portion is prevented from rising from said core. Dispensing valve, which seals said outlet passage to an operating position wherein said lifting portion can be lifted from said dispensing valve core.

13. The dispensing pump of Claim 12, wherein said pump base has a base valve recess and said generally rigid core has a rigid core valve opening located beneath said dispensing valve core, the dispensing pump. has an operating position and a secured position in which 1) in the operating position said opening of The rigid core valve is aligned with said base valve recess and said removable portion of said dispensing valve membrane can be moved away from said dispensing valve core when a positive pressure difference is applied within said valve chamber. the pump and 2) in the secured position prevents said portion that can be lifted from said 15 dispensing valve membrane is moved away from said dispensing valve core to close the unidirectional dispensing valve.

14. A fluid dispensing pump comprising: a base of the stationary pump provided with an inlet passage, a top inlet orifice, a top surface which may be flat or generally concave and a top coupling portion; an integral pump upper part provided with means for a coupling hermetic with the base of the pump which includes a generally rigid core and an elastomeric layer; said generally rigid core has a coupling base portion corresponding circumferentially to said upper coupling portion of said stationary pump base, either alone, or in conjunction with said elastomeric layer forming an airtight coupling with said base of the pump and a dispensing valve core optionally extending outwardly from said base engaging portion, said elastomeric layer includes: a pump wall with elastic automatic restitution that defines an upper portion of the pump chamber. a dispensing valve membrane cooperating with said dispensing valve core to enable a controlled unidirectional exit of a fluid substance through a unidirectional dispensing valve formed by said dispensing valve core and said dispensing valve membrane; Said elastomeric layer is attached to said rigid core to thus form a pump chamber wherein said upper surface is the base of said pump chamber, whereby after assembling the base of the pump and the upper part of the pump, a fully functional dispensing pump is created with an inlet passage, a unidirectional inlet valve, an elastic pump cavity for automatic restitution and a unidirectional dispensing valve.

15. The dispensing pump of Claim 14, wherein the upper part of the integral pump is made of an elastomeric material of various thicknesses with a semi-rigid portion of greater thickness forming said core generally rigid and a less thick flexible portion forming said elastomeric layer .