US20140048562A1 - Pump device and flow control system - Google Patents

Pump device and flow control system Download PDF

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Publication number
US20140048562A1
US20140048562A1 US13/588,571 US201213588571A US2014048562A1 US 20140048562 A1 US20140048562 A1 US 20140048562A1 US 201213588571 A US201213588571 A US 201213588571A US 2014048562 A1 US2014048562 A1 US 2014048562A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
pump
package
base
fluid delivery
inlet opening
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/588,571
Inventor
Eelco Han de Man
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Silgan Dispensing Systems Netherlands BV
WestRock MWV LLC
Original Assignee
Meadwestvaco Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Meadwestvaco Corp filed Critical Meadwestvaco Corp
Priority to US13/588,571 priority Critical patent/US20140048562A1/en
Assigned to MEADWESTVACO CALMAR NETHERLANDS BV reassignment MEADWESTVACO CALMAR NETHERLANDS BV ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HAN DE MAN, EELCO
Priority to US14/421,360 priority patent/US9339831B2/en
Priority to PCT/EP2013/067028 priority patent/WO2014027041A1/en
Priority to GB1503754.2A priority patent/GB2519721B/en
Publication of US20140048562A1 publication Critical patent/US20140048562A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05CAPPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C17/00Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces
    • B05C17/005Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces for discharging material from a reservoir or container located in or on the hand tool through an outlet orifice by pressure without using surface contacting members like pads or brushes
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45DHAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D34/00Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
    • A45D34/04Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05BSPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1028Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall
    • B05B11/1035Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall the pumping chamber being a bellow
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05BSPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1001Piston pumps
    • B05B11/1016Piston pumps the outlet valve having a valve seat located downstream a movable valve element controlled by a pressure actuated controlling element
    • B05B11/1018Piston pumps the outlet valve having a valve seat located downstream a movable valve element controlled by a pressure actuated controlling element and the controlling element cooperating with means for opening or closing the inlet valve
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05BSPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1028Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall
    • B05B11/1032Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall actuated without substantial movement of the nozzle in the direction of the pressure stroke
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05BSPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1028Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall
    • B05B11/1036Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall the outlet valve being opened in the direction opposite to the fluid flow downstream the outlet valve by the pressure acting on a valve controlling element
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05BSPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042Components or details
    • B05B11/1064Pump inlet and outlet valve elements integrally formed of a deformable material
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05BSPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042Components or details
    • B05B11/1066Pump inlet valves
    • B05B11/1067Pump inlet valves actuated by pressure
    • B05B11/1069Pump inlet valves actuated by pressure the valve being made of a resiliently deformable material or being urged in a closed position by a spring
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45DHAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D34/00Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
    • A45D2034/005Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes with a cartridge
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45DHAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D2200/00Details not otherwise provided for in A45D
    • A45D2200/05Details of containers
    • A45D2200/054Means for supplying liquid to the outlet of the container
    • A45D2200/056Reciprocating pumps, i.e. with variable volume chamber wherein pressure and vacuum are alternately generated

Definitions

  • Embodiments of the invention relate to pump and liquid dispersion devices and more particularly to pumps having an equidistant flow path for dispersion of a liquid across a particular surface area.
  • the personal and beauty care markets utilize a wide variety of different pump mechanisms and devices for delivering fluid-based products to a user.
  • the pump devices include traditional pumps using ball valves or flap valves.
  • Unique pump devices are also being developed to increase aesthetic value of the pump device or to provide new or improved functionality to the pump device or overall product package.
  • pumps or pump devices are connected to a bottle or other container holding a product.
  • the product may be a fluid or a fluid mixed with solids or gases.
  • the pump is used to deliver the product from the container to a user.
  • the container is a bottle and in other instances, the container may be a bag, a pouch, or a tube. In any event, it is often desirable that the pump evacuate most of the product from the container.
  • pump devices are being used to deliver certain fluid products to users in the personal and beauty care field, they are not being used in all applications.
  • deodorant in the field of under arm protection—or deodorant—pumps are not typically used.
  • deodorant is applied as a solid, in other instances as an aerosol, and in still other instances it may be applied as a gel or other liquid form.
  • pumps are not used to deliver the gel or liquid. Instead, a gel may be “pushed” using a screw-push mechanism or other piston which applies a force across a bottom surface area of the gel in a package, forcing gel out of holes in the top of a package.
  • Such delivery systems are well known and commonly available in the market. Rollerballs may also be used with a liquid deodorant as known.
  • pumps are not currently used to distribute deodorants, it may be desirable to pump a gel or liquid deodorant or under arm protection product with a pump. It may also be desirable to maintain a user's customary experience with the application surface area of a deodorant package while providing a new delivery experience utilizing a pump.
  • the use of a pump, and especially a pump in conjunction with a pouch, in deodorant packages may also be desirable.
  • a fluid delivery package may include a package shell, a pump and flexible package contained within the package shell, and a product flow path having two or more product outlets wherein the two or more product outlets are equidistant from a product outlet or discharge orifice of the pump.
  • the product flow path may be defined in a package head.
  • a package head may include a base portion and a top portion wherein the product flow path is defined in the base portion, the top portion, or a combination thereof and the two or more product outlets are defined in the top portion.
  • a fluid delivery package may include a package shell defining a space therein and a package head which may be assembled with the package shell to enclose said space.
  • the package head may include a base portion and a top portion.
  • the package shell or the package head may include an opening through which a portion of a pump may protrude or may be accessible.
  • an actuation button in communication with a pump may protrude through said opening or may be accessible by a user through said opening.
  • the pump may be in communication with a flexible package—such as a flexible pouch—containing a product such that the pump may pump the product out of the flexible package and through a pump discharge passage.
  • the pump discharge passage may be in communication with an inlet opening in the package head which may be positioned in the base portion of the package head.
  • the inlet opening in the base portion may be centered or may be off-centered as desired.
  • the inlet opening in the package head may be in communication with a product flow path.
  • the product flow path may be defined by the base portion, the top portion, or a combination of the base portion and the top portion.
  • the top portion may also include two or more holes or openings in communication with the product flow path. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the distance from the inlet opening to each of the two or more holes or openings is equal or substantially equal.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a fluid delivery package according to various embodiments of the invention
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a fluid delivery package according to various embodiments of the invention
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a fluid delivery package and a fluid chamber of the fluid delivery package according to various embodiments of the invention
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a partially disassembled fluid delivery package according to various embodiments of the invention
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a partially disassembled fluid delivery package according to various embodiments of the invention
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a partially disassembled fluid delivery package according to various embodiments of the invention
  • FIGS. 7A through 7D illustrate cross-sectional views of various components of a pump which may be used with embodiments of the invention
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pump according to various embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pump according to various embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pump according to various embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pump according to various embodiments of the invention.
  • a fluid delivery package 100 may include a package shell 110 , a package head 120 , and a pump 190 .
  • the package head 120 may include a base portion 122 and a top portion 124 , the top portion 124 having one or more holes 126 product outlets, or openings therethrough.
  • the top portion 124 may have two or more holes 126 therethrough.
  • the base portion 122 may include one or more inlet openings 123 which may be in communication with the pump 190 . Examples of fluid delivery packages 100 according to various embodiments of the invention are illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6 .
  • a package shell 110 may include two or more walls enclosing a space or cavity.
  • a shell 110 may include four sidewalls and a base with an opening in the top of the shell 110 ; for example, a rectangular box having an open end.
  • a shell 110 may include two open ends opposite each other. One of the open ends may be closed with a base portion 122 of a package head and the other end closed with a base plug 114 .
  • a shell 110 may be shaped in any desired shape as long as the shell 110 includes an interior cavity which may hold a container or pouch attached to a pump and used with the fluid delivery package 100 .
  • a package head 120 may include a base portion 122 and a top portion 124 .
  • the base portion 122 may fit with, mate, or otherwise be configured to securely or removeably join with the package shell 110 . Fitment or assembly of the base portion 122 with the package shell 110 may define an enclosed space or cavity within an interior of the package shell 110 and on an interior side of the base portion 122 .
  • the base portion 122 may also include one or more inlet openings 123 .
  • the one or more inlet openings 123 may be in fluid communication with a pump 190 .
  • a top portion 124 of a package head 120 may include at least one and often two or more holes 126 or openings therethrough.
  • the base portion 122 and top portion 124 of the package head 120 may be secured together, creating a fluid chamber 129 between a top surface of the base portion 122 and a bottom surface of the top portion 124 .
  • a fluid flow path may be defined in or by the fluid chamber 129 between the one or more inlet openings 123 and the holes 126 in the top portion 124 .
  • a base portion 122 of a package head 120 may include one or more walls 121 which define one or more flow paths from an inlet opening 123 to one or more holes 126 in the top portion 124 of the package head 120 as illustrated in FIG. 3 .
  • Walls 121 may be configured in any desired configuration.
  • the length of the fluid flow paths from an inlet opening 123 to each of two or more holes 126 in a top portion 124 of a package head 120 is equivalent or substantially equivalent.
  • each of the two or more holes 126 is equidistant from the inlet opening 123 along the fluid flow paths.
  • the one or more walls 121 may be configured to ensure equidistant fluid travel paths from the inlet opening 123 to the two or more holes 126 .
  • the equidistant fluid flow paths allow for an even distribution of product through two or more holes 126 in the package head 120 .
  • This equal distribution may be advantageous as it may allow a configuration of holes 126 which will provide equal amounts of product along the desired application surface of the package head 120 .
  • the fluid flow paths from the inlet opening 123 through the fluid chamber 129 to the six holes 126 illustrated in FIG. 3 are all of the same length or substantially the same length.
  • the pump 190 is pumped and the fluid chamber 129 is filled with product, further pumping of the pump 190 will result in substantially the same amount of product exiting the holes 126 with each actuation of the pump 190 . If the fluid flow paths were not of the same length, a non-equal distribution of product through the holes 126 may occur.
  • non-equidistant flow paths may also be used with various configurations of a fluid delivery device 100 .
  • the product distribution across the surface of the package head 120 may be customized by varying the fluid flow path lengths and positioning of the holes 126 , inlet opening 123 , and walls 121 .
  • the configuration of fluid flow paths through a fluid chamber 129 may be defined by walls 121 in the base portion 122 of the package head 120 as illustrated in FIG. 3 .
  • one or more walls 121 may project from the top portion 124 of the package head 120 rather than from the base portion 122 .
  • walls 121 may project from both the base portion 122 and the top portion 124 such that the combination of walls 121 defines fluid flow paths through the fluid chamber 129 .
  • a package shell 110 and base portion 122 of the package head 120 may be molded as a unitary, molded component.
  • the package shell 110 may include an opening in the base 112 of the package shell 110 as illustrated in FIG. 4 .
  • a base plug 114 may be inserted, fitted, mated, or otherwise joined to the base 112 of the package shell 110 to create an interior cavity within the package shell 110 .
  • the base 112 of the package shell 110 may be left open, exposing an interior cavity within the package shell 110 .
  • a pump 190 and flexible pouch 195 or container filled with product may be assembled or inserted through the opening in the base 112 of the package shell 110 and assembled with the package shell 110 such that the pump 190 may be actuated and such that a discharge passage of the pump 190 is in communication with an inlet opening 126 in the package head 120 .
  • a base plug 114 may be inserted into the base 112 of the shell 110 as desired. In some embodiments, a base plug 114 may not be used.
  • the pump 190 and flexible pouch 195 may be used as refills as well, where the pump 190 and flexible pouch 195 may be removed and replaced with another pump 190 and flexible pouch 195 combination as desired. In this manner, a shell 110 may be reused.
  • the shell 110 may include a top shell portion 116 and a bottom shell portion 118 which may be fitted together, mated, or otherwise joined for operation.
  • the top shell portion 116 and bottom shell portion 118 may be separated to expose a flexible pouch 195 as illustrated in FIG. 5 .
  • the top shell portion 116 and bottom shell portion 118 may be separated such that refills may be added to the fluid delivery package 100 .
  • a pump 190 may be integrated with a container 200 as illustrated in FIG. 6 .
  • the container 200 may be rigid or may include both rigid and flexible portions.
  • the pump 190 and container 200 may be inserted into an the open base 112 end of the package shell 110 and the container 200 may mate with, snap into, or otherwise seal or become fixed to the package shell 110 .
  • a container 200 and pump 190 combination may be used as a refill system with the shell 110 whereby a pump 190 , container 200 , and product may be sold and the pump 190 , container 200 , and product may be replaced at will in the shell 110 of the fluid delivery package 100 .
  • a pump 190 may include any desired pump.
  • a pump 190 may include a pump such as any of those illustrated and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/912,241 published as US-2011-0031278-A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • a pump 300 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 11 may be incorporated into a fluid delivery package 100 according to embodiments of the invention.
  • a pump 300 may include the components illustrated in FIGS. 7A through 7D .
  • the base 310 may include a container attachment 320 , an inlet passage 312 , an interior chamber 314 , a base rim 322 and a discharge passage 318 .
  • the container attachment 320 may include any desired attachment device for attaching the base 310 or the pump 300 to a container such as a bottle, tube, bag, pouch or flexible container or packaging.
  • the container attachment 320 may also contain an attachment feature 321 for mating with or attaching to an attachment adapter 325 .
  • An attachment adapter 325 may include an adapter attachment feature 327 configured to mate with or otherwise attach to the attachment feature 321 .
  • An attachment adapter 325 may also include one or more connector flanges 329 .
  • a connector flange 329 may be used to attach to a container or to hold a container onto the attachment adapter 325 for assembly or mating to a pump 300 .
  • An adapter attachment 325 may also contact other parts of a pump 300 and may assist in assembling a pump 300 .
  • An inlet passage 312 may allow a product to flow from a container into a portion of the interior chamber 314 of the base 310 .
  • the interior chamber 310 may include a hollow passage into which a valve 330 may fit or be seated.
  • the shape, size, dimensions, and other features of the interior passage 345 may be altered or modified as desired.
  • the base 310 or a portion of the interior chamber 345 may also include a base rim 322 .
  • the discharge passage 318 may be positioned opposite the inlet passage 312 or on the opposite side of the interior chamber 345 from the inlet passage 212 . As illustrated in FIG. 7D , the discharge passage 318 may include an opening in the base 310 .
  • the base 310 may be molded as a single piece or component.
  • the base 310 and the attachment adapter 325 may be molded as separate components and assembled to form a unitary piece.
  • the base 310 and attachment adapter 325 may be molded or formed from any desirable material, including, for example, a resin material or a plastic material which may be molded using conventional molding techniques.
  • a valve 330 for a pump 300 is illustrated in FIG. 7C .
  • a valve 330 may include a valve stem 333 , an outlet valve 339 at one end of the valve stem 333 , and a valve disc 336 at an end of the valve stem 333 opposite the outlet valve 339 .
  • a valve rim 338 may circle or circumscribe a portion of the valve disc 336 or may be located anywhere desired on the valve disc 336 .
  • a valve rim 338 may be located on an outer rim of a valve disc 336 .
  • a valve 330 may be formed of any desired material.
  • the valve 330 may be a molded component.
  • the valve 330 may be made of a flexible material or other moldable material.
  • the valve 330 may be made of silicon, a TPE material, or a TPU material.
  • a bellow 350 may include a bellow dome 352 , a bellow chamber 358 , and a bellow rim 356 .
  • the bellow chamber 358 may be defined by the shape of the bellow dome 352 . Different sizes and shapes of the bellow chamber 358 may be created by altering the shape or size of the bellow dome 352 .
  • a bellow 350 may be formed of any desired material.
  • a bellow 350 may be a material that may be deformed but which will return to its original shape after a force causing such deformation is removed.
  • the bellow 350 may be made of silicon, a TPE material, or a TPU material.
  • the bellow dome 352 may be deformed to change the volume or shape of the bellow chamber 358 . As the bellow dome 352 is deformed, the remainder of the bellow 350 may flex or deform in a corresponding manner as desired.
  • a cap 380 is illustrated in FIG. 7A .
  • a cap 380 may include a cap flange 382 .
  • a cap 380 may be attachable to the base 310 or to another portion of a pump 300 to keep the various components of a pump 300 assembled.
  • the cap 380 illustrated in FIG. 7A may be positioned over a bellow 350 and a base 310 to secure the bellow 350 in an appropriate position with respect to the base 310 .
  • a cap 380 according to various embodiments of the invention may include any desired means for securing the cap 380 to the base 310 or other portion of the pump 300 .
  • the cap 380 may be screwed onto the base 310 , may frictionally fit to the base 310 , may be welded or glued to the base 310 or may be snapped onto the base 310 .
  • the base 310 may include features which assist with the connection of the cap 380 to the base 310 , such as corresponding lugs, screw channels, or other features needed to secure the cap 380 to the base 310 .
  • a pump 300 may include a base 310 , an attachment adapter 325 , a valve 330 , a bellow 350 , and a cap 380 fitted together as illustrated in FIG. 8 .
  • a valve 330 may fit within the interior chamber 314 of the base 310 such that the outlet valve 339 mates with the discharge passage 318 of the base 310 .
  • the outlet valve 339 may seal or close the discharge passage 318 when positioned in the interior chamber 314 .
  • the valve stem 333 may extend through the interior chamber 314 terminating in the valve disc 336 in the inlet passage 312 .
  • a portion of the attachment adapter 325 when assembled to the base 310 , may contact a portion of the valve rim 338 of the valve disc 336 and may assist in positioning or holding the valve 330 in the base 310 .
  • the attachment adapter 325 may be fitted to the base 310 such that the adapter attachment feature 327 fits with the attachment feature 321 of the base 310 .
  • Such attachment may secure the attachment adapter 325 to the base 310 and hold valve 330 within the interior chamber 314 of the base 310 .
  • a bellow 350 may rest or be positioned on a portion of a base rim 322 as illustrated in FIG. 8 .
  • a bellow rim 356 may rest on a portion of the base 310 and on the base rim 322 .
  • the bellow chamber 358 may be in communication with the interior chamber 314 of the base 310 , thereby forming a pump chamber 345 when the bellow 350 is assembled to the base 310 .
  • a cap 380 or other securing mechanism fitted over a portion of the bellow 350 and the base 310 may hold the pump 300 together.
  • the cap 380 may fit over the base 310 and the cap flange 382 may extend over a portion of the bellow rim 356 .
  • the cap 380 may be secured to the base 310 and the cap flange 382 may hold the bellow 350 in the desired position for the pump 300 .
  • FIGS. 12 through 15 illustrate the operation of a pump 300 according to embodiments of the invention.
  • the pump chamber 345 is a closed volume defined by the bellow dome 352 and the interior chamber 314 of the base 310 .
  • the valve 330 positioned within the interior chamber 314 may seal both the inlet passage 312 and the discharge passage 318 of the pump 300 .
  • a force may be applied to the bellow dome 352 as illustrated in FIG. 9 .
  • the bellow dome 352 When a force is applied to the bellow dome 352 , the bellow dome 352 may be deformed as illustrated. The deformation of the bellow dome 352 alters the volume within the pump chamber 345 . A product stored in the pump chamber 345 may be moved by such deformation.
  • the valve disc 336 may be flexible such that when a force is applied to the product or the volume of the pump chamber 345 is altered, product may push on the valve disc 336 causing it to flex. Flexion of the valve disc 356 may move the valve stem 333 in the direction of the flexion and may cause the outlet valve 339 to disengage from the discharge passage 318 , opening the discharge passage 318 . When the discharge passage 318 is opened, product from within the pump chamber 345 may exit the pump 300 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 9 .
  • valve disc 356 may return to its original position. Movement of the valve disc 356 to an original position may return the valve stem 333 to an original position which may close the outlet valve 339 and discharge passage 318 .
  • the bellow dome 352 may begin to return to its original form or shape as illustrated in FIG. 11 .
  • a vacuum may be formed within the pump chamber 345 .
  • the vacuum may act on the valve 330 such that the valve disc 356 flexes away from the inlet passage 312 and such that at least a portion of the contact between the valve rim 338 and the attachment adapter 325 is broken.
  • product from a container may flow through the inlet passage 312 , past the valve rim 338 and valve disc 336 and into the pump chamber 345 .
  • the pump chamber 345 may refill with product from the container.
  • product may flow from a container through the inlet passage 312 and into the pump chamber 345 along the path illustrated by the arrow in FIG. 11 .
  • valve rim 338 may again contact the attachment adapter 325 and form a seal between the valve 330 and the attachment adapter 325 as illustrated in FIG. 8 .
  • a product may be pumped through the pump 300 by actuating the bellow dome 352 of the pump 300 .
  • product in the pump chamber 345 may be forced out of the pump chamber 345 and through the discharge passage 318 .
  • the product may follow the path illustrated in FIG. 9 .
  • the bellow dome 352 may return to its original position, drawing product from a container attached to the pump 300 through the inlet passage 312 and into the pump chamber 345 .
  • product may enter the pump chamber 345 along the path illustrated in FIG. 11 .
  • a pump 300 may be actuated to dispense a product from a container attached to the pump 300 .
  • the base portion 122 of a package head 120 may be molded with or as an integral component of the pump 190 .
  • a pump base 310 as illustrated in FIG. 7D may be molded as a part of or with the base portion 122 of the package head 120 , thus reducing the number of parts required to assemble a fluid delivery device 100 .
  • the pump 190 could then be assembled with the package head 120 and sealed to a flexible pouch 195 having a product therein.
  • the package head 120 , pump 190 , and flexible pouch 195 combination could then be assembled with a shell 110 to form a fluid delivery package 100 .
  • a fluid delivery device 100 may be used as a deodorant delivery device.
  • a fluid delivery device as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6 may be fitted with a pump 300 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 11 .
  • the pump 300 may be integrated with or connected to a container or flexible pouch having a deodorant product, such as a gel, contained therein.
  • the pump 300 may be integrated with or snapped into the shell 110 such that the bellow dome 352 is accessible through, or extends through, an opening in the shell 110 as illustrated.
  • a discharge passage 318 of the pump 300 may contact or fit with an inlet opening 123 in the package head 120 .
  • the package head 120 and pump base 310 may be integrally molded such that the discharge passage 318 and inlet opening 123 are integrated or a common passage.
  • Two or more holes 126 in a top portion 124 of the deodorant delivery device may be in fluid communication with the inlet opening 123 and each of the two or more holes 126 may be equidistant from the inlet opening 123 .
  • fluid or a deodorant gel or liquid
  • fluid may be pumped from the container or pouch, through the pump 300 , and out the discharge passage 318 of the pump 300 .
  • Product exiting the discharge passage 318 may pass into and through the inlet opening 123 and into a fluid chamber 129 .
  • the fluid chamber 129 fills with the fluid and fluid moves towards the two or more holes 126 .
  • fluid passes through the fluid chamber 129 it may exit through the two or more holes 126 .
  • the volume of distribution of product through the two or more holes 126 may be equivalent do to the equal distance between the two or more holes 126 and the inlet opening 123 .
  • fluid delivery devices 100 work best when the two or more holes 126 are equidistant from the inlet opening 123
  • other embodiments of the invention may include holes 126 which are not equidistant from the inlet opening 123 .
  • two or more inlet openings may be included in a liquid delivery device 100 and two or more products may be pumped from a container or two or more pouches into a fluid chamber 129 .
  • a pump 190 may be configured to pump two products through two different inlet openings 123 in a package head 120 .
  • the pump 190 may be a single pump or two pumps.
  • each side of a shell 110 may include an opening for a pump 190 such that two pumps 190 may be assembled with a shell 110 such that the pump bellows 352 are located on opposite sides of the shell 110 .
  • inlet opening 123 in a package head 120 is not limited to the positions illustrated and described herein.
  • number, placement, and size of the two or more holes 126 may also vary from those configurations illustrated and described herein.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Jet Pumps And Other Pumps (AREA)

Abstract

A fluid delivery device includes a pump, a fluid chamber having an inlet and two or more exits wherein each of the exits from the fluid chamber are equidistant from the inlet such that product pumped through the fluid chamber may flow through each of the exits at an equivalent rate.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • Embodiments of the invention relate to pump and liquid dispersion devices and more particularly to pumps having an equidistant flow path for dispersion of a liquid across a particular surface area.
  • 2. State of the Art
  • The personal and beauty care markets utilize a wide variety of different pump mechanisms and devices for delivering fluid-based products to a user. The pump devices include traditional pumps using ball valves or flap valves. Unique pump devices are also being developed to increase aesthetic value of the pump device or to provide new or improved functionality to the pump device or overall product package.
  • Typically, pumps or pump devices are connected to a bottle or other container holding a product. The product may be a fluid or a fluid mixed with solids or gases. The pump is used to deliver the product from the container to a user. In some instances, the container is a bottle and in other instances, the container may be a bag, a pouch, or a tube. In any event, it is often desirable that the pump evacuate most of the product from the container.
  • While pump devices are being used to deliver certain fluid products to users in the personal and beauty care field, they are not being used in all applications. For instance, in the field of under arm protection—or deodorant—pumps are not typically used. In some instances, deodorant is applied as a solid, in other instances as an aerosol, and in still other instances it may be applied as a gel or other liquid form. In those instances where the deodorant is in a gel or liquid form, pumps are not used to deliver the gel or liquid. Instead, a gel may be “pushed” using a screw-push mechanism or other piston which applies a force across a bottom surface area of the gel in a package, forcing gel out of holes in the top of a package. Such delivery systems are well known and commonly available in the market. Rollerballs may also be used with a liquid deodorant as known.
  • Although pumps are not currently used to distribute deodorants, it may be desirable to pump a gel or liquid deodorant or under arm protection product with a pump. It may also be desirable to maintain a user's customary experience with the application surface area of a deodorant package while providing a new delivery experience utilizing a pump. The use of a pump, and especially a pump in conjunction with a pouch, in deodorant packages may also be desirable.
  • BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • According to certain embodiments of the invention, a fluid delivery package may include a package shell, a pump and flexible package contained within the package shell, and a product flow path having two or more product outlets wherein the two or more product outlets are equidistant from a product outlet or discharge orifice of the pump. The product flow path may be defined in a package head. A package head may include a base portion and a top portion wherein the product flow path is defined in the base portion, the top portion, or a combination thereof and the two or more product outlets are defined in the top portion.
  • According to some embodiments of the invention, a fluid delivery package may include a package shell defining a space therein and a package head which may be assembled with the package shell to enclose said space. The package head may include a base portion and a top portion. The package shell or the package head may include an opening through which a portion of a pump may protrude or may be accessible. In other embodiments, an actuation button in communication with a pump may protrude through said opening or may be accessible by a user through said opening. The pump may be in communication with a flexible package—such as a flexible pouch—containing a product such that the pump may pump the product out of the flexible package and through a pump discharge passage. The pump discharge passage may be in communication with an inlet opening in the package head which may be positioned in the base portion of the package head. The inlet opening in the base portion may be centered or may be off-centered as desired. The inlet opening in the package head may be in communication with a product flow path. The product flow path may be defined by the base portion, the top portion, or a combination of the base portion and the top portion. The top portion may also include two or more holes or openings in communication with the product flow path. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the distance from the inlet opening to each of the two or more holes or openings is equal or substantially equal.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • 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:
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a fluid delivery package according to various embodiments of the invention;
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a fluid delivery package according to various embodiments of the invention;
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a fluid delivery package and a fluid chamber of the fluid delivery package according to various embodiments of the invention;
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a partially disassembled fluid delivery package according to various embodiments of the invention;
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a partially disassembled fluid delivery package according to various embodiments of the invention;
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a partially disassembled fluid delivery package according to various embodiments of the invention;
  • FIGS. 7A through 7D illustrate cross-sectional views of various components of a pump which may be used with embodiments of the invention;
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pump according to various embodiments of the invention;
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pump according to various embodiments of the invention;
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pump according to various embodiments of the invention; and
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pump according to various embodiments of the invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • According to certain embodiments of the invention, a fluid delivery package 100 may include a package shell 110, a package head 120, and a pump 190. The package head 120 may include a base portion 122 and a top portion 124, the top portion 124 having one or more holes 126 product outlets, or openings therethrough. In many embodiments, the top portion 124 may have two or more holes 126 therethrough. The base portion 122 may include one or more inlet openings 123 which may be in communication with the pump 190. Examples of fluid delivery packages 100 according to various embodiments of the invention are illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6.
  • According to embodiments of the invention, a package shell 110 may include two or more walls enclosing a space or cavity. In some embodiments, a shell 110 may include four sidewalls and a base with an opening in the top of the shell 110; for example, a rectangular box having an open end. In other embodiments of the invention, a shell 110 may include two open ends opposite each other. One of the open ends may be closed with a base portion 122 of a package head and the other end closed with a base plug 114. In still other embodiments of the invention, a shell 110 may be shaped in any desired shape as long as the shell 110 includes an interior cavity which may hold a container or pouch attached to a pump and used with the fluid delivery package 100.
  • A package head 120 according to embodiments of the invention may include a base portion 122 and a top portion 124. The base portion 122 may fit with, mate, or otherwise be configured to securely or removeably join with the package shell 110. Fitment or assembly of the base portion 122 with the package shell 110 may define an enclosed space or cavity within an interior of the package shell 110 and on an interior side of the base portion 122. The base portion 122 may also include one or more inlet openings 123. The one or more inlet openings 123 may be in fluid communication with a pump 190.
  • According to certain embodiments of the invention, a top portion 124 of a package head 120 may include at least one and often two or more holes 126 or openings therethrough. In some embodiments, the base portion 122 and top portion 124 of the package head 120 may be secured together, creating a fluid chamber 129 between a top surface of the base portion 122 and a bottom surface of the top portion 124. A fluid flow path may be defined in or by the fluid chamber 129 between the one or more inlet openings 123 and the holes 126 in the top portion 124. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, a base portion 122 of a package head 120 may include one or more walls 121 which define one or more flow paths from an inlet opening 123 to one or more holes 126 in the top portion 124 of the package head 120 as illustrated in FIG. 3. Walls 121 may be configured in any desired configuration.
  • According to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the length of the fluid flow paths from an inlet opening 123 to each of two or more holes 126 in a top portion 124 of a package head 120 is equivalent or substantially equivalent. In other words, each of the two or more holes 126 is equidistant from the inlet opening 123 along the fluid flow paths. In such embodiments, the one or more walls 121 may be configured to ensure equidistant fluid travel paths from the inlet opening 123 to the two or more holes 126.
  • According to various embodiments of the invention, the equidistant fluid flow paths allow for an even distribution of product through two or more holes 126 in the package head 120. This equal distribution may be advantageous as it may allow a configuration of holes 126 which will provide equal amounts of product along the desired application surface of the package head 120. For example, the fluid flow paths from the inlet opening 123 through the fluid chamber 129 to the six holes 126 illustrated in FIG. 3 are all of the same length or substantially the same length. Thus, as the pump 190 is pumped and the fluid chamber 129 is filled with product, further pumping of the pump 190 will result in substantially the same amount of product exiting the holes 126 with each actuation of the pump 190. If the fluid flow paths were not of the same length, a non-equal distribution of product through the holes 126 may occur.
  • While equidistant fluid flow paths are desired, in some embodiments of the invention, non-equidistant flow paths may also be used with various configurations of a fluid delivery device 100. For example, it may be desirable to have a smaller flow of product along some portions of the package head 120 surface; thus, the holes 126 may be positioned at distances from the inlet opening 123 to accomplish the desired product distribution. In this manner, the product distribution across the surface of the package head 120 may be customized by varying the fluid flow path lengths and positioning of the holes 126, inlet opening 123, and walls 121.
  • According to some embodiments of the invention, the configuration of fluid flow paths through a fluid chamber 129 may be defined by walls 121 in the base portion 122 of the package head 120 as illustrated in FIG. 3. According to other embodiments of the invention, one or more walls 121 may project from the top portion 124 of the package head 120 rather than from the base portion 122. In still other embodiments of the invention, walls 121 may project from both the base portion 122 and the top portion 124 such that the combination of walls 121 defines fluid flow paths through the fluid chamber 129.
  • According to certain embodiments of the invention, a package shell 110 and base portion 122 of the package head 120 may be molded as a unitary, molded component. The package shell 110 may include an opening in the base 112 of the package shell 110 as illustrated in FIG. 4. A base plug 114 may be inserted, fitted, mated, or otherwise joined to the base 112 of the package shell 110 to create an interior cavity within the package shell 110. In other embodiments, the base 112 of the package shell 110 may be left open, exposing an interior cavity within the package shell 110.
  • In those embodiments where the base 112 of the package shell 110 is open, a pump 190 and flexible pouch 195 or container filled with product may be assembled or inserted through the opening in the base 112 of the package shell 110 and assembled with the package shell 110 such that the pump 190 may be actuated and such that a discharge passage of the pump 190 is in communication with an inlet opening 126 in the package head 120. A base plug 114 may be inserted into the base 112 of the shell 110 as desired. In some embodiments, a base plug 114 may not be used. The pump 190 and flexible pouch 195 may be used as refills as well, where the pump 190 and flexible pouch 195 may be removed and replaced with another pump 190 and flexible pouch 195 combination as desired. In this manner, a shell 110 may be reused.
  • In other embodiments of the invention, the shell 110 may include a top shell portion 116 and a bottom shell portion 118 which may be fitted together, mated, or otherwise joined for operation. The top shell portion 116 and bottom shell portion 118 may be separated to expose a flexible pouch 195 as illustrated in FIG. 5. In addition, the top shell portion 116 and bottom shell portion 118 may be separated such that refills may be added to the fluid delivery package 100.
  • In still other embodiments of the invention, a pump 190 may be integrated with a container 200 as illustrated in FIG. 6. The container 200 may be rigid or may include both rigid and flexible portions. The pump 190 and container 200 may be inserted into an the open base 112 end of the package shell 110 and the container 200 may mate with, snap into, or otherwise seal or become fixed to the package shell 110. In some instances, a container 200 and pump 190 combination may be used as a refill system with the shell 110 whereby a pump 190, container 200, and product may be sold and the pump 190, container 200, and product may be replaced at will in the shell 110 of the fluid delivery package 100.
  • According to various embodiments of the invention, a pump 190 may include any desired pump. In some instances, a pump 190 may include a pump such as any of those illustrated and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/912,241 published as US-2011-0031278-A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For example, a pump 300 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 11 may be incorporated into a fluid delivery package 100 according to embodiments of the invention.
  • In some embodiments of the invention, a pump 300 may include the components illustrated in FIGS. 7A through 7D.
  • A pump 300 base 310 according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 7D. The base 310 may include a container attachment 320, an inlet passage 312, an interior chamber 314, a base rim 322 and a discharge passage 318. The container attachment 320 may include any desired attachment device for attaching the base 310 or the pump 300 to a container such as a bottle, tube, bag, pouch or flexible container or packaging. In some embodiments of the invention, the container attachment 320 may also contain an attachment feature 321 for mating with or attaching to an attachment adapter 325. An attachment adapter 325 may include an adapter attachment feature 327 configured to mate with or otherwise attach to the attachment feature 321. An attachment adapter 325 may also include one or more connector flanges 329. A connector flange 329 may be used to attach to a container or to hold a container onto the attachment adapter 325 for assembly or mating to a pump 300. An adapter attachment 325 may also contact other parts of a pump 300 and may assist in assembling a pump 300.
  • An inlet passage 312 may allow a product to flow from a container into a portion of the interior chamber 314 of the base 310. The interior chamber 310 may include a hollow passage into which a valve 330 may fit or be seated. The shape, size, dimensions, and other features of the interior passage 345 may be altered or modified as desired. The base 310 or a portion of the interior chamber 345 may also include a base rim 322. The discharge passage 318 may be positioned opposite the inlet passage 312 or on the opposite side of the interior chamber 345 from the inlet passage 212. As illustrated in FIG. 7D, the discharge passage 318 may include an opening in the base 310.
  • According to various embodiments of the invention, the base 310 may be molded as a single piece or component. In other embodiments, the base 310 and the attachment adapter 325 may be molded as separate components and assembled to form a unitary piece. The base 310 and attachment adapter 325 may be molded or formed from any desirable material, including, for example, a resin material or a plastic material which may be molded using conventional molding techniques.
  • A valve 330 for a pump 300 according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 7C. A valve 330 may include a valve stem 333, an outlet valve 339 at one end of the valve stem 333, and a valve disc 336 at an end of the valve stem 333 opposite the outlet valve 339. A valve rim 338 may circle or circumscribe a portion of the valve disc 336 or may be located anywhere desired on the valve disc 336. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7C a valve rim 338 may be located on an outer rim of a valve disc 336.
  • A valve 330 according to various embodiments of the invention may be formed of any desired material. In some embodiments of the invention, the valve 330 may be a molded component. The valve 330 may be made of a flexible material or other moldable material. For example, the valve 330 may be made of silicon, a TPE material, or a TPU material.
  • A bellow 350 according to embodiments of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 7B. A bellow 350 may include a bellow dome 352, a bellow chamber 358, and a bellow rim 356. The bellow chamber 358 may be defined by the shape of the bellow dome 352. Different sizes and shapes of the bellow chamber 358 may be created by altering the shape or size of the bellow dome 352.
  • A bellow 350 may be formed of any desired material. In some embodiments of the invention, a bellow 350 may be a material that may be deformed but which will return to its original shape after a force causing such deformation is removed. For example, the bellow 350 may be made of silicon, a TPE material, or a TPU material. The bellow dome 352 may be deformed to change the volume or shape of the bellow chamber 358. As the bellow dome 352 is deformed, the remainder of the bellow 350 may flex or deform in a corresponding manner as desired.
  • A cap 380 according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 7A. A cap 380 may include a cap flange 382. According to various embodiments of the invention, a cap 380 may be attachable to the base 310 or to another portion of a pump 300 to keep the various components of a pump 300 assembled. For example, the cap 380 illustrated in FIG. 7A may be positioned over a bellow 350 and a base 310 to secure the bellow 350 in an appropriate position with respect to the base 310. A cap 380 according to various embodiments of the invention may include any desired means for securing the cap 380 to the base 310 or other portion of the pump 300. For instance, the cap 380 may be screwed onto the base 310, may frictionally fit to the base 310, may be welded or glued to the base 310 or may be snapped onto the base 310. In various embodiments, the base 310 may include features which assist with the connection of the cap 380 to the base 310, such as corresponding lugs, screw channels, or other features needed to secure the cap 380 to the base 310.
  • A pump 300 according to various embodiments of the invention may include a base 310, an attachment adapter 325, a valve 330, a bellow 350, and a cap 380 fitted together as illustrated in FIG. 8. According to embodiments of the invention, a valve 330 may fit within the interior chamber 314 of the base 310 such that the outlet valve 339 mates with the discharge passage 318 of the base 310. The outlet valve 339 may seal or close the discharge passage 318 when positioned in the interior chamber 314. The valve stem 333 may extend through the interior chamber 314 terminating in the valve disc 336 in the inlet passage 312. A portion of the attachment adapter 325, when assembled to the base 310, may contact a portion of the valve rim 338 of the valve disc 336 and may assist in positioning or holding the valve 330 in the base 310. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the attachment adapter 325 may be fitted to the base 310 such that the adapter attachment feature 327 fits with the attachment feature 321 of the base 310. Such attachment may secure the attachment adapter 325 to the base 310 and hold valve 330 within the interior chamber 314 of the base 310.
  • A bellow 350 may rest or be positioned on a portion of a base rim 322 as illustrated in FIG. 8. A bellow rim 356 may rest on a portion of the base 310 and on the base rim 322. According to embodiments of the invention, the bellow chamber 358 may be in communication with the interior chamber 314 of the base 310, thereby forming a pump chamber 345 when the bellow 350 is assembled to the base 310. A cap 380 or other securing mechanism fitted over a portion of the bellow 350 and the base 310 may hold the pump 300 together. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the cap 380 may fit over the base 310 and the cap flange 382 may extend over a portion of the bellow rim 356. The cap 380 may be secured to the base 310 and the cap flange 382 may hold the bellow 350 in the desired position for the pump 300.
  • FIGS. 12 through 15 illustrate the operation of a pump 300 according to embodiments of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the pump 300 is in a resting position, the pump chamber 345 is a closed volume defined by the bellow dome 352 and the interior chamber 314 of the base 310. The valve 330 positioned within the interior chamber 314 may seal both the inlet passage 312 and the discharge passage 318 of the pump 300.
  • A force may be applied to the bellow dome 352 as illustrated in FIG. 9. When a force is applied to the bellow dome 352, the bellow dome 352 may be deformed as illustrated. The deformation of the bellow dome 352 alters the volume within the pump chamber 345. A product stored in the pump chamber 345 may be moved by such deformation. The valve disc 336 may be flexible such that when a force is applied to the product or the volume of the pump chamber 345 is altered, product may push on the valve disc 336 causing it to flex. Flexion of the valve disc 356 may move the valve stem 333 in the direction of the flexion and may cause the outlet valve 339 to disengage from the discharge passage 318, opening the discharge passage 318. When the discharge passage 318 is opened, product from within the pump chamber 345 may exit the pump 300 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 9.
  • As illustrated in FIG. 10, when a force is removed from the bellow dome 352 or sufficient product in the pump chamber 345 has escaped the pump chamber 345, the valve disc 356 may return to its original position. Movement of the valve disc 356 to an original position may return the valve stem 333 to an original position which may close the outlet valve 339 and discharge passage 318.
  • Following the release of the force on the bellow dome 352, the bellow dome 352 may begin to return to its original form or shape as illustrated in FIG. 11. As the bellow dome 352 retracts or moves back into its original position or shape, a vacuum may be formed within the pump chamber 345. The vacuum may act on the valve 330 such that the valve disc 356 flexes away from the inlet passage 312 and such that at least a portion of the contact between the valve rim 338 and the attachment adapter 325 is broken. Once the valve rim 338 is separated from contact with the attachment adapter 325, product from a container may flow through the inlet passage 312, past the valve rim 338 and valve disc 336 and into the pump chamber 345. In this manner, the pump chamber 345 may refill with product from the container. For example, product may flow from a container through the inlet passage 312 and into the pump chamber 345 along the path illustrated by the arrow in FIG. 11.
  • When the bellow dome 352 returns to its original shape or position, or when the vacuum force is insufficient to flex the valve disc 336, the valve rim 338 may again contact the attachment adapter 325 and form a seal between the valve 330 and the attachment adapter 325 as illustrated in FIG. 8.
  • As illustrated in FIGS. 12 through 15, a product may be pumped through the pump 300 by actuating the bellow dome 352 of the pump 300. When actuated, product in the pump chamber 345 may be forced out of the pump chamber 345 and through the discharge passage 318. In some instances, the product may follow the path illustrated in FIG. 9. Upon reducing or ceasing actuation of the bellow dome 352, the bellow dome 352 may return to its original position, drawing product from a container attached to the pump 300 through the inlet passage 312 and into the pump chamber 345. For example, product may enter the pump chamber 345 along the path illustrated in FIG. 11. In this manner, a pump 300 may be actuated to dispense a product from a container attached to the pump 300.
  • According to some embodiments of the invention, the base portion 122 of a package head 120 may be molded with or as an integral component of the pump 190. For example, a pump base 310 as illustrated in FIG. 7D may be molded as a part of or with the base portion 122 of the package head 120, thus reducing the number of parts required to assemble a fluid delivery device 100. The pump 190 could then be assembled with the package head 120 and sealed to a flexible pouch 195 having a product therein. The package head 120, pump 190, and flexible pouch 195 combination could then be assembled with a shell 110 to form a fluid delivery package 100.
  • According to various embodiments of the invention, a fluid delivery device 100 may be used as a deodorant delivery device. For example, a fluid delivery device as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6 may be fitted with a pump 300 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 11. The pump 300 may be integrated with or connected to a container or flexible pouch having a deodorant product, such as a gel, contained therein. The pump 300 may be integrated with or snapped into the shell 110 such that the bellow dome 352 is accessible through, or extends through, an opening in the shell 110 as illustrated. A discharge passage 318 of the pump 300 may contact or fit with an inlet opening 123 in the package head 120. In other embodiments the package head 120 and pump base 310 may be integrally molded such that the discharge passage 318 and inlet opening 123 are integrated or a common passage. Two or more holes 126 in a top portion 124 of the deodorant delivery device may be in fluid communication with the inlet opening 123 and each of the two or more holes 126 may be equidistant from the inlet opening 123.
  • Upon actuation of a bellow dome 352 in such a configuration, fluid—or a deodorant gel or liquid—may be pumped from the container or pouch, through the pump 300, and out the discharge passage 318 of the pump 300. Product exiting the discharge passage 318 may pass into and through the inlet opening 123 and into a fluid chamber 129. As fluid is pumped into the fluid chamber 129, the fluid chamber 129 fills with the fluid and fluid moves towards the two or more holes 126. As fluid passes through the fluid chamber 129 it may exit through the two or more holes 126. Once the fluid chamber 129 is filled with fluid, the volume of distribution of product through the two or more holes 126 may be equivalent do to the equal distance between the two or more holes 126 and the inlet opening 123.
  • While fluid delivery devices 100 according to embodiments of the invention work best when the two or more holes 126 are equidistant from the inlet opening 123, other embodiments of the invention may include holes 126 which are not equidistant from the inlet opening 123.
  • In still other embodiments of the invention, two or more inlet openings may be included in a liquid delivery device 100 and two or more products may be pumped from a container or two or more pouches into a fluid chamber 129. For example, a pump 190 may be configured to pump two products through two different inlet openings 123 in a package head 120. The pump 190 may be a single pump or two pumps. In addition, each side of a shell 110 may include an opening for a pump 190 such that two pumps 190 may be assembled with a shell 110 such that the pump bellows 352 are located on opposite sides of the shell 110.
  • While particular aesthetic configurations are illustrated, embodiments of the invention are not restricted to these configurations. Further, location of the inlet opening 123 in a package head 120 is not limited to the positions illustrated and described herein. In addition, the number, placement, and size of the two or more holes 126 may also vary from those configurations illustrated and described herein.
  • 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.

Claims (12)

What is claimed is:
1. A fluid delivery package, comprising:
a package shell;
a package head attached to the package shell, comprising:
a base portion;
at least one inlet opening in the base portion;
a top portion fitted to the base portion;
at least one hole in the top portion;
at least one wall in the base portion, wherein the at least one wall defines at least one flow path between the at least one inlet opening and the at least one hole; and
a pump in fluid communication with the at least one inlet opening of the base portion.
2. The fluid delivery device of claim 1, wherein the at least one hole comprises at least two holes and the at least two holes are equidistant from the at least one inlet opening.
3. The fluid delivery device of claim 1, wherein the at least one hole comprises a plurality of holes and the plurality of holes are equidistant from the at least one inlet opening.
4. The fluid delivery device of claim 1, wherein the at least one inlet opening comprises a single inlet opening and the at least one hole comprises a plurality of holes, wherein the plurality of holes are equidistant from the single inlet opening.
5. The fluid delivery device of claim 1, wherein the at least one wall in the base portion defines fluid flow paths from the at least one inlet opening to the at least one hole and wherein the length of each of the fluid flow paths is substantially equivalent.
6. The fluid delivery device of claim 1, wherein the package shell and the base portion are a unitary component.
7. The fluid delivery device of claim 1, further comprising a base plug inserted in an end of the package shell opposite the package head.
8. The fluid delivery device of claim 1, further comprising a flexible pouch attached to the pump.
9. The fluid delivery device of claim 1, further comprising a flexible pouch attached to the pump and a deodorant product in the flexible pouch.
10. The fluid delivery device of claim 1, wherein the pump may be removed from fluid communication with the inlet opening and replaced with a new pump.
11. The fluid delivery device of claim 1, wherein the pump further comprises a bellow pump.
12. The fluid delivery device of claim 1, wherein the pump further comprises:
a base;
an attachment adapter;
a valve;
a bellow; and
a cap.
US13/588,571 2012-08-17 2012-08-17 Pump device and flow control system Abandoned US20140048562A1 (en)

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US14/421,360 US9339831B2 (en) 2012-08-17 2013-08-14 Pump device and flow control system
PCT/EP2013/067028 WO2014027041A1 (en) 2012-08-17 2013-08-14 Pump device and flow control system
GB1503754.2A GB2519721B (en) 2012-08-17 2013-08-14 Pump device and flow control system

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4147787A1 (en) * 2021-09-10 2023-03-15 Aptar Radolfzell GmbH Liquid dispenser

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4147787A1 (en) * 2021-09-10 2023-03-15 Aptar Radolfzell GmbH Liquid dispenser
WO2023036925A1 (en) * 2021-09-10 2023-03-16 Aptar Radolfzell Gmbh Liquid dispenser

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GB2519721A (en) 2015-04-29
US20150217315A1 (en) 2015-08-06
US9339831B2 (en) 2016-05-17
GB2519721B (en) 2019-07-31
WO2014027041A1 (en) 2014-02-20

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