WO2020144369A1 - Vented small dose pump dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

A pump dispenser (100) that is well suited to delivering small doses of fluids, and particularly food and beverage related items, is disclosed. A reciprocating pump head (110) encloses a pump chamber (180) that is selectively sealed at either end by ball valves (150, 151). A piston (170) slides axially within the pump chamber (180) and cooperates with a displacement pin (190) to coordinate the selective opening and closing of valves, as well as to admit make-up air back into the container (200).

Description

TITLE

VENTED SMALL DOSE PUMP DISPENSER

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to United States’ provisional patent application serial no. 62/790,698 filed on January 10, 2019. The entirety of that disclosure is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to fluid dispensers and, more particularly, to a vented pump well suited to dispensing small doses (i.e., between 0.1 to 0.5 mL and, more preferably, about 0.25 mL) e.g. of beverage or other relatively low viscosity foodstuffs.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Figures 1A and IB illustrate a conventional“airless” style pump 10 that dispenses relatively small doses. Notably, pump 10 is specifically designed to avoid admitting air into the container 20, thereby allowing for the storage and dispensing of oxidation-sensitive fluids.

[0004] An actuator head 11 reciprocates axially in combination with biasing spring 12. The head is retained by a closure body 13 that attaches to the open end of the container 20. The closure 13 has a generally tubular shape, with threads, bores, ridges, grooves, or other common features to engage corresponding features on the container. On actuation, head 11 is depressed and coaxially received within closure 13.

[0005] A sealing plate 14 is positioned immediately beneath the bottom side of the closure. First ball valve 15a seals an inlet formed in both the closure 13 and plate 14, with washer-type seat 14a helping to restrain ball 15a in place along the bottom when the pump 10 is not in use.

[0006] Central cylindrical tube 16 rises axially from the bottom of closure 13 to encase the valve 15a. A piston 17 is slidably received within tube 16. In combination, the interior of tube 16 and piston 17 define a pump chamber 18, while valve 15a and a second ball valve 15b seals the chamber 18 at its top end. [0007] A displacement pin 19 moves within the chamber 18, although it is constrained by annular flange 17a so as to leave clearance for the ball 15a to be displaced upward when the pump 10 is actuated, while ledge 16a pushes a widened, bell-shaped bottom edge of piston 17b downward. Thus, pin 19 moves down with the actuator head 11 when sufficient force is applied. Eventually, the ledge 16b causes the piston 17 to come into contact with the seated/closed first valve 15a.

[0008] When the force is removed, spring 12 forces the head 11 upwards, with

ledge/flange 17a engaging the pin which, along with the sealing interface between piston bottom 17b and the inner surface of cylinder 16, seals the chamber 18 along its upper facings. This causes the piston 17 to be lifted up, temporarily creating suction that displaces the second ball valve 15b and draws fluid from the interior of the container 20 as the actuator head 11 is released and urged into its original“up” position.

[0009] Notably, after the chamber 18 is primed, the downstroke of head 11 will push fluid around the pin 19 and into the top half of the chamber 18. Because the valve 15a is pushed down during the downstroke by the force of fluid being compressed within the container 20 and closure 13, outlet valve 15b is pushed upward so as to dispense fluid previously drawn into the chamber 18 out of the outlet 21 of the pump.

[0010] Significantly, this arrangement was specifically designed to avoid allowing make up air to be admitted into the container. This protective measure ensures that the fluid carried within the container will not be contaminated, oxidized, or otherwise come into contact with ambient air. Thus, in order to avoid the container creating a vacuum that collapses the sidewalls, a movable piston 22 is provided at the bottom of container 20. As fluid is dispensed from the container 20, piston 22 moves upward to reduce the interior volume. Overcap 23 is fitted atop the container 20 and/or actuator head 11 to protect the pump 10 when it is not in use.

[0011] All of the aforementioned patent documents are incorporated by reference.

Further, to the extent compatible with the description below, further aspects of the invention may incorporate one or combinations of the features found in these conventional designs. SUMMARY

[0012] A pump dispenser that is well suited to delivering small doses of fluids, and particularly food- and beverage-related items, is disclosed. A reciprocating pump head encloses a pump chamber that is selectively sealed at either end by ball valves. A piston slides axially within the pump chamber and cooperates with a displacement pin to coordinate the selective opening and closing of valves, as well as to admit make-up air back into the chamber.

[0013] Specific reference is made to the appended claims, drawings, and description below, all of which disclose elements of the invention. While specific embodiments are identified, it will be understood that elements from one described aspect may be combined with those from a separately identified aspect. In the same manner, a person of ordinary skill will have the requisite understanding of common processes, components, and methods, and this description is intended to encompass and disclose such common aspects even if they are not expressly identified herein.

Some particular aspects provided herein are the following.

A dosing pump is provided for dispensing a measured dose of fluid from a container, the pump comprises an actuator defining a dispensing channel, an outlet valve disposed within or upstream from the dispensing channel, and a hollow tubular piston defining a fluid flow path to the dispensing channel. The piston has one or more protrusions extending into the fluid flow path and a sealing flange disposed on an outer surface of the piston and wherein the piston moves in concert with the actuator. A closure of the pump includes a skirt, a top panel, and a hollow, axially oriented tube passing through the top panel to coaxially receive the piston. The tube has at least one air inlet along a closure sidewall and the closure is attachable to a fluid container. A biasing member is interposed between the actuator and the closure to selectively position the actuator away from the closure and thereby vary the volume of a pump chamber defined by the tube, the piston, and an inlet valve disposed at a bottom end of the closure sidewall. A movable pin is carried within the piston and is operable in concert with an inlet valve to selectively admit a consistent, measured dose of fluid into the pump chamber. Make-up air can flow successively through the closure and the air inlet based upon positioning of the actuator relative to the closure. The inlet valve may be positioned within a sealing plate attached to a bottom end of the sidewalls of the closure. A gasket member may be interposed between the sealing plate and the inlet valve. At least one port may be formed in one or both of the sidewalls and the sealing plate to allow make up air to flow successively through the closure, the air inlet, and port.

The movable pin may have a bulbous head carried upon the one or more protrusions and which can seal the fluid flow path.

The piston may comprise a hollow rod positioned above the protrusions so as to define a secondary pump chamber receiving primed fluid originally drawn into the pump chamber. The secondary pump chamber is preferably configured to dispense a consistent, measured dose of fluid after the pump is primed and actuated.

The closure sidewall may include a stopper along an inner facing. The closure sidewall may include an annular ledge which engages a terminal end of the biasing member.

The pump may comprise a cylindrical shroud which extends down from the actuator to partially or completely enclose the closure and the piston.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations. These appended drawings form part of this specification, and any information on/in the drawings is both literally encompassed (i.e., the actual stated values) and relatively encompassed (e.g., ratios for respective dimensions of parts). In the same manner, the relative positioning and relationship of the components as shown in these drawings, as well as their function, shape, dimensions, and appearance, may all further inform certain aspects of the invention as if fully rewritten herein. Unless otherwise stated, all dimensions in the drawings are with reference to inches, and any printed information on/in the drawings form part of this written disclosure.

[0015] In the drawings and attachments, all of which are incorporated as part of this disclosure:

[0016] Figure 1 A is a cross-sectional side view of an“airless” style dispensing container.

Figure IB is a similar but isolated view of bracketed callout IB of Figure 1 A. [0017] Figure 2A is a three dimensional, perspective view of a dispensing container according to one aspect of the invention. Figure 2B is a similar but isolated view of circular callout 2B in Figure 2A.

[0018] Figure 3 A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the pump head/actuator taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2B and which shows relative positioning of air vents when the pump is in an“up” position. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional side view of circular callout 3B from Figure 3 A which highlights an air return flow path.

[0019] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the pump head/actuator taken along line 4-4 in Figure 2B which shows the relative positioning of the piston and displacement pin when the pump is in a“down” position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the invention. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0021] As used herein, the words“example” and“exemplary” mean an instance, or illustration. The words“example” or“exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word“or” is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase“A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles“a” and“an” are generally intended to mean“one or more” unless context suggest otherwise.

[0022] The descriptions and drawings in this disclosure, and any written matter within the drawings should be deemed to be reproduced as part of this specification.

[0023] As seen in Figures 2 A through 4, dispenser pump 100 connected to a container 200. The pump 100 comprises an actuator head 110 and a closure 130. The closure 130 includes cap 132 and an optional collar 134 seated on top of the cap 132. [0024] Pump 100 is designed to dispense a consistent, predetermined dose of fluid carried within the container 200. While dispenser 100 bears some similarities to pump 10 described above, closure 130 is configured so as to selectively allow air to return to the interior of the container 200 during pump actuation (i.e., compression and/or extension of the head 110 to vary the volume of pumping chamber 180. In doing so, dispenser 100 eliminates the need for a second movable piston 22 (follower piston of the container). Further, because make up air is accounted for in pump 100, container 200 does not need the rigidity of components required by the airless pump 10.

[0025] Actuator head 110 includes an outlet 111 situated at one end of an elongate outlet channel 112. Ball valve 150 seals channel 112 and defines the upper most edge of the pump chamber 180, as will be described in more detail below. The channel 112 provides sufficient overhead clearance to allow the outlet valve 150 (shown as ball in Figs. 3 A, 3B, and 4) to be temporarily displaced to open a flowpath to outlet 111 during a dispensing event. The ball 150 and/or channel 112 diameters will ensure that the ball 150 returns to its seat position, although a conical interface on the outlet 171 of piston 170 and/or inclusion one or more restraining arms (not shown) could restrain the axial displacement and operation of valve 150. Outlet 171 is formed at the upper-most, terminal end of piston tube 174.

[0026] A cylindrical body 113 extends axially downward from the head 110, while a flattened or stylized top surface 114 allows a user to comfortably depress the actuator 110. A biasing member or spring 120 is retained within body 113 to urge the actuator head 110 into an“up” position (e.g., as best illustrated in Figure 4). Optional locking mechanisms, such as any of those disclosed in United States Patents 7,802,701 and 8,827,121; United States Patent Publications 2017/0128966, 2017/0128967, and 2018/080304291; and/or International Patent Publications WO2017/186541 and WO2017/198626 (all of which are incorporated by reference), may also be provided on the appropriate corresponding parts of pump 100. Generally speaking, these locking mechanisms typically include threaded engagements or cooperating features formed on cap 132 or collar 134 and the body 113, although additional or alternative features can be provided to prevent unwanted extension or rotation of the pump.

[0027] Actuator head 110 attaches to the piston rod 174 which is itself coaxially received within closure 130. Closure 130 has a cup-like shape, including a top panel 133 and a skirt 135 extending axially downward from the panel 133. A central tube 136 surrounds an aperture in the panel 133 so as to accommodate the spring 120, the piston 170, and/or other components. Container neck 202 fits between the axial gap defined by skirt 135 and tube 136, and any number of engagement features can be provided along this interface to seal the pump 100 to the container 200. Sufficient radial clearance is provided between the body 113 and the tube 136 to allow air to pass to the interior spaces of head 110 and closure 130 during pump actuation (although, in a fully locked position, the head 110 could be sealed to the closure 130 to minimize unwanted leakage).

[0028] A hollow, central tube 160 is centered within the closure, with walls 161, 162 extending above and below the plane formed by the panel 133. Engagement formations, such as threads, ridges, detents, tabs, slots, and the like, can be used to physically connect the closure 130 to the container 200 along one facing, while the same type of formations can be employed to attach the closure 130 to the actuator 110 on the opposing facing (along with other interfacing components anywhere throughout pump 100). Preferably, the formations are provided on the inner and/or outer circumference of walls 161, 162, although particularly along the bottom facing, it is possible to position additional or alternative formations on the inner circumference of the skirt 135.

[0029] Lower walls 162 are closed off from the container 200 by sealing plate 140. Plate 140 may be coupled to or formed integrally with the closure 130. In some embodiments, the plate 140 has a cup-shape and connects to a periphery of the underside of panel 133.

The plate 140 could also be formed integrally or attached to walls 162. Above plate 140, a pump chamber 180 is defined within the hollowed portion of tube 160. A gasket or similar connection member 163 is disposed within the chamber 180 proximate to the chamber inlet 142.

[0030] Inlet 142 and/or gasket member 163 have a sloping or conical shape to receive an inlet valve 151, such as a second ball. Taken together, plate 140, member 163, and valve 151 seal the lower facings of pump chamber 180.

[0031] At the upper reaches of the chamber 180, one or a plurality of air vent apertures 131 allow ambient air to pass radially through the tube 160 at a point between valves 150 and 151. Preferably, vents 131 are disposed in upper wall 161 at regular intervals.

Significantly, the axial height of the vents 131 corresponds to the fully extended position of the head 110 and piston 170, so that the vents 131 are blocked and sealed by the piston 170. However, interstices between the piston tube 174 and the upper wall 161 allow ambient air to enter the upper, internal regions of tube 160 immediately above the piston seal or sealing flange 173.

[0032] During actuation, vents 131 are uncovered so as to allow ambient air to flow downward along the interstices between tube 160 and tube 136, out of ports 141 (formed proximate to the interface of plate 140 and tube 136), and into the internal volume of the container. This permits make up air from the external environment to maintain equilibrium between the ambient environment and the sealed container 200, thereby avoiding unwanted pressure differentials.

[0033] Spring 120 engages an outer annular ledge 166 so as to extend the actuator 110 away from the container 200. Because the actuator 110 is also attached to piston 170 (e.g., by way of formations 115 and tube 174), the internal volume of pump chamber 180 is maximized when the head 110 is extended, particularly below the lower surfaces of the piston 170. Conversely, when actuator 110 is depressed, the spring 120 compresses and gravity causes the piston 170 to slide downward toward sealing plate 140, thereby minimizing the volume of chamber 180 although the surfaces above the piston 170 accommodate greater volume (in comparison to the extended position) and ambient air passes through the salient components of the actuator 110, closure 130, and sealing plate 140 to provide make up air to the internal volume of the container 200.

[0034] Piston 170 and displacement pin 190 are positioned within the pump chamber 180, with the pin 190 carried coaxially within the hollowed tubular portion of piston 170. While piston 170 is generally cylindrical, it includes a circumferential engagement flange 173 along its lower, outer facing. Flange 173 is disposed within pump chamber 180 so as to block the vents 131 when the pump 100 is in an“up” position and create a sliding seal with the inner facing of wall 162. Stopper annulus 164 projects radially inward from tube 160 to engage stop the extension of actuator 110 and piston 170 (specifically, by engaging the top edge of flange 173).

[0035] Along the inner surface of piston 170, an annular stopper protrusion(s) or ridge 172 is formed. Ridge 172 defines an aperture which receives and retains pin 190. In particular, pin 190 has a bulbous top end 191 which engages and forms a seal with the ridge 172 when the pump 100 is in the up position. Notably, sufficient overhead clearance is provided between the bottom 193 of pin 190 and the ball valve 151 to allow for container fluid flow path to temporarily open during actuation of the pump 100.

[0036] Notably, the difference between the minimum and maximum volumes of chamber 180 allows for a predetermined volume or dose of fluid to be sucked into the chamber 180 as the spring 120 urges the actuator 110 upward. In particular, lower portion or subchamber 182 of chamber 180 holds fluid equal to the volume defined by the lower and inner facings of the ridge 172, the outer surface of the pin 190 positioned beneath the ridge 172, the inner facings of wall 162, the top face of gasket 163, and the top face of second ball valve 151. After initial priming (i.e. the first full actuation), the predetermined dose initially drawn into subchamber 182 is expelled into the holding chamber 181 above the ridge 172 and pin top 191 but below the ball 150, with further actuation forcing that dose out of the outlet 111 entirely. Depending upon the design, the volume chamber 181 or 182 will determine the amount of fluid dispensed in one full stroke of the pump 100, but it will be understood that pump 100 can accurately and consistently deliver the same dose volume, so as to make pump 100 particularly attractive to dispensing foodstuffs and/or other fluids where specific measured doses are needed.

[0037] As noted above, pin 190 includes a bulbous top 191. The top 191 tapers to a lesser diameter to allow a portion of the pin to pass through the aperture defined by the inner edge of the annular ridge 172. Thus, as actuator 110 is depressed, pin 190 lowers until it makes contact with the ball 151, at which point an opening is made between ridge 172 and top 191. This permits fluid previous drawn into the subchamber 182 to pass into holding chamber 181. In turn, this fluid temporarily displaces ball 150 to allow for dispensing of the predetermined amount of fluid.

[0038] The piston 170 is urged downward when the actuator 110 is depressed. This causes the sealing flange 173 to slide downward within tube 160. In this manner, vents 131 are exposed so as to admit make-up air to enter the pump chamber 180 (but above the sealing flange 173, so as to separate and segregate the air in chamber 180 above flange 173 to not intermingle with the dosed fluid below flange 173 in chamber 180— or, more accurately, subchamber 181). In turn, this air can pass back into the interior of container 200 when the valve 151 is displaced.

[0039] A dip tube 210 can extend into the container 200 beneath the valve 151. [0040] Specific aspects of the invention may include any one or any combination of the following features in a dispenser pump of the kind described (as well as other aspects and functions as disclosed above):

• an actuator defining a dispensing channel;

• an outlet valve disposed within or upstream from the dispensing channel;

• a hollow tubular piston defining a fluid flow path to the dispensing

channel, said piston having one or more protrusions extending along an inner facing of the piston and a sealing flange disposed on an outer surface of the piston and wherein the piston is connected to and moves in concert with the actuator;

• a closure including a skirt, a top panel, and a hollow, axially oriented tube passing through the top panel to coaxially receive the piston, said tube having at least one air inlet along a closure sidewall and wherein the closure is attachable to a fluid container;

• a biasing member interposed between the actuator and the closure to selectively position the actuator away from the closure and thereby varying the volume of a pump chamber defined by the tube and the piston;

• a movable pin carried within the piston and operating in concert with an inlet valve disposed at a bottom end of the sidewalls to selectively admit a consistent, measured dose of fluid into the pump chamber;

• wherein make up air flows successively through the closure and the air inlet based upon positioning of the actuator relative to the closure;

• wherein the inlet valve is positioned within a sealing plate attached to a bottom end of the closure sidewall;

• wherein a gasket member is interposed between the sealing plate and the inlet valve;

wherein at least one port is formed in one or both of the sidewalls and the sealing plate to allow make up air to flow successively through the closure, the air inlet, and port; • wherein the movable pin has a bulbous head carried upon the protrusions to temporarily seal the fluid flow path;

• wherein the piston comprises a hollow rod positioned above the

protrusions so as to define a secondary pump chamber receiving and primed fluid originally drawn into the pump chamber;

• wherein the secondary pump chamber is configured to dispense a

consistent, measured dose of fluid after the pump is primed and actuated;

• wherein the closure sidewall includes a stopper along an inner facing;

• wherein a cylindrical shroud extends downward from the actuator to partially or completely enclose the closure and the piston; and

• wherein the closure sidewall includes an annular ledge which engages a terminal end of the biasing member.

[0041] All components should be made of materials having sufficient flexibility and structural integrity, as well as a chemically inert nature. The materials should also be selected for workability, cost, and weight. In addition to the materials specifically noted above, common polymers amenable to injection molding, extrusion, or other common forming processes should have particular utility, although metals, alloys, and other composites may be used in place of or in addition to more conventional container and closure materials.

[0042] Although the present embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, and numerous

rearrangements, modifications and substitutions are also contemplated. The exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, but further modifications and alterations encompass the preceding detailed description. These modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the general teachings herein and the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A dosing pump for dispensing a measured dose of fluid from a container, the pump comprising:

an actuator defining a dispensing channel;

an outlet valve disposed within or upstream from the dispensing channel;

a hollow tubular piston defining a fluid flow path to the dispensing channel, said piston having one or more protrusions extending into the fluid flow path and a sealing flange disposed on an outer surface of the piston and wherein the piston moves in concert with the actuator;

a closure including a skirt, a top panel, and a hollow, axially oriented tube passing through the top panel to coaxially receive the piston, said tube having at least one air inlet along a closure sidewall and wherein the closure is attachable to a fluid container;

a biasing member interposed between the actuator and the closure to selectively position the actuator away from the closure and thereby varying the volume of a pump chamber defined by the tube, the piston, and an inlet valve disposed at a bottom end of the closure sidewall;

a movable pin carried within the piston and operating in concert with an inlet valve to selectively admit a consistent, measured dose of fluid into the pump chamber; and wherein make up air flows successively through the closure and the air inlet based upon positioning of the actuator relative to the closure.

2. The pump according to claim 1 wherein the inlet valve is positioned within a sealing plate attached to a bottom end of the sidewalls of the closure.

3. The pump according to claim 2 wherein a gasket member is interposed between the sealing plate and the inlet valve.

4. The pump according to claim 2 or 3 wherein at least one port is formed in one or both of the sidewalls and the sealing plate to allow make up air to flow successively through the closure, the air inlet, and port.

5. The pump according to claim 4 wherein the movable pin has a bulbous head carried upon the protrusions to temporarily seal the fluid flow path.

6. The pump according to claim 1, 2, or 3 wherein the movable pin has a bulbous head carried upon the protrusions to temporarily seal the fluid flow path.

7. The pump according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the piston comprises a hollow rod positioned above the protrusions so as to define a secondary pump chamber to receive primed fluid drawn into the pump chamber.

8. The pump according to claim 7 wherein the secondary pump chamber is configured to dispense a consistent, measured dose of fluid after the pump is primed and actuated.

9. The pump according to claim 1 wherein the closure sidewall includes a stopper along an inner facing.

10. The pump according to claim 1 wherein the closure sidewall includes an annular ledge which engages a terminal end of the biasing member.

11. The pump according to claim 1 wherein a cylindrical shroud extends downward from the actuator to partially or completely enclose the closure and the piston.

12. The pump according to any one of the preceding claims having a dose size of from 0.1 to 0.5 mL.