WO2024023831A1

WO2024023831A1 - All polymer liquid dispensing pump

Info

Publication number: WO2024023831A1
Application number: PCT/IN2023/050338
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vasisht Ramanan
Original assignee: Livia Polymer Products Pvt. Ltd.
Priority date: 2022-07-28
Filing date: 2023-04-06
Publication date: 2024-02-01

Abstract

The present invention relates to a recyclable all polymer pump for liquid dispensing. The all-polymer pump that consists of a Spout (a), Polymer Conical Spring Element (b), Plunger Top (c), Annular Element (d), Outer Cap (e), Locking Element (f), Scrubber (g), Plunger Bottom (h), Housing (i), Spherical Valve Element (j), Dip Tube (k), Valve (l). The Polymer Conical Spring Element acts like an efficient position restorative agent to emulate a metal spring. When the spout is pressed fully downward and released, a predetermined quantity of air in the Housing Chamber is evacuated thereby creating a negative pressure. When the pump is actuated a set number of times, liquid gets filled up in the Housing Chamber. Liquid then gets dispensed through the opening in the spout. The volume of liquid dispensed per actuation is determined by the design of the pump itself.

Description

ALL POLYMER LIQUID DISPENSING PUMP

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a completely recyclable All Polymer Liquid Dispensing Pump with no metal parts, which has been designed for consistent dispensing of liquids with various viscosities. The components of the pump have been constructed in such a way that the pump exhibits zero liquid leak.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The world today is becoming extremely conscious of the effect of an individual’s actions on the environment. There are many significant problems, which need solutions quickly.

[0003] Global warming, climate change, extinction of protected animal species are some examples. Plastic waste in the ocean is one such topic that requires a quick and effective remedy. Micro plastics are tiny particles of plastic that can be eaten by marine animals and end up in their bodies and tissues, entering the food chain and leading to disastrous consequences for the life of our planet and all its inhabitants.

[0004] The presence of plastic in our ocean is continually increasing and plastic pollution is still one of the main causes of marine species extinction, health problems for human being and animals alike and destruction of our eco system.

[0005] The main reason why plastics land up in the ocean is because of irresponsible disposal exhibited by human beings. It is a well-known fact that most plastic moulded products can be reused for multiple purposes.

[0006] For example, PET is widely used as a material for food grade packaging. In India, Plastic Waste that is produced from PET is converted to Polyester Filament Yams, which is used for making sarees.

[0007] Just as circularity is achieved in PET packaging, this invention addresses the difficulty of and the high cost involved in recycling of dispensing devices that are used for sanitizers, shampoos and lotions among other types of liquids.

[0008] The dispensing devices available in the markets today are composed of individual elements that have dissimilar materials of origin. Especially, the metal springs used in these devices make segregation and recycling a costly proposition. [0009] Existing products also do not exhibit consistency in terms of functionality. They do not show consistency in terms of the zero liquid leak property which is absolutely essential for products of this nature.

[0010] Dispensing Pumps available in the market today exhibit a lack of liquid output consistency. They get stuck and stop functioning after a few actuations, thereby, making them unusable.

[0011] Liquid Dispensing Pumps must show zero liquid leak when they are fixed on the container with liquid. Products available in the market today, however, do not consistently exhibit this crucial parameter. Common leak areas are Spout, and connecting mediums such as threaded Outer Cap.

[0012] In currently available Liquid Dispensing Pumps, the inner grooves present in components meant for locking are not designed to allow robust locking / sealing. This is essential because improper locking will result in leaking of the liquid during transportation. This can happen when the newly packaged product with liquid is transported from the manufacturing facility to the Customer delivery area. Improper locking can also lead to endconsumer dissatisfaction because compression of the container with liquid can lead to liquid seepage during the time of travel.

[0013] Liquid Dispensing Pumps available in the market today use metal springs to enable proper functioning. These metal springs frequently come in contact with the liquid that is being dispensed. Consequently, the liquid can be contaminated because of reactions between the liquid’s ingredients and the metal spring.

[0014] Recycling of Liquid Dispensing Pumps is a costly and time-consuming affair, because they have dissimilar materials of construction. Each component has to be segregated and grouped before recycling can begin. The infrastructure required for this exercise is also missing in most countries.

[0015] Existing products in the market today predominantly use metal springs and a ball made with either glass or metal as their material of construction whereas, this invention is completely made out of Polymer materials. This invention also shows above par functionality when compared to products that are available today.

[0016] This is mainly due to design of every individual component in the invention. The improvements made in component design enable the invention to demonstrate superior functioning and zero liquid leak. [0017] All of the components that make up the invention are manufactured using different types of moulding, cutting and machining techniques.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The primary objective of the present invention is to develop an All-polymer liquid dispensing pump without dissimilar materials (metal / glass, spring, etc.) that enables easy and cost-effective recycling.

[0019] The secondary objective is to develop a structured arrangement of components that eliminates liquid leak completely and facilitates smooth functioning of the pump.

[0020] The tertiary objective is to create a robust locking mechanism that will assure leak-proof transportation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The following summary is provided to facilitate a clear understanding of the new features in the disclosed embodiment and it is not intended to be a full, detailed description. A detailed description of all the aspects of the disclosed invention can be understood by reviewing the complete specification, the drawing, the claims, and the abstract, as a whole.

[0022] Existing products in the market predominantly use metal springs and a ball made out of either glass or metal in their construction whereas, this invention is completely made out of polymer materials. This invention is also replaces metal springs with Polymer Conical Spring Element and Glass / Steel Balls with Polymer Balls.

[0023] The main aspect of the present invention is that it is an all-polymer liquid dispensing pump without the need for a metal spring and/or glass ball. This promotes low- cost and easy recycling. The superior functionality of the pump is attributable to the precise design of every individual component in the invention. The precision and transformation in component design enable the invention to show superb functioning and zero liquid leak.

[0024] All of the components that make up the invention are manufactured using particular / distinctive types of moulding, cutting and machining techniques. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The manner in which the proposed system works is given in a more particular description below, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the components, some of which is illustrated in the appended drawing is to be noted; however, that the appended drawing illustrates only typical embodiments of this system and therefore, should not be considered limiting of its scope, for the system may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0026] Throughout the drawings, the same drawing reference numerals will be understood to refer to the same elements and features.

[0027] The features and advantages of the present proposed system will become more apparent from the following detailed description along with the accompanying figures, which forms a part of this application and in which:

[0028] Fig 1 (a,b). illustrates the final assembly of the All Polymer Dispensing Pump as shown in accordance with our present invention;

REFERENCE NUMERALS

Spout (a),

Polymer Conical Spring Element (b),

Plunger Top (c),

Annular Element (d),

Outer Cap (e),

Locking Element (f),

Scrubber (g),

Plunger Bottom (h),

Housing (i),

Spherical Valve Element (j),

Dip Tube (k)

Valve (1) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The principles of operation, design configurations and evaluation values in these nonlimiting examples can be varied and are merely cited to illustrate at least one embodiment of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof.

[0030] The embodiments disclosed herein can be expressed in different forms and should not be considered as limited to the listed embodiments in the disclosed invention. The various embodiments outlined in the subsequent sections are construed such that it provides a complete and a thorough understanding of the disclosed invention, by clearly describing the scope of the invention, for those skilled in the art.

[0031] The invention is an All-Polymer Pump that consists of a Spout (a), Polymer Conical Spring Element (b), Plunger Top (c), Annular Element (d), Outer Cap (e), Locking Element (f), Scrubber (g), Plunger Bottom (h), Housing (i), Spherical Valve Element (j), Dip Tube (k), Valve (1) as shown in Figure 1 a and Figure 1 b

[0032] The Polymer Conical Spring Element acts like an efficient position restorative agent to emulate the purpose served by a metal spring.

[0033] When the spout is pressed fully downward and released, a predetermined quantity of air in the Housing Chamber is evacuated thereby creating a negative pressure, which is called a vacuum.

[0034] When the pump is actuated a set number of times, liquid rises through the Dip Tube and fills up in the Housing Chamber because of the pressure differential caused between the container holding the liquid and the housing chamber.

[0035] Liquid then gets dispensed through the opening in the Spout.

[0036] The volume of liquid dispensed per actuation is determined by the design of the pump itself.

[0037] Polymer Conical Spring Element: The Polymer Conical Spring Element behaves similarly to a metal spring and allows the pump to be restored to its normal position. In this way, the invention functions as intended.

[0038] Spout: The Spout directs the liquid at a downward angle and expels the liquid from the container. [0039] Plunger Top, Plunger Botom & Scrubber: These 3 components form the Plunger. The Scrubber element can move vertically along the Y-axis. The upward and downward movement of the Scrubber controls the opening and closing of a Valve (1) which is normally in the closed condition.

[0040] Locking Element: The Locking Element has unique features such as Curved inner grooves with abutments and vertical outer ribs that enable tight locking of the pump unit through rotation.

[0041] Housing: The housing controls liquid dosage per actuation of the pump. The specific inner volume of the Housing dictates the quantity of liquid that is dispensed every time the pump is pressed.

[0042] Outer Cap: The Outer Cap is essential for fixing the invention onto the containers with liquids. The inner surface has a spiral thread that is designed in such a way that the thread on the neck of the container and the thread on the Outer Cap mesh perfectly. This allows for a tight fit between the Outer Cap and the container with liquid. Its outer surface can have multifarious designs for aesthetic purposes.

[0043] Spherical Valve Element: Acts as a non-retum valve to hold the liquid in the Housing chamber.

[0044] Annular Element: Allows 100% sealing between the invention and the container with liquid.

[0045] Dip Tube: Allows liquid transfer from container to the Housing.

[0046] The Invention comprises a Spout (a) component that is meant for directing liquid in a pre-determined flow path. The Spout (a) is connected to a component in the shape of a cylindrical hollow tube with vertical grooves called the Plunger Top (b). The Plunger Top (b) and the Spout (a) are connected by means of an interference fit. The Plunger Top (b) is part of the vertical liquid delivery system of the pump from the container with liquid to the Spout (a).

[0047] The Plunger Top (b) is connected to another component, Plunger Botom (c). This component contains cylindrical openings on its surface that act as passage for fluid flow.

[0048] The Plunger Top (b) and the Plunger Botom (c) are connected by means of an interference fit.

[0049] In between the Plunger Top (b) and the Plunger Botom (c) is another soft and flexible component called the Scrubber (d). This component moves independently with respect to the Plunger Top (b) and Plunger Botom (c). It is a fluid movement control mechanism that is operated when the invention is actuated.

[0050] The Housing (g) component is cylindrical in shape for the most part and it is responsible for delivering a preset volume of fluid / liquid from the container to the external environment.

[0051] Locking Element (h) is a component with vertical ribs on its external surface and special curved grooves on its inner surface. The Locking Element (h) and the Housing (g) have an interference fit in such a manner that flanges in both the components have perfect surface area matching.

[0052] An external cap with an inner spiral thread with required specifications is present. The Outer Cap (e) and the Plunger Top (b) have a sliding fit. The Outer Cap (e) has an interference fit with the dual ribs on top of the Locking Element (h).

[0053] A Polymer Conical Spring Element with spiral external design is placed between Spout (a) and Outer Cap (e). This component is flexible in nature. The spiral ribs are compressible. They fold over one another in such a manner that the element can be vertically compressed.

[0054] A flexible tube (i) is connected to the botom portion of the Housing (g) through a squeeze fit.

[0055] A spherical valve element (h) is fixed inside the Housing (g). This valve element moves up and down freely. This element acts as a non-retum valve for the flow of liquid. An annular flexible element (j) is fixed on the inside surface of the threaded Outer Cap. This element grips onto the external surface of the Housing (g).

[0056] All the components are assembled and connected in the sequence mentioned above.

[0057] When the Spout (a) component is subjected to an external downward vertical load, the Spout-Plunger unit moves vertically downward from the top dead-centre to the botom deadcentre of the Housing Chamber.

[0058] While the vertical movement is occurring, the Scrubber (d) element is forced upward, thereby allowing free passage of air from inside the container to the environment during actuation.

[0059] When the load acting on the Spout (a) component is released, the Spout-Plunger unit restores to top dead-centre position while pushing the Scrubber (d) down simultaneously. Since some amount of air has been evacuated from inside the container, a negative pressure region is created within the Housing Chamber. A pressure differential is created between the inner volume of the container with liquid and the inner portion of the Housing Chamber.

[0060] As per laws of fluid dynamics, when a pressure differential is created between 2 regions one with high pressure and other with low pressure, movement of fluid is forced from the high pressure region to the low pressure region to restore equilibrium. Therefore, liquid from the container is forced upward through the flexible tube element connected to the bottom of the Housing (g) till it finally fills up the negative pressure region in the Housing Chamber. The non-retum valve ensures that the liquid does not return to the container.

[0061] When the invention is operated after the Housing Chamber gets filled with liquid, the volume of liquid present inside the Housing Chamber is then dispensed to the external environment through the Spout (a). Any actuation after this will lead to continuous dispensing of the liquid until the container becomes empty.

[0062] The Outer threaded Cap meshes with the threaded neck of the container and ensures leak-proof fit between the invention and the container.

[0063] The variations of the invention can have changes in the form of different designs of the Spout (a), different designs of the Outer Cap (e) meant to suit different containers, different designs of the Locking Element (h) with features such as grooves and ribs modified according to type of locking required, different designs of the Polymer Conical Spring Element depending on factors such as number of compressive cycles required and type of application (form/viscosity of liquid dispensed i.e. spray, foam, gel among others and volume of liquid to be dispensed), different designs of Housing (g) component based on volume of liquid to be dispensed and size of opening in the neck of the container with liquid, different designs of the flexible annular element based on sealing requirements.

[0064] The present invention is a pump that will be used for dispensing Liquids of various viscosities. This pump functions in a manner similar to Lotion Pumps and Hand Wash Pumps that are available in the Market today. The pumps in the market predominantly use metal springs to perform the pumping action (Up and Down Movement). This can sometimes lead to contamination of the liquid that is being dispensed because the metal spring is in contact with the liquid itself. There are also other pumps where Metal Spring is placed externally to avoid the above-mentioned contamination.

[0065] However, these pumps are problematic because they are not easily recyclable. This is because the Metal Components (spring) and Components made out of other materials (glass ball) have to be segregated before any kind of recycling can be done. This in turn makes the entire recycling process expensive and tedious. This pump has been designed in such a manner that all components are made out of Polymer materials.

[0066] This gives us the freedom to recycle and reuse without any need for segregation of individual components.

[0067] Functioning of the Pump: Upon pressing of the pump, vacuum is created. Thereby, elevating liquid from the container to the area where it will be dispensed.

[0068] The functioning principal is similar to pumps available in the market today. However, the market pumps use Metal Spring and Glass / Steel Balls and our pumps use Polymer Conical Spring Element and Polymer Ball Valves. The Polymer Conical Spring Element replaces metal spring and recreates the spring action necessary for pumps to function.

[0069] Material Composition: The complete pump is made out of Injection Moulded and Extrusion Moulded Polymers (PP and Co-polyester Elastomer).

[0070] In general, various changes in product designs including dimensional and featural changes can be made to this invention depending on the type of dispensing pump that needs to be designed and manufactured. However, the functioning principle of the invention will still remain the same.

[0071] The resistance offered by the scrubber component when it comes in contact with the liquid plays a key role in the functioning of the invention. A material with both polymer and rubber properties has been used in the invention. This material offers a smoother and more flexible surface than LDPE or LLDPE materials used in all dispensing pumps today. This improvement significantly enables continuous functioning and allows for very smooth actuation of the invention. Liquid output is also consistent because the Scrubber now moves up and down fully owing to material used.

[0072] The injection moldable polymer-rubber combination material selected for the scrubber component also allows the invention to show zero liquid leak consistently. In the normal condition of the invention, when it is at the top position, the rear portion of the scrubber and the bottom portion of Locking Element are in contact with each other. The scrubber material acts like a gasket would in mechanical equipment and tightly seals the liquid flow area. The contact between the bottom portion of the scrubber and the deep grooves in the plunger bottom also has a similar sealing effect because of the material used for the scrubber. The annular element uses expanded PE material. The threaded outer cap with the annular component perfectly seals the opening on the container neck.

[0073] The Locking Element in the invention has structured grooves/additions designed to allow only 90° clockwise and anticlockwise rotation. One position signifies OPEN condition when liquid is allowed to flow. The other position signifies CLOSE condition when liquid is completely sealed inside the container and the invention cannot be actuated. A small but effective abutment/restrictive protrusion is provided near the CLOSE area in the Locking Element. This ensures that the pump will not open without a minimum threshold reverse force. Therefore, the pump can never open easily during transportation.

[0074] The invention uses a flexible moulded Polymer Conical Spring Element that replaces metal springs. This allows proper functioning of the invention and at the same time enables 100% recyclability with ease. As a result of this, the invention can be recycled as is without any removal of individual components.

[0075] The Polymer Conical Spring Element uses a material similar to the one used for the Scrubber but in varying proportions of material specification based on actuation force required. The material used has the ability to withstand fatigue stress for more than 5,000 cycles. This makes the invention robust and allows long term usage.

[0076] The invention does not use any metal or glass components. Therefore, simple and cost- effective recycling can be done without any requirement for segregation of individual components. The invention allows low-cost recycling and shows immense potential towards reducing global plastic footprint.

[0077] Successful replacement of metal springs existing in dispensing pumps today, with a Polymer Conical Spring Element (with spiral / helical compressible ribs formed around a central axis).

[0078] Addition of properly defined grooves and restrictive protrusion/abutment in the Locking Element to enable smooth and tight locking of the invention.

[0079] Use of mouldable special thermoplastic elastomer with rubber-like properties in scrubber and Polymer Conical Spring Element.

[0080] Optimally designing the features of the Polymer Conical Spring Element to enable 100% spring-back to original position without decrease in its height. Wall thickness set to allow multiple fatigue/ compression stress cycles successfully. Advantages of the present invention

1. The All-Polymer Liquid Dispensing Pump uses Polymer Conical Spring Element for spring action.

2. The All-Polymer Liquid Dispensing Pump is manufactured with low-cost and has easy recyclability.

3. The All-Polymer Liquid Dispensing Pump has zero leakage.

4. The All-Polymer Liquid Dispensing Pump uses a Co-Polyester Elastomer Scrubber.

5. The All-Polymer Liquid Dispensing Pump uses Polymer Conical Spring Element with the external shape of a helix / spiral and compressible ribs in place of a metal spring for successful actuation.

6. The All-Polymer Liquid Dispensing Pump uses polymer conical spring element made out of Co-Polyester elastomer.

7. The All-Polymer Liquid Dispensing Pump uses a locking element that has vertical antirotation ribs on its exterior surface and curved inner grooves with a locking abutment for tight and leak proof rotate / twist locking.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.

Claims

We claim:

1. An all-polymer pump for liquid dispensing that is characterized by:

Spout (a) for directing liquid in a pre-determined flow path,

Polymer Conical Spring Element (b) with spiral/helix external design and have compressible ribs in place of a metal spring for actuation and is placed between Spout (a) and Outer Cap (e) for spring action,

Plunger Top (c) is part of the vertical liquid delivery system of the pump from the container with liquid to the Spout (a),

Annular Element (d) element uses expanded PE material and the threaded outer cap with the annular component properly seals the opening on the container neck,

Outer Cap (e) is essential for fixing the pump onto containers with liquids; the inner surface has a spiral thread that is designed in such a way that the thread on the neck of the container and the thread on the outer cap mesh,

Locking Element (f) having curved inner grooves with abutments and vertical outer ribs that enable tight locking of the pump unit through rotation,

Scrubber (g) is present between the Plunger Top and the Plunger Bottom and is soft and flexible component,

Plunger Bottom (h) contains cylindrical openings on its surface that act as passage to fluid flow,

Housing (i) is cylindrical in shape for the most part and it is responsible for delivering a preset volume of fluid / liquid from the container to the external environment,

Spherical Valve Element (j) is fixed in the housing and moves freely along Y- axis, and

Dip Tube (k) Allows liquid transfer from container to the housing.

2. The all-polymer pump as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said Spout (a) component is subjected to an external vertical load, the Spout-Plunger unit moves vertically downward from the top dead center to the bottom dead center of the Housing Chamber.

3. The all-polymer pump as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said Scrubber (g) element is forced upward, while vertical movement is occurring, thereby allowing free passage of air from inside the container to the environment during actuation and the said scrubber (g) is made of co-polyester elastomer.

4. The all-polymer pump as claimed in claim 1 wherein when the load acting on the Spout (a) component is released, the Spout-Plunger unit reaches top dead center position while pushing the Scrubber (g) down simultaneously.

5. The all-polymer pump as claimed in claim 1 wherein low resistance value offered by the scrubber component against the housing when it comes in contact with the liquid enables the functioning of the pump.

6. The all-polymer pump as claimed in claim 1 wherein components of said pump are made of a material with both polymer and rubber properties.

7. The all-polymer pump as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said pump comprising the injection moldable polymer-rubber combination material is selected for the scrubber component thereby allows the pump to show zero liquid leak consistently.

8. The all-polymer pump as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said Polymer Conical Spring Element acts like a position restorative agent to emulate a metal spring.

9. The all-polymer pump as claimed in claim 1 wherein when the pump is actuated a set number of times, liquid gets filled up in the housing chamber because of the pressure differential caused between the container holding the liquid and the housing chamber.

10. The all-polymer pump as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said locking element has vertical anti-rotation ribs on its exterior surface and curved inner grooves with a locking abutment for tight and leak proof rotate/twist locking.