Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~06;~a~
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Manually operated, trigger actuated dispensing pumps for liquid containers have
been proposed in the past, a particular one having wide commercial acceptance and
application being disclosed in U. S. Patent 3,~61,202, granted October 30, 1962, to
Tracy B. Tyler. However, this type of pump is, in general, complex having many parts
and is relatively costly to manufacture and/or assemble. In addition, some of the in-
dividual parts are also complex and costly to manufacture and/or assemble.
Other prior art patents have been granted which are directed toward overcoming
the problem of costly manufacture inherent in the'above mentioned U. S. Patent 3,661,202,
a particular one being U. S. Patent 3,749,290, granted on July 31, 1973 to Lewis A. Micallef
et al. This patent discloses a trigger sprayer having a deformable, tubular, internally
supported member which is compressively stressed on a sidewall thereof by a trigger
mechanism to reduce its volume and discharge liquid drawn thereinto from a container.
The hollow tubular member incorporates an in-line, open bottom intake port and an open
upper outlet port together with inlet and outlet valving, the former being in the open bottom
'
~lU.6;~
and the latter being a concentric rim on the member engaging part of the sprayer body
internal surface which cooperate to form the valve means. The Micallef et al. device
utilizes a trigger means to ilex a sidewall of the tubular member which causes the inlet
valve to close and the outlet valve to open to discharge liquid. The amount of liquid
discharged in a single actuation of the trigger is in large part determined by the degree
of sidewall flexibility consistent with the space availsble for displacement thereof. The
Micallef device is an example of a low cost, relatively uncomplex, manually operated
dispenser.
In another prior art liquid ejection device, U. S. Patent 3, 575, 318, granted on
April 20, 1971 to O. Kunz, a toy water pistol is disclosed. In this patent a removable,
liquid containing, collapsible cartridge is inserted in the body of the pistol in contact
with a trigger operated plunger. When the trigger is actuated the plunger collapses the
cartridge ejecting liquid contained through a restricted nozzle on the cartridge end opposite
the plunger. When all of the liquid is ejected, the cartridge is removed and reloaded with
liquid from a water tap and reinstalled in the pistol.
Still another prior art patent, U. S. Patent 3,022, 779, granted on February 27,
1962 to E. Benkoe, discloses a multiple "shot" water gun comprising a water containing,
collapsible container which is inserted into a breech chamber of the gun. Liquid in the
container is ejected by a trigger assembly which acts against the container collapsing it
and ejecting liquid through a nozzle. Also disclosed is a device wherein missile ammunitio
in the nozzle is "shot" from the gun by the pressure of the liquid in the collapsed container.
In both arrangements as disclosed in this patent, the container is pre-filled, from a source
of supply and thereafter inserted into the gun prior to operation. A return spring is added
to return the trigger assembly to its operating position after liquid ejection and insertion
of the refilled cartridge or container.
Other types of sprayers are well-known to the art and come to mind when it is
desired to spray liquid from a container. For example, the well-known finger actuated,
plunger type sprayers and the like are well-known and widely used. The art is well
developed witll many manually operated dispensing devices proposed and manufactured.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention has as a principal object, the construct-
ion and assembly of an extremely inexpensive, manually operated,
trigger actuated dispenser having a pumping container of unitary
aonstruction, said dispenser having relatively few parts, each
individually simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble,
and fabricated from readily available materials.
Another object is to provide a device of the foregoing
type wherein the liquid is dispensed from a container holding
a supply of liquid and upon which the device is mounted, and
wherein an outlet or discharge valve is incorporated as an
integral part of the unitary pumping container.
A still further object is to provide a device of the
foregoing type wherein the components are nearly all comprised
of low cost synthetic materials, pref~rably elastomeric
thermoplastics such as polyolefin, polyurethane, polyvinyl
chloride, natural and synthetic rubber and the like.
~till another object of this invention is to provide
a manually operated dispensing device of the foregoing type
wherein the unitary pump container, in a single part possesses
multiple capabilities, combining to perform the functions of
a piston, a fluid chamber, a return spring and a valve.
Thus, in accordance with the present teachings, a
manually operated liquid dispenser which is suitable for
mounting on a container holding a quantity of liquid to be
dispensed is provided. The dispenser comprises a component
retaining body means with a cavity located within the component
retaining body means with a variable volume bellows pump
provided secured within the cavity. Inlet and outlet means
are provided disposed within the component retaining body
means for delivering liquid into and out of the bellows pump.
Operating means is provided which includes a trigger secured to
E -~4 -
the component retaining body means for shifting the bellows
pump from a normal, non-pumping position to a pumping position
with discharge means being provided communicating with the
outlet means for dispensing liquid pumped by the bellows pump.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure l is a vertical, transverse sectional view of
the dispensing device of the invention before actuation;
Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure l after a com-
pressive stress has been applied to the pump container of the
invention; .
Figure 3 is a sectional view, on a magnified scale, of
the associated valves of the invention of Figures l and 2; and .
Figure 4 is a vertical, transverse sectional view of
another embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Describing now the structure of the presently illustrated
preferred embodiment of the invention, and with particular :
reference to Figures l through 3, the invention comprises a
dispenser l0 threadably secured to a container ll by a closure .
cap 12 on
,:' ~
- 4a - 1
E
, ~ . . .
... .
the neck of container 11. Dispenser 10 comprlse6 a component retaining body 13, an
operating member or trigger 14 having an extension 16 connected thereto by a plastic,
living hinge 15. A cavity 19 in body 13 receives a hollow, resilient, collapsible pump
container 20 of unitary, blow molded construction, a preferred form being the elastomeric
compressible bellows shown. Container pump 20 has flexible walls or corrugations 21
enclosin~ a variable volume pump chamber 22, and is supported on extension 16 in a
recessed platform or plunger 23 thereof. Chamber 22 has a closed bottom end 22-a and
an open top end 22-b in a radially extending flared end 29 of container 20.
Pump or bellows container 20, flared end portion 29, which includes open top 22-b,
receives in sealing relation an inwardly tapering projection 24 of body 13, on a sealing
surface or valve seat 25-a of an outlet valve 25. Elared end 29 has an integral rib or lip
comprising a movable valve member 26, which operatively combines with valve seat 25-a
to form outlet valve 25. In Figure 3, ouMet valve 25 is shown in the open or liquid discharg-
ing position and, as indicated by the arrows, liquid is flowing therethrough, pump container
20 having been compressed and collapsed by the folding of its flexible wall corrugations 21
which causes ilared end 29 to move forwardly a slight distance separating valve member 26
from seat 25-a to opening outlet valve 25.
Tapered body projection 24 has a central passage formed therein terminating in an
intake port 27 in open top 22-b of chamber 22. Upstreamwardly of intake port 27, retained
1herein by an annular, radially extending rib or land 27-a in intake port 27, is an inlet valve
28 comprising a ball check 28-a, and an inlet valve seat 28-b. An an~led inlet conduit 17
¢onnects chaInber 22 through valve 28 to a liquid suction or dip tube 18 which is retained in
a body or base in~ert 38, depending therefrom into container 11.
As is explained in more detail hereinafter, outlet valve 25
and inlet valve 28 are responsive to differences in pressure
: across them in their opening and closing actions.
Compressible container pump or compressible bellows 20 is
retained in body 13 in a circumferential groove or recess 29-a
by means of a press fitted, cylindrical retaining clip 30 in
_ 5 _
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106;~3
cavity 19 which engages an integral annular collar or clamping
ring 31 on pump container or bellows 20.
A discharge conduit 32 is connected to open top 22-b through
outlet valve 25, receives liquid being pumped from chamber 20
and conducts the same to a discharge nozzle 33 where the liquid
is ejected or dispensed, in a spray if desired.
- 5a -
~136;~.~
Also provided in dispenser 10 is a venting means for container 11 to insure
pressure equalization therein, comprising a resilient washer vent or ring seal 39 of
generally frusto-conical shape, removably secured in cap 12 between the top o~ container
11 and the flange 37 of body or base insert 38. Vent washer 39, which can be fabricated
of a~y resilient material such as natural or synthetic rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene,
or any material capable of maintaining its general form and resiliency, has a central,
slightly undersized aperture with respect to the outside of a tube holder or support
member 36 of insert 38 with which it is associated as a check valve permitting air to
flow into container 11 from above to equalize pressure therein by replacing the liquid
which is dispensed while preventing liquid leakage from below. In operation, air passes
through a slot 41 in the top of cap 12 and into a passage 40 above ring seal or washer vent
39 and into container 12, sin¢e vent 39 will yield by flexing away from the surface of
support member 36 to permit outside air to enter container 11 replacing liquid which has
been drawn therefrom. On the other hand, liquid in container 11 is prevented from leaking
since liquid pressure on the container side of washer vent 39 causes it to close tighter
around support 36.
Referring now to Figure 4 there is shown therein another embodiment of the present
invention wherein a dispenser 110 comprises a component retaining body 113, a trigger 114
having an extension 116 connected thereto by a plastic hinge 115. A cavity 119 in body 113
contains a unitary pump or bellows container 120 having flexible walls or corrugations 121
enclosing a pump chamber 122. Chamber 122 has a closed bottom 122-a and an open top
122-b and is supporbd on a platform 123.
Pump or bellows container 120 has a flared end 129 which includes open top 122-b
and terminated in an expandable, flexible flange or collar 43. Flange 43 is engaged in a
recess 44 in body 113 which is formed by a tapered projection 124 therein. Tapered
pro~ection 124 extends into flared end 129, and a portion of its outer peripheral surface
125-a provides a seal for a valve 125 when engaged by a valve member 126 on end 129.
Tapered portion 124 has a central passage terminating in an intake port 127 at the
entrance to chamber 122. An inlet valve 128 is retained in the central passage of pro-
~ection 124 between a rib or land 127-a in the entrance to chamber 122 and comprises a
ball check 128-a and a valve seat 128-b. An angled inlet conduit 117 connects chamber
3~3
122 to a depending dip tube 118 and a container of liquid ~not shown), as ~n the previously
desoribed embodiment of Figure 1.
Bellows 120 is retained in body 113 in a recess or groove 129-a in cavi~y 119 by
a clip or snap ring 130 w~ich engages a peripheral radially extending clamping ring 131
on bellows pump 120.
A discharge condl~it 132 for conducting liquid from chamber 122 extends from
outlet valve 125 to a disch~rge nozzle (not shown).
OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In operation of the present invention, dlspenser 10 is attached to container 11 by
10 screwing closure cap 12 onto the neck of conta~ner 11. An operator of the invention holds
assembled dispenser 10 in the hand, fingers grasping trigger 14 and closure cap 12 in the
palm and container 11 extending below ~e hand. Trigger 14 is actuated by a squeezlllg
action which forces trigger extension 16 and recessed platform 23 on hinge 15 against
` bottom 22-a of bellows pump 20 applying a compressive stress
-- thereupon. Bellows pump 20 then collapses by folding of flexible
wall corrugations 21 as shown in Figure 2. Initially, only air
is present in chamber 22. As container pump or bellows 20
compresses, the volume of chamber 22 is decreased and pressure is
generated in the chamber, making the chamber pressure greater
- 20 than that in inlet conduit 17 and in outlet conduit 32. Thus
pressure differences forces intake ball check valve 28-a against
seat 28-b thereby closing valve 28. Simultaneously the higher
pressure in chamber 22 forces outlet valve 25 open. Additionally,
since pump container 20, in being compressed, suffers a length
reduction as both ends move longitudinally toward stationary
clamping ring 31, flared end 29 flexing downwardly over prsjection
24 until valve member 26 and valve seat 25-a can no longer remain
- in contact, thereby further opening the valve outlet 25. Air in
chamber 22 then passes through open Yalve 25 into outlet conduit 32
and is ejected through nozzle 33. Upon release of trigger 14, the
_~ _
B
1~163~3
inherent "memory" of elastomeric flexible wall corrugations 21
of bellows 20 causes the latter to expand and elongate to its
original, uncollapsed configuration, at the .~ame time returning
trigger 14 to its original position shown in Figure 1, pivoting on
a pin connector 21-a in body 13. This return action results in a
partial vacuum being developed in chamber 22 closing outlet valve
25, opening inlet valve 28, and causing liquid to be drawn into
chamber 22 from container 11 through dip tube 18, conduit 17,
open inlet valve 28 and intake port 27, filling chamber 22 with a
charge of liquid to be dispensed.
On the next and subsequent squeezing operations of trigger
14, the liquid in
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. B
.
1()63S~3
chamber 22 becomes pressuri~ed by the compressively stressed, collapsing bellows
pump 20 which forces inlet ball check 28-a against seat 28-b closing inlet valve 28,
opening outlet valve 25 by the flexing displacement of bellows 20, above described, and
permitting liquid to flow into discharge conduit 32 and be dispensed from nozzle 33.
During the above described pumping and dispensing operation of dispenser 10, the
liquid level in container 11 is lowered as liquid is dispensed or sprayed. This causes a
partial vacuum to develope in container 11 unless venting thereof is provided. In the
present invention, venting is accomplished by means of flexible vent washer or ring seal
39. Atmospheric pressure acting on ring seal 39 causes it to flex downwardly away from
support 36. Air passes into passage 40 around the threaded cap 12 and threaded container
11 top and into container 11 through the opening between support 36 and vent valve 39. If
venting were not provided for, that is, if atmospheric pressure were not maintained in
container 11, container 11 would have a tendency to collapse and pumping efficiency would
be impaired. However, by means of vent valve or washer 39 in cap 12, this eventuality is
avoided. In addition, vent washer or ring seal 39 which flexes downwardly to permit air
passage into container 11, also provides a tight seal against liquid leakage from container
11, since any liquid from container 11 acts on the underside of ring seal 39 and forces it
against support 36, tightly sealing container 11 against leakage.
To operate dispenser 110 of Figure 4 trigger 114 is moved toward the right and
compressible bellows 120 is initially compressed closing valve 128 by forcing ball check
128-a against seat 128-b. Trapped air in chamber 122 increases in pressure and causes
flange 43 to expand radially opening ouMet valve 125 by causing valve member 126 to
separate from seat or sealsurface 12S. When trigger 114 is released bellows 120 expands
or elongates under its inherent memory to its original fully extended configuration. This
elongation creates a suction or partial vacuum in chamber 122 which causes valve member
126 to re~eat on surface 125-a closing outlet valve 125. Simultaneously, ball check 128-a
is unseated, leaving seat 128-b, inlet valve 128 opens and liquid is drawn up into chamber
122 from container 11 through dip tube 118 and intake conduit 117. The next compressive
stroke on bellows 120 by movement of trigger 114 closes valve 128 and expands flange 43
to open valve 125 and liquid in chamber 122 flows into exit conduit 132 to be dispensed
from sprayer 110. Subsequent trigger 114 actuations result in alternate suctions and
~V63~tf33
pressurizations to occur in chamber 120 and liquid can be dispensed in a steady stream,
as desired.
There has now been disclosed snd described as improvements advancing the art
of liquid dispensers, an integral, collapsible container pumping mechanism and with
valving therefor, preferably in the form of a bellows pump. The dispenser, and in
particular the pumping container is preferably fabricated of thermoplastic elastomeric
materials and molding resins. The bellows comprises flexible walls or corrugations
and can be repeatedly flexed and unflexed with little or no loss of elastic memory and
which, in a single part, combines the operationq of a piston, a fluid chamber, a return
qpring and a valve. The bellows container pump can be constructed and fabricated in the
configurations described, of thermoplastic elastomeric materials by any known proceqs,
a particularly preferred one being the well-known blow molding process, It has been
discovered that by so doing, such a pump container can duplicate the tensile strength of a
spring, allowing the same to collapse when compressively stressed from the closed
bottom end and thereafter, due to its inherent plastic memory, recovering its original
qhape when the skess is removed. Any of the well-known plastics can be u4ed, a pre-
ferred one being polyolefin, in particular, polyethylene. Another suitable material is a
member of a family of polyolefin thermoplastic rubbers available to the art and sold under
the trademark TPR, registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Still
20 others include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyester elastomer,
polyvinyl chloride and natural and synthetic rubber. In some instances, it is believed the
invention may be of metal or metal in combination with plastic, and such combinations of
materials - re contemplated for use herein. Other materials and combinations will occur
to the skilled artisan in carrying out the invention.
_9_
SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
In accordance with the teachings of the Principal
Disclcsure a liquid dispenser is provided which comprises a
componcnt retaining body means which has a cavity within the
body means and a variable volume bellows pump secured within
the cavity. Inlet and outlet means are provided for the delivery
of liquid into and out of the bellows pump. Operating means is
provided including a trigger which is secured to the component
retaining body means for shifting the bellows pump from a
normal, non-pumping position to a pumping position and a
discharge means communicating with the outlet means for
dispensing liquid pumped by the bellows pump.
In addition, in accordance with a further embodiment
of the teachings a synthetic plastic bellows is provided which
has a closed end, an open end and corrugated sidewalls. The
sidewalls of the bellows include an inherent resilience that
returns the bellows to a normal expanded state with little or
no loss of elastic memory upon the release of each of repeated
applications of a compressive force to the bellows which act
to significantly reduce the length and enclosed volume of the
bellows.
In addition, in accordance with a further embodiment
of the teachings a synthetic plastic bellows is provided which
has a closed end, an open end and corrugated sidewalls. The
sidewalls of the bellows include an inherent reselience thAt
returns the bellows to a normal expanded state with little or
no 108s of elastic memory upon the release of each of repeate~
applications of a compressive force to the bellows which act !
to significantly reduce the length and enclosed volume of the
bellow~-
Now, and in ~ccordance with the Supple~nt~ryDisclosure teachings ~ llquld di~penser i8 provldod which
--8D 10--
~6~
comprises a component r~taining body means which has ~ cavity
located within the body means and a variable volume bellows
pump secured within the cavity. The bellows pump has a closed
end, ar, pen end and multiple flexible wall sections which have~
inherent elastic memory. Inlet and outlet means are disposed
withir. the component retaining body means for the delivery of
liquid into and out of the bellows pump. The outlet means
includes a outlet valve member and a valve seat for the member,
the outlet valve member is integrally formed at the open end of
the bellows pump and the valve seat is formed on the interior
portion of the component retaining body means. Operating means
is provi~ed which includes a trigger secured to the component
retaining body means for shifting the bell~3ws pump from a normal,
non-pumping position to a pumping position with the inherent
memory of the wall sections shifting the bellows pump from the
pumping position to the non-pumping position. Discharge means
is provided communicating with the outlet means for dispensing
liquid pumped by the bellows pump.
For a better understanding of the present invention
reference may be had to the additional drawings which illustrate
non-limiting further embodiments of the invention: ;
Figure 5 is a vertical, transverse sectional view of
still another embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6 is a vertical, transverse sectional view of
a further embodiment of the invention;
Figure 7 is a section through the pump mechanism of
Figure 6, taken in the same plance but with parts broken away,
and with the deflectable valve elements in positions assumed
during the expansion or suction stroke;
Figure 8 is a bottom plan view of the pumping bellows
of Figure 6, and
Figure 9 i8 a bottom plan view of the cover member of
Figure 6.
-SD 11-
~63~
Figure S illustrates a further embodiment of thc invcntion
th~'is generally similar to the previous embodiments described
but which includes a different inlet valve arrangement and
di~'~erent structure whereby a manually operated dlspenser coupled
to a container 211 can vent and also provide a seal for shipping
purposes. The dispenser 210 of Figure 5 comprises a component
retaining body 213, a trigger 214 having an extension 216 con-
nected thereto by a plastic hinge 215. A cavity 219 in body 213
contains a unitar~ pump or bellows container 220 having flc~ible
wall sections, pleats or corrugations 221 enclosing a variable
volume pump chamber 222. Chamber 222 has a ~losed bottom 2~2-a
and an open top 222-b and is supported on a ~circular disc
223 having an outwardly extending projection 223-a to which o~-
tension 216 o~ trig~cr 21~ is attacl~e~l. ,
Pump or bellows container 220, has a flared end 229 whichincludes the open top 222-b. The flared end 229 receives in
sealing relation an inwardly tapering projectlon 224 of body 213 `~ ~
on a sealing surface or valve seat 225-a of an outlet valve 225. ~ , "
Valve 225 may be similar in construction and operation to tlle
20 outlet valve 25 of Figures 1 to 3. I'~
Tapered body projection 224 has a central passage 227-a there-
in terminating in an intake port 227 in open top 222-b of chamber
222. Upstreamwardly of the intake port 227 the central passage
227-a connects to an inlet conduit 217 which terminates at the ~ -
upper end of a body or base insert 238 that is captured in sealing
manner by cap 212 to the top of container 211. Base insert'238
includes concentrically arranged inwardly tapering projections
238-a and 238-b that are received in sealing relation in corre-
' sponding concentrically arranged but outwardly tapering openings
- 30 213-a and 213-b in component body,213. A ll~uid suction or dip
tube 218 is retained ~n in~ert 238 and is in communication with
- 8D 12 -
~ ~.
A~
con~uit 217. An inlet valve 228 having a ball check valve 228-
~and an inlet valve seat 228-b are provided adjacent the upper end
of the dip tube 218, a projection 213-c of body 213 being pro-
vided to retain ball check valve 228-a close to lts operative
position.
A discharge conduit 232 connected to open top 222-b through
outlet valve 225 and receiving liquid pumped from cha~ber 222
conduct~s the same to a discharge nozzle 233 where tlle li~uid is
ejected or dispensed, in a spray, if desired.
Compressible container pump or compressible bellows 220 is
retained in cavity 219 in body 213 by means of a press fitted,
cylindrical retaining sleeve 230-a of a ~up~ 230 having a bottom
230-b in which a slot 230-c is provided. The upper edge of
sleeve 230-a engages an integral collar or clamping ring 231 on
pump container or bellows 220. Projection 223-a of disc 223
fits through a slot 230-c and is free to slide therein as trigger
; 214 is actuated. Disc 223 is snugly received in cup 230, in ,~ -
sliding engagement with the cylindrical inner wall thereof.
The means for providing venting of the container 211 of the
Figure 5 invention embodiment includes an L-shaped groove 241
provided in the outer wall 230-a of cup 230. Groove 241 connects
with an opening 242 in body 213 at its inner upper end, and with
the atmosphere at its outer lower end. With the pump container ¦~
or bellows 220 in its elongated non-pumping or rest position the
opening 243 at the outer lower end of groove 241 is covered in a
sealing manner by the edge of disc 223 to prevent air and liguid
passage to the atmosphere. When trigger 214 is pulled, disc
223 moves inward off the opcning 243 of groove 241. With the
groove 241 unrcstricted, there is a clear passage from the
30 atmosphere thxough the groove 241 through opening 242 and down
through an opening 244 in insert 238 into container 211. This
- SD 13 -
IOf~ 3
passage allows air to flow into container 211 on each stroke of
the trigger 214 an~ bellows 220 from their rest positions.
Desirably, to provide a seal between the edge disc 223 and the
inner wall of sleeve 230-a, parallel tapered fle~ible rings 245
are molded on the circumference of disc 223 to straddle opening
243. The disc 223 preferably is molded of a common polymer such
as polypropylene or polyethylene to obtain the proper flex on
rings 245, thereby allowing a slidable seal with low friction.
Refer now to the embodiment of Figures 6 through 9 for a
description of another form of the invention that generally is
similar to the invention embodiments of Fig~es 1 through 5, but
which employs a different valving arran~em~t and in which the
pump container or bellows is positioned vertically instead of at
an angle with respect to the dispenser as in the previous
embodiments. The dispenser 310 of this embodiment is adapted
to be secured to the neck of a container, not shown, by a
closure cap 312 and includes a component retaining body 313,
shroud 311, and an operating member or tri~ger 314. TrigcJer
314 has a plate-like extension 316 and is pivoted by a pin ~ -
connector 315 to the body 313. A cavity 319 in body 313 is
closed by shroud 311 and receives therein a vertically
arranged pump container or bellows 320 havin~ a closed end
320-a and an open end 320-b.
Thc construction of thc flexible wall scctions--or corrugations ~ -
of the bellows 320 desirably is the same as that of the pump con-
tainer or bellows of the invention embodiments previously described.
The bellows 320, however, is characterized in having provided at
its open end 320-b an integral outwardly extending flexible flange
320-c that is clamped between the shroud 311 and the body 313 at
the upper end of the cavity 319. Additionally, formed at the
opposite sides of flange 320-c are slit-like apertures 325-a and
328-a, respectively.
- 8D 1
,,,~ .
.
.
s3
S~roud 311 a~d bellows 320 enclose a variable volume pump
chamber 322. Bellows 320 is supported at its closed end 320-a on
the upper edge 316-a of tri~ger extension 316, engaging a slot in
a disc 323 that is formed by the closed end 320-a~of the bellows.
Desirably, the extension 316 is suita~ly curved, as sl)own, to cn-
sure a uniform application of upward force to the bellows 320 dur-
ing the compressive stro~es thereof, as the trigger 314 is oDerated.
The lower edge 316-b of trigger extension 316 is provided with a
projection 31~-c that, in the elongated non-pumping or rest posi-
tion of bellows 320, is received in a sealing manner in an openingor slot 313-b provided in a ledge portion 313~a of component body
313. With the bellows ~20 under some small~compressive stress in
the rest position the trigger ~14 is firmly held in position while
in its non-pumping position to seal opening 313-b. opening 313-b,
however, is opened on each trigger pumping stroke to vent tlle con-
tainer.
An inlet conduit 317 connects the variable volume chamber 322
through an inlet valve 328 to a liquid suction or dip tube 318 which
is retained in body 313~ Body 313 is forcibly joined to a collar 333 A
that is captured in a sealing manner to the neck of a container, not ;
shown, by cap 312. ~s best seen in Figure 7, the inlet conduit
terminates in an upwardly directed inlet port 317-a that is
located beneath aperture 328-a of flange 320-c. Aperture -
328-a defines a deflectable valve element or flap 328-b of an ~-~
inlet valve 328 that normally seats over and closes in a sealing
manner the inlet port 317-a but which is unseated to open inlet
valve 328 when the liquid pressure in the port 317-a is greater
than that in chamber 322, as occurs during each suction stroke d
of pump container or bellows 320. Inlet valve 328 thus is a
30 differential pressure--sensing valve,-and when opened, admits
liquid from the conduit 317 through the aperture 328-a to a
recess or groove 311-a provided in the lower surface of the
- SD 15 -
C
,, ,
1~16;~
shroud`311 and from there the liquid flows to the chamber 322.
The ~ 311-a is located above and substantially in registry
with ~he valve element or flap 328-b and provides space suffi-
cient for upward deflection and unseating of the valve element
or flap 32~-b on each expansive stroke of bellows 320.
A discharge conduit 332 is connected to the variable volumc
pump chamber 322 through an outlet valve 325 and receives liquid
pumped from chamber 322. Conduit 332 conducts the liquid to a
discharge nozzle 333 where the liquid is dispensed, in a spray,
if desired. The outlet valve 325 includes a valve element or
flap deformable portion 325-b that cooperat~s~with an outlet port
332-a. The outlet port 332-a is formed by ~ recess or groove 311-b
in the lower surface of the shroud 311. Groove 311-b communicates
with the pump chamber 322 and extends outwardly with respect to
flange 320-b toward the aperture 325-a. Aperture 325-a defines a
deflectable valve element or flap portion 325-b of outlet valve
325. The outer end of groove 311-b is normally closed by the
seating of valve element 325-b in a sealing manner over the ~roove
311-b and over the lower surface of shroud 311. Valve element 325-b
is unseated, however, when the liquid pressure in the chamber 322 is
greater than that in conduit 332 as occurs during each pumping or
compressive stroke of the pump container or-bellows 320.- Outlet
valve 325, similarly to inlet valve 328, thus is-responsive to
diffcrential pressure difcrences across it in its opclling and
closing operations. When opened, outlet valve 325 admits liquid
to the conduit 332 for discharge, as previously described,
through the discharge nozzle 333.
It will be understood that in Figure 6, venting means:~nd
sealing means similar to those shown in Figures 1, and 2 ~ay bc `
provided, if desired, in lieu of the venting means shown-in -
Pigure 6.
- SD ~6
a3
OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Embodiment of Figure 5
The operation of the dispenser 210 of Figure S, except for
the venting provisions and the location of the inlet valve, is
generally similar to that of the embodiment of Figures 1 through
~. Thus, movement of trigger 214 to the right compresses pump
container or bellows 220 and closes valve 228 by forcing ball
check 228-a against seat 228-b~ Trapped air in chamber 222 in-
creases in pressure and causes outlet valve 225 to open. Air in
chamber 222 th~n passes tllrough valve 225 into outlet conduit 23
and is ejected through nozzle 233. With the release of trigger
214, the bellows 220 cxpands to its original', elongated state,
producing a partial vacuum in chamber 222, closing outlet valve 225,
opening inlet valve 228, causing liquid to be drawn from a container ,
211 into chamber 222 and filling the chamber with a charge of -
liquid to be dispensed. On the next and subsequent actuations of
trigger 214, the liquid in chamber 222 becomes pressurized by the
compressively stressed bellows 220 which forces valve 228 to close,
opens outlet valve 225 by the flexing displacement of bellows 220 ¦~
and forces liquid through the discharge conduit 232 for ejection
from the nozzle 233. Upon each such actuation of trigger 214 the ! -
inward movement of the disc 223 off the opening 243 of groove 241
permits air to flow into container 211 thereby venting the latter.
Embodiment of Figures 6 through 9
.
The operation of the dispenser 310 of Figures 6 through 9,
except for the specific operation of the inlet and outlet valving
means provided is generally similar to that of the invention em-
bodiments previously described. Upon initial forcible actuation -
of trigger 314 to the right, container pump or bellows 320 is
compressed to close valve 328 by forcing valve element 328-b to
seal over inlet port 317-a. Air trapped in chamber 322 increases
- SD 17 -
C
1~36~
in pressure and causes outlet valve 325 to open, the compressed
air then passing through valve 325 into outlet conduit 332 for
ejection through nozzle 333. Ilhen trigger 314 is released the
inherent memory of the wall sections or corruga~ions of the bellows
320 causes the latter to expand to its original, expanded state.
This produces a partial vacuum in chamber 3~2 which causes valve
element 328-b to become unseated to open valve 328 and thereby
cause liquid to be drawn up through the dip tube 31~ into chamber
322. The liquid in chamber 322, on the next and subsequent act-
uations of trigger 314 becomes pressurized by the compressivelystressed bellows 320 which forces outlet va~e 325 to open by the
unseating of valve element 325-b with respe~t to groove 311-b.
Liquid then is forced tl~rougll valve 325 and througll the co~clui~
332 for discharge through nozzle 333.
Thus there has been disclosed and described as improvoments
advancing the art of liquid dispensers, an integral, compressible
container pumping mechanism and with valving therefor, preferably
in the form of a bellows pum~. 'l`he dispenser, and in particular
the pumping container or be~lows is preferably fabricated of
20- thermoplastic elastomeric materials and molding resins. The
bellows comprises multiple flexible wall sections, pleats or
corrugations that-can repeatedly be flexed and unflexed with
little or no loss of inherent elastic memory and, in a single -
part, combines the operations of a piston, a fluid chamber, a
return spring and a valve. The bellows container pump can be con-
structed and fabricated in the configurations described, of thermo-
plastic elastomeric materials by any known process, a particul~rly
preferred one being the well-known blow molding process~.- It--has
been discovered that by so doing, such a pump container can dup-
licate the tensile strength of a spring, allowinq the same to be
compressively stres~ed from the closed bottom end to reduce its
- SD 18 -
length and the enclosed volume, and thereafter, due to its inherent
elasti- memory, recovering its original shape upon r,emoval of the
stress. Any of the well-known plastics can be used, a preferred
one being pololefin, in particular, polyethylene. Another suit- -
able material is a member of a family of polyolefin thermoplastic
rubbers available to the art and sold under the trademark TPR,
registered in the ~nited States Patent and Trademark Office. Still
others include, but are not limited to ethyl vinyl acetate, poly-
propylene, polyurethane, polyester elastomer, polyvinyl chloride
and natural and synthetic rubber. In some instances, it is belicved
the invention may be of metal or metal in combination with plastic,
and such combinations of materials are contèmplated for use hercin.
Other materials and combinations will occur to the skilled artisan
in carrying out the invention.
- SD 19 -
