Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02366150 2001-12-21
TOOTHPASTE DISPENSING UNIT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a toothpaste dispensing unit, more particularly a
unit for use
with squeeze-type tubes, pumps and replaceable cartridges of toothpaste, that
is operable
with one hand.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
All known manually-operated toothpaste pumps and tubes require the use of two
hands and a certain degree of care and control to operate. This can be
challenging for the
elderly, the young and some handicapped persons, resulting in a messy counter
top and
dispenser. Toothpaste tubes are often left with the caps off, causing a
hardening of the
contents in and around the nozzle of the tube. When a pump is used as a
dispensing
means, toothpaste hardens around the spout and valve and often falls onto pump
parts,
ratherthan onto the toothbrush. Furthermore, most pumps consist of a one-piece
moulding
of the pump to the toothpaste container, which is not cost-effective, as the
entire unit must
be discarded each time the toothpaste is exhausted.
Storage space can also be a problem, as it is often limited in small
bathrooms,
particularly when they are shared by many people. Toothpaste and toothbrushes
are often
stored together in beakers or on racks, which causes clutter and exposes the
brushes to
cross-contamination.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a means
whereby
various pumps can be incorporated into a system that allows toothpaste to be
dispensed
with greater ease, accuracy and cleanliness using only one hand. Another
objective of the
invention is to provide a more cost-effective pump that can be used with
squeeze-type
tubes. It is a further objective of the invention to provide a replaceable
cartridge that can
be used with the more cost-effective pump. A further objective of the
invention is to
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CA 02366150 2001-12-21
conserve space by providing a clean, tidy and self contained toothpaste and
toothbrush
storage system that protects toothbrushes from cross-contamination.
With regard to the first objective, a pump housing that immobilises a pump
unit in
an inverted, vertical position is provided. Modified versions of the housing
are available
to accommodate the pumps that are currently available on the market, under the
brand
names of AQUAFRESHT"", COLGATET"', and HENKELTM. The means of immobilisation
ranges from a means to engage a peripheral recess in the pump body, to a means
to
engage a screw thread on the body of the pump, thereby securing the pump
within the
housing. Also incorporated into the housing is a swing trigger which, when
pressed upon
with a toothbrush, with the use of just one hand, activates a trigger on the
pump, thereby
opening the pump outlet valve and allowing the toothpaste to be dispensed. The
swing
trigger also acts to guide the toothbrush so as to ensure accuracy and ease of
use. As with
the means of immobilisation, the swing trigger is also modified for adaptation
to the various
types of pumps.
The important objective of providing a more cost-effective pump is achieved in
a
preferred embodiment by making available a reusable and easily cleaned take-
apart pump
to be used within the housing. The pump is composed of a trigger, a pliable
displacement
chamber, a back float valve and a front flap valve. When the pump trigger is
depressed
by the swing trigger, the flexible displacement chamber distorts, reducing the
volume within
the chamber, and causing the float valve to shut in order to prevent
toothpaste from
regressing back into the attached container. At the same time, the front flap
valve opens
to allow toothpaste to be expelled through the spout.
The swing trigger for use with the take-apart pump may be equipped with
resilient
members such as elastic bands to assist in properly guiding the swing when it
is pushed
on by a toothbrush toward the rear of the housing to compress the trigger on
the pump.
One of the bands also aids in raising and lowering a shield on the spout of
the pump to
control the flow of toothpaste. When the toothpaste has been dispensed, and
the
toothbrush is withdrawn, the elastics compress to return the swing trigger
back into its
original position and close the spout shield so that toothpaste cannot leave
the spout when
the dispenser is not in use.
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CA 02366150 2001-12-21
A connecting attachment is provided to the take-apart pump so that it can be
used,
within the housing, in conjunction with most known squeeze-type toothpaste
containers.
The bottom surface of the attachment contains engaging threads, allowing it to
be screwed
into the pump, while the upper surface is equipped internally, with a
threaded, small-
diameter hole which can accept the nozzle of a toothpaste tube.
Regarding the objective of providing a replaceable cartridge for use with the
housing
and the inverted pump, a pack consisting of a rigid, tubelike cartridge is
attached to the
pump by the mating together of threads. This replaceable pack utilizes
atmospheric
pressure, so that when the displacement chamber is empty, and the pressure is
reduced,
the back flap valve will open, causing toothpaste to flow out of the pack and
into the
chamber. A follower piston moves down incrementally as the atmospheric
pressure
becomes greater than the pressure inside the container.
Lastly, the objective of hygienic toothbrush storage is achieved in a
preferred
embodiment by the attachment of two tumblers, or prongs, into slots located on
opposing
sides of the housing. Each tumbler requires little space and accepts only one
toothbrush
for storage, yet can still hold sufficient water for efficient mouth rinsing.
The prongs, which
are also releasably attached to the housing, require even less space, while
still allowing for
adequate, contamination-free storage of toothbrushes when the unit is affixed
to a wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in
greater
detail, and will be better understood when read in conjunction with the
following drawings,
in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a variation of the housing in use with a
commercially available pump, with accessories, including: toothbrush storage,
rinsing
tumblers, wall bracket and two-side adhesive tape;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the housing of Figure 1, with accessories,
as shown
in Figure 1, with toothpaste being dispensed;
Figure 3 is a sectional view of the housing in use with varying sizes of a
pump;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a variation of the housing in use with a
modified
pump, with accessories as above;
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CA 02366150 2001-12-21
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a variation of the housing with accessories,
as
shown in Figure 4, with toothpaste being dispensed;
Figure 6 is a sectional view of a variation of the housing in use with the
pump shown
in Figure 4;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a variation of the housing in use with
another type
of pump, with accessories as above;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the housing variation, as shown in Figure 7,
with
toothpaste being dispensed;
Figure 9 is a sectional view of a variation of the housing in use with the
pump of
Figure 7;
Figure 9a is a sectional view of the housing variation, as shown in Figure 9,
with
toothpaste being dispensed;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of the housing, with an inverted take-apart
pump
secured inside, in use with a squeeze-type tube with accessories;
Figure 11 is a perspective view of the housing, as shown in Figure 10, with
toothpaste being dispensed;
Figure 12 is a sectional view of the housing, with the inverted take-apart
pump
inside, in use with a squeeze-type tube of toothpaste;
Figure 12a is a sectional view, showing the positions of the valves within the
pump,
while toothpaste is being dispensed from the tube;
Figure 12b is a sectional view, the positions of the valves after toothpaste
has been
dispensed, and replacement occurs;
Figure 13 is a sectional view of the housing, coupled with the inverted pump,
in use
with a replaceable cartridge of toothpaste;
Figure 13a is a sectional view, showing the positions of the valves within the
pump,
while toothpaste is being dispensed from the cartridge;
Figure 13b is a sectional view, showing the positions of the valves within the
pump,
and the follower piston moving downwards within the cartridge, after
toothpaste has been
dispensed;
Figure 14 is a perspective view of the replaceable cartridge;
Figure 15 is a side elevational view of the pump assembly;
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CA 02366150 2001-12-21
Figure 15a is a partially exploded side elevational view of the pump assembly;
Figure 16 is an exploded sectional view of the connecting device of the pump
assembly;
Figure 17 is an exploded side elevational view of the displacement chamber
portion
of the pump assembly;
Figure 17a is a side elevational view of the displacement chamber portion of
the
pump assembly;
Figure 18 is a side elevational view of the displacement chamber portion of
the pump
assembly with a displacement cylinder affixed to it;
Figure 18a is a sectional view of the displacement cylinder;
Figure 18b is a sectional view of a flap valve;
Figure 19 is an exploded side elevational view of the displacement chamber
portion
of the pump assembly with a nozzle assembly;
Figure 19a is a side elevational view of the displacement chamber portion of
the
pump assembly with a nozzle assembly;
Figure 20 is a side elevational view of the spout portion of the nozzle
assembly;
Figure 20a is a side elevational view of the closure portion of the nozzle
assembly;
Figure 20b is a side eievational view of the nozzle assembly in isolation;
Figure 21 is a partially exploded view of the pump assembly with washers shown
separately from the remainder of the pump assembly;
Figure 21 a is a sectional view of the pump assembly showing the placement of
the
washers within the pump assembly;
Figure 22 is an exploded side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of
the
connecting device of the pump assembly; and
Figure 23 is a side elevational view of a cleaning apparatus for the present
invention.
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CA 02366150 2001-12-21
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figures 1-3 show a pump housing unit 1 for dispensing a viscous substance such
as toothpaste, adapted for use with a pump 2. Pump 2 is disclosed in U.S.
Patent
4,684,044 assigned to Realex Corporation and is used on dispensers for the
AQUAFRESH
brand of toothpaste sold by Smith, Kline, Beecham. A further detailed
description of the
pump will therefore be omitted. The housing 1 includes an upper surface 3,
having a
threaded annular hole 4, which allows passage of the inverted pump 5, while
supporting
the shoulder 6 of pump 5. Threaded hole 4 mates with the moulded threads on
the pump
2 to hold the pump upside down and immobile within the housing 1, during the
discharge
of the toothpaste 7.
Pump housing 1 is also provided with a swing trigger 8 to guidingly receive a
toothbrush 9. When a toothbrush 9 is pushed against swing trigger 8, it pivots
rearwardly
about pin 24 to depress a trigger 14 on pump 10, which simultaneously opens
outlet valve
11 and extrudes toothpaste onto the toothbrush.
Advantageously, each side of pump housing 1 is equipped with a toothbrush
holder
12, with a removable base13 for easy cleaning. The holders 12, which can also
act as
rinsing tumblers, house a toothbrush 9 in a manner to prevent cross-
contamination from
other brushes.
A wall bracket 14 is removably attached to housing 1 so that it can be affixed
to a
wall using for example double-sided adhesive tape 15. Screws 16 which fit into
slots 17 in
the rear of housing 1 are provided as an alternate means of attachment, or if
attaching the
unit to a wall is not desirable, the housing can be used free-standing on the
washbasin
counter top.
Figure 1 shows the AQUAFRESH pump 2 secured in a stationary position within
housing 1, while Figure 2 shows housing unit 1 with pump 2, after the
completion of a
dispensing stroke. Figure 3 shows housing 1 in use with the various sizes of
AQUAFRESH
pumps that are currently available on the market. This figure best illustrates
a shoulder 8a
on swing trigger 8 that pushes against pump trigger 14 when a toothbrush is
used to push
against the swing trigger itself.
Figures 4-6 show a pump housing 19, adapted to fit a pump type dispenser 20
used
for COLLATE brand toothpaste. Pump 20 lacks moulded threads to mate with
threads
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CA 02366150 2001-12-21
formed into the housing. Another means of attachment of the pump to the
housing is
therefor required. One solution is shown in Figure 4 wherein a split collar 23
having a semi-
circular recess 21, formed therein is removably connected to the housing such
as by
means of a pin 44. The housing's upper surface has a correspondingly sized and
shaped
opposingly oriented semi-circular recess 21 therein. The periphery of recess
21 is sized
to fit into a peripheral recess 22 formed in the pump body as manufactured to
securely
connect the pump to the housing when pin 44 is inserted.
Figures 4 and 6 show pump 20 secured in a stationary position within the
housing
19, while Figure 5 shows the housing 19 with the pump 20 in use, and at the
end of a
dispensing stroke . At the end of the dispensing stroke shown in Figure 5,
swing trigger 8
by virtue of having been pushed inwardly by a toothbrush 9, is shown
positioned toward the
rear of the housing 19, after it has depressed the pump trigger 25, to open
the pump outlet
valve 26 so that toothpaste 7 can be expelled from the pump spout onto the
toothbrush 9.
Also shown in Figures 4 and 5 are the rinsing tumblers 12, wall brackets 14
and screws 16
for afFxing the unit to a wall.
Figures 7-9a show a housing 27 adapted for use with a pump 28 of the type
manufactured by Schwarzkopf & Henkel of Dusseldorf, Germany (hereinafter
°Henkel").
In Figures 7 and 9 the pump 28 is shown immobilized and inverted within the
housing 27
by a mating of the complimentary screw threads 29 on the housing 27 and pump
unit 28.
The housing 27 is provided with a swing trigger 30 which engages a trigger 31
on the
pump, allowing toothpaste to be dispensed.
Figures 8 and 9a show the unit at the end of a dispensing stroke after the
swing
trigger 30 has depressed pump trigger 31 to compress the pliable displacement
chamber
32 of the pump so that toothpaste is expelled from the pump spout 34 and onto
a
toothbrush 9.
Figures 10 -12b show an inverted Henkel-type pump 36, secured within a housing
and in use with a common squeeze-type toothpaste tube 40.
Pump 36 has been modified for use in connection with the present dispenser,
and
the modifications will be described in greater detail below. Pump 36 utilizes
the same
30 principals of operation as the Henkel pump. These principals will be
readily apparent to
those persons skilled in the art by merely examining the pump. Briefly
however, the pump
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CA 02366150 2001-12-21
utilizes a follower piston, activated towards the front of the container by
atmospheric
pressure, but which does not need means to preclude backward movement of the
piston
since the displacement chamber 32 is separated from it by a back pressure
float valve.
The depressing of the pump trigger causes the flexible displacement chamber to
distort,
reducing the volume within the chamber, causing the float valve to shut and
stop regression
of toothpaste back into the container, and making the front flap valve open to
allow the
expelling of toothpaste through the spout. After this operation, the front
flap valve closes,
atmospheric pressure moves the follower piston down causing the float valve to
open and
allow replacement within the displacement chamber of the toothpaste just
evacuated.
Figure 10 illustrates how a squeeze-type toothpaste container 40 can be either
screwed directly into a tube connector 37, or, if the engaging threads do not
mesh, via a
tube connector convertor 45 into which the threads can be pushed for a
compressive
friction fit, which will enable most squeeze-type toothpaste containers on the
market to be
used with the present device. Since most squeeze-type toothpaste tube
containers are
filled at speed, much air is included in the tube, and the mass of toothpaste
contained in
the tube, so instructions will be included on how to evacuate that air from
within the tube
before connecting the tube with the dispenser.
Once the air is evacuated from the tube 40, the empty part of the tube 40 is
flattened
and folded over and pressure kept on the filled part of the tube 40 so that
toothpaste
remains flush with the tube nozzle opening whilst the tube 40 is being screwed
into the tube
connector 37. When the tube 40 is connected to pump 36, it is necessary to
prime the
pump by keeping the flattened empty part of the tube 40 folded over, and
applying pressure
on the filled part of the tube 40 until toothpaste is seen to arrive at the
end of the see-
through spout 42. The system is now ready to dispense toothpaste.
Illustrated also in Figure 10 is the housing holding bracket 47 with adhesive
tape 48,
which can either be affixed to a vertical surface, engaging the projecting
supports 56 in the
slots 49 in the rear of the housing 35, or fixed on a countertop surface
engaging the
projecting supports 56 in the slots 50 at the front of the housing 35.
If the dispenser is used with an electric toothbrush 9 in Figure 10, an
adapter 46 is
wedged between spaced-apart toothbrush guides 57 on the swing trigger 44, thus
allowing
for pinpoint delivery of a small button of toothpaste onto the small circular
bristle pad on
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CA 02366150 2001-12-21
most electric toothbrushes. Guides 57 are disposed on either side of swing
trigger 44 for
engaging the end of toothbrush 9.
Figure 11 shows the system at the peak of the dispensing stroke when the
toothbrush 9 has pushed back the swing trigger 44 around the swing trigger
axle 55, so that
nubs 54 positioned on trigger 44 as shown push up against displacement ring 53
(Figure
12) causing the displacement chamber 39 (Figure 12) to distort and reduce its
holding
volume, the effect of which is enhanced by the inclusion within the chamber 39
of void-
filling washers 51 and 52 (Figure 12). In a preferred embodiment there are two
upper
washers 51 which are both relatively soft and compressible, and a single rigid
or semi-rigid
lower washer 52. These three washers perform the following functions:
(a) They greatly reduce the volume of the displacement chamber, making the
evacuation of toothpaste (Accomplished through the holes in the washers) more
efficient
and the likelihood of air voids more remote.
(b) Washers 51 deform to suit each toothpaste tube as the geometry of air
voids
and toothpaste flow varies from tube to tube. The deformation of the washers
tends to
block the formation of air voids to such an extent that pumps equipped with
the washers
ought to be able to evacuate practically all the toothpaste in a tube,
creating such a strong
vacuum within the tube that the body of the tube collapses to an area within
the bounds of
the tube shoulder.
(c) Rigid washer 52 bears against a shoulder 75 (Figure 12) along the upper
periphery of the displacement chamber to prevent washers 51 from extruding
into the
displacement chamber and blocking the chamber's outlet.
The swing trigger 44 is held in a stand-by mode position as shown in Figure 10
by
a resilient member such as an elastic band 58 which stretches under pressure
from the
toothbrush 9 allowing the trigger 44 to swing to the rear of the dispenser.
This elastic band
58 cooperates with another elastic band 59 which acts to swing the spout
closer 43 clear
of the spout 42, once the override deterrent of elastic 58 has been removed by
the
swinging back of trigger 44. The nubs 54 on trigger 44 are positioned such
that they do not
engage and lift displacement ring 53 until spout closer 43 has cleared the end
of spout 42,
so that toothpaste 7 does not begin to issue from spout 42 until such
clearance occurs.
With the upward movement of displacement ring 53 and the reduction of volume
within
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CA 02366150 2001-12-21
chamber 39, a flap valve 38 closes, stopping regression of air and toothpaste
into tube 40,
and flap valve 41 opens allowing the evacuation of toothpaste 7 from the spout
42. Upon
withdrawing the toothpaste-loaded toothbrush 9, pressure is removed from
elastic 58 and
it contracts to return trigger 44 to the stand-by mode, overriding elastic 59.
Elastic 59 is
kept in position by a retaining hook 60 on the spout closer 43 with elastic 59
being fed
through a hole 61 in the rear of the trigger 44 and down to an elastic band
retainer 62.
Elastic 58 is kept in place by the elastic band retainer 62 and by threading
elastic 58
through the front opening 63 of the housing 35 and round the outside of
housing 35.
The present device differs from the art because it uses the collapsability of
the
toothpaste tube 40, and uses a closed system that creates a vacuum behind the
toothpaste
mass, and a partial vacuum ahead of that mass. Dispensing strokes cause the
evacuation
of toothpaste because of volume reduction within chamber 39, and refilling of
the chamber
39 with toothpaste 7 from the tube 40 because of the pressure differential
between the two
as chamber 39 recovers to its original size and shape.
The vacuum created in chamber 39 as it recovers can be strong enough to cause
the almost-empty tube 40 to bend over as it collapses and for chamber 39 to be
held in the
reduced volume mode. In most cases the advantage of being able to use the
pliability of
tube 40 disappears as the sides of the tube 40 begin to feel the effect of the
strengthening
dish at the base of the tube nozzle but by that time sufficient toothpaste has
been
evacuated from tube 40 to make the discarding of the tube 40 economical.
Occasionally small air voids will occur despite preparing the tube but these
voids can
be cleared either by rapid pumping of swing trigger 44 or by the priming
procedure outlined
above. Otherwise the system when used with a squeeze-type collapsible
toothpaste
container acts entirely on conditions within the closed system and not
according to outside
influences as with all other known toothpaste pump systems.
Figure 12 is a sectional view of the system in the stand-by mode and showing a
slot
52 prepared to accept a toothbrush holder 51 such as prongs when the unit is
fixed to a
vertical surface. Figure 12a shows the pump of Figure 12 in the dispensing
mode and
shows flap valve 38 closed whilst flap valve 41 is open to evacuate toothpaste
7 onto the
toothbrush 9. Figure 12b shows valve 38 open and valve 41 closed just after
completion
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CA 02366150 2001-12-21
of the dispensing stroke, with the reduced pressure in the displacement
chamber 39
causing toothpaste to flow from tube 40 and making valve 41 close.
Figures 13 to 13b show pump 36 connected to a replaceable cartridge 64 of
toothpaste instead of a squeeze tube 40. The volume reduction operation for
displacement chamber 39 remains the same as when a tube 40 is used with the
unit.
However, replacement cartridge 64 utilizes a follower piston 65 that moves
downwards
when atmospheric pressure is greater than the pressure within replaceable
cartridge 64.
Cartridge 64 attaches to pump 36 with a threaded nozzle 66 (see also Figure
14) which
meets with a tube connector 37 of pump 36. The pump is primed by pushing down
on
follower piston 65 until toothpaste appears at pump spout 42, after which
normal dispensing
of toothpaste will occur upon dispensing strokes of swing trigger 44, with
follower piston 65
moving downwards incrementally with each dispensing stroke.
Figure 13a shows the valve positions at the peak of the dispensing stroke with
valve
38 closed and valve 41 open due to the increase in pressure in chamber 39 as
it is
squeezed by ring 53. Figure 13b shows the valve positions at the end of the
dispensing
stroke when the toothbrush is removed and chamber 39 expands back to its
original size
and shape. When this occurs, the resulting vacuum in the chamber causes valve
38 to
open allowing toothpaste 7 to move from container 64 into chamber 39 and
follower piston
65 to move downwardly until pressure within chamber 39 and container 64
equalizes, or
chamber 39 becomes full. The reduced pressure in chamber 39 during this time
has kept
valve 41 closed and so it remains until the next dispensing stroke.
Figure 14 is a perspective view of pack 64 with seal cap 67, follower piston
65,
screw nozzle 66 (to flt tube connector 37) and printed shrink wrap 68.
A more detailed description of the individual components of the pump now
follows
with reference to Figures 15 to 21 a. Figure 15 shows an assembled pump 36
with all of
its components. These include a connecting adaptor 81, a seating component 72,
a flexible
chamber 39, and a spout assembly 76. Figure 15a shows a partially exploded
view of
pump assembly 36, in which adaptor 81 is shown detached from the remainder of
pump
assembly 36. Each of these components will be described in more detail below.
Figure 16 is an exploded view of adaptor 81. Adaptor 81 is used to connect a
toothpaste dispenser to the remainder of the pump. To accomplish this, adaptor
81 is
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CA 02366150 2001-12-21
provided with a threaded cylindrical bore 88 in its upper surface 87. This
threaded
cylindrical bore is adaptable to accommodate various diameters of nozzles on
toothpaste
dispensing tubes, packs or other reservoirs.
Threaded cylindrical bore 88 connects to an internal chamber 83. Internal
chamber
83 comprises a frustoconical inner bore to accommodate a valve system 84.
Valve system 84 comprises a frustoconical insert 86, nozzle 85 and flap valve
38.
Insert 86 is adapted to fit concisely within internal chamber 83. Insert 86
further has an
inner bore configured to accommodate nozzle 85 and flap valve 38.
Flap valve 38 is a one-way valve that only allows flow of toothpaste out of
nozzle 85.
Valve system 84 therefore only allows toothpaste to flow out of adaptor 81 as
described
below.
In operation, a toothpaste tube or pack is connected to cylindrical bore 88
and
toothpaste is allowed to flow through nozzle 85 and flap valve 38, but is
prevented from
flowing back into the toothpaste tube by flap valve 38.
Adaptor 81 is further provided with external threading 82. External threading
82 is
adapted to allow adaptor 81 to be affixed to the remainder of pump 36.
An alternative embodiment of an adaptor 90 is illustrated in Figure 22.
Adaptor 90
includes a radially extending flange 92 that rests against the upper surface
of housing 35
for connection to the housing by means of adhesive, for example, or the
housing can be
formed integrally with the adaptor. The adaptor includes an upwardly extending
externally
threaded sleeve 94 adapted for a threaded connection to a cylindrical sleeve
96 internally
threaded at each of its ends 97 and 99. End 97 connects to sleeve 94 and end
99 can
connect directly to the threaded nozzle of a tube or pack of toothpaste.
Various
manufacturers use different sized nozzles for their toothpaste containers. A
user can
therefore choose a sleeve 96 which corresponds with the brand of toothpaste
container
being used.
Connector 90 further includes a lower cylindrical portion 98 which is adapted
to
connect concentrically into a flow valve housing 100. Flow valve housing 100
in turn
concentrically connects to flow valve 102 at its lower end. The outer surface
101 of flow
valve housing 100 is adapted for connection to flexible chamber 39, as
described in more
detail below.
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Flow valve 102 only allows toothpaste to flow in one direction, similar to
flap valve
38. Further, flow valve 102 provides better sealing against air leaks than
flap valve 38, and
thus provides a more efficient pump.
Reference is now made to Figures 17 and 17a. Figure 17a shows a preferred
embodiment of seating component 72, flexible chamber 39, and threaded nozzle
70.
Figure 17 shows an exploded view thereof. These components fit below adaptor
81 and
form the next part of the flow path for pump 36.
Seating component 72 is a hollow rigid cylindrical tube and is internally
threaded for
connection to threading 82 on adaptor 81.
As can be seen in Figure 17, a ridged flange 78 extends downwardly from
seating
device 72. This ridged flange is also hollow and is adapted to seal into
flexible chamber
39 for a fluid tight connection between the chamber and seating component 72.
Flexible chamber 39 is best seen in Figure 17. The chamber is a resiliently
flexible
bladder which can be deformed in operation. The upper edge of the chamber 39
is
configured to be sealingly connected to flange 78 as described above. The
lower end of
chamber 39 discharges through attached rigid nozzle 70. The chamber's outer
surface is
threaded at 71 where it is reinforced by flange 78 for connection to the pump
housing.
In the alternative embodiment of Figure 22, flexible chamber 39 is connected
to flow
valve housing 100. In both embodiments, the flexible chamber operates in a
similar
manner.
Rigid nozzle 70 is externally threaded for connection to displacement ring 53.
Reference is now made to Figures 18 to 18b. These figures show displacement
ring
53 as attached to flexible chamber 39.
Displacement ring 53 incorporates a rigid hollow cylindrical tube 54. The
internal
upper end of tube 54 is internally threaded for connection to discharge nozzle
70. The
lower end of tube 54 is adapted to internally accommodate flap valve 41.
Externally, the
lower end of tube 54 is threaded for connection to spout assembly 76.
Flap valve 41 allows toothpaste to flow through tube 54 into spout assembly
76, but
does not allow toothpaste to flow in the reverse direction.
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CA 02366150 2001-12-21
Displacement ring 53 is disposed around tube 54. Displacement ring 53 is a
rigid
cylindrical flange that extends radially outwardly from the tube and is used
to distort flexible
chamber 39, as described both above and below.
Pump 36 is further provided with spout assembly 76 shown most clearly in
Figures
19 to 20b. Figures 19 and 19a show an assembled spout assembly 76, where the
spout
assembly is connected to nozzle 70 in Figure 19a, and is separated from the
nozzle
assembly in Figure 19. Figure 20b shows the nozzle assembly in isolation.
Figures 20 and
20a show the individual components of nozzle assembly 76.
Nozzle assembly 76 includes a connector 75 which is a hollow cylinder whose
upper
end is internally threaded for a threaded connection to the lower end of tube
54. The lower
end of connector 75 connects to spout 42.
Spout 42 extends downwardly and forwardly from connector 75 at an angle
suitable
to allow a user to obtain toothpaste when inserting a toothbrush into the pump
housing
against trigger 44.
Connector 75 has two nubs or pins 77 protruding outwardly from opposite sides
of
connector 75. The nubs extend perpendicularly from the direction of extension
of spout 42.
Nubs 77 pivotably support spout closing mechanism 43. Closing mechanism 43 is
formed with two complementary holes 78 into which nubs 77 fit for a rotatable
connection
of closing mechanism 43 to connector 75. Closing mechanism 43 is provided with
a
downwardly extending arm 44 and a forwardly extending flange 45. These are
shaped to
fit over spout 42 and to normally close spout 42 and protect its contents from
the
environment when toothpaste is not being dispensed. Closing mechanism 43 is
additionally formed with a retaining hook 60. Retaining hook 60 is elastically
connected to
the pump housing as described above, to normally bias flange 45 into its spout
sealing
position as shown most clearly in Figures 19a and 20b when the pump is not in
use.
Pump 36 is further provided with ring washers 51 and 52 as best seen in
Figures 21
and 21 a. These ring washers fit between adaptor 81 and flexible chamber 39,
providing
a better seal for flexible chamber 39 and to reduce the volume in chamber 39
available for
toothpaste.
Washers 51 are semi-rigid and compressible. The semi-rigid nature of the
washers
allows them to provide a better seal between adaptor 81 and flexible chamber
39. In a
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CA 02366150 2001-12-21
preferred embodiment, washers 51 are comprised of foam, and two such washers
are
provided in pump 36.
Washer 52 is preferably made of a rigid plastic to ensure that washers 51 do
not
collapse into flexible chamber 39.
In operation, a user affixes a toothpaste source to adaptor 81 or adaptor 96.
Once
the system is primed, pump 36 then allows toothpaste to be extracted without
the need for
the user to squeeze the toothpaste source. This works in the manner described
above.
Once the toothpaste has been discharged onto the toothbrush, the user removes
the toothbrush. The resilient nature of flexible chamber 39 causes it to
expand back to its
original shape and volume. This expansion increases the volume of the chamber,
causing
a vacuum. Flap valve 41 below the chamber prevents any toothpaste that is in
spout 42
from reentering the chamber, and thus the chamber is refilled with toothpaste
flowing
through flap valve 38 or flow valve 102 above the chamber due to the pressure
differential
between the vacuum in chamber 39 and atmospheric pressure acting on the
toothpaste
tube or follower piston 65.
In order to clean the pump, the present invention is further provided with a
cleaning
attachment 104, as shown in Figure 23. Cleaning attachment 104 is provided
with a
threaded cylindrical neck 106 which can be screwed into bore 88 or sleeve 96.
The upper
end 107 of cleaning attachment 104 is adapted for connection to a water
faucet. In
operation, the user connects attachment 104 to the pump assembly and to a
faucet. The
user then opens spout 42 and turns on the faucet, allowing water to flow
through the pump
assembly, thereby cleaning it.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are meant to be
illustrative of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not
intended to limit
the scope of the present invention. Various modifications, which would be
readily apparent
to one skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the present
invention. The
only limitations to the scope of the present invention are set out in the
following appended
claims.
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