Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
SELF-SEALING PUMP AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE THEREOF
FIELD
[0001] The disclosure relates to a self-sealing pump suitable for use in
packaging fluids (e.g.,
cosmetics and personal hygiene products).
BACKGROUND
[0002] Societal developments and gradual improvements in quality of life, have
encouraged
consumers to demand heightened requirements for the quality of fluids (e.g.,
cosmetics,
personal care products, etc.) to be applied to their skin and bodies.
Consumers want such
fluids to maintain potency without degradation of various ingredients (e.g.,
the active
ingredients, vitamins, etc.). Maintaining the ratio of ingredients within such
fluids is also
desirable to maintain the quality of the fluids. Liquid or viscous fluids such
as liquid
foundation, shampoo, and other cosmetics and personal care compositions are
typically
administered using a manual press discharge pump, which requires consumers to
repeatedly
press down on an external head to draw fluid into a pipe and through a
discharge channel.
Most discharge channels of such pumps are open to the atmosphere such that the
contents
within the channel come into contact with air, in particular, oxygen. In many
instances, high-
end active ingredients deteriorate in the presence of oxygen and/or the fluid
itself dries out after
prolonged contact with gas impacting long-term storage of the fluid. At the
same time, the
contents at the discharge nozzle of such manual press discharge pumps are not
easy to dispense,
which can result in contamination of the discharge nozzle.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0003] According to various embodiments, disclosed herein is a self-sealing
pressing and
discharging actuator, which is fixedly connected to a pump body assembly and
comprises a use
state as a directional reference, the actuator comprising an actuator body (1)
with a discharge
cavity (11) inside; a nozzle (2) connecting the discharge cavity with an
external atmosphere is
connected to a side end surface of the actuator body; a plug (3) positioned in
the discharge
cavity (11), wherein an end of the pump body assembly is connected to a limit
rod (4), a central
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-27
axis of which is perpendicular to a central axis of the plug (3), wherein the
limit rod (4) is
communication with an inside of the pump body assembly and an inside of the
nozzle, wherein
an end of the limit rod (4) is slidingly connected to a tapered surface of
plug (3) enabling the
plug (3) to elastically stretch and slide along an axial direction of the
nozzle (2), and wherein
the plug (3) has an avoidance state for opening the nozzle (2) and a blocking
state for closing
the nozzle (2). In some embodiments, a spring (5) is positioned between the
end of plug (3)
and an end wall of the discharge cavity (11), the spring (5) being against a
tail end of plug (3)
and can make the plug move in the axial direction. One or more fluid guiding
grooves may
be arranged in the axial direction are formed on a circumferential surface of
plug (3) close to
one end of nozzle (2), wherein the one or more fluid guiding grooves are
collected near the
outlet end of nozzle (2), wherein at least one clamping rib (21) arranged in
the axial direction
is formed on the circumferential surface of nozzle (2), and the clamping rib
(21) is clamped in
the fluid guiding grooves to limit a circumferential position of the nozzle
(2). According to
one or more embodiments, a middle section of plug (3) corresponding to limit
rod (4) is formed
with a connection comprising the discharge cavity (11), wherein a tapered
groove (32) is
formed on a tapered groove (32) of plug (3) with a first tapered surface (32a)
and a first stop
surface (32b), wherein the limit rod (4) is formed at the corresponding
tapered groove and there
is a tapered plane protrusion (41) connecting the inside of the limit rod (4)
and an outside of
limit rod (4), and wherein a second tapered plane (41a) and a second stop
surface (41b) are
formed on the tapered plane protrusion, and wherein the first tapered plane is
along a first plane,
the two tapered surfaces being slidably matched such that the first stop
surface stops at the
second stop surface, so that the blocking has an avoidance state. The limit
rod (4) may
comprise a rod body (42) coaxial with the actuator body (1) and passes through
both ends of
the actuator body (1), the shaped end portion (41) being fixedly formed on a
top of the rod
body, and a discharge hole (41c) communicating with the inside of the rod body
being open at
the bottom of the shaped end portion (41). In some embodiments, a stop plate
(43) is formed
radially outwardly extending from the middle second and a lower section of the
limit rod (4),
a flange (44) arranged in the axial direction fixed on the outer peripheral
wall of the limit rod
(4) above the stop plate (43), and the actuator body (1) can move up and down
along the flange
(44) and stop at the stop plate (43) at a baffle. An inner annular wall (12)
may be formed on
the actuator body (1) and is located below the discharge cavity (11) in the
axial direction of the
actuator body (1), a guide groove (13) being provided on the inner annular
wall (12)
corresponding to flange (44) in the axial direction, and the flange (44) is
slidably fitted in the
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guide groove. According to one or more embodiments, the limit rod (4) is
inserted in the
inner annular wall (12) at the upper section above stop plate (43), and
wherein an inner channel
of an inner ring is sealed with an inner surface of the inner annular wall
(43) via a sealing ring
(6).
[0004] According to further embodiments, disclosed herein is a push pump
comprising the
actuator as described above.
[0005] In yet further embodiments, disclosed herein is a self-sealing pump,
comprising: an
actuator comprising: a nozzle configured to attach to an actuator body, the
actuator body
comprising at least one inner annular wall extending radially inward from the
actuator body,
wherein the inner annular wall defines a discharge cavity; a plug configured
to slidingly seat
within the nozzle and the discharge cavity, wherein the plug comprises a first
end having one
or more fluid guiding grooves and a second end comprising a protrusion, the
plug further
comprising a mid-section having a tapered groove; a spring configured to
coaxially mate with
the protrusion and to seat against an internal surface of the actuator body; a
limit rod comprising
a shaped end portion configured to slidingly engage with the tapered groove,
wherein the limit
rod is configured to extend through the inner annular wall, the limit rod
further comprising an
inner channel in communication with the discharge cavity via a discharge hole
positioned
within the shaped end; a sealing ring configured to form a seal between the
limit rod and the
inner annular wall; and a stop plate attached to and extending radially
outward from the limit
rod, the stop plate received within the actuator housing; and a reservoir,
wherein the actuator
is removably attached to the reservoir, wherein, upon actuation, the actuator
is configured to
move in a first direction perpendicularly to the nozzle, which opens a passage
from the reservoir
through the inner channel and discharge hole into the discharge cavity along
the one or more
fluid guiding grooves and through an outlet of the nozzle, and upon de-
actuation, the actuator
is configured to close the passage. According to one or more embodiments,
movement of the
limit rod within the tapered groove slides the plug in an axial direction upon
actuation and de-
actuation. The one or more fluid guiding grooves may be arranged in the axial
direction of
the plug and are formed on a circumferential surface of the plug proximate an
outlet of the
nozzle. In some embodiments, the self-sealing pump may further comprise at
least one
clamping rib arranged in an axial direction of the plug and formed on a
circumferential surface
of the nozzle, wherein the clamping rib is configured to claim in the one or
more fluid guiding
grooves to limit circumferential movement of the nozzle. The tapered groove
can include a
first tapered surface and a first stop surface and the shaped end of the limit
rod comprises a
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second tapered surface and a second stop surface, and wherein the first
tapered surface and the
second tapered surface are configured to slidably contact such that the first
stop surface is
configured to stop at the second stop surface to open the inner channel to the
discharge cavity.
According to one or more embodiments, the self-sealing pump further includes a
flange
extending radially outward from the limit rod, the flange being positioned
above the stop plate,
wherein the actuator body is configured to move up and down along the flange
and to stop at
the stop plate. The inner annular wall may comprise a guide groove configured
to slidably
engage with the flange. In some embodiments, the nozzle further comprises an
outlet in
communication with the discharge cavity via the one or more fluid guiding
grooves. The
spring may be positioned such that, upon actuation, movement of the plug
compresses the
spring against the internal surface and opens the outlet, and upon de-
actuation, the spring
elongates to move the plug back to the nozzle thereby blocking the outlet.
According to
various embodiments, one or more of the nozzle, actuator body, at least one
inner annular wall,
plug, spring, limit rod, sealing ring, stop plate or reservoir comprises a
metal, plastic, ceramic
or combination of two or more thereof. In one or more embodiments, one or more
of the
nozzle, actuator body, at least one inner annular wall, plug, spring, limit
rod, sealing ring, stop
plate or reservoir comprises a sustainable material selected from the group
consisting of a
biodegradable polymer, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol,
nylon or
combinations of two or more thereof. The reservoir can include a fluid
selected from the group
consisting of a liquid, slurry, viscous liquid, paste, Bingham plastic,
cosmetic, dentifrice,
household cleaner, personal care product, moisturizer, sun screen, serum,
cream, lotion, gel, lip
color, lip moisturizer, lip gloss, blush, foundation, liquid foundation,
shampoo, conditioner,
eyeliner, eye shadow, deodorant, antiperspirant, perfume, surface cleaner,
wood cleaner, glass
cleaner, metal cleaner, stone cleaner, wood moisturizer, surface disinfectant,
surface duster,
surface fragrance, an oil, an alcohol and combinations of any two or more
thereof.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS
[0006] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way
of limitation,
in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate
similar elements.
It should be noted that different references to "an" or "one" embodiment in
this disclosure are
not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one.
[0007] FIG. 1 is self-sealing pump according to embodiments of the disclosure;
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-27
[0008] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a self-sealing pump according to an
embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a schematic diagram of an actuator of a
self-sealing pump
in a compressed state according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a schematic diagram of an actuator of a
self-sealing pump
in an uncompressed stated according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a schematic diagram of an actuator body
of an actuator for
a self-sealing pump according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a structural schematic diagram of a nozzle for a self-sealing
pump according
to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a structural schematic diagram of a nozzle for a self-sealing
pump according
to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a plug for a self-sealing pump
according to an
embodiment of the disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a structural representation of a limit rod for a self-sealing
pump according to
an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an overall structure of a self-
sealing pump according
to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a schematic diagram of a
self-sealing
pump according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
Definitions
[0001] Reference throughout this specification to, for example, "one
embodiment," "certain
embodiments," "one or more embodiments" or "an embodiment" means that a
particular
feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, the appearances of
the phrases such
as "in one or more embodiments," "in certain embodiments," "in one embodiment"
or "in an
embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily referring to the
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-27
same embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, the particular features,
structures, materials,
or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more
embodiments.
[0002] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural
references unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a
lift pin" includes
a single lift pin as well as more than one lift pin.
[0003] As used herein, the term "about" in connection with a measured
quantity, refers to the
normal variations in that measured quantity as expected by one of ordinary
skill in the art in
making the measurement and exercising a level of care commensurate with the
objective of
measurement and the precision of the measuring equipment. In certain
embodiments, the
term "about" includes the recited number 10%, such that "about 10" would
include from 9 to
11.
[0004] The term "at least about" in connection with a measured quantity refers
to the normal
variations in the measured quantity, as expected by one of ordinary skill in
the art in making
the measurement and exercising a level of care commensurate with the objective
of
measurement and precisions of the measuring equipment and any quantities
higher than that.
In certain embodiments, the term "at least about" includes the recited number
minus 10% and
any quantity that is higher such that "at least about 10" would include 9 and
anything greater
than 9. This term can also be expressed as "about 10 or more." Similarly, the
term "less
than about" typically includes the recited number plus 10% and any quantity
that is lower such
that "less than about 10" would include 11 and anything less than 11. This
term can also be
expressed as "about 10 or less."
[0005] Unless otherwise indicated, all parts and percentages are by weight.
Weight percent
(wt. %), if not otherwise indicated, is based on an entire composition free of
any volatiles, that
is, based on dry solids content.
[0006] The term "cosmetic" as used herein refers to an article that may be as
defined under the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic act (FD&C Act) by its intended use, as
"articles intended to
be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise
applied to the human
body . . . for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering
the appearance."
FD&C Act, 201(i). Products included in this definition may include, but are
not limited to,
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-27
skin moisturizers, lotions, serums, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes,
eye and facial
makeup preparations, cleansing shampoos, permanents, hair colors, and
deodorants, as well as
any substance intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the
disclosure provides a
self-sealing pump configured to discharge a fluid upon actuation of an
actuator element and to
automatically seal upon release of the actuator element. Self-sealing pumps
according to
embodiments herein can protect the effectiveness of contents stored therein
for a longer time
period as compared to conventional manual press discharge pumps. The self-
sealing pumps
also ensure the discharge nozzle seals and remains free and clear of dried and
caked fluid.
Self-sealing pumps according to embodiments herein prevent the fluid stored
therein from
degrading and becoming polluted, in order to achieve different use effects and
the effect of
airtight preservation. Self-sealing pumps according to embodiments herein
include an
actuator that upon actuation (e.g., pressing down on the actuator body) opens
a discharge
passage allowing fluid to flow to a nozzle of the self-sealing pump.
[0019] Embodiments of a technical scheme for operating a self-sealing pump
according to
embodiments herein include actuating an actuator element (e.g., pressing on a
button) that is
fixedly connected to a pump body assembly. This use state directs fluid toward
the nozzle
and outlet. According to various embodiments, the self-sealing pump includes
an actuator
body with a discharge cavity inside. A side end surface of the actuator body
is coupled to a
nozzle in communication with the discharge cavity. A plug may be seated within
the
discharge cavity in the actuator body and configured to open and close a
passageway from the
discharge cavity and the nozzle. An end of a pump body assembly may be fixedly
connected
with a limit rod, the center axis of which is perpendicular to the center axis
of the plug. The
pump body assembly may be in communication with the nozzle via the limit rod.
In some
embodiments, the limit rod includes a rod body that is coaxial with the
actuator body and passes
through both ends. The limit rod may include a discharge hole configured to
receive fluid from
a discharge channel within the limit rod. The end of the limit rod can be
slidingly engaged
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-27
with a tapered portion of the plug so that the plug can elastically stretch
and slide along an axial
direction of the nozzle to open and close the passageway within the nozzle.
[0020] In some embodiments, the self-sealing pump includes a spring positioned
between an
end of the plug and a side wall of the discharge cavity. According to various
embodiments,
the spring may at a first end contact, abut, slide over, engage, etc. an end
of the plug and at a
second end may contact, abut, engage, etc. the side wall of the discharge
cavity. According
to embodiments, the spring is configured to move the plug toward and away from
the nozzle
in an axial direction.
[0021] In some embodiments, the plug may include at least one fluid guiding
groove arranged
along a portion of the plug in the axial direction. The at least one fluid
guiding groove may
be formed on a circumferential surface of the plug closest to the nozzle. At
least one rib
arranged in an axial direction of the nozzle may be formed on an internal
surface thereof. The
at least one rib is configured to engage with at least one corresponding
groove on the surface
of the plug to limit the circumferential position and/or rotation of the
nozzle.
[0022] In one or more embodiments, a mid-section portion of the plug includes
an opening,
notch, groove, etc. (referred to herein as a "plug opening") configured to
engage with a
corresponding shaped end portion of the limit rod. In some embodiments, the
plug opening
may be a tapered groove that communicates with the discharge cavity. The
tapered groove of
the plug may contain a first tapered surface having a first slope and a first
stop surface. The
shaped end portion of the limit rod may be tapered and configured to seat in
the tapered groove.
The tapered groove can be formed with a shaped end portion configured to
connect the inside
of the limit rod and the outside of the limit rod. A second tapered surface
and a second stop
surface are formed on the shaped end portion. The first tapered surface
slidably moves along
the second tapered surface such that the first stop surface stops at the
second stop surface
creating an open state of the plug with respect to the nozzle.
[0023] According to one or more embodiments, a stop plate is formed at the
middle and/or
lower sections of the limit rod and extends radially outward. A plug arranged
in the axial
direction is fixed on the outer peripheral wall of the limit rod above the
stop plate. The
actuator body is configured to move up and down along the plug and to stop at
the stop plate.
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-27
[0024] In some embodiments, the actuator body includes an inner annular wall.
According
to some embodiments, the inner annular wall is formed below the discharge
cavity in the axial
direction of the actuator body. A guide groove arranged along the axial
direction is provided
on the inner annular wall corresponding to the plug, and the plug is
configured to engage with
and/or slide in the guide groove. The limit rod may be received within an
inner channel
formed by the inner annular wall. In some embodiments, the limit rod is
received within the
inner channel formed at an upper section of the inner annular wall above the
stop plate. The
limit rod may be sealedly connected with the inner surface of the inner
annular wall through a
sealing ring.
[0025] In some embodiments, a self-sealing pump assembly includes a reservoir
to which the
self-sealing pump attaches. The reservoir may be configured to store fluid for
dispensing by
the self-sealing pump. In some embodiments, the self-sealing pump is
connected, attached,
threaded onto or otherwise affixed to the reservoir.
[0026] According to various embodiments, the actuator of the self-sealing pump
as described
herein utilizes engagement and/or cooperation between the plug (e.g., the
tapered groove) and
the limit rod (e.g., the shaped end portion), to move the plug away from the
nozzle to open the
discharge passage. Such movement of the plug may be downward, backward and/or
in the
axial direction toward and/or against the spring, for example, thereby
compressing the spring.
Upon actuation (e.g., by pressing down on the actuator body), fluid may flow
out from an
opening in the nozzle. This configuration of the actuator limits contact of
the fluid and active
ingredients with the atmosphere (e.g., including oxygen) resulting in better
fluid performance,
less degradation of ingredients and better stability while at the same time
preventing dried and
caked fluid from blocking or polluting the nozzle.
[0027] In one or more embodiments, the limit rod of the actuator is hollow
(e.g., includes a
discharge passageway therethrough) and configured to communicate with the
actuator body
and discharge cavity. This configuration of the actuator enables the fluid to
smoothly enter
the nozzle from the pump body while at the same time enabling the actuator
body to be adjusted.
In some embodiments, movement of the actuator may have a press down limit.
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-27
Self-Sealing Pumps
[0028] Embodiments of self-sealing pumps according to the disclosure will be
described with
respect to the drawings. In some embodiments, the drawings depict an actuator
configured to
seal the fluid to be dispensed from the external environment. The actuator
itself may be
actuated by pressing, which opens a discharge passage to the nozzle. The
actuator can be
removably connected to a pump body assembly. As will be described in more
detail, the pump
body assembly may be fixedly connected to a collar via a fixing ring. The
collar may be
threadedly connected to a fluid reservoir (e.g., a container) using a threaded
structure of the
fluid reservoir. The coupling of the actuator to the reservoir can form a
closed environment to
seal the fluid to be dispensed therein, protecting the fluid from degradation
by the external
environment and drying and caking.
[0029] An embodiment of an actuator 100 for a self-sealing pump is shown in
FIG. 1.
Actuator 100 is formed of an actuator body 1. A nozzle 2 may be connected
and/or attached
to the actuator body 1 as shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, nozzle 2 is
configured to
pass through and/or seat in an opening of the actuator body 1.
[0030] An exploded view of the actuator 100 is shown in FIG. 2. Actuator 100
may further
include a plug 3 having a first end 7 configured to seat and/or engage with
nozzle 2. Plug 3
is at least partially or completely housed within the interior of actuator
body 1. A second end
8 of plug 3 is configured to contact a spring 5. In some embodiments, spring 5
is formed of
a metal material, for example, stainless steel, and optionally may be coated
with a flexible
plastic such as a polyethylene oxide, perfluoroalkoxy, polycarbonate, acrylic,
acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene, or other suitable polymer. In some embodiments, the second
end 8 of plug
3 includes a cylindrical protrusion 9 over which spring 5 can slide. A first
end 10 of spring 5
may seat on plug 3 and a second end 14 of spring 5 seats on an interior of
actuator body 1 as
will be described in more detail.
[0031] Actuator 100 may further include a limit rod 4 having a shaped end
portion 41
configured to engage with a tapered groove 3 of plug 3. Limit rod 4 may be
connected to a
stop plate 43, which will be described in more detail below. Limit rod 4 is
configured to be
received in a sealing ring 6, which seals the limit rod within the interior of
the actuator body 1.
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-27
[0032] As shown in FIGs. 3-5, actuator body 1 may be divided into upper and
lower sections.
The upper section includes a discharge cavity 11 arranged in the interior of
the actuator body
1 in a transverse direction (i.e., arranged in a radial direction). Actuator
body 1 includes an
opening 15 in which nozzle 2 may be seated, fixed, attached and/or inserted.
In some
embodiments, nozzle 2 and an inner wall of discharge cavity 11 can be fixedly
connected by a
snap ring, or other connector suitable for attaching nozzle 2 and the inner
wall. The lower
section of actuator body 1 may be located below discharge cavity 11. As shown
in FIGs. 3-
5, an inner annular wall 12 is formed along the axial direction of the
actuator body 1. Inner
annular wall 12 forms a base 17 of discharge cavity 11 as well as an internal
wall 18 through
which limit rod 4 may be arranged and sealed. In some embodiments, the height
of inner
annular wall 12 is less than the height of the outer peripheral wall 16 of the
actuator body 1.
[0033] According to one or more embodiments, nozzle 2 is configured with an
open end that
forms an outlet 19 and a constricted end 20. The end face of the constricted
end 20 can have
a spherical structure, and a discharge port 22 may be formed at the
constriction through which
nozzle 2 is connected to discharge cavity 11 and the external environment.
Fluid may flow
from the discharge cavity 11 through the discharge port 22 and to outlet 19.
[0034] In some embodiments, plug 3 is positioned in the discharge cavity 11 of
actuator body
1. Plug 3 may be viewed as containing three sections: the first end section 7,
the mid-section
23 and the second end section 8 in order from the direction of the nozzle. As
shown in FIGs.
2 and 8, one or more fluid guiding grooves 31, arranged in the axial
direction, are formed on
the circumferential surface of the first end 7 of plug 3 proximate nozzle 2.
Fluid guiding
grooves 31 form one or more flow channels between an outer peripheral wall of
nozzle 2 and
an inner peripheral wall of nozzle 2. The fluid guiding grooves 31 and flow
channels are
configured to guide the fluid to collect at outlet 19 of nozzle 2 providing a
smooth discharge
flow of the fluid.
[0035] In some embodiments, nozzle 2 includes at least one clamping rib 21
arranged along
the axial direction and formed on the inner circumferential surface as shown
in FIG. 6. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, nozzle 2 includes two symmetrically arranged
clamping ribs
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-27
21. The
at least one rib 21 is configured to engage with at least one corresponding
groove on
the surface of plug 3 to limit the circumferential position and/or rotation of
nozzle 2.
[0036] As shown in FIGs. 3 and 4, a spring 5 is positioned between the second
end 8 of plug
3 away from nozzle 2 and an inner side of the end wall 24 of discharge cavity
11. In some
embodiments, plug 3 includes a protrusion 9 at the second end of plug 3.
Protrusion 9 can
have a width or diameter smaller than the width or diameter of mid-section 23.
In this way,
the resilience and restoring force of spring 5 can reset plug 3 upon de-
actuation of actuator
body 1.
[0037] As further shown in FIGs. 3 and 4, limit rod 4 has a center axis
perpendicular to the
center axis of plug 3. In some embodiments, limit rod 4 is fixedly connected
to the end of
pump body assembly 300, such that limit rod 4 communicates with the inside of
pump body
assembly 300 and the inside of nozzle 2. The shaped end portion 41 of limit
rod 4 may be
slidably matched or engaged with the plug 3 so that plug 3 can elastically
stretch and/or slide
along the axial direction of nozzle 2. Plug 3 is configured two move from one
end pot another:
an open state, which unblocks the discharge passage to nozzle 2 and outlet 19;
and a closed
state, which blocks the discharge passage to nozzle 2 and outlet 19. Actuation
of the actuator
body 1, for example, by pressing down, causes plug 3 to move in the axial
direction toward
spring 5 thereby opening a passage from the discharge cavity 11 to nozzle 2
and outlet 19. In
some embodiments, partial actuation, for example, pressing down only slightly
on actuator
body 1, causes plug 3 to move correspondingly slightly opening the discharge
passage part-
way and causing less fluid to dispense from outlet 19 than during a complete
actuation. De-
actuation of actuator body 1, for example, removing all force, causes plug 3
to move axially
toward nozzle 2 and outlet 19 with assistance from the decompression,
expansion, bias and/or
stored energy of spring 5.
[0038] In some embodiments, plug 3 includes a tapered groove 32 formed in mid-
section 23.
Tapered groove 32 may be in communication with discharge cavity 11 as shown in
FIGs. 3
and 4. Tapered groove 32 of plug 3 is configured to receive, cooperate and/or
engage with
the shaped end portion 41 of limit rod 4. As shown in FIGs 2-5 and 8, tapered
groove 32
may include a first sloped surface 32a and a first stop surface 32b that
correspond to tapered
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-27
surfaces of shaped end portion 41 of limit rod 4. As shown in FIGs. 4 and 9,
the shaped end
portion 41 of limit rod 4 can include a second sloped surface 41a and a second
stop surface 41b
that correspond to the first loped surface 32a and first stop surface 32b of
plug 3. The second
sloped surface 41a may slidably engage with first stop surface 32b and is
configured to stop at
the second stop surface 41b, to effect an open state of plug 3.
[0039] As shown in FIG.9, limit rod 4 in the above structure includes a rod
body 42 that is
arranged coaxially with actuator body 1 and passes through both ends as shown
in FIGs. 3 and
4.
Shaped end portion 41 may be fixedly formed on top of rod body 42. Limit rod 4
further
includes an internal discharge channel 41d arranged along its central axis.
Shaped end portion
41 may be provided with a discharge hole 41c in communication with discharge
channel 41d.
Upon actuation of actuator 100, fluid travels through discharge channel 41d
and discharge hole
41c into discharge cavity 11. Plug 3 moves axially against spring 5 opening a
passage to
outlet 19 of nozzle 2 as described above.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 9, stop plate 43 formed at the middle and lower
sections of limit rod
4 extends radially outward therefrom. A flange 44 may be fixed on an outer
peripheral wall
of limit rod 4 above stop plate 43. Actuator body 1 is configured to move up
and down along
flange 44 and to stop at stop plate 43. In some embodiments, an inner annular
wall 12 is
formed on the actuator body 1 below the discharge cavity 11 along the axial
direction of the
actuator body. As shown in FIG. 5, inner annular wall 12 is provided with
guide groove 13
arranged along the axial direction corresponding to flange 44. Flange 44 is
configured to slide
or otherwise engage with guide groove 13. According to various embodiments,
limit rod 4 is
configured for insertion within an inner channel formed by inner annular wall
12. The inner
channel of inner annular wall 12 is formed at an upper section of limit rod 4
above stop plate
43. The
inner channel may be sealedly connected with an inner surface of the inner
annular
wall 12 via sealing ring 6.
[0041] When actuator 100 is not actuated (i.e., pressed), plug 3 is seated
against outlet 19 at
the front end of nozzle 2 under action of the spring 5 force. This places
actuator 100 in a
closed state. When actuator 100 is actuated (e.g., pressed), actuator body 1
moves downward
to drive plug 3 in an axial direction toward spring 5 opening outlet 19 to
discharge cavity 11.
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-27
First slope surface 32a of plug 3 slides downward along second slope surface
41a of limit rod
4, driving plug 3 to move backward and compress spring 5. The front end of
plug 4 moves
away from outlet 19 of nozzle 2 opening a passage from discharge cavity 11 to
nozzle 2 and
outlet 19. In this way, nozzle 2 is open in the pressed state, and nozzle 2 is
closed in the
unpressed state, which can better protect the performance of active
ingredients in the fluid and
prevent the nozzle from being polluted.
[0042] An embodiment of a self-sealing pump assembly is shown in FIGs. 10 and
11. The
self-sealing pump assembly includes an actuator as described above, for
example, actuator 100.
The actuator includes an actuator body 1 and nozzle 2 as shown in FIGs. 10 and
11. The
self-sealing pump assembly can include a collar 200 and a pump body assembly
300. The
actuator may be connected to an end of a connecting rod in the pump body
assembly 300
through the bottom of the limit rod. In some embodiments, pump body assembly
300 passes
through a fixing ring that may be fixedly connected to a cap. The self-sealing
pump assembly
may be removably connected to a reservoir (not shown), for example, via
threaded connection.
The reservoir is configured to contain and store a fluid to be dispensed.
Suitable reservoirs
include, but are not limited to, bottles, vials, pouches, jars and balloons.
In some
embodiments, extending from the base of the actuator 100 is a tube configured
to draw fluid
from a fluid source. For example, the fluid source may be contained within a
reservoir
removably attached to the actuator. The tube may be removably attached to the
actuator.
[0043] Components of self-sealing pumps as described herein may be formed of a
variety of
materials, including, but not limited to plastics, metals, ceramics or
combinations of two or
more thereof. In some embodiments, the components are formed of sustainable
materials.
Sustainable materials suitable for components of the self-sealing pump (e.g.,
actuator body,
plug, spring, nozzle, o-rings, etc.) according to embodiments herein include,
but are not limited
to, flexible materials, biodegradable polymers, polymers, polyethylene (PE),
polypropylene
(PP), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), nylon and combinations thereof. In some
embodiments,
the components can be constructed of materials in mono-layers, multi-layers
and/or in blends
of materials to provide a complete range of flexibility and protective
barrier. In some
embodiments, the materials suitable for the components include, but are not
limited to,
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-27
polyethylene in various blends and/or having various molecular weights.
According to one
or more embodiments, polyethylene utilized for materials of components can
have a molecular
weight of about 1,000 Da to about 10,000,000 Da, about 2,000 Da to about
8,000,000 Da, about
5,000 Da to about 5,000,000 Da, about 10,000 Da to about 1,000,000, about
20,000 Da to about
800,000 Da, about 50,000 Da to about 500,000 Da or any individual molecular
weight or sub-
range within these ranges as measured using American Society for Testing and
Materials
(ASTM) D6474 or ASTM D6474-20.
[0044] In one or more embodiments, the sustainable material is a biodegradable
polymer, a
recycled composition or a combination thereof. For example, the actuator body
1, nozzle 2,
plug 3, limit rod 4, spring 5, sealing ring 6 and associated components each
may be constructed
of at least one of a biodegradable polymer or a recycled composition such as a
recycled resin.
For example, biodegradable plastics can be used, i.e., plastics meeting ASTM
D6400-04
Standard Specification for Compostable Plastics. Desirably, a biodegradable
plastic is
fully biodegradable, and is not merely fragmented into very small particles
upon
biodegradation. An example of such fully biodegradable plastic can be
polyhydroxyalkanoate
(PHA) materials.
Methods of Manufacture
[0045] According to various embodiments, components of actuators and self-
sealing pumps
as described herein, can be manufactured using any suitable methods known to
those of
ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, components of the actuators
and self-sealing
pumps can be manufactured using three-dimensional printing, injection-molding,
extrusion
and combinations thereof. Manufacturing techniques such as assembly line
construction can
be used to assemble the components of the actuators and self-sealing pumps.
[0046] In some embodiments, the components of the actuators and self-sealing
pumps as
described herein may be injection molded. Injection molding includes molding a
molten
plastic composition, under pressure, into an intended shape. The resulting
injection molded
pieces are configured to, for example, snap together without the use of any
additional
mechanical component such as a mechanical fastener or adhesive. In
embodiments,
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-27
cosmetic dispensers as disclosed herein may be constructed of four (4)
injection molded
components and free of adhesive and/or a mechanical fastener including, but
not limited to, a
screw, bolt, hinge and/or combinations thereof.
[0047] In some embodiments, a method of preparing an actuator or self-sealing
pump as
described herein includes using injection molding to form the various
components. In some
embodiments, the components may be injection molded at a temperature of about
50 C to about
400 C and/or a pressure of about 20 MPa to about 200 MPa. The material
properties of
hardness, density, porosity, tensile strength and roughness may be maintained
for the materials
presented herein. In some embodiments, the components may be extrusion molded
at a
temperature of about 130 C to about 250 C.
Methods of Use
[0048] Self-sealing pumps according to embodiments herein are suitable for use
to dispense
fluids. Fluids suitable for being dispensed using self-sealing pumps as
described herein
include, but are not limited to, liquids, slurries, viscous liquids, pastes,
Bingham plastics, etc.
In one or more embodiments, suitable fluids may be configured to be rubbed,
introduced into,
or otherwise applied to a surface. In some embodiments, the surface is, for
example, skin or
teeth and the fluid is applied, for example, to cleanse, whiten, beautify,
promote attractiveness,
and/or alter appearance. In some embodiments, the surface is, for example, an
inanimate
surface and the fluid is applied, for example, to clean, polish, moisturize,
deodorize, disinfect,
dust, etc.
[0049] Suitable fluids include, but are not limited to, cosmetics, dentifrices
and household
cleaners. Suitable cosmetics include, but are not limited to, a cosmetic,
moisturizer, sun screen,
serum, cream, lotion, gel, lip color, lip moisturizer, lip gloss, blush,
foundation, eyeliner, eye
shadow, deodorant, antiperspirant and/or perfume. Suitable household cleaners
include, but
are not limited to, surface cleaners, wood cleaners, glass cleaners, metal
cleaners, stone
cleaners, wood moisturizers, surface disinfectant, surface dusters, surface
fragrances and/or
combinations thereof.
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-27
[0050] Although exemplary systems have been described in language specific to
structural
features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject
matter defined in the
appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described. Rather, the
specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing
the claimed
systems, methods, and structures.
[0051] One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size,
shape and placement
of such structures can be varied depending on the particular application.
Apart from the
functional aspects the structures provide, they also provide a novel
decorative element. One
having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the decorative possibilities
such shapes present.
[0052] The preceding description sets forth numerous specific details such as
examples of
specific systems, components, methods, and so forth, in order to provide a
good understanding
of several embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one
skilled in the art,
however, that at least some embodiments of the present disclosure may be
practiced without
these specific details. In other instances, well-known components or methods
are not
described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format in order
to avoid
unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Thus, the specific details set
forth are merely
exemplary. Particular implementations may vary from these exemplary details
and still be
contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0053] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural
references unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a
precursor"
includes a single precursor as well as a mixture of two or more precursors;
and reference to a
"reactant" includes a single reactant as well as a mixture of two or more
reactants, and the like.
[0054] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment"
means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in
connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of
the phrase "in
one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this
specification are
not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. In addition, the term
"or" is intended
to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." When the term "about"
or
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-27
"approximately" is used herein, this is intended to mean that the nominal
value presented is
precise within 10%, such that "about 10" would include from 9 to 11.
[0055] The term "at least about" in connection with a measured quantity refers
to the normal
variations in the measured quantity, as expected by one of ordinary skill in
the art in making
the measurement and exercising a level of care commensurate with the objective
of
measurement and precisions of the measuring equipment and any quantities
higher than that.
In certain embodiments, the term "at least about" includes the recited number
minus 10% and
any quantity that is higher such that "at least about 10" would include 9 and
anything greater
than 9. This term can also be expressed as "about 10 or more." Similarly, the
term "less
than about" typically includes the recited number plus 10% and any quantity
that is lower
such that "less than about 10" would include 11 and anything less than 11.
This term can
also be expressed as "about 10 or less."
[0056] Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a
shorthand
method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range, unless
otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the
specification as if
it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be
performed in any
suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly
contradicted by context.
The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as")
provided herein, is
intended merely to illuminate certain materials and methods and does not pose
a limitation on
scope. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any
non-claimed
element as essential to the practice of the disclosed materials and methods.
[0057] Although the operations of the methods herein are shown and described
in a particular
order, the order of the operations of each method may be altered so that
certain operations may
be performed in an inverse order or so that certain operation may be
performed, at least in part,
concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-
operations of
distinct operations may be in an intermittent and/or alternating manner.
[0058] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be
illustrative, and not
restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the
art upon reading
and understanding the above description. The scope of the disclosure should,
therefore, be
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-27
determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of
equivalents to
which such claims are entitled.
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-27
Table of Elements
Element Description
Identifier
1 Actuator body
2 Nozzle
3 Plug
4 Limit rod
Spring
6 Sealing ring
7 First end of plug
8 Second end of plug
9 Protrusion
First end of spring
11 Discharge cavity
12 Inner annular wall
13 Guide groove
14 Second end of spring
Opening
16 Outer peripheral wall
17 Base
18 Internal wall
19 Outlet
Constricted end
21 Reinforcement
22 Discharge port
23 Mid-section of plug
24 End wall of discharge cavity
31 Fluid guiding groove
32 Tapered groove
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-27
32a First slope surface
32b First stop surface
41 Shaped end portion
41a Second slope surface
41b Second stop surface
41c Discharge hole
41d Discharge channel
42 Rod body
43 Stop plate
44 Flange
100 Actuator
200 Collar
300 Pump body assembly
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-27
