Piston pump with locking pistons

A piston pump with an improved arrangement by which a piston-forming element is movable relative to a piston chamber-forming element between locked and unlocked positions. The piston chamber-forming body has a collar member having an inner guide tube coaxially about an axis with a lug member extending radially inwardly therefrom and the piston-forming element has a slide tube coaxially radially inwardly of the collar member with the slide tube carrying motion control features for interaction and engagement with the lug member whereby relative axial and rotational movement of the piston-forming element relative to the piston chamber-forming body provides for the adoption of positions in which the pump is operable to dispense fluid and positions in which the pump is inoperative.

SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a piston pump assembly having a piston-forming element coaxially mounted to a piston chamber-forming body for reciprocal axial movement to dispense product and in which the piston-forming element is movable between locked inoperative and unlocked operative positions by sequenced rotational and/or axial movement relative the piston chamber-forming body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pumps for dispensing fluid product from containers are known to include piston pumps in which a piston is moved axially to discharge a fluid and in which the piston may be moved to a locked position in which the pump is inoperative as can be advantageous during shipping or handling.

A number of disadvantages arise with known lockable piston pumps. One disadvantage is that with many known pumps, the piston inadvertently moves out a locked position in shipping. Another disadvantage is that during the use of many known pumps, upon moving the piston from a locked to an unlocked position, the pump does not provide a tactical feeling to a user by which the user may understand that the piston has been moved between locked and unlocked positions. Another disadvantage with many known pumps is that a considerable number of components are required to provide a locking mechanism as contrasted with pumps that do not include a locking mechanism.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To at least partially overcome some of these disadvantages of known pumps, the present invention provides a piston pump with an improved arrangement by which a piston-forming element is movable relative to a piston chamber-forming element between locked and unlocked positions. Preferably, in accordance with the present invention, the piston chamber-forming body has a collar member having an inner guide tube coaxially about an axis with a lug member extending radially inwardly therefrom and the piston-forming element has a slide tube coaxially radially inwardly of the collar member with the slide tube carrying motion control features for interaction and engagement with the lug member whereby relative axial and rotational movement of the piston-forming element relative to the piston chamber-forming body provides for the adoption of positions in which the pump is operable to dispense fluid and positions in which the pump is inoperative.

Preferably, the slide tube has a side wall that has integrally formed therein a resilient finger member disposed circumferentially between a stop slot and a slide channel on the slide tube such that with rotation of the piston-forming element to appropriate axial positions relative to the piston chamber-forming member, the lug member moves between a position in the stop slot in which the pump is rendered inoperative, and a position in the slide channel in which axial movement for operation of the pump is permitted.

The finger member preferably is provided in the slide tube as a resilient member axially between two axially extending cut slots cut through the side wall of the slide tube with the finger member extending between the cut slots to a distal inner end.

Preferably, the provision of the finger member, the slide channel and the stop slot in the side tube wall reduces the number of components required for the pump.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a liquid pump for dispensing a liquid from a container comprising:

a piston chamber-forming body having a cylindrical fluid chamber disposed about an axis and open at an axially outer end,

a piston-forming element comprising a piston member and an actuator member,

the piston member extending from the actuator member coaxially inwardly through the outer end of the fluid chamber into the fluid chamber and engaging the fluid chamber to form a liquid pump,

the piston-forming element including a central axially extending stem with a passageway therethrough for passage of the liquid discharged by the liquid pump axially outwardly to a discharge outlet on the actuator member axially outwardly of the piston chamber-forming body,

wherein in coaxial reciprocal movement of the piston-forming element relative the piston chamber-forming body about the axis between a retracted axial position and an extended axial position, the liquid pump dispenses liquid from the container out the discharge outlet36,

the piston chamber-forming body including a collar member for engagement with an opening of the container,

the collar member having an inner guide tube coaxially about the axis open at both an axially inner end and an axial outer end, the guide tube having a cylindrical radially inwardly directed inner guide surface,

a lug member extending radially inwardly from the inner guide surface,

the lug member extending radially inwardly from the inner guide surface over a circumferential extent C, a radial extent R, and an axial extent A,

the piston-forming element having an outer slide tube fixed to the actuator member at an axially outer end and extending axially inwardly to an open axial inner slide tube end,

the slide tube coaxially about the piston member radially outwardly about the piston member,

the slide tube having a radially outwardly directed outer tubular slide tube wall,

a pair of axially extending circumferentially spaced cut slots, each cut radially through the slide tube wall from a respective inner slot end open to the inner slide tube end to a respective blind outer slot end located spaced axially outwardly from the inner slide tube end,

a first finger member defined in the slide tube wall between the cut slots with the first finger member extending from an axially inner distal end of the first finger member to an axially outer end of the first finger member where the first finger member merges into the slide tube wall between the outer slot ends,

the first finger member deflectable by radially inwardly directed forces to move the distal end radially inwardly relative the slide tube wall,

the slide tube having an axially extending first slide channel extending radially inwardly from the slide tube wall,

the first slide channel and the lug member complementarily sized in circumferential extent and radial extent such that when the slide tube is rotated about the axis relative the guide tube to a first operative rotational position, the lug member slides axially in the first side channel permitting relative coaxial sliding between the retracted position and the extended position for operation of the liquid pump to dispense the liquid,

the slide tube having an axially extending first stop slot extending radially inwardly into the slide tube wall,

the first stop slot and the lug member complementarily sized in circumferential extent and radial extent such that when the slide tube is rotated about the axis relative the guide tube to a first inoperative rotational position, the lug member is received in the first stop slot and engagement between the slide tube and the guide tube limits relative coaxial sliding to prevent operation of the liquid pump to dispense the liquid,

the first finger member located on the slide tube circumferentially between the first slide channel and the first stop slot,

in relative rotation of the guide tube and the slide tube about the axis from the first inoperative rotational position to the first operative rotational position, the first finger member blocks the circumferential movement of the lug member until with relative rotation about the axis, a camming surface of the lug member and a cammed surface on the first finger member engage deflecting the first finger member radially inwardly out of the path of the lug member permitting the lug member to rotate circumferentially therepast from the first inoperative rotational position to the first operative rotational position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is made toFIGS. 1 to 23showing a first embodiment of a dispenser9in accordance with the present invention. The dispenser9includes a pump assembly10and a container12. InFIGS. 1, 2 and 3, for ease of illustration, the container12is illustrated as being transparent.

The container12is enclosed but for an opening37, as seen inFIG. 4, provided at an axially outer end of a threaded neck101of the container which is coupled to a top wall102of the container12. The top wall102merges into a side wall103and, hence, into a bottom wall104. As illustrated inFIG. 4, a liquid105is contained within the container12and the pump assembly10is adapted to discharge the liquid105from container12.

As seen in the cross-section ofFIG. 4, the pump assembly10has a piston chamber-forming body14and a piston-forming element16. Each of the piston chamber-forming body14and the piston-forming element16are substantially disposed coaxially about a central axis20. When the pump assembly10is in an unlocked configuration, coaxial reciprocal movement of the piston-forming element16relative the piston chamber-forming body14about the axis20between an axially extended position as shown inFIGS. 2, 4 and 5and an axially retracted position shown inFIGS. 3 and 6, dispenses the liquid105from the container12out a discharge outlet36of the piston-forming element16.

The piston chamber-forming body14, as seen inFIGS. 5 and 9, comprises two major components, a collar member38and a tube member39which are fixedly secured together in a snap fit relation. The piston-forming element16includes as two lesser elements a one-way inlet valve17and a dip tube19.

The tube member39has a side wall106disposed coaxially about the axis20with a generally stepped configuration so as to define an axially inner fluid chamber18and an axially outer air chamber118.

The fluid chamber18is defined inside the wall106from an axially inner end119to an axially outer end120of the fluid chamber18. The axially inner end119is defined by a radially inwardly extending shoulder121with an inlet opening122coaxially therethrough opening axially inwardly into a socket123open axially inwardly. The socket123is adapted to frictionally receive an inner end of the dip tube19. The hollow tubular dip tube19extends downwardly to a lower end107disposed approximate the bottom wall104of the container12. The one-way inlet valve17is secured in the inlet opening122in a snap fit and includes a resilient disc124that engages the radially inwardly directed inner surface of the wall106to permit fluid flow axially outwardly therepast yet to prevent fluid flow axially inwardly therepast as in a manner, for example, described in a similar one-way inlet valve in U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,277 to Ophardt issued Oct. 14, 1997, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The fluid chamber18is open at its axially outer end120into an inner end125of the air chamber118. The air chamber118is defined within the wall106between its axially inner end125and an axially outer end130. Thus, the fluid chamber118is open at its axially inner end120into the air chamber118. The air chamber118is open axially outwardly at its axially outer end130. The fluid chamber118is defined between its axially inner end119and its axially outer end120radially inwardly of an inner portion131of the wall106which is circular in cross-section, substantially cylindrical and has a diameter. The air chamber118is defined between its axially inner end125and its axially outer end130by an outer portion132of the wall106which is circular in cross-section, substantially cylindrical and has a diameter larger than the diameter of the inner wall portion131forming the fluid chamber18. As best seen inFIG. 8, the wall106carries at the outer end130a radially outwardly extending snap flange135and spaced axially inwardly from the snap flange135, a radially outwardly extending sealing flange134.

As seen inFIGS. 5 and 9the collar member38is secured in a fixed snap fit relation on to the axially outer end130of the tube member39. The collar member38has an inner guide tube40coaxially about the axis20. The inner guide tube40is open both at an axially inner end41and an axially outer end42. The guide tube40has a cylindrical radially inwardly directed inner guide surface44extending between its inner end41and its outer end42. The collar member38includes a radially outwardly extending shoulder flange140merging into an outer collar tube142having a threaded radially inwardly directed surface143carrying threads for engagement with complementary threads on the threaded neck101of the container12. Between the inner guide tube40and the outer collar tube142, an axially extending snap tube144extends axially inwardly from the shoulder flange140. As seen inFIG. 9, the snap flange135on the collar member38carries an axially inwardly directed shoulder for engagement with an axially outwardly directed shoulder on the snap tube144to fixedly secure the collar member38and the tube member39coaxially about the axis20with the inner guide tube40disposed radially inwardly of the wall106of the tube member39about the outer end130. As can be seen inFIG. 4, the collar member38is secured to the container12with the threaded surface143of the collar member38engaging the threaded neck101on the container12and urging the sealing flange134of the tube member38into sealed engagement with the opening37of the container12, preferably with a resilient annular gasket member200disposed axially therebetween.

Referring toFIG. 7showing the collar member38, the inner guide tube40carries a lug member46that extends radially inwardly from the inner guide surface44. The lug member38as seen inFIG. 7has an axially outwardly directed outer axial lug stop surface218, an axially inwardly directed inner axial lug stop surface219, a circumferentially directed right lug side surface220, a circumferentially directed left lug side surface222, and a radially inwardly directed circumferential lug surface223. The lug member28provides as curved merger of the right lug side surface220and the circumferential lug surface223, a camming surface78. The lug member46is marked onFIG. 7to extend radially inwardly from the inner guide surface44over a circumferential extent C between the right lug side surface220and the left lug side surface22, a radial extent R from the inner guide surface44to the circumferential lug surface223and an axial extent A between the outer axial lug stop surface218and the inner axial lug stop surface219.

Reference is made toFIGS. 10 to 12showing the piston-forming element16as comprising two major elements, namely, a piston member24and an actuator member26. In addition, as a minor element, the piston-forming element16includes a foam generator25schematically illustrated inFIG. 11.

The foam generator25is schematically illustrated as a cylindrical member comprising a pair of spaced screens601,602bonded to the axial ends of a cylindrical porous sponge-like plug. The particular nature of the foam generator25is, however, not limited. The foam generator25is adapted to be received within the passageway34axially inwardly from an inner stem tube170on the actuator member26and supported on a radially outwardly directed shoulder within the passageway34. The particular nature of a foam generator25is not limited and the purpose of the foam generator is to generate a consistent mixture of a foamed air and liquid product on simultaneous passing of the air and liquid therethrough.

The piston member24is best seen by itself inFIG. 11as being disposed coaxially about the axis20. The piston-forming element16includes a central axially extending stem32with a passageway34therethrough closed at an axially inner end150and open at an axially outer end151. The piston member24carries a reduced diameter axially innermost fluid piston portion152which is adapted to be coaxially received within the fluid chamber18to form a liquid pump30. The fluid piston portion152includes a resilient inner disc153that engages the side wall106in the fluid chamber118to permit fluid flow axially outwardly therepast but to prevent fluid flow axially inwardly therepast. The fluid piston portion152includes an outer disc154that engages the side wall106in the fluid chamber18to prevent fluid flow axially therepast. Liquid ports155located on the stem32between the outer disc154and the inner disc153extend coaxially through the stem32into the passageway34. With reciprocal coaxial movement of the piston member24relative to the tube member39, the fluid105is drawn upwardly from the container12though the dip tube19past the one-way inlet valve17into the fluid chamber18in a retraction stroke and in an opposite extension stroke, the fluid105is discharged axially outwardly past the inner disc153into an annular space149radially outward of the stem32and radially inward of the wall106and between the inner disc153and the outer disc154and hence via the liquid ports155radially through the stem32into the passageway34leading to the discharge outlet36. The operation of the liquid pump30is substantially the same as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,277 to Ophardt referenced above. However, many other configurations of a piston pump may be adopted for the liquid pump30without departing from the present invention.

In the liquid pump30, there is defined between the outer disc54and the one-way inlet valve17, a liquid compartment401with a volume that varies with the axial position of the piston member24within the fluid chamber18.

Axially outwardly on the stem32from the outer disc154, transfer ports156are provided radially through the stem32into the passageway34. Axially outwardly from the transfer ports156, an annular air disc157extends radially outwardly from the stem32. The air disc157extends radially from stem32at an axially outer end174of the air disc157as a radial shoulder175that bridges between the stem32and a generally cylindrical tubular portion176of the air disc157. The tubular portion176extends coaxially about the axis20from the radial shoulder175axially inwardly to merge with at an axially inner end with the radially outwardly flange177carrying disc arms161and162.

As can be seen inFIG. 5, the air disc157at its radial outer end carries the pair of resilient disc arms161and162which engage the inner surface of the wall106inside the air chamber118to provide a seal preventing flow axially inwardly or outwardly therepast.

An air compartment402is defined annularly about the stem32radially between the stem32and the wall106about the air chamber118and axially between the air disc157and the outer disc154. The air compartment402has a volume that varies with the axial position of the piston member24within the tube member39whereby an air pump31is formed. In a retraction stroke, the volume of the air compartment402decreases forcing air through the transfer port156into the passageway34simultaneously with the discharge of the liquid105from the pump liquid30into the passageway34for simultaneous discharge of air and liquid via the passageway34through the foam generator25to produce a foam of air and the liquid that is discharged to the discharge outlet36. In a withdrawal stroke, the volume of the air compartment402increases drawing via the discharge outlet36air from the atmosphere, as well as drawing any foam, air or liquid within the passageway34into the air compartment402.

A spring member15is disposed with the air chamber118engaged at an axially inner end of the spring member15on a radially extending shoulder158between the outer end120of the fluid chamber18and the inner end125of the air chamber118and at an axially inner end and at an axially outer end of the spring member15on the shoulder flange175the air disc157. The spring member15biases the piston member24and thereby the piston-forming element16axially outwardly relative to the piston chamber-forming body14to the extended position as shown inFIG. 5and is compressible to permit the piston-forming element16to be moved relative the piston chamber-forming body14from the extended position ofFIG. 5to the retracted position ofFIG. 6.

Reference is made toFIG. 12showing the actuator member26alone. The actuator member26includes at an axially outer end a radially extending endcap170from which an outer slide tube48extends axially inwardly from an axially outer end49of the outer slide tube48to an open axially inner slide tube end50. The slide tube48extends coaxially about the axis20axially inwardly from the end cap170. An inner stem tube171also extends coaxially about the axis20from the endcap170coaxially within the outer slide tube48to an axially inner end172of the inner stem tube171. The actuator member26carries a radially outwardly extending discharge tube96that extends radially outwardly from the end cap170and carries the discharge outlet36at a radially outer end97. An internal passage98extends radially through the discharge tube96to provide for communication between the discharge outlet36and the passageway34in the stem32.

As can be seen inFIG. 10, the piston member24and the actuator member26are fixedly secured together with the inner stem tube171coaxially within the open outer end of the passageway34of the stem32of the piston member24in frictional engagement. The end cap170of the actuator member26provides an axially outer end of the actuator member26as an axially outwardly directed engagement surface93for the application of manual forces to move the piston-forming element16relative the piston chamber-forming body14axially from the extended position as seen inFIG. 5to the retracted position such as seen inFIG. 6.

As can be seen inFIGS. 5 and 9, an air port146is provided radially through the wall106into the air chamber118. Reference is made toFIG. 4which illustrates the air port146as open on a radial outward side of the tube member36via an annular passageway173between the tube member39and the neck101of the container12into the interior of the container12. When the piston-forming element16is in an extended position as seen inFIGS. 4 and 5, the disc arms161and162on the air disc157overly the air port146and prevent flow through the air port146. However, on the piston-forming element16being moved axially inwardly relative to the piston chamber-forming body14from the extended position ofFIGS. 4 and 5, once the disc arm162on the air disc157is moved axially inwardly of the air port146, then the radial inward side of the air port146is open to atmospheric air via axially extending annular spacings between the slide tube48of the actuator member26and each of the side wall106of the tubular member29and the inner guide tube40of the collar member38. This communication of the air port146with the atmosphere provides for equalization of pressure between the atmosphere and the interior of the container12as will relieve any vacuum which may be developed in the interior of the container12due to the removal of the fluid105from the container12by the liquid pump30.

Reference is made toFIGS. 12, 13, 14 and 15showing the actuator member26alone. As can be seen inFIG. 12, the actuator member26carries the slide tube48which has a radially outwardly directed outer tubular slide tube wall52and a radially inwardly directed inner tubular slide tube wall53. The outer slide tube wall52is circular in any cross-section normal the axis20. Similarly, the inner slide tube wall53is circular in any cross-section normal the axis20. The slide tube48carries approximate its inner slide tube end50a radially outwardly extending annular end flange202presenting an axially outwardly directed stop shoulder204.

As can be best seen, for example, inFIGS. 17 and 18, the engagement of the stop shoulder204on the slide tube48with the axially inner end41of the inner guide tube40of the collar member38limits axial outward sliding of the actuator member26relative to the collar member38and, hence, as seen inFIGS. 4 and 5, limits the axial outward sliding of the piston-forming element16relative the piston chamber-forming body14in the extended position. As seen in the left-hand side ofFIG. 17, the outer tubular side wall52of the slide tube48is in close relation to the radially inwardly directed inner guide surface44of the inner guide tube40on the collar member38so as to journal the actuator member26coaxially in the collar member38for both rotation about the axis20and coaxial sliding. If, hypothetically, the outer slide tube48and its radially outwardly directed outer tubular side wall52as well as the inner guide tube40and its radially inwardly directed inner guide surface44were 360° about their entire circumference to have the appearances seen in the left-hand side ofFIG. 17, then the actuator member26would freely coaxially slide relative to the collar member38and the actuator member26would freely rotate relative to the collar member about the axis20. This is not the case, however, as the lug member46carries on the collar member38and extending radially inwardly from the inner guide surface44of the collar member38interacts with various motion control features provided on the slide tube48of the actuator member26. These motion control features on the slide tube48include, as seen inFIG. 15, an axially extending slide channel70, a stop slot72and a finger member62.

The axially extending slide channel70is provided on the slide tube48to extend radially inwardly from the outer tubular side tube wall52of the slide tube48. The slide channel70is defined between two channel side walls206and208bridged by a channel base210. The slide channel70is open radially outwardly over a circumferential extent C′ between the slide walls206and208. The channel base210has a radially outwardly directed base surface211and a radially inwardly directed base surface212. The slide channel70has a radially extent R′ measured from the base surface211to a radius about the axis20in which the outer tubular slide tube wall52lies. The slide channel70is open at an axially inner end220at the inner slide tube end50. The slide channel is closed at an axially outer end wall221. While the actuator member26is in an operative rotational position relative to the collar member38, the lug member46is received within the slide channel70, which condition arises in the unlocked conditions ofFIGS. 2 and 3in which the lug member46is axially slidable within the slide channel70permitting reciprocal axial movement of the actuator member26between the retracted position ofFIG. 2and the extended position ofFIG. 3. The lug member38has its circumferential extent C and radial extent R complementary to the circumferential extent C′ and radial extend R′ of the side channel70so as to provide for relative axial sliding of the lug member38within the slide channel70.

The stop slot72is provided on the slide tube48to extend radially inwardly from the outer slide tube wall52of the slide tube48. The stop slot72as best seen inFIG. 15is cut entirely through the slide tube48. The stop slot72is bordered by a circumferentially and radially extending axially outer axial slot stop surface213and with the stop slot72extending circumferentially between a radially and axially extending left slot side surface214and an axially extending right slot side surface216. The stop slot72extends circumferentially between the left slot side surface214and the right slot side surface216axially from the axial slot stop surface213axially inwardly to an axially inner slot opening217into the stop slot72at the inner side tube end50. The stop slot72has a circumferential extent C″ between the left slot side surface214and the right slot side surface216and an axial extent A″ between the axial slot stop surface213and the inner slot opening217. The slide stop72also has a radial extent R″.

When the actuator member26and the collar member38are in an inoperative rotational position such as inFIGS. 1, 16, 17 and 18, the collar member38is coaxially about the actuator member26and the lug member46extends radially inwardly from the collar member38engaged within the stop slot72on the slide tube48of the actuator member26. In this regard, the lug member46and the stop slot72are complementary sized as to their respective circumference extents C and C″ and radially extents R and R″ and axial extents A and A″ respectively such that the lug member46is be received within the stop slot72. With the lug member46received in the stop slot72: (a) engagement between the axially outwardly directed outer axial lug stop surface218on the lug member46and the axial slot stop surface213of the stop slot72limits axial sliding of the lug member46within the stop slot72axially outwardly; (b) engagement between the right lug side surface220of the lug member46with the right slot side surface216of the stop slot72prevents relative rotation of the actuator member26and the collar member36in one direction about the axis20; and (c) engagement of the left lug side surface222of the lug member46with the left slot side surface214of the stop slot72restricts relative rotation of the actuator member26and the collar member38about the axis20in an opposite direction.

In the inoperative rotational position with the lug member46of the collar member38received within the stop slot72of the actuator member26, then a locked condition arises as illustrated inFIGS. 16, 17, 18 and 21.

The finger member62is provided on the slide tube48as a portion of the slide tube wall52between a pair of cut slots54and55. Each of the cut slots54and55extends radially through the side wall tube52radially between the outer tubular slide tube wall52and the inner tubular slide tube wall53. Each cut slot54and55extends axially from a respective axial inner slot end56and57open to the inner slide tube end52to a respective blind axial outer slot end60and61located spaced axially inwardly from the inner slide tube end50. As best seen inFIG. 13, the cut slot55is provided as cut from the channel side wall206of the slide channel70. The cut slot54is defined by the combination of the stop slot72and an axially outer slot portion217that extends axially outwardly from the stop slot72. The finger member62is defined in the slide tube40circumferentially between the cut slots54and55. The finger62extends from an axially inner distal end64of the finger member62to an axially outer end66of the finger member62, where the finger member62merges into the slide tube wall52between the blind axial outer slot ends60and61. As can be seen inFIG. 3, the blind axial outer slot ends60and61are spaced axially outwardly from the inner slide tube end50an equal distance. The finger member62has a radially outwardly directed outer surface224that is concave mirroring the curvature of the outer tubular side wall52and a radially inwardly directed inner surface225that is convex and mirroring the curvature of the inner tubular side wall53. The finger member62has a left side surface226that includes the right slot side surface216and on the opposite side a right side surface227.

The slide tube48is provided such that the finger member62is a resilient member that is deflectable by radially inward directed forces to move the distal end64the finger member62radially inwardly relative the slide tube wall52. The finger member62is resilient and has an inherent bias to assume an unbiased condition as shown inFIGS. 13 to 15conforming to the circular in cross-section shape of the slide tube48. When a radially inwardly directed force is applied to the finger member16as schematically illustrated by the arrow F onFIG. 13, the finger member62deflects with movement of the distal end64of the finger member62radially inwardly relative the outer end66and, on release of such force F, the finger member62under its inherent bias moves towards its unbiased condition. The slide tube48is preferably made from materials having some inherent resiliency, preferably by injection molding as a unitary element from plastic materials. Suitable resiliency of the finger member62may be provided by the selection of the materials from which the slide tube48is made.

The right slot side surface216of the stop slot72comprises a portion of the left side surface226of the finger member62within the stop slot72. The right slot side surface216includes a cammed surface80which, while extending axially, is “beveled” so as to extend at an acute angle to an axially and radially extending plane including the axis20with a distance of any point on the cammed surface80increasing in circumferential distance from the left slot side surface214with increased radius from the axis20.

Each ofFIGS. 16 to 19are illustrations showing merely the actuator member26and the collar member38as coupled together and in which other components forming the pump assembly10, not shown. Each ofFIGS. 20 to 23are illustrations showing merely the piston member24, actuator member26and the collar member38. Each ofFIGS. 20 to 23are cross-sectional views along section line D-D′ inFIG. 17in the extended position but with the piston member24and actuator member28as the piston-forming element16in different rotational positions about the axis20relative the collar member38.

Reference is made toFIGS. 16, 17, 18 and 21which illustrate the actuator member26and the collar member38coupled together in the locked condition and the inoperative rotational position. In these Figures, under the bias of the spring member15(not shown) urging the actuator member26axially outwardly relative to the collar member38, the outer axial lug stop surface218of the lug member46engages with the axial slot stop surface213of the stop slot72to limit coaxially outward sliding of the actuator member26relative to the collar member38thereby preventing operation of the liquid pump30and the air pump31to dispense the liquid and air. As best seen inFIG. 21, but also inFIG. 16, the left lug side surface222of the lug member46engages the left slot side surface214of the stop slot72to prevent rotation of the actuator member26clockwise relative to the collar member as seen inFIG. 21. OnFIG. 21, an angular vector A is indicated as the angle of rotation about the axis20between the left lug side surface222and the left slot side surface214as effectively nil. In use, from the positions ofFIGS. 16 and 21the actuator member26is manually rotated counterclockwise relative to the collar member38until the right lug side surface220of the lug member46first engages the right slot side surface216with the camming surface78on the lug member26first engaging the cammed surface80of the finger member62and assume the positions ofFIGS. 18 and 22in which, as seen inFIG. 22, the angular vector B about the axis between the left lug side surface222and the left slot side surface214is marginally increased over angular vector A inFIG. 21. From the position illustrated inFIG. 22, on manual forces being applied to the actuator member26to rotate the actuator member26counterclockwise relative to the collar member38, the camming surface78of the lug member46and the cammed surface80on the finger member62engage applying radially inwardly directed forces to the finger member62deflecting the finger member62radially inwardly out of the path of the lug member46and permitting lug member46to rotate circumferentially counterclockwise radially outwardly past the deflected finger member62as illustrated inFIG. 23to have an angular vector C between the left lug side surface222and the left slot side surface214increased over the angular vector B inFIG. 22. As seen inFIG. 23, the radially inwardly directed circumferential lug surface223of the lug member46is engaged with the radially outwardly directed outer surface226of the finger member62to keep the finger member62deflected.

From the position illustrated inFIG. 23, with subsequent relative manual rotation of the actuator member26counterclockwise relative to the collar member38, the lug member46comes to move circumferentially past the finger member62and become disposed within the slide channel70with counterclockwise movement of the actuator member26relative to the collar member38stopped with the left lug side surface222of the lug member46engaging the channel side wall208as seen inFIG. 20. As seen inFIG. 20, the angular vector D between the left lug side surface222and the left slot side surface214has increased over the angular vector C ofFIG. 23. As seen inFIG. 20, the lug member46has moved counterclockwise past the finger member62and the finger member62under its inherent bias has moved radially outwardly from the defected condition shown inFIG. 23towards the unbiased condition as shown inFIG. 20. InFIG. 20, the lug member26is constrained within the side channel70by being disposed circumferentially between the channel side walls206and208with the side surfaces of the finger member62in opposed relation to the channel slide walls206and208. The lug member46once received within the slide channel70is maintained within the slide channel70preventing relative rotation of the actuator member26relative to the collar member38by reason of the lug member46being constrained between the channel side walls206and208. The engagement of the channel side wall206including the left side surface226of the finger member62prevents movement of the lug member46from the slide channel70with clockwise rotation of the actuator member26relative the collar member38. The unlocked condition and operative rotational position illustrated inFIG. 20corresponds to the unlocked extended position shown inFIG. 2from which the actuator member26is free to slide coaxially relative to the collar member38between the extended position ofFIG. 5and the retracted position ofFIG. 6for operation of the liquid pump30and the air pump31.

FIG. 19illustrates the unlocked condition as shown inFIG. 20with the lug member26received within the side channel70in the extended position ofFIGS. 2 and 5.

As one manner of assembling the pump10, the actuator member26and the collar member38may be coupled together with the lug member46received with the stop slot72. Subsequently, the piston member24may be coupled to the actuator member26and then the tube member39maybe coaxially disposed about the piston member24and coupled to the collar member38. Of course, the various other components such as the one-way valve17, the foam generator25and the spring member95are to be inserted at appropriate times in these assembly steps. Such an assembled pump10would thus have as an initial condition as inFIG. 1, that is, in a locked condition in the inoperative rotational position and the extended position with engagement of the lug member46in the stop slot72preventing axial sliding of the actuator member26to the retracted position, preventing rotation of the actuator member26clockwise and resisting rotation of the actuator member26counterclockwise relative to the collar member38unless sufficient relative rotational forces are applied to the actuator member26that engagement between the lug member46and the finger member62deflects the finger member62radially inwardly to permit the lug member46to rotate counterclockwise to be received within the slide channel70assuming the unlocked condition in the operative rotational position and extended position ofFIG. 2. In the unlocked condition and extended position ofFIG. 2, the actuator member26is free to move between the unlocked extended position ofFIG. 2and the unlocked retracted position ofFIG. 3to dispense the fluid and air. In the preferred embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 23, once the lug member46becomes engaged within the slide channel70the lug member46cannot be moved out of the slide channel70.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the rotational forces required to be applied by a user in rotating the actuator member26such that engagement between the lug member46and the finger member62will deflect the finger member62sufficiently that the lug member46will move radially past the finger member62are preferably selected such that there is a clear tactical indication given to the user firstly that the actuator member26is in the inoperative rotational position relative to the collar member38and, secondly, that the finger member62has become received within the slide channel70and is in the operational rotational position.

Referring toFIG. 11, the tubular portion176of the air disc157carries a radially outwardly directed finger stopping surface82. As best seen inFIGS. 20 to 23, the tubular portion176is located radially inwardly from the finger member62with the radially outwardly directed finger stopping surface82opposed to the radially inwardly directed inner surface225of the finger member62and, as seen inFIG. 23, limits radial inward deflection of the finger member62. As seen inFIG. 23, on radial inward deflection of the finger member62, the finger stopping surface82located radially inwardly from the finger member62is engaged by the finger member62and increases the resistance to deflecting the finger member62radially inwardly out of the path of the lug member46, as can be advantageous to serve a number of purposes.

Preferably, the actuator member26and its slide tube48including the finger member62are integrally formed by injection molding from a material having desired properties with an inherent resiliency so as to provide the finger member62to assume an inherent unbiased position, permit deflection of the finger member62and return of the finger member62to the inherent unbiased position. Providing the finger stopping surface82located radially inwardly from the finger member62can assist in controlling deflection of the finger member62. For example, in deflection of the finger member62the axially inner distal end64of the finger member62will come to engage the finger stopping surface82and limit further inward deflection of the distal end64. This can be advantageous to prevent undue deflection and deformation of the finger member62as at its outer end66. In one first arrangement, the tubular portion176may be relatively rigid to prevent radial inward movement of the finger member62when engaged by the finger62. In this first arrangement, once the inner distal end64of the finger member62engages the finger stopping surface82, increased radially inward deflection of the finger member62between its distal end64and its outer end66may be required to permit the lug member46to move circumferentially therepast thereby increasing the resistance required to deflect the finger member62outwardly out of the path of the lug member46.

In a second arrangement, the finger stopping surface82is resilient having an inherent bias to assume an inherent position and when deflected from the inherent position to return to the inherent position. In this regard, the tubular portion176may provide for such resiliency and insofar as the finger member62is moved radially inwardly, such radial inwardly movement of the finger member62will deflect the finger stopping surface82radially inwardly with the finger stopping surface82resiliently biasing the finger member62radially outwardly towards the inherent biased position of the tubular portion176. The tubular portion176may preferably be formed of a material that provides resiliency and is biased to return to an inherent position and will urge finger member62radially outwardly.

In the preferred embodiments as illustrated, for example, inFIG. 23, the inherent resiliency of the tubular portion176provides at least stopping and preferably a resiliency. Alternatively, a separate annular spring member (not shown) could be provided and carried with the tubular portion176to provide in effect a spring to bias the finger member62radially outwardly.

Referring toFIG. 21, the finger member62in its unbiased condition as shown inFIG. 21is spaced radially from the finger stopping surface82, that is, with the radially inwardly directed inner surface225of the finger member62spaced from the finger stopping surface82. As an alternate arrangement, the finger member62as seen in the unbiased condition as shown inFIG. 21could have its radial thickness increased so as to provide the radially inwardly directed inner surface225of the finger member62closely adjacent the finger stopping surface82even when the finger member62is in its inherent unbiased position as seen inFIG. 21. In this arrangement, for inward movement of the finger member62, there would be the requirement of radial inward deflection of the tubular portion176which would need to have an acceptable resiliency and with the advantage that the resiliency of the tubular portion176would serve to return the finger member62to its unbiased configuration. With such an arrangement the extent to which the finger member62needs merely be deflectable and the need to be resilient is reduced or at least substantially eliminated.

Maintaining a resilient resistance to deflection of the finger member62inwardly and biasing the finger member62to move to its inherent position radially outwardly can be advantageous to ensure that a user on rotating the actuator member26relative to the collar member38receives tactical sensory feedback, that is, feedback perceptible by touch, indicative of the change in rotational positions as can be useful for a user to understand the relative position of the actuator member26and the collar38.

In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention as illustrated inFIG. 22, the camming surface78on the lug member46engages with the cammed surface80on the finger member62to deflect the finger member62radially inwardly so as to permit rotation of the actuator member26counterclockwise relative to the lug member46, however, clockwise rotation of the actuator member26relative to the collar member38is prevented. Reference is made toFIG. 24which shows a second embodiment of a pump in accordance with the present invention.FIG. 24is identical toFIG. 20but for two exceptions. As a first exception, the lug member46is modified to include as a curved merger of the left lug side surface222and the circumferential lug surface223a camming surface178and, as a second exception, the finger member62includes on its right side surface227a cammed surface180. On rotation of the actuator member26clockwise relative to the collar member38, the engagement of the camming surface178and the cammed surface180deflects the finger member62radially inwardly out of the path of the lug member46permitting the lug member46to rotate circumferentially clockwise past the finger member62from the operative rotational position shown inFIG. 20, through to positions similar to that shown onFIGS. 23 and 22, to an inoperative rotational position similar to that shown onFIG. 21. InFIG. 24, relative clockwise rotation of the actuator member26relative to the collar member68from the operative rotational position towards the inoperative rotational positional is blocked by the lug member36engaging the finger member62, however, insofar as sufficient clockwise rotational forces are applied to the actuator member26, then the engagement between the camming surface178of the lug member46and the cammed surface180of the finger member62will deflect the finger member62so as to permit relative clockwise rotation of the lug member46from within the slide channel70to within the stop slot72.

Reference is made toFIG. 25which illustrates a cross-sectional side view substantially the same asFIG. 5, but showing a pump assembly10in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 25is identical toFIG. 5but for three exceptions. As a first exception, the transfer ports156through the stem32have been eliminated. As a second exception, an air transfer opening208has been provided radially through the tubular portion176of the air disc157. As a third exception, the passageway34through the stem32has been reduced to have a simplified, reduced and more constant diameter, and the foam generator25is eliminated.

As contrasted with the pump assembly10of the first embodiment which included both a liquid pump30and an air pump31, the pump assembly10in accordance with the third embodiment ofFIG. 25merely includes the liquid pump30and does not include an air pump. Air within the air compartment402is free to move through the air transfer opening208and, hence, to the atmosphere. No communication is provided from the air compartment402into the passageway34. The operation of the pump assembly10inFIG. 25and the opening and closing of the air port146by the air disc157is unchanged and continues to provide selective passage of atmospheric air into the container12. While the third embodiment ofFIG. 25continues to show the tube member39has having a stepped configuration, insofar as merely a liquid pump30is provided, the pump assembly ofFIG. 25could be modified so that the diameter of the air chamber118is the same as or closer to the diameter of the liquid chamber19.

Reference is made toFIG. 26showing a perspective view of an actuator member for a fourth embodiment of a pump assembly in accordance with the present invention. The actuator member ofFIG. 26has close similarities to the actuator member26described with reference to that of the first embodiment as notably shown inFIG. 14. In the actuator member26ofFIG. 26, the stop slot72has been modified compared to the stop slot72inFIG. 14. OnFIG. 26, dashed lines406delineate an axial portion408of the stop slot72from a circumferential portion210of the stop slot72. The axial portion408guides and permits sliding of the lug member46axially outwardly relative to the actuator member26from the inner end opening217until the lug member46engages the outer stop surface213. The circumferential portion410opens circumferentially into the axial portion408in a direction extends circumferentially away from the axial portion408and away from the finger member62. The circumferential portion410is defined axially between the axial outer stop surface213and an outwardly directed axially inner stop shoulder412. The circumferential portion210ends circumferentially at an axially and radially extending rotation stop surface414bridging between the outer stop surface213and the inner stop shoulder412. While the lug member26is in the axial portion410engaged with the outer stop surface213against the bias of the spring15, rotation of the actuator member26clockwise relative to the collar member38moves the lug member46circumferentially into the circumferential portion410. While lug member46is received in the circumferential portion410between the outer stop surface213and the inner stop shoulder412, coaxial sliding of the actuator member26relative to the collar member38is prevented both axially outward and axially inwardly. Axially inwardly from the inner stop shoulder412, the axial portion408is bordered by the right slot side surface216. When the lug member46is in the axial portion408under merely the influence of the spring15, the spring15biases the actuator member26axially outwardly relative the collar member38to the extended position in which extended position the lug member46is in a location axially inwardly from the circumferential portion410and with clockwise rotation of the lug member46prevented by engagement with the left slot side surface214. To move the lug member46from the extended position axially within the axial portion408to enter the circumferential portion210, it is necessary to apply manual forces to the actuator member26to compress the spring member15from the extended position towards the retracted position until the lug member46engages the outer stop surface213at which point manual rotation of the actuator member26clockwise relative to the collar member38moves that the lug member46into the circumferential portion410of the stop slot72.

OnFIG. 26, the cammed surface80on the finger member62is shown to extend from the end flange202to the outer stop surface213. This is preferred such that with the lug member46in the circumferential portion410rotation counterclockwise with sufficient force will result in the lug member46engaging and deflecting the finger member62radially inwardly. However, in another configuration, the cammed surface80may merely extend from the end flange202to just axially outwardly beyond the position the lug member46assumes in the extended position, in which case, the lug member46would need to move axially inwardly in the axial portion408before further rotation counterclockwise will engage the cammed surface80to deflect the finger member62. OnFIG. 26, the finger member62has a reduced radial thickness circumferentially adjacent the cammed surface80over a circumferentially extending slotway107provided between the end flange202and a circumferential extension of the end flange202. OnFIG. 26, unlikeFIG. 5, the cammed surface80is not provided on the end flange202.

Reference is made toFIGS. 28 and 29which illustrate a fifth embodiment of a dispenser9and a pump10in accordance with the present invention.

The actuator member26ofFIG. 27is substantially identical to the actuator member26described with reference to the first embodiment as illustrated, for example, inFIGS. 12 to 15and notably inFIG. 15. InFIG. 15, the slide channel70has a circumferential extent between the channel side walls206and208selected to be of a circumferential extent C′ only marginally greater than the circumferential extent C of the lug member46so as to constrain the lug member46to slide axially within the slide channel70in a purely axial direction relatively closely proximate to the channel side walls206and208. Similarly, inFIG. 27, slide channel70is defined circumferentially between side wall206and side wall208. However, inFIG. 27the side walls206and208are spaced circumferentially an extent C′″ substantially greater than the circumferential extent of the lug member46. In the embodiment ofFIG. 27, the slide walls206and208extend over the circumferential extent C′″ greater than 270 degrees. As a result, when the actuator member26is coupled to the collar member38with the lug member46received within the slide channel70, the actuator member26may be manually rotated relative the collar member38to a number of different rotational positions as schematically illustrated inFIG. 27.

Referring toFIG. 28, onFIG. 27, the stop slots72and the finger member62is identical to that shown inFIG. 15. InFIG. 15, the slide channel70has, in any cross-section normal to the axis20, a constant cross-section axially to the inner slide tube end50of the slide tube40, and thus axially through the end flange202. The embodiment ofFIG. 28shows that it is not necessary that the side channel70extend through the end flange202or be open to the inner slide tube end50. InFIG. 28, the slide channel70is at its axially inner end closed by end flange202and its stop shoulder204.FIG. 28continues to show the cut slots55as extending axially inwardly to the inner slide tube end50. With the actuator member26as shown inFIG. 28, for assembly, the collar member38is assembled to the actuator member26sliding the lug member46axially outwardly into the stop slot72from which position by relative rotation of the actuator member26, the lug member46may come to move past the finger member62to be located within the slide channel70.

Reference is made toFIGS. 30 to 32which illustrate a sixth embodiment of a dispenser9and a pump10in accordance with the present invention.FIG. 31is a pictorial view of an actuator member26for the pump10of the dispenser9inFIG. 30. Aside from the differences in the actuator member26, the dispenser9and the pump10ofFIG. 30are preferably identical in their components to the dispenser9and pump10of the first embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 23. The actuator member26inFIG. 31is substantially identical to the actuator member26in the first embodiment as shown, for example, inFIGS. 12 to 15and notably inFIG. 15. Each of the actuator member26ofFIG. 15and the actuator member26ofFIG. 31have an identical stop slot72, an identical finger member62and an identical slide channel70. However, in the actuator member26ofFIG. 31, five additional axially extending slide channels170are provided. Each of these side channels170similar to the slide channel70have channel side walls206and208, a channel base210, a base surface211, and a channel inner end210. Between the slide channel70and the slide channel170adjacent thereto, there is provided a circumferentially extending part annular slotway416. When the actuator member26is biased by the spring15to the extended position relative to the collar member38, the lug member46is axially aligned with the slotway416. With the lug member46in the slide channel70, clockwise rotation of the actuator member26relative to the collar member38urges the lug member46to pass circumferentially through the slotway416into the side channel170. As can be seen inFIG. 31and in cross-section inFIG. 32, each slotway416includes a pair of raised bosses418and419which prevent the lug member46from moving circumferentially through the slotway416unless a sufficient rotational force is applied to overcome the frictional interference between the lug member46and each boss418. As can be seen inFIGS. 31 and 32, each pair of adjacent of the slide channels170are also connected to each other by a slotway416. Thus, while the actuator member26is in the extended position, by appropriate rotation of the actuator member26relative to the collar member38, the lug member46can be rotated to different operational rotational positions in which the lug member46is received in one of the side channel70and170in which in each the actuator member26is axially slidable relative to the collar member38for operation of the pump10. The plurality of different operational rotational positions that the actuator member26can assume relative to the collar member38with the lug member46within one of the side channels70and170to permit operation of the pump10is schematically illustrated inFIG. 30.

Reference is made toFIG. 33showing a pictorial view of dispenser9with a pump assembly in accordance with a seventh embodiment that has close similarities to the dispenser of the sixth embodiment inFIGS. 30 to 32.FIGS. 33 and 34illustrate two different pictorial views of an actuator member26for the pump assembly10shown inFIG. 33. The actuator member26shown inFIGS. 33 and 34is identical to the actuator member shown inFIGS. 31 and 32, however, with the first exception that each of the slide channels70and170have a different axial extent A′. When a lug member46is received in any one of the slide channels70and170inFIGS. 33 and 34, then the axial length of the stroke of the piston-forming element16relative to the piston chamber-forming body14is limited by the location of the respective axially outer end wall221of each of the slide channels70and170. These different lengths of strokes for reciprocal movement of the piston-forming element16provides in each cycle of operation in moving the piston-forming element16between an extended position and a retracted position for the discharge of different volumes of liquid for the respective different slide channels70and170. As a second exception, the actuator member26inFIGS. 33 to 35is provided with volume indicia300for each of the slide channels70and170to indicate to the user the relative volume to be dispensed when the actuator member26is rotated to a position in line with one of the slide channels70and170. Preferably, indicia301is also provided on the actuator member26to indicate to the user a locked position. The indicia300and301are located on the actuator member26to be visible to a user when the actuator member26is in extended operation positions such as shown inFIG. 35. Preferably, an indicator303is provided on the collar member38to indicate when the relative rotational position of the actuator member26on the collar member38corresponds to one of the indicia300and301. For example, as seen onFIG. 33showing a pictorial view of a dispenser9in accordance with the seventh embodiment, the indicator303provides an indication that the actuator member26is in an inoperative locked position by reason of the indicator303being axially aligned with the indicia301. By an appropriate manipulation of the actuator member26to rotate from the locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, the indicator303on the collar member38will come to be aligned with an appropriate one of the slide channels70and170with the indicia301for that slide channel being visible to the user.

The pump assembly10illustrated in the first embodiment provides for the simultaneous dispensing of air and liquid through a foam generator25to produce a foam product. The configuration of the pump is, however, also suitable for simultaneous dispensing of air and liquid as a spray or mist in which case the foam generator25would not be provided and a suitable nozzle for producing a desired spray of the air and the liquid would be provided.

In accordance with the preferred embodiments, the pump assembly includes a liquid pump or both a liquid pump and an air pump. Of course, other arrangements could be embodied which is merely an air pump. Each of the liquid pump and air pump are shown to be piston pumps. In each of the liquid pump and air pump shown, discharge is provided in a retraction stroke. The particular nature of the piston pumps illustrated by the liquid pump and the air pump may, however, be substituted by other constructions for liquid pumps and air pumps which may, for example, discharge fluid in a withdrawal stroke. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention that arises in respect of the interaction of the lug member46with motion control features on the guide tube48can be adopted for various arrangements in which a piston element is to be constrained in its ability to relatively slide axially and rotate relative to a piston chamber-forming body.

The preferred embodiments of the liquid pump provide a separate one-way inlet valve17. It is known to a person skilled in the art by various configurations of stepped chambers that a liquid piston pump can be provided without the need for a separate one-way valve. In accordance with the present invention, the pump provides for simultaneous discharge of air and liquid in which the liquid pump and the air pump operate in sequence, that is, dispensing simultaneously in a retraction stroke. It is to be appreciated that in accordance with various liquid pumps and air pumps which may be desired to be utilized, the liquid pump may be out of phase with the air pump in the sense of the liquid pump discharging liquid into the air compartment during one stroke and the air pump discharging air and the liquid received from the liquid pump in another stroke.

The preferred embodiment illustrates a pump assembly in which each of the components forming the pump are preferably formed as by injection molding from plastic materials and to provide for ease of manufacture from a minimal number of components. The piston chamber-forming body14is shown as being illustrated principally from two components, namely, the tube member36and the collar member38. It is to be appreciated that these two components could possibly be injection molded as a single component, however, this would increase the complexity of the molds required for manufacture.

In accordance with the preferred embodiments, the pump assemblies are adapted for use in a dispenser which preferably is a bottle top dispenser in which the fluid is dispensed upwardly. This is not necessary and, in accordance with the present invention, pump assemblies could be developed which utilize similar lug members and motion controlling features yet permit dispensing of the fluid downwardly for in other orientations such as horizontally. Modifications of the liquid and/or air pumps can be made to facilitate the direction that fluid needs to be moved yet still use a similar interaction of the lug member and motion controlling features. In the preferred embodiments illustrated, for example, inFIG. 1, the dispenser9is adapted to be placed on a support surface such as a table and as such a tabletop dispenser is preferably adapted for dispensing hand cleaning fluid from hand cleaning disinfectants and hand cleaning creams.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, many modifications and variations will now occur to persons skilled in the art. For definition of the invention, reference is made to the follow claims.