Abstract:
Exemplary dispensers having non-collapsible containers and venting pumps are disclosed herein. Some exemplary dispensers include a rigid container for holding a liquid and a pump secured to the container. The pump has a liquid pump portion and an air pump portion. The liquid pump portion has a one-way liquid inlet valve, a liquid pump chamber and a liquid outlet valve. Expansion of the liquid chamber causes liquid to flow from the container past the liquid inlet valve into the pump chamber. Compression of the liquid chamber causes liquid to flow from the pump chamber past the liquid outlet valve. In addition, the air pump portion includes an air pump chamber, a piston, a one-way air inlet valve and a filter. Compression of the air pump chamber causes air to flow through the filter and past the one-way air inlet valve into the container.

Description:
[0001]    This non-provisional utility patent application claims priority to and the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/877616 filed on Sep. 13, 2013 and entitled DISPENSERS FOR NON-COLLAPSING REFILL UNITS AND PUMPS. This application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to liquid dispenser systems and more particularly to dispensers for non-collapsing containers, as well as venting pumps for use with such dispensers. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Liquid dispenser systems, such as liquid soap and sanitizer dispensers, provide a user with an amount of liquid upon actuation of the dispenser. It is desirable to provide such a dispenser having a rigid container that is vented with air so that the pump may re-prime itself after a dispensing action. It is also desirable to provide such a dispenser that is sanitarily sealed so that germs and bacteria do not enter the dispenser container. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Exemplary embodiments of dispensers with non-collapsible containers and venting pumps are disclosed herein. One exemplary dispenser includes a rigid container for holding a liquid and a pump housing secured to the container. The pump has a housing that has a first cylindrical wall and an annular liquid chamber defined at least in part by the first cylindrical wall, a one-way liquid inlet valve and a one-way liquid outlet valve. The pump housing includes an air chamber defined in part by first cylindrical wall, a second cylindrical wall and a one-way air inlet valve. The pump includes a liquid piston movable at least partially within the first cylindrical wall to expand and compress the annular liquid chamber and an air piston at least partially in contact with the outside of the first cylindrical wall and movable to expand and compress the air chamber. Movement of the liquid piston in a first direction draws liquid from the container into the liquid pump and movement of the liquid piston in the second direction causes liquid to be dispensed through an outlet; and movement of the air piston in the second direction causes air to flow into the container. 
         [0005]    Another exemplary dispenser includes a rigid container for holding a liquid and a pump secured to the container. The pump has a liquid pump portion and an air pump portion. The liquid pump portion has a one-way liquid inlet valve, a pump chamber and a liquid outlet valve. Expansion of the liquid chamber causes liquid to flow from the container past the liquid inlet valve into the pump chamber. Compression of the liquid chamber causes liquid to flow from the pump chamber past the liquid outlet valve. The air pump portion includes an air pump chamber, a piston and a one-way air inlet valve. Compression of the air pump chamber causes air to flow past the one-way air inlet valve into the container. 
         [0006]    Yet another exemplary dispenser includes a rigid container for holding a liquid and a pump secured to the container. The pump has a liquid pump portion and an air pump portion. The liquid pump portion has a one-way liquid inlet valve, a liquid pump chamber and a liquid outlet valve. Expansion of the liquid chamber causes liquid to flow from the container past the liquid inlet valve into the pump chamber. Compression of the liquid chamber causes liquid to flow from the pump chamber past the liquid outlet valve. In addition, the air pump portion includes an air pump chamber, a piston, a one-way air inlet valve and a filter. Compression of the air pump chamber causes air to flow through the filter and past the one-way air inlet valve into the container. 
         [0007]    Yet another exemplary dispenser includes a rigid container for holding a liquid and a pump secured to the container. The pump has a liquid pump portion and an air pump portion. The liquid pump portion has a one-way liquid inlet valve, a liquid pump chamber and a liquid outlet valve. Expansion of the liquid chamber causes liquid to flow from the container past the liquid inlet valve into the pump chamber. Compression of the liquid chamber causes liquid to flow from the pump chamber past the liquid outlet valve. In addition, the air pump portion includes an air pump chamber, a piston and a filter. Compression of the air pump chamber causes air to flow through the filter and into the container. 
         [0008]    In this way, a simple and economical air-vented liquid dispensers and venting pumps are provided. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a partial cross-sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of dispenser having a container and an inverted venting pump in a primed position; 
           [0011]      FIG. 1A  is an enlarged portion of the air inlet of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the venting pump in a partially discharged position with the air pump engaging the walls of the air chamber; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the venting pump in a fully discharged position with the air pump engaging the walls of the air chamber; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is an exemplary embodiment of an upright dispenser with a venting pump. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]      FIGS. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a sanitary sealed vented non-collapsible dispenser or refill unit  100 . The dispenser  100  includes a container  102  a pump  101 . Pump  101  has a pump housing  110  that has a cylindrical outside wall  113  that is secured in the neck  103  of container  102  by closure  104 . Closure  104  may be secured to neck  103  by any means, such as, for example, a threaded connection, a snap-fit connection, a friction fit connection, a welded connection, an adhesive connection or the like. In addition, one or more gaskets (not shown) may be provided to ensure a liquid tight seal between container neck  103  and closure  104 . Optionally, cylindrical outside wall  113  may be secured to the inside of the neck  103  of container  102  by any means such as, for example, a threaded connection, a snap-fit connection, a friction fit connection, a welded connection, an adhesive connection, or the like. 
         [0016]    Pump housing  110  includes a base  111 . A cylindrical pump chamber housing  112  extends downward from base  111 . A cylindrical liquid intake shroud  126  extends upward from the base. A liquid inlet opening  120  is located in the base  111  providing a fluid path from the interior of container  102  to a liquid pump chamber  114  located at least partially within cylindrical pump chamber housing  112 . A one-way liquid inlet valve  122  is located in opening  120 . One-way liquid inlet valve  122  may be any type of one-way valve. 
         [0017]    Pump housing  110  includes a cylindrical wall  116  projecting downward from base  111 . A tapered wall  119  extends from cylindrical wall  116  to outside wall  113  which is secured to the neck of the container. The interior surface  118  of cylindrical wall  116  forms a portion of an air chamber. The volume of the air chamber may be increased or decreased by changing the length of cylindrical wall  116 . Located in the base  111  is an air inlet opening  128  ( FIG. 1A ). A one-way air inlet valve  129  is located proximate opening  128  to allow air to enter container  102  but prevents air or liquid from exiting container  102 . Inlet valve  129  is retained by projection  124  and a portion of intake shroud  126 . 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, a filter  130  is located in opening  128 . The filter  130  may selected and sized to prevent mold and/or bacteria from passing into the container  102 . Thus, when a filter  130  is used, the container  102  is a sanitary sealed container and bacteria and or mold may not enter container  102  through the air inlet opening. In some embodiments, filter  130  has a pore size is about 0.2 um. Such a pore size would provide an air input that is sterile and free of most viruses. In some embodiments the pore sized is about 0.45 um, which would provide an air input that is free of most bacteria. In some embodiments, the filet may be selected to filter out visible particles or particles in the mm size range. In addition, in some embodiments, a filter  130  has a MERV 5 or less range. In some embodiments, filter  130  has a rating of between about MERV 5 to about a MERV 8. In some embodiments filter  130  has a rating of MERV 5 or higher. Still yet, in some embodiments filter  130  has a rating of between about a MERV 9 to about a MERV 12. In some embodiments a rating of about MERV 13 or higher may used for filter  130 . 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, filter  130  is chosen to filter air, but is also chosen from a material that may get wet and still work okay. Such a filter is preferable in locations where a dispenser may be splashed with water, where the dispenser is located in a shower or where the dispenser is located in an area of high humidity. In addition, in some embodiments, an air inlet valve is not required when a wetable filter is used. In such embodiments, the wetable filter may have openings that allow air to pass through, but prevent liquid from passing out of the container. In one embodiment, the wetable filter is made of PTFE and has micro holes. 
         [0020]    Pump  101  includes a piston  103 . Piston  103  includes a hollow stem  136 . Located at one end of hollow stem  136  is a wiper seal  132 . Wiper seal  132  engages the side walls of cylindrical pump chamber housing  112 . A one-way liquid outlet valve  142  is located near outlet  140  of hollow stem  136 . A liquid pump chamber  114  is formed by hollow stem  136 , wiper seal  132 , cylindrical pump chamber housing  112 , one-way liquid inlet valve  122  and one-way liquid outlet valve  142 . 
         [0021]    Piston  103  also includes air pump seal  134 . Air pump seal  134  is located at the same position along piston  103  as liquid pump wiper seal  132 . However, in some embodiments, air pump seal  134  is located higher then wiper seal  132  and in some embodiments, wiper seal  132  is located lower than wiper seal  132 . 
         [0022]    During operation, movement of piston  103  toward the container  102  compresses liquid pump chamber  114  and forces liquid from liquid pump chamber  114  through hollow stem  136  past one-way liquid outlet valve  142  where the liquid is dispensed through outlet  140 . As piston  103  is moved away from container  102 , liquid pump chamber  114  expands and liquid is drawn into liquid pump chamber  114  from container  102  past one-way liquid inlet valve  122 . Piston  103  is moved upward and downward by an actuator or user. In some embodiments, a biasing member (not shown) such as, for example, a spring, is used to bias piston  103  outward so that the pump is normally in a primed position. 
         [0023]    In addition, as piston  103  moves toward the container  102 , air pump seal  134  engages the interior surface  118  of cylindrical wall  116 , which is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Once air pump seal  134  engages surface  118 , further movement of piston  103  towards container  102  increases the pressure in air chamber  202 . The pressurized air passes through filter  119  and one-way check valve  129  and flows into container  102  when the air chamber  202  is fully compresses as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Thus, the container  102  is vented with filtered air and the interior of container  102  remains sanitary and free from bacteria or mold. In some embodiments, filter  119  is not needed or used. 
         [0024]    As piston  103  moves away from container  102 , air pump seal  134  deflects inward allowing air to flow past air pump seal  134  into air chamber  202 . Once air pump seal  134  reaches tapered wall  119 , air pump seal  134  loses contact with surface  118  and returns to its original shape. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments air chamber  202  is sized so that the amount of air that passes through filter  119  and check valve  129  has substantially the same volume as the liquid that is removed from container  102 . In some embodiments, the amount of air that passes through filter  119  and check valve  129  has a slightly larger volume than the volume of the liquid removed from container  102 . 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, the intake shroud  126  is sized to prevent air flowing through one-way check valve  129  to enter into pump chamber  114 . In some embodiments, a tube (not shown) is connected to projection  124  (which may be an annular projection) and extends up into the container. Thus, the tube (not shown) would ensure that the air flowing into the container did not enter the pump chamber  114 . In some embodiments, the tube is designed so that air bubbles form in the liquid, particularly if the liquid is a gel. Such an embodiment may increases the “fresh” look for products that are intentionally manufactured with bubbles in the liquid gel. 
         [0027]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an upright sanitary sealed vented non-collapsible dispenser or refill unit  400 . The dispenser  400  includes a container  402  a pump  401 . Pump  401  has a pump housing  410  that has a cylindrical outside wall  413  that is secured in the neck  403  of container  402  by closure  404 . Closure  404  may be secured to neck  403  by any means, such as, for example, a threaded connection, a snap-fit connection, a friction fit connection, a welded connection, an adhesive connection or the like. In addition, one or more gaskets (not shown) may be provided to ensure a liquid tight seal between container neck  403  and closure  404 . Optionally, cylindrical outside wall  413  may be secured to the inside of the neck  403  of container  402  by any means such as, for example, a threaded connection, a snap-fit connection, a friction fit connection, a welded connection, an adhesive connection, or the like. 
         [0028]    Pump housing  410  includes a base  411 . A cylindrical pump chamber housing  412  extends upward from base  411 . Annular projection  426  extends downward from base  411  and is used to secure dip tube  423  in place. Dip tube  423  extends down to about the bottom of container  402 . A liquid inlet opening  120  is located in the base  411  providing a fluid path from the interior of container  402 , through dip tube  423  and to a liquid pump chamber  414  located at least partially within cylindrical pump chamber housing  412 . A one-way liquid inlet valve  422  is located in opening  420 . One-way liquid inlet valve  422  may be any type of one-way valve. 
         [0029]    Pump housing  410  includes a cylindrical wall  416  projecting upward from base  411 . A tapered wall  419  extends from cylindrical wall  416  to outside wall  413  which is secured to the neck of the container. The interior surface  418  of cylindrical wall  416  forms a portion of an air chamber. The volume of the air chamber may be increased or decreased by changing the length of cylindrical wall  418 . Located in the base  411  is an air inlet opening  428 . A one-way air inlet valve  429  is located proximate opening  428  to allow air to enter container  402  but prevents air or liquid from exiting container  402 . Inlet valve  429  is retained by annular projection  424 . In some embodiments, a tube (not shown) is retained by annular projection  424  and extends at least partially down into container  402  to inject the air into the liquid in the container  402 . In some embodiments the tube (not shown) is coaxial with dip tube  423  and extends down into the container for a distance that is less than the distance the dip tube  423  extends into the container. In some embodiments, such as for example, embodiments where the liquid is a gel, it may be desirable to have the air form bubbles in the gel. 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, a filter  430  is located in opening  428 . The filter  430  may selected and sized as described above. 
         [0031]    Pump  401  includes a piston  403 . Piston  403  includes a hollow stem  436 . Located at one end of hollow stem  436  is a wiper seal  432 . Wiper seal  432  engages the side walls of cylindrical pump chamber housing  412 . A one-way liquid outlet valve  442  is located near outlet  440  of hollow stem  436 . A liquid pump chamber  414  is formed by hollow stem  436 , wiper seal  432 , cylindrical pump chamber housing  412 , one-way liquid inlet valve  422  and one-way liquid outlet valve  442 . A spout  441  is secured to hollow stem  436 . Spout  441  has a liquid outlet  440  positioned and located to dispense liquid on a user&#39;s hand. 
         [0032]    Piston  403  also includes air pump seal  434 . Air pump seal  434  is located at the same position along piston  403  as liquid pump wiper seal  432 . However, in some embodiments, air pump seal  434  is located higher then wiper seal  432  and in some embodiments, wiper seal  432  is located lower than wiper seal  432 . 
         [0033]    During operation, movement of piston  403  toward the container  402  compresses liquid pump chamber  414  and forces liquid from liquid pump chamber  414  through hollow stem  436  past one-way liquid outlet valve  442  where the liquid is dispensed through outlet  440  in spout  441 . As piston  403  is moved away from container  402 , liquid pump chamber  414  expands and liquid is drawn into liquid pump chamber  414  from container  402  past one-way liquid inlet valve  422 . Piston  403  is moved upward and downward by an actuator or a user. In some embodiments, a biasing member (not shown) such as, for example, a spring, is used to bias piston  403  upward so that the pump is normally in a primed position and a user need only push down on the spout  441  to obtain a dose of liquid. 
         [0034]    In addition, as piston  403  moves toward the container  402 , air pump seal  434  engages the interior surface  418  of cylindrical wall  416 , similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Once air pump seal  434  engages surface  418 , further movement of piston  403  towards container  402  increases the pressures air in air chamber  407 . The pressurized air passes through filter  419  and one-way check valve  429  and flows into container  402  from air chamber  407 . Thus, the container  402  is vented with filtered air and the interior of container  402  remains sanitary and free from bacteria or mold. In some embodiments, the filter  419  is not needed. 
         [0035]    As piston  403  moves away from container  402 , air pump seal  434  deflects inward allowing air to flow past air pump seal  434  into air chamber  407 . Once air pump seal  434  reaches tapered wall  419 , air pump seal  434  loses contact with surface  418  and returns to its original shape. 
         [0036]    In some embodiments air chamber  407  is sized so that the amount of air that passes through filter  419  and check valve  429  has substantially the same volume as the liquid that is removed from container  402 . In some embodiments, the amount of air that passes through filter  419  and check valve  429  has a slightly larger volume than the volume of the liquid removed from container  402 . 
         [0037]    The term dispenser as used herein includes standalone dispensers and dispensers that may be considered as refill units that are installed in dispenser housings, such as a manual or touch free dispenser housings. 
         [0038]    While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant&#39;s general inventive concept.