Patent Publication Number: US-11648575-B2

Title: Dip tube connectors and pump systems using the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/579,710 filed Sep. 23, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/206,758, filed Jul. 11, 2016, now U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/421,090 issued Sep. 24, 2019, which is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/341,951, filed Jul. 28, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,387,500 issued Jul. 12, 2016, which is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/285,576, filed on Oct. 31, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,800,822, issued Aug. 12, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/068,875 filed on Mar. 15, 2011 as U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/452,854 and for which a Request to Convert to a Non-Provisional application was filed on Oct. 31, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,827,581 issued Nov. 28, 2017. The entire disclosures of each of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to dip tube connectors and dip tube connection systems for connecting pumps with containers or bottles having dip tubes integrated therewith. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
     Conventional pump spray systems, such as trigger sprayers or fine mist sprayers, typically employ dip tubes as a means for transporting fluid or product from an interior of a container or bottle to the pump sprayer. While the use of dip tubes is predominant in the industry, there have been attempts to eliminate the dip tube. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,071, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a container and pump unit where the container is formed with an integral liquid supply tube in lieu of a dip tube. Similarly, United States Patent Application 2010/0096415A1, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a fluid dispensing container having a bottle and fluid withdrawing assembly for liquids wherein the bottle includes an integral dip tube and the fluid dispensing mechanism may be aligned to allow a direct connection between the integral dip tube and the fluid dispensing mechanism. In each of these examples, the connection between the blown-in dip tube of the bottle or container and the pump spray systems appear to be simple tubes. For instance, the trigger supply lines (34 and 46) described and illustrated in U.S. Patent App. 2010/0096415A1 appear to be nothing more than a tube which slides into a blown-in dip tube. 
     While the simple engagement of a trigger supply line with a blown-in dip tube may be useful, there may be other instances where more robust fitments between a blown-in dip tube and pump system are needed. In addition, configurations or adaptations which may allow a container or bottle having a blown-in dip tube to be fitted with a traditional trigger sprayer or pump system may be advantageous. Furthermore, improvements in a fitment between a pump sprayer system and a blown-in dip tube may be advantageous. 
     SUMMARY 
     This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. 
     According to certain embodiments of the invention, a pump system for pumping a liquid through a container or a bottle having a blown-in dip tube may include an improved blown-in dip tube connector. An improved blown-in dip tube connector may include a flexible blown-in dip tube connector. An improved blown-in dip tube connector may also be configured to snap fit or otherwise attach to a valve body of a pump system, to a valve retainer of a pump system, or to a combination of a valve retainer and valve body. In some embodiments, a connection between the blown-in dip tube connector and a blown-in dip tube of a bottle or container may include one or more features configured to retain the blown-in dip tube connector in a blown-in dip tube or to improve a seal between the blown-in dip tube connector and a blown-in dip tube. 
     For instance, according to certain embodiments of the invention, a blown-in dip tube connector may include a fluid inlet at one end configured to mate with a blown-in dip tube. The blown-in dip tube connector may include one or more dip tube lips configured to mate with a portion of the blown-in dip tube and to provide an improved seal between the blown-in dip tube and blown-in dip tube connector. 
     In other embodiments of the invention, a blown-in dip tube connector may include one or more seal rings configured to facilitate a seal between a blown-in dip tube connector and a blown-in dip tube when the blown-in dip tube connector is mated with a blown-in dip tube. The one or more seal rings may sit on a seat formed in the blown-in dip tube and may be further retained in position by lips, detents, or other features configured to facilitate a sealed connection between the blown-in dip tube connector and blown-in dip tube. According to certain embodiments of the invention, a seal ring may be bi-injected with the blown-in dip tube connector or may be formed or attached to the blown-in dip tube connector during an assembly process. In some embodiments of the invention, a seal ring material may include a plastic, elastomer, or flexible material. In some embodiments, for example, a seal ring may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic urethane or polyurethane, silicon, rubber, or other material. 
     In still other embodiments of the invention, a blown-in dip tube connector may include one or more dip tube locks which may mate with a detent, lip, or other feature of a blown-in dip tube. A dip tube lock may include a recess, lip, or combination thereof formed in a portion of the blown-in dip tube connector near a fluid inlet thereof. The recess, lip, or combination may be configured to snap lock with a feature on a blown-in dip tube. 
     In still other embodiments of the invention, a blown-in dip tube connector having one or more dip tube locks may also be fitted with an o-ring or other feature to secure a fluid inlet of the blown-in dip tube connector with a blown-in dip tube. For instance, an o-ring may be seated about a dip tube lock such that when the fluid inlet end of a blown-in dip tube connector is inserted in a blown-in dip tube of a container or bottle, the o-ring may form a seal with the sides of the blown-in dip tube. The seal formed between an o-ring and the side of the blown-in dip tube may provide an improved seal between the blown-in dip tube connector and the blown-in dip tube. 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a blown-in dip tube connector may be made of a plastic material. For example, a blown-in dip tube connector may be molded using a high-density polyethylene or medium-density polyethylene. Other materials may also be used as desired. 
     In various embodiments of the invention, a blown-in dip tube connector may be attached to, or assembled with, a pump system in any number of ways. In some embodiments, for example, a blown-in dip tube connector may include one or more connector lips which may mate with one or more connectors of a valve body to secure the blown-in dip tube connector to the valve body. In other embodiments of the invention, a blown-in dip tube connector may be mated with a valve retainer, or ball retainer, such that the blown-in dip tube connector and valve retainer form a unitary part that may be assembled with a valve body. In such instances, the valve body may be configured to secure the valve retainer, the blown-in dip tube connector, or both. 
     According to certain embodiments of the invention, a pump system may include a one piece blown-in dip tube connector connected to a valve body of a trigger sprayer and to a blown-in dip tube of a bottle. The one piece blown-in dip tube connector may provide a fluid path between a blown-in dip tube and a trigger sprayer. A one piece blown-in dip tube connector may retain a valve, such as a ball or other type of valve, in a valve body of a trigger sprayer and may be connected thereto. The one piece blown-in dip tube connector may also include a port which may be connected to a blown-in dip tube of a bottle and may fluidly seal with the blown-in dip tube such as with a seal ring, a dip tube lock, an o-ring, a dip tube lip, flange, or other sealing feature. 
     According to still other embodiments of the invention, a blown-in dip tube connector may include a flexible tube which may act as a direct connection between a blown-in dip tube in a bottle and a trigger sprayer. In some embodiments of the invention, one end of a flexible tube—such as a flexible dip tube—may be inserted into a trigger sprayer or tube retainer of a trigger sprayer in a conventional manner. The opposite end may be inserted into a blown-in dip tube of a bottle and the trigger sprayer connected to the bottle, such as through a conventional bayonet connection or threaded screw connection. The opposite end may seal against or with the blown-in dip tube such that a fluid path is formed between the blown-in dip tube and the trigger sprayer. The flexible tube may bend, curve, or otherwise be positioned such that the connection between the blown-in dip tube and the trigger sprayer is accomplished regardless of whether or not the blown-in dip tube opening and the fluid supply line to the trigger sprayer are in alignment or are offset. 
     According to other embodiments of the invention, a funnel may be used with a pump system. A funnel may be positioned in a bottle having a blown-in dip tube such that a path to an opening in the blown-in dip tube is created. Assembly of a trigger sprayer having a flexible dip tube to the bottle may then be accomplished in an in-line position such that the trigger sprayer may be assembled in a straight line with the bottle. During assembly, a flexible dip tube will encounter the funnel and be guided into the opening of the blown-in dip tube where a fluid tight seal may be achieved, connecting the blown-in dip tube to the trigger sprayer through the flexible dip tube. In some embodiments of the invention, a funnel may also include one or more openings or slots in the funnel such that a bottle may be filled or refilled through the funnel. 
     According to still other embodiments of the invention, a blown-in dip tube connector may include a swivel adapter, or rotatable connector, which creates a fluid path from a blown-in dip tube of a bottle to a trigger sprayer. In some embodiments of the invention, a swivel adapter may include a body or head which may be attached to a valve body, tube retainer, or valve retainer of a trigger sprayer. A port may extend away from the head or body of the swivel adapter and may be configured to mate with and seal in an opening of a blown-in dip tube of a bottle. The swivel adapter may be configured such that the swivel adapter can rotate relative to a trigger sprayer to which it is attached so that rotation of the trigger sprayer—for example to remove it from a bottle—will not rotate the swivel adapter when connected to a blown-in dip tube. The rotational feature of the swivel adapter with respect to the trigger sprayer, allows a trigger sprayer to be connected and disconnected to a bottle having a blown-in dip tube on repeated occasions so that the bottle may be refilled as desired. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates various components of a pump system according to embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a trigger sprayer pump system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view of a blown-in dip tube connector according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a perspective view of a blown-in dip tube connector according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a top view of a blown-in dip tube connector according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a front view of a blown-in dip tube connector according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a side view of a blown-in dip tube connector according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a bottom view of a blown-in dip tube connector according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a perspective view of a blown-in dip tube connector according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a perspective view of a blown-in dip tube connector according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a blown-in dip tube connector according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a top view of a blown-in dip tube connector according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a bottom view of a blown-in dip tube connector according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a front view of a blown-in dip tube connector according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  15    illustrates a side view of a blown-in dip tube connector according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  16    illustrates a side view of a blown-in dip tube connector according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  17    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a blown-in dip tube connector according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  18    illustrates a perspective view of a valve body according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  19    illustrates a side view of a valve body according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  20    illustrates a bottom view of a valve body according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  21    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a valve body according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS.  22 A and  22 B  illustrate close-up views of a connection between the blown-in dip tube connector illustrated in  FIG.  2    and a blown-in dip tube according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS.  23 A and  23 B  illustrate close-up views of a connection between the blown-in dip tube connector illustrated in  FIG.  6    and a blown-in dip tube according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  24    illustrates a close-up view of a connection between the blown-in dip tube connector illustrated in  FIG.  15    and a blown-in dip tube according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  25    illustrates a close-up view of a connection between the blown-in dip tube connector illustrated in  FIG.  16    and a blown-in dip tube according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  26    illustrates a valve body according to various embodiments of the invention having one or more latches; 
         FIG.  27    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a trigger sprayer pump system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  28    illustrates a blown-up view of a portion of the trigger sprayer pump system illustrated in  FIG.  27   ; 
         FIG.  29    illustrates a perspective view of a blown-in dip tube connector according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  30    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a blown-in dip tube connector according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  31    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a trigger sprayer pump system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  32    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a trigger sprayer pump system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  33    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a trigger sprayer pump system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  34    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a trigger sprayer pump system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  35    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a trigger sprayer pump system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  36    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a trigger sprayer pump system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  37    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a trigger sprayer pump system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  38    illustrates a trigger sprayer being assembled to a bottle having a blown-in dip tube according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  39 A  illustrates a top-down view of a trigger sprayer pump system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  39 B  illustrates a bottom-up view of a swivel adapter relative to a trigger sprayer in an engaged position according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  40 A  illustrates a top-down view of a trigger sprayer pump system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  40 B  illustrates a bottom-up view of a swivel adapter relative to a trigger sprayer in a disengaged position according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  41    illustrates a view of a trigger sprayer pump system having a swivel adapter being reattached to a bottle with a blown-in dip tube according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  42    illustrates a cross-sectional view of an assembly of a swivel adapter according to various embodiments of the invention with a trigger sprayer valve body and ball retainer; 
         FIGS.  43 A through  43 E  illustrate various views of a ball retainer according to certain embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIGS.  44 A through  44 E  illustrate various views of a swivel adapter according to certain embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a blown-in dip tube connector may be fitted to, integrated with, or otherwise assembled with a pump sprayer to facilitate the use of the pump sprayer with a container or bottle having a blown-in dip tube. The integration or fitment of the blown-in dip tube connector with a pump sprayer may allow the pump sprayer to be removed from the container or bottle. The integration or fitment of the blown-in dip tube connector with a pump sprayer may also allow the pump sprayer to be removed from the container or bottle and then refitted to the container or bottle as desired. Thus, various embodiments of the invention may be used with pump systems designed to be used on refillable bottles or containers. 
     A pump system  100  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG.  1   . As illustrated, a pump system  100  may include a trigger sprayer system. The trigger sprayer, or pump system  100 , illustrated in  FIG.  1    may include a valve body  150 , a piston  120 , an integrated trigger and spring  110 , a ball valve  130 , a ball retainer  140  and a blown-in dip tube connector  160 . The pump system  100  may also include a container  900  or bottle having a blown-in dip tube  960  and the container  900  may include a product therein. 
     A cross-sectional view of an assembled pump systems  100  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG.  2   . A container or bottle  900  having a blown-in dip tube  960  is illustrated in dashed lines for reference. While a particular bottle  900  shape and blown-in dip tube  960  configurations are illustrated, embodiments of the invention are not limited by the illustrated shapes and configurations, and embodiments of the invention may be used with any container or bottle  900  having a blown-in dip tube  960 . Further, any conventional or known bottles  900  having blown-in dip tubes  960  may be used with the various embodiments of the invention and the blown-in dip tubes  960  may include openings which are flush with an opening in the bottle  900  or which are recessed below an opening in the bottle  900  as known. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the pump system  100  according to embodiments of the invention may include a trigger sprayer having a valve body  150 , a ball valve  130  and a ball retainer  140  assembled in an interior space of the valve body  150 , and a blown-in dip tube connector  160  in communication with the ball retainer  140 . A pump system  100  may also include a shroud  190  and a nozzle  192 . An integrated trigger and spring  110  may be assembled such that the piston  120  may be actuated by actuation of the trigger portion of the integrated trigger and spring  110 . In other embodiments of the invention, an integrated trigger and spring  110  may be substituted by separate trigger and spring components wherein the separate spring component may bias either the separate trigger component or piston to allow return movement of the piston following an actuation of the pump system  100 . For example, a conventional metal or plastic spring and trigger system may be used with embodiments of the invention in place of an integrated trigger and spring  110 . 
     A valve body  150  for a pump system  100  according to embodiments of the invention may include any conventional valve body. Examples of valve bodies  150  which may be used with various embodiments of the invention are illustrated in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 ,  18  through  21 , and  27   . As illustrated, a valve body  150  may include a bayonet connection system  153  for connecting the valve body  150  or pump system  100  to a bottle. For instance, a bayonet connection system such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,820, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, may be used with embodiments of the invention. Other bayonet or snap-on type connector systems may also be used with embodiments of the invention. Alternatively, a valve body  150  may include a conventional threaded screw system (not shown) wherein a threaded connection element may be assemble to or with the valve body such that the valve body  150  may be connected and sealed to a bottle or container. In some instances, where a threaded closure system is used, a retainer seal or retainer ring may also be used to assure that the connection between a container or bottle and the valve body  150  does not leak. 
     A valve body  150  used with embodiments of the invention may include a vent. According to some embodiments, a vent may include a vent connection  152  as illustrated in  FIGS.  18  through  21   . The vent connection  152  may connect an interior portion of a piston chamber  151  with an interior portion of the valve body  150  which is in communication with the interior of a bottle or container when the pump system  100  is connected thereto. When a piston  120  passes a certain location within the piston chamber  151 , air may pass through the vent connection  152  and into the container or bottle. 
     A valve body  150  may also include a fluid passageway  156 . According to some embodiments of the invention, fluid passing through a blown-in dip tube connector  160  may pass into the fluid passageway  156  and into the piston chamber  151 . In other embodiments of the invention, a fluid passageway  156  may be configured to accept and hold or retain a ball retainer  140  assembled with the valve body  150 . In such instances, fluid passing from a container through the blown-in dip tube connector  160  may pass through that portion of the ball retainer  140  assembled in the fluid passageway  156 . 
     In some embodiments of the invention, a valve body  150  may include one or more connectors  159 . The one or more connectors  159  may be configured to mate with, snap with, fix, or otherwise retain a blown-in dip tube connector  160  with the valve body  150 . In some embodiments, the one or more connectors  159  may fit with corresponding features of a blown-in dip tube connector  160  such that the blown-in dip tube connector  160  is maintained in a fixed position with respect to the valve body  150 . In other embodiments of the invention, the one or more connectors  159  may fit with corresponding features of a blown-in dip tube connector  160  such that the blown-in dip tube connector  160  may rotate or swivel relative to the valve body  150 . For example, the one or more connectors  159  may include a snap ring configured to retain one or more connector lips  165  or connector tabs  175 . In other instances, the one or more connectors  159  may include one or more latches as illustrated in  FIG.  26   . 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a valve for the pump system  100  may include a ball valve  130  moveably fixed on an interior of the valve body by a ball retainer  140  as illustrated in  FIG.  2   . A ball valve  130  may be assembled in a portion of the fluid passageway  156  of a valve body and a ball retainer  140  may be fitted in a portion of the fluid passageway  156  such that the ball valve  130  is retained in the valve body  150 . In some embodiments of the invention, the ball retainer  140  may be snap fitted into a fluid passageway  156  portion of the valve body  150 . In other embodiments, the ball retainer  140  and valve body  150  may include complimentary fasteners or features for holding and retaining the ball retainer  140  within a fluid passageway  156  of the valve body  150 . In still other embodiments of the invention, a ball retainer  140  may include one or more seal rings which may mate with or seal with an interior portion of a blown-in dip tube retainer  160  such that the blown-in dip tube retainer  160  and ball retainer  140  may be assembled as a single piece and then assembled with a valve body  150  wherein either the blown-in dip tube connector  160  or ball retainer  140  mate with or connect to the valve body  150 . 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the ball retainer  140  may also be configured as a dip tube retainer such that a conventional dip tube may be retained by the ball retainer  140  as well. In such configurations, a blown-in dip tube connector  160  would not be utilized. However, the option to dual purpose a ball retainer  140  as both a retainer for the ball valve  130  and as a dip tube retainer may allow a single part to be made for pump systems  100  being used with both traditional dip tube systems and for systems employing containers or bottles having blown-in dip tubes. 
     While various embodiments of the invention are illustrated with a ball valve  130 , it is understood that other valve systems may be incorporated with various embodiments of the invention. For example, a double valve element as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,003, which patent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, may be employed with various embodiments of the invention. In such embodiments, the double valve element may be positioned and retained in the fluid passageway  156 . In still other embodiments of the invention, a valve system such as that described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,056, which patent is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, may be used with a valve body  150  and the pump system  100  having a blown-in dip tube connector  160  may be configured appropriately to utilize such a valve system. In still other embodiments of the invention, a tube retainer having one or more integral valves as illustrated and described in WO2010/124040A2, which patent application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, may be used with various embodiments of the invention. 
     A pump system  100  according to various embodiments of the invention may also include a shroud  190  attached to the valve body  150  or other portion of the pump system  100  as conventionally known. In addition, the pump system  100  may include a nozzle  192  fitted to the valve body  150  as conventionally known. 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a pump system  100  may include a blown-in dip tube connector  160 . Various configurations for blown-in dup tube connections are illustrated in the Figures. 
     A blown-in dip tube connector  160  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  3  through  8   . As illustrated, the blown-in dip tube connector  160  may include a fluid inlet  161 , a fluid flow path  162 , and a connector head  164 . The fluid flow path  162  may be bounded on either end by the inlet  161  and an outlet  167 . During operation of a blown-in dip tube connector  160 , fluid may pass from a blown-in dip tube through the inlet  161  into the fluid path  162  and out the outlet  167  into a fluid flow chamber  166  in the connector head  164 . Fluid passing into the fluid flow chamber  166  may pass into a ball retainer  140  and be pumped through the pump system  100 . 
     According to certain embodiments of the invention, a blown-in dip tube connector  160  may include one or more connector lips  165  about a periphery of a connector head  164  as illustrated in  FIGS.  3  through  8   . A connector lip  165  may be configured to snap-fit or otherwise mate with one or more connectors  159  on a valve body  150  such that the blown-in dip tube connector  160  may be fitted with or retained with a valve body  150 . In some embodiments of the invention, the fitment of the one or more connector lips  165  with a connector  159  of a valve body  150  may allow movement of the blown-in dip tube connector  160 , such as a swiveling movement. In other embodiments, the fitment of the one or more connector lips  165  with the valve body  150  may hold the blown-in dip tube connector  160  in a fixed position with respect to the valve body  150 . When a blown-in dip tube connector  160  is fitted to a valve body  150 , the blown-in dip tube connector  160  may also mate with or seal with a ball retainer  140  or tube retainer. The positioning of the blown-in dip tube  160  with the ball retainer  140  may be such that the connector head  164  and ball retainer  140  may be sealed together such that fluid passing through the fluid flow chamber  166  will not leak. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the blown-in dip tube connector  160  may also include one or more seal rings  163  which may mate with, contact, or otherwise facilitate a fluid tight seal between the blown-in dip tube connector  160  and a blown-in dip tube of a bottle or container. As a comparison, prior art having tubes which are inserted or snapped directly into a blown-in dip tube may not make a sufficient seal with the blown-in dip tube. In such instances, the necessary vacuum between a pump system and the blown-in dip tube may be lost, which may result in a loss of prime for the pump system. In other instances, the loss of prime may not be recoverable if a seal between a tube and a blown-in dip tube is lost. Thus, the inclusion of one or more seal rings  163  on a blown-in dip tube connector may improve the seal of the blown-in dip tube connector  160  with a blown-in dip tube. The improved seal between the blown-in dip tube connector  160  and a blown-in dip tube may result in improved functionality and reliability of a pump system  100  utilizing a blown-in dip tube container or bottle. In addition, the inclusion of one or more seal rings  163  with embodiments of the invention allows a more robust and repeatable seal between the blown-in dip tube connector and a blown-in dip tube when pump systems  100  according to embodiments of the invention are used with refillable bottles or containers where the pump system  100  may be attached and detached from a container or bottle having a blown-in dip tube multiple times. 
     For example, a blown-in dip tube connector  160  mated with a blown-in dip tube  960  of a container or bottle  900  according to certain embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  23 A and  23 B . As shown, a fluid inlet  161  portion of a blown-in dip tube connector  160  may be positioned in a blown-in dip tube  960  of a bottle  900 . One or more seal rings  163  of the blown-in dip tube connector  160  may mate with or seal with a blown-in dip tube seat  963 . According to some embodiments of the invention, the one or more seal rings  163  may include one or more lips  163 A which may snap into one or more detents or snap fitments on a blown-in dip tube seat  963  to facilitate retention of the blown-in dip tube connector  160  with the blown-in dip tube  960  as illustrated in  FIG.  23 B . The one or more seal rings  163  may provide a fluid tight seal between the blown-in dip tube connector  160  and the blown-in dip tube  960  of a bottle  900 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the fluid inlet  161  portion of the blown-in dip tube  160  may have a smaller diameter than the flow path  162 . In some embodiments, a smaller diameter in the fluid inlet  161  may facilitate a better seal between a blown-in dip tube connector  160  and a blown-in dip tube. For instance, as illustrated in  FIG.  23 A , the fluid inlet  161  may seat in a portion of the blown-in dip tube  960  such that a seal is formed between the outer circumference of the fluid inlet  161  and the inner circumference of the blown-in dip tube  960 . The presence of the one or more seal rings  163  on the blown-in dip tube seat  963  may provide an improved seal for the pump system  100 . 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, the one or more seal rings  163  may be made of any desirable material. For example, a seal ring may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic urethane or polyurethane, silicon, rubber, or other material. However, in many instances, selection of a material may be made such that the one or more seal rings  163  are compatible with a fluid flowing through the blown-in dip tube connector  160 . In some embodiments, the one or more seal rings  163  may be bi-injected with the blown-in dip tube connector  160 . In other embodiments, the one or more seal rings  163  may be sprayed on, glued, press-fit, or otherwise connected to a blown-in dip tube connector  160 . In addition, in some embodiments a material compatible with the one or more seal rings  163  may be applied to the blown-in dip tube seat  963  to improve the seal between the one or more seal rings  163  and the blown-in dip tube seat  963 . 
     A top view of a blown-in dip tube connector  160  is illustrated in  FIG.  5   . As illustrated, one or more connector lips  165  may rim at least a portion of the connector head  164 . A fluid outlet  167  may open into a fluid flow chamber  166 . While a particular shape and configuration for the fluid flow chamber  166  is illustrated, it is understood that other configurations could also be used. Front and side views of a blown-in dip tube connector  160  are illustrated in  FIGS.  6  and  7    and a bottom view of the same illustrated in  FIG.  8   . 
     A blown-in dip tube connector  160  according to other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  9  through  15   . As illustrated, a blown-in dip tube connector  160  may include a fluid inlet  161 , a fluid flow path  162 , and a connector head  164 . The fluid flow path  162  may be bounded on either end by the inlet  161  and an outlet  167 . During operation of a blown-in dip tube connector  160 , fluid may pass from a blown-in dip tube through the inlet  161  into the fluid path  162  and out the outlet  167  into a fluid flow chamber  166  in the connector head  164 . Fluid passing into the fluid flow chamber  166  may pass into a ball retainer  140  and be pumped through the pump system  100 . The blown-in dip tube connector  160  may also include one or more vent passages  169 . 
     According to embodiments of the invention, a blown-in dip tube connector  160  as illustrated in  FIGS.  9  through  15    may connect to a valve body  150 , ball retainer  140  or both a valve body  150  and ball retainer  140  using the one or more connector tabs  175 . The one or more connector tabs may mate with or fix to one or more connectors  159  on a valve body  150  or ball retainer  140 . According to some embodiments of the invention, the one or more connector tabs  175  may include spacing between each of the one or more connector tabs  175  such that the one or more connector tabs  175  may flex during assembly of a blown-in dip tube connector  160  with a valve body  150 , ball retainer  140 , or both. Connection between the blown-in dip tube connector  160  and the valve body  150  or ball retainer  140  may be fixed or moveable. 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a blown-in dip tube connector  160  may also include a dip tube lock  168  as illustrated in  FIGS.  9  through  15   . Unlike conventional blown-in dip tube connections, the inclusion of a dip tube lock  168  on a blown-in dip tube connector  160  may improve the sealing of the blown-in dip tube connector  160  with a blown-in dip tube. For example, a blown-in dip tube may include a detent, raised ridge, or other feature configured to mate with the dip tube lock  168 . When inserted into a blown-in dip tube, the dip tube lock  168  may snap to or fit with a feature that helps to prevent removal of the blown-in dip tube  160  therefrom. In some embodiments of the invention, one or more seal rings  163  may also be combined with a dip tube lock  168  to improve the connection, seal, or connection and seal between a blown-in dip tube and a blown-in dip tube connector  160 . 
     An example of a connection between a blown-in dip tube  960  of a container or bottle  900  with a blown-in dip tube connector  160  having a dip tube lock  168  is illustrated in  FIG.  24   . In particular,  FIG.  24    illustrates a detailed portion of the blown-in dip tube connector  160  circled in  FIG.  15    in communication with a bottle  900 . As illustrated, the dip tube lock  168  may snap fit with a detent  968 , rim, or other feature of the blown-in dip tube  960  such that the blown-in dip tube connector  160  is secured to the blown-in dip tube  960 . In some embodiments, the detent  968  and dip tube lock  168  may be configured such that once attached, the detent  968  and dip tube lock  168  will not separate without damaging the blown-in dip tube  960  or blown-in dip tube connector  160  such that they may not be reused. In other embodiments, the dip tube lock  168  and detent  968  may be configured to allow the blown-in dip tube connector  160  to be removed from the blown-in dip tube  960  and reassembled at a later time. For instance, such configuration may be desirable in those instances where a bottle  900  is to be re-filled and the pump system  100  reused with the bottle  900 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  11  and  12   , a blown-in dip tube connector  160  may also include a trough  142  within at least a portion of the connector head  164 . The trough may be configured to mate with, connect to, or otherwise seal with a ball retainer  140  as illustrated in  FIG.  2   . A ball retainer  140  may be snap fit into the blown-in dip tube connector  160  such that the blown-in dip tube  160  and ball retainer  140  may be shipped as a single unit or used as a single unit during an assembly process. 
     A blown-in dip tube connector  160  according to still other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  16  and  17   . As illustrated, the dip tube lock  168  feature of a blown-in dip tube connector  160  may be fitted with an o-ring  178  or other sealing device to facilitate a seal between the blown-in dip tube connector  160  and a blown-in dip tube. In addition, the ability to add an o-ring  178  or other sealing device to a dip tube lock  168  allows a blown-in dip tube connector  160  as illustrated in  FIGS.  9  through  15    to be used with either a blown-in dip tube having a feature to mate with a dip tube lock  168  or a blown-in dip tube where such a feature does not exist. 
     For example, a detailed view of the blown-in dip tube connector  160  and o-ring  178  circled and illustrated in  FIG.  16    is illustrated in  FIG.  25   . As illustrated, an o-ring  178  may be fitted on a dip tube lock  168  and the fluid inlet  161  end of the blown-in dip tube connector  160  may be inserted into a blown-in dip tube  960  of a bottle  900 . At least a portion of the o-ring  178  may mate with the walls of the blown-in dip tube  960  and provide a seal therewith to improve the function of the connection between the blown-in dip tube connector  160  and the blown-in dip tube  960 . In other embodiments of the invention, a blown-in dip tube  960  may also include additional features which may mate with an o-ring  178  or provide additional connectivity or retention between the o-ring  178  and the blown-in dip tube  960 . 
     According to still other embodiments of the invention, a blown-in dip tube connector  160  may include a dip tube lip  188  configured to mate with a blown-in dip tube as illustrated in  FIGS.  2   .  22 A and  22 B. The circled portion of  FIG.  2    is illustrated in  FIG.  22 A . As illustrated, a container or bottle  900  may include a blown-in dip tube  960 . The blown-in dip tube  960  may include a blown-in dip tube lip  988  extending from the bottle  900 . When a blown-in dip tube connector  160  is assembled or fitted to the bottle  900 , a fluid inlet  161  portion of the blown-in dip tube connector  160  may extend into a portion of a blown-in dip tube  960  and the dip tube lip  188  may rest on, mate with, or seal to the blown-in dip tube lip  988 . In such an embodiment, a seal may be formed between the fluid inlet  161  and the blown-in dip tube  960 , between the dip tube lip  188  and the blown-in dip tube lip  988 , or both the fluid inlet  161  and blown-in dip tube  960  and the dip tube lip  188  and the blown-in dip tube lip  988 . In other embodiments of the invention, a dip tube lip  188  may fit on an interior of a blown-in dip tube  960  as illustrated in  FIG.  22 B . The dip tube lip  188  may seal against a wall of the blown-in dip tube  960  to form a seal between the blown-in dip tube connector  160  and the blown-in dip tube  960 . 
     A pump system  200  according to other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  27  through  30   . As illustrated, the pump system  200  may include a blown-in dip tube connector  260  connected to a valve body  250  and retaining a valve  230 , such as a ball valve, in the valve body  250 . The blown-in dip tube connector  260  may be a one-piece component acting as a valve retainer and as a fluid connection between a blown-in dip tube  960  of a bottle  900  and a trigger sprayer. 
     A pump system  200  according to certain embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG.  27   . As illustrated, a blown-in dip tube connector  260  may be attached to a valve body  250  and may retain a valve  230  in the valve body  250 . As illustrated, the valve  230  may include a ball which may seat against a portion of the blown-in dip tube connector  260  to form a ball valve. In other embodiments, the valve  230  may include a flap valve, spring valve, or other valve as conventionally known. The blown-in dip tube connector  260  may include one or more connector lips  265 , connector tabs, or other connection features to facilitate retention of the blown-in dip tube connector  260  with the valve body  250 . For example, the one or more connector lips  265  may snap over one or more connectors  159  integrated with a valve body  250 . In some embodiments, the one or more connector lips  265  may be configured to seal with a portion of the valve body  250 . 
     A blown-up view of the connection formed between a valve body  250  and a blown-in dip tube connector  260  according to certain embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG.  28   . As illustrated, a valve body  250  may include one or more connection arms  280  or a circumferential connection projection extending in a generally downward direction from the valve body  250  as illustrated. The one or more connection arms  280  may include one or more seal rings  285  projecting therefrom. The one or more seal rings  285  may mate with or seal with one or more plug seal rings  270  in the blown-in dip tube connector  260 . A blown-in dip tube connector  260  may also include one or more projections  271  which may mate with a seal ring in the valve body  250  or a portion of the one or more connection arms  280 . The fitment of the one or more connection arms  280  with the blown-in dip tube connector  260  may form a fluid tight seal between the blown-in dip tube connector  260  and the valve body  250  such that a fluid chamber  290  is formed between the two parts. Fluid entering the fluid chamber  290  may pass through an upper fluid path  292  of the blown-in dip tube connector  260 , past the valve  230  and into a piston chamber  251  of the valve body  250 . 
     A blown-in dip tube connector  260  according to certain embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  29  and  30   . As illustrated, a blown-in dip tube connector  260  may include a connector head  264  having a port  262  and a valve retainer  240  extending therefrom. The port  262  may extend away from the connector head  264  in one direction and the valve retainer  240  may extend away from the connector head  264  in an opposite direction. 
     A port  262  according to various embodiments of the invention may include an inlet  261  at the end opposite the connector head  264  and an outlet  267  in the connector head  264 . A fluid flow path may be defined between the inlet  261  and outlet  267 . According to some embodiments of the invention, the port  262  may include one or more sealing devices located near the inlet  261 . For example, the port  262  may include any of a seal ring  163 , a dip tube lock  168 , an o-ring  178 , a dip tube lip  188 , flange or other sealing feature described with respect to other embodiments of the invention. In use, a portion of the port  262  near the inlet  261  may seal against or with a blown-in dip tube  960  of a bottle  900 . 
     A valve retainer  240  portion of a blown-in dip tube connector  260  according to embodiments of the invention may include a fluid inlet  241  and a fluid outlet  247 . As illustrated, a fluid inlet  241  may include a path through the valve retainer  240  portion of the blown-in dip tube connector  260 . In other embodiments, a path extending through the valve retainer  240  portion may be sealed, leaving only a fluid inlet  241  opening. A fluid outlet  247  according to various embodiments of the invention may include a valve seat. 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a blown-in dip tube connector  260  may be assembled with a valve body  250  and other components to form a trigger sprayer or pump system  200  which may be assembled with a bottle  900  having a blown-in dip tube  960 . When assembled, a portion of a port  262  of the blown-in dip tube connector  260  may seal or mate with the blown-in dip tube  960 , forming a fluid tight seal. When operated, fluid may pass through the blown-in dip tube  960 , into the blown-in dip tube connector  260  and into the fluid chamber  290  between the blown-in dip tube connector  260  and valve body  250 . Further operation of the trigger sprayer may draw fluid from the fluid chamber  290  past the valve  230  and into the piston chamber  251  of the valve body  250  where conventional means are then used to spray such fluid. Thus, a blown-in dip tube connector  260  according to embodiments of the invention may serve as a fluid conduit or fluid flow path between a blown-in dip tube  960  of a bottle  900  and a trigger sprayer or other dispenser. 
     According to certain embodiments of the invention, a blown-in dip tube connector according to any of the embodiments of the invention may be made of any desirable material. For example, a blown-in dip tube connector may be made of a plastic material. In some embodiments, a blown-in dip tube connector may be made of a polyethylene material. For example, in some embodiments, a blown-in dip tube connector may be made of High-density polyethylene (HDPE). In other embodiments, a blown-in dip tube connector may be made of Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE). In still other embodiments, a blown-in dip tube connector may be made of a material that allows the blown-in dip tube connector to flex such that if a bayonet-type connection between a pump system  100  and bottle  900  is used, removal of the pump system  100  may be facilitated by the ability of the blown-in dip tube connector to flex during removal of the pump system  100  from the bottle  900 . For example, as a bayonet connection is removed from a bottle  900 , the valve body  150  is typically twisted off of the bottle  900 . As the valve body  150  is twisted, a fluid flow path  162  portion of a blown-in dip tube connector  160  may flex allowing the valve body  150  to twist to release the bayonet connection while maintaining a seal or connection between the blown-in dip tube connector  160  and a blown-in dip tube  960 . 
     While various embodiments of the invention are illustrated with a blown-in dip tube connector  160  mated with a valve body  150 , a blown-in dip tube connector  160  may also be fitted with or retained by connection with a ball retainer  140 . For example, connectors on a ball retainer  140  may mate with or fit with the connectors on the blown-in dip tube connector  160  such that the blown-in dip tube connector  160  and ball retainer  140  snap together. Assembly of the ball retainer  140  and blown-in dip tube connector  160  with a valve body  150  may be made by snap fitment of the ball retainer  140  with the valve body  150 , snap fitment of the blown-in dip tube connector  160  with the valve body  150 , both snap fitment of the ball retainer  140  and blown-in dip tube connector  160  with the valve body  150  or through other conventional fitment or retention systems. 
     A pump system  300  according to still other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG.  31   . As illustrated, a pump system  300  may include a trigger sprayer having a valve body  150 , a piston  120 , an integrated trigger and spring  110 , a ball valve  130 , and a ball retainer  140  as with other embodiments of the invention. The pump system  300  may also include a flexible tube  360  which may act as a connector between a blown-in dip tube  960  of a bottle  900  and other components of the pump system  300 . The pump system  300  may also include any of a shroud  190  and nozzle  192  as conventionally known. In addition, the integrated trigger and spring  110  combination may be substituted with a conventional plastic or metal spring and trigger. 
     According to certain embodiments of the invention, the use of a flexible tube  360  to create a fluid flow path between a blown-in dip tube  960  and a trigger sprayer is a solution which can be easily adapted to existing trigger sprayers having fluid flow paths that are not in-line with a blown-in dip tube  960  opening of a bottle. For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  31   , one end of a flexible tube  360  may be inserted in, fitted in, or otherwise in communication with, a valve body  150 , ball retainer  140 , tube retainer, or other fluid flow path in the pump system  300 . An opposite end of the flexible tube  360  may be inserted into an opening in the blown-in dip tube  960  of the bottle  900 . An opening in the blown-in dip tube  960  may include funnel shaped walls to help guide an end of a flexible tube  360  into sealing engagement with the blown-in dip tube  960 . The end of the flexible tube  360  inserted into the blown-in dip tube may seal against the interior walls of the blown-in dip tube  960  such that a fluid tight seal is formed allowing the pump system  300  to retain prime once primed by a user. According to some embodiments of the invention, the end of the flexible tube  360  inserted into the opening of the blown-in dip tube  960  may include a sealing device as well. For example, the end of the flexible tube  360  inserted into the opening of the blown-in dip tube  960  may include any of a seal ring  163 , a dip tube lock  168 , an o-ring  178 , a dip tube lip  188 , flange or other sealing device according to embodiments of the invention. 
     When assembled, a pump system  300  utilizing a flexible tube  360  according to embodiments of the invention provides a bent or curved fluid path from a blown-in dip tube  960  in a bottle  900  to a trigger sprayer. In some embodiments, the flexible tube  360  may provide a fluid path or supply line directly connecting a blown-in dip tube  960  in a bottle  900  to a trigger sprayer fluid supply line or fluid flow path. 
     Unlike the trigger supply lines illustrated in United States Patent Application 2010/0096415 which include “direct alignment” with an integral dip tube or blown-in dip tube of a bottle, the flexible tube  360  according to embodiments of the invention creates an indirect supply route from the blown-in dip tube  960  to a trigger actuator. In addition, the use of a flexible tube  360  according to embodiments of the invention allows conventional trigger sprayers having fluid supply tubes which are offset from a front portion of a bottle, or offset from the location that a blown-in dip tube  960  of a bottle  900  would be located, to be fitted with a flexible tube  360  and connected to a bottle  900  having a blown-in dip tube  960  as illustrated in  FIG.  31   . Thus, direct alignment of a trigger supply line with a blown-in dip tube  960  opening in unnecessary. This is also advantageous because, unlike the forward sitting trigger sprayers of United States Patent Application 2010/0096415, a trigger sprayer, and its mass, may be located more towards the middle of the bottle or toward the side of the bottle  900  opposite the blown-in dip tube  960  when combined with a flexible tube  360  according to embodiments of the invention. This may improve the balance and ergonomics of such an embodiment over the straight direct alignment of other trigger supply lines. The use of a flexible tube  360  to connect a trigger sprayer or pump system  300  with a blown-in dip tube  960  may also allow the use of a trigger sprayer having a centrally located, or an offset, fluid supply path into the trigger sprayer. 
     The use of a flexible tube  360  according to embodiments of the invention may also be advantageous in that shortened dip tubes may be used as a flexible tube  360 . Alternatively, a trigger sprayer or pump system fitted with a conventionally sized dip tube may have that dip tube cut such that the end of the shortened dip tube may be inserted into a blown-in dip tube  960  of a bottle  900  on the filling line. This may allow conventional trigger sprayers fitted with dip tubes to be used with bottles  900  having blown-in dip tubes  960 . 
     According to embodiments of the invention, a flexible tube  360  may be assembled to a bottle  900  on a filling line. In some embodiments of the invention, a bottle  900  having a blown-in dip tube  960  may be filled, or partially filled, with a fluid product as conventionally known. A pump system  300  fitted with a flexible tube  360  may be aligned such that the flexible tube  360  may mate with an opening in the blown-in dip tube  960  as the pump system  300  is assembled to the bottle  900  on the filling line. After reaching sufficient insertion depth, the pump system  300  may be moved and aligned with the bottle  900  opening such that the pump system  300  may be attached to the bottle  900 , for example, using a conventional bayonet fitment system or twist on closure system. The resulting configuration is illustrated in  FIG.  31    wherein the flexible tube  360  includes sufficient curvature to connect the fluid supply line of the trigger sprayer with the blown-in dip tube  960 . 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the ball valve  130  and ball retainer  140  may be substituted with a tube retainer and ball valve  130  or other conventional valve system. For example,  FIG.  32    illustrates a conventional trigger sprayer  399  or dispensing mechanism fitted with a flexible tube  360  according to embodiments of the invention. The trigger sprayer  399  or dispensing mechanism is further described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,301, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As illustrated in  FIG.  32   , a portion of the flexible tube  360  according to embodiments of the invention may be fitted in a seal assembly  334  or tube retainer of the trigger sprayer  399 . The fitment of the flexible tube  360  with the seal assembly  334  or tube retainer may be sufficient or snug enough such that the flexible tube  360  is not easily removed, or cannot be removed, from the trigger sprayer  399  once assembled. 
     A flexible tube  360  according to embodiments of the invention may be made of a flexible material. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, a flexible tube  360  may be a flexible plastic material. In some particular embodiments, a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) material may be used to make a flexible tube  360  according to embodiments of the invention. 
     According to other various embodiments of the invention, a pump system  400  may include a funnel  470  as illustrated in  FIG.  33   . A funnel  470  may be inserted into a bottle  900  to help guide a flexible tube  360  into an opening in the blown-in dip tube  960  of the bottle  900 . As illustrated, the funnel  470  may be positioned with a wide opening closer the top of the bottle  900  and a narrowing portion to an opening or landing in the blown-in dip tube  960 . A funnel  470  according to embodiments of the invention may be made of any desirable material. In some embodiments, a funnel  470  may be made of a plastic material. 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a funnel  470  may include one or more openings  472  in the side walls of the funnel  470 . The one or more openings  472  in the side walls of the funnel  470  may allow a fluid to pass through the funnel  470  and fill the bottle  900 . For example, a bottle  900  fitted with a funnel  470  having one or more openings  472  may be filled by directing fluid into the funnel  470 . As fluid enters the funnel  470  it may pass through the one or more openings  472  and into an interior portion of the bottle  900 . In some embodiments of the invention, a funnel  470  may be inserted in a bottle  900  prior to filling of the bottle  900  on a fill line and the bottle  900  filled with the funnel  470  in place. According to other embodiments of the invention, a funnel  470  may be added to a bottle  900  following a filling process; thus, a bottle  900  could be filled and a funnel  470  then inserted into the bottle  900  before a pump system  400  or trigger sprayer having a flexible tube  360  is attached to the bottle  900 . 
     According to embodiments of the invention, a funnel  470  may help guide a flexible tube  360  into the opening of a blown-in dip tube  960 . As only a portion of the funnel  470  in needed to guide a flexible tube  360 , the one or more openings  472  in a funnel  470  may be quite large to allow for filling of a bottle  900  through a funnel  470  or with the funnel  470  fitted in the bottle  900 . 
     A funnel  470  according to certain embodiments of the invention may be secured to the bottle  900  at an opening of the bottle  900 , at an opening of the blown-in dip tube  960  or in any other desirable manner. 
     An embodiment of a pump system  400  including a funnel  470  is illustrated in  FIG.  34   . As illustrated, a conventional trigger sprayer  399  such as that illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,301 may be fitted with a flexible tube  360  according to embodiments of the invention and assembled with a bottle  900  having a blown-in dip tube  960  and a funnel  470  inserted in the bottle  900 . The funnel  470  may help guide the flexible tube  360  into the blown-in dup tube  960  during assembly of the pump system  400 . In addition, the use of the funnel  470  may allow a trigger sprayer  399  to be assembled directly to the bottle  900  without first aligning the flexible tube  360  with the blown-in dip tube  360  opening. 
     According to other embodiments of the invention, a pump system  500  may include a swivel adapter  560 , or rotatable connector, which may provide a fluid path between a blown-in dip tube  960  and a trigger sprayer. For example, a swivel adapter  560  according to certain embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG.  35   . As illustrated, a pump system  500  may include a trigger sprayer having a valve body  150 , a piston  120 , an integrated trigger and spring  110 , a ball valve  130 , and a ball retainer  140  similar to other embodiments of the invention. The pump system  500  may also include a swivel adapter  560  snapped onto the ball retainer  140  or valve body  150  and which may act as a connector between a blown-in dip tube  960  of a bottle  900  and other components of the pump system  500 . The pump system  500  may also include any of a shroud  190  and nozzle  192  as conventionally known. In addition, the integrated trigger and spring  110  combination may be substituted with a conventional plastic or metal spring and trigger. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, a swivel adapter  560  or rotatable connector may be configured to rotate such that a trigger sprayer utilizing the swivel adapter  560  may be assembled to a bottle  900  having a blown-in dip tube  960  and then disassembled by twisting the trigger sprayer off of a bayonet connection with the bottle  900 . A port  562  on the swivel adapter  560  may mate with and seal to an opening of a blown-in dip tube  960 . When the trigger sprayer to which the swivel adapter  560  is attached is rotated, the swivel adapter may remain in one location with the port  562  sealed to the blown-in dip tube  960  opening while the rest of the trigger sprayer moves. This feature may allow the swivel adapter to maintain alignment with the blown-in dip tube  960  as the pump system  500  is removed from a bottle  900 . The trigger sprayer and swivel adapter  560  may then be disconnected from the bottle  900  and the seal between the port  562  and blown-in dip tube  960  broken. 
     A swivel adapter  560  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  36  and  37   . A cross-sectional view of a swivel adapter  560  assembled with a trigger sprayer according to embodiments of the invention and attached to a bottle  900  having a blown-in dip tube  960  is illustrated in  FIG.  36   . As shown, the swivel adapter  560  may be snap fit or otherwise connected to the valve body  150  or to a ball retainer  140 . A port  562  associated with the swivel adapter  560  may be sealed in an opening of the blown-in dip tube  960  of the bottle  900 . In some embodiments, the port  562  of the swivel adapter  560  may extend beyond the valve body  150  or outside of the valve body  150  as illustrated. In this manner, the port  562  may reach a blown-in dip tube  960  opening positioned below a top opening of the bottle  900 . Thus, the swivel adapter  560  provides a fluid path between the blown-in dip tube  960  and the trigger sprayer. In addition, in some embodiments the blown-in dip tube  960  may include a funnel-shaped opening as illustrated in  FIG.  36    such that a port  562  of a swivel adapter may be more easily aligned and fit into an opening in a blown-in dip tube  960  for sealing engagement thereof. 
     A more detailed view of a swivel adapter  560  or rotatable connector according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG.  37   . As illustrated, a swivel adapter  560  according to certain embodiments of the invention may snap fit onto the valve body  150  of the pump system  500 . The valve body  150  may include one or more connectors  159  to which the swivel adapter  560  may connect and the swivel adapter  560  may include one or more latches or snap fitment features to facilitate connection to the valve body  150 . A ball retainer  140  may also include one or more features or seals, such as a radial seal  541 , allowing the ball retainer  140  to seal with the swivel adapter  560 . While the swivel adapter  560  may connect to the valve body  150 , the connection may be configured such that the swivel adapter  560  may move relative to the valve body  150 . A port  562  associated with the swivel adapter  560  may fit into and seal with an opening in the blown-in dip tube  960  of the bottle  900  as illustrated. In some embodiments of the invention, the port  562  may also include one or more seal features such as a seal ring  163 , a dip tube lock  168 , an o-ring  178 , a dip tube lip  188 , flange or other sealing device according to various embodiments of the invention. Such features may facilitate an improved seal with an opening in the blown-in dip tube  960 . 
     According to embodiments of the invention, a pump system  500  having a swivel adapter  560  may be assembled and disassembled with a bottle  900  having a blown-in dip tube  960 . For example, a pump system  500  having a bayonet connection system may be assembled to a bottle  900  having a corresponding connection system as illustrated in  FIG.  38   . As illustrated, a pump system  500  may be aligned with an opening in the bottle  900  and forced downward onto the bottle  900  to connect thereto. During assembly and connection of the pump system  500 , or trigger sprayer, with the bottle  900 , the port  562  of the swivel adapter  560  may align with, mate, and seal with an opening in the blown-in dip tube  960 . The pump system  500  may then be used. A top-down illustration of the pump system  500  attached to a bottle  900  is illustrated in  FIG.  39 A  and a bottom-up view of the swivel adapter  560  relative to the pump system  500  in the attached position is illustrated in  FIG.  39 B . 
     To disengage the pump system  500  from the bottle  900  when a removable bayonet connection exists between the bottle  900  and valve body  150 , the trigger sprayer portion of the pump system  500  may be rotated from the position illustrated in  39 A to the position illustrated in  FIG.  40 A . The pump system  500  may then be removed from the bottle  900  and disengaged from the blown-in dip tube  960 . A bottom-up view of the swivel adapter  560  relative to the pump system  500  in the disengaged position is illustrated in  FIG.  40 B . As illustrated, the swivel adapter  560  is able to rotate, allowing the swivel adapter  560  to stay engaged with the blown-in dip tube  960  until the pump system  500  is disengaged from the bayonet connection system and removed from the bottle  900 . 
     To reattach a disengaged pump system  500  having a swivel adapter  560  according to various embodiments of the invention, the pump system  500  may be aligned with the bottle  900  such that the port  562  of the swivel adapter is aligned with an opening in the blown-in dip tube  960 . The pump system  500  may then be lowered onto the bottle  900  as illustrated in  41  and twisted back into the attached position illustrated in  FIG.  39 A . 
     According to other embodiments of the invention, a swivel adapter  560  may also be used with a pump system  500  having a non-removable bayonet system for attaching a valve body  150  to a bottle  900 . In such embodiments, the non-removable bayonet system may preclude or prevent disengagement of the trigger sprayer portion of the pump system  500  and bottle  900 . 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a pump system  500  having a swivel adapter  560  may be assembled as illustrated in  FIG.  42   . A valve body  150  may be inverted and a ball or ball valve  130  inserted in a fluid path therein. A ball retainer  140  may be inserted in the fluid path to retain the ball valve  130 . A swivel adapter  560  may be snap fit onto the valve body  150  and may form a fluid tight seal with the ball retainer  140 . The resulting structure may be assembled to a bottle  900  having a blown-in dip tube  960  as described herein. 
     An example of a ball retainer  140  according to certain embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  43 A through  43 E .  FIG.  43 A  illustrates a side view, FIG.  43 B illustrates a top-down view,  FIG.  43 C  illustrates a bottom-up view, and  FIGS.  43 D and  43 E  illustrate perspective views of a ball retainer  140  according to certain embodiments of the invention. As illustrated, a ball retainer  140  may include a fluid path  541  or fluid supply line for transmitting fluid received from a blown-in dip tube  960  into the pump system as conventionally known. A ball retainer may also include one or more detents or stops  545  as desired. The one or more detents or stops  545  may work in conjunction with one or more detents or stops in a swivel adapter  560  to limit the range of rotation between the swivel adapter  560  and ball retainer  140 . The one or more detents or stops  545  may also work with one or more detents or stops in a swivel adapter  560  to hold a swivel adapter  560  in a certain position following removal of a pump system  500  from a bottle  900  or during assembly of a pump system  500  to a bottle  900 . One or more anti-torque features  543  may also be included as part of a ball retainer  140 . The one or more anti-torque features  543  may limit movement of the ball retainer  140  during removal or assembly of a pump system  500  with a bottle  900 . The one or more anti-torque features  543  may also mate with a valve body  150  to align or position the ball retainer  140  with the valve body  150  and prevent movement of the ball retainer  140  relative to the valve body  150  as the swivel adapter  560  rotates. A ball retainer  140  may also include one or more seals  544 . The one or more seals  544  may be configured to mate with or seal against an interior portion of a swivel adapter  560  such that an interior portion of the ball retainer  140  and an interior portion of a swivel adapter  560  form a fluid chamber. 
     An example of a swivel adapter  560  according to certain embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  44 A through  44 E .  FIG.  44 A  illustrates a side view, FIG.  44 B illustrates a top-down view,  FIG.  44 C  illustrates a bottom-up view, and  FIGS.  44 D and  44 E  illustrate perspective views of a swivel adapter  560  according to certain embodiments of the invention. As illustrated, a swivel adapter  560  may include a port  562  having an entry or opening to a fluid path into an interior portion of the swivel adapter  560 . One or more swivel detents or stops  565  may be formed on an interior of the swivel adapter  560  any may be configured to mate with or work with one or more detents or stops  545  of a ball retainer  140 . A swivel adapter  560  may also include one or more vent ports  566  to allow venting of a bottle  900  when a pump system  500  is being operated. 
     According to certain embodiments, a swivel adapter  560  may also include one or more snap beads  567  or other attachment features to connect the swivel adapter  560  to a valve body  150 . The one or more snap beads  567  may be configured to mate with or connect a swivel adapter  560  to a valve body  150 . For example, one or more snap beads  567  of a swivel adapter  560  may snap into or about one or more connectors  159  on a valve body  150  to retain the swivel adapter  560  to the valve body  150 . In various embodiments of the invention, the one or more snap beads  567  may allow the swivel adapter  560  to rotate relative to the valve body  150 . In other embodiments, if the rotation or swivel of a swivel adapter  560  is not desired, the one or more snap beads  567  or other attachment features may create a fixed attachment between the swivel adapter  567  and the valve body  150 . 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, the mating of a swivel adapter  560  with a ball retainer  140  may form a fluid chamber on an interior of the two components. When assembled with a valve body  150  and mated with a blown-in dip tube  960 , fluid may pass from a blown-in dip tube  960  into the swivel adapter  560  and ball retainer  140  and into a piston chamber  151  of the valve body  150  to be sprayed as conventionally known. Thus, a swivel adapter  560  may provide a fluid connection between a blown-in dip tube  960  and a trigger sprayer. 
     A swivel adapter  560  according to embodiments of the invention may be made of a plastic or resin material. For example, a swivel adapter  560  may be made of a polyethylene material, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MIDPE), other such material. 
     Having thus described certain particular embodiments of the invention, it is understood that the invention defined by the appended claims is not to be limited by particular details set forth in the above description, as many apparent variations thereof are contemplated. Rather, the invention is limited only by the appended claims, which include within their scope all equivalent devices or methods which operate according to the principles of the invention as described.