Patent Publication Number: US-2011064511-A1

Title: Dispensing mechanism assembly

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a dispensing mechanism assembly for dispensing product(s). More particularly, the present invention relates to a dispensing mechanism assembly for dispensing product wherein the assembly comprises a novel delivery screw structured such that it has a dual function of a screw and an acoustic generating component and it further helps in overall reduction in manufacturing cost of the dispensing assembly. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     There are known various dispensing devices for dispensing many types of fluids and various other products such as creams, semisolids, gels, liquids, pastes, and the like. These devices use varying arrangements and configurations of dispensing/propelling mechanisms. The device may employ a push type dispensing or a screw type dispensing mechanism. Generally these dispensing mechanisms include an actuator which is connected to a barrel and both are rotatably connected to each other. In the actuator is provided a threaded rod, a screw and a piston which are so arranged that the rotational movement of threaded rod is restricted with respect to actuator and is axially displaceable with respect to the screw. The actuator when actuated causes the threaded rod to rise up on the screw which in turn causes the piston to push the product upwards in the barrel towards the applicator. Further, there are also present ratchet and spring depending on whether only propelling is desired or propel-repel both are required. A drawback associated with this assembly is that the addition of an independent spring element, in order to bias the ratchet mechanism together, increases the complexity and cost of the dispensing device making it a less than desirable alternative. Further, since the number of parts is large, the manufacturing costs such as molding, assembly or the like are complicated and therefore it is desirable that a low cost be achieved. 
     Yet, this arrangement of providing propel and propel/repel is required as there are some formulations that need to be kept protected from contamination and some are such which need to be used in less quantities and therefore such modifications/alterations need to be done depending on the usage. On the other hand, provision of these alterations results in having numerous, separate and complex structural elements. 
     Therefore, while it is important to minimize manufacturing costs and simplify the production process, it is also important that such a dispensing device be convenient and easy for the consumer to use. 
     Moreover, the dispensers available are unable to provide a smooth, luxurious feel while operating the package as the clicking sound produced is very rough due to the usage of a spring. Moreover, as spring and ratchet collide with every movement, the components are exposed to more wear and tear. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a device that provides the user with silky, quality feel in the operational handling of the container, while confirming operation to the user. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention generally is a dispensing mechanism assembly. More particularly the present invention relates to a dispensing mechanism assembly that is economical in manufacturing. The invention provides for an assembly which is comprised of few components of clearly defined function. This simplifies the handling and simultaneously reduces manufacturing requirements. 
     There is provided a dispensing mechanism assembly which has a lesser cycle time during manufacturing as compared to the conventional dispensing mechanism assemblies and is therefore cost-effective. The dispensing mechanism assembly of the present invention has reduced assembly time and cost as well as reduced manufacturing costs and time. 
     The invention also provides for an assembly which when incorporated in a dispensing container for fluids provides an elegant feel to the user while operating it. 
     According to an embodiment of an invention the dispensing mechanism assembly comprises a delivery screw, a piston, a piston rod and an actuating means wherein the delivery screw is having a novel structure that can help reduce the number of parts required in the assembly and thereby lower the manufacturing costs. The novel delivery screw of the present invention has a structure which allows the screw to perform dual function of a conventional screw and of an acoustic generating part. This novel delivery screw while performing the normal function of a delivery screw generates a soft but firm sound while operation. The piston rod is arranged to be engaged with the delivery screw and the actuating means such that its rotational movement with respect to the actuating means is restricted while its axial movement with respect to the screw is allowed. Further, the delivery screw is structured such that it has a generally cylindrical shape having at least one sidewall wherein the inner periphery of the sidewall has engagement means such as threads to compliment an engagement means present on the outer periphery of the piston rod. The delivery screw further has a plurality of extensions extending along the longitudinal axis of its sidewall, said extensions having a length greater than their width. The said extensions may be in the form of lugs extending along longitudinal axis of the sidewall. The said extensions further may have a profile that operatively engages with a profile on the inner periphery of the actuating means. The profiles on the said extensions may be in the form of cylindrical or triangular protrusions or any suitable profile that provides a harder feedback feel but softer acoustical tone. Further, these profiles on the extensions operatively engage with only a specific area on the inner periphery of the actuating means having a profile thereby generating a sound that is acoustically superior than the conventional ratchet spring mechanism used in the conventional dispensing assemblies. This structure of the delivery screw allows it to generate a soft but firm sound while the actuating means is being actuated. Such a structure of delivery screw comprising of extensions along the longitudinal axis of its sidewall, said extensions being operatively engageable with the profiles on the actuating eliminate the need of a ratchet and spring which are generally used in dispensing assemblies. In conventional dispensing assemblies the entire ratchet part is powered or biased by a spring and is made to smack into the complimentary part to create a clap like hard sound and if the spring is made softer to reduce the impact then the “feedback” feel of the actuator is also dampened. In the dispensing assembly of the present invention the novel delivery screw generates a softer sound with a tactile feel without compromising on the feedback feel. The term “feedback” feel used herein refers to the sound that is generated by the actuation of the actuator to give the user a confirmation of the operation. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention the dispensing mechanism assembly is so arranged that the piston rod is accommodated in the actuating means while the delivery screw is operatively engaged with the piston rod. Further, the plurality of extensions of the novel delivery screw are engaged with the actuating means. On the piston rod is fitted the piston. During operation, as the actuating means is actuated, the piston rod is caused to ride on the screw and thereby cause axial displacement of the piston which pushes the product forward for being dispensed out. While operation, as the actuating means is actuated, the profiles on the extensions of the delivery screw and the actuating means operatively engage with each other and generate an elegant tactile feel as well as sound to the user thereby confirming the operation. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention the actuating means provides the force to actuate the dispensing of the product. However, the force required to operate the actuating means may be applied manually, pneumatically, hydraulically or through various other types of displacement mechanisms. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention there is provided a dispenser comprising the dispensing mechanism assembly described above. The dispenser comprises of an outer body and a cover. The outer body has a proximal end and a rear end and has a cavity to accommodate a fluid product and a dispensing mechanism assembly. The dispensing mechanism assembly comprises a delivery screw, a piston, a piston rod and an actuating means. The outer body may further comprise of an applicator/applicator head. The proximal end of the outer body accommodates the applicator/applicator head. Alternatively, the proximal end of the outer body may integrally have an applicator/applicator head. The rear end of the outer body is engaged to the actuating means. The piston rod is accommodated in the actuating means while the delivery screw is operatively connected to the piston rod. Further, the plurality of extensions of the novel delivery screw are engaged with the actuating means. On the piston rod is fitted the piston. During operation, as the actuating means is actuated, the piston rod is caused to ride on the screw which causes axial displacement of the piston which pushes the product forward towards the applicator head for being dispensed out. While operation, as the actuating means is actuated, the profiles on the plurality of extensions of the delivery screw and the actuating means operatively engage with each other and generate an elegant tactile feel as well as sound to the user thereby confirming the operation. The actuating means provides the force to actuate the dispensing of the product. However, the force required to operate the actuating means may be applied manually, pneumatically, hydraulically or through various other types of displacement mechanisms. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention the profiles on the extensions of the delivery screw operatively engage with the profiles on the inner periphery of the actuating means to enable propel/repel or both propel as well as repel motions with an elegant sound and feel. 
     According to an alternative embodiment of the invention there may be provided a transparent outer body area that would keep the user informed of the products kept inside the dispenser and thereby making it informative as well as attractive for the user. 
     Thus, the present invention provides for a simplified, cost-effective, inexpensive, and efficient dispensing mechanism assembly. 
     The dispensing mechanism assembly of the present invention may be used to dispense a wide variety of consumer and industrial products related to cosmetic, skin care, hair care, oral care, personal care, pharmaceutical, wound care, orally administrable products, home-care or adhesives. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view showing the novel delivery screw of the dispensing mechanism assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b  and  1   c  are third angle projection views of the delivery screw of  FIG. 1  showing the cross-sectional view along the section A-A, the side view and the front view of the delivery screw respectively; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the dispenser according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of  FIG. 2  in closed condition; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the dispenser of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of  FIG. 2  showing the initial position of the parts of the dispensing mechanism assembly prior to actuation; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of  FIG. 2  showing the displacement of the parts of the dispensing mechanism assembly after full actuation; 
         FIGS. 7 ,  7   a  and  7   a ′ illustrate the isometric view of the delivery screw, the actuating means and the cross-sectional view of the actuating means respectively of the dispenser of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the dispenser according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is cross-sectional view of the dispenser of  FIG. 8  in closed condition; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the dispenser of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of  FIG. 8  showing the initial position of the parts of the dispensing mechanism assembly prior to actuation; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of  FIG. 8  showing the displacement of the parts of the dispensing mechanism assembly after full actuation; and 
         FIGS. 13 ,  13   a  and  13   a ′ illustrate the isometric view of the delivery screw, the actuating means and the cross-sectional view of the actuating means respectively of the dispenser of  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a delivery screw  100  of the dispensing mechanism assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the novel delivery screw  100  has a structure which allows it to perform dual function of a conventional screw and of an acoustic generating part. This novel delivery screw  100  while performing the normal function of a delivery screw generates a soft but firm sound while operation. As seen in the  FIGS. 1 ,  1   a ,  1   b  and  1   c , the delivery screw  100  is structured such that it has a generally cylindrical shape having at least one sidewall  101 . The delivery screw  100  has a plurality of extensions  102  extending along the longitudinal axis of its sidewall  101 , said extensions  102  having a length greater than their width. The said extensions  102  may be in the form of lugs. The said extensions  102  further have a profile  104  on their lower end. On the inner periphery of the sidewall  101  there are provided engagement means  103  such as threads for engaging with a piston rod. The profile  104  on the said extensions  102  may be in the form of cylindrical or triangular protrusions or any suitable profile that provides a harder feedback feel but softer acoustical tone. Further, these profiles  104  on the extensions  102  operatively engage with only a specific area on the inner periphery of the actuating means having a profile thereby generating a sound that is acoustically superior than the conventional ratchet spring mechanism used in the conventional dispensing assemblies. This structure of the delivery screw allows it to generate a soft but firm sound while the actuating means is being actuated. Such a structure of delivery screw comprising of extensions along the longitudinal axis of its sidewall, said extensions being operatively engageable with the profiles on the actuating eliminate the need of a ratchet and spring which are generally used in dispensing assemblies. In conventional dispensing assemblies the entire ratchet part is powered or biased by a spring and is made to smack into the complimentary part to create a clap like hard sound and if the spring is made softer to reduce the impact then the “feedback” feel of the actuator is also dampened. In the dispensing assembly of the present invention the novel delivery screw generates a softer sound with a tactile feel without compromising on the feedback feel. The term “feedback” feel used herein refers to the sound that is generated by the actuation of the actuating means to give the user a confirmation of the operation. 
       FIGS. 2 through 7  illustrate a dispenser  200  comprising the dispensing mechanism assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.  FIGS. 2 through 4  illustrate the dispenser  200  comprising of an outer body  201  and a cover  202 . The dispenser  200  further comprises an applicator  203  and an actuating means  204 . The outer body  201  has a proximal end and a rear end and has a cavity to accommodate a fluid product and a dispensing mechanism assembly. The dispensing mechanism assembly comprises a delivery screw  205 , a piston  206 , a piston rod  207  and the actuating means  204 . The actuating means  204  provides the force to actuate the movement of the product in the dispenser  200 . The proximal end of the outer body  201  accommodates the applicator/applicator head  203 . The rear end of the outer body  201  is engaged to the actuating means  204 . As shown in  FIG. 4  the applicator  203  such as a brush is accommodated in an applicator sleeve  203   a  via a pipe  210  which in turn is accommodated in a pipe holder  210   a . The applicator sleeve  203   a  engages with the outer body  201 . 
     The arrangement of the dispensing mechanism assembly is such that the piston rod  207  is arranged to be engaged with the delivery screw  205  and the actuating means  204  such that the rotational movement of the piston rod  207  with respect to the actuating means  204  is restricted while its axial movement with respect to the delivery screw  205  is allowed. Further, the delivery screw  205  is structured such that it has a generally cylindrical shape having at least one sidewall  208  wherein the inner periphery of the sidewall  208  has engagement means  208   a  such as threads to compliment an engagement means/profile  207   a  which is provided on the outer periphery of the piston rod  207 . The delivery screw  205  further has a plurality of extensions  209  extending along the longitudinal axis of its sidewall  208 , said extensions  209  having a length greater than their width. As illustrated by  FIGS. 7 and 7   a , the extensions  209  on the delivery screw  205  have a profile  209   a  on their lower end. The actuating means  204  has profiles  204   a  on its inner periphery. The profile  209   a  on the extensions  209  operatively engages with the profile  204   a  provided on the inner periphery of the actuating means  204 . This structure of the delivery screw  205  allows it to function as a conventional screw as well as an acoustic generating part during operation of the assembly. Further, the profiles  209   a  on the extensions  209  operatively engage with only a specific area i.e. the profiles  204   a  on the inner periphery of the actuating means  204  thereby generating a sound that is acoustically superior than the conventional ratchet spring mechanism used in the conventional dispensing assemblies. This structure of the delivery screw  205  allows it to generate a soft but firm sound while the actuating means  204  is being actuated. 
     In the dispenser  200  as shown in  FIGS. 3 through 7 , the piston rod  207  is arranged to sit in the actuating means  204 . On the piston rod  207  is fitted the piston  206 . The extensions  209  of the novel delivery screw  205  are engaged with the actuating means  204  while the delivery screw  205  is operatively engaged with the piston rod  207 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the dispenser  200  is an unactuated position.  FIG. 6  shows the position of the dispensing assembly parts when full actuation has taken place. During operation, as the actuating means  204  is actuated, the piston rod  207  is caused to ride on the delivery screw  205  and thereby cause axial displacement of the piston  206  which pushes the product forward towards the applicator head  203  for being dispensed out. Further, the profiles  209   a  on the extensions  209  of the delivery screw  205  operatively engage with profiles on the inner periphery of the actuating means  204  to enable propel/repel or both propel as well as repel motion with an elegant sound and feel. Also, during operation, as the actuating means  204  is actuated, the complimentary profiles on the extensions  209  of the delivery screw  205  and the actuating means  204  respectively operatively engage with each other and generate an elegant tactile feel as well as sound to the user thereby confirming the operation. The actuating means  204  provides the force to actuate the dispensing of the product. However, the force required to operate the actuating means  204  may be applied manually, pneumatically, hydraulically or through various other types of displacement mechanisms. 
       FIGS. 8 through 12  illustrate a dispenser  300  comprising the dispensing mechanism assembly according to another embodiment of the invention. The dispenser  300  comprises of an outer body  301  and a cover  302 . The dispenser  300  further comprises an actuating means  304 . The outer body  301  has a proximal end and a rear end and has a cavity to accommodate a fluid product and a dispensing mechanism assembly. Further, the proximal end of the outer body  301  is so manufactured to function as an applicator  303 . The rear end of the outer body  301  is engaged to the actuating means  304 . 
     The dispensing mechanism assembly comprises a delivery screw  305 , a piston  306 , a piston rod  307  and the actuating means  304 . The actuating means  304  provides the force to actuate the movement of the product in the dispenser  300 . However, the force required to operate the actuating means  304  may be applied manually, pneumatically, hydraulically or through various other types of displacement mechanisms. The arrangement of the dispensing mechanism assembly is such that the piston rod  307  is arranged to be engaged with the delivery screw  305  and the actuating means  304  such that the rotational movement of the piston rod  307  with respect to the actuating means  304  is restricted while its axial movement with respect to the delivery screw  305  is allowed. Further, the delivery screw  305  is structured such that it has a generally cylindrical shape having at least one sidewall  308  wherein the inner periphery of the sidewall  308  has engagement means  308   a  such as threads to compliment an engagement means/profile  307   a  which is provided on the outer periphery of the piston rod  307 . The delivery screw  305  further has a plurality of extensions  309  extending along the longitudinal axis of its sidewall  308 , said extensions  309  having a length greater than their width. As illustrated by  FIGS. 13 and 13   a , the extensions  309  on the delivery screw  305  have a profile  309   a  on their lower end. The actuating means  304  has profiles  304   a  on its inner periphery. The profile  309   a  on the extensions  309  operatively engages with the profile  304   a  provided on the inner periphery of the actuating means  304 . This structure of the delivery screw  305  allows it to act as an acoustic generating part while operation of the assembly. Further, the profiles  309   a  on the extensions  309  operatively engage with only a specific area i.e. the profiles  304   a  on the inner periphery of the actuating means  304  thereby generating a sound that is acoustically superior than the conventional ratchet spring mechanism used in the conventional dispensing assemblies. This structure of the delivery screw  305  allows it to generate a soft but firm sound while the actuating means  304  is being actuated. 
     In the dispenser  300  as shown in  FIGS. 9 through 13 , the piston rod  307  is arranged to sit in the actuating means  304  and on the piston rod  307  is fitted the piston  306 . The extensions  309  of the novel delivery screw  305  are engaged with the actuating means  304  while the delivery screw  305  is operatively engaged with the piston rod  307 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the dispenser  300  is in unactuated position.  FIG. 12  shows the position of the dispensing assembly parts when full actuation has taken place. During operation, as the actuating means  304  is actuated, the piston rod  307  is caused to ride on the delivery screw  305  and thereby cause axial displacement of the piston  306  which pushes the product forward towards the applicator head  303  for being dispensed out. Further, the profiles  309   a  on the extensions  309  of the delivery screw  305  operatively engage with profiles on the inner periphery of the actuating means  304  to enable propel/repel or both propel as well as repel motion with an elegant sound and feel. Also, while operation, as the actuating means  304  is actuated, the profiles on the extensions  309  of the delivery screw  305  and the actuating means  304  respectively operatively engage with each other and generate an elegant tactile feel as well as sound to the user thereby confirming the operation. 
     The outer body of the dispenser according to the invention may be formed of a polymeric material such as PCTA, polypropylene or any other suitable material. The outer body may have any suitable shape such as cylindrical, rectangular or any other suitable shape. The actuating means of the dispenser according to the invention may be formed of a suitable polymeric material such as styrene acrylonitrile or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or any other suitable material. The materials suitable for forming the piston rod may be polyacetal or any other suitable polymeric/non-polymeric material. The material for forming piston may be any suitable polymeric material such as polypropylene, polyacetal or low-density polyethylene or any other suitable material. The material for forming the delivery screw may be polyacetal or any other suitable polymeric material. The cover of the dispenser may be formed of a suitable polymeric material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or polypropylene or any other suitable material. The aforementioned materials for forming various parts of the dispenser and the dispensing mechanism assembly of the present invention are an example, however other suitable materials may also be used. 
     Although the above description and drawings show the dispenser being cylindrical, the shapes and profile cross section thereof are not limited to the same. Also, the applicator/applicator head of the dispenser may have any suitable form to target a specific application. The applicator/applicator head may be cylindrical and slightly domed on top having concentric grooves with multiple orifices that contain the product when they are being dispensed. The applicator head may alternatively have any suitable construction which helps in application of the product. 
     The dispenser of the present invention may be used to dispense a wide variety of consumer and industrial products related to cosmetic, skin care, hair care, oral care, personal care, pharmaceutical, wound care, orally administrable products, home-care or adhesives. 
     Various examples of the products where the delivery system of the present invention could be used are but not limited to cheek blush, cheek plumping gel/cream, lip plumping gel/cream, moisturizer, sunscreen, temporary hair colors, hair styling gel, hair mousse, hair repair cream, hydrating cream, antiseptic and correction cream, acne treatment cream, concealer, blemish concealer, skin treatment cream, hair repair cream, anti-dandruff cream, hair treatment serum, scalp hydrating oils, teeth whitening gel, teeth whitening and teeth lamination solutions, pain relieving cream, antibiotic cream and analgesic cream, antipyretic and analgesic serums/solutions, bleaching agent, fabric softener, stain remover, bleaching agent, adhesive gels. 
     While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.