Patent Publication Number: US-2021164457-A1

Title: Pump apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/173,454, filed on Oct. 29, 2018; which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/612,486, filed on Dec. 31, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/578,832, filed on Oct. 30, 2017. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/896,839, filed on Sep. 6, 2019. The disclosure of each of the above applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a pump apparatus, and more particularly to a pump apparatus for pumping of a viscous fluid, e.g., peanut butter. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure. 
     A pump can be used to conveniently and efficiently extract a fluid out of a container. For this reason, pumps are used in many common household products, such as bottles for shampoo, hair conditioner, lotion, soap and other fluid containers. For fluids that flow relatively easily, a simple hand pump can be used. Such hand pumps are typically configured to use suction to extract the fluid. As fluid is output from the pump, the remaining fluid in the container flows to the suction port of the pump for future extraction. 
     For fluids that flow less easily (referred to herein as “viscous fluids”), however, such simple hand pumps may not perform well. For example only, instead of the fluid flowing to the suction port of the pump, an air channel may form from the suction port to the ambient air and cause the pump to pump air rather than the viscous fluid. In such cases, a user may shake the container in order to tamp down or otherwise move the fluid to the suction port in order to use the pump. This may be time consuming and quite annoying for the user. 
     A pump apparatus with improved performance at extracting such viscous fluids from a container would be desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     In some aspects, the present disclosure is directed to a pump apparatus that can be particularly efficient in outputting a viscous fluid. The pump apparatus can include a cap, a suction tube, a pliable sealing ring, and an actuator mechanism coupled to the suction tube. The cap can be configured to be removably coupled to a container in which the viscous fluid is arranged and define a suction tube aperture. The suction tube can extend through the suction tube aperture and have a first end and a second end. The first end of the suction tube can be configured to be arranged in an interior of the container and the second end can be fluidly coupled to an output port for outputting the viscous fluid. The pliable sealing ring can be sealingly engaged with the suction tube and be configured to further sealingly engage with an interior wall of the container. When the first end of the suction tube is arranged in the viscous fluid in the interior of the container and the pliable sealing ring is sealingly engaged with the interior wall of the container, actuating the actuator mechanism can cause the viscous fluid to be suctioned upwardly through the suction tube and output from the output port, ambient air to be drawn into the container, and the pliable sealing ring to move downwardly. 
     In additional aspects, the present disclosure is directed to a pump apparatus that can include a suction tube, a pliable sealing ring, and an actuator mechanism coupled to the suction tube. The suction tube can be configured to be removably coupled to a container in which the viscous fluid is arranged and have a first end and a second end. The first end can be configured to be fluidly coupled to an interior of the container and the second end can be fluidly coupled to an output port for outputting the viscous fluid. The pliable sealing ring can be configured to sealingly engage with an interior wall of the container. When the suction tube is coupled to the container and the pliable sealing ring is sealingly engaged with the interior wall of the container, actuating the actuator mechanism can cause the viscous fluid to be suctioned upwardly through the suction tube and output from the output port, ambient air to be drawn into the container, and the pliable sealing ring to move downwardly. 
     Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a partial sectional view of an example pump apparatus according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an example pliable sealing ring utilized in the pump apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the example pliable sealing ring of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another example pump apparatus according to some implementations of the present disclosure coupled with a container of viscous fluid; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the example pump apparatus of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the example pump apparatus of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an example nozzle for use with a pump apparatus according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view of the example nozzle of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial sectional view of another example pump apparatus according to some implementations of the present disclosure in a mostly full condition; 
         FIG. 10  is another partial sectional view of the example pump apparatus of  FIG. 9  in a partially full condition; 
         FIG. 11  is a partial exploded view of yet another example pump apparatus according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial sectional view of the example pump apparatus of  FIG. 11  in a mostly full condition; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial sectional view of the example pump apparatus of  FIG. 11  in a partially full condition; 
         FIGS. 14A-C  are partial sectional views of other example pump apparatuses according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a partial exploded view of the example pump apparatus of  FIGS. 14A-C ; 
         FIG. 16  is a partial sectional view of a portion of the example pump apparatus of  FIG. 14A ; 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of a modified cap of another example pump apparatus according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18A-C  show various example of plunger pushers of an example pump apparatus according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19  is a view of a portion of an example pump apparatus according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 20  is a view of another portion of an example pump apparatus according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 21  is a view of yet another portion of an example pump apparatus according to some implementations of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 22  is a sectional view of an example sealing ring of an example pump apparatus according to some implementations of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As briefly mentioned above, existing pump apparatus designs can have disadvantages when utilized to pump a viscous fluid. Due to these disadvantages, pumps that use suction are typically replaced by a compression type system in which the fluid is compressed and pushed out of a pump outlet. In this manner, the disadvantages of suction pump apparatuses (e.g., formation of an air channel) can be reduced or eliminated. Compression type pumps, however, have additional disadvantages when compared to a suction type pump. For example only, pumps that utilize compression can be more mechanically complex than suction type pumps, e.g., by requiring a mechanical locking or ratchetting mechanism. 
     The present disclosure is directed to an improved pump apparatus that addresses the above noted and other deficiencies associated with existing pumps. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a suction type pump apparatus that can be utilized to pump viscous fluids out of a container efficiently. Examples of such viscous fluids include, but are not limited to, peanut butter, toothpaste, caulk, mayonnaise, cake frosting/icing, and other similar fluids or liquid suspensions. 
     The disclosed pump apparatus includes an actuator mechanism coupled to a suction tube through which the viscous fluid can be suctioned. A pliable sealing ring is sealingly engaged with an interior wall of the container in which the viscous fluid is arranged. Actuation of the actuator mechanism suctions the viscous fluid upwardly from a suction port, through the suction tube and out of an output port. As the viscous fluid is suctioned upwardly, ambient air is drawn into the container and the pliable sealing ring moves downwardly. The pliable sealing ring inhibits the ambient air from entering the chamber in which the viscous fluid is arranged, thereby inhibiting the formation of air channel(s) in the viscous fluid reservoir. In this manner, the pliable sealing ring and the viscous fluid in the container is suctioned toward the suction port of the suction tube, in contrast to typical suction type pumps which may also rely on the natural flow of the fluid. 
     The present disclosure may be particularly useful for pumping peanut butter out of a typical jar of peanut butter. Accordingly, and for ease of description, the remainder of this description will describe peanut butter as the example viscous fluid which is being pumped by the pump apparatus. It should be appreciated, however, that the present disclosure is not so limited and that the present disclosure can be utilized to pump any appropriate fluid. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a sectional view of an example pump apparatus  100  according to some aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The illustrated pump apparatus  100  includes a cap  110 , a suction tube  120 , a pliable sealing ring  130 , and an actuator mechanism  140 . The cap  110  can be removably coupled to a container  150  in which the viscous fluid (peanut butter) is arranged. For example only, the cap  110  can be threadingly engaged with threads (not shown) on an opening  153  of the container  150 . The cap  110  can define a suction tube aperture  112  through which the suction tube  120  can extend. Additionally, in some implementations, the cap  110  can additionally or alternatively include a venting aperture  114 , which is more fully described below. 
     The suction tube  120  has a first end  120 - 1  configured to be arranged within an interior of the container  150  and a second end  120 - 2  fluidly coupled to an output port  142  of the pump apparatus  100  through which the peanut butter is output. The suction tube  120  can include an outer tube  121 , an inner tube  124 , and a biasing spring  125 . In  FIG. 1 , the suction tube  120  is shown in a disassembled or deconstructed state in which the outer tube  121  is separate from the inner tube  124 . In an assembled state, the inner tube  124  is arranged within the outer tube  121  and, in some aspects, the inner tube  124  sealingly engages an inner surface  122  of the outer tube  121 , e.g., with a piston ring seal  123 . 
     The illustrated suction tube  120  includes a coupling collar  127  surrounding the inner tube  124  and configured to couple to an engagement section  128  of the outer tube  122 . A spring mount  129  can also be coupled to the suction tube  120  and to one end of the biasing spring  125 . The second, opposing end of the biasing spring  125  can be coupled to a spring eye hook  126  arranged on the inner tube  124  proximate the piston ring seal  123 . In this manner, the biasing spring  125  can bias the actuator mechanism  140  to be in an extended configuration. Although the biasing spring  125  is illustrated as a tension spring, a compression spring can be utilized, mutatis mutandis, instead. 
     The illustrated actuator mechanism  140  comprises a pump handle  141  coupled to the suction tube  120  and movable between an extended and contracted configuration. In such implementations, actuating the actuator mechanism  140  comprises pumping the pump handle  141  to move the pump handle from the extended to the contracted configuration, and vice versa. The pumping of the pump handle  141  causes the inner tube  124  to move within the outer tube  121 . 
     The pump apparatus  100  can also include one or more valve structures, e.g., to assist in the operation of the pump apparatus  100  and/or to inhibit air from contacting the peanut butter through the outlet port  142 . In the illustrated example, the pump apparatus  100  can include a foot valve  160  arranged toward the bottom of the suction tube  120  and a head valve  162  arranged toward a top portion of the suction tube  120 . The foot and head valves  160 ,  162  can assist in maintaining suction in the suction tube  120 . The suction tube  120  can optionally include one or more projections  220  arranged on or extending from the first end  120 - 1 . The one or more projections  220  can act to maintain a distance between the first end  120 - 1  of the suction tube  120  and the bottom wall of the container  150 . In this manner, the one or more projections  220  can inhibit the suction tube  120  from sealingly engaging with the bottom of the container  150 , e.g., by deformation of the container bottom due to suction, and assist with maintaining an aperture through which the viscous fluid may enter the suction tube  120 . Further, in some aspects the outlet port  142  can include an outlet valve  164 . In some implementations, and as described more fully below, the outlet valve  164  can be configured to provide a custom shape of the peanut butter output by the pump apparatus  100 . 
     The biasing spring  125  can bias the pump handle  141  to return to the extended configuration. The piston ring seal  123  will be slidingly engaged with the inner surface  122  of the outer tube  121  and, accordingly, will cause a suctioning force to form at the first end  120 - 1  of the suction tube  120 . Additionally, the piston ring seal  123  can also seal the mating interface of the outer tube  121  with the inner tube  124  such that the viscous fluid being pumped through the inner tube  124  will not contact the biasing spring  125 . In this manner, the biasing spring  125  can remain relatively unobstructed and operate as intended even during extended use of the pump apparatus  100 . It should be appreciated that other configurations of the piston ring seal  123  and biasing spring  125  can be utilized. 
     The pliable sealing ring  130 , as briefly mentioned above, sealingly engages with an interior wall  151  of the container  150 . In some implementations, the pliable sealing ring  130  can be formed of a single piece of elastic material. In alternative implementations, and with further reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the pliable sealing ring  130  can include a pliable outer sealing portion  132  coupled to an inner rigid base  134 . The pliable outer sealing portion  132  is configured to sealingly engage with an interior wall  151  and can be formed of a silicone or other similar material (rubber, plastic, etc.). The pliable outer sealing portion  132  is configured to conform to the interior wall  151  such that an effective sealing arrangement can be maintained. The inner rigid base  134  can be formed of a different material and is configured to provide stiffness to the pliable sealing ring  130 . In further alternative implementations, the pliable sealing ring  130  can be replaced with a rigid sealing ring (not separately shown). In such implementations, the rigid sealing ring may or may not fully sealingly engage with the interior wall  151  of the container  150  depending on the requirements of the viscous fluid being pumped. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 3 , the inner rigid base  134  can define a base plane  136  that extends in a lengthwise direction W. The inner rigid base  134  can also include a sealing ring collar  137  that extends in a longitudinal direction L that is perpendicular to the lengthwise direction W. Accordingly, the sealing ring collar  137  can have a height H that extends in the longitudinal direction L. The sealing ring collar  137  can further define a sealing ring aperture  138  through which the suction tube  120  can extend. The sealing ring collar  137  can also include a seal  139  for sealingly engaging with the suction tube  120 . 
     The pliable sealing ring  130  can be configured to be inserted in a compressed state (not shown) through the opening  153  of the container  150 . For example only, the pliable outer sealing portion  132  can be bent, contorted, squeezed, or otherwise compressed to fit through the opening  153  of the container  150 , which is generally smaller (e.g., in diameter) than the interior of the container  150  itself. In some implementations, the pliable sealing ring  130  can be configured to automatically expand to its expanded state to sealingly engage with the interior wall  151  of the container  150  upon insertion through the opening  153 . In other aspects, the pliable sealing ring  130  can be configured to be manually inflated to its expanded state to sealingly engage with the interior wall  151  of the container  150  after insertion through the opening  153 . 
     As mentioned above, as the peanut butter is suctioned out of the container  150  the pliable sealing ring  130  will move downwardly. As the suction force is generated on the peanut butter, and depending on the construction of the suction tube  120 , the arrangement/consistency/etc. of the peanut butter, and other factors, it is possible that the suction force will apply unevenly on the pliable sealing ring  130 , thereby creating an asymmetric force that will act to tilt or otherwise distort the pliable sealing ring  130 , e.g., thereby breaking the seal engagement and creating the possibility that an air channel may form. In such situations the sealing ring collar  137  can provide a rigid support such that the pliable sealing ring  130  can move downwardly along the suction tube  120  while maintaining its orientation in the base plane  136 . 
     In operation, the pump apparatus  100  of the present disclosure will operate as follows. The pliable sealing ring  130  can be inserted into the container  150  by a user. As mentioned above, upon insertion the pliable sealing ring  130  will expand to or otherwise sealingly engage with the interior wall  151  of the container  150 . In implementations that utilize the rigid sealing ring, a user may fully insert the rigid sealing ring into the container  150  and into contact with the interior wall  151  thereof. Upon insertion, the pliable sealing ring  130  will essentially partition the container  150  into a first chamber  152  and a second chamber  154 . The peanut butter (or other viscous fluid) will be arranged within the first chamber  152 . As discussed more fully below, ambient air will be drawn into the second chamber  154  during actuation of the actuating mechanism  140 . 
     As a user actuates the actuator mechanism  140 , e.g., by pumping the pump handle  141 , the inner tube  124  will slide within the outer tube  121 , thereby creating a suction in the first chamber  152 . Peanut butter will be suctioned upwardly through the suction tube  120  (e.g., inner tube  124 ) and output from the output port  142 . Ambient air can be drawn into the second chamber  154  of the container  150 , e.g., through the venting aperture  114 . The pliable sealing ring  130 , as it is sealingly engaged with the interior wall  151  of the container  150 , can inhibit ambient air from entering the first chamber  152 , thereby inhibiting the formation of air channels in the peanut butter. The resulting suction created in the first chamber  152  will cause the pliable sealing ring  130  to move downwardly in the container  150 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4-6 , another example pump apparatus  400  according to some aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. Pump apparatus  400  can include many of the same components as the pump apparatus  100  of  FIGS. 1-3 . For example only, the pump apparatus  400  can include a suction tube  120 , a pliable sealing ring  130 , and an actuator mechanism  140  similar to those described above. One difference between the pump apparatus  100  and the pump apparatus  400  is that, in pump apparatus  400 , the suction tube  120  does not extend through the pliable sealing ring  130 , as more fully discussed below. 
     The pump apparatus  400  can be configured to mate with a container  150 . More specifically, and as best shown in  FIG. 6 , the container  150  can be arranged on a pump base  410 . The suction tube  120  can include a mating port  420  that can sealingly couple to the container  150 . In some aspects, the mating port  420  can puncture and sealingly engage with the container  150  upon slidingly coupling the container on the pump base  410  (e.g., if the container is made of a plastic, metal, or similar material that is capable of being punctured). Alternatively or additionally, the container may include an engagement port  155  that sealingly couples to the mating port  420 . Other arrangements are contemplated. 
     The pliable sealing ring  130  can be inserted into the container  150 , as described above, to form the first chamber  152  and the second chamber  154 . As a user actuates the actuator mechanism  140 , e.g., by pumping the pump handle  141 , a suction will be created in the first chamber  152  and peanut butter will be suctioned upwardly through the suction tube  120  (e.g., inner tube  124 ) and output from the output port  142 . Ambient air can be drawn into the second chamber  154  of the container  150 , e.g., through a venting aperture  114  as described above. The pliable sealing ring  130 , as it is sealingly engaged with the interior wall  151  of the container  150 , can inhibit ambient air from entering the first chamber  152 , thereby inhibiting the formation of air channels in the peanut butter. The resulting suction created in the first chamber  152  will cause the pliable sealing ring  130  to move downwardly (the D direction as illustrated) in the container  150 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , an example nozzle  700  for use with the pump apparatuses  100 ,  400  according to some implementations of the present disclosure is illustrated. The nozzle  700  can be inserted within or replace the outlet port  142  to provide a custom shape to the peanut butter that is output by the pump apparatus  100 ,  400 . For example only, the nozzle  700  can include an insertion portion  710  coupled to a main body portion  720 . The insertion portion  710  can be configured to be inserted into the outlet port  142  to fluidly couple the nozzle  700  to the suction tube  120 . 
     The main body portion  720  can expand outwardly from the insertion portion  710 . In the illustrated example, the nozzle  700  includes three outlet ports  730 - 1 ,  730 - 2 ,  730 - 3  through which the peanut butter is output. Each outlet port  730  can include a valve  740  (e.g., a duckbill valve or similar) that permits the peanut butter to be output but inhibits the flow of air or other material into the nozzle  700 . As best shown in  FIG. 8 , the nozzle  700  can include one or more baffle structures  750 . The baffle structures  750  act to direct the output flow of peanut butter from the  710  insertion portion and out of the outlet ports  730 , e.g., such that the flow rate of each of the outlet ports  730  is substantially equal (+/−10%). The illustrated nozzle  700  is intended to output three separate flows of peanut butter that can merge to form a relatively wide “band” of peanut butter, which may be particularly useful while making a peanut butter sandwich. Other forms of the nozzle  700  are contemplated by the present disclosure. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , another example pump apparatus  900  according to some aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. Pump apparatus  900  can include many of the same components as the pump apparatus  100  of  FIGS. 1-3  and the pump apparatus  400  of  FIG. 4-6 . For example only, the pump apparatus  900  can include a suction tube  120  and an actuator mechanism  140  similar to those described above. One difference between the pump apparatus  900  and the pump apparatuses  100 ,  400  is that, in pump apparatus  900 , there is no pliable sealing ring  130  as the container  950  in which the viscous fluid is arranged includes a pliable containment structure  952  (illustrated as a bag or balloon-like structure) that is configured to deform in a manner, described below, to assist with the suction and output of the viscous fluid. 
     The pump apparatus  900  includes a sliding sealing ring  930  that is sealingly engaged with the pliable containment structure  952 . The sliding sealing ring  930  can be configured to slide downwardly on the suction tube  120  as viscous fluid is dispensed, as more fully described below. The pliable containment structure  952  can be arranged within and coupled to a rigid containment structure  954 . In some implementations, the pliable containment structure  952  can be fixedly secured to an interior of the rigid containment structure  954 , e.g., by an adhesive(s)  920  or other coupling mechanism. In the illustrated example of  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the pliable containment structure  952  is fixedly secured to a bottom wall  956  of the rigid containment structure  954 , as well as fixedly but releasably coupled to an interior sidewall  958  of the rigid containment structure  954 . 
     As viscous fluid is dispensed from the container  950 , the pliable containment structure  952  can be configured to deform in a specific manner such that the suction tube  120  maintains a fluid coupling with the viscous fluid and does not sealingly engage with the pliable containment structure  952 . For example only, the sliding sealing ring  930  can be pulled downwardly (by suction) along the suction tube  120  as viscous fluid is dispensed. As the sliding sealing ring  930  moves downwardly, a force on the pliable containment structure  952  can be generated and which can separate the pliable containment structure  952  from the rigid containment structure  954 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the force generated can detach the pliable containment structure  952  from the rigid containment structure  954  by overcoming the coupling force of the adhesive  920 . 
     The pliable containment structure  952  may be manufactured to include pleats, seams, folds, creases, or other mechanical components that cause the pliable containment structure  952  to deform in a specific manner. More specifically, the pliable containment structure  952  can be constructed to deform from the top down to ensure that the suction tube  120  will maintain fluid coupling with the viscous fluid therein. In the illustrated example, the adhesive  920  is utilized to maintain the pliable containment structure  952  in contact with the sidewalls of the rigid containment structure  954  at the top such that the pliable containment structure  952  does not collapse around the bottom of the suction tube  120 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 11-13 , another example pump apparatus  1000  according to some aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. Pump apparatus  1000  is similar to and can include many of the same components as the pump apparatus  900  of  FIGS. 9 and 10 . For example only, the pump apparatus  1000  can include a suction tube  120  and an actuator mechanism  140  similar to those described above. One difference between the pump apparatus  1000  and the pump apparatus  900  is that, in pump apparatus  1000 , the pliable containment structure  952  is fixedly secured to an interior of the rigid containment structure  954  via a different coupling mechanism than pump apparatus  900 . 
     The pliable containment structure  952  of pump apparatus  1000  can be configured to include pleats, seams, folds, creases, or other mechanical components  960  that cause the pliable containment structure  952  to deform in a specific manner. More specifically, the pliable containment structure  952  can be constructed to deform from the top down to ensure that the suction tube  120  will maintain fluid coupling with the viscous fluid therein. In the illustrated example, a plurality of coupling rings  1010  is utilized to couple the pliable containment structure  952  to the rigid containment structure  954 . More specifically, the coupling rings  1010  can slidingly engage with support arms  1020  of the rigid containment structure  954 . Further, a coupling mechanism  1030  (illustrated as a hook) can fixedly secured the bottom of the pliable containment structure  952  to the rigid containment structure  954 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , in the mostly full condition, the coupling rings  1010  can extend along the full length of the support arms  1020 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , which illustrates a partially fully condition, the coupling rings  1010  at the top have moved downwardly along the support arms  1020  as the pliable containment structure  952  has deformed due to pump suction. Similar to the pump apparatus  900  described above, a sliding sealing ring  930  can move downwardly to collapse the pliable containment structure  952  as viscous fluid is dispensed. As the sliding sealing ring  930  moves downwardly, the pleats, seams, folds, creases, or other mechanical components  960  can cause the pliable containment structure  952  to deform in a specific manner such that the suction tube  120  will maintain fluid coupling with the viscous fluid therein. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14-16 , an example pump apparatus  1100  according to some implementations of the present disclosure is illustrated. Pump apparatus  1100  is similar to the pump apparatus  100  described above. Accordingly, for ease of description, the description of the pump apparatus  1100  will primarily be limited to the features that are different from those of pump apparatus  100 . 
     In order to adjust appropriately for different sizes of containers (such as container  150 ), the pump apparatus  1100  can include an extra-long suction tube  120 , such as outer tube  121 , that can be coupled to a modified cap  1400  and cap collar  1410 . The modified cap  1400  can include an extended collar portion  1402  to which the cap collar  1410  couples. In the illustrated implementation, the cap collar  1410  and extended collar portion  1402  can be cooperatively threaded. Similar to the suction tube aperture  112 , the cap collar  1410  can define a collar aperture  1415  through which the suction tube  120  can extend. 
     The cap collar  1410  and extended collar portion  1402  cooperate to cover the suction tube  120  such that the suction tube  120  can maintain its position adjacent to the bottom of the container  150 , e.g., by slidingly engaging with the modified cap  1400 , extended collar portion  1402 , and/or cap collar  1410 . In some embodiments, the suction tube  120  (for example, outer tube  121 ) can also include one or more alignment extensions  1214  to assist with maintaining the position of suction tube  120  within the container  150 . The alignment extensions  1214  can be received within one or more corresponding alignment grooves  1404  formed in the extended collar portion  1402  of the cap  1400 . For example only, each of the one or more alignment extensions  1214  can be received within a corresponding alignment groove  1404  of the one or more alignment grooves  1404  to aid in centering the suction tube  120  within the container  150 . Additionally, the one or more alignment grooves  1404  permit the suction tube  120  to move upwardly/downwardly to account for changes in depth of the container  150 . In this manner, the height of the pump apparatus  1100  is not modified and the pump apparatus  1100  can account for changes in depth of the container  150  while maintaining a consistent appearance. It should be appreciated that there are can be other techniques for adjusting for containers  150  having different depths. 
     With specific reference to  FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 16 , in some aspects the modified cap  1400  can include a cavity  1420  that is configured to store and enclose the pliable sealing ring  130 . The pliable sealing ring  130  can be stored within the modified cap  1400  when the modified cap  1400  is coupled to the container  150 . For example only, when the cap  1400  is engaged with the container  150 , the cavity  1420  is arranged above the interior of the container  150 . In this manner, the cap  1400  can seal to the container  150  without displacing the viscous fluid to be pumped, e.g., if the container  150  is substantially full. 
     In some aspects, and with further reference to  FIGS. 17 and 18A -C, because the modified cap  1400  includes the pliable sealing ring  130  when it is coupled to the container  150 , it may be necessary or desirable to include an apparatus to move the pliable sealing ring  130  into the container  150  when the modified cap  1400  is fully coupled to the container  150 . Accordingly, the modified cap  1400  can include a plunger pusher  1500  that can be pushed down to contact the pliable sealing ring  130  from above the cap  1400  in order to force the pliable sealing ring  130  past the mouth of the container  150  and into the main section of the container  150 . 
     The plunger pusher  1500  can be movably engaged with the lid, wherein actuation of the plunger pusher  1500  moves the pliable sealing ring  130  from the cavity  1420  and into the container  150  such that the pliable sealing ring  130  sealingly engages with the interior wall  151  of the container  150 . Different configurations of the plunger pusher  1500  can be utilized, such as plunger pusher  1500 -A to plunger pusher  1500 -C shown in  FIGS. 18A-C . In certain implementations, the modified cap  1400  can define openings or plunger apertures  1430  for receiving the plunger pusher  1500 , as shown in  FIG. 17 . For example only, the plunger pusher  1500  can include a body portion  1510  (e.g., body portions  1510 -A to  1510 -C of plunger pushers  1500 -A to  1500 -C) and one more extension arms  1520  (e.g., extension arms  1520 -A to  1520 -C of plunger pushers  1500 -A to  1500 -C). 
     The plunger pusher  1500  can be movably engaged with the cap  1400  via the one or more extension arms  1520  arranged within one or more corresponding plunger apertures  1430  defined in the lid. In some aspects, similar to the venting aperture  114  discussed above, ambient air can be drawn into the container  150  through the one or more corresponding plunger apertures  1430  during the actuating of the actuator mechanism  140 . In some implementations, the plunger pusher  1500  can be arranged such that the body portion  1510  is arranged within the container  1500  and the extension arms  1520  extend outwardly (see  FIG. 15 ). Alternatively, the plunger pusher  1500  can be arranged such that the body portion  1510  is arranged outside of the container  1500  and the extension arms  1520  extend inwardly (see  FIGS. 18B and 18C ). 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 22 , in certain implementations, in order to provide for simple removal of the pliable sealing ring  130  from the container  150  (such as at the bottom of the container  150 ), grasping features  135  can be formed on the pliable sealing ring  130 . In this manner, a user may utilize the grasping features  135  to get a secure grip on the pliable sealing ring  130  in order to remove the pliable sealing ring  130  from the container  150 . 
     In order to improve the performance of the pump apparatus  100 ,  1100 , e.g., in order to reduce the pressure on each individual valve, multiple check valves  1800 ,  1900  can be included on the suction tube  120 . For example only, and as shown  FIGS. 14A  and  19 - 21 , a check valve can be included at each point of assembly/disassembly. Each valve  1800 ,  1900  can combines a check-valve feature with an o-ring feature to provide a seal between the connected parts. Although not specifically illustrated, in some implementations an additional check valve can be included between the actuator mechanism  140  and a nozzle  1700  ( FIG. 21 ). Further, some or all of the pieces of the suction tube  120 , actuator mechanism  140 , and/or nozzle  700 / 1700  can include quick connect/disconnect features to permit simple assembly/disassembly, e.g., for cleaning of the pump apparatus  100 ,  1100 . In some aspects, these pieces can connected with a key and slot feature  2100 , for example, as shown in  FIGS. 19-21 . As mentioned above, the key and slot feature  2100  can provide a secure connection while permitting disassembly to clean the suction tube  120  components and other components of the pump apparatuses  100 ,  1100 . 
     As mentioned above, it may be beneficial to include a feature (such as, or in addition to, the alignment extensions  1214  and alignment grooves  1404 ) that assists in the placement (e.g., centering) of the suction tube  120  when inserted into the container  150 . In certain implementations, a feature can be located on the bottom of the container  150  to assist in such placement/centering. This feature can be an engagement mechanism whereby the suction tube  120  and/or the one or more projections  220  that contacts the bottom of the container  150 , is inhibited from moving out of position. The features can take any form, including but not limited to a further projection extending from the bottom of the container and an aperture or opening into which the suction tube  120  can partially extend. 
     Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known procedures, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.