Patent Abstract:
A pump dispenser includes a dispenser head rotatable relative to a locking ring for a lock-down feature during shipment. The lock-down feature requires a greater torque to initially rotate the dispenser head from the lock-down position, and a lesser torque to further rotate the dispenser head to a use position. The lock-down feature incorporates an interference between the dispenser head and locking ring, either inside the dispenser head, on an outer periphery of the dispenser head, or between threads connecting the dispenser head and locking ring.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention: 
         [0002]    Embodiments of the invention relate to pump-type dispensers and more particularly to lock-down features for such dispensers, including lock-down features involving a yieldable interference fit which requires a greater torque to start rotation from a fully locked position, than to rotate the dispenser to an unlocked, use position. 
         [0003]    2. State of the Art: 
         [0004]    Lock-down and lock-up features are known for various types of dispensers. The lock features provide some resistance against children opening the dispensers, but they also prevent leaking during shipping from the manufacturer to the consumer. 
         [0005]    When dispensers are shipped to retail stores, the shipments are often in case lots where many units are packaged inside heavy corrugated cartons. Such cartons help protect the product during shipment. If the lock-down (or lock-up) feature involves a rotation of the pump head, such rotation might be generally avoided when shipping is within heavy packaging. With the advent of online shopping (sometimes known as “e-commerce”) it has become more common for small quantities of dispensers to be shipped directly to a customer&#39;s home. Often the packaging for such e-commerce sales is not as robust as the corrugated cartons that may be used for large lots of product. Conventional locking features may not adequately protect the dispenser contents from opening or leaking during shipment. Dispensers with rotatable heads may experience unlocking, opening, and leakage. There remains a need for a dispenser with a strong locking action to provide good product security during shipment and especially for e-commerce use. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    A fluid dispenser includes a dispenser head adapted for remaining securely closed during shipping and handling. The dispenser head is rotatable between a lock-down position and an unlocked position, and rotation of the dispenser head in the vicinity of the lock-down position requires a greater torque than rotation of the dispenser head apart from the lock-down position. 
         [0007]    The greater torque required to rotate from the lock-down position may be due to an interference of parts. In certain embodiments, the interference may be between a protrusion on the one part and a groove on another part. In other embodiments, the interference may be between a ramped protrusion and a rib. In still other embodiments, the interference may be between a first thread and a second thread, where one or both threads include a locally nonuniform thread size or a locally nonuniform thread pitch. In other embodiments, a locking ring may be frangibly connected to the dispenser head and may be broken loose in order to unlock the dispenser. The frangible connection itself may be considered an interference fit. In other embodiments, one or more latches may prevent the dispenser head from rotating until the latches are released. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming particular embodiments of the present invention, various embodiments of the invention can be more readily understood and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art from the following descriptions of various embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of the parts of a dispenser, include a dispenser head; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the dispenser head of  FIG. 1  in a closed, locked position; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the dispenser head of  FIG. 1  in a closed, unlocked position; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the dispenser head of  FIG. 1  in an open position; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a cross section of the  FIG. 2  closed, locked position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a cross section of the  FIG. 3  closed, unlocked position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a cross section of the  FIG. 4  open position; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8A  is an exploded perspective view of certain parts of the dispenser head of  FIG. 1   
           [0017]      FIG. 8B  is a detail view from  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a partial cross section view of certain parts of the dispenser head of  FIG. 1  in a closed, locked position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a side view of another dispenser head in a closed, locked position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the dispenser head of  FIG. 10  in a closed, unlocked position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the dispenser head of  FIG. 10  in an open position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a cross section of the dispenser head of  FIG. 10  in a closed, locked position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a cross section of the dispenser head of  FIG. 11  in a closed, unlocked position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a cross section of the dispenser head of  FIG. 12  in an open position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of certain parts of the dispenser head of  FIG. 10  in an open position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 17A  is a perspective view of certain parts of the dispenser head of  FIG. 10  in a closed, locked position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17B  is a detail view from  FIG. 17A ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a side view of yet another dispenser head in a closed, locked position; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the dispenser head of  FIG. 18  in a closed, unlocked position; 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is a side view of the dispenser head of  FIG. 18  in an open position; 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is a cross section of the dispenser head of  FIG. 18  in a closed, locked position; 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  is a cross section of the dispenser head of  FIG. 19  in a closed, unlocked position; 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  is a cross section of the dispenser head of  FIG. 20  in an open position; 
           [0034]      FIG. 24  is a partial cross section view of certain parts of the dispenser head of  FIG. 18  in a closed; locked position; 
           [0035]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view from below of another dispenser head; 
           [0036]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view from the front of the dispenser head of  FIG. 25  along with a locking ring; 
           [0037]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the dispenser head of  FIG. 26  assembled onto the locking ring; 
           [0038]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the dispenser head of  FIGS. 25-27 , is an open position; 
           [0039]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view from the side of another dispenser head and locking ring; 
           [0040]      FIG. 30  is a detail view from below of the locking ring of  FIG. 29 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view from the front of the dispenser head and locking ring of  FIG. 29 , in a closed, locked position; 
           [0042]      FIG. 32  is a perspective view from the side of the dispenser head and locking ring of  FIG. 29 , in an open position; 
           [0043]      FIG. 33  is a perspective view from the front of a dispenser head and locking ring showing another method of more tightly closing a dispenser; and 
           [0044]      FIG. 34  is a perspective view from the side of a dispenser head and locking ring showing another method of more tightly closing a dispenser. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0045]    As shown generally in  FIGS. 1-34 , embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a dispensing closure for pump-type dispensers. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a pump dispenser  100  may be attached to a container  200  holding a fluid  220  to be dispensed. The pump dispenser  100  may include, from top to bottom, a dispenser head  110 , a chaplet or locking ring  130 , a container closure  150 , and a pump engine  160 . Container closure  150  may fit onto the mouth  210  of a container  200 , for example by a threaded connection as shown, or by other methods such as a bayonet or snap-on closure. Parts of the pump engine  160  may include a piston stem  169 , spring  168 , lock cylinder  167 , piston seal  166 , dispenser seal  165 , ball valve  164 , accumulator  163 , gasket  162 , and dip tube  161 . The dip tube  161  may extend into the container  200 . Pump dispenser  100  may pump liquid  220  from the container  200 . Pump dispenser  100  may be provided with lock-down features as described in the following paragraphs. 
         [0046]    Various elements may be included in the pump dispenser that require a greater unlocking torque T 1  when rotating the dispenser head from a locked position to an unlocked position, than the usual torque T 2  required when rotating the dispenser head from an unlocked position to an open or use position. These elements may include an interference fit between certain parts of the dispenser head. By “interference fit” is meant a physical interaction between the shapes of the parts that locally requiring a greater torque to rotate the dispenser head. Thus the interaction between the parts may cause a tighter lock condition, or a “ship-tight” condition, or an anti-rotate, anti-twist, or anti-turn condition. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 2-4  show side views of a first pump dispenser  101  with locking feature in three positions: closed and locked-down, unlocked, and open or use position. To move from the closed/locked to the unlocked position, dispenser head  110  is rotated sufficiently with respect to locking ring  130  so that the dispenser is unlocked. Further rotation of dispenser head  110  brings it to a fully open position. Particularly in  FIG. 4 , certain features are denoted including dispenser head depending skirt  113  and dispenser head outer barrel  112 . Locking ring  130  may include a lower rim  131 , a cylindrical wall  133 , and an upper rim  135 . 
         [0048]    An interference fit may be provided by a protrusion such as locking ramp  140  shown on the upper rim  135  of locking ring  130 . The operation of the locking ramp will be explained further with regard to the cross section views of  FIGS. 5-7 , which correspond to the side views of  FIGS. 2-4 . 
         [0049]    As shown in the closed, locked position of  FIG. 5 , locking ramp  140  on locking ring  130  may engage a locking rib  116  on the underside of dispenser head  110 . The engagement of locking ramp  140  and locking rib  116  may occur at or near the point where the dispenser head  110  has been rotated completely downward on threads  118 ,  132 . To engage or disengage locking ramp  140  and locking rib  116  may require more torque than is needed for otherwise rotating the dispenser head  110  on the locking ring  130 . As a non-limiting example, the torque required to disengage locking ramp  149  and locking rib  116  may be about 13 inch-lbs. After the locking features are disengaged, the torque for further rotation of the dispenser head  110  on the locking ring  130  may be about 2 inch-lbs. The extra torque for disengaging the locking feature may need only to be exerted for a few degrees of rotation before the locking feature is disengaged. As a non-limiting example, the extra torque may be required for only about 2-5 degrees of rotation. The locking features may include a single locking ramp  140  and locking rib  116 . However, multiples of these features may also be utilized, such as one or more additional locking ramps and locking ribs for example on opposite sides of the dispenser or spaced around the circumference. One locking rib  116  may be used with more than one locking ramp  140 , or one locking ramp  140  may be used with more than one locking rib  116 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 6  shows the dispenser in an unlocked position where the dispenser head  110  has been rotated sufficiently to disengage the locking rib  116  and locking ramp  140 .  FIG. 7  shows the dispenser in an open condition where the dispenser head  110  has been rotated completely upward until threads  118 ,  132  disengage to free the dispenser head  110  from locking ring  130  and allow the spring  168  to extend the dispenser head into readiness for dispensing product. The dispenser may be closed and locked again by pressing down on the dispenser head  110  until threads  118 ,  132  may be reengaged and the dispenser head twisted down on the threads until the locking rib  116  and locking ramp  140  are again engaged. 
         [0051]      FIG. 8A  shows a perspective view of the dispenser head  110 , locking ring  130  with associated locking ramp  140 , and container closure  150 .  FIG. 9  shows a partial cutaway of the dispenser head  110  and locking ring  130 , including two locking ramps  140  on the locking ring  130 , and two locking ribs  116  on the underside of dispenser head  110 . Also seen in this view are the dispenser head outer barrel  112  and inner barrel  114 , and the fluid outlet  111  in the dispenser head  110 . The dispenser head  110  may rotate approximately one turn from the locked position of  FIG. 9  to the open position. The locking ramps  140  may be shaped so that a greater torque is required to rotate from the locking position to the unlocked position, than is required to rotate the dispenser head through most of the travel between the unlocked and open positions. The locking ramps  140  may be shaped to require a greater torque to rotate the dispenser head  110  from the locked position to the unlocked position, than to rotate the dispenser head  110  from the unlocked position back to the locked position. 
         [0052]      FIG. 8B  shows a detail view of the locking ramp  140 . As non-limiting examples, locking ramp  140  may have a width (radial direction) between 1.5-3.5 mm (about 0.060″ to 0.140″), and a height between 0.4 to 1.5 mm (about 0.015″ to 0.060″). The slope of locking ramp  140  may be approximately 20 degrees. Locking rib  116  may have a thickness between 0.5 to 1.5 mm (about 0.020″ to 0.060″). 
         [0053]    Another pump dispenser  102  with a different locking feature is shown in  FIGS. 10-17 .  FIGS. 10-12  show side views in three positions respectively: a closed, locked position, an unlocked position, and a fully open/use position. Corresponding cross-section views are seen in  FIGS. 13-15 . To move from the closed, locked position the dispenser head  110  is rotated sufficiently with respect to locking ring  130  so that the dispenser is unlocked. Further rotation then brings the dispenser to a fully open position. 
         [0054]    According to various embodiments of the invention, a locking feature be provided as an interference fit in which a locking bump  142  as shown at the lower rim  131  of locking ring  130 , may engage a locking groove  120  at the base of depending skirt  113  of dispenser head  110 . The operation of the locking bump  142  will be explained further with regard to the cross section views of  FIGS. 13-15 . 
         [0055]    As shown in the closed, locked position of  FIG. 13 , locking bump  142  on locking ring  130  may engage locking groove  120  on the lower edge of depending skirt  113  of dispenser head  110 . The engagement of locking bump  142  and locking groove  120  may occur at or near the point where the dispenser head  110  has been rotated completely downward on threads  118 ,  132 . To engage or disengage locking bump  142  and locking groove  120  may require more torque than is needed for otherwise rotating the dispenser head  110  on the locking ring  130 . As a non-limiting example, the torque required to disengage a locking bump  142  and locking groove  120  may be about 13 inch-lbs. One the unlocking feature is disengaged, the torque required to rotate the dispenser head  110  on locking ring  130  may be only about 2 inch-lbs. The extra torque for disengaging the locking feature may only need to be exerted for a short angle until the locking feature is disengaged. As a non-limiting example, the extra torque may be required for only about 2-5 degrees of rotation. The locking feature may include a single locking bump  142  and locking groove  120 . However, multiples of these features may also be utilized, such as one or more additional locking bumps  142 ′ and locking grooves  120 ′ for example on opposite sides of the dispenser or spaced around the circumference. One locking bump  142  may be used with more than one locking groove  120 , or one locking groove  120  may be used with more than one locking bump  142 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 14  shows the dispenser in an unlocked position where the dispenser head  110  has been rotated sufficiently to disengage the locking groove  120  and locking bump  142 .  FIG. 15  shows the dispenser in an open condition where the dispenser head  110  has been rotated completely upward until threads  118 ,  132  disengage to free the dispenser head  110  from locking ring  130  and allow spring  168  to extend the dispenser head into readiness for dispensing product. The dispenser may be closed and locked again by pressing down on the dispenser head  110  until threads  118 ,  132  may be reengaged and the dispenser head twisted down on the threads until the locking bump  142  and locking groove  120  are again engaged. 
         [0057]      FIG. 16  shows a perspective view in an open position including locking groove  120  and locking ring  130  with associated locking bump  142 .  FIG. 17A  shows a perspective view in a closed, locked position with locking groove  120 , locking ring  130  with associated locking bump  142 . In the locked position of  FIG. 17A , the locking bump  142  is engaged with the locking groove  120 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 17B  shows a detail view of the locking groove  120  and locking bump  142 . As non-limiting examples, the locking bump  142  may have a trapezoidal shape with a wider base and a narrow top. The locking bump may have a height between 0.5 to 1.5 mm (about 0.020″ to 0.060″) and the locking bump may have a top that extends in the circumferential direction between 0.6-1.5 mm (about 0.024″ to 0.060″). The slope of the locking ramp sides may be approximately 30-45 degrees from vertical. 
         [0059]    A pump dispenser  103  with a third type of locking feature is shown in  FIGS. 18-24 .  FIGS. 18-20  respectively show side views of closed, locked-down position, an unlocked position, and an open position. Corresponding cross section views are shown in  FIGS. 21-23 . To move from the locked position the dispenser head  110  is rotated sufficiently with respect to locking ring  130  until threads  118 ,  132  disengage to free the dispenser head  110  from locking ring  130  and allow spring  168  to extend the dispenser head into readiness for dispensing product. The dispenser may be closed and locked again by pressing down on the dispenser head  110  until threads  118 ,  132  may be reengaged and the dispenser head twisted down on the threads until the thread interference (described below) is again engaged so that the dispenser is locked. 
         [0060]      FIG. 24  shows a partial cross section view in a locked position of the dispenser head  110  and locking ring  130 . 
         [0061]    In the version of the pump dispenser  103  shown in  FIGS. 18-24 , the locking feature may include a thread interference fit between a portion of threads  132  on the locking ring  130 , and threads  118  on the dispenser head  110 . For example the thread interference fit may occur between the threads only when the dispenser head  110  is in the closed, locked position of  FIGS. 24 and 27 . One example for achieving this is to have the upper end portions  119 ,  134  of threads  118 ,  132  respectively fit more tightly together than elsewhere on threads  118 ,  132 . 
         [0062]    By an “thread interference fit” of the threads is meant a mismatch in the thread fit which may require a greater torque to twist the threads relative to another, compared with the torque required to twists the threads relative to one another during most of the rotation of the dispenser head  110  relative to locking ring  130 . As a non-limiting example, the torque required to disengage the mis-fit threads may be about 5 inch-lbs, over about 2-5 degrees of rotation. After disengaging the mis-fit threads, the torque to continue rotation of the dispenser head  110  relative to the locking ring  130  may be only about 2 inch-lbs. 
         [0063]    The upper end portions  119 ,  134  may only engage each other when the dispenser head is in the down/closed/locked position. However, since the upper end portion  134  of threads  132  on the locking ring may engage through most of the rotational travel of the dispenser head  110 , it may be advantageous to form a thread interference fit only on the upper end portion  119  of thread  118  on the dispenser head  110 . Therefore upper end portion  119  may have a groove portion that is slightly narrower than usual, or a ridge portion that is slightly wider than usual, either of which may form an interference with the upper end portion  134 . Alternately the upper end portion  119  may depart from the uniform helical path elsewhere on thread  118 , in order to form an interference fit with the upper end portion  134 . Therefore the thread interference fit between the threads  119 ,  134  may be either a locally non-uniform size of one or both threads, or a locally non-uniform spiral path of one or both threads. 
         [0064]    Another example for achieving a thread interference fit between threads  132 ,  118  would be to have their lower end portions respectively fit more tightly together than elsewhere on threads  118 ,  132 . Since the lower end portion of thread  118  on the dispenser head may engage through most of the rotational travel of the dispenser head  110 , it may be advantageous to form a thread interference fit only on the lower end portion of thread  132  on the locking ring  130 . Therefore the lower end portion of thread  132  may have a groove portion that is slightly narrower than usual, or a ridge portion that is slightly wider than usual, either of which may form a thread interference with the lower end of thread  132 . Alternately the lower end portion of thread  132  may depart from the uniform helical path elsewhere on thread  132 , in order to form a thread interference fit with the lower end of thread  118 . 
         [0065]    As shown in the closed, locked position of  FIG. 21 , upper end portion  134  of thread  132  on locking ring  130  may have a thread interference fit with the upper end portion  119  of thread  118  on the dispenser head  110 . This thread interference fit may occur at or near the point where the dispenser head  110  has been rotated completely downward on threads  118 ,  132 . Rotating the dispenser head at this extreme may require more torque than is needed for otherwise rotating the dispenser head  110  on the locking ring  130 . This may provide added resistance against accidental opening and leakage. However, the extra torque may only need to only be exerted until the locking feature is disengaged. 
         [0066]      FIG. 25  shows a perspective view of another dispenser head  110  that initially is formed with a tear ring  170  on its lower edge. The tear ring  170  may be connected to the dispenser head depending skirt  113  by several tear ribs  176 . The tear ring  170  may have on its internal edge a plurality of ring ratchets  172 . When the dispenser head  110  is initially threaded onto locking ring  130  shown in  FIG. 26 , the ring ratchets  172  will ride over retention ribs  174  provided on the locking ring  130 . Thereafter, the dispenser head  110  cannot be rotated with respect to the locking ring  130  until enough torque is applied to break the tear ribs  176 . This provides a lock-down capability during shipment, and also a tamper-evidence feature as it will be readily apparent if the tear ribs  176  have been broken. 
         [0067]      FIG. 27  shows the dispenser head  110  assembled onto the locking ring  130 .  FIG. 28  shows the dispenser head after it has been rotated upward from locking ring  130 . The tear ring  170  is held on locking ring  130  by the ring ratchets  172 , so the applied torque to initially unlock the dispenser head causes the tear ribs  176  to break and sever the connection between the locking ring  130  and the dispenser head depending skirt  113 . 
         [0068]    The tear ring  170  may be used with other of the dispenser heads here to provide a tamper evident feature and/or additional security against unintentional unlocking of the dispenser head. 
         [0069]      FIG. 29  shows a perspective view of another dispenser head  110  and locking ring  130 . Here the lower edge of the dispenser head depending skirt  182  is provided with a pair of notches  182  that each receive a latch  184  projecting upward from the lower rim  131  of locking ring  130 . The latches are connected to pads  186  that may be pinched inward to disengage latch  184  from notch  182 . To provide some flexibility in moving the latch, the latch  184  and pad  186  may be carried on arm  187  show from above in the simplified drawing of  FIG. 30 . Arm  187  may essentially be part of the lower rim  131 , but may be separated from the lower rim  131  by an opening  188 . When pad  186  is pressed inward or downward, the arm  187  and attached latch  184  deflect inward or downward out of engagement with notch  182 , so that the dispenser head  110  may be rotated and opened.  FIG. 31  shows the dispenser head  110  attached to locking ring  130  in the locked position. The arrows “P” indicate a pressing or pinching force applied to pads  186  while around “R” indicates a rotational force applied to the dispenser head  110  to rotate the head free of the latches  184 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 32  shows the dispenser head  110  having been rotated to an open position. The dispenser head  110  may still be returned to a closed and locked position ( FIG. 31 ) by pushing down on the dispenser head  110  and rotating it onto locking ring  130  until the latches  184  once again engage the notches  182 . 
         [0071]    Two notches  182  and two latches  184  are shown in  FIGS. 29-32 . However, a single notch and latch, or more than two notches and latches, may be used. 
         [0072]      FIGS. 33 and 34  show embodiments that may not require any changes to the initial structure of the dispenser head  110  and locking ring  130 . Instead, as shown in  FIG. 33 , one or more drops of adhesive  192  may be applied at the junction of the dispenser head depending skirt  113  and the lower rim  131  of the locking ring. Sufficient adhesive may be applied to provide an initial locking strength for shipment and storage. The adhesive may be nearly invisible, for example a low viscosity clear adhesive that may reside mainly within the thin space between the depending skirt  113  and lower rim  131 . In the alternative, the adhesive may be readily apparent, for example with a higher viscosity, colored or opaque adhesive to provide a degree of tamper-evidence. Instead of using an adhesive, one or more areas around the junction of the depending skirt  113  and lower rim  131  may be spot welded as by a hot instrument to fuse together small areas which may provide a locking strength and a tamper-evident feature. 
         [0073]    As shown in  FIG. 34 , one or more drops of adhesive  194  may be applied onto thread  132 , (and/or thread  119  inside depending skirt  113 ) for example at its lower end. Sufficient adhesive may be applied to provide an initial locking strength for shipment and storage. Instead of using an adhesive, the area near the lower end of thread  132  or  119  may be deformed slightly as by a hot instrument or pressure to create enough interference between threads  132  and  119  (within depending skirt  113 ) to provide extra locking strength for the closed dispenser. 
         [0074]    It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It would be appreciated that certain of the embodiments may be used in combinations. All such modifications and changes are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1