Abstract:
A decanter and sanitary pump assembly for dispensing metered quantities of liquid. The pump assembly is mounted inside the decanter, and the entire apparatus is quickly and easily disassembled for cleaning, thus making it particularly useful for dispensing food products. The outlet of the pump assembly projects downwardly from an overhanging section of the decanter to allow convenient placing of a liquid receiving container beneath the outlet.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention pertains to apparatus for dispensing liquids, and more particularly to an easily cleanable apparatus for dispensing predetermined quantities of liquids. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Apparatus for dispensing liquid and semi-liquid materials are well known. U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,865,990 and 2,678,753 are representative of pumps in which check valves are employed to properly direct the flow of the liquids from the reservoirs to the fluid outlets. The pump mechanisms employ a single housing which contains both the check valves and the piston assemblies utilized to produce the pumping action. In each disclosed apparatus, the liquid is ejected through a spout formed in the pump housing. It will be noticed that the pumping mechanisms are immersed within the liquids being dispensed. It is also apparent that the pumping mechanisms in both patents are assembled to the reservoirs so as to form unitary and permanent dispensers. Thus, disassembly and cleaning of the pumping mechanisms and reservoirs is not practical. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,622,539 and 2,765,964 illustrate stationary devices for dispensing metered quantities of liquid soap contained in reservoirs located above the pumping mechanism. Each pumping mechanism includes a spring-biased piston and a check valve arrangement for controlling the liquid flow. Both the pistons and the check valves are contained within a pump housing. The pumping mechanism is located outside of the reservoir, which is undesirable if the dispensing device must occupy a minimum amount of space. The soap is dispensed directly through openings formed in the pump housing. It is apparent that disassembly and cleaning of these two dispensers is a relatively difficult and time-consuming chore. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,105,146 shows another version of a stationary soap dispenser. The reservoir is located above the pumping mechanism. An intricately machined piston, together with two seals, are used in place of check valves to control the soap flow through the dispenser. The soap is ejected through an orifice which passes through both the pump housing and a surrounding housing formed integrally with the bottom of the reservoir. The configuration of the piston and other components limits application of this device to very viscous products. Although the pumping mechanism may be relatively easily disassembled, the intricacies of the piston passages renders this design very difficult to clean. The position of the pumping mechanism outside of the reservoir may be undesirable if a compact dispenser is required. 
     Thus, a need exists for pumping apparatus which is capable of dispensing relatively thin liquids and which may be quickly and easily disassembled for cleaning so that it can be used for consumable products. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a liquid dispenser is provided which is adapted to be readily disassembled for cleaning all surfaces of the dispenser components. This is accomplished by apparatus which includes a pumping mechanism and an upright reservoir containing the liquid to be dispensed. The pumping mechanism is detachably fixed to the reservoir by a single fastener that is quickly and easily removable. To further facilitate disassembly and cleaning, the pumping mechanism is composed of two interlocking but freely separable housings. The first, or pump, housing contains a metering device for consistently dispensing a predetermined and accurate volume of liquid. The second, or valve, housing contains a valve arrangement which properly directs the liquid from the reservoir to the outlet spout. The spout is formed as an integral part of the valve housing. 
     The present invention also provides for the liquid dispensing unit to occupy a minimum of space. For that purpose, the pumping mechanism, including both the pump housing and the valve housing, is located inside the reservoir and thus immersed in the liquid being dispensed. Since the valve housing incorporates the outlet spout, the spout protrudes through the reservoir wall. In one embodiment of the invention, the reservoir is constructed with an overhanging upper section, and the outlet spout projects downwardly through the lower horizontal floor of the overhang. The spout and overhang are located a distance above the bottom of the reservoir to suit the application at hand. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a side view, partially in section, of the decanter and pump assembly of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along lines 2--2 of FIG. 1. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 indicates the decanter and pump assembly of the present invention. The preferred embodiment of this invention finds particular usefulness for dispensing flavored syrups over crushed ice in a cup-like container to create a well known refreshment. However, while the invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment and application, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to that embodiment or application. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and broad scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the decanter and pump assembly consists of an upright reservoir 3 and a pumping mechanism 5. The reservoir, which is open at the top and covered with a cover 7, is filled with liquid flavor or other fluid 8. The reservoir is preferably composed of a lower section 9 and an upper section 11. Upper section 11 overhangs front wall 13 of the lower section 9, thus creating a space 15 below floor 17 of the upper section. The function of the space 15 will be fully explained hereinafter. The lower section may be fabricated with a chamber 19 at the junction of the reservoir floor 21 and the wall opposite front wall 13. 
     In accordance with the present invention, the pumping mechanism 5 includes a metering device 23 which supports and interlocks with valve arrangement 25, as will be explained. In the illustrated embodiment, the metering device 23 consists of a pump housing 27, a spring 29, and a piston 31. The pump housing 27 is constructed with a generally cylindrical internal cavity 33 which is bounded at the back end by wall 35. The front end of the pump housing is preferably formed with internal threads 37. To firmly attach the pump housing to the reservoir 3, a hollow nut 39 with external threads 41 extends through an opening 43 in front wall 45 to engage threads 37. Piston 31 slides freely within and is guided by bore 47 of the nut 39. Spring 29, reacting against wall 35, biases the piston in the outward direction, that is, to the right with respect to FIG. 1. Outward motion of the piston is limited by shoulder 49 of the piston contacting a corresponding shoulder formed at an enlargement of bore 47. An O-ring 51 is utilized in conjunction with the piston to create a sealed portion 53 of chamber 33. A similar O-ring may be employed in conjunction with the pump housing to seal the liquid 8 against leaking out opening 43. 
     Further in accordance with this invention, the pumping mechanism 5 includes a valve arrangement 25. In the present instance, the valve arrangement consists of a valve housing 57 together with check balls 58, 60, and springs 64, 66. The valve housing preferably is supported by and is attached to the pump housing 27 without fasteners, as will be explained. The valve housing is fabricated with a series of interconnected passages leading from a liquid inlet 59 to a liquid outlet 61. The liquid inlet 59 may be located at the end of an inlet tube 63 formed as a part of the valve body and extending to within a short distance of floor 21. Passage 65 extends from inlet 59 to sealed chamber 53 via chamber 67 in the valve housing and passage 69 in the pump housing 27. The valve housing also contains a right angle passage 71 which connects chamber 67 with a similar chamber 73. Chamber 73 is connected by another passage 75 formed in the valve housing to passage 77, which leads to the liquid outlet 61. Passage 77 is located within an outlet tube 79, which is formed integrally with the valve housing and which protrudes through the floor 17 of the reservoir upper section 11. The outlet tube terminates within the space 15. The space allows a suitable container to be positioned beneath the outlet tube to catch the dispensed liquid. 
     To direct the liquid 8 from the reservoir 3 to the outlet 61, a ball and spring combination is employed in conjunction with each chamber 67, 73. Chambers 67 and 73 are formed with conical seats 81, 83, respectively, which mate with balls 58, 60, respectively. Spring 64, which is inserted in chamber 67, has a lower spring rate than spring 66. For example, spring 64 may have a spring rate of approximately 0.10 lbs. per inch, and spring 66 may have a spring rate of about 0.34 lbs. per inch. To seal the interconnecting passages at the junctions between the valve housing and the pump housing, O-ring seals 85 and 87 may be utilized. A similar O-ring 89 may be used to seal the liquid 8 inside the reservoir 3 against leakage past outlet tube 79 where it protrudes through floor 17. 
     Because the decanter and pump of the present invention may be used to handle food products, the invention is also concerned with sanitation. For example, the &#34;National Sanitation Foundation&#34; code requires that check balls and springs be removable for cleaning. For the purpose of rapid and efficient disassembly and cleaning, the valve housing 57 and the pump housing 27 are assembled without fasteners. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower portion of the pump housing is formed with a pair of allochiral flanges 91 which form a T-slot. The upper portion of the valve housing is formed as a tee 93 which interfits with the T-slot of the pump housing. The tee of the valve housing is inserted into the T-slot of the pump housing from the left with respect to FIG. 1. The pump housing is constructed with a downwardly projecting lip 95, FIG. 1, which limits the entry of the valve housing into the pump housing. The T-slot and tee are formed with very slight tapers so that the valve housing tee is slightly wedged into the pump housing T-slot at the point of maximum insertion. In this manner, the valve housing is joined to and is supported by the pump housing in a secure yet easily detachable manner that does not require any fasteners. Thus, the pumping mechanism 5, including the balls 58, 60 and springs 64, 66 may be completely disassembled for cleaning merely by unscrewing nut 39 from the pump housing and by removing the tee of the valve housing from the T-slot of the pump housing. 
     To further enhance sanitation, particular care is exercised with regard to the materials used in the decanter and pump assembly components. A satisfactory material for the structural components is marketed under the specification Mitsui Chemical TPX-(rt 18). The springs are stainless steel, and the check balls are a suitable rubber compound manufactured by Minnesota Rubber Company. 
     To assemble the decanter and pump assembly of this invention, the ball 58 and spring 64 are inserted into chamber 67, and ball 60 and spring 66 are inserted into chamber 73. O-ring seals 85, 87 and 89 are placed in their respective locations on the valve housing 57. The tee 93 of the valve housing is inserted into the T-slot formed by flanges 91 of the pump housing 27 until the tee strikes the lip 95. The slight tapers built into the tee and T-slot will cause the two housings to be firmly yet gently secured to each other. The seal 55 is positioned on the pump housing, and the two part assembly is inserted into the reservoir 3, such that the outlet tube 79 protrudes through the floor 17. O-ring 51 is assembled to piston 31. Spring 29 and then piston 31 are inserted into the cavity 33. Nut 39 is slipped over the piston, and the nut is screwed onto the threads 37 of the pump housing. Finally, the reservoir is filled with the desired liquid, and the cover attached. The decanter and pump assembly is now ready for operation. 
     To operate the decanter and pump assembly of this invention, an initial starting point as shown in FIG. 1 will be assumed. In that configuration, the spring 29 forces piston 31 to the extreme right against nut 39. In this position, sealed chamber 53 is filled with a maximum volume of the liquid. Spring 64 urges ball 58 against seat 81 to close off passage 65, and spring 66 urges ball 60 against seat 83. Passages 69 and 71 and chamber 67 are also filled with liquid. A suitable container for receiving the liquid to be dispensed is positioned within space 15 beneath outlet tube 79. The operator then pushes the piston to force the liquid out of sealed chamber 33 and through passage 69, chamber 67, and passage 71. The force of the liquid firmly seats ball 58 on seat 81, but the fluid will overcome spring 66 to unseat ball 60. Thus, the fluid will flow through passages 75 and 77 and into the container under outlet 61. When the piston is released, spring 29 will again urge it to the right with respect to FIG. 1. As the piston moves to the right, the liquid force on ball 60 is removed, but spring 66 will seat ball 60 onto seat 83. A vacuum is created in sealed chamber 53 as the piston moves to the right, causing atmospheric pressure above liquid 8 to force the liquid up passage 65. The spring 64, being relatively weak, is overcome by the liquid rising in passage 65 and allows the ball 58 to unseat. As a consequence, the fluid travels upward through chamber 67 and passage 69 to fill sealed chamber 53. The decanter and pump assembly is then ready for the next cycle. 
     Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention, a decanter and pump assembly that fully satisfies the objects, aims, and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.