Dispenser with dual pump system

ES 2 396 966 T3

DESCRIPTION

Dispenser with double pump system.

The present invention relates generally to product packages that include integrated dispensing devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to fluid media containing product packages including metered dispensing devices that can controllably dispense the fluid media from the fluid media containing product package.

Different types of fluid material and media are used for different purposes throughout commerce and industry. For example, there are various products in the areas of personal care, hair care, air conditioning, transportation conditioning, and food industries that require a flowable material to be dispensed in some way from a source of supply of that material. In addition, when this material is sold commercially, it must be contained and stored in some type of container while it is waiting to be used. Finally, when the product is used, it must be dispensed from its storage container to the desired position during use.

There are many different types of dispensers in the prior art that are used to deliver a stored flowable material to the desired location for use. For example, a storage container having a flexible body with a nozzle end extending therefrom is commonly provided for this purpose. An example of such use can be appreciated in the context of a ketchup dispenser, in which a user squeezes the container body to push the flowable material (ketchup) out of the container body and through the nozzle end, to precisely deposit the flowable material in the desired position. In such a position, the amount of fluid that is ultimately delivered is ultimately determined by the amount of squeezing that the user actually makes on the container body. Although this method has provided marginally acceptable results, this method also typically produces erratic fluid volume since more or less fluid material can be delivered with each squeeze of the container body. Also, the container must be held vertically to avoid leakage since no valves are employed at the fluid nozzle end.

In another example of a prior art dispenser, a flexible container is provided that holds a volume of fluid material to be dispensed. In an attempt to remedy the aforementioned leakage issue, a one-way check valve is provided at the outlet port of the flexible container. When the flexible body is squeezed, the material is pushed out under pressure through the valve. The difficulty in this case is that the valve, over time, becomes partially clogged thereby requiring the user to apply additional pressure to cause the valve to open. As a result, once the valve has been opened, the additional pressure causes more flowable material to be deposited than the user would have desired.

In addition to the aforementioned need to simply dispense a volume of flowable material, there is also a desire for the ability to immediately apply the dispensed flowable material, such as to a surface. In the prior art, the solution has been to provide squeezable container bodies that are equipped with some type of applicator head for this purpose. For example, in the personal care industry, personal washing devices typically include some type of squeezable container body and an abrasive applicator material, such as fabric or foam, applied to the outlet port thereof. Thus, when the flowable material is dispensed out of the container body, it is dispensed onto the applicator and the applicator helps to spread the material over the user's body providing a better and more uniform distribution of the material. The applicators are particularly useful for uniform distribution in the personal care industry, such as for the application of a shoe polish, to ensure a smooth, uniform coating quality.

In addition to the provision of an applicator disposed at the outlet of the container, attempts have been made in the prior art to provide a dispenser that can easily deliver flowable material to an applicator that is positioned around the entire outer surface of a container body. These prior art devices employ, for example, spring loaded buttons that open an outlet port in the main container body to allow flow of the fluid contained therein to an external applicator of a layer of the material. This is contrary to the need for the user to squeeze the entire body of the container. However, these devices are unable to deliver a substantially equal dose of fluid in each dispensing operation since they simply open the container body and allow the fluid to flow into the surrounding applicator material by gravity.

There is also generally a need for a fluid dispensing device that includes the ability to increase the amount of fluid dispensed at each pump, such as doubling the amount of liquid dispensed at each pump. Also, in this regard, there is a need to store two or more liquids separately while providing a simple dispensing unit that dispenses and mixes them together in a single dispensing operation. For example, two different types of hair care liquids can be dispensed at the same time in a metered dose by means of a simple pump. It is also desirable

ES 2 396 966 T3 to provide a dispenser that allows a user to choose whether to use a single or double pump to dispense fluid while also controlling the amount of fluid dispensed from each of the fluid supply sources.

In view of the foregoing, prior art fluid dispensing devices suffer from several disadvantages that make them difficult and inconvenient to use. Furthermore, these prior art dispensers often provide a user with unexpected results. Therefore, a further need exists for a fluid dispenser that is capable of delivering a metered dose of fluid with each dispensing operation in order to produce predictable flow and better application of the fluid material. There is also a need for such a dispenser that it can operate independently of gravity. There is a further need for the fluid to be capable of being delivered in a manner that allows the fluid to flow out at any point on the surface of the container. Still further, there is a further need for a dispenser that includes an applicator that facilitates uniform distribution and uniform application of the flowable material, as desired. Many of these needs are met based on US Patent Application No. 11 / 074,817 transferred in the usual way, pending, filed on March 8, 2005, and by means of US Patent Application no. 11 / 951,351, filed December 6, 2007. This application defines a device for dispensing liquids in a metered form, and provides an outlet port that can be located at any position on the fluid container. However, there is still a need for a dispenser that has multiple chambers, each with its own respective fittings to independently control flow and dispense fluid therefrom.

From document EO 1 466 7671 A2 a fluid dispensing device is known according to the preamble of claim 1. The respective fluid dispensing device comprises a pumping part made of a rigid plastic material that acts on the chambers of pump that can be of a flexible material in the manner of a flexible cartridge. Both flexible cartridges can be simultaneously activated by depression of the common activation part to expel fluid from the cartridges.

Reference is made to US 4,849,213 A and WO 02/16047 A1 which disclose similar fluid dispensing devices.

In view of all this, an object of the invention is to disclose an improved fluid dispensing device that allows simple and highly effective metered dispensing of fluids from a plurality of fluid containers, in which a metered dose is achieved, controlled, flowable material from each of the multiple fluid containers during each dispensing operation.

This object is achieved by a fluid dispensing device according to claim 1.

Additional embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The multiple chambers may contain multiple fluids or they may all contain the same fluid, thereby allowing a dispensing operation to be varied in volume, in case the fluids are the same, or a mixing operation, in case the fluids are the same. fluids are different.

The primary flexible bag and the dosing mechanism employed within the present invention are substantially similar to those found in the aforementioned patent applications nos. 11 / 074,817 and 11 / 951,351. The fluid dispensing device includes a container with multiple interior fluid storage regions therein. Each storage region includes its own metering housing, which has a preferably flexible construction that is arranged in fluid communication with the respective fluid storage region. A first one-way valve is disposed between the fluid storage region and the flexible metering housing. When the flexible metering housing is depressed and released, the vacuum action generates a one-way flow from the interior fluid storage region of the container that serves to fill the predetermined volume of the chamber within the metering housing. A second valve, in fluid communication with the outlet port of the dosing housing, allows fluid flow in one direction from the dosing chamber to the external region of the exterior of the container when the housing is depressed again. Each time the dosing housing is depressed, a substantially equal volume of fluid is dispensed from the container, while on release, the dosing housing fills with fluid entrainment from the fluid storage region.

As discussed above, the present invention further includes a multi-chamber fluid storage region, each having its own dispensing pump such that the dispenser can simultaneously dispense fluid into the multiple storage regions. fluid. Furthermore, with such an arrangement, the multiple fluid storage regions may each contain the same or different liquids. Also, the dosage and volumes of the pumps in each of the respective chambers can be adjusted to the demand for the liquids to be dispensed and to the desired mixture thereof.

For a better understanding of the invention, its operational advantages and the specific objects achieved with its

For uses, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter by which a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.

In the drawings, which illustrate the best mode currently contemplated to carry out the present invention:

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a dual reservoir dispensing device not part of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front view thereof;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a metered metering pump not part of the present invention, and

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing pump according to the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, a dispensing device is shown which has generally been referenced at 10 in Figures 1-3. As seen, the metering device 10 includes a first fluid reservoir 21 containing a first fluid 22, and a second fluid reservoir 23 containing a second fluid 24. A first metered dosage pump 26 is provided in fluid communication with the first fluid reservoir 21 and is operable to transfer a portion of the first fluid 22 from the first fluid reservoir 21 to an outlet port 14. A second metered dosage pump 27 is provided in fluid communication with the second fluid reservoir 23 and is also operable to transfer a portion of the second fluid 24 from the second fluid reservoir 23 to the outlet port 14. It should be appreciated that, in general, while the dispensing device 10 has been depicted as having a first fluid reservoir 21 and a second fluid reservoir 23, the device may include a plurality of fluid reservoirs as needed by any application. Dadaist. Meanwhile, although for the remainder of the present application the dispensing device 10 will be explained in the context of a first fluid reservoir 21 and a second fluid reservoir 23, the disclosure is intended to be applicable to a plurality of reservoirs. fluid. In the event that a plurality of fluid reservoirs are provided, a corresponding plurality of metered dosage pumps will be provided, each in fluid communication with each of the fluid storage reservoirs.

The fluid dispensing device 10 is suitable for use in connection with any application that requires two or more different fluids to be stored separately prior to use thereof by the user, as in the case of, for example, epoxy additives. two-part, hair coloring systems or hair conditioning systems. In such an arrangement, the fluids mix with each other as they pass through the outlet port 14. All fluid reservoirs can contain the same fluid. In this arrangement, the provision of multiple fluid storage reservoirs and multiple metering pumps provides a user with the ability to control the overall amount of fluid dispensed with each dispensing action. Still further, although multiple fluid storage reservoirs are provided, they may be provided in an integral housing in which the divisions between each reservoir is a frangible seal that the user can optionally break to allow the fluids contained in the inside separate tanks are mixed with each other prior to use. Although specific examples have been provided herein, they have been provided for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting of the scope of the present invention.

Turning now to Figures 1-3 in greater detail, it can be seen that the first fluid reservoir 21 has an outer wall that cooperates with one side of the central wall 25 to form an interior cavity that serves as the first fluid reservoir 21. and containing a first fluid 22 therein. Similarly, the second fluid reservoir 23 has an outer wall that cooperates with an opposite side of the central wall 25 to form an interior cavity that serves as the second fluid reservoir 23 and contains a second fluid 24 therein. A first metered dosage pump 26 has been positioned in the first fluid reservoir 21 and is in fluid communication with the first fluid 22 contained therein. A second metered dosage pump 27 has been positioned in the second fluid reservoir 23 and is in fluid communication with the second fluid 24 contained therein. The respective outlets 28 of the first and second fluid pumps 26, 27 of the present embodiment are arranged in parallel to simultaneously deposit the first and second fluids 22, 24 at the outlet port 14.

Figures 3 and 4 represent in particular a cross-sectional view through the first and second dosing pumps 26, 27, along the line 3-3 of Figure 2, where Figure 4 is a close-up view shown to illustrate the internal construction of metering pumps 26, 27 in relation to fluid dispenser 10. Although arranged in rear-to-rear relationship, the first and second dosing pumps 26, 27 are, on the other hand, constructed identically in terms of structure, and therefore the matching characteristics will be marked with the same. reference numbers. It should be appreciated, however, that the first and second metering pumps 26, 27 can vary in size, profile, operating pressure, cavity, etc., although they include the same structural elements. As stated above,

ES 2 396 966 T3 the first and second fluid reservoirs 21, 23 have been provided to include first and second fluid storage regions each containing a volume of a first and a second fluid material 22 , 24, respectively, inside them. The outer walls of the first and second fluid reservoirs 21, 23 are preferably made of a flexible material, such as plastic or nylon. Thus, as the first and second materials 22, 24 are evacuated from the interior of the first and second fluid reservoirs 21, 23, they will gradually collapse to provide a compact structure.

Metering housings have been provided in the first and second metering pumps 26, 27. The metering housings include a one-way inlet valve 30, such as a check valve, to bring fluid 22, 24 from the fluid storage regions into a dosing chamber 32 of a predetermined size. Any type of valve can be used to suit the given application. The inlet valve 30 is positioned on a base plate 34 of the metering housing. Thus, during intended actuation, fluid 22, 24 can flow only in one direction from fluid storage regions 21, 23 into dosing chamber 32 although the valve may allow two-way movement of the fluid. for a portion of your career to avoid accidental dispensing. Dosing chamber 32 is defined by a flexible button- or bulb-shaped membrane 36 that is accessible and manipulable such that the user can depress both flexible membranes 36 simultaneously. Button 36 preferably clearly provides an indicator to the user when the metered dosage of flowable material 22, 24 is ready for delivery. Furthermore, it is preferred that the two dosing pumps 26, 27 are positioned adjacent to each other so that the user can depress both dosing pumps 26, 27 simultaneously, although it is also envisaged to use any other suitable arrangement such as providing a set of pumps or a stacked set of pumps.

An outlet valve 40 is provided in fluid communication with the metering chamber 32 of the metering housing. In this way, the fluid residing in the dosing chamber 32 can only exit through the outlet valve 40 towards the mixing chamber 14, which serves to direct the outlet of the fluids 22, 24. In this particular case, towards the inside outlet port 14.

Each pressure of the flexible membrane 36 causes a measured quantity of first and second fluids 22, 24 to be forced into a mixing chamber 14. It should be appreciated that the button / membrane 36 may be located anywhere on the device 10, as required. Still referring to Figure 3, the performance of the metering pumps 26, 27 will be better explained. The metering housing button 36 is depressed to initiate a vacuum operation. More specifically, when the button 36 is released, the first and second fluids 22, 24 are drawn from the first and second fluid reservoirs 21, 23 into the dosing chamber 32, which is configured to be of a certain known volume. The act of releasing the button 36 fills the dosing chamber 32 to its substantial capacity. Thus, a measured quantity of flowable material 22, 24 is contained within the dosing chamber 32, ready for delivery. The size of the dosing chamber 32 can be chosen according to the type of fluid material 22, 24 to be dispensed, with the application thereof and with the desired dosing volume. Volumes can be even or different, as required by the particular application. Further depressing of the button 36 pushes the metered volume of fluid 22, 24 out of the metering chamber 32 out through the outlet port 14 of the metering housing. This known quantity of fluid material 22, 24 is then directed towards the outlet port 14. This allows, in most cases, the first and second fluids 22, 24 to be mixed prior to being dispensed. In the case of a hair coloring system, for example, the dye and colorant are deposited directly into the outlet port 14 and thoroughly mixed prior to dispensing. Alternatively, if the same fluid is provided in the first and second fluid reservoirs 21, 23, then the user can selectively press one or both buttons 36 to control the amount of fluid dispensed.

It can also be seen in Figure 4 that a number of spacer legs 50 project downwardly from the base plate 34 of the metering housing. These legs 50 prevent the base plate 34 from seating fully against the wall of the fluid reservoir 21, 23 and thereby blocking the flow of fluid material 22, 24 to the inlet valve 30. The spacer legs 50 are particularly useful when the volume of fluid material 22, 24 left in the fluid reservoir 21, 23 is running downward and the fluid reservoir 21, 23 is becoming relatively flat in configuration. In this situation, there is a possibility that the settlement mentioned above may occur. However, the use of the spreader legs 50 prevents this from occurring. It should also be appreciated that although spacer legs 50 have been shown, other spring-biased or spring-like structures can be used to perform the same function, and should be considered interchangeable with spacer legs 50.

Turning now to Figure 5, details of a dosing pump 300 in accordance with the invention are shown, including the improved fittings of the present invention that prevent inadvertent or accidental dispensing of fluid 22, 24 even when pressure is applied to the pump 300 or the fluid reservoirs 21, 23. In this embodiment of the pump 300 of the present invention, the base plate 410, through which opening 412 the flow passes, is preferably slightly convex in shape, although it could be flat if desired. Supporting above the opening 412 and inside the cavity 405 of the dome is a flap valve.

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408 preferably thin film construction. This flapper valve 408 may be configured in a normally open configuration, but it may also be configured to lie flat when at rest. As long as the aperture plate 410 remains convex, the flapper valve 408 does not seal the aperture 412 such that inadvertent contact with the flexible dome pump housing 404 does not result in product dispensing. Instead, since flapper valve 408 is open, liquid product residing within cavity 405 of flexible pump housing 404 will simply tend to flow back through inlet opening 412 into the reservoir inside the pump. storage container itself, as indicated by the arrow, rather than undesirably flowing through the outlet valve to the exterior of pump 300. During use, if a person has the fluid dispenser in their pocket or accidental or unintentional squeeze and pressure is applied to the flexible housing 404 of the pump 300, the liquid will not flow out of the dispenser, thereby preventing it from a stain is formed due to the unintentionally dispensed product.

Figure 5 illustrates the intentional dispensing of fluid 22, 24. When it is desired to actually dispense the liquid product 22, 24, the user's thumb 430 can depress the flexible dome 404 and the user's index finger 432 can reverse the base plate 410 from convex to concave, by applying force against the spreader legs. 424, such that the flexible dome 404, with the aid of the spacer legs 422 located under the flexible dome, closes securely and provides a positive connection of the flapper valve 408 over, and around the opening 412, thereby closing the liquid flow path back to the reservoir 434 of the second fluid reservoir 320. It is also possible for the base plate 410 to be concave and then invert into a convex configuration. Other fingers of the user can be used to carry out this operation. Thus, the only path for the liquid 302 contained within the cavity 405 of the dome 404 is the outlet through the one-way outlet valve 436 for the intended dispensing of the product, as indicated by the arrows.

In summary, this invention offers many advantages over the prior art by allowing user flexibility in maintaining two flowable materials as separate components just prior to use and application.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. All modifications and changes are intended to be covered by the appended claims.