Elastomer outlet valve distributing device

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to pump dispenser upon manual actuator having an improved discharge valve member, and more particularly to such a valve member of elastomeric material capable of quickly override output and having a slit valve member for discharging the products of personal use, such as lotions Hand or similar products.

Characteristic of the prior art

Known pump dispenser with a manual drive, in particular those which are intended for dispensing hand lotions, body lotions, liquid soaps, and other viscous products, typically have both input and outlet ball check valves for the respective control leak liquid product into the pump chamber during each piston suction stroke and for controlling the outflow of liquid product from the pump chamber during each piston compression stroke. Alternatively, such dispensers may include an inlet ball check valve for controlling the inflow of the liquid product into the pump chamber and a deformable outlet valve disposed adjacent to the discharge end of the spout. An example of such a known pump dispenser disclosed in U.S. Patent №5447258 (hereinafter referred to as "Patent '258").

In particular, as shown in Figures 2-5 of the '258, in the case of the conventional nozzle described in the patent, the end of the spout includes a transverse hole 134 closed protrude and / or stretchable cap 135 having an internal annular bead planted within the outer an annular groove on the spout for maintaining the cap in place (Figure 2). The end wall of the cap is an outlet 136 through which product is discharged when the pump is activated, and when the product flows through the axial discharge passage 130 of the spout and through transverse hole 134. In order to accurately fix the cap 135 in place, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, 4, the locking ring 137 is provided, or in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, retaining ring 237 is provided.

The deformable outlet valve (ie, the cap 135) described on the 2-5 of the '258, it is problematic in many ways, because the cap 135 will simply fly from the end of the nozzle in the case of the application of even a small pressure applied through axial passage 130 and transverse hole 134. This is explicitly demonstrated by the fact that the embodiments illustrated in Figures 3-5 require a retaining ring 137 or 237 to maintain cap 135 securely mounted in place on the end of the spout. However, the presence of an excess of the locking ring 137 or 237 requires redundant parts for mounting the cap 135 during manufacture of the pump dispenser, and also increases the probability of failure of the dispenser due to the fact that the cap 135 flies during repeated pumping operation.

It would therefore be advantageous to develop a pump dispenser including a deformable outlet valve, which facilitates assembly of the pump dispenser, and placed ensuring fastening on the end of the spout of the dispenser to reduce or substantially exclude chance valve fly off the spout.

In addition, as shown in Figure 1 of the patent '258, there is provided an improved outlet valve assembly including first and second housing 7, the valve 11, respectively. In the case of the dispenser shown in Figure 1, as fluid passes from pipe 2 into hole 5, second valve body 11 which is made of flexible synthetic resin, deforms outwardly, through releasing the contents of the tube 2 itself, and thereafter should return to its original configuration depicted in Figure 1.

As above-mentioned cap 135 as described in connection with Figures 2-5 of the patent '258, the valve assembly described in relation to Figure 1 of the' 258, is also problematic in many respects, because after repeated use of the interaction of product against the inner walls of the housing 11 and product remaining between shaft 6 and body 11 increases the time it takes for body 11 to close around shaft 6 and thereby prevent further product release. Reaction of the product against the inner walls of the body 11 can eventually cause a situation where the structure forming body 11 to remain in an outwardly deformed configuration. This condition reduces the cross-sectional quality of the discharged product, which at the initial use of the dispenser mechanism is meant having a predetermined cross-section designed to provide the user with an ergonomic comfort, and / or designed for a specific end use. Furthermore, the valve assembly described in relation to Figure 1 of the '258, it includes at least three components articulated together for adequate operation, namely first and second housing 7, the valve 11, respectively, and stopper 22, which complicates the design unit in terms of its production, and also increases the chances of failure of one or more components.

It would therefore be advantageous to develop a pump dispenser having an improved outlet valve, which facilitates and makes more economical manufacture and assembly of the pump dispenser, which provides repeatability of the quality of the cross-section of the discharged product over the life of the pump dispenser, and which is stable in construction and efficient in operation. It would also be advantageous to develop a pump dispenser which will quickly respond to overlap the discharge flow path during each piston suction stroke irrespective of the viscosity of the dispensed product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention contributes to solving the problems and deficiencies and imperfections designs known pump dispenser by the fact that the proposed combination of features improved deformable outlet valve which is easier and manufacturing and assembly of the pump dispenser, and which provides repeatable quality cross-section of the discharged product over the life of the pump dispenser.

Thus, the present invention provides a manual pump dispenser including a plunger head, a reciprocating movement during pumping and return strokes. Pump dispenser may include a pump body having an inlet valve for inletting of a liquid product in the pump dispenser during each of said return strokes, and a discharge valve assembly mounted on a spout provided with the pump housing. The discharge valve assembly may permit selective outletting of liquid product through the spout during each of the pressure strokes. The spout may include a bore having a predetermined diameter. The discharge valve assembly may include an outlet valve disposed substantially within the bore, wherein the outlet valve has an outer diameter smaller than the predetermined diameter. The outlet valve may be made of a material permitting predetermined axial and radial expansion of the unitary valve under pressure from the liquid product during each of the pressure strokes, which ensures the liquid product out through the slit opening at the end of the outlet valve and ensures rapid contraction of the outlet valve from the valve seat to prevent the liquid product through the slitted opening.

In the case of the above pump dispenser outlet valve may include a plurality of slit openings oriented such that the liquid discharged through them the product has a substantially star-shaped cross-section. Pump dispenser may further include a valve adapter, which is connected to the outlet valve, for retaining the outlet valve within the spout. The valve adapter and the outlet valve may be coupled with each other by providing an annular groove and an annular rib, or an annular rib and an annular wall. The valve adapter may include an axial channel for passage of the liquid product from an upstream end of the spout toward the slitted opening. The valve adapter may include a plurality of lateral passageways fluidly communicating with the axial channel to ensure uniform distribution of the liquid product from an upstream end of the spout toward the slitted opening. The valve seat may be formed integrally with the valve adapter. The outlet valve may be formed of a silicone or thermoplastic elastomer, and expandable within the bore. The outlet valve may be made compressible, mainly in radial direction from the circumferential surface of the valve seat to prevent the liquid product through the slitted opening. In its compressed configuration, the outlet valve may include a generally cylindrical profile. In an alternative embodiment, the outlet valve may be made compressible in the axial and radial direction of the respective frontal and circumferential surfaces of the valve seat to prevent the liquid product through the slitted opening. In yet another alternative embodiment, in its contracted configuration the outlet valve may also include a profile in the shape of a truncated cone.

The invention also provides a plunger head for a pump dispenser upon manual actuator configured to reciprocating motion in the process of pumping and return strokes and including a discharge spout. Plunger head may include a pump body having an inlet valve for inletting of a liquid product in the pump dispenser during each of the return strokes. The discharge valve assembly may be mounted on the spout for selectively outputting the liquid product through the spout during each of the pressure strokes. The spout may include a bore having a predetermined diameter. The discharge valve assembly may include an outlet valve disposed substantially within the bore. The outlet valve may have an outer diameter smaller than the predetermined diameter. The outlet valve may be made of a material permitting predetermined axial and radial expansion of said outlet valve under pressure from the liquid product during each of the pressure strokes, which ensures the liquid product out through the slotted opening in the outlet end of said outlet valve and ensures rapid contraction of said outlet valve at the seating valve to prevent the liquid product through the slitted opening.

In the case of plunger head described above, the outlet valve may include a plurality of slit openings oriented such that the liquid discharged through them the product has a substantially star-shaped cross-section. Plunger head may further include a valve adapter, which is connected to the outlet valve, for retaining the outlet valve within the spout. The valve adapter and the outlet valve may be coupled with each other by providing an annular groove and an annular rib, or an annular rib and an annular wall. The valve adapter may include an axial channel for passage of the liquid product from an upstream end of the spout toward the slitted opening. The valve adapter may include a plurality of lateral passageways fluidly communicating with the axial channel to ensure uniform distribution of the liquid product from an upstream end of the spout toward the slitted opening. The valve seat may be formed integrally with the valve adapter. The outlet valve may be formed of a silicone or thermoplastic elastomer, and expandable within the bore. The outlet valve may be made compressible, mainly in radial direction from the circumferential surface of the valve seat to prevent the liquid product through the slitted opening. In its compressed configuration, the outlet valve may include a generally cylindrical profile. In an alternative embodiment, the outlet valve may be made compressible in the axial and radial direction of the respective frontal and circumferential surfaces of the valve seat to prevent the liquid product through the slitted opening. In yet another alternative embodiment, in its contracted configuration the outlet valve may also include a profile in the shape of a truncated cone.

The invention also provides a discharge spout including an inlet end for admitting liquid product. On the nose may be set exhaust valve assembly for selectively outputting the liquid product through the spout. The spout may include a bore having a predetermined diameter. The discharge valve assembly may include an outlet valve disposed substantially within the bore. The outlet valve may have an outer diameter smaller than the predetermined diameter. The outlet valve may be made of a material permitting predetermined axial and radial expansion of said outlet valve under pressure from the liquid product, thereby allowing the liquid product out through the slotted opening in the outlet end of said outlet valve and ensures rapid contraction of the outlet valve from the valve seat to prevent the liquid product through the slitted opening.

In the case of the above discharge spout outlet valve may include a plurality of slit openings oriented such that the liquid discharged through them the product has a substantially star-shaped cross-section. The discharge spout may further include a valve adapter, which is connected to the outlet valve, for retaining the outlet valve within the spout. The valve adapter and the outlet valve may be coupled with each other by providing an annular groove and an annular rib, or an annular rib and an annular wall. The valve adapter may include an axial channel for passage of the liquid product from an upstream end of the spout toward the slitted opening. The valve adapter may include a plurality of lateral passageways fluidly communicating with the axial channel to ensure uniform distribution of the liquid product from an upstream end of the spout toward the slitted opening. The valve seat may be formed integrally with the valve adapter. The outlet valve may be formed of a silicone or thermoplastic elastomer, and expandable within the bore. The outlet valve may be made compressible, mainly in radial direction from the circumferential surface of the valve seat to prevent the liquid product through the slitted opening. In its compressed configuration, the outlet valve may include a generally cylindrical profile. In an alternative embodiment, the outlet valve may be made compressible in the axial and radial direction of the respective frontal and circumferential surfaces of the valve seat to prevent the liquid product through the slitted opening. In yet another alternative embodiment, in its contracted configuration the outlet valve may also include a profile in the shape of a truncated cone.

The invention also provides a manual pump dispenser including a plunger head configured to reciprocating motion in the process of pumping and return strokes. Pump dispenser may include a pump body having an inlet valve for inletting of a liquid product in the pump dispenser during each of the return strokes. The discharge valve assembly may be mounted on a spout provided with the pump housing. The discharge valve assembly may permit selective outletting of liquid product through the spout during each of the pressure strokes. The spout may include a bore having a predetermined diameter. The discharge valve assembly may include an outlet valve disposed substantially within the bore. This outlet valve may have an outer diameter generally equal to the predetermined diameter. The outlet valve may be made of a material permitting primarily predetermined axial expansion of the unitary valve under pressure from the liquid product during each of the pressure strokes, which ensures the liquid product out through the slotted opening in the outlet end of said outlet valve and ensures quick axial compression of the output valve from the valve seat to prevent the liquid product through the slitted opening.

In the case of the above pump dispenser outlet valve may include a plurality of slit openings oriented such that the liquid discharged through them the product has a substantially star-shaped cross-section. Pump dispenser may further include a valve adapter, which is connected to the outlet valve, for retaining the outlet valve within the spout. The valve adapter and the outlet valve may be coupled with each other by providing an annular groove and an annular rib, or an annular rib and an annular wall. The valve adapter may include an axial channel for passage of the liquid product from an upstream end of the spout toward the slitted opening. The valve adapter may include a plurality of lateral passageways fluidly communicating with the axial channel to ensure uniform distribution of the liquid product from an upstream end of the spout toward the slitted opening. The valve seat may be formed integrally with the valve adapter. The outlet valve may be formed of a silicone or thermoplastic elastomer, and axially outward extension of the bore. The outlet valve may be made compressible, mainly in the axial direction from the front surface of the valve seat to prevent the liquid product through the slitted opening. In its compressed configuration, the outlet valve may include a generally cylindrical profile, and a frontal surface of the unitary valve may be substantially thicker than a side wall of said outlet valve.

The invention also provides a plunger head for a pump dispenser upon manual actuator configured to reciprocating motion in the process of pumping and return strokes and including a discharge spout. Plunger head may include a pump body having an inlet valve for inletting of a liquid product in the pump dispenser during each of the return strokes. The discharge valve assembly may be mounted on the spout for selectively outputting the liquid product through the spout during each of the pressure strokes. The spout may include a bore having a predetermined diameter. The discharge valve assembly may include an outlet valve disposed substantially within the bore, the outlet valve may have an outer diameter generally equal to the predetermined diameter. The outlet valve may be made of a material permitting primarily predetermined axial expansion of said outlet valve under pressure from the liquid product during each of the pressure strokes, which ensures the liquid product out through the slotted opening in the outlet end of said outlet valve and ensures quick axial compression of the output valve from the valve seat to prevent the liquid product through the slitted opening.

In the case of plunger head described above, the outlet valve may include a plurality of slit openings oriented such that the liquid discharged through them the product has a substantially star-shaped cross-section. Plunger head may further include a valve adapter, which is connected to the outlet valve, for retaining the outlet valve within the spout. The valve adapter and the outlet valve may be coupled with each other by providing an annular groove and an annular rib, or an annular rib and an annular wall. The valve adapter may include an axial channel for passage of the liquid product from an upstream end of the spout toward the slitted opening. The valve adapter may include a plurality of lateral passageways fluidly communicating with the axial channel to ensure uniform distribution of the liquid product from an upstream end of the spout toward the slitted opening. The valve seat may be formed integrally with the valve adapter. The outlet valve may be formed of a silicone or thermoplastic elastomer, and axially outward extension of the bore. The outlet valve may be made compressible, mainly in the axial direction from the front surface of the valve seat to prevent the liquid product through the slitted opening. In its compressed configuration, the outlet valve may include a generally cylindrical profile, the front face of the outlet valve may be substantially thicker than a side wall of the outlet valve.

The invention also provides a discharge spout including an inlet end for admitting liquid product. On the nose may be set exhaust valve assembly for selectively outputting the liquid product through the spout. The spout may include a bore having a predetermined diameter. The discharge valve assembly may include an outlet valve disposed substantially within the bore. The outlet valve may have an outer diameter generally equal to the predetermined diameter. The outlet valve may be made of a material permitting primarily predetermined axial expansion of said outlet valve under pressure from the liquid product, thereby allowing the liquid product out through the slotted opening in the outlet end of said outlet valve and ensures rapid contraction of the outlet valve from the valve seat to prevent the release liquid product through the slitted opening.

In the case of the above discharge spout outlet valve may include a plurality of slit openings oriented such that the liquid discharged through them the product has a substantially star-shaped cross-section. The discharge spout may further include a valve adapter, which is connected to the outlet valve, for retaining the outlet valve within the spout. The valve adapter and the outlet valve may be coupled with each other by providing an annular groove and an annular rib, or an annular rib and an annular wall. The valve adapter may include an axial channel for passage of the liquid product from an upstream end of the spout toward the slitted opening. The valve adapter may include a plurality of lateral passageways fluidly communicating with the axial channel to ensure uniform distribution of the liquid product from an upstream end of the spout toward the slitted opening. The valve seat may be formed integrally with the valve adapter. The outlet valve may be formed of a silicone or thermoplastic elastomer, and expandable within the bore. The outlet valve may be made compressible, mainly in the axial direction from the front surface of the valve seat to prevent the liquid product through the slitted opening. In its compressed configuration, the outlet valve may include a generally cylindrical profile, the front face of the outlet valve may be substantially thicker than a side wall of the outlet valve.

Further features, advantages and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or may become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings and claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that both the foregoing summary of the Invention, and the following description are in the nature of examples and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed invention without limiting its scope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, given to provide a better understanding of the invention and of reference in this description, forming a part thereof, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 - a partial side elevational view of the pump dispenser in accordance with the present invention, illustrating the various internal features of the first embodiment of the discharge valve assembly and the elastomeric discharge valve in the initial configuration;

Figure 2 - a cross-sectional view of the exhaust valve assembly of Figure 1, conducted substantially along line 2-2 and illustrating the star-shaped valve outlet;

Figure 3 - a partial side view of the spout of the pump dispenser shown in Figure 1, illustrating a first embodiment of an elastomeric inlet valve in the outlet of the deformed open configuration during pumping;

4 - a cross section of a first embodiment of the discharge valve assembly shown in Figure 1, conducted substantially along line 4-4 and showing the location of the transverse channel;

Figure 5 - is a partial side elevational view of the pump dispenser in accordance with the present invention, illustrating the various internal features of the second embodiment of discharge valve assembly and the elastomeric discharge valve in the initial configuration;

6 - cross section of the discharge valve assembly shown in Figure 5, carried out substantially along line 6-6 and illustrating the star-shaped valve outlet;

7 - a partial side view of the spout of the pump dispenser shown in Figure 5, illustrating a second embodiment of an elastomeric inlet valve in the outlet of the deformed open configuration during pumping;

8 - a cross-section of a second embodiment of discharge valve assembly shown in Figure 5, carried out substantially along line 8-8 and showing the location of the transverse channel;

9 - a partial side elevational view of the pump dispenser in accordance with the present invention illustrating various internal components of a third embodiment of the discharge valve assembly and the elastomeric discharge valve in the initial configuration;

10 - cross section of the discharge valve assembly shown in Figure 9, carried out substantially along the line 10-10 and illustrating the star-shaped valve outlet;

11 - a partial side view of the spout of the pump dispenser shown in Figure 9, illustrating a third embodiment of an elastomeric inlet valve outlet in the deformed open configuration during pumping;

12 - a cross-section of a third embodiment of discharge valve assembly shown in Figure 9, carried out substantially along the line 12-12 and illustrating the arrangement of the transverse channels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like and corresponding parts throughout the several views, note that Figures 1-4 illustrate a first embodiment designated by the numeral 10 of the pump dispenser in accordance with the present invention.

As shown in Figure 1, the dispenser 10 of the pump type with a manual drive, referring to the type which includes a discharge valve assembly 12 according to the invention comprises a valve body which includes a pump cylinder (not shown) arranged for attachment to a container (not shown) of product to be hand in a conventional manner, as described in detail herein №10 / 214 160 US patent entitled "pump dispenser having an improved discharge valve» ("Pump Dispenser Having an Improved Discharge Valve "), and the right to request the assignee of the present application, and its description is incorporated herein by reference. Application №10 / 214 160 US Patent also describes in detail that the pump cylinder may be adapted to be attached to the container by a closure cap which may be internally threaded or may be designed for administration at a click engagement with the container neck in any conventional manner. The cylinder may be mounted dip tube (not shown) which acts with its lower end into the liquid in the container. Although discharge valve assemblies 12, 102 and 202 (described below) for the embodiment of the first to third, respectively, are described as being used in addition to a separate discharge valve provided within the nodes 10, 100 and 200 of the pump dispenser (described below), nodes 12, 102 and 202 can easily be used in addition to a separate discharge valve provided within dispensers 10, 100 and 200, pump-type, and instead of the valve will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Dispensing device 10 is a pump-type may further include a depending sleeve 14 for mounting plunger head 16 to an upper end of hollow piston stem 18 of the piston having at its lower end an annular piston seal (not shown) in sliding sealing engagement with the inner wall of the pump cylinder , which is also described in detail herein №10 / 214 160 US Patent. Plunger head 16 may include a depending sleeve 20 which frictionally grip the upper end of the piston rod 18 for tight sealing, and an elongated transverse spout 22 defining a discharge passage 24 which directly communicates with the upper end of the piston rod.

Referring to Figures 1 and 3, note that the discharge valve assembly 12 according to the present invention comprises a outlet valve 26 of resilient material such as silicone or thermoplastic elastomer of various durometer hardness readings. Valve 26 may be supported by valve adapter 28 disposed at a distal end of spout 22, as described in detail below. Valve adapter 28 may include an axial channel 30 that ends, at least a pair of lateral passageways 32, but only six such passageways 32 as illustrated in Figure 4. Valve adapter 28 may be in frictional engagement, or may be fixed differently to the achievement of cohesion within the bore 34 of the nozzle 22.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, spout 22 may include a further bore 36 at its distal end such that the bore 36 slightly larger in diameter than bore 34 to provide a stop means at annular wall 38 to ensure the pre- a predetermined depth of insertion of valve adapter 28 into bore 34 by engagement of an annular rib 40 a complementary annular wall 38. Along the outer circumferential surface of the valve adapter 28 may be provided with an annular groove 42 to facilitate coupling of the valve 26 with valve adapter 28 and fixing them by means of a circular ring 44 valve 26 disposed in the annular groove 42. The inner diameter of the additional bore 36, which put the valve 26 can be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the valve 26, allowing the expansion valve 26 when release of pressurized product through lateral passages 32 that discussed in detail below.

Referring to Figures 1-3, note that in the particular embodiment illustrated, valve 26 may have a star-shaped (or other, e.g., triangular, circular, rectangular etc.) configuration bounded by outlet slits 46, which in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, may include six such outlet slits 46 formed integrally with circular skirt wall 48 of the valve 26. The slots 46 may be formed as gaps between the substantially sectorial walls 50 which function in to guide product through the gap located near 46. It should be noted that instead of outlet slits 26, valve 46 may include a molded exit area (not shown), as would be apparent to those skilled in the art. Valve 26 may further include a central conical outlet 52 provided within protrusion 54 disposed at the distal end wall 50. Although the sector through the outlet 52 can be discharged a small amount of product, the function of the projection 54 consists mainly to maintain wall 50 in the predetermined orientation illustrated in Figure 2.

Proved to be possible to release the product through the valve 26 during the downward stroke of plunger head 16 in the orientation of slits 46 illustrated in Figure 2, product discharged via spout 22 through valve 26 may first enter axial passage 30 of valve adapter 28, as shown by paths A1 and A2 leakage. Thereafter, the product in axial passage 30 may generally uniformly enter the transverse channels 32 and shared by passing the six flow paths within the lateral passageways 32, as indicated by flow path A3. Since the pressure of the product in lateral passageways 32 continues to increase during the downward stroke of plunger head 16 and reaches a predetermined threshold, further increase of pressure of the product during the continuing downward stroke of plunger head 16 deforms and expands outer circular skirt wall 48 of the valve 26 in the radial direction, and walls 50 - axially outwardly, allowing product to pass past the seat 56, as shown by path A4 flow, and then - further outwards and out through outlet slits 46 via path A5 flow, while some of the product can flow in the radial direction inwards towards outlet 52 via flow path A6, and then exit through the outlet 52 through the flow path A7.

When pressure is applied manually to the plunger head 16, stops or interrupts its operation, the pressure of product in area 58 decreases, becoming less than the aforementioned predetermined threshold, such that walls 50 and circular wall 48 of the valve 26 quickly compressed, respectively, in the axial and radial inwardly reaching its original configuration shown in Figures 1 and 3. Thus, at the end of a given downward stroke of plunger head, just prior to the ensuing plunger head swing upward circular skirt wall 48 of the valve 26 quickly contracts inwardly (i.e. relaxes) to prevent further discharge of the product through outlet slits 46 of the valve 26, and thereby closes outlet slits 46, overlapping the transverse channels 32 due to the interaction circular skirt 48 of the valve 26 with the outer wall of the seat 56, formed integrally with the valve adapter 28.

Leakage of product from spout 22 through valve 26 along paths A1-A7 flow of product flowing through the valve 26, is continuous and suitable star-shaped cross-section, which is realized by sections of the product obtained as it exits through outlet slits 46 and uniformly connect the output port 52. More Furthermore, since the valve assembly according to the present invention includes only two components, namely valve adapter 28 and outlet valve 26 to a reduced number of components facilitates easy and economical manufacture and assembly of the pump dispenser, while providing repeatability of quality cross- section of the discharged product over the life of the pump dispenser. In addition, efficient operation of unitary valve 26 provides a pump dispenser which will quickly respond to overlap the discharge flow path during each piston suction stroke irrespective of the viscosity of the product being dispensed. Furthermore, since the configuration of the bore 36 provides the ability to control and limit the expansion disposed therein a valve 26, this configuration prevents the leaving of the valve 26 in an expanded configuration (as is the case with conventional valve designs) during continued use of the dispenser 10 of the pump type, causes a dried or other viscous product remaining between circular skirt wall 48 and seat 56.

Now, with reference to Figures 5-8, a detailed description will be given of a second embodiment of pump dispenser 100 type.

As shown in Figure 5, as in the first embodiment, the dispenser 10 of the pump-type dispenser 100 pumping type may also be a pump dispenser with a manual drive, as described in detail in the aforementioned application №10 / 214 160 US Patent. In addition to the standard components described above for the dispenser 10 of the pump-type dispenser 100 pumping type may include a discharge valve assembly 102 and a depending sleeve 104 for mounting plunger head 106 to an upper end of hollow piston stem 108 of a piston having at its bottom end an annular piston seal (not shown) in sliding sealing engagement with the inner wall of the pump cylinder. Plunger head 106 may include a depending sleeve 110 which frictionally grip the upper end of the piston rod 108 of the tight seal, and an elongated transverse spout 112 defining a discharge passage 114 which directly communicates with the upper end of the piston rod.

5 and 8, a discharge valve assembly 102 according to the present invention comprises a outlet valve 116 of resilient material such as silicone or thermoplastic elastomer of various durometer hardness readings. Valve 116 may be supported by valve adapter 118 disposed at a distal end of spout 112, as described in detail below. Valve adapter 118 may include an axial passage 120 which terminates in at least a pair of lateral passageways 122, as all four of these channels 122, as shown in Figure 8. Valve adapter 118 may be in frictional engagement, or may be fixed differently to the achievement of cohesion within the bore 124 of the nozzle 112.

As shown in Figures 5 and 8, spout 112 may include a further bore 126 at its distal end such that additional bore 126 slightly larger in diameter than bore 124 to provide a stop means at annular wall 128 for warranty a predetermined depth of insertion of unitary valve 116 and valve adapter 118 into bore 124. The outlet valve 116 may be further retained inside the bore 126 by engagement of annular rib 130 of unitary valve 116 between circumferential wall 131 of valve adapter 118 and complementary annular wall 128. The inner Additional diameter bore 126 in which valve 116 plant may be substantially equal to the outer diameter of the valve 116 allowing only the axial expansion of valve 116 with the release of pressurized product through lateral channels 122, which is discussed below in detail.

5-8 illustrated in a particular embodiment, the valve 116 may have a star-shaped (or other, e.g., triangular, circular, rectangular etc.) configuration bounded by outlet slits 136, which in the embodiment shown in Figure 6 , may include five such outlet slits 136 formed integrally with circular skirt wall 138 of the valve 116. Slits 136 may be formed as gaps between the substantially sectorial walls 140, which function to guide product through located near the slit 136. It should be noted that instead of outlet slits 136 of valve 116 may include a molded exit area (not shown), as would be apparent to those skilled in the art. Each of the slots 136 may terminate at the central axis of valve 116 such that the product is discharged through the slits 136 will be substantially constant star-shaped cross-section. As shown in Figure 5, skirt wall 138 may be formed having a substantially smaller thickness than the walls 140 bounding the gap 136 therebetween to allow the axial expansion of valve 116 only when the release of pressurized product through lateral channels 122.

Proved to be possible to release the product through the valve 116 during the downward stroke of plunger head 106 in the orientation of slits 136 illustrated in Figure 6, product discharged via spout 112 through valve 116 may first enter axial passage 120 of valve adapter 118, as shown by paths B1 and B2 leakage. Thereafter, the product in axial passage 120 may generally uniformly enter the transverse channels 122 and share, along four flow paths within the lateral passageways 122, as illustrated by flow-paths B3 and B4 leakage. Since the pressure of the product in the transverse channel 122 continues to increase during the downward stroke of plunger head 106 and reaches a predetermined threshold, further increase of pressure of the product during the continuing downward stroke of plunger head 106 deforms and expands valve 116 in an axial outward direction, removing the structure forming walls 140 valve seat 142, the front surface 144 of the valve seat 142, which then allows the product to continue to move outwardly and exit through outlet slits 136, as illustrated by the paths B5 and B6 leakage.

When pressure is applied manually to the plunger head 106, stops or interrupts its operation, the pressure of product in area 148 decreases, becoming less than the aforementioned predetermined threshold value, so that the structure forming walls 140 quickly contracts axially inwardly reaching its original configuration against the front face 144 of the valve seat 142, illustrated in Figures 5 and 7. Thus, at the end of a given downward stroke of plunger head, just prior to the ensuing plunger head move up structure forming walls 140 quickly contracts inwardly (i.e. relaxes ), preventing further discharge of the product through outlet slits 136 of valve 116, and thereby closes outlet slits 136 by the structure forming walls 140 and valve seat 142.

Leakage of product from spout 112 through valve 116 along paths B1 - B6 flow of product flowing through the valve 116 is continuous and suitable star-shaped cross-section, which is realized by means of the product leaving through outlet slits 136. Moreover, since the valve assembly according to the present invention includes only two components, namely valve adapter 118 and outlet valve 116 to a reduced number of components facilitates easy and economical manufacture and assembly of the pump dispenser, while providing repeatability of the quality of the cross section of the discharged product over the life of the dispenser pump type. In addition, efficient operation of unitary valve 116 provides a pump dispenser which will quickly respond to overlap the discharge flow path during each piston suction stroke irrespective of the viscosity of the product being dispensed.

Now, with reference to the 9-12, a detailed description will be given of a third embodiment of pump dispenser 200 type.

As shown in Figure 9, as in the first and second embodiments of dispensers 10 and 100 of the pump type, respectively, pump dispenser 200 may also be a type of pump dispenser upon manual actuator as described in detail in the aforementioned application №10 / 214 160 US Patent. In addition to the standard components described above for the dispensers 10 and 100 of the pump-type dispenser 200 pumping type may include a discharge valve assembly 202 and a depending sleeve 204 for mounting plunger head 206 to an upper end of hollow piston stem 208 of the piston having at its lower end an annular piston seal (not shown) in sliding sealing engagement with the inner wall of the pump cylinder. Plunger head 206 may include a depending sleeve 210 which frictionally grip the upper end of the piston rod 208 of the tight seal, and an elongated transverse spout 212 defining a discharge passage 214 which directly communicates with the upper end of the piston rod.

9 and 12, a discharge valve assembly 202 according to the present invention comprises a outlet valve 216 of resilient material such as silicone or thermoplastic elastomer of various durometer hardness readings. Valve 216 may be supported by valve adapter 218 disposed at a distal end of spout 212, as detailed below. Valve adapter 218 may include an axial passage 220 which terminates in at least a pair of lateral passageways 222, as all four of these channels 222, as shown in Figure 12. Valve adapter 218 may be in frictional engagement, or may be fixed differently to the achievement of cohesion within the bore 224 of the spout 212.

As shown in Figures 9 and 12, spout 212 may include a further bore 226 at its distal end such that additional bore 226 slightly larger in diameter than bore 224 to provide a stop means at annular wall 228 for warranty a predetermined depth of insertion of unitary valve 216 and valve adapter 218 into bore 224. The outlet valve 216 may be further retained inside the bore 226 by engagement of annular rib 230 of unitary valve 216 between circumferential wall 231 of valve adapter 218 and complementary annular wall 228. The inner Additional diameter bore 226 in which valve plant 216 may be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the valve 216, allowing the radial and axial expansion of valve 216 with the release of pressurized product through lateral channels 222, which is discussed below in detail.

9-12, in the illustrated specific embodiment, the valve 216 may have a star-shaped (or other, e.g., triangular, circular, rectangular etc.) configuration bounded by outlet slits 236, which in the embodiment shown in Figure 10 , may include five such outlet slits 236 formed integrally with frusto-conical skirt wall 238 of the valve 216. Slits 236 may be formed as gaps between the substantially sectorial wall 240 whose function is to guide product through the gap located near 236. It should be noted that instead of outlet slits 236, valve 216 may include a molded exit area (not shown), as would be apparent to those skilled in the art. Each of the slots 236 may terminate at the central axis of valve 216 such that the product is discharged through the slits 236 will be substantially constant star-shaped cross-section. As shown in Figure 9, skirt wall 238 may be formed having a substantially smaller thickness than the walls 240 bounding the gap 236 therebetween to allow the axial expansion of valve 216 only when the release of pressurized product through lateral channels 222.

Proved to be possible to release the product through the valve 216 during the downward stroke of plunger head 206, for the orientation of slits 236 illustrated in Figure 10, product discharged via spout 212 through valve 216 may first enter axial passage 220 of valve adapter 218, as shown by paths C1 and C2 flow. Thereafter, the product in axial passage 220 may generally uniformly enter the transverse channels 222 and share, along four flow paths within the lateral passageways 222, as illustrated by flow-paths flow SH and C4. Since the pressure of the product in the transverse channel 222 continues to increase during the downward stroke of plunger head 206 and reaches a predetermined threshold, further increase of pressure of the product during the continuing downward stroke of plunger head 206 deforms and expands valve 216 in an axial and radially outwardly gripping structure, forming wall 240 of valve seat 242, with the front and side surfaces 244, 246 of the valve seat 242, which then allows the product to continue to move outwardly and exit through outlet slits 236, as illustrated by the paths C5 and C6 leakage.

When pressure is applied manually to the plunger head 206, stops or interrupts its operation, the pressure of product in area 248 decreases, becoming less than the aforementioned predetermined threshold value, so that the structure forming walls 240 and skirt wall 238 quickly contracts axially and radially towards the inside, reaching its initial configuration at valve seat 242, illustrated in Figures 9 and 11. Thus, at the end of a given downward stroke of plunger head, just prior to the ensuing plunger head move up structure forming walls 240 quickly contracts inwardly (t .e. relaxes) to prevent further discharge of the product through outlet slits 236, valve 216, and thereby closes outlet slits 236 by the structure forming walls 240 and valve seat 242.

Leakage of product from spout 212 through valve 216 along paths C1-C6 flowing product flowing through the valve 216 is continuous and suitable star-shaped cross-section, which is realized by means of the product leaving through outlet slits 236. Moreover, since the valve assembly according to the present invention It includes only two components, namely valve adapter 218 and outlet valve 216 to a reduced number of components facilitates easy and economical manufacture and assembly of the pump dispenser, while providing repeatability of the quality of the cross section of the discharged product over the life of the pump dispenser type. In addition, efficient operation of unitary valve 216 provides a pump dispenser which will quickly respond to overlap the discharge flow path during each piston suction stroke irrespective of the viscosity of the product being dispensed.

As mentioned above, the first, second and third embodiments of dispensers 10, 100 and 200, pump-type, respectively, can make various changes without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, although 4, 8 and 12 illustrate a fixed number of lateral passageways 32, 122 and 222, respectively, for the embodiments from the first through third number of transverse channels can be increased or decreased as needed to alter the distribution of product from axial passages 30, 120 and 220, respectively. Similarly, although the 2, 6 and 10 illustrate a fixed number of outlet slits 46, 136 and 236, respectively, for the embodiments from the first through third number of slits may be increased or decreased as needed to alter the cross-section of a product. Furthermore, although slits 46, 136 and 236 for the embodiment of the first to third, respectively, are illustrated as having a substantially rectangular cross-section, the cross-section of slits 46, 136 and 236 can be made elliptical, circular, comprising ridges or give it a lot of other forms of additional changes in the distribution and cross-section of the products sold through these cracks. Moreover, if the spout 22, 112 and 212 for the first to third, respectively, and the various components of the exhaust valve assemblies 12, 102 and 202, respectively, is illustrated as having a, substantially circular cross section, those skilled in the art will appreciate in light of this disclosure that the aforementioned components may include an elliptical, rectangular or other cross-section to further change in the cross section product discharged through the spout 22, 112 and 212 for the embodiment of the first to third, respectively. In addition, while discharge valve assemblies 12, 102 and 202 for the embodiment of the first to third, respectively, are illustrated in the drawings for the case of a pump dispenser with a manual drive, those skilled in the art will recognize in light of this disclosure that discharge valve assemblies 12, 102 and 202 can also be used with dispensers or embossing action of the pump type with non-manual actuator, i.e. it may be a dispenser having a manually deformable side wall or portion or dispenser having a pump motor for discharging liquid product. It should also be noted that although discharge valve assemblies 12, 102 and 202 for the embodiment of the first to third, respectively, are illustrated as being used in addition to a separate discharge valve provided in the nodes 10, 100 and 200 of the pump dispenser, respectively, discharge valve assemblies 12, 102 and 202 can be easily used in addition to a separate discharge valve provided within dispensers 10, 100 and 200, pump-type, and instead, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

While specific embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to these specific embodiments and that one skilled in the art will be able to hold therein various changes and modifications within the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the the appended claims.