Pump dispenser and method for making same

• US 6,053,371 A
• Filed: 05/15/1998
• Issued: 04/25/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 05/15/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Westrock Dispensing Systems, Inc. (WestRock Company)
• Original Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure, Inc. (O-I Glass, Inc.)
• Inventors: Graham, Paul R., Durliat, Leonora M.
• Primary Examiner(s): SHAVER, KEVIN P
• Assistant Examiner(s): Quinalty, Keats
• Application Number:
  US09/079,481
• Time in Patent Office: 711 Days
• Field of Search: 222/385, 222/321.7, 222/321.9, 222/321.1, 222/321.2, 222/341
• US Class Current: 222/321.9
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 11/1001 Piston pumps B05B11/1087, B05B11/1088, B05B11/109 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 11/106 in a retracted position, e.g. in an end-of-dispensing-stroke position
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/56 using mechanical means or mechanical connections, e.g. form-fits
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/568 using a swaging operation, i.e. totally deforming the edge or the rim of a first part to be joined to clamp a second part to be joined
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/1282 comprising at least one overlap joint-segment
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/12841 comprising at least two butt joint-segments
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/1312 Single flange to flange joints, the parts to be joined being rigid the parts to be joined being flexible B29C66/133
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/534 Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/5344 said single elements being substantially annular, i.e. of finite length, e.g. joining flanges to tube ends B29C66/5346 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/8322 Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis

Abstract

The dispenser comprises a hollow body formed adjacent its upper end with an inward and downward annular flap. The method involves the molding of the body with the flap inclined upward. A tool is inserted into the open end of the body to fold the flap downward. In assembly, with the tool removed and the flap thus folded, the plunger moves past the flap so that the flap thereafter engages a shoulder on the plunger and forms an obstacle to the subsequent removal, accidental or otherwise, of the plunger.

Claims

1. A pump dispenser comprising:

a. a resilient molded hollow body having a side wall and adjacent the upper end of the sidewall an inwardly directed integral annular flap inclined downwardly, the flap meeting the side wall at an annular juncture, the flap thinning in cross-section as the juncture is approached,

b. a resilient molded plunger in the body having at its lower end a piston head sealingly engaging the inside of the hollow body and having an inward upwardly facing annular shoulder and an elongated stem reduced in diameter above the head, the stem being engaged by the flap.

2. A pump dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flap has straight sides.

3. For a pump dispenser, a molded hollow cup-shaped body comprising a bottom wall having a central inlet opening, and a continuous sidewall terminating upwardly in a circular mouth, the sidewall being integrally formed with an inwardly inclined annular flap joining the sidewall at an annular juncture, and the flap being manipulatable about the annular juncture to an inwardly and downwardly inclined position to constitute a retaining flap for blocking removal of a plunger operable in the body.

4. A pump dispenser comprising:

a. a resilient molded hollow body having integrally molded adjacent its upper end a downwardly directed annular flap, the flap having an annular distal end and being thicker in cross-section as its distal end is approached,

b. a resilient molded plunger in the body and having at its lower end a piston head sealingly engaging the inside of the hollow body and having an inward upwardly facing annular shoulder and an elongated stem reduced in diameter above the head, the flap engaging the stem.

5. A pump dispenser as claimed in claim 4 wherein the flap has straight sides.

6. For a pump dispenser, a plunger comprising a one-piece piston and actuator molded of a resilient plastic, the piston comprising a tubular piston head and stem having an axial passage with a defining circumferential inner surface, the actuator having a discharge passage connected to the axial passage, the plunger having an annular inward lip extending inward and downward into the axial passage, a portion of the lip having a central opening and being spaced radially inward from the inner surface so that the lip is free to flex outwardly, and a ball check above the lip and normally seated on the lip closing the opening, the lip being stretchable into the space between the lip and the inner surface so that the ball can be forced upward through the opening in assembly.

7. A method of assembling a pump dispenser comprising:

a. providing a hollow cylindrical body molded of resilient material having an open upper end and having integrally formed inside the body adjacent its upper end an annular inwardly and upwardly inclined retaining flap having an annular juncture with the wall, an inner side and a distal inner edge,

b. providing a cylindrical tool,

c. moving an end of the tool into the body to engage the inner side of the flap and force the inner edge downward to fold the flap downward about the annular juncture,

d. providing a tubular plunger having at its lower end an enlarged piston head adapted to sealingly engage the surface of the inside of the body, the plunger having an inward shoulder and an elongated reduced stem above the piston head,

e. inserting the plunger, piston head first, into the upper end of the body and engaging the inner side of the retaining flap with the head to spread the distal inner edge of the flap, the distal inner edge of the flap thereafter blocking the piston head from upward removal from the body.