Abstract:
Exemplary metered dose dispensers are disclosed herein. One exemplary embodiment includes a container and a one-dose dispenser secured to the container. The one-dose dispenser includes a dosing chamber; a shuttle member movable within the dosing chamber; an outlet valve located at an end of the dosing chamber and an outlet located downstream of the outlet valve. A liquid inlet is also included for allowing liquid to flow into the dosing chamber to an area between the shuttle member and the outlet valve. Pressurizing liquid in the container moves the shuttle member from a first position to a second position and dispenses the liquid in the dosing chamber; and when the shuttle member is in the second position, the shuttle member seals off the outlet valve.
Abstract:
Exemplary foam pumps, refill units and foam dispenser systems are disclosed herein. One exemplary refill unit includes a container and a foam pump (202) secured to the container. The foam pump (202) includes an outer housing (210), an inner housing (230) and a cap (260). An air pump chamber (236) is formed at least in part by the inner housing (230). In addition, a liquid pump chamber (240) is formed at least in part by the inner housing (230). At least a portion of the liquid pump chamber (240) is also formed by the outer housing (210). An air outlet (238) is located at the bottom of the air pump chamber (236), which connects to an air outlet passage (241, 248) formed at least in part by the outer housing (210) and the inner housing (230). Air (253) and liquid (246) dispense tubes are included as well as a mixing chamber (295) located remotely from the foam pump (202).
Abstract:
Exemplary embodiments of dispensers and refill units are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill unit for a soap, sanitizer or lotion includes a non-collapsing container. The non-collapsing container includes a neck. An annular projection is located at least partially on the neck. A one-way valve is located proximate the annular projection. The one-way valve allows air to flow into the non-collapsing container once the vacuum pressure in the container reaches the cracking pressure of the one-way valve and the one-way valve prevents liquid from flowing out of the annular projection. In addition, a pump for pumping the contents of the container out of the container is also included.
Abstract:
Exemplary embodiments of refill units having foam pumps and non-collapsing containers are disclosed herein. In some exemplary embodiments, the refill unit includes a non-collapsing container and a foam pump. The foam pump includes a compressible air chamber. The foam pump includes a passage between the interior of the compressible air chamber and the interior of the container. A regulating valve regulates flow of air from the interior of the compressible air chamber to the interior of the container.
Abstract:
Exemplary embodiments of foam cartridges, refill units for foam dispensers, and foam dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary foam cartridge (400) for a foam pump that may be used in a refill unit includes a housing (402). The housing (402) includes an upper cylindrical portion (404) and a lower cylindrical portion (405). One or more air passageways (406A, 406B) are located through the upper cylindrical portion (404). The foam cartridge (400) includes an interior cylindrical member (403) having a dome (420). The interior cylindrical member (403) is located at least partially within the upper cylindrical portion (404) of the housing (402). One or more mixing passages (412) located between the interior cylindrical member (403) and the upper cylindrical portion (404) of the housing (402), and one or more mix media (416) are located at least partially within the lower cylindrical portion (405) of the housing (402).
Abstract:
A dispenser includes a housing, an inverted container disposed in the housing, a outlet nozzle, a pump, a first check valve, and a second check valve. The container holds a fluid. The pump is disposed between the container and the outlet nozzle. The pump includes a pump inlet in fluid communication with the container, a pump outlet in fluid communication with the outlet nozzle, and a pump chamber in fluid communication with the pump inlet and the pump outlet. The pump chamber is movable between an expanded position and a compressed position. The first check valve is disposed between the pump and the outlet nozzle, and the first check valve has a first cracking pressure. The second check valve is disposed between the first check valve and the outlet nozzle, and the second check valve has a second cracking pressure. The second cracking pressure of the second check valve is greater than the first cracking pressure of the first check valve.
Abstract:
An exemplary foam dispenser includes a housing, a drive motor and a foam pump operatively coupled to the drive motor. The foam pump is secured to the housing and the foam pump includes a housing and a molded multi-chamber diaphragm. The molded multi- chamber diaphragm includes a liquid pump chamber, two or more air pump chambers; and an outlet valve. A mixing chamber is included and located downstream of the outlet valve for mixing foamable liquid from the liquid pump diaphragm with air from each of the two or more air pump chambers. In addition, a foam cartridge and an outlet for dispensing foam are also included.
Abstract:
Exemplary embodiments of vented refill units and dispensers having vented refill units are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill unit includes a non-collapsing inverted container. The container has a neck located at the bottom of the container. A pump is secured to the neck. The pump has a housing that has a cylindrical outside surface. In addition, the housing has an attachment mechanism for attaching the pump to a venting insert. The venting insert has a cylindrical inside surface and a cylindrical outside surface. At least a portion of the venting insert is located within the neck. An air passage is located between the pump housing and the cylindrical inside surface of the venting insert. One or more apertures are located through the venting insert. A one-way air inlet valve is located proximate the one or more apertures.
Abstract:
Exemplary two chamber foam pumps, refill units and dispensers utilizing the same are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill unit includes an inverted container having a neck located at the bottom of the container and a foam pump secured neck. The foam pump includes a first air pump chamber, a liquid pump chamber and a second air pump chamber. In addition, the pump includes a piston. The piston has a hollow central portion. A first air inlet aperture is located through a wall of the piston between the first air pump chamber and the hollow central portion. A liquid inlet aperture is located below the first air inlet aperture and between the liquid pump chamber and the hollow central portion. A second air inlet aperture is located through the wall the piston located below the liquid inlet aperture and between the second air pump chamber and the hollow central portion.