US3228570A

US3228570A - Dispensing pump valve structure

Info

Publication number: US3228570A
Application number: US370562A
Authority: US
Inventors: Wolf Steiman
Original assignee: Valve Corp of America Inc
Current assignee: Valve Corp of America Inc
Priority date: 1964-05-27
Filing date: 1964-05-27
Publication date: 1966-01-11
Anticipated expiration: 1983-01-11
Also published as: GB1071947A; DE1528605B1; DE6600316U

Description

Jan. 11, 1966 w. STElM-AN 3,228,570

DISPENSING PUMP VALVE STRUCTURE Filed May 27, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet l F 19 Ti .5 Z8\"Z4 Q15 Z8 24 Z 46 4 M J26 L 22 42 6 1 @042 K5 E b8 57$ 5 .58 56 a; g 52 58 54 b6 4 Ly 4 1 I 44 12 W 44 w w 54 4 2 w 6 8 2o 2O 10 l6 Fig? Q INVENTOR.

W01? StC-Luman Jan. 11, 1966 W.STE1MAN DISPENSING PUMP VALVE STRUCTURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 27, 1964 AGENT n w x 9% ma ill! 1 mm \\\.-V//./#V vmm M 1|I .1 7 :mw l l V W l 5 xflu n gill, w a, w w a 10MB M 5 {D 4 W B 10 2 1D 7 6 w w v .5. w 9 415x527 $1 /e 1 v 1v United States Patent 3,228,570 DISPENSING PUMP VALVE STRUCTURE Wolf Steiman, Fairfieid, Conn., assignor to Valve Corporation of America, Bridgeport, Conn., a corporation of Delaware Filed May 27, 1964, Ser. No. 370,562 7 Claims. (Cl. 222-321) This invention relates to hand-operated atomizers of the pump type, and more particularly to the pump and valve structures thereof.

An object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved dispensing pump and valve construction for small hand-held, hand-operated atomizers, which construction is especially simple, requiring only few, easily made and assembled parts (including a minimum number of movable parts) all to the end that the cost is surprisingly low.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved dispensing pump and valve construction as above set forth, which is eifective and reliable in its operation over an extended period of time or use.

A feature of the invention resides in the provision of an improved atomizer pump and discharge valve, wherein the latter opens in response to depressing movement of the actuator button and compression pressures in the cylinder, said opening being aided by the action of a compression type actuator return spring.

Another feature of the invention resides in the provision of an improved pump and valve construction as outlined, wherein the valve and valve seat are both carried by the depressible button structure, one of said parts being movable away from the other partly under the action of the "button return spring as the button is being depressed.

An additional feature of the invention resides in the provision of an improved pump and valve construction as characterized, wherein the piston and valve seat are constituted of compressible or displaceable material the action of which is utilized to effect the opening of the discharge valve.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved pump and valve construction of the kind indicated, wherein a quick and effective opening of the discharge valve is had with but little force being required.

Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the drawings accompanying this specification, similar characters of reference are used to designate like components throughout the several views, in which:

FIG. 1 is an axial sectional view of a pump and valve construction as provided by the invention, the parts being shown in the closed or inoperative position.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the structures of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 but showing the parts in the discharge position with the actuator button fully depressed.

FIG. 4 is a transverse or horizontal section, taken on the line 44 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an axial sectional view of a pump and valve construction illustrating a modification of the invention, the parts being in the closed or inoperative position.

FIG. 6 is a view like that of FIG. 5, but showing the discharging position of the parts.

FIG. 7 is an axial sectional view of a pump and valve construction illustrating yet another modification of the invention, with the parts in the closed or inoperative position.

FIG. 8 is a transverse or horizontal section, taken on the line 88 of FIG. 7.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-4, there is illustrated a container or bottle 10 carrying a screw cap 12 which mounts a depending pump cylinder 14. At its bottom, the cylinder 14 has a dip tube 16, as well as a gravity controlled ball-check valve 18, carried in an annular valve seat 20.

In a central opening, the cap 12 has a depressible plunger member 22 carrying a cap body 24 including a depending skirt or shell 26. The cap body 24 has a discharge passage 28 communicating with a spray head 30, all in the usual manner.

Within the cylinder 14 there is a piston or plunger return spring 32 which is disposed in the main chamber 34. The plunger 22 is movable vertically in the cylinder 14, having the usual loose or sliding fit in the same and also in the screw cap 12.

In accordance with the present invention, in conjunction with the above structures there is provided a novel discharge valve assemblage comprising a valve seat and a valve both of which are carried by the plunger 22, one of said parts being resilient and displaceable from the other to effect an opening of the discharge passage through the plunger 22. The valve construction also is associated with a piston skirt which is cooperable with the lower end of the plunger 22, to effect the pumping action in the cylinder 14.

As shown, the piston comprises a conical resilient skirt member 38 of rubber or rubber-like composition, carried by a resilient hollow and tubular stem 40 which latter is closely fitted in a cylindrical bore 42 of the plunger. The lower end of the tubular stem 40, comprising also the inner portions of the skirt 38 constitutes a valve seat, and cooperable with the said seat is a valve head 44 carried by a valve stem 46 passing up through the piston stem 40 and the plunger 22 and having a mounting spider 48 by which it is rigidly secured to the body 24 of the actuator button. Clearance exists between the spider 48, stem 46 of the valve and the interior of the plunger 22 and piston stem 40, such clearance constituting the discharge passage for the upward flow of substance from the container 10 at such time that the button is depressed to effect a discharge of said substance.

As may be seen from an inspection of FIG. 1, the engagement between the valve head 44 and the valve seat portion (labelled 52) of the piston stem normally closes the discharge passage through the plunger 22. The piston return spring 32 at its upper end engages the bottom annular face of the valve seat portion 52 of the piston stem 40, and in accordance with the present invention, such spring serves a double function. It not only affects the return or upward movement of the piston and the depress button when operating force is removed from the latter, but it also helps to effect the opening of the

discharge valve

42, 52 at such time that the button is being depressed. Such open condition of the discharge valve is illustrated in FIG. 3.

The upward force exerted by the compressed return spring 32, acting on the bottom annular surface of the valve seat 52 helps, in conjunction with the fluid pressure in the cylinder, to axially shift or compress the resilient piston stem 40, the combined action moving the valve seat 52 away from thevalve 44 in the manner shown in FIG. 3. Such movement is mostly eifected by pressures on the piston skirt 38, due to the compressed air and liquid substance in the cylinder chamber 34 as effected by the downward movement of the plunger 22 and the piston 38. However, it is considered that a minor portion of the opening force acting on the valve seat 52 is provided by the compressed spring 32, and that a major portion results from the compressed mixture in the cylinder chamber 34. I

For the purpose of facilitating the displacement of the valve seat portion 52, the lower end of the plunger 22 may be provided with an annular recess or groove 54 in its otherwise conical backing surface 56, such backing surface engaging the piston skirt 38 to reinforce the latter in the well known manner. By the provision of the annular groove 54 the axial compression and shifting of the piston stem 40 may also be accompanied by a somewhat radial outward displacement of the seat portion 52 as clearly shown in FIG. 3. The combination of these displacing actions etfects a separation of the valve seat 52 from the valve head 44, this occurring at the initial stage of the depressing movement of the actuator button. Upon continued downward movement of the actuator button, an appreciable portion of the contents of the cylinder chamber 34 will be discharged upward through the plunger 22, such substance passing between the valve stem 46 and the inner walls of the plunger 22 and piston stem 40, and being discharged through the lateral passage 28 and the orifice 30, as will be understood.

Upon release of the actuating force from the actuator button, the return spring 32 will raise the button and the plunger 22 with the piston 38 to the initial or starting position shown in FIG. 1, with the valve seat 52 already again engaging the valve head 44, closing the discharge passage, sucking in a new charge of liquid, and preventing leakage of the contents of the container even though the dispenser be held in an inverted position.

Replacement air may enter the container 10 through an aperture 57 in the cylinder 14, and past a flexible annular valve washer 58, as may be readily understood.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. In this embodiment parts which are similar to those already described above have been given like characters, with the addition of the suflix a. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the plunger 22a has a larger or more pronounced annular relief or cavity 54a surrounding the valve seat portion 52a of the piston stern 40a. Also, the generally conical skirt 38a of the piston has a stepped configuration together with a weakened wall portion 60 located between the valve seat portion 52a and the area of engagement with the return spring 32a. When, :as seen in FIG. 6, the actuator button is depressed, the force of the compressed piston spring 32a helps to cause a flexing of the weakened wall portion 60 of the piston member, whereby the valve seat portion 52a radially separates from the valve head 44a in the manner indicated. The construction of FIGS. 5 and 6 facilitates the lateral or radial outward movement of the valve seat 52a, as compared with the construction of FIGS. 1-4.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, wherein similar parts have been labelled with like characters, but having the suflix b. In these figures, the plunger 22b having the annular clearance 54b, carries a resilient tubular piston stem 4% having a plurality of longitudinally disposed ribs 64 extending between the end portions of the piston stem. By the provision of the ribs 64, a discharge passage will always exist between the piston stem 49b and the valve stem 46b regardless of the displacing action of the valve seat portion 52b of the piston member. Even if the ribs 64 contact the valve stem 46b, upward flow of substance from the container may continue through the spaces located between the ribs. 7

The operation of the various forms of the invention described above involves essentially a separation of one of two cooperable valve elements by virtue of such element being acted on by compressed liquid in the cylinder and by the piston return spring, and being constituted of a resilient or readily displaceable material or substance. In each instance shown in the drawings, the valve seat is shifted away from the valve member under the combined action of the compressed piston return spring and the compressed liquid.

It will be understood from the foregoing that I have provided a novel and improved, especially simple discharge valve construction for an atomizer pump assem blage, which construction involves relatively few parts, including the fewest possible movable parts, while yet effecting a reliable seal to prevent leakage of the container contents. The opening of the discharge valve is effected in consequence of compression of the cylinder liquid and of the actuator return spring, and does not depend only on the compression of the mixture in the cylinder chamber. Accordingly, the operation of the discharge valve is of a positive nature, partly independent of functioning of the piston to compress the contents of the cylinder. The parts involved may be quickly, economically fabricated and assembled, resulting in an extremely low cost item.

Variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the claims, and portions of the improvement may be used without others.

I claim:

1. In a dispensing pump, a valve construction comprising, in combination:

(a) a cylinder,

(b) a piston rod and piston movable in the cylinder to and from a depressed position and having a central discharge passage,

(0) a compression return spring biasing the piston away from its depressed position, and

(d) valve means including a movable part the movement of which opens and closes the valve means and is engaged by said compression spring for controlling said discharge passage, said part being operated in small measure by increased compression of the spring and in large measure by elevated pressures in the cylinder, to open said passage for the flow of fluid therethrough when the rod and piston are depressed.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1, wherein:

(a) the piston rod and piston comprise respectively a resilient hollow and tubular stern and a skirt carried by the stem and engaging the cylinder,

(b) .a hollow plunger is provided, in which the piston stem fits and is carried,

(0) said valve means comprising a valve stem carried by the plunger and extending through the piston stem with substantial clearance, including a valve seat on one end of the piston stern, and including a valve head on the valve stem, engaged with the valve seat to close off the bore of the piston stern,

(d) one end of said spring engaging the valve seat portion of the piston stem,

'(e) movement of the plunger in a direction toward the piston spring causing the latter to aid in displacing the piston stern and in shifting the valve seat thereof away from the valve head, thereby to open the pars sage through the piston stem.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2, wherein:

' (a) the piston skirt is conical,

(b) said piston stem being cylindrical and the valve s1e at thereof also constituting part of the conical s irt,

(c) said hollow plunger having a cylindrical bore receiving the piston stem, having an enlarged flange engaged with and backing up the piston skirt, and having an annular recess surroundingthe valve seat of the stem to provide a clearance space into which the valve seat portion of the stern may be displaced.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3, wherein:

(a) the piston stem has a plurality of ribs in its bore,

extending between its end portions, the spaces between said ribs constituting non-closing passages between the said two stems.

5. The invention as defined in claim 3, wherein:

(a) the piston has an annular weakened portion disposed between the said valve seat and the area of engagement by the spring end, said portion flexing and the valve seat spreading when the plunger is moved toward the spring.

6. The invention as defined in claim 2, wherein:

(a) the piston skirt is of stepped, generally conical configuration with an annular weakened portion dis- 3,228,570 5 6 posed between the valve seat and the area of engage- (b) said piston stern having an outer cylindrical surface rnent by the spring, and closely confined by the plunger. (b) the plunger engages and supports the piston on opposite sides of said annular weakened portion. 7. The invention as defined in claim 2, wherein: 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS (a) the piston stern has a plurality of ribs in its bore, 2,489,976 11/1949 Perwas 103-178 X extending between its end portions, the spaces between said ribs constituting non-closing passages be- RAPHAEL LUPO Pnmary Exammer' tween the said two stems, 10 HADD S. LANE, Examiner.

References Cited by the Examiner

Claims

1. IN A DISPENSING PUMP, A VALVE CONSTRUCTION COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION: (A) A CYLINDER, (B) A PISTON ROD AND PISTON MOVABLE IN THE CYLINDER TO AND FROM A DEPRESSED POSITION AND HAVING A CENTRAL DISCHARGE PASSAGE, (C) A COMPRESSION RETURN SPRING BIASING THE PISTON AWAY FROM ITS DEPRESSED POSITION, AND (D) VALVE MEANS INCLUDING A MOVABLE PART THE MOVEMENT OF WHICH OPENS AND CLOSES THE VALVE MEANS AND IS ENGAGED BY SAID COMPRESSION SPRING FOR CONTROLLING SAID DISCHARGE PASSAGE, SAID PART BEING OPERATED IN SMALL MEASURE BY INCREASED COMPRESSION OF THE SPRING