阅读说明：本技术 多储液器分配器 (Multi-reservoir dispenser ) 是由 J·贝达 L·亨利 C·梅林 J·罗伊 R·帕萨雷蒂 G·巴尔纳巴 于 2019-06-28 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种多储液器分配器。该多储液分配器包括用于保持第一流体的第一储液器和用于保持第二流体的第二储液器。该分配器还包括第一泵机构,该第一泵机构包括第一可移位柱塞和沿第一流动路径设置用于接收第一流体的第一柱塞腔,以及第二可移位柱塞和用于接收第二流体的第二柱塞腔。致动器总成包括选择器和致动器,该致动器总成是可在以下位置之间移动的：(a)第一位置,在所述第一位置中仅泵机构的第一柱塞被致动,以便通过使第一流体沿第一流动路径流动而仅通过流体分配歧管的第一孔口排出第一流体；以及(b)第二位置,在所述第二位置中仅泵机构的第二柱塞被致动,以便通过使第二流体沿第二流动路径流动而仅通过流体分配歧管的第二孔口排出第二流体。(The present invention relates to a multi-reservoir dispenser. The multi-reservoir dispenser includes a first reservoir for holding a first fluid and a second reservoir for holding a second fluid. The dispenser also includes a first pump mechanism including a first displaceable plunger and a first plunger cavity disposed along the first flow path for receiving a first fluid, and a second displaceable plunger and a second plunger cavity for receiving a second fluid. An actuator assembly includes a selector and an actuator, the actuator assembly being movable between: (a) a first position in which only a first plunger of the pump mechanism is actuated to expel the first fluid only through the first aperture of the fluid distribution manifold by flowing the first fluid along the first flow path; and (b) a second position in which only the second plunger of the pump mechanism is actuated to expel the second fluid only through the second orifice of the fluid distribution manifold by flowing the second fluid along the second flow path.)

1. A multi-reservoir dispenser comprising:

a main container having a first reservoir for holding a first fluid and a second reservoir for holding a second fluid;

a first pump mechanism in fluid communication with the first reservoir via a first flow path, the first pump mechanism having a first displaceable plunger;

a second pump mechanism in fluid communication with the second reservoir via a second flow path, the second pump mechanism having a second displaceable plunger;

a closure for covering the open end of the primary container, the closure having a dispensing opening;

a manifold having a first orifice in fluid communication with the first flow path and a second orifice in fluid communication with the second flow path, the manifold being disposed within the distribution opening; and

an actuator assembly including a selector and an actuator coupled to the selector, the actuator assembly movable between: (a) a first position in which only a first displaceable plunger of the first pump mechanism is actuated by the actuator to expel the first fluid only through a first aperture of the manifold by flowing the first fluid along the first flow path; and (b) a second position in which only a second displaceable plunger of the second pump mechanism is actuated by the actuator so as to expel the second fluid only through a second aperture of the manifold by flowing the second fluid along the second flow path, wherein the actuator assembly is rotatable to select one of the first and second pump mechanisms and is displaceable in an axial direction to produce a pumping action;

wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are fluidly isolated from each other along an entire length from the first reservoir to the first orifice and from the second reservoir to the second orifice, respectively.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the closure comprises a first component removably coupled to the open end of the primary container and a second component coupled to the first component, and the first component encloses the second component, the second component having a recessed portion in which the selector is arranged to rotate and move in the axial direction.

3. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the recessed portion includes a floor forming an opening therein and forming an annular wall around the opening, the selector including an inner wall extending downwardly from a top wall and received in a hollow interior of the annular wall, the actuator also being received in the hollow interior and fixedly attached to the inner wall.

4. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the actuator includes an outwardly extending protrusion that selectively contacts the first pump mechanism when the actuator assembly is in a first selector position and the protrusion selectively contacts the second pump mechanism when the actuator assembly is in a second selector position.

5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the inner surface of the annular wall includes a plurality of longitudinally extending notches and the actuator includes a plurality of flexible fingers including locking tabs that selectively engage the notches to lock the actuator assembly in one of the first and second selector positions.

6. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the flexible fingers extend circumferentially around an outer surface of the actuator, wherein an end of each flexible finger is integral and attached to a body of the actuator.

7. The dispenser of claim 2, further comprising a pump housing comprising a center post, a plurality of first bosses, and a plurality of first openings, the second component having a plurality of second bosses extending downwardly from an underside of the second component and received within the first bosses, the first component comprising a plurality of third bosses received within the first bosses, the first, second, and third bosses having axially aligned central apertures for receiving fasteners fixedly connecting the second component, the pump housing, and the first component, wherein the pump housing is disposed along a floor of the first component.

8. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the first part comprises a plurality of first apertures, and the dispenser further comprises a pump housing disposed along the floor of the first part of the closure and comprising a plurality of second apertures receiving first ends of the first and second pump mechanisms, each first end having a displaceable plunger and a plunger post extending above the floor of the pump housing, the first and second apertures being axially aligned, the actuator being configured to engage and drive the plunger posts of the first pump mechanism in an axial direction when the selector assembly is in the first selector position, and further configured to engage the plunger posts of the second pump mechanism in an axial direction when the selector assembly is in the second selector position.

9. The dispenser of claim 8, further comprising a first fluid connector coupled to a plunger post of the first pump mechanism and a second fluid connector coupled to a plunger post of the second pump mechanism, wherein a first fluid conduit is fluidly connected between the manifold and first connector and a second fluid conduit is fluidly connected between the manifold and second connector, wherein the actuator includes an outwardly extending protrusion that selectively contacts and drives the first connector in the axial direction when the actuator assembly is in the first selector position and selectively contacts and drives the second connector in the axial direction when the actuator assembly is in the second selector position.

10. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the manifold comprises a single manifold body having a first flow path connected to the first fluid connector and terminating at the first orifice and a second flow path connected to the second fluid connector and terminating at the second orifice.

11. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the outwardly extending projection is disposed below an underside of a floor defining the recessed portion of the second component, the floor defining a maximum elevated position of the outwardly extending projection.

12. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein each of the first and second pump mechanisms includes a pump body having a flange at a first end extending radially outward, the flange being disposed between and abutting against an underside of the pump body and a bottom plate of the first component.

13. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the primary container has a third reservoir for holding a third fluid, and the dispenser further comprises a third pump mechanism in fluid communication with the third reservoir via a third flow path, the third pump mechanism having a third displaceable plunger, the manifold having a third orifice in fluid communication with the third flow path, the actuator assembly being positionable in a third position in which only the third displaceable plunger of the third pump mechanism is actuated by the actuator to expel the third fluid only through a third orifice of the manifold by flowing the third fluid along the third flow path, wherein the first, second, and third flow paths are along the first reservoir to the first orifice and from the second reservoir to the second orifice and from the third reservoir to the third orifice, respectively The entire lengths of the ports are fluidly isolated from each other.

14. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the selector is coupled to a return spring disposed between the selector and the closure.

15. A multi-reservoir dispenser comprising:

a first reservoir for holding a first fluid and a second reservoir for holding a second fluid;

a first pump mechanism in fluid communication with the first reservoir via a first flow path;

a second pump mechanism in fluid communication with the second reservoir via a second flow path;

a closure for covering the open ends of the first and second reservoirs, the closure having a first component coupled to the first and second reservoirs and a second component coupled to the first component to define a hollow interior space therebetween, wherein first ends of the first and second pump mechanisms are disposed in the hollow interior space below a bottom wall of the second component, the second component including a recessed hollow space above the bottom wall;

a first distribution orifice and a second distribution orifice, the first distribution orifice in fluid communication with the first flow path and the second distribution orifice in fluid communication with the second flow path; and

an actuator assembly comprising a selector and an actuator fixedly attached to the selector, the selector being disposed in the recessed hollow space of the second part of the closure, the actuator assembly being movable between: (a) a first position in which only the first pump mechanism is actuated by the actuator to expel the first fluid only through the first dispensing orifice by flowing the first fluid along the first flow path; and (b) a second position in which only the second pump mechanism is actuated by the actuator to discharge the second fluid only through the second dispensing orifice by flowing the second fluid along the second flow path; wherein the actuator assembly is rotatable to select one of the first and second pump mechanisms and is displaceable in an axial direction to produce a pumping action;

wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are fluidly isolated from each other along an entire length from the first reservoir to the first orifice and from the second reservoir to the second orifice, respectively.

16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the bottom wall of the second component has a first opening and an annular wall formed around the first opening, the selector including an inner wall extending downwardly from the top wall and received in a hollow interior of the annular wall, the actuator also being received in the hollow interior and fixedly attached to the inner wall to fixedly attach the selector to the actuator.

17. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the actuator includes an outwardly extending protrusion that selectively contacts the first pump mechanism when the actuator assembly is in a first selector position and selectively contacts the second pump mechanism when the actuator assembly is in a second selector position.

18. The dispenser of claim 17, wherein the inner surface of the annular wall includes a plurality of longitudinally extending notches and the actuator includes a plurality of flexible fingers including a locking tab that selectively engages a notch for locking the actuator assembly in one of the first and second selector positions.

19. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the first and second reservoirs are both part of a main container that includes a divider that separates a hollow interior of the main container into the first and second reservoirs.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to dispensers configured to dispense fluids, and more particularly, to dispensers (such as manual pumps) having multiple reservoirs, wherein each reservoir has a separate, distinct flow path to a dispenser head orifice through which fluid is expelled.

Background

Dispensers exhibit many uses both domestically and industrially for dispensing various fluids. There are many different types of dispensers, one of the more popular liquid dispensers being spray bottles. Spray bottles can dispense a variety of fluids, ranging from common liquids (such as water, alcohol) to complex liquid-based compounds. Cleaning products, such as kitchen and bathroom cleaning products, are typically dispensed through spray bottles.

Conventional spray bottle and manual pump dispensers contain a single reservoir that holds a single fluid and includes a spray bottle head that is actuated to dispense the fluid. Spray bottle heads are usually composed of only a few parts including a trigger lever that activates a small pump. The pump is connected to a plastic tube that draws fluid from the bottom of a reservoir (which may be in the form of a plastic bottle). The pump forces the liquid down a narrow tube and out an orifice formed in the nozzle member, which is typically adjustable to change the flow characteristics of the fluid. The fluid pump has a simple design because the primary moving element is a piston housed within a cylinder. Inside the cylinder is a small spring. To operate the pump, the user pulls back the trigger, which causes the piston to be pushed into the cylinder. Moving the piston compresses the spring so that when the user releases the trigger, the piston is pushed back out of the cylinder. These two strokes of the piston make up the entire pump cycle.

As the piston is pushed into the cylinder, the downstroke of the piston reduces the area of the cylinder and thus forces fluid out of the pump. Instead, during the upstroke of the piston, the area within the cylinder expands and fluid is drawn into the cylinder. To achieve this, the spray bottle includes at least one-way valve. The spray bottle may have two one-way valves in the pumping system, a first one-way valve between the pump and the reservoir and a second one-way valve between the pump and the nozzle. Typically, the one-way valve between the pump and the reservoir is in the form of a small rubber ball (or metal or plastic) that is neatly placed within a small seal. When no pumping action takes place, the ball seat rests against the seal and the fluid passage is blocked. During a pumping action, when the user releases the trigger, the expanded region of the cylinder draws in fluid below, causing the ball to be pulled out of the seal. Since the ball is not against the seal, fluid is free to flow from the reservoir. However, when the trigger is squeezed, the dispensing force of the expelled fluid pushes the ball into the seat, blocking the passage to the reservoir, with the result that pressurized fluid is simply pushed into the tube.

Manual pumps are generally very common and similar to spray bottles in that they retain a fluid (e.g., liquid) that is dispensed by the action of a pump mechanism. In particular, the pump of the dispenser is connected to a tube which enters a reservoir containing the fluid. When the pump is manually activated by applying pressure to the pump mechanism, air is first pushed out of the tube to create a pumping effect, and then fluid is drawn back into the tube, releasing it via the pump plug, for quick and efficient cleaning and hand washing. However, the function of the foaming dispenser is slightly different. The foaming dispenser consists of two main chambers (instead of one) and mixes air from one chamber with a liquid contained in (e.g. contained in) the other chamber in order to dispense a predetermined amount of thick (soap) foam.

Manual pumps are commonly used to dispense personal care products such as shampoos, conditioners, body washes, hand rinses, and the like. However, there are other applications for manual pumps, including automotive care products as well as culinary and food condiments (such as condiments, oils, food condiments, etc.).

In addition, other types of personal care products, such as tanning products, include, but are not limited to, aloe vera solutions (gels), suntan oils, sun block emulsions, and the like. It will therefore be appreciated that other types of fluids may be used in the manual pump dispenser and the foregoing applications and fluids are not a limitation of the present invention.

Therefore, there is a need for a multiple reservoir dispenser (such as a pump dispenser) with completely independent tubing for each fluid dispensed along the entire flow path from the reservoir to the nozzle.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one exemplary embodiment, a multi-container dispenser (such as a manual pump dispenser) includes a main container having a first container for holding a first fluid and a second container for holding a second fluid. Alternatively, a separate single container may be used instead of separating one main container into separate reservoirs. The first pump mechanism is in fluid communication with the first reservoir via a first flow path, and the first pump mechanism has a first displaceable plunger. The second pump mechanism is in fluid communication with the second reservoir via a second flow path, and the second pump mechanism has a second displaceable plunger. A closure is for covering the primary container and has a dispensing opening formed therein.

A fluid distribution manifold is provided and has a first orifice in fluid communication with a first flow path and a second orifice in fluid communication with a second flow path. The manifold is disposed in the dispensing opening.

An actuator assembly is provided and includes a selector and an actuator fixedly attached to the selector. The actuator assembly is movable between: (a) a first position in which only a first displaceable plunger of a first pump mechanism is actuated by an actuator to expel a first fluid only through a first aperture of a manifold by flowing the first fluid along a first flow path; and (b) a second position in which only the second displaceable plunger of the second pump mechanism is actuated by the actuator to expel the second fluid only through the second aperture of the manifold by flowing the second fluid along the second flow path. The actuator assembly is both rotatable and movable in an axial direction.

According to the invention, the first flow path and the second flow path are fluidly isolated from each other along the entire length from the first reservoir to the first orifice and from the second reservoir to the second orifice, respectively. In this way, cross-contamination between the two fluids is prevented.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a side view of a multi-reservoir dispenser (such as a manual pump dispenser) according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 5 is an exploded side perspective thereof;

FIG. 6 is an exploded side perspective view of the pump mechanism and associated manifold internal components including separate multiple flow paths;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the internal components in an assembled state;

FIG. 8 is an exploded side perspective view of the inner member of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded side view of an exemplary pump assembly;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of the pump assembly illustrating a spray action, wherein FIG. 10A illustrates a fluid pull position and FIG. 10B illustrates a fluid push position;

11A and 11B are cross-sectional views of the pump assembly showing fluid flow for a spray action, FIG. 11A showing fluid flow during a fluid pull position and FIG. 11B showing fluid flow during a fluid push position;

FIG. 12 is a cut-away perspective view of the dispenser;

FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate a selector knob (actuator) of the dispenser and the movement of the selector knob from a first selection (FIG. 13A) to an intermediate position (FIG. 13B) and then to a second portion (FIG. 13C);

figures 14A-14C illustrate a selector knob (actuator) of the dispenser and the movement of the selector knob from a first selection (figure 13A) to a second selection (figure 13B) and then to a third portion (figure 13C); and

FIG. 15 is a top view with the selector knob removed.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1-15 illustrate a multi-reservoir dispenser 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated dispenser 100 may be in the form of a manual pump that includes a plurality of separate individual reservoirs. For example, the dispenser 100 is configured to include two or more reservoirs, and in the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser 100 includes three reservoirs, namely, the first reservoir 10, the second reservoir 20, and the third reservoir 30. Each of the first, second and third reservoirs 10, 20, 30 is defined in a main container 110, which main container 110 may be in the form of a bottle or cup that is open at one end and closed at the other end. The divider 40 may be inserted or formed as an integral part of the hollow interior of the main container 110 to create three separate reservoirs 10, 20, 30. As shown, the separator 40 has three spokes formed 120 degrees apart from each other so as to define three reservoirs 10, 20, 30 having the same volume. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the regions (volumes) of the three reservoirs 10, 20, 30 may be different from one another, as one of the reservoirs may have a volume that is greater or less than the volume of the other reservoir. In this way, a greater amount of one fluid may be supplied in a corresponding reservoir than in other reservoirs. As shown, the three spokes meet at a common center point (hub) that is centered within the main container 110.

The main container 110 may be formed in any number of different shapes and sizes, with the main container 110 shown as being cylindrical.

As best shown in fig. 5, 10A and 10B, the closed end 112 of the main container 110 may include resilient legs 115 (such as rubber legs 115). Along the bottom surface of the closed end 112, a channel or groove 117 (such as an annular channel) is formed, and the resilient leg 115 may be in the form of a circular rubber piece that includes a protrusion 119 configured to complement the groove 117, and more specifically, the protrusion 119 is received within the groove 117 to couple the resilient leg 115 to the main container 110. The resilient legs 115 may provide a gripping surface for the bottom of the primary container 110.

As described herein, the primary container 110 can be locked in place relative to a top cover (a closure as described below), and as shown in fig. 2, the primary container 110 includes locking indicia 111 and unlocking indicia 113 that guide a user in positioning the primary container 110 in either a locked or an unlocked position. For example, the locking indicia 111 may be in the form of a graphic of a locking padlock, while the unlocking indicia 113 may be in the form of a graphic of an unlocking padlock.

In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-reservoir structure has a generally cylindrical shape, and thus, each reservoir 10, 20, 30 is generally wedge-shaped, and the three reservoirs 10, 20, 30 fit together to define the cylindrical shape. For three equal volume reservoirs, the reservoirs typically extend 120 degrees.

It will also be appreciated that only two reservoirs may be provided, in which case each reservoir would extend 180 degrees, and that more than three reservoirs may be provided. If four reservoirs are provided, each reservoir extends 90 degrees. While the illustrated embodiment shows a complete reservoir assembly that is cylindrical, it should be understood that the complete reservoir assembly may take other forms and shapes, and is not limited to a cylindrical reservoir assembly.

As shown, the dispenser 100 includes an actuator 200, a selector 300, and a closure 400, the closure 400 for covering and closing the open end of the primary container 110. In broad terms, the combination of the selector 300 and the actuator 200 is commonly referred to as a pump head and is the component that the consumer presses to pump the product out of the main container 110, and the closure 400 can be considered to be the component that connects the entire head assembly to the open top end of the main container 110. As discussed herein, the selector 300 includes features that allow a user to select which of the three reservoirs 10, 20, 30 to actuate to dispense fluid therefrom. The actuator 200, the selector 300 and the closure 400 form a head assembly 101, the head assembly 101 being detachably connected to a top end of the main container 110. The head assembly 101 is thus part of the dispenser 100 which is lockingly but detachably fitted to the main container 110 for covering the open end of the main container 110 and also locating the pump mechanism described herein in the respective reservoir 10, 20, 30.

Any number of different types of connectors may be used to removably attach the head assembly 101 to the main container 110. For example, a bayonet mount may be used. As shown in fig. 5, the open top end of the main container 110 includes an annular flange 120, the annular flange 120 having a smaller diameter than the lower portion of the main container 110 so as to form a shoulder (right-angled shoulder). Within the flange 120, one or more slots 130 are formed, wherein each slot 130 opens along a top edge of the flange 120. As shown in fig. 12, the head assembly 101 includes one or more complementary male features 132, the male features 132 being received within the respective slots 130 to establish a connection between the head assembly 101 and the primary container 110. The indicia 119 may be provided as part of the head assembly 101 to guide the connection of the head assembly 101 to the primary container 110. For example, the indicia 119 may be in the form of a downward pointing arrow. To lock the head assembly 101 to the main container 110, the indicia 119 are aligned with the unlock indicia 113, which allows the male feature 132 to be received within the open end of the slot 130, and then the head assembly 101 is rotated (twisted) relative to the main container 110 to move the male feature 132 to the other end of the slot 130, at which time the indicia (arrow) 119 are aligned with the lock indicia 111 and point toward the lock indicia 111.

The enclosure 400 is in the form of a housing and comprises a first part 410, which may be considered a lower housing, and a second part 420, which may be considered an upper housing. The first component 410 is a hollow structure having a first portion 412 with a cylindrical shape and a second portion 414 having a flange (beak or edge shaped structure) extending radially outward from the first portion 412. The second portion 414 has a rounded outer edge 415. As shown, the shoulder may be formed proximate the open top of the first component 410, and the opposite end of the first component 410 is a closed end defined by a floor extending between the sidewalls of the first component 410. One or more bosses 440, and preferably a plurality of bosses 440, are formed along the bottom plate of the first part 410. The boss 440 may be cylindrical. The boss 440 is formed in the first portion 412 of the first component 410.

As shown in fig. 4, the underside of the second portion 414 includes an opening or hole 415. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 415 has an elliptical shape.

The second part 420 has a complementary shape with respect to the first part 410 and is meant to cooperate therewith to enclose the first part 410. The second member 420 includes a recessed portion 422 formed along a top surface of the second member 420. The floor 424 defines the bottom of the recess 422. As shown in FIG. 10A, the floor 424 represents a raised platform because there is a recessed annular channel 429 formed around the floor 424. In other words, the floor 424 is elevated relative to the bottom of the channel 429.

An opening 426 is formed in the bottom plate 424, with an annular inner wall 425 surrounding the opening 426 and projecting upwardly (upstanding) from the bottom plate 424. Along the underside of the second member 420 are a plurality of mounting bosses 427 (e.g., three mounting bosses) extending downwardly therefrom. The mounting bosses 427 are complementary to and cooperate with the bosses 440 to provide a means for securing the second component 420 to the first component 410. For example, fasteners (such as screws, etc.) may be used to connect the second component 420 to the first component 410. As such, the mounting bosses 427 are configured such that fasteners (e.g., screws, etc.) may "snap" into these structures to couple these components together.

The second part 420 has a flange (beak-shaped or edge-like structure) that mates with the flange of the first part 410. Along the top surface of the flange is a marker 421 (such as an arrow pointing to the recessed portion 422) and serves as a locator/identifier for the selector 300 as described herein.

The bottom edge 423 of the second component 420 has a lip intended to mate with a shoulder formed along the open top of the first component 410 (as shown in fig. 10A) to provide a secure sealing fit between the two components 410, 420.

The selector 300 is a rotatable component that can be accessed and manipulated by a user to select from which reservoir 10, 20, 30 to aspirate fluid. The rotatable selector 300 may have any number of complementary shapes that are received within the recess 422 and rotate therein. The illustrated selector 300 has a circular outer wall. As shown in the cross-sectional view, selector 300 is a hollow structure and includes a first inner annular wall 310 extending downwardly from a top wall of selector 300. Within the hollow interior of the first annular wall 310 is a second annular wall 320.

The selector 300 has a top surface 302, on which top surface 302 selector markings are formed, and in particular, the selector markings may include markings identifying the contents of the respective reservoirs 10, 20, 30. Thus, as shown, there may be a first identifier 303 (such as a first label) identifying the contents of the first reservoir 10, a second identifier 304 (such as a second label) identifying the contents of the second reservoir 20, a third identifier 305 (such as a third label) identifying the contents of the third reservoir 30. It should be understood that the dispenser 100 may be provided with a plurality of blank labels to allow a user to write the contents of each reservoir 10, 20, 30 on each label. The selector 300 is rotatable relative to the closure 400 and indicates actuation of one of the reservoirs 10, 20, 30 by aligning the indicia (arrow) 421 with one of the first 303, second 304, third 305 identifiers. More specifically, in other words, when the first identifier 303 is aligned with the marking 421, the first reservoir 10 is actuated and the fluid contained therein can be dispensed; when the second identifier 304 is aligned with the indicia 421, the third reservoir 30 is actuated and the fluid contained therein can be dispensed; and when the third identifier 305 is aligned with the indicia 421, the second reservoir 20 is actuated and the fluid contained therein is dispensed.

The return spring 330 is disposed around the inner annular wall 425 and has one end that rests against the floor 424. The other end of the return spring 330 is disposed around the first annular wall 310. The spring 330 acts as a return spring because the selector 300 returns to its raised position after the selector 300 is depressed to select which reservoir 10, 20, 30 is actuated and then released.

As shown, along the inner surface of the annular inner wall 425, there are a plurality of longitudinally extending notches 430, the notches 430 being circumferentially spaced around the inner surface. As shown, each notch 430 may have an arcuate shape, and in particular, may have a generally triangular shape or a semi-circular concave shape. The notches 430 may be evenly spaced around the inner surface, and in particular may be positioned 120 degrees apart.

As shown, the actuator 200 is a component operably and fixedly coupled to the selector 300 such that the actuator 200 and the selector 300 move in unison. The actuator 200 may be in the form of a cylindrical member having a first end 202 and an opposite second end 204. The first end 202 is the end facing the selector 300 and the second end 204 faces away. The actuator 200 is a generally hollow structure having an inner wall 210 extending through the hollow interior of the actuator 200. The inner wall 210 is a horizontally extending transverse wall. The inner wall 210 divides the interior of the actuator 200 into a first (upper) space 212 above the inner wall 210 and a second (lower) space 214 below the inner wall 210. The central boss 220 is integrally formed with the inner wall 210 and protrudes upwardly therefrom. The central boss 220 may be an annular member having a central bore therethrough.

The first end 202 of the actuator body includes a top edge 203, the top edge 203 having one or more upstanding tabs 205. As shown, there may be two tabs 205 that protrude upward from the top edge 203 and may have a rectangular shape. The two tabs 205 are circumferentially spaced apart and each tab 205 has an arcuate shape since the top edge 203 is a curved edge. The tabs 205 lock into adjacent slots on the underside of the selector 300. The tab 205 ensures that the selector 300 and the actuator 200 are coupled in such a way that they move together and act as one continuous component.

Along an outer surface proximate and at the first end 202, the actuator body includes a plurality of flexible locking fingers 230. The flexible fingers 230 are circumferentially spaced apart along the outer surface, and in the illustrated embodiment, there are three evenly spaced flexible fingers 230. Each flexible finger 230 extends in a circumferential direction. Each flexible finger 230 has a first end fixedly attached to the actuator body and an opposite free second end. The free second end of the flexible finger 230 has a locking or guide tab 240. Locking tab 240 has a shape complementary to recess 430. The actuator body is configured such that the locking tabs 240 of the flexible fingers 230 are received in the complementary notches 430. The flexing action of the fingers 230 allows the actuator body to rotate relative to the annular inner wall 425 and disengage from the notch 430. Thus, the angled nature of the locking tabs 240 act as cams to allow the locking tabs 240 to move out of the respective notches 430 and rest against the inner surface of the annular inner wall 425 outside of the notches 430 due to the curved nature of the fingers 230.

It can be seen that the flexible fingers 230 are located around the central boss 220 with an annular space formed between the outer surface of the central boss 220 and the inner surface of the actuator body.

The second end 204 of the actuator body may include a plurality of notches or slots 245 that open at the second end 204 as shown. These slots 245 are circumferentially spaced around the open second end 204 of the actuator body. The slot 245 allows the actuator 200 to slide all the way down. If the slot 245 is not there, the bottom edge of the actuator 200 will strike the pump plug 650 and prevent the pump assembly from fully depressing.

There is an outwardly extending protrusion 250 between the first end 202 and the second end 204 of the actuator body. The projection 250 may have a tongue shape with a pair of opposing side walls and a distal wall that may be curved. As described herein, the protrusion 250 serves as a mechanism for actuating one pump mechanism associated with a selected reservoir 10, 20, 30. The underside of the projection 250 is a flat surface.

The dispenser 100 further comprises a pump mechanism configured to pump fluid from the respective reservoirs, and in particular, each reservoir 10, 20, 30 has a dedicated pump mechanism that can be independently selected for dispensing fluid along a dedicated flow path within the selected reservoir 10, 20, 30. As described herein, the dedicated flow path results in complete separation of the fluid from the reservoirs 10, 20, 30 from the reservoirs themselves, all the way to the outlet through which the fluid is dispensed (dispensing outlet/manifold). As shown, the pump mechanism is formed from multiple parts that can be assembled to form a pump sub-assembly, which can then be mated with other sub-assemblies of the dispenser 100.

The pump mechanism includes a pump housing 500, the pump housing 500 including a disk-shaped base with an upright center post 510. The center post 510 has a faceted surface, wherein the outer surface of the center post 510 includes a plurality of curved facets 512, the curved facets 512 having a plurality of flat surfaces 514 located between the curved facets 512. Curved facet 512 has a concave shape. In the embodiment shown, there are three curved facets 512 and three flat surfaces 514. The actuator 200 rotates about the central column 510. The pump housing 500 also includes a plurality of openings 520 in the form of through holes formed through the disk-shaped base. The number of openings 520 should be equal to the number of reservoirs 10, 20, 30, and in the illustrated embodiment, there are three openings 520. The center post 510 is located at the center of the inner disk-shaped base between the openings 520.

The pump housing 500 further includes a plurality of bosses 530, the bosses 530 representing cylindrical projections extending upwardly from the top surface of the disk-shaped base and including a top wall having a central opening formed therethrough. The bosses 530 are located between the openings 520. The bosses 530 are positioned to mate with the bosses 427, the bosses 427 extending downwardly from the underside of the second part 420 of the closure 400 with a fastener passing through each central aperture to allow the pump housing 500 to be attached to the second part 420. The pump housing 500 is fixedly attached to the closure 400.

The pump mechanism includes a pump 600, and as described herein, each reservoir 10, 20, 30 has its own dedicated pump 600. As a result, the dispenser 100 has three pumps 600. Each pump 600 is configured to pump the amount of fluid contained within the respective reservoir 10, 20, 30 separated along the respective dedicated flow path to the dedicated dispensing outlet when actuated.

As best shown in fig. 9, the pump 600 is formed from a plurality of components that cooperate with one another to form a connected elongated structure. For example, one end of the pump 600 is defined by a plunger post 610, the plunger post 610 being an elongated cylindrical structure that may have a variable diameter with one end having a first diameter and the other end having a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter so as to form a shoulder (right angle shoulder) between the two portions. As shown in the interior of the plunger rod, the region of reduced diameter defines a piston seat 612.

The plunger 620 comprises a cylindrical member having a reduced diameter central portion at one end that mates with the plunger post 610. As shown in fig. 11A and 11B, plunger 620 includes an annular channel formed between a reduced diameter central portion and an outer wall. The annular channel receives the other end of the plunger 610 to couple the plunger 610 to the plunger 620.

A spring retainer 630 is provided that includes a hollow base portion 632, the hollow base portion 632 having a larger diameter than another portion 634 of the spring retainer 630. An end of the spring 640 is received within the hollow base 632. Another portion 634 is received in the hollow interior of the plunger 620. In the fluid-pushing position of fig. 11B, the other portion 634 is seated against the piston seat 612. There is also a pump plug 650.

The pump also includes a pump body 670, the pump body 670 being a hollow structure and stepped configuration with a flange 672 of increased diameter at one end. As shown in fig. 12, there is an inner spring seat 673 against which an end of the spring 640 rests. A valve seat 675 having a reduced diameter is also defined within the interior hollow space of the pump body 670, and in the fluid-pushing position of fig. 11B, the valve ball 660 seats to prevent fluid flow within the pump body 670. In the fluid-pulled position of FIG. 11A, the check ball 660 does not abut the valve seat 675 and is spaced apart from the valve seat 675 to allow fluid to flow within the pump body 670. The conduit 680 is coupled to one open end of the pump body 670. The conduit 680 comprises an elongated hollow tube that is placed in one of the reservoirs 10, 20, 30 for drawing fluid from the reservoir during a fluid pulling operation. The conduit 680 leads to the pump mechanism so that fluid drawn into the pump mechanism can be dispensed. Thus, the conduit 680 may be considered a straw-like structure having a free end that is spaced above or in selective contact with the floor of the reservoir.

Since there are three separate reservoirs 10, 20, 30, there are three pumps 600.

A gasket 700 comprising a plurality of openings 710 (circular holes) in the form of a disc-shaped structure is also provided. The opening 710 is axially aligned with the opening 520 formed in the pump housing 500 and the opening formed in the floor of the first part 410 of the closure 400. As described herein, the gasket 700 is disposed between the top edge of the primary container 110 and the underside of the first part 410 of the closure 400.

The gasket 700 may be formed from any number of different materials, including but not limited to an elastomeric material (such as rubber).

The assembly of the pump 600 will now be described. The pump housing 500 is disposed within the hollow interior of the first component 410, with the boss 530 of the pump housing 500 receiving the boss 440 formed on the floor of the first component 410. As further shown, the bosses 427 of the second component 420 are also received within the bosses 530, and fasteners passing through the three alignment structures are used to fixedly couple the first component 410, the pump housing 500, and the second component 420. The central column 510 of the pump housing 500 is received within the hollow interior of the actuator 200, the actuator 200 itself being slidably disposed within the annular inner wall 425 of the second part 420 of the closure member 400. As previously described, the actuator 200 and the selector 300 are fixedly attached to each other to form a connecting structure that moves axially within the connecting structure and can rotate therein relative thereto. As described herein, rotation of the selector 300 controls which reservoir 10, 20, 30 is selected for actuation and axial movement of the connecting structure produces a pumping action.

The various components of the pump 600 are connected to one another to form an elongated pump sub-assembly which is then mated with the closure 400 and the pump housing 500. The assembled pump 600 is passed through the aligned openings 710, 520 and the opening in the bottom plate of the first component 410. It can be seen that when the pump mechanism is assembled, the flange 672 does not pass through the opening 520 but instead rests against the underside of the pump housing 500. Plunger post 610 represents the topmost part and is exposed and faces the underside of selector 300. The plunger 610 is thus positioned above the floor of the first component 410 and the plunger 620 is located within an aperture formed in the floor of the first component 410.

The dispenser 100 also includes a manifold and conduit assembly for receiving and then dispensing the fluids from the reservoirs 10, 20, 30 in such a manner that each fluid remains separate from the other fluids along its entire flow path from the respective reservoir to the dispensing outlet. More specifically, there are a plurality of connectors 830 (pump tube tops) that are configured to attach to the open ends of the plunger post 610 so as to place the hollow center of the connectors 830 in fluid communication with the hollow center of the plunger post 610. As shown, the connector 830 may be an elbow (right angle) connector. The connector 830 is fluidly connected to a plurality of conduits that convey fluid from the pump 600 to the dispensing outlet. In the embodiment shown, there are three conduits, since there are three reservoirs 10, 20, 30, and in particular, there are a first distribution conduit 821, a second distribution conduit 822 and a third distribution conduit 823. The distribution conduits 821, 822, 823 may be identical as shown, or they may be different, since the second distribution conduit 822 has a shorter length than the conduits 821, 823 (which may have the same length). The conduits 821, 822, 823 may be in the form of circular tubes. One end of each of the conduits 821, 822, 823 is fitted with one of the connectors 830 so as to fluidly connect the respective reservoir 10, 20, 30 to the conduit 821, 822, 823, and more particularly, the first distribution conduit 821 is fluidly connected to the second reservoir 20, the second distribution conduit 822 is fluidly connected to the first reservoir 10, and the third distribution conduit 823 is fluidly connected to the third reservoir 30. As shown, three pumps 600 may generally be considered to be arranged in a triangle and therefore the shorter second conduit 822 is the conduit extending from the dispensing outlet to the pump 600 closest to the dispensing outlet (distribution manifold), while the other two pumps 600 are further from the dispensing outlet and therefore require longer conduits 821, 823.

The free ends of the first 821, second 822 and third 823 distribution conduits mate with the manifold 800. The manifold 800 has an end 810, the end 810 being received within an opening 415 formed in the first component 410. As shown, the manifold 800 includes a first manifold conduit 811, a second manifold conduit 812, and a third manifold conduit 813. The first manifold conduit 811, the second manifold conduit 812 and the third manifold conduit 813 remain separate from one another and terminate in a distribution opening in the end 810. Each of the first, second and third manifold conduits 811, 812, 813 may be generally elbow-shaped (right angle) with three distribution openings arranged side-by-side.

The cross-sectional view shows the connection and wiring of the conduits 821, 822, 823 to the manifold 800 and the three pumps 600, which manifold 800 and the three pumps 600 are in fluid communication with the three reservoirs 10, 20, 30.

Pumping action

The operation of pump 600 is similar to the operation of a conventional manual pump. As described herein, a user first selects one of the desired reservoirs 10, 20, 30 to dispense fluid therefrom. To do this, the user rotates the selector 300 such that the indicia 421 point towards the indicia (label) 303, 304, 305 corresponding to the selected reservoir 10, 20, 30.

The notch 430 and locking tab 240 are formed and positioned to ensure that the selector 300 remains locked in a position directly corresponding to the selector 300 being locked in place relative to a selected one of the reservoirs 10, 20, 30. This feature ensures that selector 300 and actuator 200 cannot be positioned in a locked position such that tabs 250 are misaligned relative to pump 600. The recess 430 also serves to provide a tactile sensation to the user when selecting one of the reservoirs. The user will feel that the notch 430 slides into its groove and will also make a slight click.

Once a selected reservoir 10, 20, 30 is selected, the user pumps fluid from the selected reservoir 10, 20, 30 by depressing the selector 300. Since the selector 300 is fixedly attached to the actuator 200, pressing down the selector 300 directly translates into a downward movement of the actuator 200. As shown in fig. 14A, when the second reservoir 20 is selected, the projection 250 is located above a connector 830, which connector 830 is a part of the pump 600 in fluid communication with the second reservoir 20, and similarly, as shown in fig. 14B, when the first reservoir 10 is selected, the projection 250 is located above the connector 830, which connector 830 is a part of the pump 600 in fluid communication with the first reservoir 10. As shown in fig. 10A and 11A, prior to pressing down on the selector 300, the springs 330, 640 are in an extended relaxed state, resulting in the plunger 610 being in a raised (upward) position in which the protrusion 250 is in contact with the top surface of the connector 830 associated with the selected reservoir 10, 20, 30. In a position that can be considered a fluid-pulled position, valve ball 660 is spaced from valve seat 673, and thus conduit 680 is in fluid communication with the hollow interior collection space of pump body 670, allowing fluid from the reservoir to be drawn into the hollow interior collection space.

Once fluid is collected in this manner, to pump the collected fluid, the user simply presses down on the selector 300, causing the protrusion 250 of the actuator 200 to drive the plunger 610 in a downward direction. This action may be considered a fluid-pushing operation because the valve ball 660 rests against the valve seat 673 to prevent the collected material from traveling downward in a direction toward the conduit 680 and the selected reservoir itself. As a result, downward movement of the plunger causes the collected fluid to be expelled. The collected fluid travels up the plunger body 570 through the central bores of the plunger 620 and plunger post 610 and into the connector 830 where the fluid flows into the conduits 821, 822, 823 to the manifold 800 where the fluid exits through a dedicated dispensing opening located therein. It should be appreciated that in a fluid pushing operation, the springs 330, 640 compress. Once the fluid pushing operation is complete and the amount of separated fluid is expelled through manifold 800, the user then releases selector 300 and the return spring force of springs 330, 640 causes both the plunger and selector 300 to return to the rest position shown in fig. 10A and 11A.

It should be appreciated that for unselected reservoirs 10, 20, 30, no dispensing of fluid occurs because the protrusion 250 is positioned only above one of the reservoirs 10, 20, 30, and thus only a single reservoir 10, 20, 30 is actuated at a given time. When the selector 300 and actuator 200 are depressed, the protrusion 250 passes through the connector 830 associated with the unselected reservoir 10, 20, 30. As a result, no pumping action occurs for the unselected reservoirs 10, 20, 30.

Reservoir selection process

Fig. 13A-13C illustrate the manner in which the selector 300 is used to select the respective reservoir 10, 20, 30 to dispense fluid therefrom. Fig. 13A shows selection of one reservoir (e.g., the first reservoir 10) by aligning one side of the selector 300 with the indicia 421; fig. 13B shows the selector 300 being moved from one position to another, and fig. 13C shows another reservoir (e.g., second reservoir 20) being selected by aligning the other side of the selector 300 with the indicia 421.

Fig. 14A shows a selected second reservoir 20, in this case, with the projection 250 of the actuator 200 aligned with the pump 600, and the pump 600 associated with and in fluid communication with the second reservoir 20. As shown, the projection 250 is positioned above a connector 830, which connector 830 is a component of the pump 600 associated with the second reservoir 20. Pressing the selector 300 moves the actuator 200 downward and, therefore, the protrusion 250 also moves downward to contact the connector 830. Downward movement of the protrusion 250 depresses the connector 830, which actuates the pump 600 due to the attachment of the connector 830 to the plunger 610 as described above, causing fluid from the second reservoir 20 to be pumped therefrom.

Fig. 14B shows a selected first reservoir 10, in this case the projection 250 of the actuator 200 is aligned with a pump 600, the pump 600 being associated and in fluid communication with the first reservoir 10. As shown, the projection 250 is positioned above a connector 830, the connector 830 being a component of the pump 600 associated with the first reservoir 10. Pressing the selector 300 moves the actuator 200 downward and, therefore, the protrusion 250 also moves downward to contact the connector 830. Downward movement of the protrusion 250 depresses the connector 830, which actuates the pump 600 due to the attachment of the connector 830 to the plunger 610 as described above, causing fluid from the first reservoir 10 to be pumped therefrom.

Fig. 14C shows a third reservoir 30 selected, in this case, with the projection 250 of the actuator 200 aligned with the pump 600, the pump 600 being associated with and in fluid communication with the third reservoir 30. As shown, the protrusion 250 is positioned above a connector 830, which connector 830 is a component of the pump 600 associated with the third reservoir 30. Pressing the selector 300 moves the actuator 200 downward and, therefore, the protrusion 250 also moves downward to contact the connector 830. Downward movement of the protrusion 250 depresses the connector 830, which actuates the pump 600 due to the attachment of the connector 830 to the plunger 610 as described above, causing fluid from the third reservoir 30 to be pumped therefrom.

In the manner described above, the selector 300 is configured to engage only one reservoir at a time to perform a pumping operation. Since the entire fluid flow path from the reservoir to the dispensing outlet (nozzle) remains independent and spatially separated from the other fluid flow paths as described herein, no cross-contamination occurs. This allows the reservoirs to be filled with liquids that vary widely from one another. For example, in one configuration for a personal care product, one reservoir may be filled with a hand sanitizer, one reservoir may be filled with a shampoo, and the other reservoir may be filled with a conditioner. For car cleaning work, one reservoir may be filled with leather cleaner/conditioner, one reservoir may be filled with internal cleaner, and one reservoir may be filled with liquid lacquer wax. The combination of liquids is large and safe in view of the construction of the dispenser of the present invention. Unlike conventional multi-reservoir dispensers, the manifold itself maintains the fluid flow path separate from the various reservoirs and does not flow from the reservoirs to the pump mechanism at any time, and is then pumped to and through the manifold and dispensing outlet to bring the fluid into contact with fluid from any other reservoir.

It should also be understood that the present invention includes multiple pump mechanisms configured to be selected to activate the pumping of one reservoir while another reservoir or reservoirs are placed off-line. The plunger engagement mechanism (actuator 200) is only configured to engage one plunger at a given time, and therefore, it is not possible to activate multiple plungers simultaneously, resulting in a mixed fluid dispensing.

It should also be understood that the dispenser 100 may have 2, 3, or 4 or more reservoirs, each with a separate pumping arrangement, as previously described.

Further, it should be understood that the dispenser may dispense fluids, creams, gels, and the like.

It should also be understood that the selector 300 and the actuator 200 may be designed not to be fixedly connected to each other, but the selector 300 and the actuator 200 may be separated from each other. In particular, the selector 300 may be a component for selecting the reservoir, while another button (such as the actuator 200) may be used to dispense the contents of the reservoir.

It is worthy to note that the figures and examples above are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to a single embodiment, as other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements. Also, where certain elements of the present invention can be partially or fully implemented using known components, only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present invention are described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components are omitted so as not to obscure the invention. In this specification, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein, embodiments showing a single component are not necessarily limited to other embodiments comprising a plurality of the same component, and vice versa. Moreover, applicants do not intend for any term in the specification or claims to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention includes present and future known equivalents to the known components illustrated herein by way of example.