With Relatively Movable Actuator Patents (Class 222/321.8)
  • Publication number: 20080110936
    Abstract: An assembly for mounting of a lever member to a housing in which a stop member which normally limits rotation of the lever member about a fulcrum is movable to a position which permits the lever member to be disengaged from the housing and removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Heiner OPHARDT
  • Patent number: 7367478
    Abstract: A dosing device for at least one medium includes a casing part connectable to a medium reservoir, having a pumping device located in the casing part and an applicator connected to the pumping device. The pumping device is provided with at least one inlet valve, as well as at least one outlet valve associated with the applicator and a stroke-movable pumping body. The casing part, applicator and all parts of the pumping device are provided coaxially to a pumping axis with plug connection sections. The casing part, applicator and the parts of the pumping device can be functionally assembled along the pumping axis to form the dosing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7367477
    Abstract: A dispenser with an activation lever which extends laterally to one side of the dispenser and is particularly adapted for engagement by an elbow of one arm of a user and particularly adapted for dispensing fluid as onto the hand of a second arm of the user thereby avoiding the need for the activation lever to be engaged by a hand of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Hygiene-Technik Inc.
    Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, Henry Bruckner
  • Patent number: 7357278
    Abstract: The valve comprises three parts of generally cylindrical shape, of two or more diameters, fitted into one another, the first of these having a structure of two successive cylinders, being fixed between the cap of the container carrying the substance to be metered and the rim of the neck of the container itself, while the second part is intended to act as main plunger, sliding by its upper portion inside the first part and having a terminal end of smaller diameter guided in the portion of smaller diameter of the first part and having in its intermediate region a likewise intermediate diameter with the main filling and discharge vents for the product, and the third part is formed by a hollow rod rigidly connected to the handle/outlet nozzle and which likewise has a cylindrical structure with two successive different diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Pecoso, S.L.
    Inventor: Miguel Angel Mira Navarro
  • Patent number: 7331944
    Abstract: An ophthalmic dispenser has a rigid housing defining a fluid-receiving chamber, a flexible bladder receivable within the fluid-receiving chamber, a pump coupled in fluid communication with the fluid-receiving chamber, and a nozzle having a valve defining an annular, axially-extending valve seat, an outlet aperture coupled in fluid communication between the valve seat and the pump, and a flexible valve cover extending about the valve seat and forming an annular, axially-extending interface therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Norbert M. Assion, Julian V. Chan, Joseph M. Ting
  • Patent number: 7303099
    Abstract: A pump assembly with a first pump to displace a first volume and a second pump to displace a second volume greater than the first volume. The first pump draws liquid from a reservoir and dispenses it to the second pump. The second pump draws in the discharge from the first pump and an additional volume of air such that the second pump discharges both liquid and air. The first pump preferably has a piston movable in a first inner chamber and the second pump has the same piston movable in a second outer chamber. The first and second chambers communicate together. In one version, a one-way valve provides flow outwardly only from the first chamber to the second chamber and the first pump discharges while the second pump draws in, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Gotohti.com Inc.
    Inventor: Heiner Ophardt
  • Patent number: 7299951
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a foot activated dispenser and more particularly to a foot activated dispenser for dispensing a liquid product such as a skin care product (i.e. hand soap, hand sanitizer, surgical scrub, lotion, etc.). More specifically, the foot activated dispenser includes a bladder connected to tubing that is connected to a piston pump. The piston pump is located within a shroud that is removably attached to a wall bracket. The wall bracket includes a bottle retainer for holding a bottle having a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Darren M. Jahnke, Wesley M. Nelson, Joshua J. Lanz, Warren D. Pannkuk
  • Patent number: 7296712
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser device a body (1), a fluid reservoir (3), a dispensing member, such as a pump or a metering valve having a piston or a valve member that is mounted to move axially, which dispensing member is fitted to the reservoir (3), and an actuating element (5) mounted to move between a rest position and an actuating position, for actuating the dispensing member and thus for selectively dispensing the fluid contained in the reservoir (3), fluid dispenser device being characterized in that the direction in which actuating element (5) moves is different from, and in particular perpendicular to, the axial direction in which the piston or the valve member of the dispensing member moves, the actuating element (5) having an end portion provided with the cam surface (6) which co-operates with the reservoir (3) or a fixing ring (8) adapted to fix the dispensing member to the reservoir (3) so that the actuating element (5) being moved substantially radially into its actuating position causes the reservoir (3) to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S.
    Inventor: Guiseppe Stradella
  • Patent number: 7287672
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser member designed to be associated with a fluid reservoir having a neck, said member comprising: a body defining at least part of a fluid chamber, said body being provided with fixing means for fixing onto the neck of the reservoir, said body including a fluid inlet connecting the inside of the reservoir to the fluid chamber; a pusher mounted on the body in such a manner as to be displaced axially between a rest position and a driven-in position; and a spring urging the pusher into the rest position, wherein the spring is housed entirely inside the pusher, and the body is made of a transparent or translucent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S.
    Inventor: Firmin Garcia
  • Patent number: 7284683
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a product may include a stationary portion, a pushbutton configured to move relative to the stationary portion and to be actuated to cause dispensing of a product, and a spring. The spring may include an assembly portion configured to associate the spring and the stationary portion with one another. The assembly portion may include at least one turn. The spring may further include a projecting portion configured to extend substantially along at least a portion of the pushbutton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Benivay, Gaëtane Leboube
  • Patent number: 7249692
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly is provided for a container of fluent material. A hand-operable dispenser cartridge is adapted to be mounted to the container. An actuator, which may include a nozzle or spout, is mounted on the cartridge. A locking sleeve is mounted around the cartridge and has an upper abutment edge and a recess. The locking sleeve can be rotated between a first rotated position preventing actuation of the dispensing assembly and a second rotated position permitting actuation of the dispensing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: SeaquistPerfect Dispensing Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Walters, Jason A. Ksiazk, Sean H. Cho, Paul E. Hallman, Jonathan D. Werner, Craig Braun
  • Patent number: 7243820
    Abstract: A tappet pump comprising a reduced number of components. The pump comprises a pump body, a piston, a tappet and an elastic implement which exerts its force on the tappet and on the piston by means of a unidirectional link defined by interdependent limit stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Rexam Dispensing Systems S.A.S.
    Inventor: Pierre Dumont
  • Patent number: 7198177
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a fluid includes a housing, a fluid reservoir placed in the housing, and a pump. The pump includes a nozzle protruding therefrom and an operating part connected to the fluid reservoir. When the operating part is moved from an initial position, in which flow of fluid through the pump from the fluid reservoir to the nozzle is substantially prevented, in a direction of pumping, fluid is pumped from the fluid reservoir to the nozzle. The dispenser also includes a resilient element which, upon movement of the operating part from the initial position, exerts a force opposed to the direction of pumping. The nozzle forms part of the operating part and is at an angle relative to the direction of pumping. The engagement mechanism externally engages an area of a part of the nozzle protruding from the operating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Bentfield Europe B.V.
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Everhardus Ganzeboom
  • Patent number: 7108159
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser device a body (1), a fluid reservoir (3), a dispensing member, such as a pump or a metering valve having a piston or a valve member that is mounted to move axially, which dispensing member is fitted to the reservoir (3), and an actuating element (5) mounted to move between a rest position and an actuating position, for actuating the dispensing member and thus for selectively dispensing the fluid contained in the reservoir (3), fluid dispenser device being characterized in that the direction in which actuating element (5) moves is different from, and in particular perpendicular to, the axial direction in which the piston or the valve member of the dispensing member moves, the actuating element (5) having an end portion provided with the cam surface (6) which co-operates with the reservoir (3) or a fixing ring (8) adapted to fix the dispensing member to the reservoir (3) so that the actuating member (5) being moved substantially radially into its actuating position causes the reservoir (3) to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S.
    Inventor: Guiseppe Stradella
  • Patent number: 7080759
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser device comprising a pump (50) and a dispensing head that comprises a body (1) defining a fluid discharge channel (2) ending in a dispensing orifice (3), a rigid insert (4) being disposed in said discharge channel (2), said rigid insert forming or being secured to the outlet valve of said pump, said fluid dispenser device being characterized in that said dispensing head further comprises a closure element (10) disposed in said discharge channel (2), said closure element (10) being mounted to move and/or to deform between a closure position in which it closes off the discharge channel (2) and a non-closure position in which it does not close off the discharge channel (2), said rigid insert (4) being mounted to move inside said discharge channel (2) between a rest position and an actuating position, said closure element (10) co-operating at one end with said rigid insert (4) and at the other end with said body (1) so that, when the insert (4) is in the rest position, the closure element (10) is
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S.
    Inventor: Ludovic Petit
  • Patent number: 7044341
    Abstract: The present application relates to a device (1) for packaging and dispensing a pressurized product, comprising: a) a container (2, 70) containing the product: b) a dispensing element (5, 75) fitted to the container and provided with an activating member (6, 74) that can be moved along a longitudinal axis X of the dispensing element; and c) a dispensing head (10) mounted on the container by means of a collar (20). The dispensing head comprises an actuating member (40) that can be moved relative to the collar, and the coupling between the collar (20) and the actuating member (40) being such that rotating the latter (40) relative to the collar (20) causes a displacement of the activating member (6, 74) along the axis X and dispenses the product through at least one outlet orifice (46) of the dispensing head. Figure of the drawing to be published with the abstract: FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Marcel Sanchez
  • Patent number: 6983865
    Abstract: A manually-actuated device for dispensing a fluid in liquid or powder form and that comprises a fluid reservoir (10), dispensing means (20) for selectively dispensing the fluid contained in the reservoir (10), a dispensing head (30) provided with a dispensing orifice (31), and an actuating system (40) for manually actuating said dispensing means (20), said device being provided with a cap (50) mounted to move between a rest position, in which it covers the dispensing orifice (31) and prevents the dispensing means (20) from being actuated, and an in-use position, in which it uncovers the dispensing orifice (31) and enables the dispensing means (20) to be actuated, characterized in that said cap (50) is a captive cap and is independent from the actuating system (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Valois SAS
    Inventors: Xavier Cabarroque, Fabien Poulard
  • Patent number: 6964381
    Abstract: A fluid spray device including a reservoir containing fluid, a dispenser head including a dispenser orifice, and an actuator device being on the dispenser head and co-operating with a fixing ring in order to actuate a pump or the valve, said actuator device including at least one actuator element pivotally mounted on said dispenser head, each actuator element including an actuator portion cooperating with said fixing ring, and a presser element on which the user exerts an actuation force, said presser element being pivotally mounted with respect to said dispenser head and extending firstly radially away from said dispenser head, and secondly axially towards the reservoir beyond said fixing ring, said actuator portion being pivotally mounted on said presser element and extending radially and axially towards the fixing ring so as to co-operate with said ring from below, when the device is in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Valois SAS
    Inventors: Fabio Stradella, Giuseppe Stradella
  • Patent number: 6962273
    Abstract: A liquid-dispensing structure includes: an outer cylinder with a one-way valve at its lower end to allow a liquid to flow into the outer cylinder; a hollow piston being slidable inside the outer cylinder and having a pair of liquid-tight portions formed with circular convex portions around its outer circumferential surface in positions apart in an axial direction; and an inner cylinder for dispensing a liquid, which reciprocates inside the outer cylinder so that the piston moves in a piston-sliding area of the inner cylinder having an opening through which the liquid flows. The opening is closed when the piston is at a lower position and is opened when the piston is at an upper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Masatoshi Masuda
  • Patent number: 6910605
    Abstract: Pump (4) which is actuable by a hand lever for spraying liquid (3), especially for placing on bottles (1) with a pump piston (13) which is linearly displacable in a pump chamber (17) on a housing side, against force of a compression spring, for spraying the liquid (3) out of a mouthpiece nozzle (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventors: Alfred von Schuckmann, Werner Petzold
  • Patent number: 6860411
    Abstract: Fluid dispenser device having a body (1), a fluid reservoir (3), a dispensing member, such as a pump or a metering valve having a piston or a valve member that is mounted to move axially, which dispensing member is fitted to the reservoir (3), and an actuating element (5) mounted to move between a rest position and an actuating position, for actuating the dispensing member and thus for selectively dispensing the fluid contained in the reservoir (3). In the fluid dispenser device, the direction in which the actuating element (5) moves is different from, and preferably perpendicular to, the axial direction in which the piston or the valve member of the dispensing member moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Valois S.A.
    Inventor: Guiseppe Stradella
  • Publication number: 20040238572
    Abstract: Mechanically pressurized dispensing systems are disclosed that are manually charged by the user and that dispense substances from a pressurized dispenser as an aerosol. The dispensing system comprises in various embodiments mechanical pressurization assemblies, and particularly an actuator assembly and a collar cap assembly. Preferred embodiments incorporate a spindle and a piston to mechanically charge the dispensing system when an actuator housing of the actuator assembly is manually rotated. Other dispenser systems are disclosed providing a threaded piston utilized in the mechanical charging of the dispensing system. Methods of pressurizing dispensing systems and other methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: William S Blake
  • Patent number: 6824020
    Abstract: A dispenser head for a dispenser device for dispensing a fluid, said dispenser head being characterized in that it comprises an inner body (10) defining a dispensing channel (11) for the fluid, said channel (11) being terminated by a dispensing orifice (12), and a separate outer body (20) defining an actuating surface (21) on which the user presses to actuate the dispenser device, said outer body (20) being fitted over said inner body (10) in a manner such that, in the event that an attempt is made to tear off or to remove said dispenser head, only said outer body (20) is removable, said inner body (20) remaining fixed to said dispenser device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Valois S.A.
    Inventor: Ludovic Petit
  • Patent number: 6708845
    Abstract: A hygiene device includes two cleansing arrangements for carrying two different kinds of cleansing solutions. Each of the cleansing arrangements includes a container body having a liquid reservoir for receiving the corresponding cleansing solution therein and an opening for communicating the liquid reservoir with outside, a pumping unit, having a dispensing nozzle, detachably attached to the container body to sealedly cover the opening and arranged to pump the cleansing solution from the liquid reservoir towards the dispensing nozzle, and a first hands-free actuating unit arranged to actuate the pumping unit for dispensing a predetermined amount of the corresponding cleansing solution on a wiping medium via the dispensing nozzle. Therefore, the user is able to dispense the cleansing solution from the cleansing arrangement to moisture the wiping medium without hand contacting operation, so as to prevent the cleansing solution from being polluted by the user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: August M H Weng
  • Patent number: 6708852
    Abstract: A mechanically pressurized aerosol dispensing system comprising a cap which houses a piston, an actuator moveably attached to the cap, forming together with the cap a dispensing head assembly, and an expandable elastic reservoir. The system is fitted over a standard container holding a liquid product, and includes a dip tube assembly to draw liquid into the dispensing head assembly, where the contents are released through the dispensing head assembly, via the aerosol nozzle and valve. A twist of the threaded cap raises a piston, thereby opening a charging chamber within the dispensing head assembly. This creates a vacuum with the resulting suction pulling the product up through the dip tube to fill the charging chamber. Twisting the cap in the opposite direction lowers the piston in a downstroke which closes the charging chamber, forcing the product into the expandable elastic reservoir where it is then discharged through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Alternative Packaging Solutions, L.P.
    Inventor: William S. Blake
  • Publication number: 20040026453
    Abstract: A manually-actuated device for dispensing a fluid in liquid or powder form and that comprises a fluid reservoir (10), dispensing means (20) for selectively dispensing the fluid contained in the reservoir (10), a dispensing head (30) provided with a dispensing orifice (31), and an actuating system (40) for manually actuating said dispensing means (20), said device being provided with a cap (50) mounted to move between a rest position, in which it covers the dispensing orifice (31) and prevents the dispensing means (20) from being actuated, and an in-use position, in which it uncovers the dispensing orifice (31) and enables the dispensing means (20) to be actuated, characterized in that said cap (50) is a captive cap and is independent from the actuating system (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: VALOIS SAS
    Inventors: Xavier Cabarroque, Fabien Poulard
  • Publication number: 20040011822
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a manually actuated delivery device for the delivery of a volume of liquid comprising a housing (1) which includes an outlet (3) through which liquid, in use, is delivered, a liquid delivery unit (24) which is located within the housing (1) and an actuating means (2) which is moveable from a first position to a second position when acted upon by a user. The liquid delivery unit (24) is held by a locking mechanism (28) in a non-actuatable mode and the actuating means (2) cooperates with an interfering member (26) as it moves from the first position to the second position such that the interfering member (26) eventually releases the liquid delivery unit (24) from the locking mechanism (28) to enable delivery of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas Jennings, Bruce Macmichael, Michael Paton
  • Patent number: 6669056
    Abstract: A foaming device, capable of generating foam by mixing a volume of air with a quantity of liquid, optionally connected to a tank of the liquid and provided with valves for controlling the flow of air and liquid, comprises an air chamber enclosed in a resiliently deformable diaphragm, and a liquid chamber. The diaphragm is shaped in such a way as to produce an increasing rate of flow of expelled air during deformation by an air piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Guala Dispensing, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Maurizio Bistolfi
  • Patent number: 6601736
    Abstract: A pump assembly provides for direct replacement of volumes of liquid from a reservoir with equal volumes of air preferably at substantially atmospheric pressure, the same pressure or with pressure equalization to be at least equal to atmospheric pressure. A slide arrangement preferably positively displaces liquid from the reservoir and air into the reservoir. The pump draws air from the atmosphere into a chamber from which the air either is available for passage to replace liquid from the reservoir or is pressurized to assist dispensing liquid, preferably, admixing with the liquid to provide foaming. Gravity separation of air and liquid to be dispensed is used to replace liquid with air in the reservoir and to selectively place air and liquid into communication with passageways for ejection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Hygiene-Technik Inc.
    Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, Ali Mirbach
  • Patent number: 6543653
    Abstract: A fluid product dispensing device comprising a reservoir (B), a pump (P) including two pump elements adapted to slide relative to each other in a longitudinal direction and an outer casing (R) provided with a nozzle (10) dispensing the product and an actuator for expelling a dose of product through the nozzle each time an action is exerted by the user of the actuator which comprises a pressing element (7, 8) accessible from outside the casing (R) and a force returning member, the pressing member being mobile substantially transversely to press on the force returning member between two longitudinal end parts, the transformation by the force returning member of the thrust force (F) exerted by the user into a longitudinal sliding force (F2) increasing while the thrust is being exerted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Techniplast
    Inventor: Jean-Philippe Lamboux
  • Patent number: 6516976
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing metered amounts of a viscous liquid includes a liquid reservoir and a pump chamber having an opening in communication with the reservoir. A dispensing orifice is defined in the pump chamber. A pump mechanism is configured with the pump chamber and is movable from a rest to a pressurizing position upon actuation thereof to pressurize liquid within the pump chamber. A check valve mechanism is disposed in the opening. A restriction device is disposed in the dispensing orifice and maintains a closed configuration to prevent leakage of liquid from the dispensing orifice. The restriction device opens upon sufficient liquid pressure build-up within the pump chamber upon actuation of the pump mechanism. The restriction device also may vent the pump chamber upon release of the pump mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Cleary E. Mahaffey
  • Patent number: 6505759
    Abstract: A fragrance dispenser (10) for dispensing a fragrance mist can be mounted directly on a commode, tank or other surface. The fragrance dispenser (10) includes an enclosure (11), fragrance holder (16) and mounting plate (18). The enclosure (11) includes a base (14) and cover(12) attached to the base (14) so as to form a housing around the fragrance holder (16). The mounting plate (18) is flexible and has an adhesive sheet (20) attached to one side for securing the dispenser(10) to a fixed object, such as a wall or around the seat of a commode. Pressure applied to the cover (12) activates a spray pump (46) attached to the fragrance holder (16). This action causes the spray pump (46) to compress with the assistance of a rocker arm (50) and spray a fragrance mist through a fragrance nozzle (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Louise Holyfield
  • Publication number: 20020175188
    Abstract: A fragrance dispenser (10) for dispensing a fragrance mist can be mounted directly on a commode, tank or other surface. The fragrance dispenser (10) includes an enclosure (11), fragrance holder (16) and mounting plate (18). The enclosure (11) includes a base (14) and cover (12) attached to the base (14) so as to form a housing around the fragrance holder (16). The mounting plate (18) is flexible and has an adhesive sheet (20) attached to one side for securing the dispenser(10) to a fixed object, such as a wall or around the seat of a commode. Pressure applied to the cover (12) activates a spray pump (46) attached to the fragrance holder (16). This action causes the spray pump (46) to compress with the assistance of a rocker arm (50) and spray a fragrance mist through a fragrance nozzle (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Louise Holyfield
  • Patent number: 6478196
    Abstract: Radial actuation of a handle (15) axially retracts the dispensers shaft (6) inclusive an exit head (9) relative to a base body (5) and a reservoir (7). The shaft (6) is prevented from rotating. The medium thus flows from a pressure chamber (26) via an outlet valve (32) through the entire shaft (6) to a medium exit (20) while being swirled. For facilitated handling the base body (5) and the reservoir (7) form a rod-shaped grip with the handle (15) on one side and a finger scallop (72) on the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Fuchs
  • Patent number: 6439481
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hand lever-operated spray pump (3), particularly for attaching to bottles (2) or similar, having a pump plunger (6) which moves linear in a pump chamber (7) on the housing side and which is connected with the hand lever (5) at the rear of a mouth piece opening (9) and which returns to its starting position as a result of a spring loading, and proposes, for the purpose of achieving a structurally simple, functionally reliable solution, to allocate two hinge points (I, II) to the hand lever (5) one of which (I) is movable in a linear guide on the housing side and the other (II) is arranged on the housing on the side opposite to the mouthpiece (9). In such a way that both hinge points (I, II) are connected by means of two buckling bridge sections (a, b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred von Schuckmann
  • Patent number: 6419124
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser of the type comprising a tank (R) fitted with liquid extractor means (P) suitable for being actuated by axial displacement of the tank relative to a delivery tube (T) having a portion that projects outwards, the dispenser being characterized in that it comprises firstly a discharge duct (1) connected in leakproof manner to the outer portion of the delivery tube (T) and passing through an endpiece (2) connected rigidly to a housing (B) containing the tank (R), and secondly at least one side knob (11, 12) engaging the tank or the delivery tube and carrying a cam (110, 120) designed to co-operate in sliding contact with at least one sloping wall (21, 22) secured to said endpiece (2) in such a manner that substantially radial thrust on said knob (11, 12) is transformed into axial displacement of the tube (T) relative to the tank (R), thereby causing the liquid to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Rexam Sofab
    Inventors: Pascal Hennemann, Jean-Pierre Alleard, David Leuliet
  • Publication number: 20020074358
    Abstract: An edible foam dispenser, in accordance with the present invention, includes a reservoir forming a cavity, and a liquid including a foaming agent stored in the cavity. A flow device has an inlet coupled to the reservoir and causes the liquid to flow from an outlet of the flow device. An aeration device is connected to the output of the flow device for gasifying the liquid to form an edible foam, preferably a candy foam. A method for dispensing a candy foam is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Adam Straus, Roberta Straus
  • Publication number: 20020074355
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing metered amounts of a viscous liquid includes a liquid reservoir and a pump chamber having an opening in communication with the reservoir. A dispensing orifice is defined in the pump chamber. A pump mechanism is configured with the pump chamber and is movable from a rest to a pressurizing position upon actuation thereof to pressurize liquid within the pump chamber. A check valve mechanism is disposed in the opening. A restriction device is disposed in the dispensing orifice and maintains a closed configuration to prevent leakage of liquid from the dispensing orifice. The restriction device opens upon sufficient liquid pressure build-up within the pump chamber upon actuation of the pump mechanism. The restriction device also may vent the pump chamber upon release of the pump mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Cleary E. Mahaffey
  • Patent number: 6405906
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a product onto a product sampler may comprise a dispensing member configured to be connected to a product receptacle and at least one outlet orifice in flow communication with the dispensing member. The device may also comprise an actuator element configured to actuate the dispensing member and a locking element. The locking element may have a first position in which the dispensing member cannot be actuated and a second position in which the dispensing member can be actuated. Additionally, the locking element may move from the first position to the second position when the product sampler is placed in front of the at least one outlet orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventor: Vincent de Laforcade
  • Patent number: 6405903
    Abstract: A dispenser (1) comprises setting means (10) for varying the discharge stroke (9) or discharge volume. The setting means (10) act on a valve (20). The associated valve face (24) of valve (20) can be linearly shifted to thus ensure very safe function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Stadelhofer
  • Patent number: 6371337
    Abstract: A fluid-dispensing member comprising: a body defining a chamber; an actuating rod provided with a pusher; a piston mounted on the actuating rod to slide in leaktight manner in the chamber; an inlet valve; and an outlet valve; wherein the outlet valve comprises a differential piston that can be moved under the action of the pressure exerted on the fluid by the piston against the action of a spring which abuts at one end against the differential piston, and at its other end against the pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Valois S.A.
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Stéphane Beranger
  • Patent number: 6364171
    Abstract: This articulated trigger/cover unit for a pump dispenser is formed with retainers on proximate relatively moveable walls to hold parts in stable configuration for handling by automatic assembly equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Chalupsky, Wing-Kwong Keung, Kenneth S. Bloom, Ruixin Fan, George R. Trepina, Timothy B. Kowal, Richard C. Sayers, Gennaro R. Martire, Richard D. Lohrman
  • Patent number: 6364174
    Abstract: A piston/nozzle unit retainer and stop comprises inward fingers in the cylinder slots receiving the trigger trunions which drive the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Lohrman, Wing-Kwong Keung, Gennaro R. Martire, Bradley J. Kimble, Richard C. Sayers
  • Publication number: 20020020717
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a product onto a product sampler may comprise a dispensing member configured to be connected to a product receptacle and at least one outlet orifice in flow communication with the dispensing member. The device may also comprise an actuator element configured to actuate the dispensing member and a locking element. The locking element may have a first position in which the dispensing member cannot be actuated and a second position in which the dispensing member can be actuated. Additionally, the locking element may move from the first position to the second position when the product sampler is placed in front of the at least one outlet orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: Vincent De Laforcade
  • Patent number: 6321950
    Abstract: An all-encompassing atomizing dispenser device consisting of a vertical standing tube or container, chassis, and a bottle holder insert-clip, comprising a conventional spray bottle with a standard fine mist spray nozzle fixed in one basic direction for atomizing various liquids for multiple applications. The user can simply place a hand down into the opening of the device, tilt or press lightly with the palm by applying pressure on the bottle holder insert-clip, which instantaneously atomizes the hand within the all-encompassing dispenser. The bottle holder insert-clip can be easily removed in order that the conventional spray bottle may be filled with user's choice of liquid. This invention resolves the inconvenience of handling a conventional spray bottle by passing it from one hand to another. It may be placed on a flat surface and is of convenient size to be transported from one location to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Chris Muis
  • Patent number: 6318595
    Abstract: A molded, unitary overcap structure for assembly on a finger-operable spray pump dispensing package is provided so that it can be subsequently modified to a two-piece, ready-to-use condition operatively engaged with a discharge tube of the pump. The actuator has a top surface and a periphery. The actuator defines an outlet, an inlet cavity, and an internal discharge passage extending between the outlet and the inlet cavity. The inlet cavity has a configuration and size for sealingly receiving the end of the discharge tube in a friction-fit engagement. A shell surrounds the periphery of the actuator. The shell has an open top providing access to the top surface of the actuator and has a notch adjacent the outlet to permit the discharge of product from the outlet as the actuator is depressed relative to the shell. A plurality of tabs each extends from the actuator to the shell. Each tab is connected to the shell with a frangible web to hold the actuator at an initial, as-molded position relative to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: SeaquistPerfect Dispensing Foreign, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Walters
  • Publication number: 20010030246
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hand lever-operated spray pump (3), particularly for attaching to bottles (2) or similar, having a pump plunger (6) which moves linear in a pump chamber (7) on the housing side and which is connected with the hand lever (5) at the rear of a mouth piece opening (9) and which returns to its starting position as a result of a spring loading, and proposes, for the purpose of achieving a structurally simple, functionally reliable solution, to allocate two hinge points (I, II) to the hand lever (5) one of which (I) is movable in a linear guide on the housing side and the other (II) is arranged on the housing on the side opposite to the mouthpiece (9) In such a way that both hinge points (I, II) are connected by means of two buckling bridge sections (a, b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Alfred von Schuckmann
  • Patent number: 6247621
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system is disclosed herein, the system including a container adapted to hold a material, the container having a first recess positioned on an outer surface of the container and a passageway extending into the container, the passageway positioned within the recess of the container. A pump assembly is provided which is adapted to dispense fluid from the container. The pump assembly is further adapted to engage the passageway of the container and having a storage position wherein the pump assembly is disposed substantially within the recess. In selected embodiments, a mounting bracket is provided which is adapted to support the container. The mounting bracket may include a base, a column extending upwardly from the base, and an upper member which may be pivotably mounted to the column. In some embodiments, a boss and detent may be provided so that the boss engages the detent upon placement of the container within the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Paul Lewis
  • Patent number: 6234412
    Abstract: The invention concerns a spray pump (3) capable of being actuated by a hand lever, to be mounted on dispensers (2) or the like. Said pump comprises a piston pump (6) capable of sliding linearly in a pump chamber (7) on the housing side. Said piston is connected, on the rear side of an outlet (9), to the hand lever (5) and returns to its base position urged by a spring. The invention aims at producing a pump which is both simple and reliable by associating two articulating parts (I, II) with the lever (5). One (I) of said parts is located so as to slide in a linear slider on the housing side, and the other (II) is fixed to the housing, on the side opposite the outlet (9), such that the two articulating parts (I, II) are connected by mutually collapsible contiguous parts (a, b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Alfred von Schuckmann
  • Patent number: 6230935
    Abstract: The dual chamber dispenser consists of two tubular chambers each of which is connected to a pump. The pumps are self-priming and are of a type that draw the substances from the tubular chambers. There is an activator which also serves as the top of the dispenser, side view apertures, a foot for better stability and a spout that is angled for enhanced dispensing. The side view apertures allow for viewing the fill level of the tubular chambers. The pumps are of a type having an upper valve and a lower valve, with the upper valves a part of the piston's that move in and out of the pumping chambers. The valves in said pumps are positive closing by means of a biasing spring. The substances to be dispensed are maintained separate, one from the other, until the substances are dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Robert Mack, James C. McKinney, Kenneth R. Berger