Patent Application
20200406278
The present invention relates to a mechanical pump package, especially for fluid cosmetic and fragrance products. In particular, the present invention is directed to a sampler package that utilizes a conventional mechanical pump supported by a rigid frame that affords protection during bundling and distribution of printed circulars.
Small liquid containing pouch packages that include a pump to dispense the contained liquid are known. It is often desirable to provide such packages in exceptionally small sizes to contain a limited amount of liquid for product sampling or single dose applications. Such small packages are particularly desirable for sampling via inserts in printed circulars, such as magazines, newspapers and catalogs, an application that can subject the package to extreme external pressure when the circulars are bound and bundled for distribution. Examples of such small packages include those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,070,015 to Lee, or U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,735,753, 7,735,754 or 8,152,077 to Marelli et al., or U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2011/0186174 to Sibileau et al. In particular for sampling applications, low cost is a key consideration since the samples are given to potential customers free of charge. A problem with the flat atomizer packages of Marelli is that the package and pump mechanism components must be custom tooled, thereby increasing the cost. The Lee package requires an internal pouch for the liquid storage and external layers of foil to enclose the frame, again increasing cost. The structure disclosed in Sibileau shows a pump secured to the frame by only a single connection area, an arrangement that may not adequately support the pump particularly during distribution and operation of the pump actuator. Accordingly, there is a need for low cost, small pump/package combination that utilizes common pump components with a minimal amount of additional components or structure, yet can withstand the extreme pressures encountered during binding and bundling of magazines, newspapers, catalogs and the like.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sample pump device for insertion into printed circulars.
Another object of the invention is to provide a small pouch-pump package with minimal components that can withstand the extreme pressures encountered during binding, bundling and distribution operations associated with printed circulars.
A sample pump device (100) according to the invention, comprises a flexible pouch (1), a rigid frame (2), a mechanical pump (3), an actuator (4) and a stem attachment (5). A flexible dip tube is specifically not included. The rigid frame houses the mechanical pump and supports the flexible pouch. The rigid frame is adapted to withstand the extreme pressures of binding, bundling and distribution operations associated with printed circulars. The advantages of the invention include simplicity and low cost. A stiff outer package is not required. The invention is also easily customizable by changing the size or decoration of the pouch surface.
As shown in
Referring to
The rigid frame (2) houses a mechanical pump (3). For example, extending down the center of the rigid frame is an integrated pump housing (2c). A cylindrical spring cup (2g) and concentric spring support column (2h) are located at the bottom (2e) of the housing. The lower end of a spring (3c) sits in between the spring cup and spring support column (see
The sample pump device (100) of the present invention utilizes a mechanical pump whose components and operation are well known in the personal care field. In this description, the mechanical pump is described as an atomizing spray pump, but a lotion pump may also be used. Either type of pump is able to draw product (P) from the product reservoir (1g) through the stem attachment (5), and move it toward an actuator (4) that connects to the top of the pump, outside of the pouch (1). Referring to
The spray pump (3) comprises an upper piston (3a), a lower piston (3b) and spring (3c). A channel passes through the spray pump to allow product (P) to flow from the reservoir (1g) toward the actuator (4). For example, the channel (3d) passes through the upper piston to allow flowable product (P) from the reservoir (1g) to move through upper piston toward the actuator (4). The upper end of the lower piston is inserted into the lower end of the upper piston, and intermittently seals off the lower end of the channel in the upper piston, as is well understood in the field. The upper end of the spring is inserted into the lower end of the lower piston, and the lower end of a spring sits in the spring cup (2g). Because the spring cup does not move, the spring serves to bias the lower piston upward, against the upper piston. The lower piston is designed to allow product to flow around the lower piston, and enter into the channel of the upper piston, when said channel is not sealed off by the lower piston. The upper end of the upper piston extends above the rigid frame, and is designed to be received into the actuator (4).
Referring to
In preferred embodiments, two legs (4f) depend from the bottom (4d) of the actuator. At the lower end of each leg is a stop (4g). When the actuator is positioned on the upper piston, then the legs and stops are inserted into the shafts (2s) of the rigid frame (2), as shown in FIG. 3. During operation of the spray pump (3), the legs move up and down in the shafts. The positioning of the legs of the actuator in the shafts of the rigid frame increase the stability of the actuator and upper piston (3a) during operation of the device. Without the legs (4f), the upper piston (3a) of the spray pump (3) might bend sideways when a user applies pressure to the actuator. The stops (4g) of the actuator are shaped to cooperate with the frame stops (2m) of the rigid frame to prevent the legs of the actuator from inadvertently backing out of the shafts (2s). This feature provides additional lateral stability and helps to ensure that the actuator does not separate from the upper piston during binding, bundling and distribution.
The sample pump device (100) according to the present invention, specifically does not utilize a standard, flexible dip tube. Rather, a rigid, non-flexible stem attachment (5) is fitted where a flexible dip tube would normally go. Referring to
Preferably, portions of the front and back panels (1a, 1b) of the flexible pouch (1) are sealed against the front and back faces (5a, 5b) of the stem attachment (5). This seal may be achieved with adhesive, sonic welding or other suitable means. Depending on the completeness of the seal, the portion of the reservoir (1g) above the stem attachment may be cut off from the portion below the stem attachment. Or, at the very least, fluid product in the portion of the reservoir that is above the stem attachment may be hindered from flowing into the space below the stem attachment. To facilitate this flow of product, drain holes (5h) are provided on or near the bottom edge of the stem attachment. Preferably, the bottom edge (5c) of the stem attachment (5) sits just slightly above the bottom of the flexible pouch (1), which will facilitate the free flow of product.
As noted above, when the upper end (5e) of the vertical shaft is friction fit onto (or in) the stem (2i), then the passageway (5f) of the stem attachment is in fluid communication with the passageway (2f) of the pump housing (2c). The bottom of passageway (5f) of the stem attachment terminates in an uptake orifice (5g). When the spray pump (3) is operated, some of the product that is in the portion of the reservoir (1g) below the stem attachment will be drawn into the uptake orifice, and some of the product that is above the stem attachment will pass through the drain holes, into the space below the stem attachment.
A main purpose of the rigid, non-flexible stem attachment, and the absence of a flexible dip tube, is to provide a firm surface against which a user can provide counter pressure, as the spay pump (3) is being operated. For example, with an index finger pushing down on the actuator (4), the thumb of the same hand can provide counter-pressure by pushing up on the bottom edge (1c) of the flexible package (1), which will bear against the bottom edge (5c) of the stem attachment (5). If there were no rigid stem attachment, but only a dip tube, then the flexible package would collapse when a user tried to push down on the actuator. Because no flexible dip tube intervenes, a user can manipulate the small sample device firmly. This design eliminates the need for a stiff or rigid outer package which is needed when the actuation force would otherwise be transmitted through a flexible dip tube. In fact, in the present invention, it is preferable if no flexible components (except the spring 3c) are situated between the stem (2i) and the rigid, non-flexible stem attachment (5), as this would introduce unwanted instability during use of the spray sample device.
The flowable product (P) can be any type of product that is compatible with the pouch material and other componentry. In general this will include liquid perfume, and products for skin care, hair care and makeup.
The overall dimensions of the sample pump device (100) should be made as small as possible. This will minimize the cost of an otherwise free sample, as well as minimize waste. Most especially, the thickness of the sample pump device should be minimized when the planned use is for insertion into printed circulars, such as magazines, newspapers, catalogs and the like. For example, in that case, the thickness of the sample pump device (100) should be 1.0 cm or less, preferably 0.75 cm or less, and more preferably 0.50 cm or less. In general, the maximum height should be 10.0 cm, preferably 8.5 cm, and more preferably 7.0 cm. The maximum width should be 6.0 cm, preferably 5.0 cm, and more preferably 4.0 cm.
The sample pump device described herein, uses minimal components. Nevertheless, it is suitable for insertion into printed circulars, because it can withstand the extreme pressures encountered during binding, bundling and distribution operations associated with printed circulars.
