DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to an all-plastic dispensing pump. More particularly, the present invention relates to the recyclable all-plastic dispensing pump including a mono material pump for dispensing liquid of varied viscosity from the container, where the dispensing pump is entirely made of recyclable plastics.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] Dispensing pumps are commonly used for dispensing various liquids, such as soap, shampoo, lotion, and other personal care products. A wide variety of dispensing pumps are available in the market, most of which contain metal springs and steel or glass balls. The dispensing pump with a metal spring may be susceptible to corrosion and may not be suitable for use with certain types of liquids. As a result of reactions between the liquid's constituents and the metal spring, the liquid may become contaminated.

[003] In order to recycle the dispensing pump, the metal spring must be separated from the pump. The metal spring and steel/glass ball in a dispensing pump can be more difficult to recycle than plastic components, which can make them less environmentally friendly. In addition, if the pump is not properly disposed of, it can contribute to pollution and other environmental issues.

[004] In view of this, there is a need that the dispensing pump be made of completely recyclable material. While satisfying this criteria, a producer of such a pump has to ensure consistent performance of the pump over time, and can also reduce the need for maintenance and repair.

[005] In the prior arts, the dispensing pumps made entirely of plastic material are revealed. According to the prior art, the plastic spring and plastic ball are provided to facilitate easy recycling of the dispensing pump. However, the majority of the plastic dispensing pumps available today use a POM (Polyoxymethylene) ball, which is difficult to recycle in the current recycling stream. Furthermore, it is preferable that all pump components be composed of the same material (known as a mono material pump) to facilitate recycling in the current stream.

[006] The US Patent US10138971B1 discloses a dispensing pump includes a polymer compression spring assembly. The dispensing pump includes a pump base, and a dispensing head having a piston stem. The polymer compression spring assembly includes a slotted tubular spring element and first and second loading cones received at opposing ends of the slotted tubular spring element. The first loading cone is fixed relative to the pump base while the second loading cone is axially movable with the piston stem and dispensing head. The tubular spring element is disposed coaxially about the piston stem between the cones. When the dispensing head is compressed, the loading cones axially compress toward each other whereby the slotted tubular spring element radially expands to create an opposing contraction force, and in turn, an axial extension force. When released, the spring element elastically contracts to its at rest shape, returning the loading cones and dispensing head to their at rest positions.

[007] The Patent WO2020046413A1 discloses a water resistant hand pump fabricated entirely from plastic components is provided. The pump comprises a pump housing, actuator, piston, chaplet, stem and a pump spring where the pump spring is in the form of an elastic dome made from an elastomeric polymer. The all plastic hand pump is suitable for dispensing liquids and creams from a dispenser bottle. Used pumps do not require disassembly to be recycled.

[008] The Korean Patent KR980009890A discloses a cylindrical chamber (13; 330) in which a liquid pump (1; 300) made of plastic applied to the vessel is connected to the vessel through a feeding hole (14; 240); And at least one piston (12; 320) that axially slides into said cylindrical chamber (13; 330); And a backflow prevention device; And a sidewall surface (50; 600) having a spiral structure (80; 520) and being configured to be integral with the bellows itself and having a spring made of plastic, the spring having a protruding reinforcing rib against the outer surface of the spiral structure, And at least one resilient bellows 40 (500; 800), which is recessed to be compressed by the spiral structure.

[009] The above-mentioned prior arts disclose the plastic dispensing pump with the plastic spring. Although plastic springs were used in the prior art, the plastic dispensing pump of the present invention differs from those of the prior art due to its distinctive spring design, a ball composed of recyclable plastic materials, and component arrangement. Furthermore, all recyclable plastic pump components could be manufactured of the same material (PP, HDPE, or LDPE).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[010] The primary object of the present invention is to provide all plastic dispensing pump with an improved structure that can be easily recyclable. The all-plastic dispensing pump includes a plastic spring and plastic ball in place of the metal spring and metal or glass ball, respectively, in the all-plastic dispensing pump.

[011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an all-plastic dispensing pump that enables easy and cost-effective recycling.

[012] The further object of the present invention is to provide an all-plastic dispensing pump in which all components are completely made of plastic material including mono material, which can be easily recycled in the current recycling stream.

[013] Another object of the present invention is that the plastic spring of the all-plastic dispensing pump can be formed by injection molding.

[014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an all-plastic dispensing pump that can be modified to accommodate varying dispensing volumes.

[015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an all-plastic dispensing pump that has a modular design structure that allows it to be customized with different components to create a unique system that can be tailored to a variety of different applications.

[016] The present invention pertains to an all-plastic dispensing pump designed for the efficient and sustainable dispensing of liquids. The dispensing pump is entirely made of recyclable plastic material, including a mono-material design, ensuring compatibility with existing recycling streams without the need for separation.

[017] In an aspect of the present invention, the all-plastic dispensing pump comprising an actuator connected to a hollow main stem, a hollow main stem having an inner passage, wherein the hollow main stem is connected to a cavity of the actuator at a first end and adapted to receive a piston at a second end, a plastic spring is located between the hollow main stem and a switch, a gasket is positioned below a housing collar and inside an outer cap (closure), the said gasket is configured to prevent leakage of dispensing liquid, an outer cap (closure) is situated between the switch and housing, a piston connected to the hollow main stem at an upper end and extended into housing, a sub-stem is attached to the hollow main stem and suspended beneath the piston, a ball valve is positioned at a lower end of the housing and in contact with fluid through a dip tube, a dip tube is positioned below the ball valve, the said dip tube is controlled by the ball valve for fluid flow.

[018] In an aspect of the present invention, the all plastic dispensing pump is manufactured through injection molding.

[019] In an aspect of the present invention, the switch, main stem and actuator are configured to regulate the movement of the plastic spring.

[020] In an aspect of the present invention, the plastic spring comprises a helical spring with a double start spring design and sub coil.

[021] In an aspect of the present invention, each component of the all plastic dispensing pump is made of the same plastic material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

[022] In an aspect of the present invention, the all-plastic dispensing pump comprising an actuator connected to a hollow main stem, a hollow main stem having an inner passage, wherein the hollow main stem is connected to a cavity of the actuator at a first end and adapted to receive a piston at a second end, a plastic spring is located between the hollow main stem and a switch, a gasket is positioned below a housing collar and inside an outer cap (closure), the said gasket is configured to prevent leakage of dispensing liquid, an outer cap(closure) is situated between the switch and housing, a piston connected to the hollow main stem at an upper end and extended into housing, a sub-stem is attached to the hollow main stem and suspended beneath the piston, a check valve is positioned at a lower end of the housing, a dip tube is positioned below the check valve, the said dip tube is controlled by the check valve for fluid flow.

[023] In an aspect of the present invention, the check valve comprises a hemisphere structure and a rib.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[024] The invention has other advantages and features which will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates the cross-sectional view of the all-plastic dispensing pump of the Present Invention.
Fig.2 illustrates the perspective view of the all-plastic dispensing pump of the Present Invention.
Fig. 3A illustrates the plastic spring design.
Fig.3B illustrates the helical plastic spring design.
Fig. 4 illustrates the check valve design.
Fig. 5 illustrates the leakproof design of the all-plastic dispensing pump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[025] The invention is described herein in detail with the help of figures appended at the end of the specification. The figures illustrate the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments that define the scope of the present invention. However, it may be understood that the figures presented herein are intended to exemplify the scope of the invention only. The person skilled in art may note that by no means the figures limit the scope of the invention. Any variation in the drawings by any other person will be falling in the scope of the present invention.

[026] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The meaning of "a", "an", and "the" include plural references. The meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on." Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. Additionally, a reference to the singular includes a reference to the plural unless otherwise stated or inconsistent with the disclosure herein.

[027] The present disclosure generally relates to the all-plastic dispensing pump which is entirely made of recyclable plastic material. In particular, the present invention pertains to the dispensing pump that will be used to dispense liquids of varying viscosities. The dispensing pump employs a plastic spring rather than a metallic spring, which increases recycling rates, and a plastic ball rather than a metal ball or POM ball or glass ball. An all-plastic dispensing pump can be easily recycled in the current recycling process without being separated.

[028] As illustrated in Fig.1 and Fig.2, an all-plastic dispensing pump 100 consists of an actuator 11, a hollow main stem 10, a switch 9, a plastic spring 8, a gasket 7, an outer cap (closure) 6, a piston 5, a sub stem 4, a housing 3, a ball valve 2 and a dip tube 1.

[029] The actuator 11 is attached to the hollow main stem 10 and moves it to draw fluid into the housing 3. The hollow main stem 10 having an inner passage 10A that is fluidly connected to the cavity 11A of the actuator 11 at the first end 10B and is adapted to receive the piston 5 at the second end 10C. The plastic spring 8 is located between the hollow main stem 10 and the switch 9. The outer cap (closure) 6 is situated between the switch 9 and the housing 3. The piston 5 is connected to the hollow main stem 10 at upper end 5A and extended into housing 3. The sub-stem 4 is attached to the hollow main stem 10 and is suspended beneath the piston 5. The dip tube 1 is positioned at the lower end 3A of the housing 3 and in contact with fluid via the ball valve 2. The gasket 7 fits inside the outer cap 6 and is positioned below a housing collar 3C to prevent leakage of dispensing liquid.

[030] By depressing the actuator 11, the piston 5 moves downward, activating the pump 100, and the liquid inside the container flows via the dip tube 1 and fills up the housing 3 due to the pressure differential between the container filled with fluid and housing 3. When the actuator 11 is pressed, the piston 5 moves downward which compresses the plastic spring 8 and moves the ball valve 2 upward. As the piston 5 moves, liquid flows from the dip tube 1 through the ball valve 2 and is finally released through the aperture of the actuator 11.

[031] Figure 3A depicts a spring 8A of a unique design, which is configured to achieve optimal performance and recyclability in dispensing pump technology.

[032] Figure 3B showcases an alternative design featuring a helical spring 8B with a double start spring 8C design configuration. This design variation is specifically developed to maintain stiffness and enhance the overall robustness of the dispensing pump mechanism. The incorporation of a double-start spring 8C design provides additional support and stability, ensuring reliable operation even under varying conditions. The helical spring 8B includes a sub-coil 8D with a reverse direction. By incorporating a sub-coil 8D with a reverse direction, the structure of the spring effectively counters potential bulging issues that may arise during compression and decompression cycles.

[033] In another embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4 illustrates that the all-plastic dispensing pump 100A is provided with the check valve 20 design featuring a hemisphere structure 20A and rib 20B configuration, aimed at eliminating the need for a ball valve 2 in the dispensing pump design. The check valve 20, composed of hemisphere structure 20A and rib 20B, is strategically designed to efficiently regulate the flow of liquid without relying on a ball valve 2. The hemisphere structure 20A, facilitates fluid passage through its well-defined shape, while the rib 20B enhances stability and control.

[034] Fig. 5 depicts the leakproof design of the all plastic dispensing pump 100 for reducing the water ingress into the dispensing pump 100 during showering, particularly for items like shampoo and conditioner that can be diluted if exposed to water. To provide a waterproof feature and mitigate water ingress, the diameter of the actuator 11 is designed to be larger than that of the main stem 10. By enlarging the diameter of the actuator 11, the potential entry points for water ingress are minimized, reducing the risk of diluting the product contained within the container.

[035] In an embodiment of the present invention, all components of the dispensing pump 100 including the spring assembly, are made of the same plastic material, thereby making the entire device easily recyclable under a single category of plastics. Polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) are examples of suitable plastic materials.

[036] In an embodiment, the all plastic dispensing pump 100 includes a mono material pump. In mono material pump,every component of the dispensing pump 100 is made of similar plastic material. Mono material pump is more sustainable because it is made up of a single type of plastic, rather than having to be separated into different types of plastic to be recycled.

[037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the entire pump is manufactured from injection-molded plastics.

[038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the spring 8 is formed by the injection molding process and provides tension between the main stem 10 and the switch 9 to regulate the dispensing process. The uniform wall thickness of the spring 8 is achieved through precise injection molding, ensures optimum tension, providing consistent and reliable performance.

[039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the spring 8 performs the same fundamental function as the traditional metal spring in dispensing pumps, providing the necessary tension and elasticity to facilitate the pumping action effectively. Despite being made of plastic, this innovative spring 8 is designed to match the performance and effectiveness of traditional metal springs. By carefully optimizing its design and material composition, the spring 8 demonstrates comparable resilience, durability, and reliability in operating the dispensing pump mechanism.

[040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the spring 8 is configured to provide tension between the actuator and the switch over the main stem 10 to regulate the dispensing process.

[041] In other embodiment of the present invention, designs of the housing 3 and main stem 10 can differ depending on the volume of liquid to be dispensed.

[042] Although a particular exemplary embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that variations or modifications of the disclosed invention, including the rearrangement in the configurations of the parts, changes in steps and their sequences may be possible. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[043] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION:
[044] The present invention provides an all-plastic dispensing pump that enables easy and cost-effective recycling.
[045] The present invention provides an all-plastic dispensing pump in that all components are completely made of plastics and can be easily recycled in the existing recycling stream.
[046] The present invention provides an all-plastic pump that can be easily customizable to meet the requirements of a wide range of uses.
[047] The present invention provides an all-plastic pump that reduces the need for frequent replacements and enhances product lifespan.
[048] The present invention provides an all-plastic pump that is compatible with a wide range of liquid products, including cosmetics, toiletries, cleaning agents, catering to diverse consumer needs.
,CLAIMS:1. An all plastic dispensing pump 100, comprising:
an actuator 11 connected to a hollow main stem 10;
a hollow main stem 10 having an inner passage 10A, wherein the hollow main stem 10 connected to a cavity 11A of the actuator 11 at a first end 10B and adapted to receive a piston 5 at a second end 10C;
a spring 8 located between the hollow main stem 10 and a switch 9;
a gasket 7 positioned below a housing collar 3C and inside an outer cap 6, the said gasket 7 configured to prevent leakage of dispensing liquid;
an outer cap 6 situated between the switch 9 and a housing 3;
a piston 5 connected to the hollow main stem 10 at an upper end 5A and extended into a housing 3;
a sub-stem 4 attached to the hollow main stem 10 and suspended beneath the piston 5;
a ball valve 2 positioned at a lower end 3A of the housing 3 and in contact with fluid through a dip tube 1;
a dip tube 1 positioned below the ball valve 2, the said dip tube 1 controlled by the ball valve 2 for fluid flow.
2. The all plastic dispensing pump 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch 9, main stem 10 and acturor 11 are configured to regulate the movement of the spring 8.
3. The all plastic dispensing pump 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spring 8 comprises a helical spring 8B with a double start spring 8C design and sub coil 8D.
4. The all plastic dispensing pump 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein each component of the all plastic dispensing pump 100 is made of the same plastic material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
5. The all plastic dispensing pump 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein all plastic dispensing pump 100 is manufactured through injection molding.
6. An all plastic dispensing pump 100A, comprising:
an actuator 11 connected to a hollow main stem 10;
a hollow main stem 10 having an inner passage 10A, wherein the hollow main stem 10 connected to a cavity 11A of the actuator 11 at a first end 10B and adapted to receive a piston 5 at a second end 10C;
a spring 8 located between the hollow main stem 10 and a switch 9;
a gasket 7 positioned below a housing collar 3C and inside an outer cap 6, the said gasket 7 configured to prevent leakage of dispensing liquid;
an outer cap 6 situated between the switch 9 and a housing 3;
a piston 5 connected to the hollow main stem 10 at an upper end 5A and extended into a housing 3;
a sub-stem 4 attached to the hollow main stem 10 and suspended beneath the piston 5;
a check valve 20 positioned at a lower end 3A of the housing 3;
a dip tube 1 positioned below the check valve 20,the said dip tube 1 controlled by the check valve 20 for fluid flow.
7. The all plastic dispensing pump 100A as claimed in claim 7, wherein the check valve 20 comprises a hemisphere structure 20A and a rib 20B.
8. The all plastic dispensing pump 100A as claimed in claim 7, wherein all plastic dispensing pump 100A is manufactured through injection molding.