Dispensing pump for product storage and dispensing container
and container provided with such a pump
The present invention relates to a dispensing pump intended to
be mounted on a product storage and dispensing container for
dispensing product stored therein.
More specifically, the invention relates to a pump such as this
in which product is dispensed by deforming a variable-volume
pumping chamber either by hand or using an actuating member.
Pumps such as this are already known in the prior art. Thus,
document EP-B-0 900 598, discloses a pump for a fluid cosmetic
product, which comprises a pumping chamber that can be elastically
deformed under the action of a push-button and which is associated
with a product inlet valve, which valve communicates with a container
on which the pump is mounted, and also associated with a product
dispensing valve via which the product is delivered as it leaves the
pump.
According to the pump described in that document, the push-
button is actuated in an overall direction that is coaxial with the
container, thus imposing severe limitations on how the pump can be
used.
Furthermore, that pump comprises a relatively high number of
parts, which has an impact on its cost of manufacture and on
environmental conservation issues.
Also known, from document EP-A-1 243 216, is a dispensing
pump for dispensing shampoo and which comprises, mounted in a
cylindrical support itself fixed to the neck of a container, a dip tube, a
pumping chamber, and an axially actuated dispensing member. Valves
are provided on each side of the distribution chamber.
As already indicated, according to the arrangement described in
that document, actuation is in a direction coaxial with the tube.
Further, the pump also comprises a relatively high number of parts,
making it relatively expensive to manufacture.

What is more, according to this arrangement, the pumping
chamber is produced in the form of a bellows, this meaning that it has
to be manufactured separately from the dip tube and the actuating
member. Furthermore, the use of bellows means that it is not possible
to have effective control over the deformation experienced by the
pumping chamber upon actuation, leading to poor control over the
dose dispensed and poor repeatability of dispensed doses. The use of a
bellows presents additional problems of reliability, particularly when
using a large-diameter pumping chamber, as the bellows is liable to
rupture eventually.
With a view to improving ergonomics, it has been proposed
that the pumping chamber be produced in such a way as to make it
radially deformable, either by hand or under the action of a trigger
provided with an operating lever which, during operation, presses
laterally against the deformable wall of the pumping chamber.
In this regard, reference may be made to document
FR 2 141 309 which describes an arrangement such as this.
However, the pump described in that document once again has
a relatively high number of parts, making its cost of manufacture
relatively high.
It has further been proposed to produce the pumping chamber
in the form of a flexible tube that may extend right into the reservoir
to form a dip tube.
Documents FR 1508 161; GB-A-2 182 726; US 4 631 008;
US 3 066 832; US 3 881 641 and FR 2 389 105 provide information as
to how to produce such pumps.
The pumps described in those documents are trigger operated
which generally means that the product has to be dispensed in just one
position, either head up or head down.
In any event, the tube used to produce the pumping chamber
has no valve, which means that if the pump is unused for a lengthy
period of time, there is a risk that the product will become impaired
and the pump blocked, especially if the product is viscous.
Furthermore, in numerous solutions recommended in the prior

art, the doses that can be dispensed are relatively small.
Finally, reference may be made to document FR 2 341 518
which describes another type of dispensing pump comprising a dip
tube inserted in a container and internally comprising two valves
delimiting a pumping chamber, and a member for actuating the
pumping chamber in order to deform it radially.
However, the dip tube here is made in two parts and comprises,
particularly in the region of the pumping chamber, a flexible internal
tube and a member covering this tube. This cover member comprises a
rigid outer tube, or sleeve, fixed to the neck of the container, and the
actuating member comprises a stem that fits in between the elastically
deformable tube and the rigid tube and acts upon a part of the dip tube
located inside the volume of the container.
As a result, the dip tube has a relatively complicated structure
and its assembly is difficult to reconcile with high production rates.
Furthermore, the cover member made of a metallic material,
being in contact with the product, may cause undesirable interactions
with the said product and may, in particular, bring about physico-
chemical changes to the product, for example it may cause the said
product to take on a different colour.
In the light of the foregoing, there is therefore a need to have a
pump which solves all or some of the aforementioned disadvantages
and, in particular, is at once attractive from an aesthetic viewpoint,
ergonomic and relatively simple to manufacture, and can be
manufactured at low cost.
A subject of the invention, in one of its aspects, is a dispensing
pump intended to be mounted on a product storage and dispensing
container comprising:
- a variable-volume pumping chamber, and
- a dip tube having a first end able to be inserted inside the
container where it picks up product and a product-dispensing second
end at the exit from the pumping chamber.
According to a general feature of this pump the dip tube has
two valves and at least one elastically deformable portion running

between the said valves that delimit the said pumping chamber.
The invention thus makes it possible, by virtue of the fact that
the pumping chamber is produced in the form of an elastically
deformable portion of a dip tube delimited by two valves, for letting
product into the chamber and for dispensing the product, to produce a
pump from a very small number of parts and therefore at a low cost,
making it possible to offer various actuating options, while at the same
time reducing the risk of product impairment. In particular, a pump
such as this can be produced from a single type of material, thus
offering an advantage from the standpoint of the recycling of the parts
employed.
Furthermore, according to another feature of the invention, the
tube is produced by extrusion. This then considerably simplifies the
manufacture and assembly of the pump, and in particular, the
production of the dip tube.
As a result, advantageously, the said elastically deformable
portion and the said dip tube are produced as a single piece.
Advantageously, the first end has an end region set back
relative to a free end of the tube.
It is thus possible to extend the dip tube right down to the
closed end of the container, or even into contact with the closed end,
where it can collect product, without the free end of the dip tube being
blocked off by the wall of that closed end.
Thus, in one embodiment, the first end of the tube has a cutout.
For example, the free first end of the tube has at least one slot
particularly of triangular, square or rectangular cross section.
As an alternative, the free first end of the tube is mitred or has
an overall corrugated shape.
According to a preferred embodiment that does not generate
any scrap, this first end of the tube is cut in an easier way using a
linear and sequential process. The chosen shape allows part of the dip
tube to be in contact with the closed end of the container while at the
same time allowing product contained in this container to be collected.
According to another feature of the pump according to the

invention, at least one of the valves is added to the tube and held
therein by friction, clamping or force-fitting.
It will be noted that, for example, when at rest, the tube has a
cross section of constant size.
Advantageously, the cross section of the tube has a size,
particularly a diameter, of between 3 mm and 15 mm, preferably
between 8 mm and 12 mm, and in particular of about 10 mm.
The tube may also advantageously engage, if appropriate
fixedly, directly with the neck of the container. In other words, the
external wall of the tube may engage with the internal wall defined by
the mouth of the container.
In various embodiments, at least one of the valves is formed
with an element chosen from a ball valve, a disc valve, a slot valve, a
gate valve in which the shutter has a translational movement, a flap
valve in which the shutter has a pivoting movement, and a needle
valve.
According to yet another feature of the invention, the second
end of the tube has a self-closing peripheral wall capable of opening
under the effect of a raised pressure caused when the pumping
chamber is deformed.
In one exemplary embodiment, the pump further comprises a
product applicator mounted on the second end of the tube.
It may also comprise a pump actuating member capable of
deforming the pumping chamber. The actuating member may be
designed to create suction within the tube. It may be positioned
between a dispensing valve and a mouth of the container defining a
mounting opening for the said tube. More generally, the actuating
member may run between the said opening and the dispensing head.
This actuating member may be mounted such that it can be removed, if
appropriate so that it is interchangeable.
This actuating member can thus be provided on an external part
of the tube that projects out of the container. In other words, this
member may extend outside the interior volume defined by the
container, and may potentially do so exclusively. The mouth may

possibly itself form an actuating surface that the user may, for
example, use as a surface to which he or she applies force in order to
deform the cross section of the tube, particularly by folding or bending
it. This external part may also be large enough to allow the user to
operate the tube with his or her fingers directly, such as by
compressing the tube.
The dispensing valve may also be provided in the external part
of the dip tube that projects out of the container. The inlet valve may
for its part lie within the interior volume of the container. As an
alternative, the inlet valve may also be provided outside of this
volume.
For example, the actuating member comprises a clamp.
It may also comprise a tab capable of allowing the tube to be
twisted.
The actuating member may also comprise a member for
lengthening the tube.
For example, the actuating member comprises a trigger
equipped with a first end region that can be actuated by hand, and with
a second end region, at the opposite end to the first end region with
respect to an axis about which the trigger is articulated and which
region is firmly attached to the tube.
Another subject of the invention, in another of its aspects, is a
product storage and dispensing container comprising a reservoir for
storing the said product. This container further comprises a pump as
defined hereinabove.
According to another feature of the container, the first end of
the dip tube extends, inside the reservoir, down near to the closed end
of the said reservoir, or even into contact with the said closed end
In one embodiment, the reservoir contains a flexible pouch on
which the pump is mounted.
The container further comprises a rigid outer shell surrounding
the reservoir.
In another embodiment, the reservoir is made of a rigid
material, the said pump comprising an air intake passage.

A further subject of the invention is a method of dispensing a
product using a pump as defined hereinabove, this method involving
the steps of :
- deforming the dip tube by locally reducing the cross section
of the tube at least in the region lying between the valves;
- collecting a dose of product; and
- filling the pumping chamber by releasing the tube.
In one embodiment, when the tube is being deformed, it is
being deformed by bending it.
The tube may also be deformed by compressing it.
The tube may alternatively be deformed by lengthening the said
tube.
As an alternative, the tube may be deformed by twisting it.
Another subject of the invention is a dispensing pump intended
to be mounted on a product storage and dispensing container,
comprising:
- a variable-volume pumping chamber, and
- a dip tube having a first end able to be inserted inside the
container where it picks up product and a product-dispensing second
end at the exit from the pumping chamber,
in which the dip tube defines an axis of elongation and at rest
has a cross section of substantially constant size, the said tube
comprising two valves, at least one elastically deformable portion
running between the said valves that delimit the said pumping
chamber. A tube such as this could then preferably be produced by
extrusion, or otherwise, using rotational moulding or injection
moulding.
A further subject of the invention is a dispensing pump
intended to be mounted on a product storage and dispensing container,
comprising:
- a variable-volume pumping chamber, and
- a dip tube having a first end able to be inserted inside the
container where it picks up product and a product-dispensing second
end at the exit from the pumping chamber,

in which the said tube comprises two valves, at least one
elastically deformable portion running between the said valves that
delimit the said pumping chamber and in which this tube has a part
external to the container that can be actuated by hand by the user by
pressing his or her fingers directly onto the said portion or using a
product-dispensing actuating member attached around this external
part.
A further subject of the invention is a dispensing pump
intended to be mounted on a product storage and dispensing container,
comprising:
- a variable-volume pumping chamber, and
- a dip tube having a first end able to be inserted inside the
container where it picks up product and a product-dispensing second
end at the exit from the pumping chamber,
in which the said tube comprises two valves, at least one
elastically deformable portion running between the said valves that
delimit the said pumping chamber, the said pump comprising means of
twisting the tube that act as a product-dispensing actuating member.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will
become apparent from reading the following description, given solely
by way of nonlimiting example and made with reference to the
attached drawings in which :
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a product storage and
dispensing container equipped with one exemplary embodiment of a
pump according to the invention ;
- Figure 2 is an outline diagram illustrating the operation of the
pump of Figure 1 ;
- Figure 3 illustrates a first alternative form of the pump of
Figure 1;
- Figure 4 shows a second alternative form of the pump of
Figure 1;
- Figure 5 illustrates the principle of operation of the pump of
Figure 4;
- Figure 6 shows a third alternative form of the pump of Figure

1;
- Figure 7 illustrates the principle of operation of the pump of
Figure 6;
- Figure 8 is an outline diagram illustrating another way of
using a pump according to the invention;
- Figure 9 is a perspective view of a fourth alternative form of
a pump according to the invention, employing the principle illustrated
in Figure 8;
- Figures 10 to 19 illustrate various embodiments of the valves
that form part of a pump according to the invention;
- Figures 20 to 22 schematically illustrate various embodiments
of the free end of the dip tube; and
- Figure 23 illustrates one way of using a pump according to
the invention.
Figure 1 depicts, schematically and in perspective, a product
storage and dispensing container 1 provided with a pump 2 according
to the invention.
In the position illustrated in Figure 1, the assembly has an
overall axis X-X' depicted in a position assumed to be vertical.
In the exemplary embodiment depicted, the container 1
comprises a reservoir that has a closed bottom end 3 and an open top
end 4 forming a neck, on which the pump 2 is mounted, for example by
screwing.
The container is, for example, intended to contain a cosmetic
or care product. The cosmetic product is to be understood to mean a
product as defined in Commission Directive 93/35/EC of 14 June 1993.
However, it would not constitute a departure from the scope of
the invention if any other fluid, liquid or viscous product were to be
contained in the container 1 and dispensed by the pump 2.
As can be seen in Figure 1, the pump 2 essentially consists of a
dip tube 5 which comprises a lower end 6 via which the product
contained in the container 1 enters the tube 5 and which extends into
the container towards the closed bottom end 3 of the container 1,
particularly in contact with the end wall 7 of the container, and an

opposite top end 8 which extends out of the container and via which
the product is dispensed as it. leaves the pump.
The tube 5, at rest, advantageously has a cross section of
constant size. This cross section is advantageously circular but could
equally well be polygonal, particularly square, or oval. This cross
section may have a size and, in particular a diameter, of between 3 mm
and 15 mm, more preferably of between 8 mm and 12 mm, and in
particular of about 10 mm.
The lower end 6 of the dip tube may extend into contact with,
or at most to 10 mm away from, the end wall of the container.
The tube 5 may be mounted on the container using a fastener.
This fastener may involve a clip-fastening, screw-fastening or
crimping ring to be mounted on the neck of the container as a tight fit.
For example, in its middle, the tube 5 is provided with a
threaded ring b, screw-fastened onto the neck of the container and thus
holding the tube 5 in place, for example through friction.
The container may alternatively be provided with a cap (not
depicted) that fits over the top end of the tube.
With reference also to Figure 2, the way in which the pump
works is essentially based on deforming a pumping head formed by a
manually accessible portion 9 of the tube 5 which therefore extends
out of the container 1.
Thus, the dip tube 5 is at least partly made of an elastically
deformable material, particularly the portion 9. For example, for a
tube having an internal diameter of 10mm and an external diameter of
14mm, the stiffness constant of the tube, axially measured using a
texturometer, is of 4000N/m, and advantageously between 3000N/m
and 6000N/m, to ensure a confortable and efficient working of the
tube.
The tube 5 and the portion 9 are produced as one piece.
Advantageously, the tube 5 is made as one piece by extruding a
flexible plastic. As an alternative, this tube could just as well be
produced by a moulding operation, such as a rotational moulding or an
injection moulding operation.

However, producing the tube by extrusion is also advantageous
in that it allows the production of a very long tube, for example one
more than three centimetres, particularly more than eight centimetres,
and even more particularly more than twelve centimetres long, with a
diameter that is constant.
The tube 5 is also advantageously a one-walled tube, that is to
say a tube that has no sleeve or outer wall. For preference, all the
component parts of the pump are made of one and the same type of
material such as one or more plastic.
In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2,
deformation is produced by taking hold of the tube 5 by hand, in the
portion 9 that forms the pump body and, in particular, by squeezing it
between two fingers D, for example between the thumb and index
finger, so as to apply a force in a radially inward direction (arrow Fl).
As can be seen in Figure 2, which illustrates the principle of
operation of the pump, the manually operable region 9 is delimited by
a bottom valve, referenced 10, and by a top valve, referenced 11,
positioned facing one another so that they operate in the same
direction.
It will be noted in this regard that, because the tube is made as
one piece and, in particular, because it is produced by extrusion, it is
possible to produce a dip tube that has an elastically deformable
region delimiting a pumping chamber and also incorporating valve
seats S.
In the example depicted, the bottom and top valves consist of
valves of the ball valve type, with the balls, such as B, resting, when
at rest, on a seat S. They are each positioned in the tube 5 in such a
way that when a raised pressure caused by a force, in this instance a
transverse force, is applied to the tube in such a way as to cause a
resultant deformation that leads to a localized reduction in cross
section, one of the valves, namely the bottom valve 10, closes, while
the other valve, namely the top valve 11, opens (arrow F2) and a dose
of product is dispensed through the top valve 11 and then to the pump
outlet (arrow F3).

After the product has been dispensed, when the tube 5 is
released, the elastically deformable region 9 returns to its initial
position. The resultant suction causes the top valve 11 to close, the
bottom valve 10 to open and resultant filling of the deformable region
9 of the dip tube.
In other words, the elastically deformable and manually
operable region 9 of the dip tube 5 constitutes a variable-volume
pumping chamber axially delimited by the bottom and top valves,
which can be locally compressed in order to reduce its volume and
cause a dose of product to be dispensed, the pumping chamber,
following release, returning to its initial volume in order to admit
product, because of the elasticity of the wall of which the tube is
made. The lower end 6 of the tube 5 Is therefore desired to be
upstream of the pumping chamber while the top end 8 extends
downstream of the pumping chamber.
A person skilled in the art will therefore produce the tube and,
in particular, the pumping chamber, from a material that can easily be
deformed by hand, while being unlikely to allow unwanted actuation
of the pump, and which is capable of returning to its initial position, at
the same time drawing in product, all this according to the nature of
the product to be drawn in.
As indicated earlier, producing the tube using extrusion is
advantageous insofar as it allows the production of a tube and, in
particular, of a pumping chamber, that provides better control of the
dose of product dispensed.
It is possible in this regard to choose a material with a shore
hardness of less than 45 D and a bending modulus of less than 200
MPa.
By way of example, the tube 5 may be made of elastomer, for
example elastomers of the SBR or CR type, such as the elastomers
marketed under the names Neopren® or Baypren®, of the EPDM or
EPM type, such as the neoprenes marketed under the names Vistalon®,
Polysar EPM®, Buna EP® or Nordel®, of the FPM or FKM type, such
as the elastomers marketed under the trade names Technoflon®,

Fluorel®, Aflas® or Viton®, of the MQ, MVQ, MPQ, FVMQ or FMQ
type, such as the elastomers marketed under the trade names
Tygoprene®, Syloprene®, Sylastic®, FSE®, Sylon®, Elastosil®, or
Rhodorsil®, of the EVM type such as the Levapren, Levamelt®,
Baymod L® elastomers, or alternatively of the AU or EU type.
Use may also be made of thermoplastic elastomers of the TPO
or TPV type, such as the elastomers marketed under the names
Engage®, Santoprene®, Trefsin®, Sarlink® or Alcryn®, or the SBC,
TPU, PEBA type or those based on Propylene Ethylene such as the
elastomers marketed under the names Multiflex TPE®, Pebax® or
Adflex®.
However, use could equally be made of flexible thermoplastics
of the EVA or VLDPE type, such as the thermoplastics marketed under
the names Evatane®, Greenflex®, Escorene Ultra® or Clearflex®.
The arrangement that has just been described makes it possible
to produce a pump essentially consisting of a dip tube internally
provided with two, bottom and top, valves which between them delimit
a pumping chamber, the pump therefore being produced with a reduced
number of parts, this advantageously having an impact on its cost of
manufacture and also on environmental protection issues.
Further, by virtue of the fact that the pump is produced with a
small number of parts, the number of materials of different kinds in
contact with the fluid that has to be circulated is minimized.
Furthermore, actuating the pump by deforming the dip tube by hand
allows, as will be described in detail later, wide flexibility in its use,
allowing various operating options and furthermore allowing for
particularly quiet operation.
Thus, for one and the same tube, it is possible to deform the
pumping chamber in different ways, by lengthening it, by twisting it,
by rubbing it, etc.
It will also be noted that, in use, the amount of product
dispensed depends on the extent to which the tube is deformed.
Specifically, the dose of product dispensed by the pump is equal to the
variation in volume caused by the mechanical deformation applied to

the flexible tube. It is therefore possible to deliver different doses,
from one use to another, according to the user's desires and, if
appropriate, to deliver large quantities of product.
It will also be noted that, whereas in the exemplary
embodiment described, the tube may be mounted on the container by
means of a fastener it may also, as an alternative, be possible to mount
the tube in such a way that it comes into direct contact with the
internal wall of the neck so that the neck holds the tube in place by
friction so as to obtain a sealed assembly, it then being possible to
omit the fixing ring.
It will finally be noted that, with a view to making the pump
easier to use, the top end 8 may be provided with a dispensing
member. It is possible, in this regard, and as illustrated in Figure 1, to
provide the tube 5 with a dispensing head 12, for example push-fitted
onto the top end 8 of the tube to make dispensing easier, and in
particular to improve precision. In particular, the dispensing head may
comprise a duct of small cross section or may be fitted with a nozzle
provided with a swirl-inducing system.
Of course, as an alternative, other types of applicator or
dispensing member may be mounted on the top end of the tube 5.
Members of the porous element, rollerball, etc. type may be used in
this regard.
The invention is not of course restricted to the embodiment
described, and other embodiments are illustrated in Figures 3 to 23.
Whereas in the embodiment described previously with
reference to Figures 1 and 2, the tube was deformed by squeezing the
tube manually between two fingers D, with reference to Figure 3 it is
possible to fit the pump head with a pump actuating member.
However, it will be noted that in these various embodiments,
the pumping chamber extends, at least in part, outside of the container.
In other words, when it is intended to be operated by hand, the user
can easily position his or her fingers on the elastically deformable
pumping chamber in order to actuate it by hand. Likewise, when use is
made of an actuating member, this member is mounted on the outside

of the container in such a way that it can be replaced should it
malfunction or changed if there is any desire to change the way in
which the pumping chamber is actuated.
In the exemplary embodiment depicted in this Figure, the tube
is provided with a clamp P of which two branches 13 and 14 locally
surround the manually accessible region 9 and can be brought closer
together by hand (arrow F4) in order to deform the tube transversely.
The clamp P may be made of an elastically deformable material
capable of avoiding preventing the filling of the pumping chamber. As
an alternative, the clamp may be made of a rigid, non-deformable,
material provided with an articulation returned to the rest position in
the released position, by virtue of the flexibility of the tube.
Furthermore, whereas in the exemplary embodiments already
described, the tube is deformed by compressing it, it is also possible,
as an alternative and as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, to envisage
deforming the tube by bending it (arrow F5).
In this embodiment, which essentially differs from the
embodiments already described only in the way in which the pump
head is actuated, from a rest position in which the tube runs
essentially along the axis X-X' of the container, it is simply necessary
to exert a lateral force on the free end 8 of the tube in order to bend it
and thereby cause a localized reduction In cross section causing a
resultant reduction in the volume of the pumping chamber.
The free end of the tube may then be provided with a fixed stop
produced, for example, in the form of a relief 15, to make the pump
head easier to actuate. However, as an alternative, the mouth of the
container, particularly the internal edge delimiting the opening of this
mouth, may form a surface actuating the pumping chamber by folding
the tube at this point.
According to a third alternative form illustrated in Figures 6
and 7, the pumping chamber is deformed by applying torsion to the
tube by twisting it. This can be done by applying a torsional force to
the tube and thereby reducing the volume of the pumping chamber. As
visible in Figure 6, the pump head may then be fitted with a tab 16 to

make it easier to apply the torsional force (arrow F6).
With reference now to Figure 8, the tube may alternatively be
deformed by elongating it.
In other words, when a tensile force is applied to the tube, the
resultant deformation leads to a reduction in cross section along the
pumping chamber and causes product to be dispensed through the top
valve 11.
By contrast, when the tube is released, the pumping chamber
returns to its initial position (arrow F7) which causes suction in the
pumping chamber, causes the top valve 11 to close, the bottom valve
10 to open (arrow F8) and the product to be sucked in through the
bottom valve 10 (arrow F9).
With reference to Figure 9, to make it easier to lengthen the
tube, a lengthening member may be provided on the ring b, this
member comprising a trigger 17 comprising a first end region 17a that
can be actuated by hand in a direction that is generally transverse
(arrow F10), a second end region 17b firmly attached to the free end 8
of the tube and a middle part 17c bearing against or articulated to a
base 18 secured to the ring B.
In this embodiment, dispensing is in a direction essentially
transverse or essentially oblique to the overall axis X-X' of the tube,
the pumping chamber then being configured in such a way as to form
an elbow inserted and guided in a groove 19 made in the base.
For example, in this embodiment, the second free end 17b
forms a fork on which there rests a collar 20 made near the free end of
the tube 5 and, in particular, the face of the collar situated on the
opposite side to the end of the tube 5. As a result, when pressure is
exerted on the first end region 17a, the fork 17b applies a lateral or, in
general, an oblique, force to the collar 20 and as a result causes the
pumping chamber to lengthen.
This deformation by lengthening causes a reduction in the cross
section of the tube and causes a dose of product of a size
corresponding to the amount of deformation, to be dispensed.
Following release, the elasticity of the tube on the one hand

fills the pumping chamber and, on the other hand, repositions the
trigger in its initial position.
As already mentioned, in the various embodiments described,
the pumping chamber is delimited by a bottom valve 10 and by a top
valve 11. In the embodiment visible in Figures 1, 2 and 8, the top and
bottom valves each consist of a ball valve.
In this case, as illustrated in Figure 10, the valve comprises a
body 22 which has a generally cylindrical external peripheral surface
and a closed end provided with one or more passages 23 and which
internally comprises a housing accommodating a ball B delimited, on
the one hand, by the closed end 23 and, on the other hand, by an
annular seat 24 against which the ball B rests when the valve is in the
open position.
However, it is equally possible to use, in place of a ball valve,
a slot valve (Figure 11), a disc valve (Figures 12 and 13) in which a
moving disc 25, held by elastically deforrnable lateral branches such
as 26, closes a product flow orifice, or alternatively a gate valve in
which the shutter can move translationally (Figure 14), a needle valve
(Figure 15), or alternatively a flap valve in which the shutter is able to
pivot (Figure 16).
It will, however, be noted that, in the embodiment illustrated in
Figures 12 and 13, the valve is produced from a flexible material, for
example a flexible elastomer. Although this has the disadvantage of
creating a restriction, it remains very simple to produce.
In the various envisaged embodiments, the inlet valve 11 that
lets product into the chamber may be provided in the interior volume
of the container, while the delivery valve that dispenses product 10
may extend outside of the container, that is to say beyond the neck of
the container.
It will be noted in this regard that, as already mentioned, the
pumping chamber extends at least partly outside of the container. In
other words, the dip tube comprises a part which is inserted in the
container and thus falls inside the interior volume of the container and
extends as far as the mouth, and a part external to the container, that

projects out of the container and of its mouth. This projecting part may
serve to attach the actuating member.
At least the internal part may have no covering sheath or
external sleeve, over at least 50% of its height, preferably over 75% of
its height, and as a preference over its entire height, so that over its
height via which the tube is intended to be inserted into the tube in
contact with the product, the volume reserved for the product in the
container can be greater. It is also possible to envisage at least the
external part of the tube having no cover member. The tube may
possibly be devoid of cover member over its entire height, possibly
except for the height of a dispensing head attachment section. This
partial or complete lack of cover member makes it possible to avoid
potential physico-chemical modifications to the product contained in
the container, particularly when this cover member is made of (a)
metallic material(s).
With reference to Figures 17 to 19, as far as the top valve 11 is
concerned, the second end 8 of the pumping chamber may alternatively
be produced in the form of a self-closing peripheral wall, that is to say
of a wall which is closed in the rest position (Figures 17 and 18). By
contrast, when a raised pressure is created in the pumping chamber,
this end opens up spontaneously to allow the fluid to flow. When the
pumping chamber is released, the end of the pumping chamber will
spontaneously close itself again to let product into the chamber.
In the various embodiments envisaged in Figures 10 to 16, the
valves will preferably be produced in the form of an added element
inserted into the dip tube 5 and held therein by friction, clamping or
force fitting. This embodiment actually has the advantage of reducing
costs and enhancing ease of use.
Thanks to the elastically deformable material of the dip tube,
tha valves are kept in place by elastic deformation of the tube.
Avantageously, the valves have a length greater than their diameter.
In the various embodiments, the dip tube 5 will preferably be
produced in such a way that its free end bears against the surface of
the end wall 7 of the container 1. Thus, in use, the container 1 can be

completely emptied, it then becoming easier for liquid to be drawn up
from the closed end of the container.
However, in order to prevent the end wall 7 from being sucked
in and blocking the lower end 6 of the dip tube, this end of the tube is
configured in such a way that it has an end region 27 which is set back
from the free end 28. For example, with reference to Figure 20, this
set-back region may be produced in the form of a slot of triangular,
square or rectangular overall shape. However, as an alternative, it is
equally possible to configure the free end in the form of a mitre
(Figure 21) or in a corrugated form (Figure 22). These various shapes
are grouped together under the common heading of cutout.
It will finally be noted that the pump system that has just been
described may advantageously be used under conditions of the
"airless" type, that is to say packagings in which the products are
stored out of contact with the air. In this case, as illustrated in Figure
23, the container essentially comprises a flexible pouch 29 on which
the pump 2 is mounted. The reservoir may alternatively also have a
rigid outer shell 30 that conceals or protects the flexible pouch 29.
However, it is equally possible to use the pump that has just
been described on rigid containers. In this case, air intake passages
which serve in particular to lead atmospheric pressure into the
container before or during the filling of the chamber are
advantageously provided in the pump. Air intake can also be obtained
thanks to the elastically deformable material.
It will finally be noted that the invention is not of course
restricted to the embodiments described or envisaged. In particular,
the embodiments whereby the tube is made as a single piece by
extrusion, the embodiments whereby the tube at rest has a cross
section of constant size, the embodiments whereby the elastically
deformable pumping chamber is accessible from the outside, and the
embodiments whereby use is made of pumping chamber actuating
means that involve applying torsion to or twisting the tube may be
envisaged independently of one another and, as appropriate, combined
with all the other alternative forms envisaged earlier.

CLAIMS
1. Dispensing pump intended to be mounted on a product
storage and dispensing container (1), comprising:
- a variable-volume pumping chamber, and
- a dip tube (5) having a first end (6) able to be inserted inside
the container where it picks up product and a product-dispensing
second end (8) at the exit from the pumping chamber,
characterized in that the dip tube is produced by extrusion and has two
valves (10, 11), at least one elastically deformable portion (9) running
between the said valves that delimit the said pumping chamber.

2. Pump according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said
elastically deformable portion and the said dip tube are produced as a
single piece.
3. Pump according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in
that the first end has an end region (27) set back relative to a free end
(28) of the tube.
4. Pump according to Claim 3, characterized in that the first
end of the tube has a cutout.
5. Pump according to Claim 4, characterized in that the free
first end of the tube has at least one slot particularly of triangular,
square or rectangular cross section.
6. Pump according to Claim 4, characterized in that the free
first end of the tube is mitred.
7. Pump according to Claim 4, characterized in that the free
first end of the tube has an overall corrugated shape.
8. Pump according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in
that at least one of the valves (10, 11) is added to the tube and held
therein by friction.
9. Pump according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in
that, when at rest, the tube has a cross section of constant size.
10. Pump according to Claim 9, characterized in that the cross
section of the tube has a size, particularly a diameter, of between
3 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 12 mm, and in

particular of about 10 mm.
11. Pump according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized
in that the tube engages directly with the neck of the container.
12. Pump according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized
in that at least one of the valves (10, 11) is formed with an element
chosen from a ball valve, a disc valve, a slot valve, a gate valve in
which the shutter has a translational movement, a flap valve in which
the shutter has a pivoting movement, and a needle valve.
13. Pump according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized
in that the second end (8) of the tube has a self-closing peripheral wall
capable of opening under the effect of a raised pressure caused when
the pumping chamber is deformed.
14. Pump according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized
in that it further comprises a product applicator (12) mounted on the
second end (8) of the tube.
15. Pump according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized
in that it comprises a pump actuating member capable of deforming the
pumping chamber.

16. Pump according to Claim 15, characterized in that it
comprises an actuating member positioned between a dispensing valve
and a mouth of the container defining a mounting opening for the said
tube.
17. Pump according to Claim 15, characterized in that the
actuating member comprises a clamp (P).
18. Pump according to Claim 15, characterized in that the
actuating member comprises a tab (10) capable of allowing the tube to
be twisted.
19. Pump according to Claim 15, characterized in that the
actuating member comprises a member (17) for lengthening the tube.
20. Pump according to Claim 19, characterized in that the
actuating member comprises a trigger (17) equipped with a first end
region (17a) that can be actuated by hand, and with a second end
region (17b), at the opposite end to the first end region with respect to
an axis about which the trigger is articulated and which region is

firmly attached to the tube.
21. Product storage and dispensing container comprising a
reservoir for storing the said product, characterized in that it
comprises a pump (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 19, mounted
on the reservoir.
22. Container according to Claim 21, characterized in that the
first end (6) of the dip tube extends, inside the reservoir, down near to
the closed end (7) of the said reservoir, or even into contact with the
said closed end.
23. Container according to one of Claims 21 and 22,
characterized in that the reservoir contains a flexible pouch (29) on
which the pump (2) is mounted.
24. Container according to Claim 23, characterized in that it
further comprises a rigid outer shell (30) surrounding the reservoir.
25. Container according to one of Claims 21 and 22,
characterized in that the reservoir is made of a rigid material, the said
pump comprising an air intake passage.
26. Method of dispensing a product using a pump according to
any one of Claims 1 to 20, characterized in that it involves the steps
of:
- deforming the dip tube (5) by locally reducing the cross
section of the tube at least in the region lying between the valves (10,
11);
- collecting a dose of product; and
- filling the pumping chamber by releasing the tube.

27. Method according to Claim 26, in which, when the tube (5)
is being deformed, it is being deformed by bending it.
28. Method according to Claim 26, in which, when the tube (5)
is being deformed, it is being deformed by compressing it.
29. Method according to Claim 26, in which, when the tube (5)
is being deformed, it is being deformed by lengthening it.
30. Method according to Claim 26, in which, when the tube (5)
is being deformed, it is being deformed by twisting it.

This pump is intended to be mounted on a product storage and
dispensing container (1). It comprises:
- a variable-volume pumping chamber, and
a dip tube (5) having a first end (6) able to be inserted inside
the container where it picks up product and a product-dispensing second
end (8) at the exit from the pumping chamber. The dip tube is produced
by extrusion and has two valves (10, 11), at least one elastically
deformable portion (9) running between the said valves that delimit the
said pumping chamber.