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. 1 508 161; 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, However, regardless of the internal
diameter and of the external diameter, the stiffness constant of the
tube is 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 F1).
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 deformable 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 preferahly 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
i 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.

We Claim :
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 claim 2, characterized in that the
stiffness constant of the tube is advantageously between 3000N/m
and 6000N/m and preferably of 4000N/m.
4. Pump according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized
in that the first end has an end region (27) set back relative to a
free end (28) of the tube.
5. Pump according to Claim 4, characterized in that the first
end of the tube has a cutout.
6. Pump according to Claim 5, characterized in that the free
first end of the tube has at least one slot particularly of triangular,
square or rectangular cross section.
7. Pump according to Claim 5, characterized in that the free
first end of the tube is mitred.
8. Pump according to Claim 5, characterized in that the free
first end of the tube has an overall corrugated shape.
9. Pump according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized
in that at least one of the valves (10, 11) is added to the tube and
held therein by friction.
10. Pump according to any one of Claims 1 to 9,
characterized in that, when at rest, the tube has a cross section of
constant size.
11. Pump according to Claim 10, 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.

12. Pump according to any one of Claims 1 to 11,
characterized in that the tube engages directly with the neck of the
container.
13. Pump according to any one of Claims 1 to 12,
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.
14. Pump according to any one of Claims 1 to 13,
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.
15. Pump according to any one of Claims 1 to 14,
characterized in that it further comprises a product applicator (12)
mounted on the second end (8) of the tube.
16. Pump according to any one of Claims 1 to 15,
characterized in that it comprises a pump actuating member
capable of deforming the pumping chamber.

17. Pump according to Claim 16, 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.
18. Pump according to Claim 16, characterized in that the
actuating member comprises a clamp (P).
19. Pump according to Claim 16, characterized in that the
actuating member comprises a tab (10) capable of allowing the tube
to be twisted.
20. Pump according to Claim 16, characterized in that the
actuating member comprises a member (17) for lengthening the
tube.
21. Pump according to Claim 20, 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.
22. 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.
23. Container according to Claim 22, 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.
24. Container according to one of Claims 22 and 23,
characterized in that the reservoir contains a flexible pouch (29) on
which the pump (2) is mounted.
25. Container according to Claim 24, characterized in that it
further comprises a rigid outer shell (30) surrounding the
reservoir.
26. Container according to one of Claims 22 and 23,
characterized in that the reservoir is made of a rigid material, the
said pump comprising an air intake passage.
27. Method of dispensing a product using a pump according
to any one of Claims 1 to 21, 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.

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