DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a pump protector, more particularly, relates to the pump protector configured to protect a fluid dispenser from external loads during transportation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Dispenser is a container configured to release a specific amount of its contents usually liquids or powders/fine granular materials, upon actuation for use. Typically, dispensers are configured with a container configured to store liquid or fluid to be dispensed and a pump including a nozzle coupled onto the container. The pump, upon actuation, dispenses the contents of the container via the nozzle for use. Due to ease of usability, dispensers have now become a staple accessory in our lives, particularly as a soap dispenser or a hand sanitizer dispenser and the like.
In recent past, the demand for use of dispensers has grown substantially all over the world. In order to cater to such demands and to facilitate ease of procuring to customers, the dispensers are also made available via e-commerce websites, apart from the usual self-service shops such as supermarkets, grocery stores and the like. As such, upon receiving such orders from the consumers, the dispensers are required to be shipped or transported from one location to another, for delivery. During such a transport, the dispensers are typically subjected to external loads. The external loads may be due to other items which may stacked one over the other, or due to inclination at which the dispensers are positioned during transportation. Such loads on the dispensers, particularly, on the nozzle may cause damage to the dispenser, rendering it unusable.
In order to prevent such damages to dispensers, clips are generally mounted onto the nozzle of the dispensers. The conventional clips attach directly onto the nozzle of the dispenser, which may arrest its angular movement, thereby rigidly securing the nozzle even during transportation. However, conventional clips, nowhere support the external loads that are exerted on the nozzle which may damage the dispenser.
In light of the foregoing discussion, there is a need for a pump protector which can overcome one or more problems stated above, in addition to providing other technical advantages.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a pump protector adapted to protect the fluid dispenser from external loads during transportation, while being simple in design, construction and inexpensive.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a pump protector with a cylindrically shaped body portion mountable onto the dispenser.
Yet another object of the present invention is to extend a cut out along the entire length of cylindrically shaped body portion for mounting and removing the pump protector from the dispenser.
Yet another object of the present invention is to snap fit the body portion on to the pump by aligning the slot with the nozzle to allow the pump protector to be directly snap-fitted onto the pump.
Yet another object of the present invention is to configure the slot to arrest movement of the nozzle.
Yet another object of the present invention is to shape the carve the slot in the shape of square, rectangular, or elliptical.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the body portion with a stepped profile.
Yet another object of the present invention is to snuggly fit the body portion onto the pump body.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a clip member extending from the body portion to facilitate engagement or disengagement of the body member with the pump body.
Another object of the present invention is to provide the top surface of the cover portion is provided with ribs that extends longitudinally from the cover portion.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the pump protector which is retrofittable on dispenser as per requirement, for protection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
For understanding of the invention, and for further features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figures 1a and 1b are perspective views of a pump protector mounted onto a dispenser, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 1c is a sectional view of assembly of the pump protector mounted with the dispenser depicted in Figures 1a and 1b, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 1d is an exploded view of assembly of the pump protector with the dispenser depicted in Figures 1a and 1b, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figures 2a and 2b are perspective views of the pump protector mounted onto the dispenser, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2c is a sectional view of assembly of the pump protector mounted with the dispenser depicted in Figures 2a and 2b, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2d is an exploded view of assembly of the pump protector with the dispenser depicted in Figures 2a and 2b, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figures 3a, 3b and 3c are perspective views of the pump protector, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figures 3d and 3e are perspective views of the pump protector mounted onto the dispenser, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details.
Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of the phrase “in an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.
Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, although many of the features of the present disclosure are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present disclosure is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the present disclosure.
Figures 1a and 1b, in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrate perspective views of a pump protector (100) mounted onto a fluid dispenser (102). The pump protector (100) may be a member configured for protecting the dispenser (102) including a pump (104). As an example, the dispenser (102) may be a soap dispenser, a hand sanitizer dispenser and the like, while the pump protector (100) may be a clip member mountable onto the dispenser (102).
The pump protector (100) includes a body portion (106) mountable onto the dispenser (102), optionally onto the pump (104) of the dispenser (102). The body portion (106) may be defined with a cylindrical profile adapted to be mounted onto the pump (104) of the dispenser (102). The cylindrical profile may include a cut out (108) for ease of mounting and removal of the pump protector (100) from the dispenser (102). The cut out (108) may extend along the entire length of the cylindrical profile, which may conform the body portion (106) to a C-shaped profile. In an embodiment, the cut out (108) may be configured such that, the body portion (106) envelops or surround the pump (104) [i.e. a pump body (104a) as well as the nozzle (104b)] while ensuring snug-fit therebetween.
The body portion (106) further includes a slot (110) defined thereon. The slot is configured for receiving the nozzle (104b) [as depicted in Figure 1d]. In an embodiment, the nozzle (104b) itself may be configured to be an actuator of the pump (104). As such, the slot (110) may be configured to receive the nozzle (104b) or the actuator, based on the design and construction of the pump (104). The slot (110) is further configured to arrest movement of the nozzle (104b), thereby preventing unintended movement and/or misalignment of the pump (104) with the dispenser (102) during transportation. In an embodiment, the shape and configuration of the slot (110) may be one of a square shape, a rectangular shape [for e.g. as depicted in Figure 1b], elliptical shape or any other shape which enables to receive and secure the nozzle (104b).
Further, the body portion (106) may be snap-fitted onto the pump (104) by aligning the slot (110) with the nozzle (104b), thus allowing the pump protector (100) to be directly snap-fitted onto the pump (104) [for e.g. depicted in Figure 1d]. In an embodiment, the body portion (106) may also be mounted onto the pump (104) by conventional mounting means such as fastening, as per design feasibility and requirement.
Referring to Figure 1a, a ridge portion (112) extends from the body portion (106) and is configured to act as a protrusion. The ridge portion (112) extends beyond the top portion (114) of the nozzle (104b) up to a predetermined length. As such, the ridge portion (112) acts as a primary load bearing member for the dispenser (102) upon assembly. Such a construction of the ridge portion (112) enables to direct and/or withstand the load that may be exerted onto the dispenser (102) during transportation, thereby preventing damages to the dispenser (102). In an embodiment, the ridge portion (112) may extend axially from the body portion (106). Thus, the ridge portion (112) may conform with a configuration identical to that of the body portion (106), i.e. a C-shaped profile. Further, the predetermined length of the ridge portion (112) beyond the top portion (114) may be selected such that, an optimum load bearing characteristics are obtained. In other words, extension of the ridge portion (112) may be selected within an optimum range, so as to prevent failure or deformation thereof due to the external load.
Referring to Figure 2a in conjunction with Figures 1a-1d, an alternate embodiment of the pump protector (100) is disclosed. In this embodiment, the cut out (108) is provided such that the body portion (106) is defined with a stepped profile. The body portion (106) in this configuration is configured to envelop the pump body (104a) upon assembly. A cover portion (116) extends transversely from the slot (110) and is configured to cover or envelop the nozzle (104b) which is received within the slot (110) [for e.g. as shown in Figures 2b and 2c]. Such a construction of the cover portion (116) provides protection to the nozzle (104b) from external loads during transportation. In an embodiment, the cover portion (116) may resemble a beak structure. Further, the ridge portion (112) extends from the body portion (106) beyond the top portion (114) [as already described in description with reference to Figures 1a-1d] to act as the primary load bearing structure for the dispenser (102) upon assembly.
Referring to Figures 3a-3c in conjunction with Figures 1a-1d, another alternate embodiment of the pump protector (100) is disclosed. In this embodiment, the cut out (108) is provided similar to the embodiment in Figures 2a-2d, wherein the body portion (106) is defined with a stepped profile. The body portion (106) in this configuration is configured to envelop the pump body (104a) upon assembly. The body portion (106) may also include one or more projections (118) on its inner surface. The projections (118) are adapted to ensure that the body portion (106) is snuggly fitted onto the pump body (104a). In other words, the projections (118) engage with the pump body (104a) for ensuring fitment of the body portion (106) with the pump (104). In an embodiment, three projections (118) which are equidistant along the inner surface of the body portion (106) are provided.
Additionally, a clip member (120) extends from the body portion (106). The clip member (120) is adapted to facilitate engagement or disengagement of the body member (106) with the pump body (104a), thus, facilitating mounting or dismantling of the pump protector (100) with the dispenser (102). The clip member (120) may extend from ends of the body portion (106) and away from each other, up to a predefined length. The length of the clip member (120) may be selected to be operable by a user’s hand. In an embodiment, the clip member (120) may resemble configuration of prongs, which are operable by the user’s hand for engaging or disengaging the body portion (106) with the pump body (106).
Further, the pump protector (100) also includes the cover portion (116) which extends transversely from the slot (110) and is configured to partially envelop the nozzle (104b) upon assembly [for e.g. as shown in Figures 3d and 3e]. In an embodiment, the length of the cover portion (116) may be selected so as to provide optimum protection to the nozzle (104b) from the external loads. Accordingly, length of the cover portion (116) may be selected as per design feasibility and requirement.
Additionally, the cover portion (116) is further defined with one or more ribs (122) on its top surface. The ribs (122) extend longitudinally from the cover portion (116) identical to the ridge portion (112), and acts as a reinforcement for the cover portion (116) and to the body portion (106) for supporting the external loads exerted on the dispenser (102) during transportation. Such a construction of the cover portion (116) further improves protection to the nozzle (104b) and consequently the pump (104) from external loads during transportation. In an embodiment, the ribs (122) may also be provided on an inner surface or on a bottom surface of the cover portion (116) as per design feasibility and requirement [not shown in Figures].
Further, the ridge portion (112) extends from the body portion (106) beyond the top portion (114) [as already described in description with reference to Figures 1a-1d] to act as the primary load bearing structure for the dispenser (102) upon assembly.
In an embodiment, the pump protector (100) may be made of a plastic material, a metallic material or a composite material as per design feasibility and requirement. Also, the thickness of the pump protector (100) may be selected as per design feasibility and requirement.
It is to be noted that the configuration of the pump protector (100) described herein is exemplary in nature and is described based on the premise that pump (104) may extend outwardly from the dispenser (102). As such, a person of ordinary skill in the art would be able to deduce that construction of the pump protector (100) in the present disclosure may be altered within the scope of the disclosure, for engaging or disengaging with any type of dispenser (102) for protection against external loads during transportation.
ADVANTAGES
The present invention provides a pump protector that may be latched onto a dispenser for protection against external loads during transportation, while being simple in design, construction and inexpensive.
The present invention provides the pump protector which is retrofittable on dispenser as per requirement, for protection.
List of Reference numerals

Reference numerals Description
100 Pump protector
102 Dispenser
104 Pump
104a Pump body
104b Nozzle
106 Body portion
108 Cut out
110 Slot
112 Ridge portion
114 Top portion of nozzle
116 Cover portion
118 Projections
120 Clip member
122 ribs ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. A pump protector (100) configured for protecting a fluid dispenser (102) from damage, wherein the pump protector (100) comprises:
a cylindrically shaped body portion (106) mountable onto the dispenser (102);
a cut out extending along the entire length of cylindrically shaped body portion (106) for mounting and removing the pump protector (100) from the dispenser (102);
a slot carved out in the body portion (106) for receiving a nozzle (104b);
a ridge portion (112) that extends beyond the top portion (114) of the nozzle (104b) up to a predetermined length to act as a primary load bearing member for the dispenser (102) upon assembly;
the body portion (106) is snap-fitted onto the pump (104) by aligning the slot (110) with the nozzle (104b) to allow the pump protector (100) to be directly snap-fitted onto the pump (104).
2. The pump protector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cut conforms to the body portion (106) to a C-shaped profile.
3. The pump protector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slot (110) is further configured to arrest movement of the nozzle (104b).
4. The pump protector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slot (110) is shaped as square, rectangular, or elliptical.
5. The pump protector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ridge portion (112) extends axially from the body portion (106).
6. The pump protector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cut out (108) is provided such that the body portion (106) is defined with a stepped profile.
7. The pump protector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cover portion (116) extends transversely from the slot (110) in a beak structure.
8. The pump protector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the body portion (106) includes atleast a projection (118) to snuggly fit onto the pump body (104a).
9. The pump protector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a clip member (120) extends from the body portion (106) to facilitate engagement or disengagement of the body member (106) with the pump body (104a).
10. The pump protector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top surface of the cover portion (116) is provided with ribs (122) that extends longitudinally from the cover portion (116).