Microdispensing pump

Abstract

Several different features are provided for use with a pump, particularly a microdispensing pump. a first aspect of the subject invention, latch fingers are provided which coact with a stop member to yieldingly inhibit movement of an actuator of the pump to ensure sufficient momentum is provided to the pump for actuation. In a second aspect of the invention, an overcap is provided which defines an at least liquid-tight seal with the pump body at locations spaced from a nozzle of the pump to limit ingress of contaminants into the nozzle. In a third aspect, at least one protruding bead is provided in proximity to at least one edge of a label mounted to the pump body to restrict removal thereof. In a fourth aspect, at least one rib is provided in proximity to a dispensing cap to provide lateral stability thereto.

1 - 8 . (canceled)  
     
     
         9 . A pump for dispensing fluid, said pump comprising: 
 a pump body having a nozzle; and,    an overcap formed to removably mount onto said pump body, said overcap defining an at least liquid-tight seal with said pump body at locations spaced from said nozzle.    
     
     
         10 . A pump as in  claim 9 , wherein said overcap is cup-shaped with an edge surrounding an open end thereof, said edge being formed with at least one retention bead.  
     
     
         11 . A pump as in  claim 10 , wherein said pump body being formed with at least one protruding pump body retention bead, wherein, with said overcap being mounted to said pump body, said pump body retention bead being located within said overcap above said retention bead of said overcap.  
     
     
         12 . A pump as in  claim 11 , wherein said pump body retention bead is formed to interferently engage said retention bead of said overcap upon upward movement of said overcap to inhibit removal of said overcap.  
     
     
         13 . A pump as in  claim 11 , wherein said pump body being formed with at least one protruding seal bead formed to interferently engage with an inner surface of said overcap, with said overcap being mounted to said pump body.  
     
     
         14 . A pump as in  claim 9 , wherein said pump body being formed with at least one protruding seal bead formed to interferently engage with an inner surface of said overcap, with said overcap being mounted to said pump body.  
     
     
         15 . A pump as in  claim 9 , wherein said pump body being formed with at least one protruding seal bead formed to interferently engage with an inner surface of said overcap, with said overcap being mounted to said pump body.  
     
     
         16 . A pump as in  claim 9 , wherein said pump body and said overcap are formed with cooperating shoulders to limit the downward movement of said overcap relative to said pump body, whereby proper positioning of said overcap relative to said pump body can be attained.  
     
     
         17 . A pump as in  claim 9 , wherein said at least liquid-tight seal is fluid-tight.  
     
     
         18 . A pump as in  claim 9 , wherein a self-holding taper fit is defined between said pump body and an inner surface of said overcap.  
     
     
         19 . A pump for dispensing fluid, said pump comprising: 
 a pump body;    a label mounted about at least a portion of said pump body; and,    at least one bead protruding from said pump body in proximity to at least one edge of said label.    
     
     
         20 . A pump as in  claim 19 , wherein said label is generally cylindrical having first and second edges, said bead being coextensive with said first edge.  
     
     
         21 . A pump as in  claim 20 , wherein at least two of said beads protrude from said pump body, a second of said beads being located in proximity to, and coextensive with, said second edge.  
     
     
         22 . A pump as in  claim 19 , wherein said label is adherently affixed to said pump body.  
     
     
         23 . A pump as in  claim 19 , wherein said label is shrunk onto said pump body.  
     
     
         24 . A pump for dispensing fluid, said pump comprising: 
 a pump body including a movable dispensing cap with a nozzle, said dispensing cap being movable to actuate the pump, at least one channel being formed in said dispensing cap, and at least one protruding rib extending into each of said channels, each said rib having a sufficient length to at least extend substantially through the length of said respective channel along full extent of movement of said dispensing cap.    
     
     
         25 . A pump as in  claim 24 , wherein said dispensing cap includes a tapered skirt, said channels being formed in said skirt.  
     
     
         26 . A pump as in  claim 24 , wherein each said rib having a sufficient length to be at least substantially coextensive with said respective channels along full extent of movement of said dispensing cap.  
     
     
         27 - 35 . (canceled)