Dispenser

In a dispenser, comprising in combination, a product container having an open end coterminous with an outlet conduit terminating in a threaded free end, a pump comprising a dip tube having a first end inserted through the conduit into communication with the interior of the container, a second end joined to a body portion housing a spring biased pumping assembly, an annular flange circumscribing an open end of the body portion, a cylindrical cap in rotatably captive engagement with the flange, the cap having internal threads engageable with the threads of the conduit for drawing the flange into sealing contact with the free end of the conduit, and a discharge tube reciprocally captive within the body portion for actuating the pumping assembly and withdrawing a predetermined quantity of the product,

• the improvement of:
• a coupler of integral construction having an open receiving end defined by a first cylindrical wall coaxially aligned with the pump and in slidable engagement with the cap and discharge tube, an annular ledge formed by a second cylindrical wall intruding radially inwardly of the first cylindrical wall at a predetermined distance from the receiving end, and an end wall defining a cavity with the second cylindrical wall, the end wall having a central aperture circumscribed by a cylindrical surface engaging the free end of the discharge tube in an interference fit.

A method for controllably withdrawing a predetermined quantity of liquid product carried in a dispenser that comprises, in combination, a product container having a closed end and an open end coterminous with an outlet conduit, pump means comprising a spring biased pumping assembly housed in a cylindrical body portion removably inserted into the conduit, a dip tube extending from an inlet of the body portion into the container, closure means sealingly engaging the pump body portion with the free end of the conduit, a discharge tube reciprocally captive within the body portion and extending therefrom for actuating the pumping assembly, and a hollow coupler having an open entry end, the method comprising the steps of:

• inserting the closure means and discharge tube into the open entry end in axially slidable relation;
• providing stop means within the coupler at a predetermined distance from the open entry end to adjustably limit incursion of the closure means;
• providing an end wall in the coupler with a central aperture therein circumscribed by a cylindrical surface;
• engaging the free end of the discharge tube in an interference fit with the cylindrical surface;
• displacing the closure means into abutment with the stop means to effect a corresponding incursive stroke of the discharge tube within the body portion;
• and,
• withdrawing a predetermined quantity of the product in direct proportion to the length of the stroke.