Dispenser with snap-fit container connection

Abstract

A dispenser comprises a container for containing fluid to be dispensed and a manually operated reciprocating fluid pump to be secured to the container. The fluid pump includes a pump mechanism, an intake port adapted for fluid communication with liquid contained in the container, an intake liquid flow path providing fluid communication between the intake port and the pump mechanism, a discharge port, a discharge liquid flow path providing fluid communication between the pump mechanism and discharge port, a closure cap portion configured for securing the fluid pump to the container, and a seal portion engageable with the container for providing a fluid-tight seal between the fluid pump and the container. The container includes a neck having a mouth therein for passage therethrough of liquid in the container. The container further includes a flange circumscribing the neck of the container. The closure cap portion comprises a generally annular-shaped skirt, and at least three protrusions extending generally radially inwardly from an inside surface of the skirt. The protrusions are circumferentially spaced from each other along the inside surface of the skirt. The protrusions of the closure cap and the flange of the container are configured for a resilient snap-fit engagement of the protrusions with the generally downwardly facing surface of the flange when the seal portion of the fluid pump is brought into engagement with the container to releasably maintain the seal portion in fluid-tight sealing engagement with the container.