EP4000745B1 - PUMP DISPENSER WITH CAP UNIT - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

The invention relates to a pump dispenser and its cap unit. It particularly, but not exclusively, concerns dispensers designed to dispense nicotine-containing liquids as a smoking substitute.

For dispensers of this type, ease of use and almost subconscious usability are crucial. At the same time, however, such a dispenser should also be protected against access by children and/or accidental opening or even activation, without significantly compromising usability. Furthermore, manufacturing costs are highly relevant for such dispensers, since dispensers according to the invention are preferably not refillable.

From document US 2004/0262423 A1 A dispenser is known whose special feature is that it uses a system of flexible holding fingers in combination with a piston and a stop element to control the dosage. The dispenser also features an overcap that protects the dispensing opening from contamination.

TASK AND SOLUTION

The object of the invention is to provide a pump dispenser which allows a secure closure and easy opening at low production costs.

According to the invention, a pump dispenser for dispensing liquids in atomized form is primarily proposed, which has a liquid reservoir with a discharge opening for receiving the liquid before dispensing and a pumping device attached to the latter. The liquid reservoir can be formed by a one-piece body. However, it can also have a separate outer shell and an inner receptacle such as a bag. The volume of the liquid reservoir is preferably comparatively small, since the dispenser should be able to be carried in a trouser pocket for many preferred applications. The liquid reservoir can preferably hold a maximum of 100 ml, in particular a maximum of 50 ml. Even significantly smaller liquid reservoirs with a maximum capacity of 20 ml or less can be expedient.

Liquid can be pumped from the liquid reservoir to a dispensing opening via an actuating button that can be pressed downward in a main direction of the pump dispenser. The dispensing opening is preferably integrated into the actuating button and is preferably perpendicular to the main direction defined by the actuating direction.

A pumping device for a pump dispenser according to the invention typically has a pumping chamber whose volume can be reduced by depressing the actuating button and which is connected to the liquid reservoir via an inlet channel (inlet valve). Preferably, a pumping device according to the invention has an outlet channel leading to the discharge opening, in which an outlet valve is provided, which is directly opened mechanically by upstream pressure or by depressing the actuating button.

The pump dispenser has a cap unit with a base element attached to the liquid reservoir and a cap element that can be pivoted relative to the base element by means of a joint. Preferably, a one-piece plastic component is provided, which integrally forms the base element and the cap element, or essential parts thereof, with the joint between them also being integrally formed therewith and preferably being a film hinge.

The base element surrounds an inner region in which a part of the pumping device is arranged. In particular, the actuating button of the pumping device preferably protrudes through this region so that it can be actuated when the cap unit is open.

When closed, the cap element covers the actuating button and the dispensing opening, thus providing protection against external contamination and/or residual liquid escaping from the cap interior. When opened, the cap element exposes the actuating button and the dispensing opening.

Pump dispensers according to the invention are particularly intended for applications in which they are carried by people in their everyday lives, in particular as pump dispensers for liquids containing nicotine or cannabis or as dispensers for hand disinfectants.

In order to ensure uncomplicated use of the dispenser while still ensuring a secure closed state, two designs are provided, which can also be implemented in combination.

According to the first design, the cap unit has a holding device opposite the joint to secure the closed state of the cap element, which holding device has a first holding contour on the base element side and a second holding contour on the cap element side. The holding contours, which point towards one another in the closed state, engage with one another and, in particular, bring about a positive coupling. On the base element side, an external release surface is provided, which is preferably highlighted by color or, in particular, a haptically perceptible shape and by means of which the holding contour of the base element can be displaced at least in sections and, in particular, can be pressed in radially in order to thereby be able to cancel the, in particular, positive coupling, so that the cap element can then pivot open or, depending on the design of the cap unit, spring open automatically.

The retaining contours are preferably configured as an internal recess or opening on the cap element side and an outwardly facing engagement projection on the base element side. The engagement projection is deflected radially inward by means of the release surface. When the cap element is closed, the engagement projection is positioned in the recess or opening. This results in a positive coupling that preferably cannot be opened non-destructively without prior deflection of the release surface.

In particular, if the holding device is intended to fulfil the function of a child safety lock, it is preferably provided that a non-destructive or destructive opening of the cap element with a tensile force of less than 30 Newtons is not possible without deflecting the release surface.

Particularly when designing a child-resistant restraint, care must be taken to ensure that the release surface cannot be pressed in too easily. However, it is still advisable to decouple it somewhat from adjacent outer surfaces of the base element, for example, by providing cutouts on both sides of the release surface and/or by ensuring that the base element has a lower average thickness in the area of the release surface than in adjacent areas of the outer surface.

In order to avoid having to press the release surface when closing, preferably at least one of the holding contours has an insertion bevel, so that when the cap element is closed, the holding contour on the base element is deflected inwards and finally jumps into its locked position.

The second design, which can be combined with the first described, provides that the holding device has a downward-facing lifting surface on the cap element side. Correspondingly, a protective section is provided on the base element side, which covers the lifting surface when the cap element is closed and thereby prevents the application of vertical and upward forces that would swing the cap element open, making unintentional opening unlikely. Like the aforementioned release surface, the protective section is also preferably highlighted in color or shape, for example, provided with a profile. The protective section is designed to withstand the application of vertical forces or at least to protect the lifting surface against them. At the same time, however, the protective section can be radially depressed as intended using a finger, in particular the thumb, so that the finger engages underneath the lifting surface and can then push the lifting surface upward using the finger.

In this second design, it can be provided that no holding contours, particularly those acting as a positive fit, are provided, as in the first design. Instead, it can be provided that the cap element and the base element only form a force-locking coupling in the closed state. In a still possible combination with the first design, it would preferably be provided that the protective section simultaneously represents the release surface for the decoupling.

The lifting surface should, if possible, not have sharp edges to allow for easy opening. In particular, the lifting surface is preferably flat or only slightly convex or concave. As already described, this lifting surface is made accessible by pressing in the protective section. The protective section can preferably be moved sufficiently freely that it exposes at least a section of the lifting surface with a width of 1.5 mm by a radially directed actuating force of 10 Newtons. In relation to the area, such an actuating force preferably leads to the exposure of a section of the lifting surface of at least 10 mm ² , in particular preferably of at least 20 mm ² .

A protective section in the form of a bridge element formed at the ends of adjacent sections of the base element and cut free at the sides has proven particularly advantageous. Such a bridge shape provides effective protection against deformation in the direction of the lifting surface and can be easily configured to achieve the desired resistance of the protective section to radial deformation.

The lifting surface can be formed directly by a lower edge of the cap element. However, since such an edge alone is usually not wide enough to allow comfortable opening, it is considered preferable if the lifting surface is also formed at least by the underside of a horizontal lifting bar projecting outward from a cap region of the cap element. This can be provided circumferentially, but is preferably provided only on one side of the cap element.

The base element of the cap unit is directly or indirectly coupled to the liquid reservoir, for example via a snap connection, which preferably causes a high resistance to separation so that children are not able to separate the entire cap unit from the liquid reservoir.

One structural possibility is that the pumping device is attached to the liquid reservoir by means of a crimp sleeve and the snap connection serves the purpose of securing the base element to this crimp sleeve.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a pump dispenser, in particular of the type described, in which the aforementioned crimp sleeve is dispensed with and instead it is provided that the base element is provided for direct attachment to the liquid reservoir and has a holding surface pointing in the direction of the removal opening of the liquid reservoir, by means of which the pump device is attached and secured to the removal opening of the liquid reservoir, in particular is clamped between the liquid reservoir and the base element, optionally with the addition of a sealing ring between the liquid reservoir and the housing of the pump device.

The base element of the cap unit thus fulfills an additional function by securing the pumping device to the liquid reservoir. A dispenser according to the invention can thus consist of a very small number of components in addition to the pumping device. In extreme cases, this could be just the liquid reservoir, a one-piece cap unit, and, if necessary, a sealing ring between the pumping device and a discharge opening of the liquid reservoir.

Preferably, the pumping device has an external, circumferential collar, which in turn rests on a rim surrounding the discharge opening or on a sealing ring there. The retaining surface of the base element presses this collar toward the liquid reservoir.

The holding surface is preferably designed in the form of an annular surface, opposite which a stop surface is provided which limits the mobility of the actuating push button.

The base element preferably serves, as already explained, for attachment to the liquid reservoir and as a carrier for the described release surface and/or the described protective section. In order to fulfill these two functions, the base element preferably has an inner shell, on the inside of which a clamping device is provided for attaching the base element to the liquid reservoir, and an outer shell on which the release surface or the protective section is provided. The inner shell can be subdivided by axial cuts into tongue sections, which engage circumferentially distributed on the described crimp sleeve or directly on an outlet of the liquid reservoir.

When the cap unit is closed, the cap element preferably rests with a lower edge largely circumferentially against an upper edge of the base element. In a particularly simple design, this upper edge can extend in a uniform plane that is oriented orthogonally to the main direction of the dispenser.

However, it is preferred if the upper end edge has a non-uniform extension in the direction of the cap element with respect to the main direction. For example, the end edge can extend further upwards, in particular in a joint region of the end edge, than in an actuation region of the end edge over which a user grasps to actuate the actuation trigger. This actuation region, which is preferably offset by 90° relative to the joint region, thus allows easier actuation of the actuation trigger and an overall shorter design of the dispenser. The end edge can also extend further upwards in a joint region of the end edge than in a discharge region of the end edge, in the direction of which the discharge opening is directed or, in the case of a rotatable actuation trigger with discharge opening, can be aligned. The resulting lowered end edge in the area of the discharge opening also serves to achieve a short design of the dispenser.

As described with regard to the joint area, it is also advantageous if the end edge extends further upwards in a holding area opposite the joint area than in the aforementioned actuation area and/or in the aforementioned discharge area of the end edge.

One possible design of the dispenser provides that it has a substantially rotationally symmetrical outer shape, in which case it preferably has a circular cylindrical shape over the majority of its length, which may be rounded or tapered at the ends.

However, for regular use of the dispenser, especially use that should be performed frequently and almost subconsciously, it has proven advantageous if the base element or the entire cap unit or the entire dispenser has an outer contour that deviates from a circular shape, based on a projection in the main direction. Such a base element or such a cap unit is thus flattened over its entire length, with the outer contour preferably having a substantially rectangular or oval cross-section. Preferably, the liquid reservoir is flattened to the same extent.

Such a flattened design is particularly easy to use without visual inspection of the alignment. In particular, the outer contour of the base element can have a smaller extension in a discharge direction defined by the discharge opening than in a direction perpendicular to this and the main direction. In such a case, the joint is preferably provided on one of the short sides of the base element. This allows for particularly ergonomic operation, in which the liquid reservoir is grasped with the hand, the cap element is released with the thumb, and the actuating button is then pressed down with the index finger. In order to be operated equally by left- and right-handed users, the dispenser is preferably designed to be symmetrical.

Operation without visual inspection of the alignment by the user can be improved in particular by the already described haptic detectability of the release surface and/or the protective section, for example with a profile such as raised ribs on the release surface or the protective section.

Pump dispensers according to the invention can be used as medication dispensers. The fluid reservoir can be filled, for example, with a painkiller such as lidocaine, which is taken orally.

In particular, the application of a nicotine- or cannabis-containing liquid for oral administration is considered a key application. A pump dispenser according to the invention, with its low-cost manufacturing and high level of safety, Also with regard to child safety, but especially with its ease of use, it is particularly well suited for this area of application, as its use as a smoking substitute depends significantly on user acceptance.

Another significant area of application is the field of disinfectant dispensers, in particular for hand disinfectant, as well as other dispensers intended for the topical application of liquids to the user's skin.

Applications in which the atomized liquid is not ingested or applied to the skin, but for example on the surface of objects, are also possible with a pump dispenser according to the invention and are encompassed by the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• Fig. 1 bis 3 zeigen ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Pumpspenders in geschlossenem und geöffnetem Zustand sowie in einer Schnittdarstellung.
• Fig. 4 bis 6 zeigen ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Pumpspenders in geschlossenem und geöffnetem Zustand sowie in einer Schnittdarstellung.
• Fig. 7 bis 9 zeigen ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Pumpspenders in geschlossenem und geöffnetem Zustand sowie in einer Schnittdarstellung.
• Fig. 10 bis 12 zeigen ein viertes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Pumpspenders in geschlossenem und geöffnetem Zustand sowie in einer Schnittdarstellung.
• Fig. 13A bis 13C zeigen den Vorgang des Öffnens des vierten Ausführungsbeispiels.

Further advantages and aspects of the invention emerge from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the figures.

• Fig. 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of a pump dispenser according to the invention in closed and open state and in a sectional view.
• Fig. 4 to 6 show a second embodiment of a pump dispenser according to the invention in closed and open state and in a sectional view.
• Fig. 7 to 9 show a third embodiment of a pump dispenser according to the invention in closed and open state and in a sectional view.
• Fig. 10 to 12 show a fourth embodiment of a pump dispenser according to the invention in the closed and open state and in a sectional view.
• Fig. 13A to 13C show the process of opening the fourth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The Fig. 1 to 13C show a total of four embodiments of a pump dispenser 10 according to the invention, which have the following features.

These are pump dispensers 10 intended for everyday use by people, for example, to carry disinfectant or a nicotine-containing smoking substitute. The dispensers each have a liquid reservoir 20 with, for example, an internal volume of 20 ml, at whose dispensing opening 22 a cap unit 50 is provided. This cap unit 50, in turn, consists of a base element 52, to which a pivotable cap element 56 is attached via a joint 54. In the exemplary embodiments presented, the base element 52 and the cap element 56 are always part of a one-piece component, which additionally forms the joint 54 designed as a film hinge.

Furthermore, in all four embodiments, it is provided that the base element 52, which is fixedly attached to the liquid reservoir 20 by means of a clamping device 52C of an inner shell 52B, has a central opening through which a pumping device 30 protrudes, wherein in particular only an actuating push button 32 of the pumping device 30 with a discharge opening 34 provided thereon protrudes from the opening in the base element 52.

As shown by the Fig. 3 As can be seen representatively for all embodiments, the pumping device 30 has a housing with a collar 31, which rests on a seal on an edge of the discharge opening 22. The pumping device further has a pumping chamber 36, the volume of which can be reduced by pressing the actuating pushbutton 32 against the force of a spring. An inlet channel 37 with an inlet valve 37A connects the pumping chamber to the liquid reservoir 20. An outlet channel 38 with an outlet valve 38A connects the pumping chamber to the discharge opening 34.

The intended use of the dispensers requires that they are first opened for use by pivoting open the previously closed cap element 56 in the manner described below, so that the actuating pushbutton 32 can then be pressed down in a main dispensing direction 2, thereby discharging liquid through the discharge opening in a discharge direction 4. The liquid is thereby atomized into fine droplets as intended.

When designing according to the Fig. 1 to 3 The dispenser has an approximately rectangular, flattened cross-sectional shape at the liquid reservoir 20, at the base element 52 or its outer shell 52A and at the cap element 56, the short sides of which run approximately parallel to the discharge direction 4 and the long sides of which run approximately parallel to the transverse direction 6. However, it should be noted that the discharge direction 4 illustrated in the illustrations represents the preferred orientation, but the actuating push button 32 with discharge opening 34 can also be rotatable depending on the design, in particular to allow a rotation of 180° for use by left-handed persons.

The hinge 54 and a retaining device 60 for securely closing the cap unit 50 are provided on the opposite short sides of this rectangular shape. The actuating pushbutton 32 and the dispensing opening 34 are aligned such that dispensing occurs toward one of the long sides and is triggered by pressing down on the opposite long side of said rectangular shape.

The end edge 53, which closes the top edge of the base element 52 and against which the cap element 56 rests when closed, has a comparatively complex shape. This end edge is at its highest on the short sides in the hinge area 53A and in the opposite holding area 53C. On the long sides of the aforementioned rectangular shape, in the actuation area 53B and the dispensing area 53D, the end edge is partially lowered, allowing for comfortable actuation and ensuring the safe dispensing of liquid despite the short design of the dispenser.

When closed, the Fig. 1 As shown, an engagement projection 62F of a base element-side holding contour 62A engages in an opening 66F of a holding contour 66A of the cap element 56. The engagement projection 62F is provided at the upper end of a release surface 62B, which can be pressed in relatively easily. Profilings 62D make the release surface 62B easy to grasp haptically. By deflecting the engagement projection 62F by means of the release surface 62B, it is pulled out of the opening 66F, so that in particular the thumb, by means of which the release surface 62B was pressed in, then engages under the cap element 56 and pushes it upwards to pivot it open. The open state is thus achieved. When the cap element 56 is closed, insertion bevels 62E, 66E help to establish the locked, closed state without difficulty.

The design of the Fig. 4 to 6 is characterized by an approximately circular cylindrical shape of the cap unit 50 and by a likewise circular cylindrical shape of the liquid reservoir 20. In terms of functionality, the dispenser 10 is the Fig. 4 to 6 but with those of the Fig. 1 to 3 largely comparable. In a similar manner to the one described above, the end edge 53 on the base element 52 is configured with different heights. The retaining contours 62A, 66A are also configured similarly to the previous embodiment.

However, in contrast to the previous embodiment, it is provided that the fastening of the base element 52 takes place directly on a neck of the liquid reservoir 20, instead of on a crimp sleeve 28, as is the case with the design of the Fig. 1 to 3 is provided. The pump device 30 is secured to the liquid reservoir 20 by means of the base element 52 and without an additional crimp sleeve 28. For this purpose, a holding surface 52E presses from above against the collar 31 of the pump housing and this against the edge of the removal opening 22.

In the embodiment of the Fig. 7 to 9 The basic functionality is again similar to that of the Fig. 1 to 3 Here, too, the dispenser has a flattened shape, but its cross-section is essentially oval. Another special feature here is that the release surface 62B is designed to be relatively easy to press in by means of cutouts 62C.

The donor of the Fig. 10 to 12 A slightly different technology is provided, since there are no retaining contours 62A, 66A that would engage positively. Instead, the cap element 56 is only slightly clamped to the base element 52 in the closed state, so that it can be opened solely by a force directed in the pivoting direction.

In order to ensure that the cap element 56 is not accidentally opened, but is nevertheless easy to open, a lifting surface 66G is provided on the outside of the cap element 56, which is protectively covered by a bridge-like protective section 62G attached to the end of the base element 52. This protective section 62G has dimensions in the non-pressed-in state by which the lifting surface 66G is covered and thus is not accidentally lifted by a force from below. This is particularly important in Fig. 10 to recognize.

To lift the cap element 56, proceed as shown in the Fig. 13A to 13C The protective section 62G is pressed radially in by means of a finger, in particular the thumb, for example by approximately 2 mm. Due to the bridge-like design, this is possible using a structurally well-defined force. Preferably, a pressing in of 1.5 mm is possible with a force of 10 Newtons. By pressing in, the lifting surface 66G or a part thereof is exposed. By pressing the thumb upwards, the lifting surface can then be subjected to force and the cap element 56 can thus be pivoted open. The arrows in Fig. 13B illustrate the movement. The arrow in Fig. 13C illustrates the subsequent pivoting, which can preferably occur abruptly by pre-tensioning the joint 54.

Claims (15)

1. Pump dispenser (10) for the discharge of liquids in atomized form, having the following features:

   a. the pump dispenser (10) has a liquid reservoir (20) for receiving the liquid before the discharge, and

   b. the liquid reservoir (20) has a removal opening (22), and

   c. the pump dispenser (10) has a pump device (30) which is attached to the removal opening (22) and which has a push-actuator (32) which can be depressed downwardly in a main direction (2) of the pump dispenser (10), liquid being able to be conveyed thereby out of the liquid reservoir (20) to a discharge opening (34), and

   d. the pump dispenser (10) has a cap unit (50) with a base element (52), which is fastened to the liquid reservoir, and with a cap element (56) which can be pivoted with respect to the base element (52) by means of a joint (54), wherein in a closed state the cap element (56) covers the push-actuator (32) and the discharge opening (34) and in an open state the cap element releases the push-actuator (32) and the discharge opening (34), and

   e. the base element (52) is provided for fastening to the liquid reservoir and has a retaining surface (52E) facing in the direction of the removal opening of the liquid reservoir, the pump device (30) being attached to the removal opening of the liquid reservoir and secured thereon by said retaining surface (52E).
2. Pump dispenser (10) according to Claim 1 for the discharge of liquids in atomized form, having the following features:

   a. the cap unit (50) has a retaining device (60) opposite the joint (54) for securing the closed state of the cap element, wherein

   - on the side of the base element (52) the retaining device (60) has a first retaining contour (62A) and on the side of the cap element the retaining device has a second retaining contour (66A) which engage in one another in the closed state of the cap element (56), and wherein the retaining device (60) on the side of the base element (52) has a release surface (62B), the retaining contour (62A) of the base element (52) being able to be displaced thereby, and/or

   - on the side of the cap element (56) the retaining device (60) has a downwardly facing lifting surface (66G) and on the side of the base element (52) the retaining device comprises a protective portion (62G) which protects the lifting surface (66G) from below against the action of force when the cap element (56) is closed, wherein the protective portion (62G) can be pushed in radially by means of a finger, so that subsequently force can be applied to the lifting surface (66G) by means of the finger and the cap element (56) can be pivoted open thereby.
3. Pump dispenser (10) according to Claim 2, having the following further features:

   a. the retaining contour (66A) of the cap element (56) has an inner recess or a through-passage (66F), and

   b. the retaining contour (62A) of the base element (52) has an outwardly facing engagement projection (62F) which can be deflected inwardly by means of the release surface (62B) and which in the closed state of the cap element (56) is positioned in the recess or in the through-passage (66F).
4. Pump dispenser (10) according to Claim 2 or 3, having at least one of the following further features:

   a. the release surface (62B) is separated by cut-outs (62C) on either side relative to adjacent outer surfaces of the base element (52), and/or

   b. the base element (52) has a peripheral outer surface (52A) which has a smaller average thickness in the region of the release surface (62B) than in adjacent regions of the outer surfaces (52A), and/or

   c. the release surface (62B) has an outer profiled portion (62D), and/or

   d. at least one of the retaining contours (62A, 66A) on the base element (52) and on the cap element (56) comprises an insertion bevel (62E, 66E) so that by closing the cap element the retaining contour (62A) on the base element (52) can be deflected inwardly, and/or

   e. the retaining contours (62A, 66A) on the base element (52) and on the cap element (56) in the closed state are positively connected, and/or

   f. the base element (52) has an inner shell (52B), a clamping device (52C) being provided on the inner face thereof for fastening the base element to the liquid reservoir (20), and an outer shell (52A) on which the release surface (62B) is provided.
5. Pump dispenser (10) according to Claim 2, having the following further features:

   a. the ability to push in the protective portion (62G) is designed in such a manner that at least one portion of the lifting surface (66G) of 1.5 mm width is released by an actuating force of 10 Newton, and/or

   b. the ability to push in the protective portion (62G) and the shape of the lifting surface (66G) are designed in such a manner that at least one portion of the lifting surface (66G) of 10 mm², preferably of at least 20 mm², is released by an actuating force of 10 Newton.
6. Pump dispenser (10) according to Claim 2 or 5, having at least one of the following further features:

   a. the lifting surface (66G) is designed to be planar or configured to be bulged to a small extent, and/or

   b. the lifting surface (66G) is formed by the lower face of a horizontal lifting projection protruding outwardly from a cap region of the cap element (56), and/or

   c. the protective portion (62G) is configured in the form of a bridge element which is integrally formed on the end side on adjacent portions of the base element (52) and which is cut out to the side.
7. Pump dispenser (10) according to one of the preceding claims, having at least one of the following further features:

   a. the pump device comprises an outer peripheral collar (31), the retaining surface (52E) of the base element (52) bearing thereagainst, and/or

   b. a stop surface of the base element opposite the retaining surface defines the mobility of the push-actuator (32).
8. Pump dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, having the following further features:

   a. the base element (52) comprises an upper terminal edge (53), the cap element (56) in the closed state bearing thereagainst, and

   b. the terminal edge (53) has a non-uniform extent in the direction of the cap element (56) relative to the main direction (2),

   preferably having at least one of the additional features:

   c. the terminal edge (53) extends further upwardly in a joint region (53A) of the terminal edge (53) than in an actuating region (53B) of the terminal edge (53) which is gripped by a user for actuating the push-actuator (32), and/or

   d. the terminal edge (53) extends further upwardly in a joint region (53A) of the terminal edge than in a discharge region (53D) of the terminal edge, the discharge opening (34) being oriented in the direction thereof, and/or

   e. the terminal edge (53) extends further upwardly in a retaining region (53C) of the terminal edge (53) opposite the joint region (53A) than in an actuating region (53B) of the terminal edge (53) which is gripped by a user for actuating the push-actuator (32), and/or

   f. the terminal edge (53) extends further upwardly in a retaining region (53C) of the terminal edge (53) opposite the joint region (53A) than in a discharge region (53D) of the terminal edge, the discharge opening (34) being oriented in the direction thereof.
9. Pump dispenser (10) according to one of the preceding claims, having the following further feature:

   a. the pump device (30) has a pump chamber (36), the volume thereof being able to be reduced by depressing the push-actuator (32), and the pump chamber being connected via an inlet channel (37) to the liquid reservoir (20) and via an outlet channel (38) to the discharge opening (34), wherein in each case a valve (37A, 38A) is arranged in the inlet channel (37) and in the outlet channel (38).
10. Pump dispenser (10) according to one of the preceding claims, having the following further feature:

    a. the base element (52) has an outer contour which deviates from the circular shape relative to a projection in the main direction (2),

    preferably having the following additional feature:
    b. the outer contour of the base element (52) has a smaller extent in the direction (4) of a discharge direction defined by the discharge opening (34) than in a direction (6) at right-angles thereto and relative to the main direction (2).
11. Pump dispenser according to Claim 10, comprising one of the following further features:

    a. the outer contour has a substantially rectangular shape, or

    b. the outer contour has a substantially oval shape.
12. Pump dispenser (10) according to one of the preceding claims, having at least one of the following further features:

    a. the base element (52) and the cap element (56) are configured at least in some portions by a one-piece component which also forms the joint (54) between the base element (52) and the cap element (56), and/or

    b. the base element (52) is connected by means of a snap connection to the liquid reservoir (20) or to a crimp sleeve (28) fixing the pump device (30) to the liquid reservoir (20), and/or

    c. the liquid reservoir has an internal volume of a maximum of 100 ml, in particular of a maximum of 20 ml.
13. Pump dispenser (10) according to one of the preceding claims, having the following further feature:

    a. the liquid dispenser (20) is filled with medication, in particular with a painkiller such as lidocaine.
14. Pump dispenser (10) for discharging a nicotine-containing or cannabis-containing liquid, having the following features:

    a. the pump dispenser (10) has a liquid reservoir (20) which is filled with a nicotine-containing or cannabis-containing liquid which can be discharged through a discharge opening (34) of the pump dispenser (10), characterized by the following feature:
    b. the pump dispenser is configured according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 12.
15. Pump dispenser (10) for discharging a disinfectant, in particular a hand disinfectant, having the following features:

    a. the pump dispenser (10) has a liquid reservoir (20) which is filled with a disinfectant, in particular a hand disinfectant,

    characterized by the following feature:
    b. the pump dispenser is configured according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 12.

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