U.S. patent application number 10/237863 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-17 for variable flow rate valve and container equipped therewith.
Invention is credited to Yquel, Jean-Pierre.
Application Number | 20030071080 10/237863 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 8867118 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030071080 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yquel, Jean-Pierre |
April 17, 2003 |
Variable flow rate valve and container equipped therewith
Abstract
A valve for dispensing a product contained in a pressurized
container includes a valve body, an actuatable valving member, and
an outlet passage. The valving member may be moveable between a
closed position and at least two open positions. The at least two
open positions may include a first open position where product is
dispensed at a first flow rate and a second open position where
product is dispensed at a second flow rate different from the first
flow rate. The outlet passage may be selectively communicable with
at least a portion of an interior of the valve body. The valving
member may comprise a piston axially moveable inside the valve body
between the closed position where the piston sealingly isolates
said at least a portion of the interior of the valve body from the
outlet passage and a position, chosen at least from the first and
second open positions, where fluid communication is established
between the portion of the interior of the valve body and the
outlet passage.
Inventors: |
Yquel, Jean-Pierre;
(Colombes, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas L. Irving
FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW,
GARRETT & DUNNER, L.L.P.
1300 I Street, N.W.
Washington
DC
20005-3315
US
|
Family ID: |
8867118 |
Appl. No.: |
10/237863 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/402.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/44 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/402.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 083/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 10, 2001 |
FR |
01 11671 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A valve for dispensing a product contained in a pressurized
container, the valve comprising: a valve body; an actuatable
valving member moveable between a closed position and at least two
open positions, wherein the at least two open positions include a
first open position where product is dispensed at a first flow
rate, and a second open position where product is dispensed at a
second flow rate different from the first flow rate; and an outlet
passage selectively communicable with at least a portion of an
interior of the valve body, wherein the valving member comprises a
piston axially moveable inside the valve body between the closed
position where the piston sealingly isolates said at least a
portion of the interior of the valve body from the outlet passage
and a position, chosen at least from the first and second open
positions, where fluid communication is established between said at
least a portion of the interior of the valve body and the outlet
passage.
2. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the valving member moves
from the closed position to the second open position by passing
through the first open position.
3. The valve according to claim 2, wherein a flow rate of product
from the valve changes gradually from the first flow rate to the
second flow rate when the valving member moves between the first
and second open positions.
4. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve body comprises
an internal surface defining at least one axially extending
groove.
5. The valve according to claim 4, wherein the at least one axially
extending groove has an angular width and a depth, at least one of
the angular width and the depth of the at least one axially
extending groove varying along an axis of movement of the valving
member.
6. The valve according to claim 4, wherein the piston comprises a
peripheral portion facing the at least one axially extending groove
when the piston is in a position chosen at least from said first
and second open positions.
7. The valve according to claim 1, wherein a flow rate of product
from the valve changes in a stepwise manner from the first flow
rate to the second flow rate when the valving member moves between
the first and second open positions.
8. The valve according to claim 4, wherein the internal surface
defines a second axially extending groove separate from the at
least one axially extending groove.
9. The valve according to claim 8, wherein the piston comprises a
peripheral portion facing, in the first open position, at least the
at least one axially extending groove, and, in the second open
position, at least the second axially extending groove.
10. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the valving member
comprises a valve stem at least partially emerging outside of the
valve body, the valve stem comprising an axial duct passing
therethrough, the axial duct comprising an outlet orifice and an
inlet orifice, the axial duct opening to the outside of the valve
via the outlet orifice, the inlet orifice being isolated from the
interior of the valve body in the closed position.
11. The valve according to claim 10, further comprising a sealing
element in the valve body, wherein, in the closed position, the
inlet orifice opens in a lateral direction facing the sealing
element.
12. The valve according to claim 11, wherein the sealing element
comprises an annular seal.
13. A dispenser, comprising: a container configured to contain a
pressurized product; and the valve according to claim 1 associated
with the container.
14. The dispenser of claim 13, further comprising: a pressurized
product contained in the container.
15. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the product comprises a
cosmetic product.
16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the product comprises at
least one of a hair product, a personal hygiene product, a make-up
product, a skin care product, and a product affording protection
against harmful effects of the sun.
17. The dispenser of claim 13, further comprising: an actuating
member configured to actuate the valve.
18. The dispenser of claim 17, wherein the actuating member defines
at least one dispensing orifice, the product being dispensed from
the at least one dispensing orifice.
19. The dispenser of claim 18, wherein the actuating member is
configured to impart a swirl effect on the product being
dispensed.
20. A method of dispensing product, comprising: providing the
dispenser of claim 14, actuating the valve to dispense an amount of
product; and directing the dispensed product onto a surface.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the surface comprises at least
one of hair and skin.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a valve for a pressurized
container. The valve may be used, for example, in the field of
cosmetics for dispensing hair products (e.g., lacquers, styling
sprays, etc.), personal hygiene products, make-up products, and/or
products affording protection against the harmful effects of the
sun.
[0002] Some conventional valves for use with pressurized containers
comprise a valve body having a valving member mounted inside. The
valving member may be a valve stem having a portion that emerges
outside of the valve body. The valve stem is able to slide
sealingly in engagement with a sealing element, such as an annular
seal.
[0003] The valve stem has, passing through it, an axial duct. One
end of the duct opens axially to the outside of the valve body and
is configured to be placed in communication with a passage through
a valve actuating member having at least one outlet orifice. The
other end of the duct opens radially via at least one inlet
orifice. When the valve is in the closed position, the at least one
inlet orifice faces the sealing element.
[0004] In response to an actuating command, the valve is pushed
axially inward, and the at least one inlet orifice of the valve
stem is placed in communication with the pressurized product inside
the valve body. The product is then conveyed, via the valve stem
and the passage through the actuating member, towards the outlet
orifice.
[0005] In the case of a valve with a plurality of inlet orifices,
the plurality of inlet orifices are placed in communication with
the valve body simultaneously. When the actuating command ceases, a
spring contained inside the valve body returns the valve stem to
the closed position. Dispensing of the product is thus
interrupted.
[0006] Some valves, aside from actuation in response to an axial
movement, can be actuated in response to a pressure exerted
laterally on the valve stem. Such valves may be referred to as
"tilt-operated" valves. In other valves referred to as "female"
valves, the valving member does not emerge to the outside of the
valve body. In these valves, a portion of the actuating member is
engaged inside the valve body and commands the opening or the
closing of the valve.
[0007] A valve with a different configuration is described, for
example, in FR 2 725 182, where the valve body has a purge orifice
passing therethrough. The purge orifice may be used for dispensing
propellant gas, either together with the product or separately. A
valve that opens according to this principle may also be designed
without a purge orifice.
[0008] In each of the aforementioned conventional valve types, the
actuating command causes a movement of the valving member, causing
the valving member to pass from a closed position to an open
position in which the product is dispensed with a determined and
unique flow rate. In the first type of conventional valves
described above, it is the cross-section of the at least one inlet
orifice and/or the plurality of inlet orifices that determines the
outlet flow rate. For a valve of the type described in FR 2 725
182, it is the depth and/or the width and/or the number of grooves
formed on the internal surface of the valve body that determines
the outlet flow rate.
[0009] Thus, distinct devices are typically required when the user
wishes to be able to choose between two different ways of spraying
the same product. For example, in the field of styling products,
when dispensing a product in the form of a lacquer, a container
equipped with a valve allowing a first flow rate is used. When
dispensing the product in the form of a spray, another container
equipped with another valve allowing a second flow rate higher than
the first is used.
[0010] Variable flow rate valves are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,292,827 and 3,195,569. Because of the valve configurations, the
two positions with different flow rates are very close to one
another. This makes their selective use somewhat subject to
chance.
[0011] One exemplary subject of the invention relates to a valve
capable of dispensing a product at different flow rates. For
example, the product may be dispensed at the different flow rates
according to desired spray characteristics, while at the same time
maintaining mean particle sizes of the same order of magnitude.
[0012] Another exemplary subject relates to producing a device that
is simple and/or economical.
[0013] Aspects and embodiments of the invention are discussed
below. It should be understood that these aspects and embodiments
are merely exemplary and that the invention could still be
practiced without having one or more features of the particular
aspects and embodiments described herein.
[0014] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a valve
for dispensing a product contained in a pressurized container
comprises a valve body, an actuatable valving member, and an outlet
passage. The valving member may be moveable between a closed
position and at least two open positions. The at least two open
positions may include a first open position where product is
dispensed at a first flow rate and a second open position where
product is dispensed at a second flow rate different from the first
flow rate. The outlet passage may be selectively communicable with
at least a portion of an interior of the valve body. The valving
member may comprise a piston axially moveable inside the valve body
between the closed position at which the piston sealingly isolates
said at least a portion of the interior of the valve body from the
outlet passage and a position, chosen at least from the first and
second open positions, at which fluid communication is established
between said at least a portion of the interior of the valve body
and the outlet passage.
[0015] As used throughout this disclosure, the term "piston" refers
to at least a portion of the valving member that slides within the
valve body along an axis, wherein the piston comprises a peripheral
portion, in a plane transverse to the aforementioned axis of
movement, that sealingly contacts an interior wall of the valve
body at least in the closed position. For example, if the piston
has a circular cross-section in the plane transverse to the axis of
movement, the peripheral portion would be the circumference of the
circle.
[0016] The piston of the present invention is different from the
subject matter disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,292,827 and 3,195,569.
Those patent documents do not include a slideable piston that
sealingly contacts a valve body and isolates at least a portion of
an interior of the valve body from an outlet passage. Rather than
disclosing a piston, those patent documents relate to arrangements
where a sealing element, separate from the valve body, is combined
with a valve stem to isolate an outlet passage from at least a
portion of an interior of the valve body without any piston.
[0017] According to an aspect of the invention, the peripheral
portion of the piston may be defined by a bulge formed, for
example, by molding, with the remainder of the valving member.
Alternatively (or additionally), the peripheral portion may be
defined by an O-ring fixedly mounted, for example, (by bonding or
overmolding) on the remainder of the valving member. Alternatively
(or additionally), the peripheral portion may be the free edge of a
lip molded or overmolded with the remainder of the valving
member.
[0018] The valving member may be moveable from the closed position
into a position chosen from at least the first and second open
positions in response to an actuating command. The valve may be
configured so that the valving member returns to the closed
position when the actuating command ceases.
[0019] In at least some embodiments, it may be possible to keep the
thickness of a sealing element as small as possible while still
providing sealing during valve closure, since the variation in flow
rate may be unrelated to the relative position of the inlet
orifice(s) of the valve stem with respect to the sealing element.
For example, the variation in flow rate may be coupled to the
position of the piston inside the valve body. As a result, the
various positions with different flow rates may be differentiated
without affecting sealing when closed.
[0020] Thus, in one example, when at least some embodiments of the
valve are associated with a container containing a styling product
(e.g., a hair styling product), in a first open position, the
product may be dispensed with a relatively low flow rate, for
example, in the form of a lacquer. In a second open position, the
product may be dispensed with a higher flow rate, for example, in
the form of a spray. The same device can therefore be used for both
rates and/or forms of dispensing.
[0021] For the first and second flow rates, the spray
characteristics in terms of particle size, may be of the same order
of magnitude. Thus, the difference in mean particle size may be,
for example, less than about 35%, less than about 25%, less than
about 15%, or less than about 10%. In the case of styling products,
such as lacquers, the particle size may be generally between about
40 .mu.m and about 55 .mu.m.
[0022] The two open positions may be positions that each allow a
different dispensing flow rate. It may be possible for each to be
obtained under normal conditions of use by manual actuation, for
example with the finger, and sustained as long as desired.
[0023] The user may be informed of the switch from one position to
the other by means of arrangements able to generate a perceivable
signal, such as one that may, for example, result from the valving
member overcoming a slight notch or bulge as it passes from the
first open position to the second open position. Such a notch or
bulge may be perceptible, but not pronounced enough to impede the
return of the valve to the closed position.
[0024] Optionally, the difference in dispensing flow rate between
the two open positions may be such that the flow of product
dispensed in the first open position is visibly and/or audibly
different from the flow of product dispensed in the second open
position.
[0025] The valve may be in communication with the product via a dip
tube, the product then being propelled by means of a liquefied or
compressed gas. Alternatively, the product may be contained inside
a flexible-walled pouch and the propellant gas located outside of
the pouch.
[0026] The valving member may move from the closed position to the
second open position by passing through the first open position,
and a flow rate of product from the valve may change gradually from
the first flow rate to the second flow rate when the valving member
moves between the first and second open positions. This may offer
flexibility in choosing the characteristics for dispensing the
product.
[0027] According to one aspect, the valve body may comprise an
internal surface defining at least one axially extending groove.
The peripheral portion of the piston may face the at least one
axially extending groove when the piston is in a position chosen at
least from the first and second open positions. At least one of the
angular width and the depth of the at least one axially extending
groove may vary along an axis of movement (i.e., in a direction of
movement) of the valving member.
[0028] Thus, the depth of the groove may be practically zero at a
first end, and may be, for example, on the order of several tenths
of a millimeter at a second end, remote from the first end.
Likewise, the angular width of the groove may be on the order of
zero near the first end, and be on the order of several degrees
near the second end.
[0029] Alternatively, a flow rate of product from the valve may
changes in a stepwise, or roughly incremental, manner from the
first flow rate to the second flow rate when the valving member
moves between the first and second open positions.
[0030] According to one aspect, the valve body may comprise an
internal surface defining a first axially extending groove and a
second axially extending groove separate from the first axially
extending groove. In the first open position, the peripheral
portion of the piston may face at least the first axially extending
groove, and, in the second open position, the peripheral portion of
the piston may face at least the second axially extending
groove.
[0031] Indeed, in the second position, the peripheral portion of
the piston may face both the first and second grooves. In that
case, both the first and second grooves can be of identical
cross-section. Alternatively, the peripheral portion may face only
the second groove, provided that the transversal cross-section of
the second groove has a different configuration from the surface
configuration of the first groove, in order to ensure a flow rate
difference.
[0032] Alternatively, the internal surface of the valve body may
have a number of mutually parallel axial grooves whose upper ends
are axially offset. Thus, for a first depressed position the
peripheral portion of the piston may face a first axial groove,
thus allowing a first outlet flow rate. For a second depressed
position, the peripheral portion may face, in addition to the first
groove, a second groove parallel to the first, thus allowing a
second outlet flow rate higher than the first flow rate.
[0033] The valving member may comprise a valve stem emerging
outside of the valve body. The valve stem may comprise an axial
duct passing therethrough. The axial duct may comprise an outlet
orifice and an inlet orifice, wherein the axial duct opens to the
outside via an outlet orifice, and the inlet orifice is isolated
from the interior of the valve body in the closed position.
[0034] In response to an actuating command, the valve stem may move
axially into sealed engagement with a sealing element in the valve
body in the closed position. In the closed position, the inlet
orifice opens in a lateral direction facing the sealing element,
thereby shutting off the inlet orifice. The sealing element may
comprise, for example, an annular seal.
[0035] Another aspect relates to a device for packaging and
dispensing a product. The device comprises a container configured
to contain a pressurized product and a valve according to the
present disclosure. The valve being configured to dispense product
from the container.
[0036] The container may contain a pressurized product. The product
may be a cosmetic product, for example, a hair product, a personal
hygiene product, a make-up product, a skin care product, and/or a
product affording protection against harmful effects of the sun.
The product may be pressurized using a compressed or liquefied gas.
The propellant gas may be in contact with the product or separated
from the propellant gas by a piston or a flexible pouch inside
which the product is contained.
[0037] The dispenser may also comprise an actuating member
configured to actuate the valve and dispensing the product under
pressure. The product may be dispensed via at least one dispensing
orifice formed, for example, in a nozzle, such as a nozzle of the
actuator. Optionally, the dispensing orifice may have a swirl
effect on the product being dispensed.
[0038] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a method
of dispensing product may comprise providing a dispenser according
to the disclosure, actuating the valve to dispense an amount of
product, and directing the dispensed product onto a surface. The
surface may comprise hair and/or skin.
[0039] The term "providing" is used in a broad sense, and refers
to, but is not limited to, making available for use, enabling
usage, giving, supplying, obtaining, getting a hold of, acquiring,
purchasing, selling, distributing, possessing, making ready for
use, and/or placing in a position ready for use.
[0040] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as
claimed.
[0041] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary
embodiments of the invention and, together with the description,
serve to explain some of the principles of the invention. In the
drawings,
[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packaging and dispensing
device according to an aspect of the disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 2A is a partial, cross-sectional view of the device of
FIG. 1 illustrating an exemplary valve in accordance with the
invention;
[0044] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a valve body for the
valve of FIG. 2A;
[0045] FIGS. 3A and 3B are partial, cross-sectional views
illustrating an exemplary operation of the device of FIG. 2A;
[0046] FIG. 4A is a partial, cross-sectional view similar to FIG.
2A, illustrating an alternative embodiment of the valve;
[0047] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a valve body for the
valve of FIG. 4A;
[0048] FIGS. 5A and 5B are partial, cross-sectional views
illustrating an exemplary operation of the device of FIG. 4A;
and
[0049] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative valve
body for the valve of FIG. 4A.
[0050] Reference will now be made in detail to some possible
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to
the same or like parts.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, the device 1 for packaging and
dispensing a product comprises a container 2, for example, a
cylindrical container. The container 2 may be made of a material
chosen from, for example, aluminum and tinplate. The container 2
may have a head 50 for actuating a valve and dispensing a
composition, for example, a hair composition, through a dispensing
orifice 51. The head 50 may comprise a bearing surface 52
configured to actuate the valve in response to an actuation force.
A removable cap 59 may cover the dispensing head 50.
[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, a valve 10 is
mounted to a cup 3. The cup 3 is mounted to the container 2, for
example, by crimping the cup onto a rolled edge of the container
2.
[0053] The valve 10 has an axis X. The valve 10 comprises a
cylindrical valve body 11. One end of the valve body 11 defines an
axial chimney 12. A dip tube 4 may be coupled to the axial chimney,
for example, by force-fitting, screw-fitting, or the like.
[0054] The other end of the valve body 11, opposite to the axial
chimney 12, may be closed by the cup 3. The closure may be sealed
by a sealing member 13, for example, by an annular seal. The
thickness of the sealing member 13 may be about 1.5 mm. The valve
body 11 may define an annular ring inside the valve body 11 near
the cup 3. The annular ring may press sealingly against the surface
of the sealing member 13, thereby maintaining the position of the
seal and achieving a desired sealing. The valve 10 may also
comprise a valving member 14 axially slideable Inside the sealing
member 13. A stem portion 15 of the valving member 14 may emerge to
the outside of the valve body 11.
[0055] The valving member 14, at least in the emerging portion 15,
has a duct passing therethrough. One end of the duct 18 opens to
the outside of the valve body via an axial orifice 19. Near the
other end of the duct 18, an orifice 20 opens radially. When the
valve 10 is in a closed position (FIG. 2A), the orifice 20 is in
sealed engagement against the internal edge of the sealing member
13.
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the dispensing head 50 may be
in the form of a push button. The push button may be mounted, for
example, forcibly mounted, on the emerging portion 15 of the
valving member 14. The dispensing head 50 includes a passage 53
therethrough. One end of the passage 53 is in communication with
the duct 18 in the valving member 14. The other end of the passage
52 opens to atmosphere via a dispensing orifice 51. The dispensing
orifice 51 may be defined, for example, by a nozzle. The dispensing
orifice 51 may include swirl-inducing ducts.
[0057] A portion 24 of the valving member 14 is situated inside the
valve body 11. The portion may comprise a peripheral bulge 28. The
peripheral bulge 28 may, when the valve is in the closed position
(FIG. 2A), press sealingly over its entire periphery against the
internal surface of the valve body 11. When the peripheral bulge 28
presses sealingly over its entire periphery against the internal
surface of the valve body 11, the orifice 20 may be isolated from
an interior of the valve body 11 below the peripheral bulge 28. The
interior of the valve body may contain, for example, pressurized
product.
[0058] By exerting axial pressure on the valving member 14, via the
dispensing head 50, an angular part, or chamfer, of the bulge 28
may be brought into a position at which it faces a groove 23 formed
on the internal surface of the valve body 11. In this position, the
orifice 20, which no longer faces the annular seal 13, is no longer
isolated from the interior of the valve body 11 below the bulge. As
a result, pressurized product in the valve body 11 below the bulge
28 rises up into the upper part of the valve body 11 via the space
formed between the peripheral bulge 28 and the floor of the groove
23. The pressurized product flows into the orifice 20, into the
valving member 14, and is dispensed via the dispensing orifice 51.
When the actuating pressure ceases, the spring 17 returns the valve
10 to its closed position (FIG. 2A).
[0059] As shown in FIG. 2B, the groove 23 may have an angular width
which increases gradually towards the bottom of the container.
Thus, by exerting a moderate pressure axially on the dispensing
head 50, the valving member 14 may be pushed inward by a distance
to a first open position (FIG. 3A) such that the peripheral bulge
28 of the valving member 14 faces a narrow-width portion of the
groove 23. In this first open position, product may dispensed with
a relatively low flow rate. For example, the flow rate at the first
open position may be about 0.16 grams per second.
[0060] As the pressure exerted on the dispensing head 50 increases,
the flow rate increases until a second open position (FIG. 3B) is
reached. In this second open position, the bulge 28 may face the
widest part of the groove 23. In this position, product may be
dispensed with a flow rate significantly higher than the flow rate
at the first open position (FIG. 3A). The particle sizes may be
approximately the same at both the first and second open positions.
For example, the flow rate at the second open position may be about
0.67 grams per second.
[0061] According to another exemplary aspect of the invention, as
illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B, the groove 23 may have a
substantially constant width over its entire height, but may have a
depth that increases gradually towards the bottom of the
container.
[0062] By exerting a moderate pressure axially on the dispensing
head 50, the valving member 14 may be pushed inward by a distance
to a first open position (FIG. 5A) such that the peripheral bulge
28 of the valving member 14 faces a shallow-depth portion of the
groove 23. At the first open position, the product may be dispensed
at a relatively low flow rate.
[0063] As the pressure exerted on the dispensing head 50 is
increased, the flow rate from the valve 10 increases until the
second open position (FIG. 5B) is reached. In the second open
position, the bulge 28 may face the deepest part of the groove 23.
In this position, the product may be dispensed with a flow rate
higher than the flow rate at the first open position (FIG. 5A).
[0064] According to another exemplary aspect, as illustrated in
FIG. 6, the valve body 11 may comprise a second axially extending
groove 25 separate from the first axially extending groove 23. In
the first open position, the peripheral bulge 28 of the valving
member 14 may face the first axially extending groove 23, and, in
the second open position, the peripheral bulge 28 of the valving
member 14 may face the first and second axially extending grooves
23, 25.
[0065] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to the structure and
methodology of the present invention. Thus, it should be understood
that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and examples
discussed in the specification. Rather, the present invention is
intended to cover modifications and variations.
* * * * *