U.S. patent application number 11/174013 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-05 for dispenser for delivering substances onto a surface or into liquids.
Invention is credited to Richard A. Berger, Joseph C. Lott, Gregory S. Ludbrook, James P. McBroom, Kenneth J. Rueschhoff.
Application Number | 20060000853 11/174013 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35787421 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060000853 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rueschhoff; Kenneth J. ; et
al. |
January 5, 2006 |
Dispenser for delivering substances onto a surface or into
liquids
Abstract
The inventive dispenser comprises a cap and dispenser tube
assembly for delivering a foamed product below the surface of a
liquid through the dispenser tube. The dispenser tube pivots
between a dispensing position and a non-dispensing stowed position,
which allows for convenient cleaning of the dispensing tube. The
cap further comprises a removable portion between a first and
second section of the cap that restricts movement to prevent
operation of the dispensing valve until the removable portion is
detached by the consumer. The cap also includes a tamper resistant
removable pull tab for securing the dispenser tube in the stowed
position until the pull tab is detached by the consumer.
Inventors: |
Rueschhoff; Kenneth J.;
(Wildwood, MO) ; McBroom; James P.; (House
Springs, MO) ; Ludbrook; Gregory S.; (Kirkwood,
MO) ; Lott; Joseph C.; (DesPeres, MO) ;
Berger; Richard A.; (Troy, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY, & PIERCE, P.L.C
7700 BONHOMME, STE 400
ST. LOUIS
MO
63105
US
|
Family ID: |
35787421 |
Appl. No.: |
11/174013 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60615453 |
Oct 1, 2004 |
|
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60585417 |
Jul 2, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/402.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/22 20130101;
B65D 85/80 20130101; B65D 83/226 20130101; B65D 83/303 20130101;
B65D 83/7575 20130101; B65D 83/205 20130101; B65D 83/206
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/402.13 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/00 20060101
B65D083/00 |
Claims
1. An aerosol dispenser for delivering a substance, the dispenser
comprising: a can for holding a pressurized charge of the
substance; a valve for dispensing the substance; a cap on the can
covering the valve, the cap comprising a first section secured on
the can and a second section hingedly mounted on the first section
for movement relative to the first section; an extension tube,
having a proximal end and a distal end, and a passage therethrough
the extension tube being pivotally mounted adjacent to its proximal
end to the second section of the cap, to pivot between a stowed
position, and a dispensing position in which the proximal end of
the passage communicates with the valve; and the cap and valve
being configured so that movement of the second section of the cap
relative to the first section when the extension tube is in its
dispensing position operates the valve to dispense the substance
from the distal end of the extension tube.
2. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 1 further comprising a
removable portion between the first and second sections of the cap,
which resists relative movement of the first and second sections,
and thus operation of the valve.
3. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 2 wherein the removable
portion is formed integrally with the first and second sections of
the cap and is defined by lines of weakness between the removable
portion and the first and second sections, respectively.
4. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 1 wherein when the
extension tube is positioned between the dispensing and stowed
positions, the first and second ends of the passage through the
extension tube are open, and wherein in the dispensing position the
first end of the passage communicates with the valve.
5. An aerosol dispenser for delivering a substance, the dispenser
comprising: a can for holding a pressurized charge of the
substance; a valve for dispensing the substance; a cap on the can
covering the valve, the cap comprising a first section secured on
the can and a second section hingedly mounted on the first section
for movement relative to the first section; an extension tube,
having a proximal end and a distal end, and a passage therethrough
the extension tube being pivotally mounted adjacent to its proximal
end to the second section of the cap, to pivot between a stowed
position, and a dispensing position in which the proximal end of
the passage communicates with the valve; and the cap and valve
being configured so that movement of the second section of the cap
relative to the first section when the extension tube is in its
dispensing position operates the valve to dispense the substance
from the distal end of the extension tube.
6. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 5 further comprising a
removable portion between the first and second sections of the cap,
which resists relative movement of the first and second sections,
and thus operation of the valve.
7. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 6 wherein the removable
portion is formed integrally with the first and second sections of
the cap and is defined by lines of weakness between the removable
portion and the first and second sections, respectively.
8. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 5 wherein when the
extension member is in its stowed position, it resists relative
movement of the first and second sections of the cap to thereby
resist operation of the valve.
9. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 5 wherein when the
extension tube is positioned between the dispensing and stowed
positions, the first and second ends of the passage through the
extension tube are open, and wherein in the dispensing position the
first end of the passage communicates with the valve.
10. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 5 wherein the cap has
a flat face oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the axis
of the can, and wherein the extension tube is mounted to pivot
between a stowed position in which the tube overlies the flat face
and a dispensing position in which the distal end of the tube
projects beyond the cap.
11. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 10 further comprising
an instruction graphic for operating the dispenser on the flat face
of the cap, which is obscured by the extension tube when the
extension tube is in its stowed position.
12. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 11 further comprising
a catch on the first section of the cap for engaging the extension
member when it is in its stowed position, and resisting movement of
the second section while the extension member is in the stowed
position.
13. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 10 further comprising
a catch on the first section of the cap for engaging the extension
member when it is in its stowed position, and resisting movement of
the second section while the extension member is in the stowed
position.
14. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 10 wherein the
dispenser tube pivots about an axis perpendicular to the flat
face.
15. The dispenser according to claim 5 further comprise a removable
tab for securing the extension member in its stowed position.
16. An aerosol dispenser for delivering a substance the dispenser
comprising: a can for holding a pressurized charge of a substance;
a valve for dispensing the a substance; a cap on the can covering
the valve, the cap having a generally tapering configuration
comprising a proximal section secured on the can and a distal
section hingedly connected to the proximal section for movement
relative to the first section; an extension tube, having a proximal
end and a distal end, and a passage therethrough the extension tube
being pivotally mounted adjacent to its proximal end to the distal
section of the cap, to pivot between a stowed position, and a
dispensing position in which the proximal end of the passage
communicates with the valve; and the cap and valve being configured
so that movement of the distal section of the cap relative to the
proximal section when the extension tube is in its dispensing
position operates the valve to dispense the substance from the
distal end of the extension tube.
17. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 16 further comprising
a removable portion between the proximal and distal sections of the
cap, which resists relative movement of the proximal and distal
sections, and thus operation of the valve.
18. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 17 wherein the
removable portion is formed integrally with the proximal and distal
sections of the cap and is defined by lines of weakness between the
removable portion and the proximal and distal sections,
respectively.
19. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 16 wherein when the
extension member is in its stowed position, it resists relative
movement of the proximal and distal sections of the cap to thereby
resist operation of the valve.
20. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 16 wherein when the
extension tube is positioned between the dispensing and stowed
positions, the first and second ends of the passage through the
extension tube are open, and wherein when the extension tube is
positioned in the dispensing position the first end of the passage
communicates with the valve.
21. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 16 wherein the cap has
a flat face oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the axis
of the can, and wherein the extension tube is mounted to pivot
between a stowed position in which the tube overlies the flat face
and a dispensing position in which the distal end of the tube
projects beyond the cap.
22. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 21 further comprising
an instruction graphic for operating the dispenser on the flat face
of the cap, which is obscured by the extension tube when the
extension tube is in its stowed position.
23. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 22 further comprising
a catch on the proximal section of the cap for engaging the
extension member when it is in its stowed position, and resisting
movement of the distal section while the extension member is in the
stowed position.
24. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 21 further comprising
a catch on the proximal section of the cap for engaging the
extension member when it is in its stowed position, and resisting
movement of the distal section while the extension member is in the
stowed position.
25. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 21 wherein the
dispenser tube pivots about an axis perpendicular to the flat
face.
26. An improved aerosol dispenser having a distal end for
dispensing a substance, the improvement comprising: a container for
holding a pressurized charge of the substance; a valve for
dispensing the substance; a cap on the container covering the
valve, the cap comprising a first section secured to the container,
a second section, and a removable portion between the first and
second sections, wherein the second section is free to move
relative to the first section when the removable portion is
detached from the cap; an extension tube having a proximal end and
a distal end and a passage therein, the extension tube being
pivotally mounted adjacent to its proximal end to the second
section of the cap in a manner such that the extension tube pivots
between a stowed position and a dispensing position in which the
proximal end of the passage communicates with the valve; and the
cap and valve being configured so that movement of the second
section of the cap relative to the first section when the extension
tube is in the dispensing position operates the valve to dispense
the substance from the distal end of the extension tube.
27. The improved aerosol dispenser of claim 26, wherein the
removable portion of the cap resists movement of the second section
relative to the first section, and thus operation of the valve.
28. The improved aerosol dispenser of claim 27, wherein the
removable portion of the cap further comprises a removable pull tab
to facilitate detaching of the removable portion.
29. The improved aerosol dispenser of claim 28, further comprising
a second removable pull tab, wherein the second removable pull tab
restricts pivoting movement of the extension tube from a stowed
position to provide a tamper evident cap for the product.
30. The improved aerosol dispenser of claim 29, wherein when the
extension tube is pivoted to a position between the dispensing and
stowed positions, the proximal and distal ends of the passage
through the extension tube are open to allow for cleaning of the
passage.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/615,453, filed Oct. 1, 2004 and U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/585,417, filed Jul. 2, 2004. The disclosures of
the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a dispenser for aerosol products,
and in particular to a dispenser capable of delivering a substance
onto a surface and or into a liquid, for example for frothing
beverages.
[0003] Aerosol containers which dispense food products such as
whipped cream have found wide application in the food industry.
Food products are often packaged in aerosol cans with a
pressurizing agent such as nitrous oxide, which acts as a
propellant for dispensing a liquid food product. These aerosol cans
include a dispensing valve that may be employed in dispensing a
foam-forming liquid as a foam. Such valves may be intermittently
operated to dispense small amounts of the product as needed. A
problem with these valves is that the product dispensing nozzle or
tube does not conveniently provide for delivery into or onto
liquids, as would be desirable in making popular "frothed"
beverages, such as lattes. For example it would be desirable to
dispense a foamed substance, such as whipped cream, onto, and more
preferably into a beverage to make a latte. Another problem with
many current dispensers is that they can be difficult to clean,
particularly after immersion into a beverage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is an
aerosol dispenser comprising a cap and a dispenser tube assembly
for delivering the contents of an aerosol can. The dispenser tube
is preferably pivotally mounted on the cap to pivot between a
dispensing position, in which the tip can be placed adjacent to a
surface or onto or into a liquid, and a stowed non-operating
position between uses.
[0005] In the preferred embodiment, the dispenser tube may also be
pivoted to a position between the stowed and dispensing positions
in which both ends of the tube are accessible for easy cleaning of
the dispenser after use.
[0006] In the preferred embodiment the dispenser cap is adapted to
be secured to an aerosol container and connect to the aerosol
dispensing valve thereon. The dispenser cap is preferably
configured to resist unintentional movement or operation of the
dispensing valve. In the preferred embodiment the dispenser cap has
a removable portion that blocks operation of the cap until it is
removed.
[0007] More specifically, the cap of the preferred embodiment
comprises a first section that may be secured to an aerosol
container over a dispensing valve and a second section that may be
pivoted relative to the first section to operate the dispensing
valve on the aerosol container. A removable portion between the
first and second sections interferes with relative movement of the
sections until it is removed, preventing inadvertent operation and
providing an indication after the product has been used.
[0008] The cap can further comprise a recess for mounting a
pivoting dispensing tube that pivots between a first stowed
position and a second dispensing position. The dispensing tube
comprises a passage that, when the dispensing tube is pivoted to
the dispensing position, is in communication with the dispensing
valve through an opening in the cap. A push tab on the second
section of the cap may be pushed to move the second section (after
the removable portion is detached), which movement operates the
dispensing valve to deliver a product through the passage in the
dispenser tube. In the preferred embodiment the dispenser tube
interferes with access to the push tab when the dispenser tube is
its stowed position. However, when the dispenser tube is pivoted to
the dispensing position, the dispenser tube extends away from the
cap and may be placed adjacent to a surface or onto or into a
liquid to dispense the contents of the aerosol container.
Preferably, in a position between the dispensing and stowed
positions, the ends of the passage through the dispenser tube are
open or exposed to allow the passage to be conveniently
cleaned.
[0009] A tamper resistant removable pull tab can be provided for
securing the dispenser tube in the stowed position prior to use by
the end consumer. The removable tab restricts pivoting movement of
the dispenser tube away from its initially stowed position, until
the removable pull tab is detached by the consumer. The absence of
the pull tab from the product provides a tamper indication that
enables the vendor or consumer to identify possible tampering.
[0010] Various embodiments of this invention provide an improved
dispenser for dispensing the contents of an aerosol container onto
a surface, or into a liquid such as a beverage. Some embodiments
can include a removable portion to resist inadvertent operation,
and indicate when the product had been tampered with. Some
embodiments can include a removable tab to secure the dispenser
tube to likewise resist inadvertent operation, and indicate when
the product has been tampered with. Some embodiments can be
configured so that the ends of the dispensing tube can be exposed
for convenient cleaning.
[0011] These and other features and advantages will be in part
apparent, and in part pointed out herein after.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
cap and dispenser tube assembly in a stowed position in accordance
with the principles of this invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cap and dispenser tube
assembly in an open dispensing position in accordance with the
principles of this invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser tube in
accordance with the principles of this invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a cap for an aerosol can
in accordance with the principles of this invention; and
[0016] FIG. 5 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the cap
as it would be mounted on a can in accordance with the principles
of this invention.
[0017] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] A preferred embodiment of a dispenser constructed according
to the principles of this invention is indicated generally as 20 in
FIG. 1. The dispenser 20 comprises a cap 22 and a dispenser tube
24. The cap 22 has first or proximal section 26, a second or distal
section 28 connected by a hinge portion 30 and by a removable
portion 32. In the preferred embodiment, the first or proximal
section 24 is adapted to snap fit onto the end of an aerosol
container 34, over the aerosol dispensing valve 36 (see FIG. 5).
The dispensing valve 36 is preferably a displacement actuated
valve, but can be a push actuated valve, or any other type of
dispensing valve. The interior of the cap 22 has a plurality of
ribs 37 and lips 39 for engaging the rim of the container 34 The
second section 26 of the cap 22 can move or pivot relative to the
first section 24, to operate the valve 38 to discharge the contents
of the container 34.
[0019] The removable portion 32 between the first section 24 and
second section 26 restricts the movement of the second section 26
to resist operation of the dispensing valve 36 until the removable
portion 32 is detached from the cap 22 by the end consumer. The
removable portion 32 preferably comprises a strip, separated from
the first and second sections by lines of weakness, which could be
lines of reduced thickness or lines of perforation. The removable
portion 32 of the cap 22 preferably further comprises a "Pull" tab
38 that may be pulled to facilitate detaching the removable portion
28 from the cap. The "Pull" tab 38 provides a convenient place for
user directions on how to remove the removable portion (e.g.
"PULL"), and it makes it easier for a user to grip, pull, and
remove the removable portion 32.
[0020] The cap 22, and in particular the distal section 28 of the
cap, has a generally cylindrical recess 40 (shown in FIG. 4) for
receiving and pivotally mounting the dispenser tube 24 to pivot
between a first stowed position as shown in FIG. 1, and a second
dispensing position as shown in FIG. 2. The dispenser tube 24
comprises a passage 42, with a proximal end 44 opening near the
proximal end of the dispenser tube, and a distal end 46 opening
near the distal end of the dispenser tube.
[0021] The cap 22, and in particular the distal section 28, further
comprises a sleeve 48 therein for receiving and substantially
sealingly engaging the valve 36 on the can or container 34. A
passage 50 extends through the distal section 28 in communication
with the sleeve 48. When the dispenser tube 24 is pivoted to the
dispensing position, the proximal end 44 of the passage 42 is
aligned with, and communicates with, the passage 50 in the cap 22
(shown in FIG. 4).
[0022] The cap 22 preferably has a substantially flat face 52,
oblique to the longitudinal axis of can. A "Push" tab 54 is
preferably provided on the second or distal section 26 of the cap
22, and can be positioned on this face 52. The "Push" tab 54 is
preferably sized and positioned so that the user can push on the
"Push" tab to displace the second section 26 relative to the first
proximal section 24 (after the removable portion 32 is detached),
to operate the dispensing valve 36 to deliver the contents of the
container 34 through the passage 42 in the dispenser tube 24. In
the preferred embodiment, the container 34 contains a foam-forming
liquid product, such as a whipped cream product. This product is
particular suitable for frothing a beverage, such as coffee, to
make a latte. However, the invention is not so limited and could be
applied to the delivery of other food products, or even other
non-food products, including food products such as whipped cream,
cheese, and condiments, and non-food products such as caulk,
plastic foams (such as urethane foams and latex foams), cleaners,
waxes, polishes, cosmetics, skin lotions, sunscreen, sun blocks,
and self tanners.
[0023] When pivoted to its dispensing position, the dispenser tube
24 projects or extends away from the cap 22, so that the distal end
may be conveniently positioned adjacent to a surface or onto or
into a liquid for enabling convenient delivery of the contents.
When the dispenser tube 24 is pivoted to the stowed position, the
dispenser tube 24 obscures the "Push" tab 54 on the cap, and is
engaged by a catch 56 on the cap, to thereby resist movement or
operation of the dispensing valve. Specifically, when the dispenser
tube 24 is in the stowed position it restricts movement of the
second or distal section 26 relative to the first proximal section
24 of the cap. In a position between the dispensing and stowed
positions, the proximal and distal ends 44 and 46 of the dispenser
tube passage 42 are both open to allow the passage to be
conveniently flushed or rinsed clean.
[0024] The cap 22 can further comprise a tamper resistant removable
"Pull" tab 58 for retaining the dispenser tube 24 in the stowed
position prior to use by the end user or consumer. The removable
tab 58 restricts pivoting movement of the dispenser tube 40 away
from its initially stowed position, until the removable "Pull" tab
58 is detached by the end-use or consumer. The absence of the
"Pull" tab 58 (like the absence of the removable portion 32) from
the product serves as a tamper indicator.
[0025] The dispensing tube 24 is preferably made from a
polypropylene or other suitable polymeric material. Of course the
dispensing tube could be made from any other suitable material
compatible with the contents of the container the liquid it is to
be dispensed to. As shown in FIG. 3, the dispenser tube 24 has a
stud 60 adjacent its proximal end adapted to fit in a corresponding
recess 40 in the cap (FIG. 54). The stud 60 has a circumferential
ring 62 for engaging a shoulder in the recess 40 and thereby
securing the stud 60 in the recess 40, while permitting the
dispenser tube 24 to pivot.
[0026] The dispenser tube 24 is sufficiently long to project or
extend a sufficient length for enabling the distal end 44 of the
passage 42 to be placed in a liquid such that a foamed product may
be delivered below the surface of the liquid through the tube.
Instructional indicia, such as an instructional graphic of text
message, can be provided on the dispenser tube 24. In the preferred
embodiment, this instructional indicia includes a arrow graphic 64,
illustrating the that direction of movement of the extension
tube.
[0027] In accordance with the principles of this invention, the cap
is preferably made from a polypropylene or other suitable polymeric
material.
Operation
[0028] In operation the cap 22 is provided on an aerosol can 34
having an aerosol dispensing valve 36. The can 34 contains a
charged of a fluid, and more preferably a foam-forming fluid, under
pressure. Most preferably, the can 34 contains a cream or cream
substitute.
[0029] In use, the consumer removes the removable portion 32, to
allow the second section of the cap to pivot relative to the first
portion. The user also removes the "Pull" tab 58. The dispenser is
now ready for use. To dispense the contents of the can, the user
simply pivots the tube 24 to its dispensing position, bringing the
proximal end 44 of the passage 42 into alignment with the opening
50 in the cap, which in turn communicates with the passage 48 in
which the valve 36 is disposed. The user positions the distal end
of the tube 24 at the location where the contents are to be
dispensed. The tube 24 allows the user to dispense the contents
onto or into a liquid, and in particular into coffee or other
beverage. The user presses on the tab 54, which causes the second
portion of the cap to pivot on the hinge 30, operating the valve
36. The valve 36 discharges the contents of the can 34 into the
sleeve 48, from where it passes through opening 50, and then into
the proximal end 44 of the passage 42, and eventually out the
distal end 46 of the passage 42.
[0030] After product has been dispensed, the user can pivot the
tube 24 to a position intermediate the dispensing and stowed
positions in which the proximal and distal ends 44 and 46 of the
passage 42 are exposed, to wash out the passage. The tube 24 can
then be operated to its stowed position, where it overlies the face
52, preferably obscuring the "Push" tab 54. In the preferred
embodiment, the tube 24 engages the first portion 24 of the cap, so
that it physically resists the pivoting of the second portion 26,
and thus resists inadvertent operation of the dispenser.
[0031] Thus the dispenser 20 is capable of being extended to
deliver a foamed product below the surface of a liquid, and is also
capable of being positioned for enabling cleaning of the dispenser
after use. The cap may further comprise a detent (not shown) to
retaining the dispenser tube in the stowed position, to further
improve restriction of operation of the dispensing valve.
[0032] Additional design considerations, readily apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art, such as the modification of the
dispensing tube to include a detent for securing the tube in the
stowed position, may also further improve restriction of movement
and operation of the dispensing valve. It should be apparent to
those skilled in the art that various modifications such as the
above may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention. More particularly, the dispenser may be adapted to
any aerosol can or container for dispensing a variety of foamed
products. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be
limited by the particular form illustrated and described above, but
by the appended claims.
* * * * *