U.S. patent application number 11/190059 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-01 for lubricant aerosol dispensing container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jason Easter.
Application Number | 20070027037 11/190059 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37695127 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070027037 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Easter; Jason |
February 1, 2007 |
Lubricant aerosol dispensing container
Abstract
An aerosol dispensing container or pressurized vessel such as a
metallic spray can at least contains a non-flammable aerosol
propellant and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) lubricant mixture
(propellant/lubricant mixture). The propellant/lubricant mixture
has been formulated such that is non-migrating, i.e., stays where
it is applied rather than spreading into surrounding areas. The
propellant/lubricant mixture has a wide range of applications and
is especially well formulated for automotive applications for which
smooth, repeated movement is essential. The low coefficient of
friction characteristic of the propellant/lubricant mixture
translates to superior effectiveness. By providing this
propellant/lubricant mixture in the pressurized vessel, the PTFE
lubricant of the present invention can be applied in places that
conventional liquid lubricants could not reach. For example in
small spaces between plastic, rubber, or metal parts that cause
unwanted squeaking, rattling or other noise.
Inventors: |
Easter; Jason; (Walled Lake,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GLOBAL IP COUNSELORS, LLP
1233 20TH STREET, NW, SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-2680
US
|
Assignee: |
Nissan Technical Center North
America, Inc.
Farmington Hills
MI
|
Family ID: |
37695127 |
Appl. No.: |
11/190059 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
508/181 ;
508/582; 508/590 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C10M 107/38 20130101;
C10N 2030/06 20130101; C10N 2050/04 20130101; C10M 2213/0623
20130101; C10N 2040/00 20130101; C10M 2211/0225 20130101; C10M
105/50 20130101; C10M 2213/06 20130101; C10M 2213/062 20130101;
C10M 2213/0606 20130101; C10M 2211/022 20130101; C10M 2211/022
20130101; C10M 2211/022 20130101; C10M 2211/0225 20130101; C10M
2211/0225 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
508/181 ;
508/590; 508/582 |
International
Class: |
C10M 169/00 20070101
C10M169/00 |
Claims
1. A lubricant aerosol dispensing container comprising: a
pressurized vessel having a spray outlet; a non-flammable aerosol
propellant contained in the vessel; and a lubricant contained in
the vessel, the lubricant being composed of
dihydrodecafluoropentane 138495-428, polytetrafluoroethylene
9002-84-0, perfluoroalkylether 60614-51-4, and tetrafluoroethane
811-97-2, the propellant being formulated with retention properties
to propel the lubricant and retain the lubricant on a surface where
the lubricant is sprayed.
2. The lubricant aerosol dispensing container according to claim 1,
wherein the pressurized vessel is a metallic can.
3. A method of coating a surface with a thin film comprising:
providing a pressurized vessel having a spray outlet; providing a
non-flammable aerosol propellant in the vessel; providing a
lubricant in the vessel, with the lubricant being composed of
dihydrodecafluoropentane 138495-428, polytetrafluoroethylene
9002-84-0, perfluoroalkylether 60614-51-4, and tetrafluoroethane
811-97-2; mixing the aerosol propellant and the lubricant as a
mixture in the container; and applying the mixture to the surface
to leave a lubricating film as the thin film on the surface.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the pressurized vessel
is a metallic can.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the applying of the
mixture includes forming lubricating film on an automobile part
that includes the surface.
6. The method according to claim 3, wherein the applying of the
mixture includes forming lubricating film on an automobile part
that includes the surface.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a lubricant in an
aerosol dispensing container such as a spray can. More
specifically, the present invention relates to a spray on lubricant
that deposits a thin film that remains on a surface to be
lubricated.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Currently, many different lubricants and/or protective
coatings are available on the market for a variety of applications.
However, not every lubricants and/or protective coatings is
suitable for every application. For example, in the automotive
industry, it is important that the lubricant does not harm the wide
variety of materials that are used in vehicle parts. Moreover, in
the automotive industry, it is important that the lubricant stays
where it is applied rather than spreading into surrounding areas.
Also in the automotive industry, sometimes it is desirable or
necessary to lubricant a part that is a hard to reach area.
[0005] While aerosol lubricants are known, such as WD-40.RTM.,
there are aerosol lubricants are not suitable for certain
automotive applications. For example, some aerosol lubricants are
difficult to apply in a precise location. Other aerosol lubricants
do not stay in place when applied, but rather drip or run across
the surface of the part from where it was applied. Some of these
aerosol lubricants have a high viscosity that requires very high
pressure to apply. Some of these aerosol lubricants contain
flammable aerosol propellants, which are not suitable for certain
automotive applications.
[0006] Because of their remarkably low coefficient of friction as
well as their high level of inertness, fluoropolymers, such as
polytetrafluoroethylene, have gained widespread acceptance for
reducing surface friction and as protective coatings. In
particular, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has been used on various
types of surfaces from the familiar frying pan to rubbing parts or
valves in complex apparatus, such as artificial human hearts.
Unfortunately however, the cost of either making entire parts from
PTFE or applying PTFE coatings to existing surfaces is relatively
expensive.
[0007] In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled
in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an
improved lubricant in an aerosol dispensing container. This
invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs,
which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this
disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It has been discovered that an aerosol dispensing container
such as a spray can, which contains a lubricant is very useful
certain automotive applications, especially in small spaces of the
vehicle between plastic, rubber, or metal parts that cause unwanted
squeaking, rattling or other noise. However, in certain automotive
applications, it is important that the lubricant stays where it is
applied rather than spreading into surrounding areas.
[0009] The present invention was conceived in light of these facts.
One object of the present invention is to provide a lubricant that
can be sprayed on to an automotive part such that the lubricant
stays where it is applied rather than spreading into surrounding
areas. In other words, it was conceived that a lubricant should be
combined with one or more additional substances that will result in
a non-migrating lubricant film, i.e., a lubricant film that stays
where it is applied rather than spreading into surrounding
areas.
[0010] To achieve the foregoing object, a lubricant aerosol
dispensing container is provided in accordance with the present
invention that basically comprises a pressurized vessel having a
spray outlet. A non-flammable aerosol propellant is contained in
the vessel along with a lubricant that is composed of
dihydrodecafluoropentane 138495-428, polytetrafluoroethylene
9002-84-0, perfluoroalkylether 60614-51-4, and tetrafluoroethane
811-97-2. The propellant is formulated with retention properties to
propel the lubricant and retain the lubricant on a surface where
the lubricant is sprayed.
[0011] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of
the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the
art from the following detailed description, which, taken in
conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of
this original disclosure:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a elevational view of an aerosol dispensing
container or pressurized vessel such as a spray can which includes
a non-flammable aerosol propellant and a lubricant being composed
of dihydrodecafluoropentane 138495-428, polytetrafluoroethylene
9002-84-0, perfluoroalkylether 60614-51-4, and tetrafluoroethane
811-97-2 in accordance with the present invention; and
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a method of applying a
lubricant being composed of dihydrodecafluoropentane 138495-428,
polytetrafluoroethylene 9002-84-0, perfluoroalkylether 60614-51-4,
and tetrafluoroethane 811-97-2 to an vehicle part in accordance
with the present invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be
explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to
those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following
descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are
provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting
the invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol dispensing container or
pressurized vessel 10 such as a metallic spray can is illustrated
in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. As
explained below, the pressurized vessel 10 at least contains a
non-flammable aerosol propellant and a liquid
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) lubricant that form a sprayable
mixture (propellant/lubricant mixture). The propellant/lubricant
mixture is pressurized to a sufficient level to substantially
atomize the PTFE lubricant and the aerosol propellant together. The
propellant/lubricant mixture, as set forth below, has been
formulated such that is non-migrating, i.e., stays where it is
applied rather than spreading into surrounding areas. The
propellant/lubricant mixture of the present invention has a wide
range of applications and is especially well formulated for
automotive applications for which smooth, repeated movement is
essential. The low coefficient of friction characteristic of the
propellant/lubricant mixture of the present invention translates to
superior effectiveness.
[0017] By providing this propellant/lubricant mixture in the
pressurized vessel 10, the PTFE lubricant of the present invention
can be applied in places that conventional liquid lubricants could
not reach. For example in small spaces between plastic, rubber, or
metal parts that cause unwanted squeaking, rattling or other noise.
In other words, the aerosol allows the PTFE lubricant of the
present invention to be forced into the small spaces by the force
of the aerosol, instead of only by the natural action of the liquid
lubricant. Also, the PTFE lubricant of the present invention being
mixed with a polymer of the aerosol propellant aids in retaining
the PTFE lubricant of the present invention in the location were it
was applied by the force of the aerosol. In other words, by
applying the propellant/lubricant mixture to a surface of an
automotive part or other item to be lubricated, a lubricating film
as the thin film is left on the surface of the automotive part or
other item.
[0018] As seen in FIG. 1, the pressurized vessel 10 has a main body
12 with a spray outlet 14. The pressurized vessel 10 is preferably
a metallic aerosol spray can. Aerosol spray can are well known and
thus, the precise structure of the pressurized vessel 10 will not
be discussed or illustrated in detail. Preferably, a nozzle 16 is
attached to the spray outlet 14 in a conventional manner. When a
user pushes down on the nozzle 16, this will open an internal valve
(not shown) of the spray outlet 14 to propel the lubricant from
inside the pressurized vessel 10. Optionally, the nozzle 16 can be
provided with a tube or straw 18 so that the lubricant can be
precisely directed onto a vehicle part 20 as diagrammatically
illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0019] It has been discovery that not all PTFE lubricants are
suitable in automotive applications. In particular, the PTFE
lubricant of the present invention needs to be durability in use on
the vehicle and sprayable in an aerosol form, as well as to be able
to be applied and used in hot and cold weather conditions. Other
aspects of the PTFE lubricant of the present invention includes
that is stays where sprays, and the does not fade colored vehicle
parts when applied thereto. It has been discovery that a PTFE
lubricant consisting essentially of dihydrodecafluoropentane
138495-428, polytetrafluoroethylene 9002-84-0, perfluoroalkylether
60614-51-4, and tetrafluoroethane 811-97-2 is suitable for
automotive applications. Such a PTFE lubricant for automotive
applications is commercially available from DuPont.RTM. under the
trademark Krytox.RTM.. More specifically, there are many different
grades of PTFE lubricant that are marketed by DuPont.RTM. under the
trademark Krytox.RTM., and it has been discovered that Krytox.RTM.
105 is particularly suitable for automotive applications and can be
pressurized and sprayed. However, at the time of this invention,
Krytox.RTM. 105 has not been developed as a spray on PTFE
lubricant.
[0020] In order to use Krytox.RTM. 105 as a spray on PTFE
lubricant, a polymer need to be added to ensure the PTFE lubricant
stays in the location that the aerosol forced the PTFE lubricant
onto. A series of tests were performed to obtain a correct
formulation of an aerosol propellant and a PTFE lubricant mixture
that produced the desired results of a non-migrating lubricant that
is well suited for automotive applications.
[0021] Thus, a propellant was formulated with retention properties
to propel the lubricant and retain the lubricant on a surface where
the lubricant was sprayed. It has been discovered that a propellant
with a suitable polymer was commercially available from DuPont.RTM.
under the trademark Dymel.RTM. 134-a. This propellant (Dymel.RTM.
134-a) was found to provide the retention properties to propel the
PTFE lubricant (Krytox.RTM. 105) and retain the PTFE lubricant
(Krytox.RTM. 105) on a surface where the PTFE lubricant
(Krytox.RTM. 105) was sprayed. The PTFE lubricant (Krytox.RTM. 105)
and the propellant (Dymel.RTM. 134-a) are put into the pressurized
vessel 10 under pressure with the mixture comprising 80% of the
PTFE lubricant (Krytox.RTM. 105) by weight and the remaining 20% by
weight being the propellant (Dymel.RTM. 134-a). Of course, the
pressurized vessel 10 can contain some small quantity of volatile
organic compounds (VOC's), preferably less than one percent by
weight.
[0022] This propellant/lubricant mixture of the present invention
met the durability wear requirements needed for automotive
applications as well as the compatibility requirements for the
vehicle parts that the propellant/lubricant mixture will contact,
e.g., color fastness/fade requirements on contacting materials. In
other words, this formulation of the propellant/lubricant mixture
of the present invention has good wear capacity and will not stain
the vehicle parts, especially the color plastic vehicle parts. Also
when the propellant/lubricant mixture is applied to a surface, the
coating or thin film exhibits outstanding lubricity (low
coefficient of friction) and antistick or release properties. The
propellant/lubricant mixture can be used under a wide variety of
environmental conditions ranging that an automotive vehicle might
encounter. These characteristics of the propellant/lubricant
mixture of the present invention results in a stable, highly
effective, and easy to use lubricant.
[0023] Applications for the spray (propellant/lubricant mixture) of
the present invention include, but not limited to, seal lubricity
and squeak, hinge squeak, hinge lubrication, improve door closing
efforts, seat squeaks, panel squeaks, molding squeaks, and other
vehicle trim and vehicle body related squeaks.
[0024] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to
illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and
modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore,
the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the
present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for
the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended
claims and their equivalents. Thus, the scope of the invention is
not limited to the disclosed embodiments.
* * * * *