U.S. patent application number 11/809742 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-14 for cap with actuation protection for a pressurized container.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Johannes Burghaus, Heiko Eberhardt, Hans Amold Engeland, Franz Steigerwald.
Application Number | 20080035638 11/809742 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37199035 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080035638 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burghaus; Johannes ; et
al. |
February 14, 2008 |
Cap with actuation protection for a pressurized container
Abstract
A cap (1) for a pressurized container (2) with an actuation
button (3) arranged at the top, which is provided for discharging a
metered spray or foam quantity of a product from a nozzle (4) or
opening (4A) via a channel (5), wherein the channel (5)
communicates with a short-stroke valve (6) of a valve disk (7) for
the pressurized container (2) and the actuation button (3). The
actuation button (3) communicates with an actuation protection
device (8.1-8.4) for first-time activation. The cap (1) with the
actuation button (3) has the shape of a protective cap (32)
externally and exhibits an essentially closed surface. As an
actuation protection device (8.1-8.4), the channel (5) is connected
to a first reinforcement rib (22) in the lower, lateral area (9) in
the proximity of the valve (6); said reinforcement rib (22) is
connected to a lever (26) on the bottom end (24), wherein the lever
(26) is connected to a start (25) of a first rib (10) via a
predetermined breaking zone (15). An end (27) of the first rib (10)
is connected to a base part (14), which is supported on the valve
disk (7), wherein, by overcoming a counterforce during first-time
activation of the actuation button (3), the predetermined breaking
zone (15) causes a predetermined break (16) due to manual force at
the lever and thus enables activation of the valve (6) (FIG.
1).
Inventors: |
Burghaus; Johannes;
(Gross-Umstadt, DE) ; Eberhardt; Heiko;
(Oberursel, DE) ; Engeland; Hans Amold;
(Gross-Bieberau, DE) ; Steigerwald; Franz;
(Griesheim, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION - WEST BLDG.
WINTON HILL BUSINESS CENTER - BOX 412
6250 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
|
Family ID: |
37199035 |
Appl. No.: |
11/809742 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/212 ;
222/335; 222/71 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/226 20130101;
B65D 83/206 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/212 ;
222/335; 222/071 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/20 20060101
B65D083/20; B65D 83/14 20060101 B65D083/14; B65D 83/16 20060101
B65D083/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 2, 2006 |
EP |
06011452.7 |
Claims
1. A cap for a pressurized container comprising an actuation button
arranged at the top, which is provided for discharging a metered
spray or foam quantity of a product from a nozzle or opening via a
channel, wherein the channel communicates with a short-stroke valve
of a valve disk for the pressurized container and the actuation
button, and wherein the actuation button communicates with an
actuation protection device for first-time activation, wherein the
cap has the shape of a protective cap externally with the actuation
button and exhibits a closed surface, and that, as an actuation
protection device, the channel is connected to at least one first
reinforcement rib in the lower, lateral area in the vicinity of the
valve, which is connected with a lever on a lower end, and wherein
the lever is connected to a start of a first rib via a
predetermined breaking zone, and wherein an end of the first rib is
connected to a base part, which is supported on the valve disk,
wherein, by overcoming a counterforce during first-time activation
of the actuation button, the predetermined breaking zone leads to a
predetermined break due to manual force at the lever and thus
enables activation of the valve.
2. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the channel with the
reinforcement rib, the lever, the first rib, and the base part is
manufactured from plastic as a single unit.
3. A cap according to claim 1, wherein a first and a second rib are
provided.
4. A cap according to claim 1, wherein a first and a second rib are
arranged opposite one another.
5. A cap according to claim 1, wherein both the first and the
second rib are connected with an elastic band at the channel and
which is used as a break part protection device.
6. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the base part comprises a
half-ring and is arranged coaxially with respect to the valve.
7. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the base part comprises a
complete ring and is arranged coaxially with respect to the
valve.
8. A cap for a pressurized container comprising an actuation button
arranged at the top, which is provided for discharging a metered
spray or foam quantity of a product from a nozzle or opening via a
channel, wherein the channel communicates with a short-stroke valve
of a valve disk for the pressurized container and the actuation
button, and wherein the actuation button communicates with an
actuation protection device for first-time activation, wherein the
cap has the shape of a protective cap externally with the actuation
button and essentially exhibits a closed surface, and that, as an
actuation protection device, the channel is connected to at least
one third reinforcement rib in the lower, lateral area in the
vicinity of the valve, and the rib is connected to a hollow
cylinder section on an external end via a second predeterminded
breaking zone, and the hollow cylinder section is supported
coaxially on the valve disk as a base part, wherein, by overcoming
a counterforce during first-time activation of the actuation
button, the second predetermined breaking zone leads to a
predetermined break at the third rib due to manual force and thus
enables activation of the valve.
9. A cap according to claim 8, wherein the channel with the third
rib and optionally the fourth rib and the hollow cylinder section
is manufactured from plastic as a single part.
10. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the actuation button is
connected to the housing by an elastic annular wall.
11. A cap according to claim 8, wherein the actuation button is
connected to the housing by an elastic annular wall.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a cap or a pressurized container
with an actuation button arranged on top, which is provided for
discharging a metered spray or foam quantity of a product from a
nozzle or opening via a channel, wherein the channel communicates
with a short-stroke valve of a valve disk in the pressurized
container and the actuation button. The first time the actuation
button is activated, it communicates with an actuation protection
device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Caps with an actuation protection device for first-time
activation of an actuation button (first opening guarantee) for a
pressurized container are known in the most varied of embodiments,
for example from United Kingdom Patent Application No. GB2108205A.
This type of actuation protection is externally visible to the user
due to the design. This results in additional limitations on the
design of such types of caps.
[0003] Furthermore, caps with an actuation protection device for
first-time activation of an actuation button (first opening
guarantee) for a pressurized container are known from everyday use,
with which the actuation button cannot be activated until a tab is
torn off. This action, however, results in a separate or
interfering part.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Correspondingly, the object of the invention is to obtain a
generically equivalent cap that does not have the aforementioned
disadvantages, or wherein the actuation protection device (first
opening guarantee) is not externally visible to the user, and that
is easy to handle. In addition, it should not present any
limitations in the external design of such type of cap.
[0005] Thus, it is now possible, despite an essentially closed
surface of a cap, to arrange an actuation protection device as a
first opening guarantee that is not externally visible to the user
and is easy to handle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The invention is described in detail below with reference to
five exemplary embodiments.
[0007] The following is shown:
[0008] FIGS. 1-4 show various views of a first exemplary
embodiment;
[0009] FIGS. 5-8 show various views of a second exemplary
embodiment;
[0010] FIGS. 9-12 show various views of a third exemplary
embodiment;
[0011] FIGS. 13-16 show various views of a fourth exemplary
embodiment;
[0012] FIGS. 17-21 show various views of a fifth exemplary
embodiment; and
[0013] FIG. 22 shows a version according to FIG. 17.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] FIG. 1 shows, in a first exemplary embodiment, a cap 1 for a
pressurized container 2 with an actuation protection device 8.1,
wherein the cap 1 has the shape of a protective cap 32 externally
with an actuation button 3 arranged on top, which is not pressed,
and an essentially closed surface. The actuation button 3 is
provided for discharging a metered spray or foam quantity of a
product from a nozzle 4 or opening 4A via a channel 5. The channel
5 communicates with a short-stroke valve 6 of a valve disk 7 in the
pressurized container 2 and with the actuation button 3, wherein
the actuation button 3 for first-time activation communicates with
the actuation protection device 8.1 as a first opening
guarantee.
[0015] As an actuation protection device 8.1, the channel 5 is
connected to a first reinforcement rib 22 in the lower, lateral
area 9 in the proximity of the valve 6; said reinforcement rib 22
is connected to a horizontally arranged lever 26, wherein the lever
26 is connected to a start 25 of a first rib 10 via a predetermined
breaking zone 15. An end 27 of the first rib 10 is connected to a
base part 14 at an angle to an axis of the valve 6; said base part
14 is supported on the valve disk 7. The actuation button 3 in this
case is protected by the actuation protection device 8.1. By
overcoming a counterforce during first-time manual actuation of the
actuation button 3, predetermined breaking zone 15 leads to a
predetermined break 16 (FIGS. 3 and 4) due to manual force at the
lever 26 and thus enables activation of the valve 6. Preferably,
the channel 5 is manufactured from plastic as a one-piece unit with
the reinforcement rib 22, the lever 26, the first rib 10, and the
base part 14.
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a detailed enlargement (X1) according to FIG.
1, indicating in more detail the actuation protection device 8.1
and the base part 14, which is designed as a half-ring 19.
[0017] FIG. 3 shows the activated actuation button 3 pressed
downwards axially, which has led to a predetermined break 16 in the
predetermined breaking zone 15 and thus has enabled actuation of
the valve 6. The actuation button 3 in this exemplary embodiment is
connected to a housing 31 with a film hinge 30. Instead of the
hinge 30, an elastic annular wall can be provided around the
actuation button 3 according to FIG. 22; said wall is manufactured
using a two-component injection molding process and enables a
corresponding lift movement of the actuation button 3. In addition,
this also tightly seals the actuation button 3 with the housing
31.
[0018] FIG. 4 shows a detailed enlargement (X2) according to FIG. 3
indicating particularly the rib 10 broken by the lever 26.
[0019] FIGS. 5 to 8 show, in a second exemplary embodiment, a cap 1
with an actuation protection device 8.2, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4;
however, in this case, the actuation protection device 8.2 also has
an elastic band 17 that is connected to the lever 26 and the first
rib 10. This ensures that, after a predetermined break 16, the
first rib 10 remains connected to the base part 14 and with the
lever 26 via the elastic band 17 (FIGS. 7 and 8).
[0020] FIG. 6 shows a detailed enlargement (X3) according to FIG. 5
indicating particularly the elastic band 17.
[0021] FIG. 7 shows the cap 1 according to FIG. 5, but with the
activated actuation button 3 pressed downwards axially.
[0022] FIG. 8 shows a detailed enlargement (X4) according to FIG.
7, indicating particularly the elastic connection function of the
elastic band 17, whereby the first rib 10 along with the base part
14 cannot move uncontrollably as a single part.
[0023] FIGS. 9 to 12 show, in a third exemplary embodiment, a cap 1
with an actuation protection device 8.3 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4;
however, the device is additionally and diametrically connected to
a second reinforcement rib 23 with a lever 26 and a second rib 11,
wherein the base part 14 is designed as a complete ring 20. This
diametrical arrangement results in an optimally centric application
of force onto the actuation protection device 8.3.
[0024] FIG. 10 shows a detailed enlargement (X5) according to FIG.
9.
[0025] FIG. 11 shows the cap 1 according to FIG. 9, but with the
activated actuation button 3 pressed downwards axially.
[0026] FIG. 12 shows a detailed enlargement (X6) according to FIG.
11 indicating the doubled predetermined break 16 in more
detail.
[0027] FIGS. 13 to 16 show, in a fourth exemplary embodiment, a cap
1 with an actuation protection device 8.4, as shown in FIGS. 9 to
12, but with each additionally having an elastic band 17, each of
which is connected to the lever 26 and the first rib 10 or the
second rib 11. This ensures that, after a predetermined break 16,
the first and second rib 10, 11 remain connected to the base part
14 (complete ring 20) and with the lever 26 via the elastic band 17
(FIGS. 15 and 16).
[0028] FIG. 14 shows a detailed enlargement (X7) according to FIG.
13 indicating particularly the elastic bands 17.
[0029] FIG. 15 shows the cap 1 according to FIG. 13, but with the
activated actuation button 3 pressed downwards axially.
[0030] FIG. 16 shows a detailed enlargement (X8) according to FIG.
15, indicating particularly the elastic connection function of the
elastic bands 17, whereby the first and the second rib 10, 11 along
with the base part 14 (complete ring 20) cannot move uncontrollably
as a single part.
[0031] FIGS. 17 to 21 show, in a fifth exemplary embodiment, a cap
1 for a pressurized container 2 with an actuation protection device
8.5, wherein the cap 1 has the external shape of a protective cap
32 with an actuation button 3 arranged on top and an essentially
closed surface. The actuation button 3 is provided for discharging
a metered spray or foam quantity of a product from a nozzle 4 or
opening 4A via a channel 5. The channel 5 communicates with a
short-stroke valve 6 of a valve disk 7 in the pressurized container
2 and with the actuation button 3, wherein the actuation button 3
for first-time activation communicates with the actuation
protection device 8.5 as a first opening guarantee.
[0032] As an actuation protection device 8.5, the channel 5 is
connected to at least a third rib 12 in the lower, lateral area 9
in the proximity of the valve 6; said rib 12 is connected on an
external end 28 to a hollow cylinder section 21 via a second
predetermined breaking zone 29; the hollow cylinder section 21 is
coaxially supported on the valve disk 7 as a base part 14. By
overcoming a counterforce during first-time manual actuation of the
actuation button 3, the second predetermined breaking zone 29 leads
to a predetermined break 16 due to manual force at the third rib 12
and thus enables activation of the valve 6. In addition to the
third rib 12, this exemplary embodiment also contains a fourth rib
13, which can optionally be arranged diametrically as well.
[0033] FIG. 18 shows a detailed enlargement (X9) according to FIG.
17 indicating the third and fourth rib 12, 13 in more detail.
[0034] FIG. 19 shows a cross-section of the detailed enlargement
according to FIG. 18.
[0035] FIG. 20 shows the cap 1 with an activated actuation button 3
pressed downwards axially and with a predetermined break 16 for
both ribs 12, 13.
[0036] FIG. 21 shows a detailed enlargement (X10) according to FIG.
20 in a corresponding cross-section.
[0037] FIG. 22 shows a version according to FIG. 17 wherein the
actuation button 3 is connected to the housing 31 by an elastic
annular wall 33. This means that the cap 1 exhibits a closed
surface and can still be pressed downwards axially to activate the
valve 6. The dotted line 34 schematically shows the activated
actuation button 3 pressed downwards axially, wherein the elastic
annular wall 33 simultaneously forms a type of hinge.
REFERENCE LIST
[0038] 1 Cap [0039] 2 Pressurized container [0040] 3 Actuation
button [0041] 4 Nozzle [0042] 4A Opening [0043] 5 Channel [0044] 6
Valve [0045] 7 Valve disk [0046] 8.1-8.5 Actuation protection
device [0047] 9 Bottom, lateral area [0048] 10 First rib [0049] 11
Second rib [0050] 12 Third rib [0051] 13 Fourth rib [0052] 14 Base
part [0053] 15 First predetermined breaking zone [0054] 16
Predetermined break [0055] 17 Elastic band [0056] 18 Break part
protection device [0057] 19 Half-ring [0058] 20 Complete ring
[0059] 21 Hollow cylinder section [0060] 22 First reinforcement rib
[0061] 23 Second reinforcement rib [0062] 24 End/first
reinforcement rib 22 [0063] 25 Start/first rib 10 [0064] 26 Lever
[0065] 27 End/first rib 10 [0066] 28 External end/third and fourth
rib 12, 13 [0067] 29 Second predetermined breaking zone [0068] 30
Film hinge [0069] 31 Housing [0070] 32 Protective cap [0071] 33
Elastic annular wall [0072] 34 Dotted line
[0073] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0074] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the
extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document
conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a
document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition
assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
[0075] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *