U.S. patent application number 11/915804 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-21 for device for dispensing a preferably cosmetic fluid.
This patent application is currently assigned to SEAQUIST PERFECT DISPENSING GMBH. Invention is credited to Reiker Canfield, Reinhard Neuhaus.
Application Number | 20080197152 11/915804 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36741197 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080197152 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Neuhaus; Reinhard ; et
al. |
August 21, 2008 |
Device For Dispensing A Preferably Cosmetic Fluid
Abstract
The invention relates to a device (1), comprising a valve
element (2) and a valve seat (4) associated therewith, for
dispensing a preferably cosmetic fluid. The invention also relates
to the use of thermoplastic silicone for producing a valve element.
The aim of the invention is to produce the aforementioned device in
a simple and inexpensive manner. For this purpose, the valve
element (2) is produced from a thermoplastic silicone. The valve
element is especially injection-molded from thermoplastic silicone
at a processing temperature of from 140.degree. C. to 250.degree.
C.
Inventors: |
Neuhaus; Reinhard; (Hemer,
DE) ; Canfield; Reiker; (Crystal Lake, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jason H. Vick;Sheridan Ross, PC
Suite # 1200, 1560 Broadway
Denver
CO
80202
US
|
Assignee: |
SEAQUIST PERFECT DISPENSING
GMBH
Dortmund
DE
|
Family ID: |
36741197 |
Appl. No.: |
11/915804 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
May 15, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2006/004554 |
371 Date: |
November 28, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/207 ;
264/241 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B 11/0072 20130101;
B05B 11/007 20130101; B65D 47/2056 20130101; B65D 83/7535
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/207 ;
264/241 |
International
Class: |
B65D 37/00 20060101
B65D037/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 31, 2005 |
DE |
10 2005 025 371.7 |
Claims
1. Device for dispensing a preferably cosmetic fluid, with a
particularly elastically deformable valve element and particularly
with an allocated valve seat (4), wherein the valve element
consists of thermoplastic silicon.
2. Device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the valve element is
injection-molded, particularly injection-molded directly against
the valve seat or another part of the device, particularly the part
forming the valve seat.
3. Device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the valve element is
elastically pretensioned against the valve seat.
4. Device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the valve element is
designed to be self-closing.
5. Device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the valve element can be
opened by manual actuation and/or pressure of the fluid.
6. Device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the valve element
fastened non-positively and/or positively to the device or its
part, particularly by means of at least one engagement part.
7. Device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the silicon is a
copolymer, preferably a two-phase-constructed block copolymer,
particularly a polydimethyl siloxane urea copolymer.
8. Device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the silicon has a Shore
A hardness of 60 to 100.
9. Device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the valve seat consists
of a thermoplast, preferably a polyolefin, particularly
polypropylene.
10. Device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the valve seat is
injection-molded.
11. Device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the valve seat is
formed by an elastically deformable, preferably one-piece part of
the device.
12. Device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the device has a pump
chamber which is delimited or formed at least partially by a part
of the device, particularly wherein fluid can be dispensed from the
pump chamber through manual deformation of the part and can be
subsequently taken up, particularly sucked, into the pump chamber
through preferably self-actuating elastic resetting of the
part.
13. Device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the valve element
forms, particularly together with the valve seat, an inlet,
delivery, one-way or dispenser valve for the fluid.
14. Device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the device is designed
as a dispenser head, manually actuated pump or dispenser.
15. Use of thermoplastic silicon to manufacture a valve element of
a device for dispensing a preferably cosmetic fluid, with the valve
element being injection-molded from the silicon at a processing
temperature of 140 to 250.degree. C.
16. Use as set forth in claim 15, wherein the valve element is
injection-molded directly against a valve seat of the device.
17. Use as set forth in claim 16, wherein the valve seat or a part
of the device forming same is injection-molded before the valve
element--particularly in the same injection mold.
18. Use as set forth in claim 16, wherein the valve seat or a part
of the device forming same is manufactured from a thermoplast,
preferably from a polyolefin, particularly polypropylene.
19. Use as set forth in claim 15, wherein the silicon is a
copolymer, preferably a two-phase-constructed block copolymer,
particularly a polydimethyl siloxane urea copolymer.
20. Use as set forth in claim 15, wherein the silicon has a Shore A
hardness of 60 to 100.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for dispensing a
preferably cosmetic fluid as set forth in the preamble of claim 1
as well to a use of thermoplastic silicon for manufacturing a valve
element of such a device.
[0002] The fluid is, particularly, a liquid, a foam, a gel, a
lotion, a suspension or the like. As needed, the fluid can also
contain dissolved gas or a gas phase. The term "cosmetic liquid" is
intended to refer, in its narrower meaning, above all to bodily
care and cleaning products, cosmetics, and the like, such as
shaving foam, shaving gel, hair gel or the like. However, technical
or other liquids also come into consideration. In the following,
for the sake of simplicity and due to the emphasized use, only
"cosmetic fluid" is mentioned in many cases.
[0003] EP 0 442 858 A2 discloses a dispensing device with a rigid
lower part and an elastic upper part. A pump chamber is formed
between the upper part and the lower part. The upper part is
designed as a single piece and has a flap-like valve element to
form an intake valve in the pump chamber. Moreover, the upper part,
together with the lower part, forms a delivery valve. For this
purpose, a groove-like delivery channel is formed with a curved
cross-section into which a delivery section of the upper part is
elastically pretensioned. The lower part is preferably made of
polypropylene or polyethylene by means of injection molding. The
upper part is preferably vacuum-formed of thermoplastic
polyethylene. The known dispensing device does not function
satisfactorily, since a trouble-free closure of the valves is not
always ensured. Moreover, the manufacture of the upper part and
lower part is elaborate because it requires different methods.
[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a device
and a use of thermoplastic silicon for the manufacture of a valve
element, so that simple, inexpensive manufacture particularly of
all parts through injection molding is made possible with good
sealing and closing characteristics of the valve element.
[0005] The abovementioned object is achieved by a device as set
forth in claim 1 or a use as set forth in claim 15. Advantageous
modifications are the subject of the subsidiary claims.
[0006] One essential idea of the present invention lies in the
manufacture of the valve element of thermoplastic silicon.
[0007] The elasticity of the silicon is very advantageous with
respect to the sealing effect and plasticity of the valve
element.
[0008] By using thermoplastic silicon, a substantially simpler
processing is made possible, particularly by means of conventional
injection molding. This is not possible with conventional silicon
manufactured from two components immediately prior to processing
and very considerably reduces the mechanical complexity and time
required.
[0009] Particularly, the proposed use of thermoplastic silicon to
manufacture a valve element of a device for dispensing a preferably
cosmetic fluid, with the valve element being injection-molded at a
processing temperature of 140.degree. C. to 250.degree. C., makes
manufacture simple and inexpensive. Particularly, conventional
injection molds and injection machinery can be used here.
[0010] Especially preferably, a provision is made that the valve
element is injected at least in part directly against the valve
seat and/or another part of the device--particularly in the same
mold in which the valve seat or the part was injected previously.
The valve and the part can particularly be manufactured from an
inexpensive polyolefin such as polypropylene. This results in a
very simple and inexpensive manufacturing process. Particularly, an
otherwise required assembly of the valve element in the device,
particularly at the valve seat or other parts of the device, can be
omitted. Moreover, special machines for special manufacture of the
valve element are not necessary.
[0011] The valve element is preferably elastically pretensioned
against the valve seat and is designed to be self-closing. This
permits a simple construction.
[0012] The valve element is preferably fastened non-positively or
positively to the device, particularly by means of at least one
engagement part or through injection. This allows, particularly in
combination with the preferred immediate injection of the valve
element, for very simple manufacture, since other mounting or
fastening steps can be omitted.
[0013] Further advantages, features, characteristics and aspects of
the present invention follow from the claims and the following
description of a preferred embodiment based on the drawing. The
sole FIGURE shows:
[0014] a perspective, exploded view of a proposed valve device.
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a proposed device 1 for dispensing a preferably
cosmetic fluid (not shown) in the sense indicated at the outset.
The device 1 can, particularly, be designed as a dispenser head or
actuator, a dosing pump or hand-operated pump or the like. The
device 1 can also be integrated into another device, such as a pump
or the like.
[0016] The device 1 has a preferably at least partially elastically
deformable valve element 2 which is provided with a particularly
arched or channeled contact area 3.
[0017] The device 1 further has a valve seat 4 allocated to the
valve element 2 or its contact area 3 which is formed in the
example shown by a particularly arched or cap-like part 5 of the
device 1. The part 5 or the valve seat 4 and the valve element 2
together form a valve of the device 1 for the fluid.
[0018] The valve element 2 and the part 5 are depicted in FIG. 1 as
being spaced apart from other or in exploded view merely for the
sake of illustration. In fact, the valve element 2 is preferably
not manufactured separately from the part 5 but rather directly
injection-molded against same.
[0019] The valve element 2 is preferably provided with at least one
engagement part 6 which engages into a corresponding undercut or
recess 7 on the valve seat 4 or part 5 in order to ensure a secure
fastening of the valve element 2 and/or seal. However, a
constructive reversal is also possible here in which the engagement
part 6 is disposed or formed on the part 5.
[0020] The valve element 2 and part 5 are preferably connected to
each other--particularly also inseparably--by means of other
engagement parts (not shown) which engage, for example, in recesses
or openings 8 and bring about a particularly positive
connection.
[0021] The valve seat 4 and/or the part 5 are preferably
injection-molded, particularly from a thermoplast, very preferably
from a polyolefin such as polypropylene or the like, and
particularly rigidly. However, other suitable materials can be
used.
[0022] The valve element 2 is particularly injection-molded
directly against the valve seat 4 or the part 5. Preferably, the
injection of the valve element 2 takes place in the same injection
mold in which the part 5 was injection-molded with the valve seat 4
after the part 5 is at least solid enough for injection of the
valve element 2. This results in very simple, quick and inexpensive
manufacture.
[0023] In the finished state, the valve element 2 is adjacent with
its preferably channeled contact area 3 to the valve seat 4 or
engages in same. This forms a valve of the device 1, which is
preferably designed to be self-closing. Optionally, the valve
element 2, particularly its contact area 3, is elastically
pretensioned against the valve seat in order to achieve a good
seal. This pretensioning can be achieved by means of appropriate
dimensional adaptation and consideration of the shrinking behavior
upon cooling.
[0024] The valve or contact area 3 is preferably enclosed by the
engagement element 6 on all sides or in a U-shape, with the
engagement element 6 engaging inseparably into the correspondingly
continuous recess 7, so that the fluid exiting from the part 5
through the delivery opening 9 can only be discharged between valve
seat 4 and contact area 3--along the groove.
[0025] As needed, the valve can be opened by manual actuation or
the like. In the example shown, the opening of the valve takes
place particularly in that the fluid (not shown) lifts up the valve
element 2, particularly only its contact area 3, when there is
sufficient fluid pressure--particularly when the device 1 is
pressed down to open a feed valve--so that the valve of the device
1 is opened and the dispensing of the fluid is made possible. When
a certain pressure is undershot, the valve preferably closes
automatically as a result of the restoring forces bringing the
valve element 2 or its contact area 3 to rest again on the valve
seat 4.
[0026] According to the inventive proposal, the valve element 2
consists of thermoplastic silicon. Beyond the normal elastic
characteristics of a silicon, the silicon is thermoplastic.
Particularly, it is a copolymer, such as a two-phase-constructed
block copolymer, very especially preferably a polydimethyl siloxane
urea copolymer. The Shore A hardness of the silicon is preferably
40 to 100, particularly 60 to 100 (measured per DIN 53505).
[0027] The use of the thermoplastic silicon allows for a
considerable simplification of the manufacture. Particularly, the
injection molds, injection machinery or the like used for the other
components such as the part 5 or the valve seat 4 can also be used
to manufacture the valve element 2. Particularly, in contrast to
conventional silicon, the thermoplastic silicon does not require
working at significantly elevated temperatures, no processing of
two components to manufacture the silicon, and no (substantial)
hardening after molding.
[0028] Rather, the thermoplastic silicon allows for the injection
molding manufacture of even thin-walled, elastic valve elements 2
at a processing temperature of preferably 140.degree. C. to
250.degree. C.
[0029] In the example shown, the valve element 2 is designed at
least substantially in the manner of a disc, with the engagement
part 6 and other optional engagement elements (not shown) which
engage in openings 8 in the part 5 ensuring a secure fastening of
the valve element 2 on the part 5. Particularly, after injection,
the valve element 2 is connected inseparably to the part 5. Despite
the immediate injection, the valve element 2 is able to separate
from or lift off the part 5 or valve seat 4 in the desired areas,
particularly with its contact area 3, in order to open the valve.
This is a special characteristic and advantage of thermoplastic
silicon. Namely, it does not bond directly to the material of the
part 5 upon injection.
[0030] The device 1 can have a pump chamber which is preferably
delimited or formed at least to some degree by the part 5.
Particularly, fluid can then be dispensed from the pump chamber
through manual deformation of the part 5, particularly through
pressing down, via the valve formed by the contact area 3 and the
valve seat 4. The part 5 is then appropriately designed to be
elastically deformable for this purpose. Subsequently, fluid can be
taken up, particularly sucked, back into the pump chamber through
preferably self-actuating elastic resetting of the part 5.
[0031] According to one variation (not shown), the valve element 2
can also be manufactured, particularly injection-molded, separately
and, independently from the valve seat 4/part 5, and in such case
not be solidly attached to same in the assembled state.
Alternatively or in addition, with its outstanding characteristics,
the thermoplastic silicon can also be used for another particularly
injection-molded part of the device 1 in the abovementioned
manner.
* * * * *