U.S. patent application number 12/909519 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-26 for actuator for dispensing aerosol hair care products closer to the scalp.
This patent application is currently assigned to Henkel Consumer Goods Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert Demson, Jennifer Harris, Leslie Maya.
Application Number | 20120097180 12/909519 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44644953 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120097180 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harris; Jennifer ; et
al. |
April 26, 2012 |
ACTUATOR FOR DISPENSING AEROSOL HAIR CARE PRODUCTS CLOSER TO THE
SCALP
Abstract
An actuator useful for applying an aerosolized hair care product
close to or onto the scalp includes an elongated tubular member
with proximal end configured to sealingly fit to a male or female
valve aerosol valve and a distal end terminating in a distributor
head comprising internal channels and at least two exit orifices
for distributing the aerosolized product in a vertical, angled or
entirely lateral direction to evenly reach the portions of the hair
closest to the scalp or the scalp directly.
Inventors: |
Harris; Jennifer; (Phoenix,
AZ) ; Demson; Robert; (Cave Creek, AZ) ; Maya;
Leslie; (Glendale, AZ) |
Assignee: |
Henkel Consumer Goods Inc.
Scottsdale
AZ
|
Family ID: |
44644953 |
Appl. No.: |
12/909519 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/200 ;
222/635 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/303 20130101;
A45D 19/012 20210101; B65D 83/206 20130101; B65D 83/228 20130101;
B65D 83/285 20130101; B65D 83/205 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/200 ;
222/635 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/14 20060101
B65D083/14 |
Claims
1. An aerosol actuator comprising: a. an elongated tubular member
comprising a first end, a second end, and an axial bore
therethrough, said first end dimensioned to fit sealingly onto a
valve stem of a male aerosol valve or to fit sealingly into a valve
seat of a female aerosol valve; b. a distributor head integral to
said second end of said elongated tubular member, said distributor
head further comprising at least two internal channels within said
head and at least two exit orifices configured on said head, said
axial bore of said tubular member in fluidic communication with
said channels, said channels in fluidic communication with said
exit orifices; c. a cap structure comprising: i. a ring having an
outer circumference, said ring having an aperture therethrough; ii.
a relatively flat plate having a center location through which said
axial bore of said tubular member extends, said plate movable
within the aperture of said ring; and iii. a circumferential skirt
contiguous with the outer circumference of said horizontal ring,
said skirt configured to fit over an aerosol can; and d. an
actuating button, the movement of which actuates said valve, the
button being molded onto said plate and comprising a finger-sized
platform for the depression or the leverage of said button.
2. The actuator of claim 1 wherein said distributor head includes
from 2 to 10 exit orifices.
3. The actuator of claim 1 wherein said aerosol valve comprises a
vertical valve.
4. The actuator of claim 1 wherein said aerosol valve comprises a
tilt-valve.
5. The actuator of claim 1, wherein said plate is in hinging
arrangement with said ring and substantially within said
aperture.
6. The actuator of claim 1 further including at least one
mechanical break-up insert positioned in said axial bore of said
elongated tubular member.
7. The actuator of claim 1 further including at least one
mechanical break-up insert positioned in at least one of said
internal channels of said distributor head.
8. The actuator of claim 6, wherein said insert is positioned at
the first end of said elongated tubular member.
9. The actuator of claim 6 wherein said insert is positioned at the
second end of said elongated tubular member.
10. The actuator of claim 7 wherein said insert is positioned at
each of the said exit orifices.
11. A method for applying an aerosolized hair-care product to
portions of hair close to a scalp, said method comprising the steps
of: a. providing a hair-care product in an aerosol package, said
package comprising a propellant, an aerosol can, a male or female
valve assembly, and the actuator of claim 1, said actuator
positioned sealingly onto a valve stem of a male valve or into a
valve seat of a female valve; b. teasing apart hair with said
actuator and positioning said distributor head close to a scalp;
and c. actuating said package by depression or lateral movement of
said actuating button to distribute said hair-care product through
said distributor head onto hair.
12. A method for applying an aerosolized personal care product onto
a scalp, said method comprising the steps of: a. providing a
personal care product in an aerosol package, said package
comprising a propellant, an aerosol can, a male or female valve
assembly, and the actuator of claim 1, said actuator positioned
sealingly onto a valve stem of a male valve or into a valve seat of
a female valve; b. teasing apart hair with said actuator and
positioning said distributor head close to a scalp; c. actuating
said package by depression or lateral movement of said actuating
button to distribute said product through said distributor head
directly onto a scalp.
13. The method of claim 11 or 12 wherein said product is selected
from the group consisting of perfumes, hair colorants, hair styling
aids, hair conditioners, scalp conditioners, anti-dandruff
treatments, and hair shampoos, and mixtures thereof.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein said product is a dry shampoo
for hair.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein said valve comprises an up/down
valve.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to actuators for aerosol
valves and in particular to an actuator comprising an extended
tubular member and a multiple orifice distributor head.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Hair care products have been in the retail and professional
markets for many decades and now include a wide assortment of
products that appeal to consumers of all ages, gender and
demographics. For example, hair styling has evolved far beyond the
traditional "hair spray," (i.e., aerosol hair setting spray), and
now include products for shine, spiking, conditioning, cleaning,
scenting, and coloring hair. Many of these products are available
in a variety of physical forms such as gels, foaming mousses,
pomades, creams, liquids, and aerosol sprays. Aerosol sprays
include unique products such as dry shampoos that are sprayed into
the hair, allowed to dry, and then brushed out. Early versions of
dry shampoos appeared decades ago and were rice starch dry-powder
aerosols. Some hair care products need to be applied only to the
outer portions of the hair shafts (such as color streaking),
whereas some hair care products such as conditioners and cleaners
need to reach all portions of the hair, including the portions of
the hair closest the scalp. For consumers having very full, long,
and/or thick hair, application of hair care products close to the
scalp is very problematic since it is difficult to tease the hair
apart and to reach in through thick hair to the portions of the
hair shafts closest to the scalp. Furthermore, packages and
dispensers for hair care products tend to either focus application
of hair care products too narrowly or tend to spray product too
broadly into the air with little actually in the hair. Most
problematic are the traditional aerosols that seem to put more hair
care product, (e.g. setting sprays or dry shampoos), into the air
and on only the outer surfaces of fuller hair.
[0003] Multiple orifice actuator buttons are a simple and intuitive
way to direct an aerosol effluent into a particular spray
distribution pattern. Such multiple orifice actuators have been
described in the art, both for hair care products and for unrelated
technologies such as paint. Some of these inventions are useful for
distributing hair care products into human hair and/or pet hair.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,278,590 (Greer, Jr., et al.) discloses
a multiple orifice actuator where the pathway of the aerosol
effluent (in this case a wall-texturing material) may be selected
by the user for a particular application. U.S. Pat. No. 6,877,924
(Mears, et al.) discloses an applicator where the aerosol effluent
mixes and expels from what appear to be hollow tines of a brush.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,035,806 (Lorenzo) claims a fluid applicator useful
for applying medication to the skin of a pet. The Lorenzo invention
comprises a brush wherein each of the tines of the brush is hollow
to provide a pathway for liquid. U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,946
(Goncalves) discloses an aerosol dispenser wherein the aerosol
effluent passes directly into and through the bristles of a small
brush attached to the aerosol actuator. U.S. Pat. No. 3,767,125
(Gehres, et al.) discloses a simple multiple orifice aerosol
actuator that is constructed with an insert fitting into an
actuator button, obviating manufacturing problems that would arise
when trying to mold such an actuator as a single plastic part.
Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,572,591 (Brown) discloses a marking device
that includes a multiple orifice aerosol actuator such that the
aerosol effluent, (in this case paint), distributes into a unique
and predetermined pattern that is useful in paint marking.
[0004] Extension of aerosol actuators is also known in the hair
care prior art and in unrelated fields. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
5,772,077 (Tafur) discloses a unique attachment to an aerosol
package that includes a combination of a hair styling implement and
a valve actuator. The Tafur invention does not necessarily extend
the outlet point of the aerosol effluent but it does provide a
method for teasing the hair apart while simultaneously spraying
hair care product. U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,601 (Wells, et al.)
discloses an extension to an aerosol can for an aerosol tire
inflator. The extension of the aerosol valve pursuant to the Wells
invention allows for easy inflation of a tire because the extension
not only permits the user to reach the tire valve but also to
depress it to inject the tire with sealant. U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,964
(Toth) discloses a general purpose actuator extender for use on
domestic and industrial aerosol spray cans. The extension includes
a flexible, elongated tubular member that provides
accurate/targeted delivery of the aerosol effluent. The Toth
invention should find particular use in the insecticide and
lubricant industry since the fine tube extension inevitably
provides "pin-point" delivery of aerosolized product. Another
general purpose extension for use on an aerosol can is described in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,784,063 by Otis, et al. The Otis invention includes
a bent tubular extender that may be rotated around to infinite
positions in order to deliver the aerosol effluent in any
direction. Lastly, EP0244293 (Goncalves) discloses an extension for
use on an aerosol hair mousse product. The Goncalves invention
provides a plastic extension that is easily operated by finger
depression to deliver foaming mousse at the outlet tip of the long,
tapered extension.
[0005] Delivery of dry-powder aerosols presents unique problems in
the aerosol industry. For example, powder tends to get in between
gaskets, preventing full closing of the bias spring to shut off an
aerosol valve that has just been depressed. The result is an
aerosol can that will vent itself empty in between uses. Laundry
spray starch and starch-based dry shampoos for hair care are
examples of problematic aerosols that prevent the full sealing of
aerosol valves in the closed/biased position. Aerosol valves that
are specifically configured for dispensing dry powder aerosols have
been described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,394, 321 (Bayer); U.S. Pat. No.
5,975,378 (Bayer); and, U.S. Pat. No. 3,586,216 (Jordan).
[0006] Lastly, dry powder aerosol formulas tend to clog actuator
buttons, and a number of ingenious self-cleaning buttons have been
developed over the years to remedy this problem. For example, U.S.
Pat. No. 3,838,822 (Ewald) discloses a self-cleaning spray button
designed especially for use on aerosol valves for the spraying of
starch. U.S. Pat. No. 3,711,031 (Ewald) discloses another concept
of the self-cleaning spray button designed for use with spray
starch. U.S. Pat. No. 3,595,483 (Gehres) discloses an aerosol
actuator with an annular conduit that is especially adapted for use
with dry powder aerosols. In the Gehres invention, the aerosol
formulation effluent is directed in such a manner that it is
dispensed through the annular conduit in a spiral path.
[0007] Examples of dry shampoo formulations include the herbal dry
shampoo composition disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,872,087
(Neelakantan), and a chitin based composition disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,035,267 (Gleckler, et al.). Powder aerosols in general
have been described by Gunning, et al. in U. S. Pat. No. 3,081,223
and Shinozawa in U.S. Pat. No. 4,450,151. Any of these
compositions, if aerosolized into a conventional aerosol package
with a simple button actuator, will be difficult to deliver to the
portions of the hair near the scalp.
[0008] What is clearly lacking in the prior art is an elongated
actuator configured specifically to distribute aerosol hair care
products closer to the scalp, where such actuator may be attached
to an aerosol package intended to be used in the inverted
configuration for deep application of aerosol powders.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In general, and by way of summary description and not by way
of limitation, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
an actuator mountable on an aerosol valve that provides not only a
physical extension of the outlet of the aerosol valve but also a
distribution system for directing the aerosolized effluent through
a multiple channel/orifice structure. As such, the actuator
functions as an applicator for aerosolized products.
[0010] In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, the actuator
of the present invention may be mounted atop a depression-actuated
valve (vertical valve) or a tilt-valve, and may be equipped on an
up/down aerosol valve configured to operate either upright or
inverted.
[0011] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, the actuator may be mounted on an up/down
aerosol valve of an aerosol package where the composition within
the aerosol package is a dry shampoo. The present actuator
comprising a long tubular member terminating in a distributor head
minimizes the "fly away" seen when a dry shampoo is dispensed from
a conventional aerosol package having only a standard actuator
button.
[0012] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, the actuator comprises a mechanical break-up
actuator (MBU) with the incorporation of at least one mechanical
break-up insert positioned in the fluid stream at any position
between the aerosol valve exit and the exit orifices on the
distributor head.
[0013] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, the actuator comprises a non-mechanical break-up
actuator (NMBU).
[0014] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, the distributor head of the present actuator
comprises laterally directed orifices that enable distribution of
aerosolized hair care products at right angles to the scalp.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present actuator attached to an aerosol can.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the present actuator attached to a depression-actuated/vertical
valve, where the elongated tubular member of the actuator
terminates in a 4-orifice distribution head.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The following description is of exemplary embodiments only
and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or
configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following
description provides a convenient illustration for implementing
exemplary embodiments of the invention. Various changes may be made
in the function, size, and arrangement of the elements described
without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in
the appended claims. Changes in shape and size of the overall
actuator do not depart from the intended scope of the invention.
The actuator of the present invention may be non-mechanical
break-up (NMBU) or mechanical break-up (MBU) in overall
configuration, the configuration chosen with regard to the physical
form of the aerosol product to be dispensed (e.g. single phase,
multiple phase, or propellant physically separated from the
liquid/powder ingredients) and/or the need for a particular spray
pattern and/or particle size effluent. The present actuator may
dispense pressurized product in any direction depending on the
location of the exit orifices around the distributor head, (e.g.
vertical or lateral, or any other angled direction). Although the
preferred material of construction of the present actuator is
plastic, other materials may be envisioned for constructing the
actuator. Lastly, the present invention may be constructed from a
single piece of fabrication material (e.g. a single injection
molded plastic part) with contiguous portions or it may comprise an
assembly of separately manufactured elements (of same or different
materials of fabrication) that are snug or snap-fit, glued, or
sonically welded together to form the completed actuator. Separate
elements that may make up the overall actuator structure may be
irreversibly or reversibly fit together. When components are
reversibly fit together, the option remains that the consumer may
modify the actuator at home as needed from a set of substitute
pieces provided with the aerosol can and base parts of the
actuator. The actuator of the present invention may be used on top
of any aerosol valve, be it a tilt-valve or a vertical valve. The
present actuator may be situated on an aerosol valve assembly that
is equipped with a conventional dip tube that reaches to the bottom
of the aerosol can, or on an "up/down" valve that operates from any
orientation of the can. The configuration of the aerosol package
(everything besides the present actuator) is beyond the scope of
the present invention, but include such configurations as (1) an
aerosolized can where propellant is mixed with product in single
phase or multiple phase compositions, or (2) bag-in-can, or (3)
bag-on-valve systems where the propellant is physically separate
from the dispensing product.
[0018] That being said, the actuator of the present invention
minimally comprises an elongated tubular member having a first, or
proximal, end configured dimensionally to fit sealingly to an
aerosol valve (either a male proximal end of the actuator fitting
into a female valve, or a female proximal end of the actuator
fitting onto a valve stem of a male aerosol valve) and a second, or
distal, end that terminates and merges in a distributor head
comprising a system of internal channels and two or more exit
orifices. The actuator optionally comprises at least one mechanical
break-up insert positioned within the aerosol effluent flow. The
details of this general description become clearer with reference
to the drawing figures.
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of the
actuator 1 of the present invention comprises an elongated tubular
shaped portion 8 and a multiple orifice distributor head 9 integral
with the elongated portion. The exemplary embodiment illustrated
includes seven (7) distributing orifices 10 located on the head
portion 9. Preferably there are at least two such orifices 10 for
distribution of the aerosol effluent, but any number of orifices
greater than two is within the scope of the invention. An upper
limit of exit orifices may be the point where there is no practical
way to fabricate the head portion 9 of the actuator. The preferred
number of orifices is between 2 and 10, with 2 to about 5 orifices
being more preferred. The preferred distributor head may be of a
bulbous shape as in the illustrated embodiment, similar to a home
shower head or the end of a plant watering can. The exit orifices
10 may be configured on the top surface of the distributor head (as
in the illustrated embodiment), resulting in a nearly vertical
dispensation of the aerosol effluent (aerosol effluent distributing
in a coaxial direction with respect to the direction of the axis of
the elongated tubular member), or they may be arranged
circumferentially around the side of the distribution head 9 such
that the aerosolized effluent is expelled nearly lateral in
relation to the long axis of the vertical tubular member 8. The
exit orifices 10 function to distribute the pressurized aerosol
stream that originates from the aerosol can 2 into multiple
directions within the hair of the user. In a preferred embodiment,
the exit orifices 10 are configured on the side of the distributor
head such that the aerosolized product may be expelled laterally
from the tubular member 8 in order to reach hair shafts adjacent to
the scalp without concomitant soaking of the scalp itself. The
aerosolized product stream may be propelled under pressure with a
propellant that is mixed with the formulation in the aerosol can 2.
Such intimately mixed aerosols (propellant(s) plus liquid and/or
powder hair care ingredients) may be single phase or multiple
phases depending on the ingredients and propellant(s).
Alternatively, the composition to be dispensed under pressure may
be inside a bag within the can and the propellant(s) injected
between the can and bag, usually through a port provided in the
bottom of the can. As an example of the directional distribution of
product, if there are only two orifices 10 on the distributor head
of the actuator, the stream of product may bifurcate into two equal
outputs. A central/axial bore within the elongated portion 8 (not
shown in FIG. 1) allows the aerosol effluent to travel in fluidic
communication from the aerosol container 2 out to the exit orifices
10. As mentioned, the actuator 1 of the present invention may be
comprised of a single molded plastic piece, or may be an assemblage
of two or more subcomponents each having various functions. For
example, the distributor head 9 may be a piece that is separately
molded and then press-fit, glued or screw-threaded to the elongated
tubular portion 8 of the actuator, reversibly or irreversibly as
needed. The actuator of the present invention may be a mechanical
break-up actuator by the presence of a mechanical break-up insert
positioned in the effluent stream. For example, the distributor
head 9 may be separated from the elongated portion 8 of the
actuator by an intervening mechanical break-up (MBU) insert that
helps to create turbulence and mechanically break-up the aerosol
stream originating from the aerosol can before the aerosol is
propelled through the distributor head and out the orifices 10.
Alternatively, such an intervening mechanical break-up insert may
be placed further up-stream in the actuator of the present
invention, such as close to, or even at the exit to the aerosol
valve. These preferred embodiments may be achieved by a three piece
actuator comprising an elongated tubular portion, a mechanical
break-up insert, and the distributor head. All of these pieces may
be configured to fit together such that the aerosol effluent
travels from its exit from the aerosol valve, through the axial
bore within the tubular member, through any optional MBU inserts,
to eventually exit from the orifices 10 an onto the hair of the
user. Mechanical break-up inserts used in conjunction with aerosol
actuators are amply disclosed in the literature, including in U.S.
Pat. No. 3,129,893 (Green); U.S. Pat. No. 3,519,210 (Du Plain);
U.S. Pat. No. 3,652,018 (Focht); U.S. Pat. No. 3,669,359 (Focht);
U.S. Pat. No. 4,036,439 (Green); U.S. Pat. No. 4,583,692
(Sheffler); and, U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,765 (Smith), each incorporated
herein in their entireties. Any of these MBU inserts may be
incorporated within the actuator of the present invention depending
on the composition of the product to be dispensed and the desired
particle size of the effluent. These references discuss the
preferred diameters of the inlet passages to the MBU insert, the
size and configurations for the swirl chambers to create the
desired turbulence and particle break-up, and the sizes of the exit
orifices. These diameters may be incorporated as the preferred
diameters of the various passageways, channels, swirl chambers, and
exit orifices of the present actuator.
[0020] The distributor head 9 may also comprise its own separate
insert(s) (MBU or NMBU) when there are several orifices 10 desired
at the distributor head 9. As disclosed by Gehres in U.S. Pat. No.
3,595,483 and incorporated by reference herein, actuators with
multiple exit orifices are more easily constructed with a
separately molded insert that is pressed into the body of the
actuator, and the Gehres method may be the more preferred way to
construct the distributor head portion 9 of the present actuator
because of the preferred multiple numbers of channels and orifices
in the head 9. Furthermore, inserts would be preferred for the
construction of a distributor system that can change the direction
of the effluent originating in a axial/vertical direction through
the tubular member 8 to a lateral direction out the exit orifices
10 (i.e. configuring appropriate channels within the distributor
head 9 that function to turn the effluent direction at right angles
from elongated direction of the tubular member 8).
[0021] "Molded" refers generally to the simple pour/cast molding,
injection molding, blow molding, or injection blow molding of
plastic parts and is not intended to mean a particular method of
fabrication for the present actuator. As mentioned, the actuator 1
of the present invention may be constructed in part or in whole of
materials other than plastic. For example, a metal distributor head
9 may be attached to a plastic elongated tubular portion 8, giving
rise to mixed materials of construction for the present actuator.
Or for example, the tubular portion 8 may be a long metal tube and
both the mechanical break-up insert and the distributor head (and
its separate insert(s)) may comprise plastic injection molded parts
that are fit to the tubular member.
[0022] Still referring to FIG. 1, the present actuator comprises a
movable actuating button 7 further comprised of one or more
additional structural elements as needed for operation of the
aerosol valve. The actuating button 7 preferably comprises a
finger-sized platform (i.e. relatively flat surface) configured on
a top/horizontal surface or configured on a side/vertical of the
button structure that the user may depress or pull laterally with a
finger or thumb, in order to operate the aerosol valve and dispense
aerosolized product. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1, depression on a ribbed platform configured on the
horizontal top surface of the actuating button 7 depresses a
vertical aerosol valve beneath the actuator with subsequent
distribution of the aerosolized product through the distributor
head 9 and out the orifices 10. The moveable actuating button 7 may
be comprised of a wedge-shaped or other three-dimensionally shaped
structure depending on a number of considerations such as: (1) the
nature of the aerosol valve, e.g. vertical actuated or tilt
actuated; (2) what material(s) the actuator is made from; and, (3)
ornamental design effects. For example, in the exemplary embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1, the actuating button 7 may comprise a
three-dimensional wedge shape (like a slice of pie), and may be
molded plastic and hollow. This three-dimensional wedge shape may
be positioned offset to only one side of the elongated tubular
member 8. Alternatively, the actuating button 7 may be smaller in
size than the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 and may be arranged
circumferentially around the base of the tubular member 8 rather
than off to one side of it. The actuating button 7 may comprise any
other practicable shape besides a three-dimensional wedge so long
as an approximately finger-sized platform is provided on a vertical
face or on the uppermost horizontal top of the button such that the
thumb or the finger of the operate may interact with the button 7
to depress it axially or leverage it radially.
[0023] Still referring to FIG. 1, the present actuator 1 preferably
includes a movable plate, 6 incorporated as an integral element of
the actuating button 7 (essentially a base to the button) to hide
the recessed valve cup beneath, and it may be molded contiguously
with both the actuating button 7 and elongated tubular member 8 of
the actuator. In a preferred configuration, the plate 6, button 7
and tubular member 8 are collectively a single molded piece of
plastic, and the tubular member 8 is at the center of the plate 6.
In the most preferred configuration, the plate 6 is of a
substantially disc-shape, with an axis and radius, and the
elongated tubular member 8 and the plate 6 together form a wheel
and axle arrangement, wherein the tubular member 8 extends axially
out from the center axis of the disc-shaped plate 6, and a right
angle is formed between the flat surface of the plate 6 and the
tube 8. This arrangement is preferred because the tubular member 8
needs to be coupled onto the aerosol valve and the valve is
necessarily at the center axis of the aerosol can. The plate 6 may
also take the shape of the footprint of the actuating button 7, and
does not necessarily need to be disc-shaped. Where the plate 6 is
not disc-shaped, the tubular member 8 may extend off from the plate
6 from a position close to a "center point" of the plate, such that
the actuator 1 will fit onto the aerosol valve.
[0024] A cap structure comprising a horizontally disposed ring 5
and circumferential skirt 3 may also be part of the present
actuator, and this cap structure is also usable to hide the
recessed valve cup present at the top of a steel aerosol can.
Aerosol cans typically have a mounting cup as part of the aerosol
valve assembly, and that mounting cup is peripherally crimped to
the open top of the aerosol can to create an annular bead. The cap
structure comprising ring 5 and skirt 3 elements may be dimensioned
in diameter and form to appropriately snap over the annular bead of
an aerosol package and to assist with alignment of the tubular
member 8 into a female valve or onto the valve stem of a male valve
assembly present on the aerosol package. In a preferred
configuration, the skirt 3 may include an inwardly extending
annular lip adapted to engage under the annular bead of a crimped
aerosol can. As can be seen in the drawing figure, the top edge of
the circumferential skirt 3 is attached integrally to and around
the outer circumference of the horizontal ring 5, as expected for
the horizontal top and vertical skirt elements that form a cap or
closure. The ring 5 has a circular outer circumference, as is
necessary to conform to the annular bead of the aerosol can, and it
has an aperture therethrough. If the ring 5 is shaped like a flat
washer, then the aperture therethrough is outlined by a circular
circumference herein referred to as the inner circumference of the
ring 5. However, the aperture through the ring 5 need not be
disc-shaped, and as mentioned above it may be in the shape of the
footprint of the actuating button 7. The ring 5 is most preferably
in the shape of a flat washer and will necessarily have both an
outer circumference/diameter and an inner circumference/diameter.
Ideally the relatively flat plate 6 is molded in hinging
relationship with a portion of ring 5, for example through a
weakened area often referred to as a "living hinge." That
connection point between the ring 5 and the plate 6 may be from
about 2.degree. to about 180.degree. around the outline of the
aperture of the ring 5. To be precise, the cap structure of the
present actuator, configured to snap fit over the annular bead of
an aerosol can, may be seen as having a horizontal top with a
cut-out that defines an aperture in which the plate 6 resides and
pivots by hinging at a connection with the ring 5. As mentioned,
the plate 6 may take the shape of the footprint of the actuating
button 7, such that other shapes that are not necessarily perfectly
disc-shaped are anticipated for the plate 6. The shape of the flat
plate 6 takes the shape of the aperture in the ring 5, such that
the plate 6 and the aperture of the ring 5 are complementary shapes
(i.e. the plate 6 preferably takes the shape of what was cut out
from the cap structure to form the aperture). Since the actuating
button 7 is preferably molded on top of the plate 6, pressing down
on, or leveraging against, the actuating button 7 concomitantly
pivots the plate 6 within the aperture of the ring 5. Similar
structural elements are disclosed by Pierre-Andre Lasserre in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,202,899, incorporated in its entirety herein by
reference.
[0025] The actuator is preferably dimensioned to fit securely over
the circular valve cup crimped to the top of the can and to fit
sealingly to the valve exit. The internal fit of the aerosol valve
stem from a male aerosol valve assembly up into the first/proximal
end of the elongated tubular member 8 of the actuator should be
snug enough such that no product can leak at this connection when
the aerosol valve is actuated. Therefore, the inner diameter of the
proximal end of the tubular member 8 must be configured to accept
in sealing arrangement the male valve stem of a male valve
assembly. Alternatively, the actuator may comprise a proximal male
end to the tubular member 8 that fits into a female aerosol
valve.
[0026] The aerosol can 2 may be of any size and construction and
its features are not within the scope of the present invention. For
example, the can 2 may be extruded aluminum or steel, and it may be
slim and tall or otherwise fat and stout. It is presumed that the
aerosol package will comprise some sort of crimped structure at the
top, and a valve assembly will include a typical aerosol valve,
such as a vertical depression-actuated valve or a tilt-valve and
the valve assembly will be crimped to the open end of the can. The
present invention is intended to fit onto the valve of the aerosol
package and to coordinate with the operation of the aerosol valve
through depression or leverage of the actuating button 7. For
example, the present actuator should fit sealingly onto the valve
stem of a male valve or into a female valve and may be operable
with downward pressure on the platform of the actuating button to
actuate the aerosol valve, or the actuating button of the present
actuator may be leveraged laterally (by pulling against a vertical
wall of the button structure) in order to cooperate with a
tilt-valve supplied on the aerosol package.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of another
preferred embodiment of the actuator 1 of the present invention is
illustrated wherein the actuator 1 is coupled to an aerosol can 2
and is snugly fit onto the male valve stem 17 of the male valve
assembly 13. In this exemplary embodiment illustrated, the aerosol
valve 13 is a vertical valve having a spring that biases the valve
in the closed position until the valve stem 17 is vertically
depressed. Such valves are amply disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
3,866,804 (Stevens) incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference. As shown in FIG. 2, the actuator 1 preferably comprises
an extended tubular member 8 that further includes a central/axial
bore 15 through it lengthwise. As a "tube," this member necessarily
comprises a relatively narrow diameter compared to its axial
length, and the axial length is hollow by definition. The tubular
portion 8 has a first end proximal to the aerosol package that is
configured with appropriate internal diameter to fit sealingly to
the male valve stem of an aerosol valve. A sealing arrangement
means that aerosolized product will not leak at this connection
point. A second/distal end of the elongated tubular member 8 (i.e.
the end furthest away from the aerosol can) ends and merges into
the distributor head portion 9 mentioned above. Importantly, if the
aerosol valve is "female" in configuration, then the actuator of
the present invention may be configured with a "male" end at the
first end of the tubular member 8 such that the first end of the
tubular member 8 of the present actuator will fit through the
female valve cup and the cup gasket and fit onto the stem seat.
This is the arrangement typically seen in aerosol spray paint cans
where the valve is female and the button actuator includes a
slotted male stem that will fit down into the female valve assembly
of the spray paint can. Similarly, the proximal end of the tubular
member 8 may comprise such a slotted male configuration in order to
dimensionally fit within a female valve assembly.
[0028] The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises
four (4) outlet orifices 10 that distribute the aerosol effluent
evenly into quarter (1/4) volumetric portions. The top view FIG. 2a
depicts the preferred evenly spaced, radial arrangement of the four
orifices 10 on the substantially round distributor head 9 when the
exit orifices 10 are configured on the top of the bulbous shaped
distributor head 9. As mentioned above, the exit orifices 10 may be
positioned circumferentially around the side of the distributor
head 9 such that the exiting aerosolized product is directed
lateral to the scalp, (i.e. approximately at right angles to the
length of the elongated member 8). The cross-sectional view of FIG.
2 is taken through two of the symmetrically arranged four orifices,
thus showing two of the fluid channels 4 in cross-section that
connect the central/axial bore 15 of the tubular member 8 to the
exit orifices 10 such that the aerosol effluent may travel up
through the axial bore 15 where it can be distributed between the
multiple internal channels 4 and ejected out from the exit orifices
10. As mentioned, anywhere from 2-10 orifices are preferred, and
this illustrated configuration having four orifices is more
preferred. As mentioned, the aerosol effluent traveling up through
the central bore 15 may already be mechanically broken up into
aerosol particles (nebulized) by an intervening MBU insert
positioned in the effluent stream proximal to the valve stem. As
mentioned, such an insert will comprise a swirl chamber to help
create turbulence to break up the product into smaller droplets.
Alternatively, the effluent may be mechanically broken up with an
MBU insert positioned just where the internal channels 4 of the
distributor head branch from the axial bore 15. In such an
arrangement, the internal channels 4 may be branched off from a
single exit orifice of an MBU swirl chamber where the distal end of
the central bore 15 acts as the inlet to the swirl chamber. In yet
another embodiment, the aerosol effluent may be mechanically broken
up with the aid of separate MBU inserts that are fit into each of
the outlet orifices 10. In other words, each exit orifice 10 on the
distributor head 9 (four in this illustrated embodiment) may have
an MBU insert, resulting in a total of four separate MBU's with
swirl chambers, and where the orifices 10 are the outlet orifices
from each of the MBU swirl chambers. In general, the distributor
head 9 is comprised of internal channels 4 and outlet orifices 10
that together function to distribute the aerosolized effluent both
volumetrically and directionally. One or more optional MBU inserts
may be positioned anywhere in the fluid flow, for example as close
as directly adjacent to the valve assembly or as far downstream as
just before the exit orifices 10. Optional MBU insert(s) are used
to convert an otherwise non-mechanical break-up actuator into a
mechanical break-up actuator in instances where the effluent will
emerge as a stream and where smaller spray particles are
desired.
[0029] The operation of the exemplary embodiment of the actuator
illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises the steps of pressing down on the
upper ribbed platform 7a of the actuating button 7 which
effectively pushes the entire actuator 1 down, simultaneously
depressing the valve stem 17 to operate the vertical-action valve
13. No leverage is required for this arrangement since the vertical
valve 13 is operable by a straight downward depression of the valve
stem that forces the spring of the aerosol valve out from its
biased-closed position. Plate 6 may flex or otherwise hinge on the
ring 5 as necessary when pressure is applied to surface 7a by the
operator since the plate 6 is preferably in a hinging relationship
to ring 5. Furthermore, the axial bore 15 through the length of the
tubular member 8 must extend through the plate 6 such that the
tubular member 8 may be coupled to the male valve stem of a male
aerosol valve. Alternatively, the tubular member 8 must also extend
through the plate 6 if the tubular member is configured to fit
within the valve seat of a female valve assembly. As mentioned,
plate 6, ring 5, and skirt 3 together form a cap structure
dimensioned to snap snugly over the crimped annular bead 12 formed
between the valve cup 11 and the aerosol can 2, effectively closing
off the view of the valve cup 11. Also as mentioned, plate 6 is in
effect the cut-out portion from the horizontal top of a cap, and
plate 6 moves within the cut-out in the cap, that cut-out now
defined by the dimension of the aperture through ring 5. If a
tilt-valve is used for the aerosol valve, then pressure against
surface 7b (a lateral movement in relation to the vertical axis
through the aerosol can) rather than vertical depression against 7a
will start product release through the valve by a tilting the
entire actuator laterally and simultaneously tilting the valve stem
to actuate the valve to release product under pressure. A ribbed
structure may be molded into vertical platform 7b to direct the
user's attention to this surface to be moved laterally rather than
to the horizontal top of the button 7. Lastly, the flow of product
is illustrated in FIG. 2 with a number of vertically oriented
arrows drawn therein, beginning with the inlet flow 16 into the
lower opening 14 of the valve assembly 13. When the actuator 1 is
depressed by finger pressure to the actuating button 7, the
pressurized product will flow in the direction indicated by 16 and
enter the opening 14 of the valve 13, propelling up through the
axial bore 15 of the elongated tubular member 8, diverging at the
small internal channels 4 and lastly, exiting out from the multiple
orifices 10 into the environment. In the exemplary embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 2, there is no MBU insert provided anywhere in
the central bore 15 or in the internal channels 4, and therefore
this particular embodiment illustrated comprises a non-mechanical
break-up (NMBU) actuator.
[0030] The length of the elongated portion 8 of the present
invention is widely variable. It may be as short as 1 inch, or may
be as long as 12 inches. For application of hair care products
close to the scalp of the user, the length of the elongated portion
8 of the present actuator may be from about 1 inch to about inches.
The actuator may be included with the aerosolized hair care product
as a separate part, perhaps taped or otherwise temporarily banded
to the side of the aerosol can 2, or included within a secondary
carton along with the can 2, where it is expected that the consumer
will attach the actuator 1 to the aerosol can 2. This embodiment
eliminates the worry that insufficient shelf clearance in the store
may not accommodate the length of tubular member 8 and the fully
assembled aerosol package may be too tall to be practicably
merchandised. Similarly, the diameter of the elongated tubular
portion 8 is entirely variable, although the preferred
width/diameter should be just thick enough such that the elongated
stem 8 won't easily snap off when run in between thick hair. For
example, the outside diameter of the elongated tubular member 8 may
be from about 1/16 to about 1/2 inch. It is preferable that the
tube 8 have a circular cross section to simplify adapting the first
end as a female opening to fit a circular male valve stem or as a
slotted male end to fit within a female valve assembly. The axial
bore 15 is most preferably circular in cross-section, and the bore
may be initially molded within the elongated member 8, or coaxially
drilled therethrough as part of a later manufacturing step.
[0031] As recited above, the actuator 1 of the present invention
may be used in conjunction with a tilt-valve rather than a
depression-actuated (vertical) valve. Tilt-valves are amply
described in the prior art, including U.S. Pat. No. 3,658,294
(Ewald) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,342 (Gallien), both of which are
incorporated herein in their entireties. Referring to FIG. 2 once
more, if the aerosol package is equipped with a tilt-valve, then
the actuator 1 may actuate the aerosol valve by a lateral pressure
placed against a vertically disposed platform 7b rather than by
downward pressure on a horizontally disposed platform 7a.
[0032] In practice, the elongated tubular member 8 functions as a
tool for teasing apart thick hair while working the distributor
head 9 in closer toward the scalp of the user. The spray emanating
from the distributor head will necessarily be close to the scalp,
and hair care or personal care product will be evenly distributed
across many hair shafts without undesired "fly away" and
concomitant wasting of product. The exit orifices on the
distributor head may allow for right-angled spray of product from
the scalp, or for vertical application of hair care or other
personal care product directly onto the scalp, depending whether
the orifices are configured on the top or along the sides of the
distributor head. Products that may find more effective application
by way of the present invention include, but are not limited to,
perfumes, scalp conditioners, anti-dandruff treatments, hair
spiking compositions, hair setting compositions, hair coloring
products, hair shine products, hair conditioners, and hair
cleansers.
[0033] One of the most useful applications for the actuator 1 of
the present invention may be in conjunction with a dry shampoo
aerosol. Dry shampoos are hair cleansing products that are sprayed
into the hair, allowed to dry, and then brushed out, with no water
required in the hair cleaning operation. The ingredients, for
example rice starch, absorb hair oils and other soil and such soils
are then brushed out along with the dried starch residue. These
products are convenient for cleansing the hair on the go when no
shower or other means is available to wash the hair in the
traditional fashion. The biggest problem with dry shampoo aerosols
is that they cannot be easily applied to the entire length of the
hair, particular if the consumer has thick and/or long hair. The
"fly away" from such products is enormous, and most of the
aerosolized product ends up in the air. Whatever amount does reach
the hair, it is only reaching the outer surfaces of the hair and
not the portions of the hair shafts closer in to the scalp. For
hair setting spray this may be acceptable, but for cleansing the
hair with a dry shampoo it is essential to get the dry shampoo onto
the entire length of each hair shaft, even close to the scalp. The
present invention offers the user a way to distribute a dry shampoo
aerosol into a full head of hair, getting the cleansing product in
close to the scalp and across all the hair shafts. Right angle
application of dry shampoo lateral to the scalp is possible by
orifices positioned on the sides of the distribution head. The user
may tease apart the hair with the elongated tubular member, reach
to the scalp with the distribution head of the actuator, and then
distribute the dry shampoo aerosol at right angles to the scalp.
Touching the top of the distributor head onto the scalp is an
indication to the user that operation of the actuator will give
good distribution of dry shampoo to the hair shafts close to the
scalp. Once the user feels the distributor head touching the scalp,
actuation of the aerosol package will cause dry shampoo to
distribute at right angles to the scalp, but very close to the
scalp.
[0034] In further exemplary embodiments, a dry-powder aerosol may
be dispensed through the actuator of the present invention. For
such application, the valve assembly used on the aerosol package
may be an improved valve that is custom configured for use with
dry-powder aerosols. Aerosol valves that are specifically
configured for dispensing dry-powder aerosols have been described
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,321 (Bayer); U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,378
(Bayer); and, U.S. Pat. No. 3,586,216 (Jordan), each of which are
incorporated herein in their entireties. The most useful adaptation
of the present actuator for use with an aerosolized dry shampoo
product is with an aerosol package that may be used in the inverted
position. "Up/down" aerosol valves that function in any orientation
are known in the prior art. Such a valve is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 3,587,929 (Usen), incorporated herein in its entirety. Other
inverted packages are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,187
(Walters), also incorporated herein in its entirety. Any of these
arrangements may be used with the actuator 1 of the present
invention to spray an aerosol with the aerosol can in the inverted
position.
[0035] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the distributor head of the actuator may be detachable
and interchanged with other distributor heads by the manufacturer
or even by the end user consumer. For example, two or more
distributor heads may be supplied and the consumer is given the
option to interchange these distributor heads to meet his/her
particular needs. The consumer may be given heads that have
different numbers of exit orifices, or orifices that are positioned
to dispense aerosol in different directions. That is, the optional
distributor heads may provide for different spray patterns. One
distributor head supplied to a consumer may be attached by the
consumer to the distal end of the elongated tubular member to
create an MBU actuator, whereas a second distributor head supplied
to the consumer may be attached by the consumer to the distal end
of the elongated member to create a NMBU actuator.
[0036] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, two or more fully complete actuators of the present
invention may be supplied to the consumer. One non-limiting example
would be to supply different length actuators to the consumer with
a single aerosol product. For this particular embodiment, the
consumer may choose which of the included actuators to use, and
then snap the chosen actuator onto the aerosol package depending on
fullness of the consumer's hair.
[0037] We have thus described a unique actuator for use on an
aerosol package that functions as an applicator for aerosol hair
care products, effectively applying product to those portions of
the hair shafts closer to the scalp of the user and optionally
directly onto the scalp itself. The elongated tubular member of the
present actuator functions as a tool to tease apart the hair while
simultaneous working the distributor head of the actuator closer to
the scalp, allowing application of hair care formulation to hair
close to the scalp or directly to the scalp. The distributor head
of the present actuator allows for wider distribution and lateral
distribution of product close to the scalp without undesired and
wasteful product "fly away." Various configurations of the
elongated tubular member and the distributor head allow for
construction of overall MBU and NMBU actuators, and choice in the
direction of aerosolized effluent. A preferred use for the actuator
of the present invention is in conjunction with an aerosol package
comprising an up/down valve that may be operated in either the
upright or the inverted position, (e.g. by provision of alternative
entry points into the aerosol valve using slide/ball valves for
bypassing the inlet of the dip tube), and in particular where the
aerosol hair-care formulation is a dry shampoo product for
cleansing the hair without water rinsing.
* * * * *