U.S. patent application number 14/122293 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-24 for aerosol actuators and improved aerosol assemblies.
This patent application is currently assigned to MeadWestvaco Calmar, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is David L. Dejong, Joseph K. Dodd, Robert J. Good. Invention is credited to David L. Dejong, Joseph K. Dodd, Robert J. Good.
Application Number | 20140110440 14/122293 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47259823 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140110440 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Good; Robert J. ; et
al. |
April 24, 2014 |
AEROSOL ACTUATORS AND IMPROVED AEROSOL ASSEMBLIES
Abstract
According to certain embodiments of the invention, a valve guide
or raised boss may be connected to or integral with a base or body
of an aerosol actuator. In various embodiments, a valve guide may
include a raised boss associated with a grip or body of an aerosol
actuator. The valve guide or raised boss may align a manifold with
a valve when an aerosol actuator is assembled to a container
containing a product. In addition, a valve guide or raised boss may
limit the movement of a portion of a manifold in a defined
direction or defined plane such that the load on a valve by a
manifold is controlled. For example, a valve guide may ensure a top
load on a valve during actuation or may minimize side loads on a
valve during actuation.
Inventors: |
Good; Robert J.; (Lee's
Summit, MO) ; Dejong; David L.; (Ogden, UT) ;
Dodd; Joseph K.; (Lee's Summit, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Good; Robert J.
Dejong; David L.
Dodd; Joseph K. |
Lee's Summit
Ogden
Lee's Summit |
MO
UT
MO |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MeadWestvaco Calmar, Inc.
Richmond
VA
|
Family ID: |
47259823 |
Appl. No.: |
14/122293 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
May 30, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2012/039990 |
371 Date: |
November 26, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61492075 |
Jun 1, 2011 |
|
|
|
61494923 |
Jun 9, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/402.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/48 20130101;
B65D 83/206 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/402.13 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/00 20060101
B65D083/00 |
Claims
1. An aerosol actuator, comprising: a body, comprising: an opening;
and a raised boss; a manifold, comprising: an input end positioned
in at least a portion of the raised boss; a discharge end
positioned in the opening; and at least one manifold bearing rib
between the input end and discharge end; and a trigger, comprising
at least one trigger bearing rib.
2. The aerosol actuator of claim 1, wherein the at least one
trigger bearing rib contacts the at least one manifold bearing rib
during actuation of the trigger.
3. The aerosol actuator of claim 1, further comprising: a
container; a product in the container; a valve connected to the
container; and wherein the aerosol actuator is connected to the
container and the manifold input end is in communication with the
valve.
4. The aerosol actuator of claim 3, wherein actuation of the
trigger creates a top load on the valve by the manifold.
5. The aerosol actuator of claim 3, wherein the input end of the
manifold comprises a female end.
6. The aerosol actuator of claim 3, wherein the input end of the
manifold comprises a male end.
7. The aerosol actuator of claim 3, wherein the valve comprises a
female valve system.
8. An aerosol actuator, comprising: a manifold comprising an input
end and a discharge end; a body having an opening and a raised
boss; and a cap over the body wherein the discharge end of the
manifold is positioned within the opening between the body and the
cap such that the manifold may move within the opening upon
actuation.
9. The aerosol actuator of claim 8, wherein the input end of the
manifold is positioned in an interior of the raised boss.
10. The aerosol actuator of claim 8, wherein the manifold comprises
a manifold having a male input end.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to,
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/492,075, entitled "AEROSOL
ACTUATORS AND IMPROVED AEROSOL ASSEMBLIES," filed Jun. 1, 2011, and
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/494,923, entitled "AEROSOL
ACTUATORS AND VALVE SYSTEMS," filed Jun. 9, 2011, and incorporates
each of the same herein by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to aerosol dispensing devices
and more particularly to aerosol actuators and assemblies.
[0004] 2. State of the Art
[0005] Spray devices are well known and are used to deliver a
variety of products. For example, finger pumps and trigger sprayers
may be used to deliver a fluid from a container onto a surface or
into a volume of space. Similarly, aerosol sprayers are used to
spray an aerosolized product onto a surface or into a volume of
space. Many different types of spray devices are known.
[0006] Aerosol spray devices typically include a pushbutton type
spray device containing an orifice and a connection to a valve
which is in turn connected to a container of product from which the
aerosol product is dispensed. Actuation of the pushbutton releases
a quantity of product from the aerosol container through the valve
and the pushbutton. More recently, aerosol spray devices have been
modified to look more like trigger sprayers and such devices may
include a trigger attached to, or in communication with, a manifold
which is connected to the valve of an aerosol container. However,
connection of a manifold of a trigger actuated aerosol spry device
to an aerosol valve can be difficult and leakage during assembly or
actuation may occur.
[0007] During operation of a trigger actuated aerosol sprayer,
actuation of the trigger may release product from the aerosol
container through the valve, into the manifold, and out an orifice
of the trigger spray device. It has been found that in at least
some trigger actuated aerosol sprayers, actuation of a trigger may
induce a side load on a valve attached to the aerosol container.
The side loading of the valve may result in leaks at the valve
position because most, if not all, standard aerosol valves are
designed for a top load rather than a side load.
[0008] In many instances, the costs of trigger actuated aerosol
sprayers are higher than those of pushbutton-type valves due to the
increased piece parts and complexity of such devices. In addition,
use of pushbutton-type aerosol systems may lead to finger fatigue
which may be undesirable.
[0009] While the aerosol pushbutton actuators and trigger actuators
are usable, new, alternative, or improved methods for delivering or
actuating a spray from aerosol containers or other containers are
desirable. In addition, a reduction in leakage and in costs is also
desirable, especially in the case of trigger actuated aerosol
sprayers and spray devices.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to certain embodiments of the invention, a valve
guide or raised boss may be connected to or integral with a base or
body of an aerosol actuator. In various embodiments, a valve guide
may include a raised boss associated with a grip or body of an
aerosol actuator. The valve guide or raised boss may align a
manifold with a valve when an aerosol actuator is assembled to a
container containing a product. In addition, a valve guide or
raised boss may limit the movement of a portion of a manifold in a
defined direction or defined plane such that the load on a valve by
a manifold is controlled. For example, a valve guide may ensure a
top load on a valve during actuation or may minimize side loads on
a valve during actuation.
[0011] According to other various embodiments of the invention, a
grip or body of an aerosol actuator may include an opening into or
through which a portion of a manifold may extend. The opening may
be configured to allow the manifold to flex, float, or move during
actuation such that a discharge end of the manifold is not fixed to
the body of the aerosol actuator. In some instances, an opening in
the end of a grip or body may allow a portion of a manifold to
float in a manner which facilitates a vertical motion of the
manifold which may, in turn, decrease side loads to a valve
attached to the aerosol actuator.
[0012] According to other certain embodiments of the invention, a
manifold and a trigger may include bearing ribs which may contact
each other or engage upon actuation of a trigger such that
actuation of the trigger moves a manifold resulting in the opening
of a valve connected to or in communication with the manifold.
[0013] In still other embodiments of the invention, an aerosol
actuator may include a male manifold rather than a female manifold
and the valve may include a female valve rather than a male
valve.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming particular embodiments of the
present invention, various embodiments of the invention can be more
readily understood and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the
art from the following descriptions of various embodiments of the
invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol actuator according to various
embodiments of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an aerosol
actuator according to various embodiments of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a manifold
according to various embodiments of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates an aerosol actuator body according to
various embodiments of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a trigger of an aerosol actuator
according to various embodiments of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates an aerosol actuator according to various
embodiments of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an aerosol
actuator according to various embodiments of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an aerosol
actuator having a male manifold mating with a female valve system
according to various embodiments of the invention; and
[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates a close-up view of the male manifold
mating with a female valve system illustrated in FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Aerosol actuators 100 according to various embodiments of
the invention are illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5. An assembled
aerosol actuator 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated, an
aerosol actuator 100 according to embodiments of the invention may
include a body 110, a cap 120, a trigger 130, and a manifold 140.
According to some embodiments of the invention, an orifice cup 142
may be assembled or inserted into the manifold 140. The aerosol
actuator 100 may be assembled to a container or bottle containing
an aerosolized product or a product and a gas, such as nitrogen or
at least one hydrocarbon, to deliver the product in a aerosolized
fashion. The container or bottle may also include a valve and a
valve stem to which a portion of a manifold 140 may attach to mate
with and promote fluid flow from the container or bottle, through
the valve and into the manifold 140 of the aerosol actuator
100.
[0025] An aerosol actuator 100 according to embodiments of the
invention may also include an opening 117 in the body 110. The
opening 117 may be configured to house or surround at least a
portion of a discharge end of a manifold 140 or orifice cup 142
inserted in the manifold 140. In some embodiments of the invention,
a cap 120 may also include a cap opening corresponding to the
opening 117 in the body 110 such that the cap opening and opening
117 form a discharge manifold opening in the aerosol actuator 100.
The discharge end of the manifold 140 may move or float within the
opening 117 in the body 110 or a discharge manifold opening formed
by the opening 117 and a cap opening. For example, upon actuation
of the trigger 130 illustrated in FIG. 1, the manifold 140 may be
actuated and moved which may in turn cause an end portion of the
manifold 140 to move within the area defined by the opening
117.
[0026] A cross-sectional view of the aerosol actuator 100
illustrated in FIG. 1 is illustrated in FIG. 2 and the individual
components are illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 5. The individual
components of an aerosol actuator 100 according to embodiments of
the invention may be made of a plastic or resin material as
desired. Other moldable materials may also be used to make
components for an aerosol actuator 100 according to embodiments of
the invention.
[0027] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, a manifold 140 according to
embodiments of the invention may include an input end 145, a
discharge end 147, and one or more manifold bearing ribs 144
positioned along the manifold 140 between the input end 145 and the
discharge end 147.
[0028] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, a body 110 may include a
body 110 as used in conventional trigger actuated aerosol
dispersion devices. In addition, a body 110 according to
embodiments of the invention may include a raised boss 119 or
manifold guide. The body 110 may also differ from conventional
aerosol actuator bodies in that an opening 117 may be included in
the body 110.
[0029] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, a trigger 130 may include
one or more trigger bearing ribs 134. When assembled with a
manifold 140 and body 110, the one or more trigger bearing ribs 134
may bear on or contact the one or more manifold bearing ribs 144 of
the manifold 144.
[0030] In an assembled aerosol actuator 100, an input end 145 of a
manifold 140 may sit in or be assembled or fitted into a raised
boss 119 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The raised boss 119 may hold or
guide the manifold 140 during assembly of an aerosol actuator 100
with a container and valve of an aerosol system. In some
embodiments, the vertical positioning of the raised boss 119 may
also facilitate a vertical assembly of a manifold 140 with the body
110 such that an input end 145 of the manifold 140 is assembled
through the top of the body 110 and into the raised boss 119.
During assembly, the discharge end 147 of the manifold 140 may be
oriented with the opening 117 in the body 110 as illustrated in
FIG. 2.
[0031] A trigger 130 may be assembled with the manifold 140 and
body 110 such that the one or more trigger bearing ribs 134 are
configured to contact the one or more manifold bearing ribs 144
during actuation of the aerosol actuator 100. For example, upon
application of a force to the trigger 130, the trigger bearing ribs
134 may contact the one or more manifold bearing ribs 144 to induce
contact between the input end 145 of the manifold 140 and a valve
such that the valve releases a product which travels through the
manifold 140 and exists the manifold 140 at a discharge end 147.
Upon release of the trigger 130, the forces upon the manifold
bearing ribs 144 may be released and actuation of the aerosol
actuator 100 is ceased. During actuation, the discharge end 147 of
the manifold 140 may float or move within a discharge opening
formed by the opening 117 in the body 110 and the cap 120.
[0032] According to various embodiments of the invention, a
manifold 140 may be guided into position by a raised boss 119 as
illustrated in FIG. 2. The positioning of a manifold 140 within a
portion of the raised boss 119 as illustrated may help guide
movement of the manifold 140 during actuation. In addition, the
raised boss 119 may ensure that the manifold 140 moves in a
downward path relative to a valve to which the manifold 140 engages
during actuation. Thus, a raised boss 119 according to embodiments
of the invention may limit the ability of the manifold 140 to apply
a side load on a valve during actuation. Instead, the manifold 140
may be limited to applying a top load to a valve. In other
embodiments, a raised boss 119 may assist in increasing the applied
top load to a valve and decreasing side loads thereto. Furthermore,
a raised boss 119 may assist with the assembly of the manifold 140
to the aerosol actuator 100.
[0033] An aerosol actuator 100 according to other embodiments of
the invention is illustrated in FIG. 6. As illustrated, an aerosol
actuator 100 may include a body 110, a cap 120, a trigger 130, and
a manifold 140. An orifice cup 142 may be inserted into a manifold
140.
[0034] In some embodiments of the invention, a body 110 may include
a slot or opening 117 in the body within which a portion of the
manifold 140 may float or move. In some embodiments, the opening
117 may also support a portion of the trigger 130. In other
embodiments, the opening 117 may facilitate rotation of the trigger
130 about a fulcrum point during actuation of the aerosol actuator
100.
[0035] According to various embodiments of the invention, an
aerosol actuator 100 may be attached to a container containing a
product and a gas for aerosolizing the product and the manifold 140
may mate with or engage a valve associated with the aerosol
container. Upon actuation of a trigger 130, portions of the trigger
bearing ribs 134 may act on the manifold bearing ribs 144, applying
force to the manifold 140 and opening the valve to release a
product through the manifold 140 and out of the aerosol actuator
100. As the trigger bearing ribs 134 act on the manifold bearing
ribs 144, the manifold 140 may flex and a discharge end of the
manifold 140 may move in the opening 117 in the body 110. Inclusion
of an opening 117 in the body 110, may improve the functionality of
the manifold 140 by allowing the manifold 140 to flex and move
during operation.
[0036] According to other embodiments of the invention, an aerosol
actuator may include a male manifold 240 or actuator as illustrated
in FIGS. 8 and 9. The male manifold 240 or actuator may mate with a
female valve system 204 as illustrated.
[0037] According to certain embodiments of the invention, an
aerosol actuator may include an assembly with a manifold that has a
male receptacle made of rigid plastic material which connects to an
aerosol valve with a female stem made of a rigid plastic material.
An advantage of a female aerosol valve 204 according to some
embodiments of the invention is that it may include a female rubber
gasket that a male stem from the actuator may fit into. It is
easier to fit a male rigid stem into a rubber seal than to fit a
rigid valve stem into a rigid female manifold member. Thus, it may
be desirable to use a male manifold 240 and female valve system 204
as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0038] Having thus described certain particular embodiments of the
invention, it is understood that the invention defined by the
appended claims is not to be limited by particular details set
forth in the above description, as many apparent variations thereof
are contemplated. Rather, the invention is limited only be the
appended claims, which include within their scope all equivalent
devices or methods which operate according to the principles of the
invention as described.
* * * * *