U.S. patent application number 14/074516 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-15 for spray devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Andrew William FRANCKHAUSER, Scott Edward SMITH.
Application Number | 20140131396 14/074516 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49627119 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140131396 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SMITH; Scott Edward ; et
al. |
May 15, 2014 |
Spray Devices
Abstract
A hand held spray device is disclosed. The spray device includes
a body with a reservoir, an actuator having a discharge orifice, a
composition stored within the reservoir that is sprayable from the
discharge orifice, a means for pressurizing the composition, and a
valve assembly attached to the body in fluid communication with the
reservoir. The valve assembly includes a housing, a valve stem
slidably disposed within the housing and having a valve bore that
is in fluid communication with the discharge orifice, a valve that
seals the valve bore, and a spring biasing the valve stem and
surrounding a lower portion of the valve stem. The valve stem
includes a plurality of channels, each channel having an entrance
adjacent a proximal end of the valve stem and an exit spaced
downstream from the distal end of the spring.
Inventors: |
SMITH; Scott Edward;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; FRANCKHAUSER; Andrew William;
(Batavia, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
Cincinnati
OH
|
Family ID: |
49627119 |
Appl. No.: |
14/074516 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61724576 |
Nov 9, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/402.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/20 20130101;
B65D 83/48 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/402.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/48 20060101
B65D083/48 |
Claims
1. A hand held spray device, comprising: a body comprising a
reservoir; an actuator comprising a discharge orifice; a
composition stored within the reservoir that is sprayable from the
discharge orifice; a liquid propellant stored within the reservoir;
a valve assembly attached to the body in fluid communication with
the reservoir, the valve assembly comprising a housing, a valve
stem slidably disposed within the housing and having a valve bore
that is in fluid communication with the discharge orifice, a valve
for sealing the valve bore, and a spring biasing the valve stem and
surrounding a lower portion thereof; and wherein the valve stem
comprises a plurality of channels, each channel having an entrance
and an exit and wherein each channel is configured to direct the
composition from an interior volume defined by the spring and the
lower portion of the valve stem to an outer surface of the valve
stem that is disposed downstream of the spring.
2. The hand held spray device according to claim 2, wherein the
valve stem comprises from 2 to about 8 channels.
3. The hand held spray device according to claim 1, wherein the
outer surface of the valve stem in combination with an interior
surface of the housing define an annulus thru which the composition
passes at least in part to reach the valve.
4. The hand held spray device according to claim 1, wherein the
valve assembly further comprises an elastomeric seal having an
inner wall that forms a first mating surface of the valve.
5. The hand held spray device according to claim 4, wherein the
valve stem further comprises an axial bore in fluid communication
with the valve bore and the discharge orifice.
6. The hand held spray device according to claim 5, wherein the
valve stem further comprises a groove having a wall into which the
valve bore opens, wherein the wall of the groove forms a second
mating surface of the valve such that the inner wall of the
elastomeric seal and the wall of the groove cooperate to seal the
valve bore when the actuator is not depressed.
7. The hand held spray device according to claim 1, wherein the
liquid propellant has a concentration from about 30% to about 65%
by weight of the total fill of materials.
8. The hand held spray device according to claim 1, wherein the
composition has a particulate concentration from about 30% to about
60% by weight of the composition.
9. The hand held spray device according to claim 1, wherein the
spray device has a composition mass flow rate less than 0.3
g/sec.
10. The hand held spray device according to claim 1, wherein the
composition is an antiperspirant composition comprising
particulates of an antiperspirant active.
11. The hand held spray device according to claim 1, further
comprising a dip tube connected to the valve assembly and extending
into the reservoir.
12. The hand held spray device according to claim 11, wherein the
valve assembly further comprises a cup-shaped insert disposed
within the housing between the dip tube and the valve stem, the
cup-shaped insert comprising a plurality of passages in gaseous
communication with the reservoir for directing at least some
gaseous propellant stored in the reservoir into mixing contact with
a flow of the composition exiting the dip tube.
13. The hand held spray device according to claim 12, wherein the
cup-shaped insert further comprises an insert bore disposed in a
bottom wall of the cup-shaped insert, wherein the insert bore is in
fluid communication with the plurality of channels and the wherein
the insert bore receives a combination of the gaseous propellant
from the passages and the composition from the dip tube.
14. The hand held spray device according to claim 1, wherein each
of the plurality of channels is defined by a pair of walls.
15. The hand held spray device according to claim 14, wherein each
of the walls extends from the valve stem and comprises a notch for
receiving a distal end of the spring.
16. The hand held spray device according to claim 15, wherein the
distal end of the spring bottoms on a surface of the notch and
wherein the spring has at least one free portion extending between
the pair of walls.
17. The hand held spray device according to claim 15, wherein the
spring comprises a plurality of coils.
18. The hand held spray device according to claim 17, wherein the
exit of each channel is disposed downstream of the notch and a last
coil of the spring disposed within the notch so that at least a
portion of the composition may exit from the interior volume
without passing between a pair of adjacent coils of the spring.
19. A hand held spray device, comprising: a body comprising a
reservoir; an actuator comprising a discharge orifice; a
composition stored within the reservoir that is sprayable from the
discharge orifice; a means for pressurizing the composition; a
valve assembly attached to the body in fluid communication with the
reservoir, the valve assembly comprising a housing, a valve stem
slidably disposed within the housing and having an valve bore that
is in fluid communication with the discharge orifice, a valve for
sealing the valve bore, and a spring biasing the valve stem and
surrounding a lower portion thereof, the spring having a proximal
end furthest from the valve and a distal end closest to the valve;
and wherein the valve stem comprises a plurality of channels, at
least a portion of each of the plurality of channels being
surrounded by at least a portion of the spring and wherein at least
a portion of each of the plurality of channels extends downstream
of the distal end of the spring.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] One aspect of the invention relates generally to hand
holdable spray devices. Another aspect of the invention relates
generally to hand holdable spray devices containing a composition
and a propellant.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There are a number of situations where it may be desirable
to spray a composition comprising one or more particulates. Some
non-limiting examples include paints, surface cleaners, polishes
and personal care compositions (e.g., an antiperspirant
composition). In some instances, it may be desirable to utilize one
or more of a propellant at a low concentration to pressurize the
composition, a low composition flow rate, and/or a high particulate
concentration in the composition to be sprayed. In these and other
instances, it may be quite desirable to reduce or minimize the
potential for clogging within the spray device, and more
particularly within a valve assembly of the spray device.
[0003] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,082,652 and 4,396,152 illustrate some
examples of spray devices. While these designs might work well for
their intended purpose, there is a continuing desire to improve the
flow path design within valve assemblies of spray devices to
minimize the potential for clogging. Further, there is a continuing
desire to improve the flow path design within a valve assembly in a
manner that is simple to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to one aspect of the invention, a hand held spray
device is disclosed. The spray device includes a body with a
reservoir, an actuator having a discharge orifice, a composition
stored within the reservoir that is sprayable from the discharge
orifice, a means for pressurizing the composition, and a valve
assembly attached to the body in fluid communication with the
reservoir. The valve assembly includes a housing, a valve stem
slidably disposed within the housing and having a valve bore that
is in fluid communication with the discharge orifice, a valve that
seals the valve bore, and a spring biasing the valve stem and
surrounding a lower portion of the valve stem. The valve stem
includes a plurality of channels, each channel having an entrance
adjacent a proximal end of the valve stem and an exit spaced
downstream from the distal end of the spring.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] While the specification concludes with claims, it is
believed that the same will be better understood from the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
wherein like numbers illustrate like elements throughout the views
and in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of one example of a
spray device;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the valve assembly shown in
FIG. 1;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the valve assembly of
FIG. 2;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the valve assembly
of FIG. 3, taken along line 4-4 thereof;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the valve stem shown in FIG.
4;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the valve stem shown in
FIG. 5;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the valve stem
shown in FIG. 6, taken along line 7-7 thereof;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the valve stem shown in FIG.
5;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the seal shown in FIG.
4;
[0015] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the valve stem, spring
and housing of FIG. 4, taken along line 10-10 thereof
[0016] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the valve stem and a
portion of the spring shown in FIG. 4; and
[0017] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the valve stem and
housing of FIG. 4, taken along line 12-12 thereof;
[0018] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of
another embodiment of the valve assembly of FIG. 3;
[0019] FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the cup-shaped insert shown
in FIG. 13;
[0020] FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of an alternate embodiment of
the cup-shaped insert shown in FIG. 13;
[0021] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of an another
embodiment of a valve stem comprising two valve bores arranged at
an angle; and
[0022] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional plan view of yet another
embodiment of a valve stem, the valve stem comprising a plurality
of scallops and wherein the view is taken at the same location as
line 12-12 of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] A spray device, container, composition, propellant, etc. may
comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of, various
combinations of the materials, features, structures, and/or
characteristics described herein.
[0024] Reference within the specification to "embodiment(s)" or the
like means that a particular material, feature, structure and/or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment, but it does not mean that all
embodiments incorporate the material, feature, structure, and/or
characteristic described. Furthermore, materials, features,
structures and/or characteristics may be combined in any suitable
manner across different embodiments, and materials, features,
structures and/or characteristics may be omitted or substituted
from what is described.
[0025] The term "antiperspirant composition" refers to any
composition containing an antiperspirant active and which is
intended to be sprayed onto skin, exclusive of the propellant. An
antiperspirant composition may be provided in the form of a liquid
dispersion (including suspensions, colloids, or solutions).
[0026] The term "bulking or suspending material" refers to a
material which is intended to reduce settling of a particulate from
a liquid and/or reduce the severity of particulate caking post
settling. Some non-limiting examples of common bulking or
suspending agents include, but are not limited to, colloidal
silicas and clays.
[0027] The term "clogging" refers to either a blocked passage,
orifice, hole or other opening resulting in little or no mass flow
out of a container when the actuator is activated or a valve stuck
at least partially open from accumulated composition, resulting in
semi-continuous or continuous leakage of the composition and/or a
propellant from a spray device.
[0028] The term "composition" refers to any composition intended to
be sprayed from a spray device, exclusive of propellant.
[0029] The term "container" and derivatives thereof refers to the
package that is intended to store and dispense a composition in a
spray type form. A container may typically comprise at least one
reservoir for storing the composition, a valve for controlling flow
of the composition, and an actuator by which a user can actuate the
valve. A container may or may not be configured to store a
propellant.
[0030] The term "controlling orifice" refers to the orifice(s),
hole(s) or other opening(s) which principally control or meter the
mass flow of the composition thru container. In some instances, the
controlling orifice may comprise a plurality of orifices, holes or
openings which are arranged in a generally parallel fashion with
respect to the mass flow of the composition and which in
combination principally control or meter the mass flow thru the
container. The controlling orifice is typically the smallest
opening(s) thru which the composition flows. The controlling
orifice may sometimes be the valve opening.
[0031] The term "particulate", as used herein, refers to a material
that is solid or hollow or porous and which is substantially or
completely insoluble in the liquid materials of a composition.
[0032] The term "propellant" refers to a gas that is compressed,
liquefied or dissolved under pressure for the purpose of
pressurizing the composition to facilitate egress of the
composition from container. A propellant may or may not be used to
atomize the composition upon exiting the container.
[0033] The term "spray device" refers to the combination of a
container and a composition that is intended to be sprayed from the
spray device. A spray device may or may not contain a
propellant.
[0034] The term "substantially free" refers to an amount of a
material that is less than 1%, 0.5%, 0.25%, 0.1%, 0.05%, 0.01%, or
0.001% by weight of a composition.
[0035] The term "total fill" refers to the total amount of
materials added to or stored within a reservoir(s) of a container.
For example, total fill includes the propellant and composition
stored within a spray device after completion of filling and prior
to first use.
[0036] Various spray devices, containers, and compositions will now
be described. The spray devices and containers incorporate a novel
valve stem and spring arrangement within a valve assembly that may
reduce or minimize clogging within the valve assembly.
I. SPRAY DEVICES
[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, one non-limiting example of a spray
device is shown. The spray device 100 comprises a container 102, a
liquid propellant 104, and a composition 106 that is sprayable from
the spray device. It will be appreciated that the propellant 104
and composition 106 are merely shown for purposes of illustration
in FIG. 1, and FIG. 1 is not intended to limit in any way the
arrangement of the propellant and composition within the container
102. For example, in some instances the propellant and the
composition are miscible such that distinct layers may not be
visible. The spray device 100 may be shaped and configured so that
it is hand-holdable. The container 102 comprises a body 108, an
actuator 110 having a discharge orifice 112, and a valve assembly
114 in fluid communication with a reservoir 118 storing the
composition 106 and/or liquid propellant 104. Optionally, a dip
tube 119 may extend into the reservoir 118. A gaseous propellant
120 may fill the headspace of the reservoir 118.
[0038] While reservoir 118 may be defined by one or more interior
surfaces of the body 108, it will be appreciated that other
reservoir arrangements may be provided. For example, the reservoir
may be provided as a separate structure apart from the body 108. In
one embodiment, the reservoir may be provided in the form of a
collapsible bag that is disposed within the body 108 as a reservoir
for storing the composition, sometimes referred to as a "bag on
valve" arrangement. In this arrangement, the reservoir (bag) may
store the composition 106 but no propellant. The collapsible bag
(and hence the composition) may be pressurized by a propellant
stored under pressure exterior to the bag (e.g., in the space
between bag the interior surface of the body 108) so as to exert
pressure on the bag. In another arrangement, the elasticity of the
bag may be sufficient to pressurize the composition without using a
propellant. Bag on valve arrangements may or may not include a dip
tube. While one reservoir is shown in the FIG. 1, a plurality of
reservoirs may also be provided. The body 108, actuator 110 and
valve assembly 114 may be provided in a wide variety of
configurations, shapes, and sizes.
Valve Assemblies
[0039] The valve assemblies described hereafter are suitable for
use in variety of spray devices, including spray devices where a
mixture of a liquid propellant and a composition flow thru the
valve assembly; or a mixture of a liquid propellant, a gaseous
propellant and a composition flow thru the valve assembly; or a
composition only flows thru the valve assembly; or a mixture of a
composition and a gaseous propellant flow thru the valve assembly.
For example, in embodiments where a liquid propellant is combined
with a composition in a single reservoir, such as shown in FIG. 1,
a mixture of the composition and liquid propellant typically flows
up the dip tube, thru the valve assembly, and out of the discharge
orifice of the actuator. The liquid propellant vaporizes upon
exiting the actuator, resulting in atomization of the composition.
In contrast, in a bag on valve type embodiment, the composition
(but typically no propellant) flows thru the valve assembly and out
of the discharge orifice of the actuator.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, one non-limiting example of a
valve assembly 114 which may be attached to the body 108 is shown.
The valve assembly 114 comprises a slidably disposed valve stem 124
to which the actuator 110 attaches, a mounting flange 128 for
attaching the valve assembly 114 to the body 108 (such as by
crimping), and a housing 130 attached to the mounting flange 128.
The housing 130 may be attached by a variety of means to the
mounting flange, as known in the art, including by a press fit,
positive latching, welding, etc. The housing 130 contains a spring
132 that biases the valve stem 124. The spring 132 may comprise a
plurality of coils or be provided in other forms, such as an
elastomeric bellows.
[0041] Turning to FIGS. 5 to 8, one non-limiting example of a novel
valve stem will now be described. The valve stem 124 comprises a
core 142 having an upper portion 144 and a lower portion 146. The
upper portion 144 has a distal end 148 and is configured to be
attachable to the actuator 110. The lower portion 146 is configured
to position at least a portion of the spring 132 there about. The
lower portion 146 has a proximal end 150. The proximal end 150 may
have a flat surface thereat, may be tapered, may be formed by a
combination of the foregoing, or may have some other conformation
which preferably minimizes the potential for accumulation of a
composition at the proximal end 150. One or more valve bores 152
(two being shown in the FIGS.) may be disposed between the upper
portion 144 and the lower portion 146. The valve bore 152 is shown,
for purposes of illustration only, arranged in a radial direction
with respect to the longitudinal axis of the valve stem 124. The
one or more valve bores 152 open into a wall 154 of a groove 156
and communicate with an axial bore 158 that extends from the one or
more valve bores 152 to the distal end 148 of the upper portion
144. It will be appreciated that the terms "radial" and "axial",
and derivatives thereof (e.g., radially and axially), are intended
to merely refer to a general direction with respect to a feature or
structure, and these terms are intended, unless expressly stated
otherwise, to be fully inclusive of directions that are not purely
radial or axial, such as substantially radial/axial directions and
combinations of radial and axial directions where the net overall
directional effect is more radial than axial or vice versa. The
axial bore 158 in turn communicates with the actuator 110 when it
is attached to the valve stem 124.
[0042] The one or more valve bores 152 may function as a
controlling orifice that principally controls the mass flow of the
composition or a mixture of the composition and a propellant thru
the container. It will be readily appreciated that other openings,
passages or holes in the valve stem or elsewhere may function as
the controlling orifice. The one or more valve bores may have a
total cross-sectional area from about 0.01 mm.sup.2 to about 1
mm.sup.2, or about 0.03 mm.sup.2 to about 0.5 mm.sup.2, or about
0.06 mm.sup.2 to about 0.1 mm.sup.2. The one or more valve bores
may have a maximum dimension, typically a diametrical dimension,
from about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm, or from about 0.2 mm to about 0.8
mm, or from about 0.3 mm to about 0.5 mm. In a specific embodiment,
the valve stem 124 comprises one valve bore 152 having a diameter
from about 0.3 mm to about 0.4 mm.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 9, mating sealing surfaces formed
by an inner wall 160 of a substantially flat seal 162 and the wall
154 of the groove 156 form a valve that seals the valve bore 152.
The seal 162 may be formed from an elastomeric material, such as
nitrile butadiene rubber (sometimes referred to as Buna-N). The
seal 162 may be disposed about the core 142 of the valve stem and
sandwiched between the mounting flange 128 and the housing 130, as
shown by way of example in FIG. 4. The sealing surfaces are mated
when the valve stem is not depressed, as shown in FIG. 4, thereby
preventing flow of the composition or a mixture of the composition
and a propellant thru the valve bore 152. When the actuator 110 is
depressed, the sealing surfaces separate, thereby permitting the
composition or a mixture of the composition and a propellant to
flow through the valve bore 152 to the axial bore 158 and onto the
actuator 110. As used herein, the term valve (as opposed to valve
assembly) is intended to merely refer to the mating sealing
surfaces that permit or prevent flow of the composition or a
mixture containing the composition from the reservoir 118 to the
actuator 110. The mating sealing surfaces may be provided in
configurations other than shown in the FIGS and described herein.
In some specific embodiments, the valve may be a continuous flow
valve, meaning there is flow through the valve for as long as the
actuator is depressed. In contrast, a non-continuous or metered
valve allows only predetermined amount of flow thru the valve
regardless how long the actuator is depressed.
[0044] Referring again to FIGS. 5 to 8 and to FIG. 10, the core 142
further comprises one or more channels 160, the channel 160 having
an entrance 162 disposed at or adjacent to the proximal end 150 and
an exit 164. The channels 160 may extend axially along the valve
stem 124. The core 142 may comprise from about 2 to about 8
channels or from about 4 to about 6 channels, although more
channels may be provided if desired. The channels may be
equi-spaced about the circumference of the core 142. The exit 164
of the channel 160 is located at terminal end of the channel 160.
In some specific embodiments, at least a portion of the channel 160
may be configured to direct the composition or a mixture comprising
the composition and a propellant from an interior annular volume
166 (FIG. 10) to an outer surface of the valve stem 124, such as
for example cylindrical surface 168 (FIG. 5) of ring 169, that is
disposed downstream of the spring 132. The interior volume 166 may
be defined by at least a portion of the spring 132 and the lower
portion 146 of the core 142. At least a portion of the spring 132
surrounds at least a portion of the channels 160.
[0045] A wide variety of channel configurations may be provided.
The channel 160 may be formed or defined in part by a pair of walls
170, which may extend radially from the valve stem core as shown in
the FIGS. The walls 170 transmit a portion of the spring force to
the ring 169, the latter providing additional structural integrity
to the walls 170. The ring 169 also provides a load bearing surface
to act against the seal 160 to return it to a closed or sealed
position when the actuator is released. The valve stem 124 may
comprise 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more radially extending walls. Each
wall 170 may have a bearing surface 171 that centers the valve stem
124 within the housing 130 and which slidably engages the housing
130. The bearing surface 171 may be substantially flat and
rectangular in shape, although other shapes and surface contours
may be provided. It is believed that a slidable valve stem 124
having too few walls 170 may not center very well within the
housing 130, and a valve stem 124 having too many walls may reduce
the cumulative exit area of the channels too much, thereby
potentially increasing the risk of clogging. In some instances, the
walls 170 may have an overall length L (FIG. 6) from about 2 mm to
about 9 and a width W (FIG. 8) from about 0.25 mm to about 1.3
mm.
[0046] Each wall 170 may have a notch 172 that receives a distal
end or a portion 174 of the spring 132, the distal end 174 of the
spring being located closest to the valve compared to a proximal
end of the spring 132 which is located furthest from the valve. In
other words, the distal end of the spring is located downstream of
the proximal end of the spring and the valve is in turn located
downstream of the distal end of the spring. While only a portion
(e.g., about 3 coils) of spring 132 is shown in FIG. 4 within the
notch 172 (when the valve stem is not depressed), it will be
appreciated that in some embodiments more of the spring or even the
entire spring 132 may be received within the notch 172. In some
specific embodiments, the notch 172 may be configured to receive
from about two to about six coils of the spring 132 (when the valve
stem is not depressed), wherein a last coil of the spring 132
bottoms on a surface 176 of the notch 172 of the wall 170. The
surface 176 may be substantially flat. The last coil of the spring
132 may have one or more free portions 178 (FIG. 11) extending
between the walls 170, wherein the free portion does not bottom on
a surface (e.g., surface 176) of the valve stem 124. The notch 172
may have a notch depth D (FIG. 7) from about 0.4 mm to about 1 mm
and a notch length NL (FIG. 11) from about 0.5 mm to about 3.5
mm.
[0047] At least a portion of a channel 160, together with its exit
164, may be disposed axially downstream of the notch 172 and/or the
last coil/distal end of the spring 132. In other words, the exit
164 of the channel 160 may be spaced apart from the last coil of
the spring 132 and/or the notch 172 so that at least a portion of
the composition or a mixture of the composition and propellant may
exit from the interior volume 166 without passing between a pair of
adjacent coils of the spring and/or between the last coil of the
spring 132 and the surface upon which it bottoms. The exit 164 may
be disposed between the notch 172 and the valve and/or valve bore
152. For example, the exit 164 of the channel 160 may be located
from about 1 mm to about 5 mm from the last coil of the spring 132
and/or the notch 172. In other instances, exit 164 of the channel
160 may be located at or adjacent to the last coil of the spring
132 and/or the notch 172.
[0048] A channel 160 may have an exit area from about 0.6 mm.sup.2
to about 3 mm.sup.2, although it will be appreciated that larger or
smaller exit areas may be provided. As used herein, the term exit
area with respect to a channel 160 refers to the cross-sectional
area at the exit 164 that is defined by the walls 170, inner
surface 180 (FIG. 12) of the housing 130 that is adjacent the exit
164, and channel bottom surface 182 at the exit 164. The cumulative
exit area for all of the channels 160 of the valve stem 124 may be
from about 2.5 mm.sup.2 to about 12 mm.sup.2, although it will be
appreciated that larger or smaller cumulative exit areas may be
provided.
[0049] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the channel
bottom surface 182 may have a shape or conformation that directs
the flow of the composition or a mixture of the composition and a
propellant toward the outer surface 168 of the ring 169. In some
embodiments, at least some, substantially all, or all of the
channel bottom surface 168 may have a concave type conformation for
directing the flow from the interior volume 166 to the exterior of
the stem 124. FIG. 5 illustrates one non-limiting example of a
channel having a bottom surface that is partially concave.
[0050] An annulus or gap 184 (FIG. 12) may be provided downstream
of the exit 164 of the channel 160 that allows the composition (or
a propellant/composition mixture) exiting the channels 160 to flow
downstream to the valve. The annulus 184 may be defined by the
outer surface 168 of the valve stem 124 and the inner surface 180
of the housing 130. The outside diameter of the outer surface 168
may be from about 1.5 mm to about 11 mm while the outside diameter
defined by the walls 170 may be slightly less, although it will be
appreciated that larger or smaller dimensions may be provided. The
inside diameter of the inner surface 180 may be from about 2.5 mm
to about 12 mm. The annulus 184 may have a cross-sectional area
from about 3 mm.sup.2 to about 10 mm.sup.2. The annulus 184 may
have a radial dimension there across from about 0.25 mm to about 10
mm.
[0051] The novel valve stem configuration allows the composition
(or a propellant containing mixture thereof) to flow from the
reservoir, thru the interior volume 166, and exit downstream of the
last coil the spring 132 and into the annulus 184. It is believed
that this flow path, which minimizes the amount of composition
exiting between the spring coils, may reduce the accumulation of
composition about the spring and thereby potentially minimize the
risk of clogging, particularly where the composition comprises a
high concentration of particulates, a low propellant concentration
is utilized and/or a low composition mass flow rate is desired.
Composition mass flow rates less than 0.3 g/sec, or from about 0.1
g/sec to about 0.3 g/sec, may be particularly suitable for use with
the valve assemblies and spray devices described herein. Further,
the novel valve stem and spring arrangement may advantageously
permit a more open flow path past the lower portion 146 of the core
142 to the valve, as structures used to center the valve stem 124
within the housing 130 (e.g., the bearing surface 171) are
independent of or do not otherwise form part of the flow path as in
some conventional valve assemblies.
[0052] In another embodiment, the valve assembly 114 may further
comprise a vapor tap for mixing gaseous propellant from the
headspace of the reservoir 118 with the composition. Some
non-limiting vapor tap configurations suitable for use are
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,396,152. Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15,
the housing 230 may comprise a one or more holes 186 for permitting
gaseous propellant to pass from the reservoir 118 into the interior
of the housing 230. A cup-shaped insert 188 may be installed within
the housing 230 between the dip tube and the valve stem 124. The
cup-shaped insert 188 may be press-fit within the housing 230 or
otherwise retained within the housing by other means known in the
art. The cup-shaped insert 188 may receive one end of the spring
132. An insert bore 192 may be provided in a bottom wall of the
cup-shaped insert 188, thereby permitting the composition to flow
from the dip tube 116 into the interior of the cup-shaped insert
188. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, one or more passages 194 may be
provided in the bottom wall of the cup-shaped insert to direct
gaseous propellant from the interior of the housing 130 into the
insert bore 192, where it mixes with the composition. The passages
194 may be aligned tangentially with the insert bore 192, as shown
by way of example in FIG. 14, or the passages 194 may be aligned
radially with the insert bore 192, as shown by way of example in
FIG. 15. The passages 194 may also be aligned in other
configurations with the insert bore 192, such as intermediate
between a tangential arrangement and a radial arrangement. While a
vapor tap arrangement may be useful in some instances, the valve
assembly need not comprise a vapor tap or a cup shaped insert.
[0053] While the passages 194 are shown as generally rectangular in
cross-sectional shape, it will be appreciated that the passages 194
may be provided in other shapes and sizes. Similarly, the various
bores, holes, and orifices may be provided in shapes and sizes
other than shown/described herein. Further, while the vapor tap
arrangements shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 permit gaseous propellant to
mix with the composition upstream of the valve, other vapor tap
arrangements (or no vapor tap) may be implemented as known in the
art. For example, a vapor tap arrangement may be provided where the
gaseous propellant mixes downstream of the valve, perhaps still
within the valve assembly 114 or within the actuator 110. Multiple
vapor tap arrangements may also be provided. For example, a first
vapor tap arrangement might provide for mixing of gaseous
propellant and the composition upstream of the valve 138 while a
second vapor tap arrangement might provide for mixing of additional
gaseous propellant and the composition downstream of the valve.
[0054] While the valve assembly 114 is shown herein as comprising a
variety of components, it is contemplated that these components may
be changed, combined, deleted, or other components or structures
substituted therefor without departing from the spirit and/or scope
of the various invention(s) described herein. For example, FIG. 16
illustrates a valve stem comprising two valve bores 352 that are
angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the valve stem, and
FIG. 17 illustrates a valve stem comprising a ring with one or
scallops 496 disposed within the outer surface of the ring. Each of
the scallops is aligned with the exit of one of the channels so as
to further increase the exit area of the channel, thereby further
reducing the likelihood of clogging. In this later embodiment, the
composition exits the channels, flows thru the scallops 169 and/or
the annulus 184 and onto the valve.
Propellants
[0055] A spray device may optionally comprise a propellant. The
propellant may be stored in a reservoir containing the composition
to be sprayed, or the propellant may be stored separately, as in
the case of bag on valve type arrangement. A propellant may be
utilized to pressurize the composition, thereby providing a means
to drive the composition thru and out of the spray device. The
propellant may also be used to atomize the composition upon exiting
the spray device, as is typical in an aerosol type application. A
propellant may also mix with the composition to produce a mousse or
foam upon spraying. Alternatively, a non-propellant compressed or
liquefied gas may be incorporated in the composition for producing
a mousse or foam upon spraying. For example, a first compressed or
liquefied gas might be provided for producing a foaming composition
while a second compressed or liquefied gas might function as a
propellant. If a vapor tap arrangement is provided, gaseous
propellant from the head space of the reservoir may also be used to
swirl or break up the composition within the valve assembly.
[0056] The propellant may have a concentration from about 3%, 10%,
20%, 30%, 32%, 34% 36%, 38%, 40%, or 42% to about 85%, 75%, 65%,
60%, 54%, 52%, 50%, 48%, 46%, 44%, or 42% by weight of the total
fill of materials (i.e., propellant and composition) stored within
the spray device. The novel valve stems described herein may be
particularly useful in aerosol type spray devices utilizing low
liquid propellant concentrations (e.g., from about 30% to about 60%
of the total fill), as lower propellant concentrations may result
in less dilution of the composition thereby potentially increasing
the risk of clogging compared to higher propellant concentrations.
This risk of clogging may be further compounded in instances where
the composition also comprises a high particulate
concentration.
[0057] A wide variety of propellants may be used with the spray
devices and compositions described herein. Some propellants may
have a boiling point (at atmospheric pressure) within the range of
from about -45.degree. C. to about 5.degree. C. The propellants are
may be liquefied when packaged in the container under pressure.
Suitable propellants may include chemically-inert hydrocarbons such
as propane, n-butane, isobutane and cyclopropane, and mixtures
thereof, as well as halogenated hydrocarbons such as
dichlorodifluoromethane (propellant 12)
1,1-dichloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (propellant 114),
1-chloro-1,1-difluoro-2,2-trifluoroethane (propellant 115),
1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethylene (propellant 142B), 1,1-difluoroethane
(propellant 152A), dimethyl ether and monochlorodifluoromethane,
and mixtures thereof. Some propellants suitable for use include,
but are not limited to, A-46 (a mixture of isobutane, butane and
propane), A-31 (isobutane), A-17 (n-butane), A-108 (propane), AP70
(a mixture of propane, isobutane and n-butane), AP40 (a mixture of
propane, isobutene and n-butane), AP30 (a mixture of propane,
isobutane and n-butane), HFO1234 (trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene)
and 152A (1,1 diflouroethane).
Compositions
[0058] A wide variety of compositions may be sprayed from a spray
device. While the discussion hereafter is primarily directed to
antiperspirant compositions for purposes of illustration, it will
be appreciated that this is a non-limiting example of only one type
of composition suitable for use with the containers and spray
devices previously described. Further, it will be appreciated that
the ingredients, concentrations, and other features described with
respect to the antiperspirant compositions described hereafter may
be applicable in whole or part to other compositions suitable for
use with the containers and spray devices described herein. Some
non-limiting examples of antiperspirant compositions are set forth
in commonly assigned application U.S. Ser. No. 61/701,201 filed
Sep. 14, 2012.
[0059] An antiperspirant composition may comprise one or more
liquid materials. In some specific embodiments, an antiperspirant
composition may comprise at least one non-volatile or volatile
silicone fluid as a liquid carrier for the one or more
antiperspirant actives and/or other ingredients of the
antiperspirant composition. Preferably, the antiperspirant
composition comprises a non-volatile silicone fluid. As used
herein, the term "non-volatile" refers to a material that has a
boiling point above 250.degree. C. (at atmospheric pressure) and/or
a vapor pressure below 0.1 mm Hg at 25.degree. C. A non-volatile
silicone fluid may advantageously improve adherence of the
antiperspirant active to a skin surface, thereby possibly improving
the efficacy of the antiperspirant composition. Further, an
antiperspirant composition comprising a non-volatile silicone fluid
may reduce the risk of clogging, as the antiperspirant composition
is less susceptible to drying within the valve assembly. However,
high concentrations of a non-volatile silicone fluid in an
antiperspirant composition may lead to the perception of a wet feel
in use, which may be undesirable for some consumers.
[0060] The total concentration of non-volatile, silicone fluids may
be from about 40%, 45%, 50% to about 70%, 65%, 60%, or 55% by
weight of an antiperspirant composition. In some embodiments, the
total concentration of non-volatile, silicone fluids may be from
about 45% to about 55% by weight of an antiperspirant composition.
The liquid materials of the antiperspirant composition may consist
essentially of or are primarily formed from one or more
non-volatile, silicone fluid(s). Some non-volatile, silicone fluids
that may be used include, but are not limited to, polyalkyl
siloxanes, polyalkylaryl siloxanes, and polyether siloxane
copolymers, and mixtures thereof. Some preferred non-volatile
silicone fluids may be linear polyalkyl siloxanes, especially
polydimethyl siloxanes (e.g., dimethicone) having the molecular
formula of (C.sub.2H.sub.6OSi).sub.n. These siloxanes are
available, for example, from Momentive Performance Materials, Inc.
(Ohio, USA) under the tradename Element 14 PDMS (viscosity oil).
Silicones Fluids from Dow Corning Corporation (Midland, Mich., USA)
available under the trade name Dow Corning 200 Fluid series (e.g.,
10 to 350 cps). Other non-volatile silicone fluids that can be used
include polymethylphenylsiloxanes. These siloxanes are available,
for example, from the General Electric Company as SF 1075 methyl
phenyl fluid or from Dow Corning as 556 Fluid. A polyether siloxane
copolymer that may be used is, for example, a dimethyl
polyoxyalkylene ether copolymer fluid. Such copolymers are
available, for example, from the General Electric Company as
SF-1066 organosilicone surfactant. The non-volatile, silicone fluid
may have an average viscosity from about 5 centistokes, 10
centistokes, 20 centistokes, or 50 centistokes to about 900
centistokes, 500 centistokes, 350 centistokes, 100 centistokes or
50 centistokes at 25.degree. C. In some specific embodiments, the
silicone fluid may have a viscosity about 50 cs.
[0061] While it may be desirable for the liquid materials of the
antiperspirant composition to consist essentially of or be
primarily formed from non-volatile silicone fluids, other liquid
materials may be included in an antiperspirant composition. Some
non-limiting examples include a silicone gum or a liquid perfume
material. The liquid materials of the antiperspirant composition
may comprise less than 30%, 20%, 10%, or less than 5% by weight of
liquid materials other than non-volatile, silicone fluids. Said in
another way, the liquid materials of the antiperspirant composition
may comprise more than 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or about 100% by
weight of non-volatile silicone fluids.
[0062] Some suitable silicone gums include silicone polymers of the
dimethyl polysiloxane type, which may have other groups attached,
such as phenyl, vinyl, cyano, or acrylic, but the methyl groups
should be in a major proportion. Silicone polymers having a
viscosity below about 100,000 centistokes (molecular weight below
about 100,000) at 25.degree. C. are not considered silicone gums
here but are rather, typically, considered a silicone fluid. One
non-limiting example of silicone gum suitable for use is a
silicone/gum fluid blend comprising a dimethiconol gum having a
molecular weight form about 200,000 to 4,000,000 along with a
silicone fluid carrier with a viscosity from about 0.65 to 100
mm.sup.2 s.sup.-1. An example of this silicone/gum blend is
available from Dow Corning, Corp. of Michigan, USA under the trade
name DC-1503 Fluid (85% dimethicone fluid/15% dimethiconol). Other
silicone gum materials include SF1236 Dimethicone, SF1276
Dimethicone, and CF1251 Dimethicone available from Momentive
Performance Materials, Inc. of NY, USA.
[0063] An antiperspirant composition may also optionally comprise
one or more liquid fragrance materials. Liquid fragrance materials
are typically a mixture of perfume or aromatic components that are
optionally mixed with a suitable solvent, diluent or carrier. Some
suitable solvents, diluents or carriers for the perfume components
may include ethanol, isopropanol, diethylene glycol monoethyl
ether, dipropylene glycol, diethyl phthalate, triethyl citrate, and
mixtures thereof. An antiperspirant composition may comprise from
about 0.5%, 0.75% or 1% to about 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1.5% of a liquid
fragrance material. The perfume component may be any natural or
synthetic perfume component known to one skilled in the art of
creating fragrances.
[0064] It may also be desirable to include a high concentration of
particulates in an antiperspirant composition. Incorporating a high
concentration of particulates is one means believed to improve the
skin feel of an antiperspirant composition comprising a high
concentration of a non-volatile silicone fluid. It is believed that
an antiperspirant composition comprising a total non-volatile
liquid material to total particulate material ratio (L/P ratio)
from about 0.6, 0.8, 1, 1.2, or 1.4 to about 2.3, 2.2, 2.1, 2, 1.9,
1.8 or 1.6 may balance the tradeoff between enough particulates to
provide acceptable skin feel while minimizing the appearance of
residue. An antiperspirant composition may have a total particulate
concentration from about 30%, 35%, or 40% to about 60%, 55%, or 50%
by weight of the antiperspirant composition, in keeping with the
total liquid to total particulate (L/P) ratios previously
described. While increasing the concentration of particulates may
improve skin feel, it may also lead to an increased risk of
clogging. The novel valve assemblies previously described may be
particularly suited for use with these types of antiperspirant
compositions to reduce or minimized the likelihood of clogging.
[0065] Some examples of particulate materials that may be included
in an antiperspirant composition include but are not limited to
antiperspirant actives, powders (such as tapioca starch, corn
starch), encapsulated fragrance materials and bulking or suspending
agents (e.g., silicas or clays). Other types of particulates may
also be incorporated in an antiperspirant composition.
[0066] An antiperspirant composition may comprise from about 16%,
18%, 20%, 22%, or 24% to about 34%, 32%, 30%, 28%, or 26% by weight
of a particulate antiperspirant active. These antiperspirant active
concentrations refer to the anhydrous amount that is added. Some
examples of suitable antiperspirant actives include astringent
metallic salts, particularly including the inorganic and organic
salts of aluminum. Some exemplary aluminum salts that can be used
include aluminum chloride and the aluminum hydroxyhalides having
the general formula Al.sub.2(OH).sub.aQ.sub.bXH.sub.2O where Q is
chloride, bromide, or iodide (preferably chloride), a is from about
2 to about 5, and a+b=about 6, and a and b do not need to be
integers, and where X is from about 1 to about 6, and X does not
need to be an integer. Particularly preferred are the aluminum
chlorhydroxides referred to as "5/6 basic chlorhydroxide" wherein
"a" is 5 and " 2/3 basic chlorhydroxide" wherein "a" is 4. Aluminum
salts of this type can be prepared in the manner described more
fully in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,887,692; 3,904,741; and 4,359,456.
Preferred compounds include the 5/6 basic aluminum salts of the
empirical formula Al.sub.2(OH).sub.5DI2H.sub.20; mixtures of
AICl.sub.36H.sub.20 and Al.sub.2(OH)5CI.sub.2H.sub.2O with aluminum
chloride to aluminum hydroxychloride weight ratios of up to about
0.5.
[0067] Some other non-limiting particulate materials that may be
optionally included in an antiperspirant composition include, but
are not limited to, native starches such as tapioca, corn, oat,
potato and wheat starch powders. These particulates may be
hydrophilic or hydrophobically modified (the later tending to only
be moderately hydrophobic). One particulate material believed to be
particularly suitable for use is a hydrophilic or hydrophobically
modified tapioca material, preferably a hydrophilic tapioca
material. Tapioca is a starch which may be extracted from the
cassava plant, typically from the root, which may then be processed
or modified as known in the art. Tapioca starches are,
advantageously, substantially non-allergenic. One non-limiting
example of a hydrophobically modified tapioca material suitable for
use comprises a silicone grafted tapioca starch, which is available
under the trade name Dry Flo TS from AkzoNobel of the Netherlands.
The INCI name is tapioca starch polymethylsilsesquioxane and may be
produced by a reaction of methyl sodium siliconate
(polymethylsilsesquioxane) and tapioca starch. This silicone
grafted tapioca starch is commercially available as CAS No.
68989-12-8. The silicone grafted tapioca starch can be formed using
any known means, including, but not limited to those methods
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,375,214, 7,799,909, 6,037,466,
2,852,404, 5,672,699, and 5,776,476. Other non-limiting examples of
hydrophobically modified tapioca starch materials that are suitable
for use include Dry Flo AF (silicone modified starch from Akzo
Nobel), Rheoplus PC 541 (Siam Modified Starch), Acistar RT starch
(available from Cargill) and Lorenz 325, Lorenz 326, and Lorenz 810
(available from Lorenz of Brazil).
[0068] In some specific embodiments, the tapioca material may be
hydrophilic in order to facilitate release of the antiperspirant
active during use. One non-limiting example of a hydrophilic
tapioca starch material suitable for use is available under the
trade name Tapioca Pure available from Akzo Nobel. A tapioca starch
material may have a concentration from about 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%,
or 15% to about 40%, 35%, 30%, 25% or 20% by weight of the
antiperspirant composition.
[0069] An antiperspirant composition may optionally comprise one or
more encapsulated fragrance materials for masking malodors,
absorbing malodors, or which otherwise provide the antiperspirant
compositions with a desired aroma during use. As used herein, the
phrase "encapsulated fragrance material" refers to the combination
of a perfume component and a carrier for encapsulating the perfume
component. Encapsulated fragrance materials also refer to "empty"
carriers (e.g., an uncomplexed cyclodextrin material) capable of
absorbing a fragrance or malodor in use. The encapsulated perfume
components may be released by moisture whereby upon being wetted,
e.g., by perspiration or other body fluids, the encapsulated
perfume component is released. Alternatively or in addition
thereto, the perfume components may be released by fracture of the
carrier, such as by the application of pressure or a shearing
force. Encapsulated fragrance materials may be provided in a
particulate form which would be considered part of the total
particulate concentration of the antiperspirant composition. An
antiperspirant composition may comprise from about 0.25% to about
5%, or from about 0.5% to 5%, or from about 0.5% to about 4% by
weight of the antiperspirant composition of an encapsulated
fragrance material. Examples of some carriers suitable for
encapsulating a perfume component include, but are not limited to,
oligosaccharides (e.g., cyclodextrins), starches, polyethylenes,
polayamides, polystyrenes, polyisoprenes, polycarbonates,
polyesters, polyacrylates, vinyl polymers, silicas, and
aluminosilicates. Some examples of encapsulated fragrance materials
are described in USPNs 2010/0104611; 2010/0104613; 2010/0104612;
2011/0269658; 2011/0269657; 2011/0268802; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,861,144;
5,711,941; 8,147,808; and 5,861,144.
[0070] An antiperspirant composition may optionally comprise one or
more particulate bulking or suspending agents. While it may be
desirable to include some amount of a particulate bulking or
suspending agent, such as a clay and/or a silica material, it is
believed that a total concentration by weight of the antiperspirant
composition of less than 2%, 1.5%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.25% of a
particulate bulking or suspending agent is preferred in order to
minimize clogging and achieve an appropriate overall viscosity. The
bulking or suspending agent may be hydrophobic, hydrophilic, or
comprise mixtures thereof. In some specific embodiments, these
materials may be hydrophilic in order to facilitate release of the
antiperspirant active during use. Some examples of silica materials
that may be used include, but are not limited to, colloidal
silicas. Some non-limiting examples of silica materials are
available from Evonik Industries under the trade names Aerosil
200SP, Aerosil 300SP, and Aerosil R972.
[0071] Some examples of clay materials that may be used at a low
concentration include, but are not limited to, montmorillonite
clays and hydrophobically treated montmorillonite clays.
Montmorillonite clays are those which contain the mineral
montmorillonite and may be characterized by a having a suspending
lattice. Some examples of these clays include but are not limited
to bentonites, hectorites, and colloidal magnesium aluminum
silicates. Clay materials may be made hydrophobic by treatment with
a cationic surfactant, such as a quaternary ammonium cationic
surfactant. One example of a clay material is available from
Elementis Specialities, Plc. of the UK under the trade name Bentone
38. A clay activator, such as propylene carbonate or triethyl
citrate, may also be included in the antiperspirant
composition.
II. EXAMPLES
[0072] Examples 1, 2 and 3 further describe and demonstrate some
non-limiting embodiments of antiperspirant compositions suitable
for use with the spray devices described herein. The examples are
given solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be
construed as limitations of the invention as many variations
thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and the
scope of the invention.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Ingredient Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Aluminum chlorohydrate.sup.1 28 28 19 Dimethicone 48.38 52.3 61.25
Cyclopentasiloxane.sup.2 Hydrophobic tapicoa.sup.3 12 Hydrophilic
tapioca.sup.4 12 12 Disodium Hectorite.sup.5 2 Triethyl citrate
0.67 Silicone gum.sup.6 1 Hydrophilic silica.sup.7 1 1 Hydrophobic
silica.sup.8 0.25 0.25 Perfume 3.5 3.5 3.5 Betacyclodextrin
fragrance 3 3 3 The values are shown on a by weight of the
antiperspirant composition basis. .sup.186% assay of anhydrous
active, average particle size approximately 15 microns. .sup.2DC
200 Fluid (50 cst) available from Dow Corning .sup.3Dry Flo TS from
Akzo Nobel .sup.4Tapioca Pure from Akzo Nobel .sup.5Bentone 38
available from Elementis .sup.6DC1503 (a mixture of dimethicone and
dimethiconol) available from Dow Corning .sup.7Aerosil A300 silica
from Evonik .sup.8Aerosil A300 silica from Evonik
[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] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, 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.
* * * * *