U.S. patent application number 14/058770 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-03 for propellantless aerosol system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rust-Oleum Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Rust-Oleum Corporation. Invention is credited to Kelly A. Markle, Adam P. Morrison.
Application Number | 20140183222 14/058770 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50488817 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140183222 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morrison; Adam P. ; et
al. |
July 3, 2014 |
Propellantless Aerosol System
Abstract
A propellantless aerosol fluid dispensing system including a
reusable pressurizable canister and a disposable fluid containing
pouch, the pouch including a valve assembly for dispensing the
fluid.
Inventors: |
Morrison; Adam P.;
(Belvedere, IL) ; Markle; Kelly A.; (Gurnee,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rust-Oleum Corporation |
Vernon Hills |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Rust-Oleum Corporation
Vernon Hills
IL
|
Family ID: |
50488817 |
Appl. No.: |
14/058770 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61716063 |
Oct 19, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/95 ;
222/386.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/38 20130101;
Y02W 30/80 20150501; B05B 11/3016 20130101; B65D 83/62 20130101;
B05B 9/0811 20130101; Y02W 30/807 20150501; B65D 83/7535 20130101;
B65D 83/46 20130101; B05B 11/0067 20130101; B05B 9/0838
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/95 ;
222/386.5 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/62 20060101
B65D083/62 |
Claims
1. A propellantless aerosol fluid dispensing system comprising: a
container having a pressurizable chamber, the pressurizable chamber
including a sealable opening and at least one aperture; a
pressurizing means for intermittently or continuously pressurizing
the pressurizable chamber; one or more pressure-collapsible pouches
each containing a dispensable fluid material, the one or more
pressure-collapsible pouches each having at least one opening; a
valve assembly associated with each of the one or more
pressure-collapsible pouches, the valve assembly comprising the
combination of a fitment, a valve and a nozzle wherein the fitment
is located in each pressure-collapsible pouch opening such that the
pressure-collapsible pouch opening is sealed to the fitment such
that the valve assembly valve and nozzle extend at least partially
beyond the pressure-collapsible pouch; and a pressure resistant
pouch seal.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the sealable opening is a
removable cap that is associated with an opening in the
pressurizable chamber.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the at least one aperture is
located on the removable cap.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the pressurizable chamber has a
single aperture.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the container includes a second
chamber adjacent to the first chamber.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein the pressurizing means is at least
partially located in the second chamber.
7. The system of claim 5 wherein the pressurizing means is located
entirely in the second chamber.
8. The system of claim 5 wherein a wall separates the pressurizable
chamber from the second chamber.
9. The system of claim 5 wherein, in operation, the second chamber
is not pressurized.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein the pressurizing means is a
battery operated compressor.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein the pressurizing means includes
a load cell for monitoring the pressure of pressurizable chamber
wherein the compressor is activated and deactivated based upon load
cell pressure readings.
12. The system of claim 1 wherein the fitment of the at least one
pouch unites with the at least one aperture to form the pressure
resistant pouch seal.
13. The system of claim 1 wherein the fitment includes a threaded
end and the at least one aperture includes complementary threads
wherein the pressure resistant pouch seal is formed when the pouch
fitment is threaded into the at least one aperture.
14. The system of claim 1 wherein the fitment has an extended
diameter or includes an extended diameter portion.
15. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one pouch has a flat
bottom.
16. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one pouch includes
one or more tapered seam portions.
17. The system of claim 1 wherein the pressurizable chamber
sealable opening is at an end of the chamber and wherein a cap
engages with the sealable opening to form a pressure resistant cap
seal.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein the cap is a two part cap
including a first cap portion and a second cap portion.
19. The system of claim 18 wherein the first cap portion engages
with the valve assembly fitment to form the pressure resistant
pouch seal and the second cap portion engaged with the container
sealable opening to form the pressure resistant cap seal.
20. The system of claim 19 wherein the first cap portion and second
cap portion move independently.
21. The system of claim 1 wherein the valve assembly includes at
least one lateral flow channel.
22. A propellantless aerosol fluid dispensing system comprising: a
container having a pressurizable chamber and a second chamber, the
pressurizable chamber and the second chamber separated by a wall,
the pressurizable chamber including a sealable opening at one end
of the pressurizable chamber; a cap associated with the
pressurizable chamber open end, wherein the union of the cap with
the pressurizable chamber open ends forms a pressure resistant cap
seal and wherein the cap includes an aperture; a pressurizing means
located in the second chamber for intermittently or continuously
pressurizing the pressurizable chamber; a pressure-collapsible
pouch located in the pressurizable chamber, the pouch containing a
dispensable fluid material and an opening; a valve assembly
including the combination of a fitment, a valve and a nozzle
wherein the fitment is located in the pressure-collapsible pouch
opening such that the pressure-collapsible pouch opening is sealed
to the fitment, the pouch being oriented in the pressurizable
chamber such that one or more of the valve and nozzle extends
beyond the pressure-collapsible pouch; and a pressure resistant
pouch seal formed by the combination of the fitment and cap
aperture.
23. The system of claim 22 wherein the wherein the pressurizing
means is a battery operated compressor and includes a load cell for
monitoring the pressure of pressurizable chamber wherein the
compressor is activated and deactivated based upon load cell
pressure readings.
24. The system of claim 22 wherein the cap is a two part cap
including a first cap portion and a second cap portion.
25. The system of claim 18 wherein the first cap portion engages
with the valve assembly fitment to form the pressure resistant
pouch seal and the second cap portion engaged with the container
sealable opening to form the pressure resistant cap seal.
26-47. (canceled)
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional patent
application No. 61/716063 filed on Oct. 19, 2012, the specification
of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] (1) Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention concerns propellantless aerosol fluid
dispensing systems including a reusable pressurizable canister and
one or more disposable liquid-containing pouches.
[0004] (2) Description of the Art
[0005] Current aerosol paint canisters--also known as "spray
paint"--are popular because of their ease of use. Conventional
aerosol paint canisters are sold in single use pressurized
canisters. Single use spray paint cans create waste disposal
problems. Because the cans are single use cans, they create a large
volume of waste that must be is disposed of. In some cases,
disposal regulations require that the cans be depressurized prior
to disposal and/or because of their contents, the cans must be
treated as hazardous waste each of which increases disposal costs.
Therefore, there is a need to develop more ecologically-friendly
aerosol-based liquid dispensing systems that are reusable and/or
that produce smaller volumes of waste materials without
compromising the primary benefits of aerosol systems which is their
ease-of-use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] One aspect of this invention is a propellantless aerosol
fluid dispensing system comprising: a container having a
pressurizable chamber, the pressurizable chamber including a
sealable opening and at least one aperture; a pressurizing means
for intermittently or continuously pressurizing the pressurizable
chamber; one or more pressure-collapsible pouches each containing a
dispensable fluid material, the one or more pressure-collapsible
pouches each having at least one opening; a valve assembly
associated with each of the one or more pressure-collapsible
pouches, the valve assembly comprising the combination of a
fitment, a valve and a nozzle wherein the fitment is located in
each pressure-collapsible pouch opening such that the
pressure-collapsible pouch opening is sealed to the fitment such
that the valve assembly valve and nozzle extend at least partially
beyond the pressure-collapsible pouch; and a pressure resistant
pouch seal.
[0007] Another aspect of this invention is a propellantless aerosol
fluid dispensing system comprising: a container having a
pressurizable chamber and a second chamber, the pressurizable
chamber and the second chamber separated by a wall, the
pressurizable chamber including a sealable opening at one end of
the pressurizable chamber; a cap associated with the pressurizable
chamber open end, wherein the union of the cap with the
pressurizable chamber open ends forms a pressure resistant cap seal
and wherein the cap includes an aperture; a pressurizing means
located in the second chamber for intermittently or continuously
pressurizing the pressurizable chamber; a pressure-collapsible
pouch located in the pressurizable chamber, the pouch containing a
dispensable fluid material and an opening; a valve assembly
including the combination of a fitment, a valve and a nozzle
wherein the fitment is located in the pressure-collapsible pouch
opening such that the pressure-collapsible pouch opening is sealed
to the fitment, the pouch being oriented in the pressurizable
chamber such that one or more of the valve and nozzle extends
beyond the pressure-collapsible pouch; and a pressure resistant
pouch seal formed by the combination of the fitment and cap
aperture.
[0008] Still another aspect of this invention is a propellantless
aerosol fluid dispensing system comprising: a container having a
pressurizable chamber, the pressurizable chamber including a first
sealable opening at one end, the pressurizable chamber further
including at least one aperture having a second sealable opening;
and a pressurizing means for intermittently or continuously
pressurizing the pressurizable chamber.
[0009] Yet another aspect of this invention is a disposable pouch
comprising a bottom; side walls; and a top seam, the combination of
the bottom, side walls and top seam forming a sealed pouch capable
of retaining a fluid wherein the pouch has a single top opening and
wherein the top opening includes a valve assembly.
[0010] In still another aspect, this invention is disposable pouch
comprising: a substantially flat bottom; side walls; and a top seam
having one or more tapered seam portions, the combination of the
bottom, side walls and top seam forming a sealed pouch having a
single top opening; and a valve assembly including a fitment, a
valve and a nozzle wherein the fitment is located in the
pressure-collapsible pouch opening such that the
pressure-collapsible pouch opening is sealed to the fitment so that
one or more of the valve and nozzle extends beyond the
pressure-collapsible pouch and wherein the fitment includes an
extended diameter portion that is located inside the pouch.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0011] FIG. 1 is a side cutaway view of an aerosol system of this
invention including a reusable container 10 and a disposable pouch
30;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cut-away aerosol system
in which a pouch 30 is installed in the pressurizable chamber 12 of
reusable container 10;
[0013] FIGS. 3A and 3B are side cut-away and side perspective views
of a valve assembly embodiment useful in conjunction with the paint
systems of this invention;
[0014] FIG. 3C is a side cut-away view of a valve assembly
embodiment where the valve has been opened by pivoting the valve
stem to permit fluid flow;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a view of components of the valve embodiment shown
in FIGS. 3A-3C;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of a pouch of this
invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a view of the bottom of the FIG. 5 pouch
embodiment after it has been loaded into a reusable container of
this invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an unassembled view of a pouch embodiment of this
invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a side cutaway view of a valve assembly useful in
the disposable pouches of this invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the assembled valve assembly
of FIG. 8 without the fitment;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a front cut-away view of an embodiment of a
propellantless aerosol fluid dispensing systems of this invention
without a pouch but including a valve assembly;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a view of a pressurization mechanism embodiment
of this invention;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a reusable propellantless
aerosol fluid dispensing system container embodiment of this
invention;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a side cut away view of a cap useful in the
aerosol fluid dispensing systems of this invention; and
[0025] FIG. 14 is a view through section -X- of FIG. 8 of lateral
channels in the valve assembly of FIGS. 8-9.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The present invention relates to propellantless aerosol
fluid dispensing systems that dispense a fluid without the use of a
propellant incorporated into the dispensable fluid. Instead, the
systems of the present invention dispense fluid by applying
pressure is to the surface of a pressure collapsible pouch
containing a dispensable fluid where the pressure on the pouch
urges fluid in the pouch to exit the pouch through a valve assembly
that can be opened and closed. The fluid dispensing systems of this
invention are useful for dispensing a variety of fluids, such as
paints, with a reduced environmental impact in comparison to
propellant-based aerosol fluid dispensing systems while retaining
the same ease of use as propellant-based aerosol dispensing
systems. While the present invention will be discussed in the
context of its use in conjunction with paints, the invention is
equally suitable for use dispensing fluids that are currently
dispensed in aerosol systems that employ mixtures of an aerosol
driven fluid plus propellant. Non-limiting examples of such fluids
include hair spray, aerosol cleaning and polishing compounds such
as furniture wax, silicon and oil spray lubricants, shaving cream,
air fresher, deodorants and the like fluids.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2 there are shown views of an
embodiment of a propellantless aerosol system of this invention.
The system generally includes a reusable container 10 and a pouch
30. Container 10 includes a pressurizable chamber 12 having a cap
16 including and an aperture 17. Container 10 may include an
optional second chamber 14 which may be pressurizable or
non-pressurizable. One possible purpose of second chamber 14 is to
provide a site in which to locate components of or an entire
pressurization apparatus that is used to pressurize pressurizable
chamber 12. However the pressurization apparatus does not need to
be entirely or even partially located in an optional second chamber
14 that directly abuts pressurizable chamber 12. Instead, a second
optional chamber--if one is used--may be located remotely from
container 10 where it can be associated continuously or
intermittently with first pressurizable chamber 14, via a conduit
or by directly associating a pressurization apparatus such as a
cylinder of pressurized gas with pressurizable chamber 12 via
one-way valve.
[0028] First pressurizable chamber 12 includes a cavity 13 that is
sized to hold one or more pouches 30. Another alternative purpose
of first pressurizable chamber 12 is to provide a cavity 13 that is
capable of being pressurized and/or that is capable of holding
pressure when one or more pouches 30 are located in first
pressurizable chamber 12.
[0029] In order to accept pouch 30, pressurizable chamber 12 will
include an opening 40 having a size sufficient to accept one or
more pouches 30. In FIGS. 1-2, pressurizable chamber 12 has a top
opening 40 and includes a cap 16 that is associated with and
removable from the top opening 40. Cap 16 includes an inside
perimeter that includes an 0-ring 25 that allows cap 16 to be press
fit into or over opening 40 such that a pressure resistant cap seal
is created between cap 16 and opening 40.
[0030] Cap 16 may be associated with first pressurizable chamber 12
in any manner known in the art that forms a pressure resistant or
pressure tight cap seal. For example, cap 16 can be press fit into
the open end of first pressurizable chamber 12 as shown in FIGS.
1-2, it can be threaded into the open end of first pressurizable
chamber 12, it can be welded to first pressurizable chamber 12 and
so forth. What is important is that when cap 16 is engaged with
pressurizable chamber 12, no or very little pressurizable fluid in
the pressurizable chamber leaks from the seal formed by the union
of cap 16 and opening 40 at normal operating pressures.
[0031] In other embodiments, container 10 will not have a removable
cap 16. Instead, the cap 16 will be permanently attached to
pressurizable chamber 12 in which embodiment pressurizable chamber
will instead have a removable bottom, a removable side door or some
other removable structure(s) that allows the user to place one or
more pouches 30 inside first pressurizable chamber 12 and to remove
and replace the one or more pouches 30 in pressurizable chamber 12
when the one or more pouches are empty. In addition, the
structure--removable cap, door etc . . . --used to provide access
to the inside of pressurizable chamber 12 in order to place one or
more pouches 30 in or to remove one or more pouches 30 from
pressurizable chamber 12 should have a pressure resistant seal
that, when engaged with pressurizable chamber 12, forms a seal that
allows pressurizable chamber 12 to be pressurized with a
pressurizable fluid when one or more pouches 30 are located within
the pressurizable chamber 12. Also in this embodiment, the user
will still need to be able to form a second seal where valve 34 of
pouch 30 protrudes through an aperture 17 in container 10.
[0032] Pressurizable chamber 12 will include an aperture 17 through
which valve 34 of pouch 30 is directed. In FIGS. 1-2 and 10,
aperture 17 is part of cap 16 which is engaged to opening 40 of
container 10. However, the location of aperture 17 is not critical
and aperture 17 may be located on any of dimension of container 10
that places nozzle 36 of valve 34 in an optimal user position. For
example, aperture 17 can be associated with a wall of pressurizable
chamber 12 or with a portion of or an end of container 10 that does
not contain pressurizable chamber 12. Container 10 may include a
single aperture 17 or multiple apertures 17 to allow for multiple
pouches 30 to be located in pressurizable chamber 12 such that at
least a portion of valve assembly 100 that includes nozzle 36 of
each pouch protrudes from container 10 in a useful orientation. If
multiple pouches are simultaneously placed in pressurizable chamber
12, then the apertures can be located in any configuration that
allows the nozzle 36 associated with each pouch to be accessible to
the user. For example, cap 16 can include three spaced apart
apertures 17 through which nozzles 36 of each of three different
pouches 30 protrude.
[0033] Container 10 may take on any useful shape. For example,
container 10 shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 10 is cylindrical in shape. The
cylindrical shape is chosen primarily to ensure that the pressure
applied to the walls of pressurizable chamber 12 when the chamber
is pressurized is evenly distributed around pouch 30 and across the
pouch's surface area. The cross-sectional shape of container 10 is
not critical and can be any useful shape such as triangular,
square, pentagonal and so forth that makes it useful. In addition,
container 10 does not need to have a constant cross-section over
its length and can, instead be, for example, spherical, oval,
conical or any useful three dimensional shape.
[0034] As noted above, pressurizable chamber 12 is intended to be
pressurized and it should remain pressurized while in use. Any
pressurizing means known in the art to intermittently or
continuously pressurize a small container may be used. For example,
pressurizable chamber 12 may be pressurized with an external
pressurized fluid source such as a pressurized gas from a gas
cylinder or compressor or hydraulic fluid from an external
hydraulic fluid source. In one embodiment, a mechanical
pressurization source may be used. Examples of mechanical
pressurization sources include, but are not limited to air pumps,
spring loaded pistons, and the like. A mechanical pressurization
source, such as hand activated air pump, may be separate from
container 10 in which is case it would be intermittently or
continuously attached to container 10 by a conduit or it may be
built into container 10.
[0035] Container 10 may optionally include a relief valve. The
relief valve may be located anywhere on container 10 that allows it
to be easily accessible by the user, and that allows for the easy
release of pressure from pressurized ball chamber 12. In FIG. 10, a
relief valve 19 is located on container cap 16. Depressurizing
pressurizable chamber 12 allows cap 16 to be easily removed and
facilitates the swift exchange of pouches in pressurizable chamber
12.
[0036] Container 10 in FIGS. 1-2 also includes a wall 15 separating
pressurizable chamber 12 from second chamber 14. In one embodiment,
wall 15 can be a movable wall such as a piston having a one way
valve that allows the user to pressurize first pressurizable
chamber 12 by moving wall 15 towards first pressurizable chamber 12
like an air pump. In another embodiment, wall 15 is fixed, and it
separates pressurizable chamber 12 from second chamber 14.
[0037] Second chamber 14 of the device shown in FIGS. 1-2 may but
need not be pressurized and includes a compressor 18, a power
source 20, a load cell or transducer 22, a switch 24, wires 26
associating the power source 20 with the compressor 18, and wires
28 from load cell 22 to switch 24 which is located on the bottom 23
of container 10. In one embodiment a circuit board including one or
more of the wiring, switches, load cell, processor, and other
device components may be located in second chamber 14. The
combination of these elements forms an embodiment of a
pressurization means that is useful to pressurize and maintain the
pressure in first pressurizable chamber 12 when the propellantless
aerosol system is in use.
[0038] In order to pressurize first pressurizable chamber 12 in the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, switch 24 is flipped to the on
position thereby activating compressor 18 which is powered by power
source 20. Power source 20 may be any power source that is useful
for powering the selected pressurizing mechanism. Examples of
useful power sources include, but are not limited to, direct
electrical connections, batteries, solar cells and so forth. In one
embodiment, power source 20 is a replaceable or rechargeable
battery.
[0039] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, compressor 18 operates
to direct compressed air through aperture 27 into first
pressurizable chamber 12. A transducer 22 monitors the pressure in
pressurizable chamber 12 and, when a set pressure is reached, the
transducer 22 causes compressor 18 to shut off. If the pressure in
first pressurizable chamber 12 drops below the transducer set
point, then transducer 22 will activate compressor 18 to increase
the pressure in first pressurizable chamber 12 until the pressure
set point is reached.
[0040] The pressurization equipment described immediately above
allows for the automated pressurization of first pressurizable
chamber 12. However, the invention is not limited to automated
pressurization equipment or techniques. In other embodiments, first
pressurization chamber can be mechanically pressurized by, for
example, using an integral pump as described above. In another
embodiment, an external pump such as a bicycle pump or an external
compressor hose can be used by associating the pump or external
compressor with a one way valve--such as a tire pressure
valve--that is integral to first pressurizable chamber 12. In yet
another embodiment, first pressurizable chamber 12 can be
pressurized using a hose is associated with a pressurized gas
canister or by using hydraulic fluid pressurization techniques. In
another embodiment, a small replaceable gas canister can be located
in second chamber 14 and directly associated with first
pressurizable chamber via a pressure control valve. In still
another embodiment, a pressurization apparatus may be
intermittently associated with first pressurizable chamber 12 to
pressurize the chamber. Indeed, the pressure control of first
pressurizable chamber 12 can be continuous or intermittent meaning
that the pressure can be continuously controlled or alternatively,
that the pressure of first pressurizable chamber 12 can be
increased on an ad hoc basis when the user notes that the stream of
fluid from nozzle 36 is reduced in velocity or intensity.
[0041] A pouch 30 is located in first pressurizable chamber 12 when
the system is in use. Pouch 30 is a sealed pouch that has a valve
assembly including a fitment 32, a valve 34 and a nozzle 36. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, a single pouch 30 is located inside
pressurizable chamber 12 with its valve 34 passing through aperture
17 such that nozzle 36 is located outside of container 10. Fitment
32 includes and/or will, in conjunction with cap 16 and/or aperture
17 create a pressure resistant pouch seal 29 that prevents
pressurized fluid from escaping first pressurizable chamber 12
through aperture 17. Fitment 32, valve 34 and nozzle 36 are
generally selected from nozzles and valves used in current
propellant driven aerosol cans. However, in the present invention,
pressure acting on the surface of pouch 30--and not a
propellant--drives the fluid contained in pouch 30 through fitment
32, valve 34 and nozzle 36 when nozzle 36 is manipulated in a
manner that opens valve 34.
[0042] One valve that useful in the propellantless aerosol systems
of this invention is shown in FIGS. 3A-3C and 4. FIGS. 3A and 3B
are front and perspective cut away views of the valves when it is
sealed. FIG. 3C shows the valve when the valve has been opened by
tilting the valve assembly. FIG. 4 is a side cutaway view of the
valve including the valve components. The valve shown operates like
most aerosol valves that actuate by bending the valve stem. The
valve assembly 100 is associated with pouch 30 and passes through
and is secured within an aperture in cap 108. The valve includes,
among other elements a fitment 102, a biasing spring 104, and an
O-ring 106 is located where the valve is associated with pouch 30.
An elongated valve stem 110 emerges from fitment 102. Valve stem
110 is surrounded by a valve housing 112. At the topmost part of
housing 112 is an actuator 114 that is enlarged in size to allow
the housing to be manipulated by the user. Fluid passages 117 are
located within valve housing 112 in space not occupied by actuator
114. An aperture 116 lies at the topmost portion of valve housing
112 and a needle 118 at the topmost portion of valve stem 110
occupies the aperture 116 and forms a valve top seal 111. A valve
bottom seal 122 is located at the bottom portion of stem 110
adjacent to fitment 102.
[0043] In operation, as shown in FIGS. 3C, a user moves valve
housing 112 away from vertical thereby causing valve stem 110 to
move from a vertical position. The movement of valve stem 110 from
a vertical position to a non-vertical position causes needle 118 to
move out of aperture 116 which breaks valve top seal 111. The
pivoting of stem 110 away from vertical also causes the valve
bottom seal 122 to unseat thereby allowing fluid from pouch 30 to
enter fitment 102, pass through fluid passages 117 and out aperture
116. The further that stem 110 is moved from vertical, the greater
the opening and the greater the volume of fluid that can pass from
pouch 30 through aperture 116.
[0044] An alternative embodiment of a pouch useful in the
propellantless aerosol systems of this invention is shown in FIGS.
5-7. Pouch 30 is made of a pressure malleable material that forms a
closed container holding fluid 302 and including opposing walls
322, 324, an opening 31 and a bottom 325. Pouch 30 is preferably
made of a material that can collapse under pressures of from about
10 to about 50 psi. Such materials include, but are not limited to
polymer films, metal foils and metal foil polymer film
combinations.
[0045] Bottom 325 of pouch 30 may take on any shape. It may be
convex, concave, flat and so forth. When pouch 30 contains fluid
containing particulates, then a bottom 325 that is substantially
flat is useful to allow for better mixing of the fluid contents
and/or to prevent particles in the fluid from agglomerating in
wrinkles and folds. The term "substantially flat" refers to a pouch
bottom having at least 50%, preferably at least 80% and most
preferably at least 90% of the surface area of the bottom of the
pouch being coplanar with a planer surface upon which the pouch
lies.
[0046] The perimeter of the pouch can take on any useful shape. In
pouch 30, perimeter includes two parallel vertical seams 303 and
305 and a top seam 307 broken by opening 31 a portion to all of
which is perpendicular to vertical seams 303, 305. Bottom 325 of
pouch 30 is flat and typically does not include a seam. The
intersection of the vertical seams 303, 305 with top seam 307 can
form a right angle or it can be angled to form on or more tapered
top section s 309 where the seam tapers upwards from the top of one
or both of vertical seams 303, 305 upwards towards opening 31. A
tapered top section 309 can be formed by creating a seam or it can
be formed merely by folding over a top corner of the pouch along a
fold line (not shown)
[0047] FIG. 7 is an unassembled view of a malleable material sheet
320 that is formed into pouch 30. Sheet 320 includes two opposing
walls 322 and 324 and a flat bottom portion 325. Each wall includes
opposing vertical seams portions 326. Vertical seam portions 326
run uninterrupted along the edges of walls 322, 324 and bottom 325
of sheet 320. Walls 322 and 324 further include a top edge 328. Top
edge 328 includes opposing tapered seam portions 330 and 332 and a
central portion 334 that is oriented perpendicular to walls 322,
324. It should be noted that the term "tapered seam portion"
includes tapered portions that do not include seams as the term is
intended to encompass pouches with one or more tapered top
sections--sections where the pouch perimeter tapers at an upward
angle from the walls towards the valve assembly.
[0048] Pouch 30 is assembled from sheet 320 by folding sheet 320 at
folds 336 and 338 to bring opposing walls 322 and 324 together and
thereafter sealing the opposing seams to together to form vertical
seams 303 and 305. In addition, opposing tapered seam portions 330
and 332 are brought together and sealed. The seams can be sealed by
any means know in the art such as by using an adhesive material or
by heat welding the seams together. The resulting pouch 30 will
include a sealed perimeter and a single opening 31 that includes
central portion 334 of opposing walls 322 and 324 which is not
sealed.
[0049] To complete the pouch a fitment 102--either alone or part of
a valve assembly is located in opening 31 and the top edges 328 of
the pouch that define central portion 334 are sealed to the fitment
sealing surface 402. Again top edges can be sealed to fitment
sealing surface 402 using any means known in the art such as by
using an adhesive, heat welding or sonic welding.
[0050] Fitment sealing surface 402 and/or at least a portion of the
fitment 102 that is located within pouch 30 can have an extended
diameter or extended diameter portion 404 that has an effective
diameter (the largest distance across the fitment if the fitment
cross-section is not circular) that is large enough to prevent the
inside wall portions of the pouch in the vicinity of fitment 102
from moving towards one another during use to such an extent that
the flow of fluid into fitment inlet 408 is reduced or blocked.
During use, fluid pressure in pressurizable chamber 12 will, when
fluid is flowing out of pouch 30, compress pouch 30. As pouch 30
compresses, opposing walls 322 and 324 move towards each other. The
extended diameter portion 404 of fitment 102 prevents walls 322 and
324 from inhibiting flow of fluid into fitment inlet 408. In one
embodiment, the fitment seal diameter and/or the fitment extended
diameter portion will have a diameter that is from about 1.times.
to about 2.times. or more greater than diameter of the pouch
opening.
[0051] A side cutaway view of an embodiment of valve assembly
useful in the present invention is shown in FIG. 8 a perspective
view of the valve assembly without the fitment is shown in FIG. 9.
In FIGS. 8-9, the valve assembly includes a fitment 102 having a
sealing surface 402 to which the inside wall of pouch opening 31 is
sealed. Sealing surface 402 can have an extended diameter and/or it
can further include an extended diameter portion 404. Fitment 102
further includes a conduit 406 including an opening 409 through
which fluid can flow when pouch 30 is exposed to an external fluid
pressure source. A housing 410 having a first end 412 and a second
end 414 is associated with fitment 102 such that housing first end
412 is located in fitment conduit 406. Housing 410 also includes a
first O-ring recess 416 for holding O-ring 418 and a second O-ring
recess 420 for holding O-ring 422. O-ring 418 seals and retains
housing first end 412 in fitment conduit 406.
[0052] Housing 410 further includes a central conduit 424 that is
complementary to fitment conduit 406 such that fluid passes from
the pouch into and through fitment conduit 406 and through housing
central conduit 424. Alternatively, fluid can enter laterally from
fitment conduit 406 into housing central conduit 424. Housing 410
also includes threads 426 or some other attaching mechanism to
allow cap 16 to be reversibly attached with and to form pressure
resistant pouch seal between valve 24 and cap 16. Housing 410
includes two opposing quarter turn threads 426 that are associated
with complementary threads 510 in cap 16. Threading cap 16 towards
housing 410 creates a pressure resistant pouch seal between cap 16
and the pouch valve assembly 34 at O-ring 420. Other sealing
mechanisms or means know in the art may be used to sealably unite
cap 16 with valve 34. For example, pouch 30 of FIG. 5 includes an
O-ring 340 that allows aperture 17 of cap 16 to press-fit onto the
valve assembly to form a pressure resistant pouch seal.
[0053] A biasing spring 428 is partially or fully located in an
aperture 430 in housing second end 414. A needle mechanism 432
having a base 434 including an aperture 435 and a needle 436 is
associated with housing second end 414 such that aperture 435 fits
over biasing spring 428. Needle 436 passes through an aperture 438
and into stem 440 where the tapered end 437 of needle 436 is urged
by biasing spring 428 to block outlet 439 of mechanical break up
nozzle (MBU) 452. A cap 442 having a first open end 444 and a
second end 446 having an opening that is large enough for a portion
of the stem 440 to pass through is sealed to housing second end 414
thereby compressing biasing spring 428 and urging needle 436 into
MBU outlet 439. A gasket 449 is located inside cap first open end
in order to seal cap 442 against housing second end 414. A stem
collar 450 is placed over the portion of stem 440 that extend
beyond cap 442 and an MBU 452 having a central aperture 454 through
which end 44 of stem 440 passes is associated with the stem 440 and
stem collar 450 such that the MBU is at the end of the valve
assembly. Finally, an optional shipping cap (not shown) can be
placed over the valve.
[0054] The valve shown in FIGS. 8-9 operates similarly to the valve
show in FIG. 4. The user presses stem collar 450 and/or MBU 452 to
pivot the stem away from vertical. As stem 440 moves away from
vertical, the liquid seal created by tapered end 437 of needle
mechanism 432 being urged into outlet 439 is broken allowing fluid
to flow through the valve mechanism exiting the valve assembly at
outlet 439.
[0055] FIG. 14 is a view through section X of a portion of the
valve assembly shown in FIGS. 8-9 that includes lateral flow
channels. The lateral flow channels function in conjunction with
the housing central conduit to change the direction of flow of
fluid passing through the valve. In FIG. 14, two lateral channels
462 and 464 direct fluid from fitment conduit 406 into central
conduit 424 of housing 410. The valve assembly may include one, two
or more than two lateral channels. The lateral channels can be
oriented with their outlets directed towards the center of central
conduit 424 or the outlet can off center as shown in FIG. 14. The
lateral channels aid in causing the fluid traveling up central
conduit 424 to swirl as it exist the valve assembly and the device
thereby promoting mixing of the fluid mixture and inhibiting fluid
dead spots in the valve assembly.
[0056] In the valve/fitment embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3C the
valve assembly includes an optional valve bottom seal 122 at the
valve bottom. The valve embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-9 does not
include valve bottom seal. Instead, the tapered end 437 of needle
436 provides the only liquid seal by being urged by biasing spring
428 into central aperture 439 of stem 440 to block fluid flow when
the valve assembly is in a vertical orientation.
[0057] FIG. 10 is a front cut-away view of an embodiment of a
propellantless aerosol fluid dispensing systems of this invention
without a pouch but including the valve assembly. In FIG. 10,
container 10 includes a first pressurizable chamber 12 and a second
chamber 14. Cap 16 includes a pressurizable cap seal (a threaded
connection 50 and O-ring 52 that seals opening 40 of pressurizable
chamber 12. Cap 16 also includes a central aperture 17 through
which the valve assembly 100 associated with pouch 30 (not shown)
is directed. Cap 16 further includes a pressure resistant pouch
seal 29 that includes a threaded connection 54 and O-ring 56 that
creates a pressurizable seal around the valve assembly. Cap 16
further includes a relief valve 19.
[0058] An especially useful cap 16 is shown in FIG. 13. The cap 16
of FIG. 13 is a two piece cap including a first cap portion 202 and
a second cap portion 204. The first cap portion 202 includes
aperture 17 having internal threads 206 that engage with threads
426 of the valve assembly to form the pressure resistant pouch
seal. The seal can be formed by the user holding the pouch and
rotating first cap portion to engage the threads and index the
first cap portion until O-ring 340 seals against the bottom inside
surface 208 of aperture 17.
[0059] Once the pouch is attached to cap 16 and a pressure
resistant pouch seal is formed, the pouch, bottom first, is dropped
into opening 40 to pressurizable container 10 until threads 210 on
the inside surface of the second cap portion 204 engage threads 58
on the outside surface of pressurizable chamber opening 40. Since
first cap portion 202 and second cap portion 204 can rotate
independently of one another, second cap portion 204 can be
partially or fully threaded onto opening 40 without rotating the
pouch that is attached to first cap portion 202. Second cap portion
is threaded onto opening 40 until the opening 40 abuts O-ring 52 on
second cap portion 204 to form a pressure resistant cap seal. When
cap 16 is fully engaged with opening 40, first cap portion 202 and
second cap portion 204 will include a cap seal 212.
[0060] A pressurizing means for pressurizing the pressurizable
chamber is located in second chamber 14 of container 10. The
pressurizing means, shown in FIG. 11, is a battery-operated
compressor along with associated conduits and control elements and
includes a compressor 18. Also shown is an inlet conduit 202 having
an inlet 200 on an external surface of container 10 and an outlet
206 at the compressor inlet. The compressor includes an outlet
conduit 210 having an inlet 211 at the compressor outlet and an
opening 40 into the pressurizable chamber. Outlet conduit further
includes a second static outlet 214 that is associated with load
cell 216.
[0061] In this embodiment, second chamber 14 is not be pressurized.
This reduces the total volume of container 10 that must be
pressurized and provides for speedier pressurization of
pressurizable chamber 12. Upon activation, compressor 18
pressurizes container 10 to a set pressure at which time load cell
216 detects the set pressure is reached and causes compressor 18 to
be turned off. As long as the device remains on, load cell 216 will
continue to monitor system pressure. If the system pressure falls
below the set pressure, then compressor 18 is activated to
pressurize pressurizable chamber 12. The automatic activation and
deactivation of compressor 18 continues as needed so long as the
load cell 216, compressor 18 and associated control electronics
remain on and powered.
[0062] FIG. 12 is a schematic of an embodiment of the bottom of
container 10 showing optional device control features. The control
features include a charge port 30 for associating a rechargeable
battery located in second chamber 14 with an electricity source to
recharge the battery. Also shown is a power button 302 for turning
the pressurizing mechanism on or off. A ready light 304 indicates,
in green for example, that the device is pressurized and ready to
use. An error light 306 indicates, in red for example, that there
is a problem with the device such as a problem when pressurizing
the pressurizable chamber. Finally, a battery indicator 308
provides the user with visible information about the battery such
as battery power level and/or an indication, for example by
blinking, when the battery is being charged. Any other useful
control features can be added to the container of this invention.
For example, a port can be added to the container to allow a user
to easily program a microprocessor associated with the control
electronics to operate the container at different pressures. A bar
code reader can be built into the container to allow the device to
automatically set the container pressure based upon reading a
barcode or some other indicator associated with a pouch being
placed in the container.
[0063] The control electronics will typically be placed on a
circuit board that is located in second chamber 14 along with the
pressurizing device(s) and control mechanism(s). The control
electronics may include, for example, a processor for controlling
the compressor to maintain a set pressure in pressurizer both
chamber 12, for controlling the ready light, the error light, the
battery power indicator and for controlling any other desired
features of the device. For example, the control electronics can
turn itself off if the device has been sitting idle for a defined
period of time.
[0064] The container 10 of this invention may be made of any
materials that can be formed into a pressurizable container.
Because container 10 is intended to be used over and over again,
the material should be durable. Examples of useful container
materials include metals, plastics and fiber reinforced resin
materials such as glass fiber filled nylon. In one embodiment, the
container can include a portion, such as the cap, this is made from
transparent plastic or glass to allow the user to view the pouch
inside the container. This can be useful where the pouch is also
transparent and the color of paint inside the pouch can be viewed
or where the pouch is colored or otherwise coded to provide a
visible indication of its contents.
[0065] The pouches of this invention are intended to hold any type
of fluid that is capable of being driven by pressure through a
valve or nozzle that is useful in conjunction with the pouch. The
fluids can be homogeneous fluids or heterogeneous fluids that
require shaking are mixing before use. In addition, the fluids can
contain particulate materials such as pigments, resins, texturizing
components, fillers and the like. In one embodiment, the pouches of
this invention contain paints, dyes, stains and/or varnishes which
optionally include particulate materials.
[0066] It will be understood that the present invention has been
described above purely by way of example, and modification of
detail can be made within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *