U.S. patent application number 14/898069 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-02 for fluid dispensing apparatus and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is THE SALFORD VALVE COMPANY LIMITED. Invention is credited to Ghasem Ghavami-Nasr, Gary Hawthorne.
Application Number | 20160152404 14/898069 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50390810 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160152404 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hawthorne; Gary ; et
al. |
June 2, 2016 |
FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS AND METHOD
Abstract
The present invention provides apparatus for dispensing a fluid,
comprising an elongate valve member having a fluid outlet and a
fluid inlet locatable in fluid communication with a fluid
reservoir, and at least one locking element to lock a fluid
dispensing member with respect to the valve member wherein a fluid
exit port of the fluid dispensing member is in fluid communication
with the fluid outlet of the valve member. A valve assembly for a
fluid dispensing device and a method of manufacturing a valve
assembly are also provided.
Inventors: |
Hawthorne; Gary; (Chester,
GB) ; Ghavami-Nasr; Ghasem; (Stockport, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
THE SALFORD VALVE COMPANY LIMITED |
Humberside |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
50390810 |
Appl. No.: |
14/898069 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
June 13, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2014/051839 |
371 Date: |
December 11, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/153.09 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/54 20130101;
B65D 83/20 20130101; B65D 83/48 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/48 20060101
B65D083/48 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 14, 2013 |
GB |
1310689.3 |
Nov 6, 2013 |
GB |
1319626.6 |
Feb 11, 2014 |
GB |
1402358.4 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for dispensing a fluid, comprising: an elongate valve
member having a fluid outlet and a fluid inlet locatable in fluid
communication with a fluid reservoir; and at least one locking
element to lock a fluid dispensing member with respect to the valve
member wherein a fluid exit port of the fluid dispensing member is
in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of the valve
member.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one
locking element comprises a coupling member having an inner surface
for receiving a fluid outlet end portion of the valve member and an
outer surface engagable with an inner surface of the fluid
dispensing member.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the inner surface
of the coupling member comprises at least one projection that is
received by at least one recess in an outer surface of said valve
member to attach the coupling member to said valve member.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one
projection comprises at least one continuous annular projection
that corresponds with at least one continuous annular recess of the
valve member or a plurality of radially spaced apart intermittent
recesses in the valve member.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one
projection comprises a plurality of radially spaced apart
intermittent projections that correspond with a plurality of
radially spaced apart intermittent recesses of the valve member or
at least one continuous annular recess in the valve member.
6. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3, wherein the at
least one projection comprises a plurality of axially spaced apart
projections that correspond to a plurality of axially spaced apart
recesses in the valve member.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the
plurality of axially spaced apart projections comprise a plurality
of radially spaced intermittent projections that correspond with a
plurality of radially spaced intermittent recesses in the valve
member.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of
axially spaced apart projections comprise four projections each
radially spaced apart from one another by ninety degrees that
correspond with a plurality of correspondingly arranged recesses in
the valve member.
9. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3, wherein the at
least one projection of the coupling member comprises a
substantially curved outer surface to correspondingly engage with a
complementarily shaped inner surface of the at least one recess in
the valve member.
10. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3, wherein the at
least one projection has a height from the inner surface of the
collar of about around 0.1 to 5 mm and a width of about around 0.1
to 5 mm.
11. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3, wherein the at
least one recess has a depth from the outer surface of the valve
member of about around 0.1 to 5 mm and a width of about around 0.1
to 5 mm.
12. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2, wherein the
coupling member comprises at least one recess or aperture in the
outer surface that receives at least one projection extending from
the inner surface of the fluid dispensing member to lock the fluid
dispensing member to the coupling member.
13. (canceled)
14. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2, wherein the
coupling member comprises an inwardly extending flange portion that
abuts the fluid outlet end portion of the valve member when the
coupling member is mounted on and connected to said valve
member.
15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the inwardly
extending flange portion comprises an aperture to fluidly
communicate the fluid outlet of the valve member with the fluid
exit port of the fluid dispensing member.
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fluid
dispensing member comprises the at least one locking element and
wherein the at least one locking element comprises at least one
projection extending from an inner surface of the elongate valve
member.
19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the fluid
dispensing member comprises an inner bore that receives a fluid
outlet end portion of the elongate valve member, and the at least
one projection extends from an inner surface of the inner bore.
20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the at least one
projection comprises a barb-like portion that bites into the fluid
outlet end portion to allow the valve member to be received into
the fluid dispensing member whilst preventing the fluid dispensing
member from being removed from the valve member.
21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the valve member
comprises one or more recesses extending into an outer surface of
the valve member for the at least one projection to correspondingly
lock into to connect the fluid dispensing member to the valve
member.
22. (canceled)
23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a
nozzle that comprises the fluid exit port of the fluid dispensing
member for dispensing fluid towards a target location.
24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further comprising an
actuator for moving the valve member in a valve body between a
valve closed position and a valve open position.
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
30. (canceled)
31. (canceled)
32. (canceled)
33. (canceled)
34. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to fluid dispensing devices.
In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates
to aerosol fluid dispensing devices and valve assemblies for such
devices.
[0002] Conventional aerosol fluid dispensing devices, such as an
aerosol can, automatic wall or floor-mounted dispenser unit or the
like, contain a pressurised fluid to be dispensed. Such devices
typically comprise a valve assembly located at an upper portion of
an aerosol can for dispensing a metered dosage of liquid product
from the can. A conventional valve assembly used in such devices
includes a valve body, an elongate stem movable within the valve
body between valve open and valve closed positions, and an actuator
for moving the stem. The actuator is attached to the stem via a
simple interference fit. The actuator typically includes a nozzle
for dispensing fluid in a predetermined pattern from the aerosol
can or other fluid container when the actuator is operated manually
or automatically.
[0003] However, the actuator can be easily removed from the stem
and the contents of the can, or other product container of an
aerosol dispensing device, can be tampered with. For example,
another substance, such as caustic soda or acid, can be maliciously
injected into the can to contaminate its contents, entire contents
can be removed from the can, or an empty can may be refilled, or
the like. Furthermore, the actuator may be maliciously or
erroneously removed from an aerosol can and used on a different can
which may or may not be manufactured by the same company or contain
the same product. In addition, an empty fluid container may be
removed from an automatic wall-mounted aerosol dispensing unit for
example and erroneously replaced with an incorrect fluid container
containing a different product. The actuator may also be accidently
knocked off and/or lost during transit, storage or use, restocking
items on a shelf and/or at the point of sale, rendering an at least
partially full aerosol can useless. A removed actuator can also be
a hazard to young children and pets if swallowed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is an aim of the present invention to at least partly
mitigate the above-mentioned problems.
[0005] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention
to provide a valve assembly for an aerosol dispensing system that
includes an actuator that is locked to a valve stem to prevent the
actuator from being maliciously or accidently removed from the
valve stem.
[0006] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention
to provide a valve assembly for an aerosol dispensing system that
includes an actuator that is locked to a valve stem to prevent the
contents of a fluid container of the system being tampered
with.
[0007] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention
to provide a valve assembly for an aerosol dispensing system that
is simple, quick and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.
[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention there
is provided apparatus for dispensing a fluid, comprising: [0009] an
elongate valve member having a fluid outlet and a fluid inlet
locatable in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir; and [0010]
at least one locking element to lock a fluid dispensing member with
respect to the valve member wherein a fluid exit port of the fluid
dispensing member is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet
of the valve member.
[0011] Aptly, the at least one locking element comprises a coupling
member having an inner surface for receiving a fluid outlet end
portion of the valve member and an outer surface engagable with an
inner surface of the fluid dispensing member.
[0012] Aptly, the inner surface of the coupling member comprises at
least one projection that is received by at least one recess in an
outer surface of said valve member to attach the coupling member to
said valve member.
[0013] Aptly, the at least one projection comprises at least one
continuous annular projection that corresponds with at least one
continuous annular recess of the valve member or a plurality of
radially spaced apart intermittent recesses in the valve
member.
[0014] Aptly, the at least one projection comprises a plurality of
radially spaced apart intermittent projections that correspond with
a plurality of radially spaced apart intermittent recesses of the
valve member or at least one continuous annular recess in the valve
member.
[0015] Aptly, the at least one projection comprises a plurality of
axially spaced apart projections that correspond to a plurality of
axially spaced apart recesses in the valve member.
[0016] Aptly, each of the plurality of axially spaced apart
projections comprise a plurality of radially spaced intermittent
projections that correspond with a plurality of radially spaced
intermittent recesses in the valve member.
[0017] Aptly, the plurality of axially spaced apart projections
comprise four projections each radially spaced apart from one
another by ninety degrees that correspond with a plurality of
correspondingly arranged recesses in the valve member.
[0018] Aptly, the at least one projection of the coupling member
comprises a substantially curved outer surface to correspondingly
engage with a complementarily shaped inner surface of the at least
one recess in the valve member.
[0019] Aptly, the at least one projection has a height from the
inner surface of the collar of about around 0.1 to 5 mm and a width
of about around 0.1 to 5 mm.
[0020] Aptly, the at least one projection has a height from the
inner surface of the collar of about around 0.5 mm and a width of
about around 1 mm.
[0021] Aptly, the at least one recess has a depth from the outer
surface of the valve member of about around 0.1 to 5 mm and a width
of about around 0.1 to 5 mm.
[0022] Aptly, the at least one recess has a depth from the outer
surface of the valve member of about around 0.1 mm and a width of
about around 0.9 mm.
[0023] Aptly, the coupling member comprises at least one recess or
aperture in the outer surface that receives at least one projection
extending from the inner surface of the fluid dispensing member to
lock the fluid dispensing member to the coupling member.
[0024] Aptly, the at least one recess of the coupling member has a
diameter of about around 0.5 mm and a depth of about around 0.1
mm.
[0025] Aptly, the coupling member comprises an inwardly extending
flange portion that abuts the fluid outlet end portion of the valve
member when the coupling member is mounted on and connected to said
valve member.
[0026] Aptly, the inwardly extending flange portion comprises an
aperture to fluidly communicate the fluid outlet of the valve
member with the fluid exit port of the fluid dispensing member.
[0027] Aptly, the coupling member comprises a collar.
[0028] Aptly, the fluid dispensing member comprises the at least
one locking element.
[0029] Aptly, the at least one locking element comprises at least
one projection extending from an inner surface of the elongate
valve member.
[0030] Aptly, the fluid dispensing member comprises an inner bore
that receives a fluid outlet end portion of the elongate valve
member, and the at least one projection extends from an inner
surface of the inner bore.
[0031] Aptly, the at least one projection comprises a barb-like
portion that bites into the fluid outlet end portion to allow the
valve member to be received into the fluid dispensing member whilst
preventing the fluid dispensing member from being removed from the
valve member.
[0032] Aptly, the valve member comprises one or more recesses
extending into an outer surface of the valve member for the at
least one projection to correspondingly lock into to connect the
fluid dispensing member to the valve member.
[0033] Aptly, the elongate valve member is substantially
cylindrical.
[0034] Aptly, the apparatus further comprises a nozzle that
comprises the fluid exit port of the fluid dispensing member for
dispensing fluid towards a target location.
[0035] Aptly, the apparatus further comprises an actuator for
moving the valve member in a valve body between a valve closed
position and a valve open position.
[0036] Aptly, the fluid dispensing member comprises the
actuator.
[0037] Aptly, one or more of the valve member, locking element and
fluid dispensing member comprise a plastics material.
[0038] According to a second aspect of the present invention there
is provided a valve assembly for a fluid dispensing device,
comprising the apparatus according to the first aspect of the
present invention.
[0039] According to a third aspect of the present invention there
is provided an aerosol fluid dispensing device comprising the valve
assembly according to the second aspect of the present
invention.
[0040] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there
is provided an elongate valve member for a fluid dispensing valve
assembly, comprising: [0041] a fluid outlet and a fluid inlet
locatable in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir; and [0042]
at least one locking element to lock a fluid dispensing member with
respect to the valve member wherein a fluid exit port of the fluid
dispensing member is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet
of the valve member.
[0043] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there
is provided a locking element for a fluid dispensing valve
assembly, comprising: [0044] at least one locking element to lock a
fluid dispensing member with respect to an elongate valve member
wherein a fluid exit port of the fluid dispensing member is in
fluid communication with a fluid outlet of the valve member.
[0045] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of manufacturing an apparatus for dispensing a
fluid, comprising: [0046] via at least one locking element, locking
a fluid dispensing member with respect to an elongate valve member
wherein a fluid exit port of the fluid dispensing member is in
fluid communication with a fluid outlet of the valve member.
[0047] Aptly, the method further comprises: [0048] mounting a
coupling member over a fluid outlet end portion of the valve
member, wherein the coupling member comprises an inner surface for
receiving the fluid outlet end portion of the valve member and an
outer surface engagable with an inner surface of the fluid
dispensing member.
[0049] Aptly, the method further comprises: [0050] engaging at
least one projection that extends from the inner surface of said
coupling member into at least one recess in an outer surface of
said valve member to lock the coupling member to said valve
member.
[0051] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there
is provided a use of at least one locking element to lock a fluid
dispensing member with respect to an elongate valve member wherein
a fluid exit port of the fluid dispensing member is in fluid
communication with a fluid outlet of the valve member.
[0052] Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide a
coupling member for securely locking an actuator with respect to an
aerosol valve stem to prevent the actuator being accidentally or
maliciously removed from an aerosol can or automatic dispensing
device, and more particularly from the stem thereof.
[0053] Certain embodiments of the present invention may prevent
liquid product contained in the can from being maliciously tampered
with, removed or refilled and also prevents a different actuator
being used on a particular aerosol can or automatic dispensing
device.
[0054] Certain embodiments of the present invention may prevent
different and potentially incorrect product containers being
erroneously or maliciously used with a particular type of
actuator.
[0055] Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide an
aerosol can or other dispensing device that includes an
actuator/nozzle component which is securely attached to the valve
assembly of the device to prevent the same being accidentally
knocked off the device during transit, storage, use, or the like
and eliminates the risk of children or pets swallowing a relatively
small actuator/nozzle component which could otherwise be fatal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0056] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described
hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0057] FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional view of a valve assembly
according to certain embodiments of the present invention attached
to the upper portion of an aerosol can;
[0058] FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view of an actuator
connectable to the stem of the valve assembly of FIG. 1;
[0059] FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view showing a stem collar
attached to a distal end of the stem of the valve assembly of FIG.
1;
[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the stem collar of
FIG. 3;
[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of the stem of FIG.
3;
[0062] FIG. 6a illustrates a three-dimensional solid view of a
further embodiment of a stem collar according to certain
embodiments of the present invention;
[0063] FIG. 6b illustrates a sectional view of the stem collar of
FIG. 6a;
[0064] FIG. 7 illustrates a three-dimensional solid view of a stem
according to certain embodiments of the present invention; and
[0065] FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view of a further valve
assembly according to certain embodiments of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0066] In the drawings like reference numerals refer to like
parts.
[0067] FIG. 1 illustrates a valve assembly 100 according to certain
embodiments of the present invention. The valve assembly 100 is
attached to an upper `cup` portion 102 of an aerosol can which is
typically made of tinplated steel or aluminium or the like. The can
contains a pressurised fluid product, typically a liquid, such as
an air freshener, deodorant, furniture polish, foam, mousse, gel,
or the like, and the valve assembly 100 mixes a metered amount of
the product to be dispensed with a suitable propellant such as
carbon dioxide, nitrogen, compressed air or the like.
[0068] The valve assembly 100 comprises a valve body 104 having a
lower portion 106 and an upper portion 108. The upper portion 108
of the valve body 104 includes a central throughbore 110 having a
proximal end portion 112 and a distal end portion 114. The upper
portion 108 of the valve body 104 includes an annular shoulder 116
extending inwardly at the distal end portion 114. An elongate valve
member or `stem` 118 is slidably moveable in the upper portion 108
of the valve body 104 and includes an outwardly extending annular
shoulder 120 that abuts with the shoulder 116 of the upper portion
108 of the valve body 104 to limit axial movement of stem 118 in
the valve body 104. One end of a compression spring 122 sits on the
lower portion 106 of the valve body 104 whilst the other end of the
spring 122 abuts an underside of the shoulder 120 of the stem 118.
The spring 122 biases the stem 118 outwardly and towards a valve
closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 1. A central wall portion
of the upper cup portion 102 of the can is crimped around an
outwardly extending upper shoulder 125 of the valve body 104 to
securely attach the valve assembly 100 to the inside of the upper
cup portion 102 of the can. An inner gasket 124, such as an O-ring
or washer or the like, seals the interface between the upper
portion 108 of the valve body 104 and the upper cup portion 102 of
the can and also around the stem 118 whilst allowing the stem to
axially move relative to the can 102 and the valve body 104.
[0069] The valve assembly of FIG. 1 is assembled as follows. A
distal end 117 of the stem 118 is slidably inserted through the
central throughbore 110 of the upper portion 108 of the valve body
104 via the proximal end 112 of the throughbore 110. The spring 122
is then inserted into the proximal end portion 112 of the
throughbore 110 and placed over a proximal end 119 of the stem 118
to abut the shoulder 120 of the stem 118. The proximal end portion
112 of the valve body 104 is then attached via a snap-fit, screw
thread, or the like, connection to the lower portion 106 of the
valve body 104 to locate the stem 118 and spring 122 in the
assembled valve body 104. The inner gasket 124 is placed over the
stem 118 to sit in an annular recess 126 in the distal end portion
114 of the upper portion 108 of the valve body 104. The stem 118 is
then passed through a central aperture 128 in a raised boss region
centrally disposed in the cup portion 102 of the can and the valve
assembly 100 is located inside the boss region. The walls of the
boss region are then crimped inwardly to securely attach the valve
assembly 100 to the inside of the upper cup portion 102 of the can.
A dip tube (not shown) is then attached to an inlet portion 130 of
the lower portion 106 of the valve body 104 which extends towards a
base of the can 102 for dispensing fluid from the bottom of the can
even when the can is almost empty. An empty can body (not shown)
having a base portion and a cylindrical wall portion extending
upwardly therefrom is filled with product, usually in the form of a
liquid, which contains all the active ingredients except for the
propellant. The cup portion 102 of the can is then attached to the
wall portion of the can by crimping, welding or the like, to form
an assembled aerosol dispensing system. An outer gasket (not shown)
may be located between the cup portion 102 and the can body to
which the cup portion 102 is attached. The propellant is then
injected under pressure through the valve assembly 100 via the
distal end 117 of the stem 118. The propellant may be in the form
of a liquefied gas or compressed gas or the like. If a liquefied
gas is used, it will exist as both a liquid and a vapour in the
head space of the aerosol can and the volume of the liquid product
in the can will increase over time as the product is dispensed
therefrom. If a compressed gas is used as the propellant, it will
typically only be in the head space above the liquid product in the
can and there will be little or no increase in liquid volume and
the pressure of the propellant will decrease over time during the
life of the can. The pressurised can is then leak tested.
[0070] An actuator 200, as illustrated in FIG. 2, is then fitted
onto the distal end 117 of the stem 118. A nozzle portion 202 of
the actuator 200 fluidly communicates with a bore 121 of the stem
118 via one or more passageways 204 formed in the actuator 200.
[0071] The actuator 200 therefore provides a nozzle portion 202 for
dispensing fluid in a predetermined pattern from the can 102,
fluidly communicates the nozzle portion 202 with the contents of
the aerosol can 102 when the valve assembly 100 is in an open state
and also provides a relatively large surface area for actuating the
valve assembly 100 by pressing manually down on the actuator 200 in
use.
[0072] In use, a force is applied downwardly to an outer surface
206 of the actuator 202 which in turn forces the stem 118
downwardly and into the valve body 104. This downward force
overcomes a spring force of the spring 122, which otherwise biases
the stem 118 and actuator 200 upwardly, to move the stem 118
downwardly into the valve body 104 and into a valve open position,
as illustrated in FIG. 3. In the valve open position, at least one
product inlet aperture 310 in the side of the valve stem 118 is
moved from outside and past the inner gasket 124 to be brought into
fluid communication with an upper inner chamber 312 of the valve
body 104 which is defined by the upper portion 108 of the valve
body 104, the inner gasket 124 and the stem 118 and shoulder 120
thereof. The fluid inlet aperture 310 is about around 0.3-1 mm in
diameter depending on the type of product to be dispensed from the
can.
[0073] As best shown in FIG. 7, the shoulder 120 of the stem 118
includes a number of notched regions 720 each having a respective
aperture 322 extending laterally into the stem 118 to communicate
with a lower central bore 324 in the proximal end 119 of the stem
118. The lower central bore 324 terminates at a fluid inlet in the
proximal end 119 of the stem 118 to communicate with the dip tube
(not shown) attached to the inlet portion 130 of the lower portion
106 of the valve body 104. Thus, liquid product stored under
pressure in the can is forced up the dip tube by the propellant,
through the lower portion 106 of the valve body 104 and the lower
bore 324 of the stem 118 and into the upper chamber 312 via the
apertures 322 and notched regions 720 of the stem 118. When the
stem 118 is in the valve open position, the fluid inlet 310 is
located in the upper chamber 312 and thus liquid product is caused
to enter the upper bore 121 of the stem 118 and exit the stem at a
fluid outlet in its distal end 117. The product then enters the
passageways 204 of the actuator 200 before being dispensed via the
nozzle portion 202.
[0074] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the stem 118 according to
certain embodiments of the present invention includes a plurality
of recesses 550 each extending inwardly at the distal end 117 of
the stem 118. The recesses 550 are axially spaced apart along the
stem 118 and each may comprise a continuous annular recess or
groove around the stem or a number of intermittent and annularly
spaced recesses (as shown). Each intermittent recess as shown in
FIG. 7 has a depth of about around 0.1 mm, a width of about around
0.9 mm and a curved length of about around 3 mm. The stem 118 has a
diameter of about around 2 to 4 mm and aptly about around 3.2
mm.
[0075] Alternatively, the stem 118 may comprise at least one recess
or at least two recesses where one recess is an upper recess and
the other recess is a lower recess which is radially offset and
spaced axially from the upper recess. Each recess 550 may be
substantially semi-circular in profile or have any suitable shape
or profile, such as a substantially triangular or square notch
formed in the wall of the stem 118.
[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a coupling member 400 in the form
of a collar has an inner bore 410 defining an inner surface 412. A
plurality of axially spaced apart annular projections 450 extend
inwardly from the inner surface 412 with respect to an axis of the
coupling member 400. The projections 450 are sized and spaced so as
to align with the corresponding recesses 550 in the stem 118 such
that when the coupling member 400 is placed over the distal end 117
of the stem 118, each projection 450 snaps into a respective recess
550 to securely attach the coupling member 400 to stem 118. As
illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6b, a coupling member 600 according to
certain embodiments of the present invention may include an
inwardly extending shoulder portion 620 to act as a stop when
mounting the coupling member 600 on the distal end 117 of the stem
118 and to provide a more secure connection between is the coupling
member 600 and the stem 118. The annular shoulder portion 620
defines an aperture 625 to allow liquid product to flow from the
stem 118 to the actuator 200 and nozzle portion 202. The aperture
625 has a diameter of about around 1-2 mm and aptly is 1.1 mm in
diameter. The coupling member 600 also includes the spaced apart
and intermittent projections 650 for connecting with the
corresponding recesses 550 in the stem 118.
[0077] The coupling member 400, 600 according to certain
embodiments of the present invention may include a single annular
projection or a plurality of intermittent radially spaced
projections arranged around substantially the same cross section of
the coupling member. Alternatively, the at least one projection may
comprise a plurality of intermittently spaced projections arranged
around the inner surface of the coupling member in a spiral
arrangement. Further alternatively, the coupling member and stem
may each comprise corresponding screw threads. An alternative
embodiment of the present invention may provide a coupling member
having at least one barb-like projection which cooperates with at
least one corresponding recess in the stem to allow the coupling
member to be slideably mounted onto the stem whilst preventing the
coupling member being removed from the stem. Two or more axially
spaced projections and corresponding recesses helps further provide
a stable and secure connection between the coupling member, and in
turn the actuator, and the stem.
[0078] The actuator 200 includes at least one projection 250 in a
central bore portion 210 of the actuator 200 which defines a
section of the passageway 204 for fluidly communicating the stem
118 with the nozzle portion 202 of the actuator 200. The projection
250 snaps into a corresponding recess or aperture 660 in the side
of the coupling member 600, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The recess or
aperture 660 has a diameter of about around 0.5 mm and a depth of
about around 0.1 mm. The corresponding projection of the actuator
200 is sized accordingly to cooperate with the recess or aperture
660 in the coupling member. The actuator 200 is thus securely
attachable to the coupling member 400, 600.
[0079] Certain alternative embodiments of the present invention may
provide a coupling member having one or more recesses and a stem
having one or more corresponding projections. Likewise, certain
alternative embodiments of the present invention may provide an
actuator having one or more recesses in a central bore portion 210
and the coupling member 400, 600 may include one or more
corresponding projections that cooperate with the one or more
recesses of the actuator to securely attach the actuator to the
coupling member and in turn lock the actuator with respect to the
stem. Further alternatively, certain embodiments of the present
invention may provide a coupling member having a tapered outer
surface that cooperates with a correspondingly tapered inner
surface of the actuator such that when the actuator is placed on
the coupling member, the coupling member snaps into the tapered
inner surface of the actuator and is prevented from being removed
from the coupling member in view of the barb-like connecting
interface between the two components, i.e. the actuator is locked
with respect to the stem via the coupling member. Further
alternatively, certain embodiments of the present invention may
provide an actuator comprising at least one projection for locking
the actuator directly to the stem of a valve assembly. For example,
the at least one projection may comprise a barb or tooth-like
annular element that bites into a relatively soft outer surface of
the stem when the actuator is mounted onto the stem thereby
preventing the actuator from being removed from the stem. The at
least one projection may comprise a plurality of spaced apart
projections and/or may be continuous or intermittently arranged
around an inner surface of the actuator engagable with the
stem.
[0080] According to certain embodiments of the present invention,
an outer surface of the coupling member 400, 600 and an inner
surface of the central bore portion 210 of the actuator 200 may be
complementarily shaped such that only that type/form of actuator
can be securely attached to the coupling member 400, 600 and in
turn the stem 118. For example, the outer surface of the coupling
member 400, 600 and the central bore portion 210 may be a
substantially similar diameter in cross section or substantially
hexagonal, or the like. The coupling member 400, 600 may comprise a
substantially cylindrical outer surface having a flat portion to
act as a key for engagement with a corresponding flat inner surface
portion of the actuator 200. Such an arrangement allows a certain
type or make of actuator to be used with a certain fluid dispensing
device and prevents other types of actuator being used with a
particular fluid dispensing device and/or different fluid
dispensing devices being used with a certain actuator.
[0081] The valve body 106, 108, stem 118, actuator 200 and/or
coupling member 400, 600 may be any suitable material such as a
plastics or metal material.
[0082] During assembly of the aerosol can, the coupling member 400,
600 is inserted into and securely attached to the actuator 200 via
the at least one projection 250 and corresponding recess or
aperture 660 in the coupling member 400, 600. When the coupling
member 400, 600 is inserted into the actuator 200, the projection
of the actuator aligns with and snaps into the corresponding recess
or aperture 660 in the coupling member 400, 600. A form of adhesive
may optionally also be used to further secure the coupling member
to the actuator. The actuator 200 and coupling member 400, 600 are
then placed over the stem 118 and a downward force applied to the
actuator 200 aligns and snaps the projections 450, 650 of the
coupling member into the corresponding recesses 550 of the stem 118
to securely lock the coupling member 400, 600, and in turn the
actuator 200, to the valve stem 118. Again, a form of adhesive may
optionally also be used to further secure the coupling member to
the stem. A valve assembly 800 according to certain embodiments of
the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 8 which includes the
coupling member 600 as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b. The valve assembly
800 as illustrated in FIG. 8 has a longer valve body comprising the
interconnecting lower body portion 806 and upper body portion 808
which house a relatively long stem 818 and compression spring 822.
The lower body portion 806 includes the product inlet 830 for
attaching to a dib tube. The upper body portion 808 provides a
recess for locating the inner gasket 824 for sealing between the
valve assembly 800 and a cup portion of an aerosol can.
[0083] Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide a
coupling member for securely locking an actuator with respect to an
aerosol valve stem to prevent the actuator being accidentally or
maliciously removed from an aerosol can or automatic dispensing
device, and more particularly from the stem thereof. Thus, certain
embodiments of the present invention may prevent liquid product
contained in the can from being maliciously tampered with, removed
or refilled and also prevents a different actuator being used on a
particular aerosol can or automatic dispensing device. Furthermore,
certain embodiments of the present invention may prevent different
and potentially incorrect product containers being erroneously or
maliciously used with a particular type of actuator. Certain
embodiments of the present invention may provide an aerosol can or
other dispensing device that includes an actuator/nozzle component
which is securely attached to the valve assembly of the device to
prevent the same being accidentally knocked off the device during
transit, storage, use, or the like and eliminates the risk of
children or pets swallowing a relatively small actuator/nozzle
component which could otherwise be fatal. If an actuator of a valve
assembly according to certain embodiments of the present invention
is accidentally or maliciously forced away from the stem of the
valve assembly, the stem and/or actuator may snap and fail
irrevocably rendering the aerosol device useless and thus
preventing a different actuator being used with the device or the
product container, e.g. can, of the device being used with the same
or another actuator. The stem will also be damaged preventing its
reuse and/or product contained in the device being removed,
refilled or tampered with. The stem of a valve assembly according
to certain embodiments of the present invention may include one or
more frangible regions to allow the stem to fail or fracture when a
predetermined force is applied to the actuator and/or stem. Such a
frangible region may include one or more fine annular recesses,
regions of reduced thickness, die-cuts or the like in the wall of
the stem which does not compromise the integrity of the stem during
normal use and allows a substantially axial force to be applied to
the stem via the actuator without failing when product is to be
dispensed from the aerosol device, whilst allowing the stem to at
least partially fracture when a predetermined shear force is
applied to the stem and/or actuator during abnormal use.
Alternatively, the one or more recesses in the stem may provide a
frangible portion to allow the stem to fracture when an excessive
shear force is applied to the actuator or stem.
[0084] Throughout the description and claims of this specification,
the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean
"including but not limited to" and they are not intended to (and do
not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or
steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification,
the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise
requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the
specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as
well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.
[0085] Features, integers, characteristics or groups described in
conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the
invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other
aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible
therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification
(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or
all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be
combined in any combination, except combinations where at least
some of the features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The
invention is not restricted to any details of any foregoing
embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or novel
combination, of the features disclosed in this specification
(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to
any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method
or process so disclosed.
[0086] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and
documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this
specification in connection with this application and which are
open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents
of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by
reference.
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