Combination Fluid Pressure Supply And Regulator Unit

Abstract

A dispensing system for use with a container of a product to be dispensed, in which the system includes a combination fluid pressure supply and regulator unit for detachable association with a dispenser unit received on a product container, in which the combination dispenser unit is removably locked in position engaging the dispenser unit associated with the container. The combination supply and regulator unit includes a pressure regulator unit and a discharge valve which is actuated to supply pressure to the container only when the supply and regulator unit is locked in position of use within the dispenser. Removing the supply and regulator unit closes the valve therein, and the combination unit may then be used in association with another similar container and dispenser. The dispenser includes a product discharge means including a dip tube, a product outlet, a valve for controlling product flow, and a valve for preventing escape of pressurizing fluid from the container.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to dispensing attachment for containers, and in particular, to a combination fluid pressure supply and regulator unit which is especially adapted for use with a product dispenser which may be received in association with a container holding a product desired to be dispensed.

Typically, the container may include a product such as a paint or other coating material, hair spray or like cosmetic preparation, insecticide, or other product desired to be dispensed by the action of a pressurizing fluid or propellant supplied to the interior of the container. Various devices are already known for supplying a propellant fluid, such as carbon dioxide, various fluorocarbons, nitrogen, or the like to the interior of a container for dispensing a product contained therein. In some cases, it is necessary that the propellant be solubilized in the product, and in other cases, only that the propellant bring a dispensing or counterpressure on the product to facilitate dispensing thereof from a container. Thus, it has been suggested to discharge paint from a container through a tube and into a paint roller, to spray insecticide or hair spray through dispensing nozzles, to discharge lather or other shaving products, or hair spray or cosmetics from a container thereof by such action.

In this connection, an object of several prior art devices has been to provide pressure regulator means, so that sufficient pressure for discharging the product may be applied to the interior of the container, but to limit such pressure so as to eliminate the need of a container to withstand the extreme pressures generated when sufficient propellant to discharge all of the contents is held within such container. Thus, in the metal can industry for example, a typical aerosol can may be required to withstand pressures of up to about 150 p.s.i. or more. Accordingly, it is not practical to construct an economical container larger than about a 16 to 24 oz. size for such products, since a larger container would require metal thicknesses which require forming techniques inconsistent with present day mass production and economy. Therefore, a pressure regulator system of some sort has been indicated in the interest of obtaining large volume economical containers for dispensing such products.

It is also known that pressure regulators, even of relatively simple types, cost at least several dollars each to produce. Therefore, it is not generally practical to procure even an inexpensive regulator and dispenser unit for every type of product it is desired to dispense from a large volume container. Likewise, although detachable dispenser units including their own regulator have been known, a need has remained for a dispensing system wherein certain components thereof may be permanently associated with the container for the product, and wherein the pressure supply and regulator unit need not form a part thereof. In such a device, the regulator could be used with a plurality of individual containers, and could be detached from such containers without loss of pressure in the supply unit, or in the container with which it is associated and from which it may be detached.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the foregoing and other considerations in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide a combination fluid pressure supply and regulator unit which may be detachably associated with a container having a pressure dispensable product therein.

Another object is to provide a combination pressure supply and regulator unit which is adapted to contain a supply of pressurizing fluid, to regulate the discharge pressure thereof and to include means for allowing flow of fluid at the regulated pressure only when such unit is operatively associated with the container.

Another object is to provide a combination fluid pressure supply and regulator unit and dispenser for association with a container which includes suitable valve means therein for dispensing a product under a desired pressure, for controlling the flow of product from the container and for permitting the supply and regulator unit to be removed from the container without substantial loss of pressure within the container or pressure within the supply and regulator unit.

A further object is to provide a combination supply and regulator unit for pressurizing a container in which the combination unit includes means for lockingly engaging the regulator unit in association with a dispenser while simultaneously actuating a valve system for supplying a regulated pressure to the interior of a container.

The present invention accomplishes these and other objects, including those inherent therein, by providing a combination fluid pressure supply and regulator unit having a high pressure chamber for holding a supply of pressurizing fluid, a lower pressure chamber, a regulator passage extending between the chambers, a discharge passageway for supplying fluid under a low pressure to the interior of the container, pressure responsive valve means for controlling fluid flow in the regulator passage, and normally closed valve means in the discharge passage which may be opened when the regulator unit is locked in position in association with a dispenser associated with the container.

The manner in which this invention achieves these objects, and other inherent therein, will become more apparent as the description proceeds and as reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded side elevational view of the combination dispenser and fluid pressure supply and regulator unit of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view, partly in elevation and partly in section, showing the combination fluid pressure supply and regulator unit and the dispenser unit in assembled relation, and showing a product applicator and product supply means extending between said dispenser and said applicator.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of the combination fluid pressure supply and regulator unit of the invention in the position of use in association with the dispenser.

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view, on a further enlarged scale, of the combination fluid pressure supply and regulator unit of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a dispensing assembly 10 which includes a combination fluid pressure supply and regulator unit 12, a dispenser 14, an applicator 16, and a product supply hose 18 extending therebetween. FIG. 2 shows the supply and regulator unit 12 received within the dispenser 14 which is held in position over a container 20 by a clamp 22, and with a dip tube 24 extending downwardly into the interior of the container 20. Container seal means 26 extend between the clamp 22 and the top panel portion 28 of the container 20, surrounding the opening 30 through which the dip tube 24 extends.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be seen that the regulator and dispenser assembly 12 includes a body 32, a cover 34, and a gas or like fluid-containing cartridge 36 adapted to be held within the unit 12. The dispenser 14 includes locking means, a portion of which is generally indicated at 38, and a product flow control or shutoff valve 40 as well as a product outlet nozzle 42. The applicator 16 includes an additional shutoff valve 44 and a handle 46, and a frame portion 48 supporting a roller 50, which is preferably foraminous or otherwise porous to the product within the container 20. The dispenser body 52 closely overlies the clamp 22, and in use, the clamp 22, the tube 24 and the body 52 form one unit which is preferably permanently associated with the container 20, or at least firmly attached thereto in gas-tight relation.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 3 and 4, it is shown that the fluid pressure supply and regulator unit 12 includes the body 32, and that such body 32 includes threads 54 thereon, (FIG. 3) and that corresponding threads 56 are formed on the inside of the cover 34. The cover 34 includes a continuous, substantially cylindrical, inwardly facing interior sidewall 58, one end of which terminates in a tapered shoulder portion 60 from which extends a bore 62 of reduced diameter containing a piercing pin 64 in the end 66 thereof. The pin 64 is adapted to pierce the end wall 68 of the cartridge 36.

The body 32 includes, at one end thereof, an inwardly facing substantially cylindrical sidewall portion 70, and at the other end, a cylindrical sidewall portion 72 of slightly reduced diameter, joined to the sidewall 70 at a slightly tapered surface 74. A separator plug 76 provides, in combination with an O-ring or like unit 78, a seal between a high pressure chamber 80 which received the cartridge 36, and a low pressure chamber 82 which slidingly receives a regulator piston 84. A regulator pressure spring 86 is disposed within a bore 88 in the piston 84 to urge the piston upwardly (to the right as shown in FIG. 4) while an O-ring 90 or like sealing means prevents fluid passage between the piston 84 and the sidewall 72. A boss 92 surmounting the piston 84 receives, in locked relation, an enlarged portion 94 of the pressure regulator valve stem 96. A frustoconical valve head portion 98 is adapted to be received in a sealing relation by a pressed-in valve seat 100 received in a counterbore 102 within the plug 76. The plug 76 further includes a bore 104 which receives a screen 106 held in place by a snap ring 108.

A port 110 disposed in the sidewall 72 of the low pressure chamber 82 provides access to a discharge passage 112 having an outlet 114 containing a discharge valve core 116. A discharge valve stem 118 extends through the core and terminates in a valve seat 120, and a valve head 122 is disposed at the opposite end of the stem 118.

When the valve seat 120 engages the sleeve 124, the low pressure chamber 82 is closed, whereas, when the stem 118 is moved axially to the right as shown in FIG. 4, the valve opens and communication is established through the passage 112 into a dispenser passage 126 (FIG. 3) through the duckbill valve 128, and through the sleeve 130 into the interior of the container.

Referring again to FIG. 4, it is shown that legs 132 extend outwardly from an axial face 134 of the body 32 and are connected by a bight 136 having an inclined face 138 and an axially extending locking surface portion 140.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the pressure supply and regulator unit 12 is shown in position with a portion of the body 32 thereof disposed within the body 52 of the dispenser assembly 14. The dispenser includes a resiliently deformable product discharge hose or conduit 142 extending between a portion of the nozzle assembly 144 and the top portion 146 of the dip tube receiving collar 148. A product control valve 150 includes a shoulder 152 for pinching the tube 142 between the shoulder 152 and an upper portion 154 of the body 52, to prevent product flow through the tube 142. The dip tube 24 is spaced apart from the walls 156 which define the sleeve 130, and a pressure relief or safety valve 158 is disposed so as to extend through the wall 156 into the cylinder 130.

A notch 160 on the lower portion 162 of the lock 38 engages a lower shoulder 164 on the body 52 and prevents upward movement, as shown in FIG. 3, of the lock 38, while the tip portion 166 of the lock 38 engages the bight 136 to prevent the pressure supply and regulator unit 12 from being removed to the rear or axially from the dispenser 14. An actuator 168 is provided to engage the head 122 of the discharge valve and open the valve when the units are in the assembled position shown in FIG. 3. The lock 38 may be removed by pressing it forwardly so as to release the engagement of the notch 160 from the shoulder 164 which retains it in the downward position. Threads 170 on the nozzle 42 provide means for attaching a hose 18 or the like to the dispenser to allow passage therethrough of the product held in the container 20.

Referring now to the operation of the unit, a fluid-containing cartridge 36 is disposed within the body 32 of the regulator and dispenser assembly 12, and the cover 34 is placed thereover, and moved into a position in which the pin 64 pierces the end wall of the cartridge 36. This is accomplished by rotating the cover 34 clockwise relative to the body 32, with the threads 54,56 engaged with each other. When fluid from the cartridge 36 escapes, passes into the low pressure chamber 82, and when a sufficient pressure is generated therein, the piston 84 is moved axially of the sidewall 72 against the force of the spring 86, forcing the valve head 98 into a sealing relation with the valve seat 100, thus preventing flow of additional pressurizing fluid into the lower pressure chamber 82. If the pressure supply and regulator unit 12 is associated with the dispenser 14 in position of use, the valve seat 120 will be moved away from the end portion of the sleeve 124, and the pressurizing fluid will flow through the outlet passage 114 into the interior of the container. In this condition, the chamber 82 and the passage 112 form portions of the low pressure system asserting a pressure on the piston 84. When this pressure drops below a preset level, the force of the spring 86 moves the piston 84 axially of the cylindrical wall 72, opening the pressure regulating valve so as to admit further pressurizing fluid into the lower pressure chamber 82 and other portions of the unit in communication therewith. In this manner, a relatively constant pressure is maintained on the liquid or other product desired to be dispensed from the container 20.

On the other hand, when it is desired to remove the combination pressurizing and regulating unit 12 from the dispenser 14, the lock 38 is manipulated so that the notch 160 is moved out of engagement with the shoulder 164, and the tip 166 is released from engagement with the face portion 138 of the bight 136. Thereupon, the valve stem 118 moves axially to a closed position, and communication between the container and the low pressure chamber 82 is interrupted. Thus, the low pressure chamber comprises only the chamber 82 proper, in the passage 112. Since no more pressurizing fluid can be discharged when this system reaches an equilibrium with both the regulator valve and the discharge valve closed, the entire fluid pressure supply and regulator unit may be detached and removed in a pressurized condition from the dispenser unit 14 so that it may subsequently be engaged with another, similar dispenser unit 14 associated with a container having a different product therein. When the fluid pressure supply and regulator unit 12 is removed from the body 52 of the dispenser 14, the duckbill valve 128 prevents loss of pressure from the interior of the container 20 into the passage 126. On the other hand, if it is desired to allow the combination unit 12 to remain associated with a given dispenser 14 for a relatively longer period of time, the cooperation between the actuator 168 and the valve head 122 will allow communication to continue between the pressure supply and the contents of the container. Thus, when the supply of pressurizing fluid within the cartridge 36 is exhausted, the unit 12 may be removed without loss of pressure within the container, whereas, if the contents in the container 20 are exhausted before the supply of pressurizing fluid is depleted, the unit 12 may be removed from the dispenser 14, A combination fluid pressure supply and regulator unit according to the present invention may therefore be used with a cooperating dispenser used for any product provided that the pressurizing fluid is the same for both or is compatible with the product to be dispensed. Even if this is not the case, the supply and regulator unit may be used with cartridges of different pressurizing fluids, each of which may be used to dispense a plurality of products in different containers, provided that the product is compatible with the dispensing fluids. Thus, a nitrogen oxide cartridge may be used to dispense different food products from different containers, a carbon dioxide cartridge received within the combination unit of the invention may be used to dispense different products compatible with carbon dioxide, and another set of different products may be dispensed by the unit 12 and when it includes a fluorocarbon cartridge. Other pressurizing fluid, such as compressed air or the like may be used to dispense a variety of other products, including liquid, powdered, or emulsified or other multiphase products.

It will thus be seen, that the present invention provides a fluid pressure supply and regulator unit, and dispenser for use therewith having a number of advantages and characteristics, including those hereinbefore pointed out and others which are inherent in the invention.

Claims

We claim:

1. A combination fluid pressure supply and regulator unit for detachable engagement with a dispenser associated with a container desired to be pressurized, said unit comprising a chamber for holding a supply of pressurizing fluid at a first, higher pressure, means at least partially defining a second, lower pressure chamber, a regulator passage extending between said higher and lower pressure chambers, said lower pressure chamber having a discharge passageway associated therewith, said discharge passageway terminating in a discharge outlet, and a discharge valve within said unit for controlling fluid flow through said outlet, said means defining a portion of said lower pressure chamber being movable in response to the pressure within said chamber and further including a valve for opening and closing said regulator passage between said chambers, and means for detachably locking said unit in position adjacent dispenser means associated with a container for supplying pressurizing fluid thereto, said discharge valve being normally closed and adapted to be opened by engagement of a portion thereof with a portion of said dispenser means when said unit is held in position by said locking means.

2. A combination unit as defined in claim 1 in which said higher pressure chamber comprises a body, a cover therefor, sealing means disposed between said body means and said cover means and means for piercing a cartridge having a supply of fluid therein.

3. A combination unit as defined in claim 1 in which said means responsive to said pressure comprises a piston and in which a portion of said lower pressure chamber comprises a cylinder surrounding said piston in fluid-tight relation.

4. A combination unit as defined in claim 1 in which said combination unit includes a regulator body and in which said low pressure chamber is disposed within said body, said outlet passage extends through a face of said body, in which said discharge valve is disposed within said passage and includes a stem extending outwardly from said body for contacting an actuator associated with said dispenser means for supplying pressurizing fluid to a container.

5. A product dispensing system which includes a combination fluid pressure supply and regulator unit as defined in claim 1, and, detachably associated therewith, a dispenser means for supplying pressurizing fluid to a container, said dispenser means including means for reception of a container in fluid-tight relation, passage means for supplying said fluid to the interior of said container, product discharge means for discharging the contents of said container, and means for controlling the flow of product in said product discharge means, said means for supplying said fluid to said container including locking means for engaging said locking means on said combination supply and regulator unit, and actuator means for opening said discharge valve when said combination unit is in a locked position in association with said means for supplying said fluid to said container.

6. A combination as defined in claim 5 in which said dispenser includes valve means associated with said passage means for supplying said fluid to said container, said valve means permitting passage of fluid into said container in one direction and restricting flow therethrough in an opposite direction.

7. A combination as defined in claim 5 in which said dispenser means for supplying said fluid to said container has an opening therein of a shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of said supply and regulator unit, and in which said locking means are adapted to register with said combination supply and regulator unit in a single position thereof, and in which said dispenser means includes manually operable means for holding said locking means in a locked position and for permitting release thereof to an unlocked position.

8. A combination as defined in claim 5 in which said locking means on said combination fluid pressure supply and regulator unit comprise a generally U-shaped locking portion having two leg portions, a bight extending therebetween and defining an opening, and in which said locking means on said dispenser comprises an at least partially manually operable means having a portion thereof of a shape complementary to said opening defined by said legs and said bight, for positioning therein to retain said combination supply and regulator unit in locked association with said dispenser.

9. A combination as defined in claim 5 in which said product discharge means includes a resiliently deformable product conduit disposed within said dispenser and said means in said dispenser unit for controlling the flow of product therein includes a manually operable selector, having a portion thereof adapted to engage said product conduit in a wedging relation to control product flow therethrough.

10. A combination as defined in claim 5 in which said dispenser includes means thereon for removable association with said product discharge means, said first-named means permitting attachment of a product tube for directing product to be dispensed to a remotely positioned applicator.

11. A combination as defined in claim 8 which further includes a remotely positionable product applicator, a product tube extending between said dispenser and said applicator, and in which said applicator includes means associated therewith for controlling the flow of product to said applicator.