U.S. patent number 3,758,002 [Application Number 05/076,454] was granted by the patent office on 1973-09-11 for product dispenser and heater.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Schick Incorporated. Invention is credited to Richard S. Bagwell, Jr., Edward J. Doyle.
United States Patent |
3,758,002 |
Doyle , et al. |
September 11, 1973 |
PRODUCT DISPENSER AND HEATER
Abstract
A unit for electrically heating and dispensing products from
pressurized containers. The unit receives a pressurized container,
and, upon actuation of the container valve, directs the product
through a series of passages, including one or more heating
chambers, steam traps, and the like, to the outlet openings from
which the product is dispensed. Depending on the predetermined
configuration of the openings in the dispensing nozzle of an
associated product container, the dispenser is adapted to direct
the product into one or more heating chambers alternatively, or
into two or more chambers simultaneously. Each heating chamber is
formed in part by an exterior surface of a relatively massive heat
sink unit having an electrical resistance heating element
associated therewith and controlled by an adjustable thermostat.
Electric current is supplied to the element and the control through
a connector which affords mechanical strength, electrical
insulation and which provides a water-tight connection. The
passages directing the product to one or more of the heat
exchangers are located within a cover element closely overlying the
heat sink and the thermostat. Since typical products dispensed by
the novel unit are highly viscous, the containers thereof should be
stored in the inverted position and accordingly, containers are
constructed so as to facilitate inverted storage and to prevent
unintentional upright storage.
Inventors: |
Doyle; Edward J. (Hatboro,
PA), Bagwell, Jr.; Richard S. (Lancaster, PA) |
Assignee: |
Schick Incorporated (Lancaster,
PA)
|
Family
ID: |
22132129 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/076,454 |
Filed: |
September 29, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/146.3;
222/402.1; 222/144.5; 392/474; 392/484 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
83/72 (20130101); A45D 27/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65D
83/14 (20060101); B67d 005/62 () |
Field of
Search: |
;222/146HE,146HA,402,402.1,402.11,193,183,185,146,129,129.3,481,482,162
;219/214,296-299,307,301-305,315,319,478 ;137/341 ;239/135 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Reeves; Robert B.
Assistant Examiner: Slattery; James M.
Claims
We claim:
1. A dispenser unit for containers which containers have a
plurality of spaced-apart product dispensing outlet locations on a
dispensing outlet portion thereof in respective predetermined
positions on the dispensing outlet portion, at least one of which
positions has a product dispensing outlet therein comprising, in
combination, container receiving means for receiving said outlet
portion of said container of a product to be dispensed, the
container receiving means having plural separate product inlet
portions thereof, each of which is individually in register with a
respective dispensing outlet position on said container received
therein, a plurality of product heating chambers and a heating unit
operatively associated with said chambers, a product outlet passage
extending from each of said chambers, each of said outlet passages
having an end portion defining a product outlet, and plural
separate directing means for directing product from respective
inlet portions said container receiving means to respective heating
chambers and being thereby adapted to direct product from said
respective inlet portions of said container receiving means with
which said directing means is in registry to said chamber
associated with said directing means.
2. A dispenser unit as defined in claim 1 which further includes
means therein for forming a product-tight seal between an exterior
portion of siad receiving means and the portion of said container
which is associated in use with said container receiving means.
3. A product inlet assembly for a dispenser unit, said assembly
including means for receiving the dispensing outlet portion of a
product container which has a plurality of dispensing outlets in
respective predetermined spaced-apart positions on said dispensing
outlet portion, a plurality of passages, each communicating on one
end thereof with a product heating chamber and on the other end
thereof only with a given outlet of said container outlet
portion-receiving means so that each of said passages will register
only with a respective dispensing outlet in a predetermined
position on said dispensing outlet portion, whereby product passing
through a given outlet on said container will be directed through
its respective passage only to its respective heating chamber
communicating with its respective passage.
4. A product inlet assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein said
container outlet receiving portion is in the form of an axial bore,
in which one of said passage ends is disposed at the inner axial
end of said bore, and wherein means are further provided for
preventing further axial inward movement of said container outlet
portion so as to permit actuation of said container valve by
applying an axial force to said outlet portion.
5. A dispenser unit comprising, in combination, means for receiving
a pressurized container of a product to be dispensed, a plurality
of heating chambers and a heating unit operatively associated
therewith, plural means for directing said product from said
receiving means into each of said chambers, said directing means
being arranged within said receiving means so as to be able to
direct said product to all of said chambers as well as to less than
all of said chambers, and a product outlet passage for each of said
chambers, each of said passages terminating in a product
outlet.
6. A product heater and dispenser unit comprising, in combination,
a container having a dispensing nozzle with a plurality of
spaced-apart product outlet portions, at least one of which has a
product dispensing outlet therein, means for supporting said
container in a position of use at least partially within said unit,
nozzle receiving means for receiving at least part of the
dispensing nozzle of said associated container, the
nozzle-receiving means having different portions thereof positioned
to register with respective spaced-apart product outlet portions of
the dispensing nozzle, plural passages individually extending from
respective different portions of said nozzle receiving means, means
defining a plurality of heating chambers to which said product may
be directed, each of said passages being in communication with a
respective one of said chambers, heat generating means, heat
storage means forming a part of each of said heating chambers for
supplying heat to products passing therethrough, and passages
terminating in product outlet openings extending from said heating
chambers to the exterior of said dispensing unit for dispensing a
heated product from said opening.
7. A unit as defined in claim 6 in which said means for receiving
said portion of said dispensing nozzle comprises an axially
extending bore having at least one enlarged diameter groove therein
spaced axially apart from the inner end of said bore.
8. A unit as defined in claim 6 wherein said plurality of heating
chambers comprises three heating chambers.
9. A unit as defined in claim 6 wherein said heat storage means is
in the form of a massive alumimum heat sink substantially
surrounding said heat generating means.
10. A unit as defined in claim 6 wherein said passages extending
from said heating chambers to said outlet openings include at least
one expansion chamber therein, said expansion chamber providing
means for inducing the condensation of vapor passing therethrough
and for reducing the temperature of said product passing
therethrough.
11. A dispenser unit as defined in claim 6 wherein said heat
storage means is in the form of a massive heat sink having upper
and lower face portions and at least one passage extending
therethrough between said face portions, at least parts of said
upper and lower face portions and said opening forming portions of
said heating chambers, whereby said product passing through said
heating chambers pass along and in contact with on both the upper
and lower face portions of said heat sink.
12. A dispenser unit comprising, in combination, means for
receiving a container of a product to be dispensed, a plurality of
product heating chambers and a heating unit operatively associated
with said chambers, a product outlet passage extending from each of
said chambers, each of said outlet passages having an end portion
defining a product outlet, and means for directing product from
said container receiving means to each of said chambers, each of
said directing means having a portion thereof which is in registry
with a given portion of said container receiving means and being
thereby adapted to direct product from said given portion of said
container receiving means with which said directing means is in
registry to said chamber associated with said directing means, said
means for receiving said portion of said container being in the
form of an axially extending bore adapted to be subdivided into a
plurality of separate areas by reception therein of a generally
cylindrical dispenser nozzle, each of said areas being then
associated in use with a predetermined one of said directing
means.
13. A dispenser unit comprising, in combination, means for
receiving a container of a product to be dispensed, a plurality of
product heating chambers and a heating unit operatively associated
with said chambers, a product outlet passage extending from each of
said chambers, each of said outlet passages having an end portion
defining a product outlet, and means for directing product from
said container receiving means to each of said chambers, each of
said directing means having a portion thereof which is in registry
with a given portion of said container receiving means and being
thereby adapted to direct product from said given portion of said
container receiving means with which said directing means is in
registry to said chamber associated with said directing means, said
container receiving means being in the form of an axially extending
bore, and at least one of said directing means being in the form of
a passage having a portion thereon in registry with an axial end of
said bore in which said axial bore includes a groove therein of
enlarged diameter and spaced axially apart from said end of said
bore, and at least one other of said directing means being in the
form of a passage having a portion thereon in registry with an
axial end of said bore in which said axial bore includes a groove
therein of enlarged diameter and spaced axially apart from said end
of said bore, and at least one other of said directing means being
in the form of a passage having a portion thereof in registry with
said groove.
14. A product unit comprising, in combination, means for receiving
a container of a product to be dispensed, a plurality of product
heating chambers and a heating unit operative associated with said
chambers, a product outlet passage extending from each of said
chambers, each of outlet passages having an end portion defining a
product outlet and means for directing product from said container
receiving means to each of said chambers, each of said directing
means having a portion thereof which is in registry with a given
portion of said container receiving means and being thereby adapted
to direct product from said given portion of said container
receiving means with which said directing means is in registry to
said chamber associated with said directing means, said container
outlet receiving portion being in the form of an axial bore defined
by wall portions, in which said bore includes an annular groove of
enlarged diameter, said passage end associated with one of said
chambers being in registry with said groove, whereby said passage
end will be placed in effective communication with a dispensing
outlet in said outlet portion which is in axial registry with said
groove, regardless of the radial orientation of said outlet
portion.
15. A product heater and dispenser unit comprising, in combination,
means for supporting a container in a position of use at least
partially within said unit, means for receiving at least a portion
of the dispensing nozzle of said associated container, plural
passages extending from different portions of said nozzle receiving
means, means defining a plurality of heating chambers to which said
product may be directed, each of said passages being in
communication with one of said chambers, heat generating means,
heat storage means forming a part of each of said heating chambers
for supplying heat to products passing therethrough, and passages
terminating in product outlet openings extending from said heating
chambers to the exterior of said dispensing unit for dispensing a
heated product from said opening, said outlet openings being formed
in a reentrant portion extending into said heater and dispenser
unit, said reentrant opening being adapted to guide the hand of the
user to a position beneath said opening.
16. A product heater and dispenser unit comprising, in combination,
means for supporting a container in a position of use at least
partially within said unit, means for receiving at least a portion
of the dispensing nozzle of said associated container, plural
passages extending from different portions of said nozzle receiving
means, means defining a plurality of heating chambers to which said
product may be directed, each of said passages being in
communication with one of said chambers, heat generating means,
heat storage means forming a part of each of said heating chambers
for supplying heat to products passing therethrough, and passages
terminating in product outlet openings extending from said heating
chambers to the exterior of said dispensing unit for dispensing a
heated product from said opening, said dispenser unit including a
base portion having a bottom wall with an opening therein, wherein
means are provided for energizing said heat generating means, and
wherein said energizing means includes a connector assembly having
two generally oppositely axially facing, stiff but resilient
portions separated from each other by a reduced diameter neck
portion, and wherein said connector assembly is disposed within
said opening with said neck portion being in registry with said
opening, said connector assembly further including a means resting
on said wall and urging at least one of said axially facing
portions of said connector assembly into snug engagement with a
face of said bottom wall portion.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to dispensable products, product
containers, and to apparatuses and methods for heating and
dispensing such products, from pressurized containers. More
particularly, the invention is concerned with dispenser units
wherein two or more chambers are provided for heating the products
so that such plural chambers may be used simultaneously to heat a
portion of one individual product, and wherein only one or less
than all of the chambers may be used to heat a particular product
with the remaining chamber or chambers being used to heat other
products.
Recently, dispensers have been made available which are adapted to
heat products being dispensed from pressurized containers, such as
dispensers for shaving cream and the like. As the public has become
aware of the availability of such devices, and as members of the
public become accustomed to the concept of using heated cosmetic
products, including those applied professionally, such as those in
barber shops, beauty parlors and the like, there has been an
increased demand for products which can be applied in a heated
condition and for effective, economical and reliable product
heaters and dispensers which may be used in the home with a variety
of products. To date, the emphasis on such product dispensers has
generally centered around foamable shaving creams and like shaving
products, and most of the efforts in the field of heating and
dispensing products have been centered in this area. Such foam
products are normally characterized by relatively good heat
insulation but low density and heat capacity. Accordingly, the use
of dispensers intended for heating shaving lathers, as a practical
matter, has generally been confined to the use of these and similar
products. Since there has thus been a need for dispensing only a
single product, the problem of dispensing a sequence of different
products, particularly at different or potentially different rates,
has not been presented.
However, in the field of cosmetics and other products primarily
intended to be used by women, it is not uncommon for a number of
products to be used in succession, such as, for example, a user may
wish to apply a cleansing or conditioning cream to her face, and
thereafter apply moisturizing or other facial lotion prior to the
application of still other cosmetics, such as colorants, powders,
or the like. In some cases, these products are not compatible with
each other, that is, one product should be used and removed prior
to the time another product is used, and therefore, these products
should not come in contact with each other prior to usage
thereof.
Under these conditions, it may be thought that separate dispensers
should be used for each product, or that a dispenser should be
cleaned after use with one product and before another product is
used therein.
Accordingly, a dispenser unit which might heat and dispense a
plurality of products in succession without the need for
intermediate cleaning, and without operating in a manner such that
the products would contaminate one another, would be highly
advantageous.
A dispenser of this type would also be particularly advantageous in
the event that plural chambers adapted to heat different products
could also be used in common to heat the same product, if indicated
by the desire of the user and the nature of the products.
A dispenser unit adapted to heat and dispense cosmetic products
should also desirably include sufficient heat capacity within a
reasonable physical size to heat normally used amounts of product
in a single chamber, or in several chambers, and would desirably be
constructed so that the sequence in which the products are directed
to one, all or less than all of the chambers need not be determined
by manipulations made by the user, but would be determined by
inherent or predetermined characteristics of the dispenser, or the
container holding the products, or both. An improved heated
cosmetic dispenser would also advantageously include means for
insuring that the product could be heated sufficiently to be
desirable without creating the danger of being overheated, and
would provide means for guiding the hand or fingers of the user in
relation to the product outlet so that the unit could be favorably
and conveniently manipulated without the exercise of a great deal
of skill.
Moreover, any such unit of this type would advantageously be
relatively simple, rugged, inexpensive and relatively free from the
hazards of fire, electrical shock or the like, particularly under
the conditions normally expected to be encountered in the use of
such unit, and to embody many or all of such features in a device
which is esthetically pleasing and simple to load and unload.
Accordingly, in view of the foregoing desirable features of a
dispenser for heating and dispensing cosmetic and other products,
and in view of the failure of prior art devices to provide some or
all of these advantages and characteristic features, and other
desired features, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an improved dispenser for heating and dispensing cosmetic
products.
It is a further object to provide a heating dispenser having plural
heating chambers which may be used individually or in common for
heating a particular product.
A further object is to provide such a unit having means thereon for
preventing undesirable discharge therefrom of steam, overheated
water or the like created as an incident to heating the product
prior to use thereof.
A further object is the provision of a dispenser having an improved
electrical heating system, including means for locating and
retaining the electrical appliance cord in relation to the
electrical components of the dispenser to provide ease of assembly,
maximum mechanical strength and waterproof electrical
insulation.
A further object is to provide a dispenser having a relatively
massive heat sink, whereby heat sufficient to warm a desired amount
of product may be stored at a reasonable temperature.
A further object is to provide a system of chambers and passages
adapted to direct products from a container outlet nozzle into one
or more preselected particular heating chambers and thereafter to a
product discharge outlet.
A further object is the provision of an improved heat sink assembly
incorporating means for directing a fluent product in a desired
path and heating the same to a desired temperature.
A still further object is the provision of a dispenser having means
forming a part thereof for selecting a desired product path and for
directing the product through such path so as to direct a
particular product to one or both of the chambers as desired.
A further object is the provision of a product container adapted
for use with such a dispenser, wherein the container includes means
associated therewith for insuring that the product container is
properly stored prior to usage thereof.
A still further object is the provision of a dispenser which is
constructed and arranged to facilitate manipulation thereof and
adapted to aid in positioning of the hands or fingers of the user
so as to receive the product dispensed therefrom.
A further object is the provision of a heat sink or heat exchanger
assembly having means associated therewith for directing the
product along a plurality of surfaces thereof for absorbing heat
therefrom in a most effective manner.
A further object is to provide a product container having a
dispensing nozzle associated therewith which is characterized by
outlet passages adapted for cooperation with other parts of the
dispenser to determine the path the product held in such container
will take while passing through one or more heating chambers of an
associated dispenser.
A still further object is the provision of a dispenser constructed
of economical but durable materials, and which is constructed and
arranged so as to be economically producted and assembled.
These objects and other inherent objects and advantages of the
invention are achieved by providing a dispenser which includes a
series of passages, each including a heating chamber and an outlet
with the passages being arranged so that the product may be
directed through all or less than all of the chambers, depending on
the configuration of the dispensing nozzle of an associated
container, means for electrically heating the product under
controlled conditions when the product passes through the chambers,
and by providing containers especially adapted for use with the
dispenser of the invention.
The exact manner in which these and other inherent objects and
advantages of the invention are achieved in practice will become
more clearly apparent when reference is made to the accompanying
detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention,
and to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals
indicate corresponding parts throughout.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the dispenser of the invention with
a product container received therein in position of use;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser and
container of the invention, showing certain of the principal
elements thereof;
FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view through the dispenser unit of
the invention, showing a product container associated therewith in
position of use;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the product receiving and
heating assembly of the invention;
FIG. 5 is a horizontal sectional view of the dispenser unit,
showing a top view of the product receiving and dispensing unit and
taken along lines 5--5 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a horizontal sectional view of the dispenser, showing the
principal elements of the base portion of the dispenser and taken
along lines 6--6 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the body of the heat sink of the
dispenser;
FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the heat sink of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of
one embodiment of the container nozzle and product inlet body of
the invention;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of another form of
container nozzle and product inlet body of the invention;
FIG. 11 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary sectional view of another
form of container nozzle and product inlet body of the
invention;
FIG. 12 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a still
further modified form of container nozzle and product inlet body of
the invention;
FIG. 13 is a greatly enlarged vertical sectional view of the
product outlet passage portion of the unit;
FIG. 14 is a top plan view of another form of heat sink which is
useful with the dispenser of the invention;
FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the heat sink of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the heat sink unit of FIGS.
14 and 15, showing the thermostatic control associated therewith;
and
FIG. 17 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of a portion of the
electrical connector used with the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Although it will be appreciated that the principles of the present
invention may be applied to a number of different forms of
dispensing units, the invention will be described with particular
reference to exemplary embodiments wherein the dispenser unit
receives a pressurized container in an upper portion thereof,
wherein the product is discharged under pressure from the container
and thereupon passes through an inlet area to one or more heating
chambers within a heating assembly to emerge from associated
dispensing openings disposed in the lower portion of the unit.
Referring now to the drawings in greater detail and in particular
to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dispenser unit 30 according to the invention is
shown to include a skirt portion 32 of generally inverted
frusto-conical shape, and having an upper margin 34 thereof
defining an opening 36 in which the major portion of the body 38 of
an associated container unit 40 is received. Characteristically,
the container 40 includes a top cover 42 and a lower cover or
overcap portion 44 which is removable, and which, when the
container is stored, covers a nozzle 46 having one or more openings
48 through which the product is dispensed. Disposed within a lower
portion of the skirt 32 is a product receiving and heating assembly
50 generally shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, this assembly 50
includes a product receiving and heating assembly cover element 52
having an inlet body portion 54, a two-piece gasket assembly 56 and
a heat sink assembly 58. As will be set forth in further detail
herein, the inlet portion 54 of the product receiving and heating
assembly 50 includes means for directing the product to one or more
heating chambers within the assembly 50 either simultaneously or
sequentially.
Another major portion of the unit 30 is the base 60 (FIGS. 1 and 2)
which includes wall portions 62 defining a re-entrant portion 64
therein for reception of the user's hand or fingers, and an upper
portion 66 adapted to engage the lower portion of the skirt 32 in a
locking relation. Another principal element of the base 60 is the
means in the form of two or more outlet passages 68, 70 for
connecting the product outlets 72 in the heat sink assembly 58 to
the product outlets 74 in the base. The purpose of passages 68, 70
will be set forth in detail as the description proceeds. In
addition to a bottom cover plate 76, the dispenser unit 30 also
includes control means 78 for the heater, and a window 80 for
viewing an indicator showing that the heater is in operation. The
heat sink assembly 58 also includes a thermostatic control unit 82
(FIG. 4) and a heating element 84, the construction of which will
be described in further detail herein. A novel electrical connector
assembly 86, which will be described in detail herein, is provided
for adding structural integrity and water resistance to the
electrical elements of the dispenser 30.
Referring now in particular to the container 40, it will be noted
that the top cover 42 contains a rounded top surface portion 88,
and that the overcap 44 contains a flat bottom surface portion 90.
Thus, the container 40 with the overcap 44 thereon will stand
without external support in the inverted position when not received
in the dispenser 30 and cannot be stored upright without external
support. The container 40 is constructed in this manner because,
inasmuch as the product to be dispensed is normally somewhat fluent
but still highly viscous, and since the product flows into the
nozzle 46 from the portion of the container most closely adjacent
thereto, it is essential that the container be stored in the
inverted position, at least for some time prior to use thereof. On
the other hand, if the container 40 were stored with the valve
nozzle 46 directed upwardly, the product would settle in the
lowermost portion of the can and, if the container 40 were then
placed in the dispenser unit 30 and the valve 46 immediatey
actuated, the propellant gas would undesirably escape from the
nozzle 46 prior to the time product would have an opportunity to
flow downwardly in the can to the area adjacent the valve.
This contingency is therefore conveniently avoided by sufficiently
rounding the top surface 88 of the cover 42 so that the container
40 will not stand upright without support, and by providing a flat
surface 90 on the overcap 44, thus assuring that the container is
not inadvertently stored in the upright position.
Referring now to FIGS. 2-8, a number of the other features of the
construction of the dispenser unit 30 will be described. Referring
particularly to FIGS. 3 and 4, it will be noted that the skirt 32
includes an inner, generally cylindrical collar 92 for guiding the
container body 38 so that the nozzle 46 will be in at least an
approximate position of registry with the opening 94 in the inlet
body portion 54 of the product receiving and heating assembly 50. A
plurality of ribs 96 are also provided and extend inwardly from the
skirt 32 to provide additional stiffness therefor. The inlet body
portion 54 is surmounted by a generally inverted frusto-conical
metal cover 98 which serves to guide the nozzle 46 into the opening
94, and also serves to hold the O-ring 100 in place within the body
54. Disposed below the inlet body 54 is a gasket assembly 56
comprises of an upper, relatively resilient gasket 102, preferably
formed of rubber or the like, and a thin, lower gasket 104 formed
of a relatively inert material such as "Mylar" (polyethylene
terephthalate) or the like.
Beneath the gasket assembly 56 is the heat sink assembly 58 which
includes the thermostat unit 82 as well as a heat sink body 106
having lower wall portions 108 defining a recess 110 for receiving
the heating element 84. As shown in FIG. 4 for example, pairs of
lands 112, 114 extend upwardly from the upper surface 116 of the
heat sink body 106 to define on the interior thereof a pair of
heating chamber wall surfaces 118, 120 forming the bottom walls
respectively of a pair of heating chambers 122, 124, the top
surfaces of which are defined by the lower surfaces of the Mylar
lower gasket 104. At one end of each chamber 122, 124, is a heat
sink product outlet 72, while passages formed in part by openings
126, 128 in the gasket assembly 56 provide inlets to the heating
chambers 122, 124. Accordingly, it will be seen that the body 106
of the heat sink assembly 58 includes means for directing a fluent
product along a path of relatively great surface area and through
openings or outlets adapted to communicate with the ultimate
product outlets 74 (FIG. 3).
Referring now to another feature of the invention, it will be noted
that current flow to the heating element 84, which is preferably
potted in place within the recess 110 with a thermally conductive
cement 130 is controlled by the thermostat 82. The thermostat 82 is
conventional and includes a flexible bimetallic lower element 132,
a pair of blades 134, 136 having contact point portions 138
respectively thereon, with the element 132 having at one end
thereof an electrically insulating post 140 contacting an end of
the upper blade 136. Accordingly, upward movement of the end of the
element 132 will raise the end of the blade 136 upwardly a
sufficient amount to open the contact points 138, thereby
interrupting current flow into the heating element 84. On the other
hand, any temperature which is insufficient to cause bending of
element 132 to this extent will premit continued current flow in
the element 84 so as to maintain or increase the temperature in the
heat sink body 106. In the illustrated embodiment (FIG. 2), the
thermostat control assembly 78 includes a thermostat actuating
slide 142 having an indicator 144 thereon, an arcuate upper guide
portion 144 and a post 146 which is adapted to be received in the
slot 148 of a pivoted yoke 150. A keyed end portion 152 (FIG. 4) on
the yoke 150 registers with a notched sleeve 154 which passes
through a threaded opening in a rigid arm 156 forming a part of the
thermostat 82. The lower end portion 158 of the sleeve 154 engages
the lower blade 134 of the thermostat 82, so that the degree of
movement of bimetal element 132 and the upper blade 136 necessary
to opening the contact points 138 may be changed to establish the
temperature to which the product will be heated, in keeping with
the preference of the user, and the nature of the product being
used. Accordingly, moving the indicator 144 arcuately from side to
side will move the yoke 150 and raise or lower the blade 136 in the
thermostat 82. The actuator slide is received along the lower
portion thereof in a slot 160 in the base 60, and the upper portion
147 of the slide is guidingly received in the relieved portion 162
of the heating assembly cover 52. The metal cover plate 164 held
over the cover 52 by fasteners 166, 168 overlies one of the
surfaces defining the upper portion 147 of the actuator slide 142,
forming a slide way for the slide 142.
Referring now to other electrical components of the invention, FIG.
7 shows that a pair of ears 170, 172 are provided for receiving
conductors 174, 176 which are associated respectively with one of
the lead-in wires extending to the connector assembly 86, and with
one of the leads to the heating element 84. In indicator light 178,
which is disposed in use behind the lens 80 has thin leads 180
attached thereto across or parallel to the heavier wires 176, 182
leading to the heating element 84. Thus, the thermostat is in
series with the heating element, and the indicator light 178 is
parallel to the element 84 but is also in series with the
thermostat.
Another important feature of the electrical system of the invention
is the manner in which the cord 184 is secured in place within the
bottom wall 186 of the base 60 by the connector assembly 86 to
provide proper electrical connections to the lines 176, 182 (see
FIG. 17).
Referring in particular to FIGS. 3, 4 and 17, it will be noted that
this connector assembly 86 includes a stiff but resilient outer
segment 188, and a similarly constructed inner element 190 joined
to the element 188 by a reduced diameter neck portion 192. The
exterior insulating portions of the cord and wires 184, 176, 182
respectively are bonded to the elements 188, 190, 192 in an
electrically insulating, mechanically strong and water-tight
relation. The neck 192 is snugly received by walls 194 defining an
opening in the wall 186, while a stiff, generally U-shaped clip 196
is wedged between an axially facing surface of the element 190 and
the inside surface of the wall 186. A circular ridge 198 prevents
the clip 196 from being removed, and a liquid-tight seal is thus
provided between an axial inner face of the element 188 and the
outer surface of the wall 186. Thus, this construction is simple
and inexpensive, but it provides the simultaneous features of
waterproofing, freedom from the likelihood of unlocking, and great
mechanical strength, so that pulling forces on the cord 184 are not
transmitted to any of the more delicate interior electrical
connections.
Referring now to other important construction features of the
dispenser unit 30, FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the product inlet
body portion 54 of the cover 52 wherein the nozzle portion 46 of an
associated container 40 is received in an axially extending opening
94 which includes means in the form of an O-ring 100 adapted to
engage the nozzle 46 in a snug relation. As shown, this ring 100 is
snugly received within an annular groove 200 within the opening
94.
Located beneath a reduced diameter portion 202 of the opening 94 is
an annular groove 204 communicating with a passageway 206 which
terminates in one product heating chamber 124. As shown in dotted
lines in FIG. 9, a bore 208 extends axially of the nozzle 46 to
allow passage of product therethrough, with the passage 208 having
an axial end opening 210 therein and a radially extending passage
121 intersecting the bore 208 and terminating in a radially
directed opening 214 therein. It should be understood that, in use,
the nozzle 46 will always include the bore 208, but that this bore
may be provided only with an axial outlet 210, or only with the
radial outlet 214, or with both outlets 210, 214, for reasons which
will not be set forth. As shown in FIG. 9, chamber 122 communicates
with the openings 126 in the gasket assembly 56, the openings 126
defining, at least in part, a passage to the chamber 122. In
keeping with the invention, assuming that the nozzle portion 46 of
a container is positioned as shown, there is no communication
between chambers 124 and 126, except communication which might be
established by way of the passage 208 and the openings 210, 214.
Accordingly, assuming that only the opening 210 is provided, any
product flowing through passage 208 would be discharged into
chamber 122 and chamber 124 would not receive any product, since
passage 206 and the annular groove 204 are totally blocked by the
exterior walls of the nozzle 46.
On the other hand, assuming that outlet 210 is not present, but
that only radially directed openings 214 is provided, any product
passing through the axial bore 208 would flow through passage 206
and into chamber 124, while the bottom portion of the nozzle 46,
being imperforate in this example, would block access to chamber
122. Under the foregoing circumstances, it can be seen that, in the
first case, product would pass into chamber 122 and out the left
hand product dispensing opening 74 only, while, in the second case,
product would pass through chamber 124 and out the right hand
product outlet opening 74. On the other hand, a nozzle 46 having
both radial and axial outlets 210, 214 would permit product to flow
simultaneously into both chambers 122, 124 and simultaneously out
both openings 74. From the foregoing, it will be seen that the
construction of the product inlet assembly so as to have plural
individual passages, each adapted to communicate with an individual
chamber and adapted at the opposite ends thereof to register only
with a particular portion of the nozzle-receiving opening, makes it
possible to dermine in advance whether one or more chambers will be
used to heat the product, and which of the several chambers will be
used for this purpose, merely by the location of the openings in
the container nozzle 46. Therefore, the paths to be taken by the
individual products may be coded or programmed in such a way that
there will be no possibility of antagonistic products being passed
into the same chamber. Furthermore, the dispensing volume may be
controlled by providing a multiple outlet nozzle for products
desired to be dispensed in higher volume, and single outlet nozzles
for products desired to be dispensed in lower volumes, all without
altering the rate at which the products pass through the individual
heating chambers.
Referring now to FIG. 10, an embodiment is shown wherein the
elements are similar to their counterparts in FIG. 9 except that a
tapered shoulder 216 forms a part of the passage 218 associated
with the heating chamber 122. Accordingly, this shoulder 126 forms
a good seal with the end portion of the nozzle 46 and provides
resistance to axial movement of the nozzle 46 so that a force
applied axially to the can will move the can relative to the nozzle
an actuate the container valve for dispensing purposes. In this
embodiment, it will be noted that since the groove 204 extends
fully around the nozzle 46 there will be communication between the
bore 208 of the nozzle 46 and the passage 206 even though the
radial outlet 214 is disposed oppositely to or out of registry with
the passage 206. In this manner, it is not necessary to orient the
container before inserting it into the opening 36 in the skirt 32.
The embodiment of FIG. 10 is advantageously used with nozzles
having axial openings only, radial openings only, or both, and the
function thereof is the same as the functioning of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 shows a construction wherein an insert nozzle seat 220
having a shoulder 216 therein is provided, and this illustration
shows a construction wherein an annular gasket 222 provides a seal
between the groove 200 receiving the O-ring 100 and the groove 204
forming a part of passage 206.
Referring now to FIG. 12, it will be noted that, in addition to the
groove 200 and the O-ring 100, a second groove 224 having an O-ring
226 therein is provided, and that a third annular groove 228 has
been constructed for registry with a third passage 230 which
extends to and communicates with a third heating chamber somewhat
schematically shown at 232. In this illustration, passages 206 and
218 are shown respectively to be associated with heating chambers
124 and 122. In any or all of the constructions shown in FIGS.
9-12, the cover 98 may form the top portion of the body 54 and may
serve to retain the ring 100 in place. The function of the product
inlet assembly of the type shown in FIG. 12 is the same as that of
the embodiments thereof shown in FIGS. 9-11, except that a second
radial passage 234 is provided in the nozzle 46, and the heat sink
assembly 58 may be equipped with a third chamber. It will be
apparent that, in this form of construction, a number of nozzle
configurations may be provided so that the product may be directed
to one chamber, two chambers or three chambers, and that three
different combinations of two chambers may be provided for, that
is, a product might pass through first and second chambers, only
first and third chambers only, or second and third chambers only.
The other features inherent in the construction of the counterparts
of the elements shown in FIG. 12, such as the feature of control of
dispensing rate, etc., are also inherently associated with the
construction of FIG. 12, and it may be appreciated that any
reasonable number of other passages may be provided for
communication between nozzle outlets and heating chambers
associated with passages disposed in the nozzle receiver 94.
Referring now to another important feature of the dispenser of the
invention, FIG. 13 shows in detail the construction of a preferred
form of product outlet passage 68 which is disposed between the
heat sink product outlets 72 and the product outlet 74 in the base.
It will be understood that the outlet passage 70 is constructed and
arranged in the same manner as the passage 68, and that, if
additional passages are provided, they may be constructed in the
same manner. This passage 68 is shown to be defined by an upper
surface 236 of an absorbent gasket 240 and the lower surface
portion 238 of the heat sink body 106. The gasket 240 is held
firmly in place between lands 242 formed on the lower surface of
the heat sink body 106, and extending downwardly therefrom, and
generally congruent but larger lands 244 extending upwardly from
the base 66 and also partially defining the chamber 68. Thus,
referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, it will be noted that the lands 242,
244 are disposed on surfaces which are oppositely directed in use,
whereby, as the heat sink body 106 is forced downwardly into a
snug, closely overlying relation to the base 66, the gasket 240 is
held firmly by a combination compressing and wedging action between
the pairs of lands 242, 244. In use, the chambers 68, 70 serve the
purpose of reducing or eliminating the possibility that steam will
inadvertently be dispensed from the outlet 74, or that highly
fluent, overheated materials, including water, will be dispensed,
with the attendant risk of discomfort or harm to the user.
Accordingly, these chambers may be considered in one sense as steam
or vapor traps. Typically, in use, the product outlet passages 68,
70 provide an expansion chamber effect permitting the entry
velocity of the product being dispensed to be reduced as it passes
through the chamber. Furthermore, the increased surface area of the
passages 68, 70 affords an opportunity for water vapor or the like
to condense, and condensation is also favored by the directional
changes required for the product to traverse the outlet 72 the
chambers 68, 60 and the outlets 74. In addition, the gasket 240,
which is preferably of a sponge rubber or other porous material,
helps to condense and absorb vapors. It has been found that very
thin, fluent products, such as water, are more easily absorbed into
the sponge gasket 240 than are viscous, less fluent products, and
once the more fluent product is absorbed, its rapid passage toward
the outlet opening 74 is substantially impeded or stopped.
Accordingly, water and steam which might be separated from an
emulsified product for example, tend to be separated from and/or
cooled in these passages 68, 70 in relation to the remainder of the
product. Thus, the construction of these or similar forms of
product outlet passages is an important feature of the invention.
Referring again to FIG. 13, it will be noted that the two gaskets
102, 104 are disposed in a closely overlying relation, and that one
of the product chambers 112 lying upstream of passage 72 is defined
by lands 112, which extends somewhat circuitously along the top
surface 118 of the heat sink body 106.
Referring now to FIG. 3, certain other features of construction of
the dispenser of the invention and the operation of the dispenser
are shown for easy understanding thereof. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3,
the base unit 60 supports the assembly which rests on feet 246,
preferably made of rubber or the like. The cover 52 is held snugly
in place over the body 106 of the heat sink assembly 58 by
fastening means in the form of screws 248. In this manner, the
gaskets 102, 103 and 104 are tightly compressed and the heating
chambers 122, 124 are partially defined in this manner. The
actuator slide 142, the yoke 150 and the associated components are
fixed in relation to the thermostat assembly by the fasteners 166,
168 (FIG. 4) and by the above described engagement of the portions
of the slide 142 with portions of the base 60 and the cover element
52. The skirt 32 is snapped into position over the base by
engagement of snaps 250 on the lower portions thereof with the
projections 252 (FIG. 2) on the upper portion 66 of the base
60.
In the use of the dispenser, the lower portion of the nozzle 46
rests on the shoulder 216 within the inlet body 54, whereby the
container 40 is supported by the nozzle 46. When it is desired to
dispense the product, downward force is manually exerted on the top
cover 42 of the container 40, thereby actuating the container valve
and allowing product to be dispensed therefrom. For purposes of
illustration, it will be assumed that the nozzle 46 includes an
axially facing central opening 210 permitting the product to flow
therethrough and into one of the chambers 122 as well as a radially
directed opening 214 permitting the product to flow into another
chamber 124. The gasket ring 100 prevents the product from flowing
upwardly over the cover 98. Assuming that the heating element 84
has been energized, and that the heat sink body 106 has attained
the desired temperature, the product, under the pressurizing force
of the propellent in the container 40 is pushed rapidly through the
chambers 122, 124 which are of narrow cross section and which have
significant portions of their surfaces formed by the top surfaces
118, 120 of the heat sink body 106. Thereafter, the product flows
vertically through the body outlet 72 and into the passages or
expansion chambers 68, 70 and out the dispensing openings 74.
During the time the heating element 84 is energized, the light 178,
which may be viewed through the window 80, is illuminated.
Temperature adjustments are made by manipulating the indicator 144
on the thermostat actuating slide 142.
In the event that only one, or less than all possible openings 210,
214, 234. are provided in the nozzle 46, only the chamber or
chambers associated with the passage or passages in registry with
the opening will be used. Removal and replacement of such container
with another container having different outlet configuration will
result in the use of a different chamber or combination of
chambers.
Referring now to FIGS. 14-16, a different form of heat sink
assembly 260 is shown. In this construction, a two piece heat sink
body 262 is provided, which has a thermostat assembly 264 disposed
atop the upper half 266 thereof. In this embodiment, however, the
heating element 268 is held between upper and lower pieces 266, 270
of the body, and electrical leads 272 supply current to the element
268. In the construction of FIGS. 14-16, the path taken by the
products is somewhat elongated in relation to the path taken by
products passing along the heat sink of the form shown in FIGS. 7
and 8, for example. In particular, the product chambers are defined
not only by upwardly facing recessed surfaces 274, 276 forming a
portion of the heat sink top surface 278, but also by downwardly
facing recessed surfaces 280, 282 lying on the bottom surface 284
of the lower piece 270. A vertically extending passage 286 is
provided for each of the chambers in order to connect the surface
274 to the surface 280, and the surface 276 to the surface 282, for
example. Referring to FIG. 14, for example, it will be noted that
an elongated travel path for the product is provided since the
areas 288, 290 initially receive the product, and the product must
then follow the path defined by the recessed surfaces 274, 276 pass
through the openings 286 and traverse the entire extent of surfaces
280, 282 to reach the areas 292, 294 which lie adjacent the product
outlet openings. This form of heat sink may be used in a
construction wherein the product has a relatively higher specific
heat, or in a construction wherein the heat sink may be desired to
be kept at a somewhat lower temperature than in the other form of
heat sink. This construction may also be desired in the event that
a form or other expansible product is dispensed and wherein it is
desired to provide heated surfaces for contacting the product
during or after expansion thereof to compensate for the heat
absorbed in product foaming or the like. In other respects, the
modified form of heat sink assembly 260 is generally similar to its
counterpart shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, that is, the thermostat
assembly 264 also includes ears 296 for receiving electrical
connectors, and an adjustment screw 298 is provided for adjusting
the initial clearance between the electrical contact points 300 to
adjust the temperature at which the heating element 286 is
energized and de-energized.
Although the material from which the various elements of the
dispenser are made do not form an essential part of the invention,
certain materials are advantageously used in the construction of
the containers and the dispensers of the invention. The aerosol or
other pressurized container is of conventional construction, and
the top cover 42 and the lower cover 44 are normally made of
inexpensive thermoplastic materials. The skirt 32 may be comprised
of a high impact polystyrene or modified polystyrene material. The
base unit comprises a moldable thermoplastic material, such as a
General Electric "Noryl" resin, and the heat sink cover 52 may be
made of the same or similar material. The heat sink body 106 is
preferably die cast aluminum, while the heating element 84 is
typically a high resistance electrical wire material such as
"Nichrome" encased within a ceramic material having high dielectric
strength. The bottom cover 76 may be a zinc plated steel, while the
actuator slide 142, yoke 150 and the like are preferably made of a
strong synthetic plastic material such as a polycarbonate, an
acetal, or the like.
The thermostat and other electrically conductive elements are
preferably made from steel, while the upper gasket 102 is a rubber
material such as Neoprene, the lower gasket 104 is Mylar, and the
ring gasket 103 disposed in the groove 105 may also be a Neoprene
material. The connector assembly 86 is preferably a rubber or
rubber-like material while the non-metallic portions of the
appliance cord 184 are preferably polyvinyl chloride. In one
embodiment, the unit is operated on 110 volt alternating current,
although the unit may operate effectively at other ratings and may
be adapted to operate on direct current if desired.
As pointed out above, the dispenser of the invention is
advantageously adapted to heat and dispense creams, jellies,
emulsions and the like, as well as foamed or foamable products
suitable for a wide variety of uses. Such products include but are
not limited to women's cosmetic products, such as skin creams,
moisturizers, and products used in facial treatment generally, as
well as other cosmetic products, medical first aid products and
other products.
Whereas, the unit operates excellently with non-foamed products,
the design of the unit of the invention is such that it also
operates very well with foamed and foamable products, including
shaving preparations and the like, and also including compositions
having blowing or foaming agents therein, even whose rate of
evaporation may be significantly or greatly increased by the
application thereto of raised temperatures.
From a consideration of the foregoing detailed description of the
preferred embodiments of the invention, it may be seen that the
present invention provides a novel dispenser, container, and method
having a number of advantages and characteristics, including those
herein pointed out and others which are inherent in the invention.
It will also be apparent that various modifications and changes may
be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the
spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *