Apparatus For Controlling Discharge Of Material From A Pressurized Dispensing Package

Abstract

A one-piece, molded actuator structure for a pressurized dispensing package has a base portion for attachment to the container, an annular flange portion that extends inwardly from the top of the base portion and an actuator portion disposed in the opening defined by the flange. The actuator portion includes a coupling for connection to a valve stem, a discharge passage in communication with the valve coupling, and a pair of diametrically opposed webs that extend between the actuator portion and the inner periphery of the flange portion. Application of axial force to the actuator portion flexes the webs and flange portion in a bellows type of action to permit dispensing of material from the package.

Description

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

This invention relates to pressurized dispensing packages and more particularly to apparatus for controlling discharge of amterial from such packages.

Pressurized dispensing packages typically employ a valve structure that includes a tubular valve stem through which the material to be dispensed flows. The valve is operated by applying either axial or transverse force to the valve stem. Although such valve stems may be operated by the direct application of finger pressure, an auxiliary structure or cap is usually provided. Such an auxiliary structure, in addition to enabling the valve to be more easily operated, may better define or modify a discharge direction, improve the external contour of the package, and/or reduce the possibility of accidental discharge. The auxiliary structure often takes the form of a molded, one-piece member of polymeric material that includes a base portion adapted to be secured to the container and an actuator portion which is coupled to the base and adapted to be connected to the valve stem. The coupling of the actuator portion to the base portion has taken a variety of forms including hinge structures which are elastically deformed upon actuation of the valve. Such hinges, however, constrain freedom of movement of the actuator portion with the valve stem and hence, unless designed to stretch or similarly deform, may hinder operation of the valve stem (e.g., by cutting down the maximum discharge rate). Also, the stress on such a coupling (typically a thin, flexible plastic strip), unless the coupling is particularly well constructed, may render the coupling vulnerable to breakage under repeated use, and prior to complete discharge of the contents of the package.

It is an object of this invention to provide a novel and improved auxiliary actuator structure for operating a valve of a pressurized dispensing package, which actuator structure is of sufficiently reliable and durable construction to completely dispense the contents of the dispensing package during its lifetime.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved actuator structure for actuating a valve of a pressurized dispensing package which is easy to manufacture and operate, is of improved durable construction, and which reliably and consistently provides desired material discharge from such packages.

In accordance with the invention there is provided a one-piece actuator structure for a pressurized dispensing package having a material container and a valve structure including a material delivery passage from the container. The actuator structure comprises a base portion for attachment to the container, e.g., by an annular base wall that generally surrounds the valve structure with an annular flange portion that extends inwardly from the top of the base portion and defines an opening. An actuator portion is disposed in the opening and defines a coupling portion for connection to the valve delivery passage, and a transversely extending discharge passage that is in communication with the coupling portion. The actuator portion is connected to the base by a pair of diametrically opposed webs that extend radially outwardly from the actuator portion to the inner periphery of the flange portion of the base portion. The actuator portion further has an exposed upper surface located so that application of force to that exposed surface moves the actuator portion axially, flexing the webs and flange portion in a bellows type of action to thereby operate the valve structure and dispense material through the discharge passage of the actuator portion. The webs and flange portion cooperate to provide a restoring force upon release of the actuator portion. Through suitable coordination of the polymeric material, and the dimensions and configuration of the webs and flange there is provided a sturdy, one-piece actuator which is easy and convenient to operate.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be seen as the following description of particular embodiments of the invention progresses, in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a pressurized dispensing package having an actuator structure constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the top portion of the pressurized dispensing package and actuator structure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the actuator structure and top portion of the dispensing package shown in FIG. 1 taken along the line 3--3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the actuator structure shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a top view, similar to FIG. 1, of another embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-4 show the upper portion of a pressurized dispensing package which includes a container 10 which holds the ingredient to be dispensed as well as a suitable propellant in the usual manner. Bead 12 defines an opening in the upper wall of container 10 and a valve mounting cup 14 is secured to bead 12 by crimping its outer periphery about that bead as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. A valve assembly 16 is secured to mounting cup 14 and has a dip tube 18 depending from its lower end and an upwardly extending valve stem 20 which defines a material discharge passage 22. The valve is biased to a closed position and is opened by axially depressing stem 20. When the axial force is released, the valve biasing means returns the valve to closed position.

A one-piece actuator structure 28, formed of a resilient and yieldable plastic material such as polyethylene, has a base portion 30 that includes an annular wall 32 (about 0.040 inch thick) that has at its lower end an inwardly projecting rib 34 which engages bead 12. Webs 36 (FIG. 5) extend inwardly from wall 32 and have lower surfaces which seat on bead 12 and locate the base portion in position on that bead. At the upper end of wall 32 is an inwardly extending generally annular flange 38 that is inclined upwardly at an angle of 20.degree. and defines an inner peripheral surface 40. Surface 40 merges with curved surfaces 42 that extend to spaced vertical walls 44 at the front of the base that define a recess or notch.

An actuator portion or button 50 includes a cylindrical skirt portion 52 that is disposed within the opening defined by flange surface 40 of base 30, and curved transition wall portions 54 which connect wall portion 52 to dispensing spout 56 that defines a discharge opening 58 at its forward end. Spout 56 is disposed within the notch defined by walls 44. The depth of that notch is preferably greater than the full permitted travel of valve stem 20 so that the actuator button does not tilt although the depth of the slot may be less should a combined axial and tilt mode of operation be desired. The outer surface of skirt 52 is spaced about 0.060 inch from surface 40. Button 50 includes a central depressed portion 62 on its upper surface and a depending tubular boss or connector portion 64 on its lower side that is generally in axial alignment with surface 62. The lower end of connector 64 is telescopically received over the upper end of stem 20. Connector portion 64 defines an axially extending passage 66 at the upper end of which is disposed stop surface 68. A transversely disposed passage 70 extends from passage 66 through dispensing spout portion 56 to discharge orifice 58.

Button portion 50 is connected to base portion 30 by two diametrically opposed webs 72, 74 that extend across the gap between surface 40 and to the lower end of wall 52. Each web has a circumferential length of 0.20 inch, a thickness of 0.040 inch and is inclined downwardly at an angle of 30.degree..

The actuator member is attached to container 10 merely by inserting stem 20 into the bore of connector portion 64 and snapping rib 34 over bead 12. In operation, the user, by modest pressure on surface 62, moves the cap portion 50 and the coupled stem 20 axially downwardly. This downward motion of button 50 flexes webs 72, 74 and flange 38 downwardly in a bellows type of action which facilitates full downward movement of stem 20 in a valve opening action, allowing material in the container to be discharged through the stem passage 22, and passage 70 to discharge orifice 58. Upon release of the downward pressure, the biasing means in valve 16 and the flexed flange 38 and webs 72, 74 move the button 50 axially upward, returning it to initial position and closing the valve to terminate the dispensing action.

The configuration and arrangement of this actuator structure has a number of advantages. The structure is compact and sturdy and resists warping. The button portion 50 has an ample surface 62 that is easily engaged by a finger of the hand which holds the dispensing package and the proportioned resistance of the webs and flange 38 enable a woman or child to easily operate the dispensing device. The sloping transition surface of flange 38 provides a smooth external transition with the annular wall 52 of button portion 50 which fits within surface 40 of flange 38, resulting in an actuator having a smooth and low profile. The coupling webs 72, 74 and flexible flange 38 provide biasing force tending to restore the valve to closed position. Where it is desired to further adjust the web-flange bellows action, one or more slots 80 that extend radially outward from surface 40' up to about one-half the width of flange 38' may be provided either immediately adjacent each web or spaced therefrom as shown in FIG. 6. The actuator facilitates axial rather than tilt mode of operation of the valve in an arrangement that is compact and economical to manufacture.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and therefore it is not intended that the invention be limited to the disclosed embodiments or to details thereof, and departures may be made therefrom within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A one-piece actuator structure for a pressurized dispensing package having a material container and a valve structure including a material delivery passage from the container, said actuator structure comprising a base portion for attachment to said container, an annular flange portion extending inwardly from the top of said base portion and defining an opening, an actuator portion disposed in said opening, said actuator portion including structure defining a coupling for connection to said valve delivery passage, discharge passage defining structure in communication with said coupling structure and a depending skirt portion, and a pair of diametrically opposed webs extending between said actuator portion and the inner periphery of said flange portion, said webs being inclined from the inner periphery of said flange to said skirt portion of said actuator button and the bottom of said skirt portion being disposed within and closely spaced from the inner periphery of said flange portion, said actuator portion having an exposed upper surface located so that application of force to said exposed surface moves said actuator portion axially, flexing said webs and flange portion in a bellows type of action to thereby operate the valve structure and dispense material through the discharge passage of said actuator portion.

2. The structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein said skirt portion is of cylindrical configuration and a circular opening is defined by said flange portion.

3. The structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the length of each said web along the periphery of said flange portion is less than one-third inch.

4. The structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the thickness dimension of said webs is uniform and substantially the same as that of said flange portion.

5. A one-piece actuator structure for a pressurized dispensing package having a material container and a valve structure including a material delivery passage from the container, said actuator structure comprising a base portion for attachment to said container, an annular flange portion extending inwardly from the top of said base portion and defining an opening, said flange portion being inclined upwardly towards its inner periphery, an actuator portion disposed in said opening, said actuator portion including structure defining a coupling for connection to said valve delivery passage, discharge passage defining structure in communication with said coupling structure, and a depending skirt portion, and a pair of diametrically opposed webs extending between said actuator portion and the inner periphery of said flange portion, said webs being inclined downwardly from the inner periphery of said flange to the bottom of said skirt portion of said actuator button so that the bottom of said skirt portion is disposed within and closely spaced from the inner periphery of said flange portion, said actuator portion having an exposed upper surface located so that application of force to said exposed surface moves said actuator portion axially, flexing said webs and flange portion in a bellows type of action to thereby operate the valve structure and dispense material through the discharge passage of said actuator portion.

6. The structure as claimed in claim 5 wherein said flange portion has four slots that extend radially outward from the inner periphery thereof, each said slot being located adjacent a web on one side thereof in symmetrical relation with respect to a corresponding slot on the other side of the web.

7. The structure as claimed in claim 6 wherein the thickness dimension of said webs is uniform and substantially the same as that of said flange portion and the length of each said web along the periphery of said flange portion is less than one-third inch.

8. The structure as claimed in claim 7 and further including a notch adjacent the top of said base portion and a gap in said flange portion in alignment with said notch, and wherein said discharge passage defining structure extends transversely from said coupling through the gap in said flange and a portion thereof is disposed in said notch in said base portion.

9. A one-piece actuator structure for a pressurized dispensing package having a material container and a valve structure including a material delivery passage from the container, said actuator structure comprising a base portion for attachment to said container, an annular flange portion extending inwardly from the top of said base portion and defining an opening, an actuator portion disposed in said opening, said actuator portion including structure defining a coupling for connection to said valve delivery passage, discharge passage defining structure in communication with said coupling structure, and a pair of diametrically opposed webs extending between said actuator portion and the inner periphery of said flange portion, said flange portion including a slot adjacent each said web that extends radially outward from the inner periphery of said flange portion, said actuator portion having an exposed upper surface located so that application of force to said exposed surface moves said actuator portion axially, flexing said webs and flange portion in a bellows type of action to thereby operate the valve structure and dispense material through the discharge passage of said actuator portion.