U.S. patent number 3,767,125 [Application Number 05/148,167] was granted by the patent office on 1973-10-23 for multiple orifice aerosol actuator.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Union Carbide Corporation. Invention is credited to Ernst Gehres, Gilbert S. Jordan, Norman Usen.
United States Patent |
3,767,125 |
Gehres , et al. |
October 23, 1973 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
MULTIPLE ORIFICE AEROSOL ACTUATOR
Abstract
An aerosol actuator assembly having a multiple orifice discharge
arrangement is provided by means of an insert placed within the
dispensing conduit of an aerosol actuator button whose inner
surface cooperates with the outer surface of the insert to form
multiple dispensing conduits. The separately structured actuator
button and insert provide an arrangement obviating molding problems
which would arise with a one-piece multiple orifice actuator.
Inventors: |
Gehres; Ernst (Kisco, NY),
Jordan; Gilbert S. (Monroe, NY), Usen; Norman (West
Haverstraw, NY) |
Assignee: |
Union Carbide Corporation (New
York, NY)
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Family
ID: |
22524588 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/148,167 |
Filed: |
May 28, 1971 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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859659 |
Sep 26, 1969 |
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772703 |
Nov 1, 1968 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
239/552;
239/600 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
83/20 (20130101); B05B 1/14 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B05B
1/14 (20060101); B65D 83/16 (20060101); B05b
001/14 () |
Field of
Search: |
;222/394,145,402.1-402.25
;239/304,579,318,394,337,597,594,327,552,600 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Coleman; Samuel F.
Parent Case Text
The present application is a continuation of application, Ser. No.
859,659 filed Sept. 26, 1969, which is in turn a continuation in
part of application, Ser. No. 772,703 filed Nov. 1, 1968, both now
abandoned, and assigned to the same assignee as the present
invention.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An aerosol actuator assembly comprising an actuator button
including means for engaging a valve stem of an aerosol container
having aerosol formulation therein, said button being operative to
actuate said valve stem to effect discharge of said aerosol
formulation therefrom, conduit means defined by an internal surface
of said actuator button directing flow of said aerosol formulation
from said valve stem to a dispensing location, and insert means
positioned within said conduit means structurally distinct and
separately formed from said actuator button, the surface of said
insert means and said internal surface of said actuator button
defining therebetween a plurality of non-parallel channels for
dispensing said aerosol formulation, said insert means comprising
two integrally formed sections with one of said sections comprising
said channels and with the other of said sections comprising a
tapered configuration forming the smallest cross-sectional area of
said insert means and adapted to be placed within said conduit
means at a location within the flow path defined thereby which is
closest to said valve stem.
2. An aerosol actuator assembly according to claim 1 Wherein said
insert means is removably mounted within said conduit means in
tight frictional engagement therewith.
3. An aerosol actuator assembly according to claim 1 wherein said
insert means includes a conduit completely defined by an internal
surface of said insert means extending through said insert means in
a manner whereby aerosol formulation may be dispensed
therethrough.
4. An aerosol actuator assembly according to claim 1 wherein said
insert means and said actuator button are separately molded from
thermoplastic material.
5. An aerosol actuator assembly comprising an actuator button
including means for engaging a valve stem of an aerosol container
having aerosol formulation therein, said button being operative to
actuate said valve stem to effect discharge of said aerosol
formulation therefrom, conduit means defined by an internal surface
of said actuator button directing flow of said actuator formulation
from said valve stem to a dispensing location, and insert means
positioned within said conduit means structurally distinct and
separately formed from said actuator button, the surface of said
insert means and said internal surface of said actuator button
having formed therein a plurality of channels for dispensing said
aerosol formulation, said insert means being variably positionable
within said actuator button thereby to vary the juxtaposition
between the channels in said button and the channels of said insert
means.
6. An aerosol actuator assembly according to claim 5 wherein said
insert means is positioned within said actuator button conduit
means with the channels on said insert means and the channels in
said button juxtaposed opposite each other to form between them
said plurality of dispensing conduits.
7. An aerosol actuator assembly comprising an actuator button
including means for engaging a valve stem of an aerosol container
having aerosol formulation therein, said button being operative to
actuate said valve stem to effect discharge of said aerosol
formulation therefrom, conduit means defined by an internal surface
of said actuator button directing flow of said actuator formulation
from said valve stem to a dispensing location, and insert means
positioned within saId conduit means structurally distinct and
separately formed from said actuator button, the surface of said
insert means and said internal surface of said actuator button
having formed therein a plurality of channels for dispensing said
aerosol formulation, said insert means being positioned within said
actuator button in a manner whereby the channels in said conduit
means are angularly displaced from the channels on said insert
means.
Description
The present invention relates to aerosol dispensers, and more
particularly to the structure and arrangement of an aerosol
actuator, specifically the discharge orifice means thereof. The
invention is particularly concerned with overcoming certain
difficulties which may arise in the manufacturing procedures
pertaining to an actuator discharge configuration involving
multiple orifices. Furthermore, the invention is regarded as having
particular utility in connection with dispensing of dry powder
aerosol formulations.
Dry powder aerosols differ in many significant ways from liquid
aerosol systems and, consequently, they may require different
approaches with regard to dispensing structures and techniques. An
example of a dry powder system contemplated in the utilization of
the present invention is described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No.
3,081,223 issued Mar. 12, 1963 to P. E. Gunning and D. R. Rink.
This patent relates to an aerosol system which differs basically
from previously known systems, particularly systems utilizing a
slurry type mixture, in that it involves a self-propelled powder
which is delivered from a pressurized container in a dry spray
which is substantially liquid-free. This dry powder system
comprises a free-flowing powder composition which constitutes the
active material to be dispensed from the container. At least one
component of the powder composition comprises particles of a liquid
propellant-sorbent material, with a varporizable liquid propellant
being held in said sorbent material under the vapor pressure of the
propellant normally existing in the container at ambient
temperature. Upon exposure of the aerosol formulation to the
ambient environment externally of the container, the propellant is
vaporized by reducing the pressure to which it is exposed. The dry
powder system contemplated herein comprises a three-phase system
including a vapor phase and a homogeneous, free-flowing powdered
composition, the latter containing a vaporizable propellant. The
powder composition which constitutes a major portion of the system,
provides the supporting phase. Thus, one important distinction
between the dry powder system contemplated herein and the slurry
systems previously mentioned resides in the fact that in the slurry
system a liquid propellant constitutes the supporting phase whereas
in the dry powder system referred to herein the powder is the
supporting phase.
Other significant distinguishing features exist and because of
these it becomes necessary to provide dispensing techniques and
structures which are especially adaptable for utilization with dry
powder systems in order to provide dispensing and application of
the dry powder aerosol formulation in the most appropriate and
advantageous manner.
One of the more significant aspects relating to successful,
effective dispensing and utilization of dry powder aerosol
formulations is the nature of the spray pattern achieved when the
aerosol formulation is dispensed. The determination of a particular
spray pattern which will be most advantageous under a particular
set of circumstances will depend largely upon the nature of the
aerosol formulation involved and the type of application intended.
In general, the spray produced in dry powder aerosol systems tends
to be a rather diffuse and billowy pattern. Control and direction
of the spray may be accomplished by appropriate adaptation of the
arrangement and configuration of the actuator assembly utilized
with the aerosol system, particularly the internal conduit means
provided which direct the aerosol formulation from the valve stem
to the target area to which aerosol formulation is to be applied
for ultimate use. Of particular importance is the arrangement and
configuration of the orifice means located at the point on the
actuator structure at which the aerosol formulation untimately
exits from the dispensing assembly. The configuration and
arrangement of the exit orifice means plays a very significant role
in determining the nature and effect of the spray pattern of the
aerosol formulation as it strikes the target area.
Another factor of significant importance relates to the cost of
manufacture and the ability to apply presently known manufacturing
techniques and apparatus in producing a particular aerosol actuator
structure. The needs and requirements of the specific spray pattern
desired must be successfully met in an actuator assembly which is
arranged and configured in such a way that it may be readily
manufactured with known techniques and apparatus at a cost which is
not prohibitive and which will permit marketing of the aerosol
system in a commercially competitive manner. Most aerosol actuators
are made from molded thermoplastic materials and they must,
therefore, be adaptive to known molding techniques and
equipment.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved aerosol actuator assembly, especially adapted for
utilization with dry powder aerosol systems, which can provide
desired control of the dispensing spray pattern of an aerosol
formulation and which may be manufactured in an economical and
efficient manner utilizing presently known manufacturing techniques
and apparatus.
Briefly, the present invention may be described as an aerosol
actuator assembly comprising an actuator button having an internal
conduit defined therein and separately formed insert means mounted
within said internal conduit with the surface of said insert means
cooperating with the wall of said internal conduit to form
therebetween multiple dispensing conduit means.
In accordance with the invention there may be provided in a
two-piece structure comprising an actuator button and insert means,
a plurality of aerosol formulation dispensing conduits which may be
arranged in nonparallel relationship while avoiding serious
manufacturing obstacles which would arise if such a dispensing
arrangement were to be molded in a single piece.
The multiple conduit arrangement enabled by the present invention
permits more advantageous control of the spray pattern of a
dispensed dry powder formulation. Because of the multiple conduits,
a wider dispersion of aerosol formulation is possible with much
greater control within the target area desired then would be
possible with a single orifice configuration. By utilizing multiple
conduit dispensing, greater flexibility of spray pattern
configurations can be achieved while at the same time enabling more
predictable control of the density and quantity of aerosol
formulation inpinging upon a target area within the particular
spray pattern effected.
A better understanding of the invention may be had by reference to
the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment
thereof taken in connection with the accompanying drawings
wherein:
FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 1--1 of FIG.
2, of an actuator assembly embodying the principles of the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing the
pattern of multiple orifices through which aerosol formulation is
dispensed;
FIG. 3 is a sectional elevation of another aerosol actuator
assembly embodying the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a front view of the actuator assembly of FIG. 3 showing
the pattern of multiple orifices through which aerosol formulation
is dispensed;
FIG. 5 is an elevational view depicting the insert of the present
invention which is shown in cross section in FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a top view of the insert of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7, 9 and 11 are sectional elevations of alternative
embodiments of the invention taken, respectively, along the lines
7--7, 9--9 and 11--11 of FIGS. 8, 10 and 12, with FIGS. 9 and 11
partially broken away; and
FIGS. 8, 10 and 12 are, respectively, from views of the embodiments
of FIGS. 7, 9 and 11 showing the patterns of multiple orifices
through which aerosol formulation is dispensed.
Referrring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals
designate similar structural elements, particularly FIGS. 1 and 2
thereof, there is shown an actuator assembly 10 comprising a base
member 12 and an insert 14 of molded thermoplastic material. In
many respects, the actuator assembly 10 comprises a conventional
structural configuration. For example, the base member 12 includes
a cylindrically shaped conduit defined by an inner wall 16 with a
lower portion 16a defining a larger diameter opening adaptable to
fit securely over the valve stem (not shown) of an ordinary aerosol
container. Flow of aerosol formulation through the actuator 10 for
dispensing may be effected in a conventional manner by depressing
the actuator 10 thereby to depress the valve stem positioned within
conduit 16a whereby aerosol formulation is caused to flow from the
valve stem through the conduit 16a, 16.
The conduit 16 communicates in flow relationship with a plurality
of conduits 18 and a centrally located conduit 18a. As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, the conduits 18 extend from conduit 16 in
non-parallel directions and terminate in a circular pattern about
centrally located conduit 18a.
Base member 12 comprises a conically shaped conduit 20, while
insert 14 is similarly conically shaped and comprises an outer wall
22, with the wall of conduit 20 and outer wall 22 laying firmly
against each other thereby maintaining the insert 14 by frictional
engagement within the base member 12 in the manner depicted in
FIGS. 1 and 2.
The insert 14 has formed on the outer wall 22 thereof six channels
each defined by three side walls 19a, 19b and 19c which form three
of four sides defining a conduit 18. The fourth side of conduit 18
is defined by the surface of conduit 20 overlying and opposite the
side 19b of the channels of insert 14.
The base member 12 and the insert 14 are molded separately, and
without the insert 14 in position within the base member 12, the
member 12 by itself would comprise an aerosol actuator having a
single, conically shaped exit conduit 20. However, by insertion of
insert 14, this single, conical conduit may be converted into a
plurality of conduits 18 and 18a, there being a total of seven such
conduits shown in the drawing of FIGS. 1 and 2.
Of course, it will be apparent that the channels defining the
conduits 18 may also be formed in the base member 20 instead of on
the surface of the insert 14. In order to accomplish this, it would
merely be necessary to reduce the diameter of conduit 20 to that
depicted by dotted line 20a. Channels would then be formed within
the base member 12 with the insert 14 comprising a smooth outer
surface adapted to define one side of channels 18 coinciding with
side 19b.
The advantages of manufacturing the actuator assembly 10 in two
parts as described herein will be more clearly understood by
considering the molding difficulties that would be involved with a
one-piece, unitary actuator having plural conduits as depicted in
FIGS. 1 and 2. Such a one-piece actuator would require molding
procedures and techniques of great complexity and difficulty in
order to produce an arrangement similar to that of conduits 18.
Assuming that such a molding procedure could be accomplished, it
would involve an expense resulting in an actuator cost that would
either be prohibitive or necessitate a virtually noncompetitive
selling price.
Accordingly, it will be clear that one of the more important
benefits of the present invention relates to the fact that a
multiple orifice actuator may be provided with achievement of the
benefits and advantages resulting therefrom, while avoiding the
serious obstacles and problems that would be inherent in the
manufacture of a one-piece arrangement.
A preferred embodiment of the invention which is basically similar
to that previously described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2 is
depicted in FIGS. 3-6, which show an actuator button 25 of molded
thermoplastic material comprising an upper curved surface 26 whose
contour is adapted to comfortably accommodate the finger of a user
of the aerosol system upon which the button 25 is mounted. Button
25 is formed with a generally cylindrical side wall 28, with a
conical conduit defined by a conically shaped internal wall 30
terminating at the surface 28 and forming a circular opening
therein as depicted in FIG. 4. A centrally located, cylindrically
shaped dependent leg 32 adapts the button 25 for cooperative
engagement with the valve stem (not shown) of an aerosol container
by means of a cylindrical conduit defined by cylindrically shaped
internal walls 34 and 34a. The larger diameter portion 34a is sized
to fit tightly about an aerosol valve stem to effect actuation of
the stem in a manner similar to that described in connection to the
embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. Accordingly, it will be apparent that
aerosol formulation may flow through the conduit 34 to the conduit
defined by conical wall 30 which is in flow relationship therewith.
A conically shaped insert 35 of molded thermoplastic material
similar in configuration and operation to the insert 14 previously
described is adapted to fit securely with frictional engagement
within the conical wall 30 of button 25.
The insert 35 comprises an upper section 36 and a base section 38
both shaped as a conical frustum, with the base section 38 having a
plurality of channels formed therein, said channels each being
defined by a base surface 40 and a pair of side surfaces 42 and 44.
Additionally, the insert 35 has a centrally located cylindrical
conduit 46 extending completely therethrough in an axial direction.
The insert 35 is shaped and sized to fit tightly in frictional
engagement within conical wall 30 of button 25.
Although the insert 35 is securely held within conical wall 30, it
is possible to effect removal therefrom by application of an
outwardly pulling force. Thereby, it would be possible to replace
the insert 35 with another insert which might provide a different
multiple orifice arrangement for the aerosol system. For example,
instead of providing seven orifices as described in the present
embodiment, a different insert might provide a different number of
orifices arranged in a different pattern. Accordingly, it should be
noted that the inserts of the present invention can be made
interchangeable with other inserts thereby to enable variation of
the structure controlling the spray pattern of the aerosol
formulation. In this manner, there may be enabled adaptation of the
spray pattern to comply with requirements of a particular aerosol
formulation as well as of the specific application intended
therefor.
In some cases it may be necessary to provide means other than
frictional engagement to retain the insert means within the
dispensing conduit. Such a need may arise, for example, if the
material used comprises too smooth a surface or if the aerosol
system employed produces too great a pressure within the dispensing
conduit. In such a situation, any suitable means, which could
involve ordinary mechanical skill, may be utilized to assist in
retaining the insert means in position. For example, expedients
within the ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art might
include a suitable adhesive applied to the surface of the insert
means, or the insert means could be configured to include a
mechanical holding arrangement.
It should be further noted that the channels defined by walls 40,
42 and 44 are provided only in the base section 38 of insert 35,
and that the upper section 36 comprises a smooth conical outer
surface 48 having no channels formed therein. As depicted in FIGS.
5 and 6, the surface 48 of upper section 36 terminates at its upper
end at a flat, annular surface 50 which has cylindrical wall 46
terminating thereat. At its lower or base portion, upper section 36
comprises a base diameter 52 which coincides with the upper
terminations of the surfaces 40 of the channels formed in base
section 38. Accordingly, it will be apparent that the depth of the
channels formed in base section 38, and consequently the width of
the side walls 42 and 44, will be equivalent to the distance from
base diameter 52 to an outer surface 54 on the lower section 38.
Therefore, the width of a group of flat, horizontal curved surfaces
56 which lie between the base 52 and the upper termination 58 of
side wall 54 will be equivalent to the depth of the channels
defined by the walls 40, 42 and 44.
The particular configuration of the insert 35 depicted herein, with
the upper section 36 comprising a smooth outer surface 48 having no
channels therein, is intended to adapt the insert 35 for
utilization and insertion within an opening similar to the opening
defined by conical wall 30 which comprises a diminished cross
section of flow area at a point approaching the valve stem conduit
34. As the flow area of the opening 30 diminishes, the cross
sectional dimension of the insert 35 likewise must diminish and it
is conceivable that the cross sectional area of the openIng 30
could become too small to enable provision of multiple conduits
having a constant cross sectional flow area extending completely to
the inner end of the insert 35. Accordingly, in order to permit an
insert configuration which tapers to a relatively small dimension,
while simultaneously maintaining a constant cross sectional flow
area along the entire length of the conduits formed in base section
38, the channels formed by the walls 40, 42 and 44 are provided
only upon the base section 38 of insert 35 which corresponds to the
end of opening 30 having a sufficiently large cross sectional area
to accommodate an insert with channels therein.
Furthermore, it is considered advantageous to provide the smallest
feasible cross sectional area at the innermost end of the insert
means, e.g. at surface 50, in order to avoid packing and
agglomeration of the aerosol formulation, particularly in
assemblies utilizing the aforementioned dry powder aerosol system
of U.S. Pat. No. 3,081,223. A large cross sectional area at the
innermost end of the insert would tend to enhance the tendency for
the powder to accumulate there, and thus a tapering or conical
configuration is preferred.
It will be apparent that the two-piece configuration for the
actuator button and the insert depicted and described herein will
provide a structural arrangement which obviates serious molding
problems that would arise with a one-piece integral arrangement.
The button 25 represents an aerosol actuator button which may be
molded in any acceptable manner known to those skilled in the art.
With an insert similar to either insert 14 or 35, arranged as a
separate member, it becomes a relatively simple operation to mold a
multiple conduit actuator, as depicted herein. Furthermore, with
the insert arranged as a separate, removable element, an ordinary
actuator button having the appropriate orifice configuration may be
adapted to provide a variety of multiple orifice configurations,
with the orifices having the potential for being arranged in
differing patterns or with a different total number of orifices. In
this manner, spray pattern control may be effected to adapt a
particular aerosol structure to effect a spray pattern most
suitable for the specific aerosol formulation utilized as well as
for the particular application intended.
Some further variations in structure and in discharge orifice
patterns which are attainable by means of the present invention are
depicted in FIGS. 7-12. FIGS. 7 and 8 show an arrangement wherein
an insert member 135 having a smooth outer surface with no channels
formed therein is positioned within an actuator button 125
comprising an internal conically shaped conduit 130 having six
channels formed therein. It will be apparent that the construction
depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8 is basically similar to that depicted in
FIGS. 3-6 except that the channels which define the multiple
conduits are formed in the actuator button internal surface rather
than upon the outer surface of the inset member.
Insert 135 shown in FIG. 7 is basically similar to insert 35 shown
in FIGS. 3-6 with the exception that the channels formed by side
walls 40, 42 and 44 in the base section 38 are not provided in
insert 135. Accordingly, insert 35 may be adapted to the
configuration of insert 135 by forming the outer surface 54 of the
base section 38 as a smooth conical surface having no channels
formed therein. The conduit 130 formed in the interior of actuator
button 135 comprises a plurality of channels formed therein, said
channels each being defined by a base surface 140 and a pair of
side surfaces 142 and 144. Accordingly, it will be apparent that
with the insert member 135 in position within conduit 130 there
will be provided six nonparallel conduits through which aerosol
formulation may be dispensed, each of said conduits being defined
between surfaces 140, 142 and 144, and an outer smooth surface 154
of insert 135.
For the purpose of maintaining a smooth flow path, the channels in
the conduit 130 are tapered at the inlet end, and as will be
apparent from FIG. 7, the surface 140 comprises a tapered inlet
portion 141 which terminates at the surface of conduit 130 forming
a smooth merger therewith. The surfaces 142 and 144 taper to a
point at the inlet end of conduit 130 where surface 141 merges with
the surface of conduit 130. This configuration is intended to
provide a smoother flow path avoiding flat surfaces upon which
aerosol formulation, particularly the dry powder type, might tend
to agglomerate.
FIGS. 9 and 10, and FIGS. 11 and 12, depict, respectively, two
other alternative embodiments of the invention. In the alternative
embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, both the insert member and the
actuator button are formed with channels therein. In this manner,
the cross-sectional flow area of each of the multiple conduits may
be increased-or doubled if the channels in the insert are of equal
depth with the channels in the actuator button-merely by aligning
the channels in each member so that they are juxtaposed each
opposite another as shown in FIG. 10. In the alternative embodiment
of FIGS. 11 and 12 the number of dispensing conduits may be doubled
when the insert member is slightly rotated so that the channels
formed therein are positioned between the channels formed in the
actuator button, with each of the channels in one member being
juxtaposed opposite a smooth portion of the surface of the other
member.
Referring now in further detail to the alternative embodiment of
FIGS. 9 and 10, there is shown an insert member 35A and an actuator
button 125 which is identical to the actuator button of FIGS. 7 and
8. The insert 35A is identical with the insert 35 shown and
described in FIGS. 3-6, with the exception that in FIG. 9, a sloped
or slanted surface 56A replaces the horizontal curved surfaces 56
shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-6. The reason for slanting the
surface 56A relates to the tendency previously described of the dry
powder aerosol formulation to accumulate or agglomerate upon a flat
surface. With the slanted surface 56A, a smoother flow path is
produced. With the exception of surface 56A the insert member 35A
is formed identically to insert 35 and comprises channels defined
by walls 40A, 42A and 44A formed only in the base section 38A of
insert 35A, with the upper section 36A thereof comprising a smooth
outer surface 48A.
As previously described, the actuator button 125 comprises an
internal dispensing conduit 130 having formed therein a plurality
of channels defined by walls 140, 142 and 144. In FIGS. 9 and 10,
the insert member 35A is placed within the conduit 130 in an
angular position whereby the channels in the insert member are
juxtaposed directly opposite the channels in conduit 130. Thus,
each of the conduits in the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 will
comprise a cross-sectional flow area which is double that of the
conduits shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Of course, this assumes that the
depth of the channels in the insert member 35A is equivalent to the
depth of the channels in the conduit 130. Other dimensional
configurations will be clearly apparent to anyone skilled in the
art.
By the expedient of angularly displacing the channels in the insert
member 35A, the number of dispensing conduits may be doubled while
the flow area of each conduit is halved. This embodiment is shown
in FIGS. 11 and 12, which comprises a structure identical to the
structure shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 with the insert member 35A
rotated to place the channels formed therein between the channels
formed in the internal conduit 130. As best shown in FIG. 12, the
channels in the insert member 35A which are formed by walls 40A,
42A and 44A are placed opposite the smooth outer surface 54A of
insert member 35A, surface 54A being that portion of the outer
surface of the insert member 35A extending between the channels
formed therein. The channels defined by walls 140, 142 and 144
which are formed in conduit 130 are likewise positioned between the
channels formed in the outer surface of the insert member 35A. The
channels in conduit 130 are juxtaposed opposite the smooth surface
54A of insert member 35A. Thus, it will be apparent that in the
embodiment depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12 there has been effected a
doubling of the number of discharge conduits by the expedient of
forming channels in both the insert member and in the actuator
button and by placement of the insert member within the actuator
button in an appropriate angular position.
Accordingly, it will be apparent that several alternative
structural embodiments are possible within the concepts of the
present invention. By replacing or rotating the insert member, a
single actuator button may be utilized to effect one of a variety
of differing multiple conduit patterns and arrangements. Thus, an
actuator assembly for an aerosol system could be configured to
adapt to a variety of differing applications and uses, with the
present invention being particularly advantageous when utilized
with a dry powder aerosol system since there may be provided
control and variation of the spray pattern whereby the active
aerosol ingredient may be deposited upon a target area in a more
advantageous manner.
* * * * *