U.S. patent number 3,796,356 [Application Number 05/243,346] was granted by the patent office on 1974-03-12 for telescoping mandrel for expansible bladder container.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Plant Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Frank Venus, Jr..
United States Patent |
3,796,356 |
Venus, Jr. |
March 12, 1974 |
TELESCOPING MANDREL FOR EXPANSIBLE BLADDER CONTAINER
Abstract
A container of the expansible bladder-type wherein prestressing
of the bladder is obtained by means of a telescopic extensible
mandrel which imparts pressure to the bladder at the time of
filling of same with the product to be stored. By inducing the
prestress in the expansible membrance at the last possible moment,
it is possible to ease assembly procedures because non-tensioned
members are being assembled and additionally, since it is the
filling operation that positions the mandrel into the pretensioning
position, the expansible membrance does not take a set to thereby
curtail the elastic memory thereof.
Inventors: |
Venus, Jr.; Frank (Watertown,
CT) |
Assignee: |
Plant Industries, Inc.
(Anaheim, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
22918384 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/243,346 |
Filed: |
April 12, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/212;
222/386.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
83/0061 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65D
83/00 (20060101); B05b 011/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;222/94X,386.5X,211-214
;141/25,26,312,316 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Tollberg; Stanley H.
Assistant Examiner: Kocovsky; Thomas E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Mahoney, Schick & Cislo
Claims
1. A fluid dispenser comprising the combination of: a container
body and cover therefor including a fluid passageway communicating
the exterior thereof to a valve member supported within said
container body; at least one expansible member having an open end
and a closed end and being adapted to be retained within said
container body and store fluid therein; a valve sealing member
disposed in axially shiftable relationship within said valve member
and adapted to open and close the communication between said fluid
passageway and the interior of said at least one expansible member;
and telescopic, extensible means to impart longitudinal and radial
stress to the walls of said at least one expansible member, said
telescopic, extensible means comprising an elongate member mounted
in a guide member comprising two opposed depending track-like
members having opposed notches at the terminal portions thereof for
longitudinal movement with respect thereto, said elongate member
being provided with retaining means on one end to retain said
member on said guide member and having a spherically-shaped opposed
end opposite said one end adapted to be retained within said at
least one expansible member, the interior extremity of said at
least one expansible member being provided with a retaining means
to retain said opposed end of said elongate member therein, the
interior extremity of said at least one expansible member being
provided with a retaining pocket to receive said spherically-shaped
opposed end of said elongate member in a tight friction-fit manner,
the lower portion of said guide member being provided with locking
means to lock said elongate member in the extreme, extended
position, and locking means comprising opposed yieldably mounted
fingers, said fingers of said elongate member being biased into
engagement with said opposed, depending, track-like members,
locking of said elongate mamber in the extreme, extended position
being obtained by the coaction of said fingers being
2. A fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
elongate member is adapted to extend substantially the entire
interior length of said container body at the time of filling said
at least one expansible
3. A fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 2 wherein said valve
member includes a valve body member having a spring receiving
shoulder and said
4. A fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 3 wherein said guide
member
5. A fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 4 wherein the bottom
wall of
6. A fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 5 wherein the central
portion of said base member is provided with an annular receiving
pocket to receive said opposed end of said elongate member with the
extremity of
7. A fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 6 wherein said base
member is provided with spaced apertures communicating the interior
of said
8. A fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 7 wherein said
apertures are provided in an inner portion of said base member
having a protective,
9. A fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 8 wherein said
skirt-like member is integral with said base member and is formed
from the bottom wall thereof.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As an alternative to the aerosol-type of containers utilizing
propellant gases, such as the halogenated hydrocarbons it has been
proposed to use an expansible member or membrane, either singly or
doubly (where permeation problems exist). In such an arrangement,
the elastic memory of one or more of the bladders is depended upon
to expel or dispense the stored material within the container.
In this type of arrangement, it is frequently desirable to impart
some prestress to the expansible membrane so as to promote a
condition whereby substantially all of the contained product will
eventually be dispensed. The means of imparting the pretensioning
has taken various forms and the most common form utilizes an
elongate mandrel which is inserted into the expansible membrane or
membranes and positioned so as to distend the membrane or membranes
and thus impart the pretensioning thereto. Unfortunately, most
materials, particularly the polymeric and elastomeric ones, will
take a permanent set when stressed over a period of time. The
resultant will be a reduction in available energy and a lowering of
the restoring forces that allows the expansible member or bladder
to return to its initial shape.
Additionally, where prestressing prior to product filling is
utilized, the assemblage of components for the container, herein
under discussion, is complicated since the mandrel must be inserted
and properly positioned to exert pretensioning to the bladder or
expansible members. When this occurs, certain undesirable assembly
problems arise, since one is now dealing with pretensioned members
seeking the return to the unstressed or normal condition, as
opposed to dealing with components upon which no external forces
are acting (except for proper assembly of the components
themselves).
The containers of this invention alleviate most, if not all, of the
above shortcomings in the sense that a telescopic, extending
mandrel member is utilized which does not exert pretensioning on
the expansible member or bladder until such time as the container
is to receive the fluids it is to store.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a container of the
expansible membrane or bladder type.
It is another object of the invention to provide a container of the
expansible member or bladder type wherein pretensioning of the
bladder or bladders used in the assemblage is postponed until
product filling.
It is another more important object of the invention to provide a
container of the expansible bladder or bladder membrane-type
wherein a telescopic extending mandrel is utilized.
It is a further, more important object of the invention to provide
a container utilizing one or more expansible bladders or membranes
wherein the pretensioning of same does not occur until such time as
the container is filled with product.
It is another still further, more important object of the invention
to provide a container of the expansible bladder or bladders-type
wherein a telescopic mandrel member is utilized in the assembly,
and filling of the bladder with product extends the mandrel into a
locked position to thereby impart desired pretensioning forces to
the bladder or bladders.
It is another still further more important object of the invention
to provide a container utilizing an expansible member with a
telescopic mandrel, which is so configured as to be received by a
lower portion of the expansible bladder in captive relationship
therewith.
It is another still further, more specific object of the invention
to provide a container of the expansible member-type utilizing a
telescopic mandrel which is extended during the filling operation
or just prior thereto, and is locked in the extended position for
the life of the container.
It is another important, and even further specific object of the
invention to provide a container utilizing expansible membrane or
membranes wherein pretensioning is imparted at a preselected time,
not detracting from the elasticity or elastic memory of the
bladder, and wherein vent holes to the ambient atmosphere are
provided in the container bottom so as to protect the expansible
membrane or bladder from inadvertent contact with a sharp object or
the like that could result in rupturing thereof.
Basically, the invention pertains to a fluid dispenser having a
container body and cover therefor, including a fluid passageway
communicating the exterior thereof to a valve member supported
within the container body. A valve member and at least one
expansible member having an open end and enclosed end, and being
adapted to be retained within the container body and store fluid
therein are also provided. A valve seating member is disposed in
axially shiftable relationship within the valve member and is
adapted to open and close the communication between the fluid
passageway and the interior of at least one expansible member. A
telescopic, extensible means is also provided to impart
longitudinal and radial stress to the walls of said at least one
expansible member, either at the time of the container assemblage,
or at a subsequent time just prior to product filling or at the
time of the product filling of the container.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from
the hereinafter following commentary taken in conjunction with the
drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING:
FIG. 1 is a side view partially in cross section showing a
container of this invention with the cap member exploded for
purposes of clarity;
FIG. 2 is a prespective, exploded view of the interior components
of the container depicted in FIG. 1; and
FIG. 3 is a view taken along the line 3--3 of FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST EMBODIMENTS CONTEMPLATED
Referring to the figures of drawing wherein like numerals of
reference designate like elements throughout, it will be seen that
the dispenser 2 is shown as comprising a container body 4, in the
preferred form of moldable plastic, wherein the walls thereof form
a neck portion 6 and an interior cavity or chamber 8 with the lower
portion 10 of body 4 being configured to receive base member 12,
which for purposes of illustration and as shown, is a separate
member secured to the lower portion 10 as by adhesive, electronic
welding or similar such methods, especially where the base member
12 is of a plastic material as shown.
Supported from the neck 6 as by connection ribs 16, is innerset
collar 18 integrally molded with the body 4 and forming a mouth
opening 20, which receives the valve assembly, as will be
described, in nestled relationship as shown in FIG. 1.
Cover member 22 is of the usual type having a fluid passageway 24
formed by the walls 26 thereof communicating the exterior 28 to the
inlet 30, which is in communication with the valve assemblage
received within the mouth 20, as will be described.
The cover 22 is also of molded plastic. The cover 22 fits onto
collar 18 and is rotatable with respect to collar 18 to a locked
position to prevent discharge of the flowable substances contained
within the dispenser 2, as will become apparent. At this juncture,
suffice to say that to obtain operability of the dispenser 2, and
more specifically, actuation of the valve mechanism, the lock
position prevents depression of cap 22, and more specifically the
communication of inlet 30 with the valve assembly received in
nestled relationship within the mouth 20.
The valve assembly 40 received within the mouth 20 of dispenser 2
comprises (in the order of assembly shown in FIG. 2) ferrule member
42 of thin wall deformable metal, aluminum for example, of
generally cylindrical design having an orifice portion 44
communicating to the inlet 30 of passage 24 of cover member 22.
Ferrule 42 may be within the thickness of about 0.020 of an inch so
that the lower portion may be crimped or bent as shown at 46 (FIG.
1) after assemblage of the valve assembly 40, as will become
apparent.
Upper cylindrical portion 48 of ferrule 42 provides an interior
recess 49 to receive the valve seat 50, in this instance, an
annular disc of conformable rubber having a central aperture 52 to
accommodate the inlet 30 of passageway 24. Ferrule 42 has a
depending exterior wall 51 which as indicated earlier, becomes
crimped as at 46 in later assembly. The interior configuration of
ferrule 42 is adapted to receive in nestled, substantially tight
relationship the remaining members of the assemblage, as can be
seen in FIG. 1, and as will now be described.
A valve seating member 54 having an annular portion 56 with spaced
protuberances 58 and depending portion 60 provides the manipulable
component of the valve assembly, 40 to allow dispensing of flowable
substances contained within the expansible member, as will be
described.
The upper surface 62 of member 54, which member is axially
shiftable, as will become apparent, into and out of fluid-tight
relationship with the under surface 64 of valve seat 50, permits
fluid or flowable substances to flow between the space projections
or protuberances 58 peripherally spaced on the peripheral surface
of annular portion 56. The under surface of annular portion 56 and
depending portion 60 are adapted to receive coil spring 66 which
coil spring acts against interior shoulder 68 of valve body member
70. It is obvious that the coil spring 66 normally positions and
biases seating member 54 into the seated or closed position thereby
effectively blocking fluid flow to passageway 30.
Valve body member 70 is of general cylindrical configuration having
a first annular portion 72 of a size and shape to be accommodated
within the interior of ferrule member 42, and more specifically to
form a rest for valve seat 50 so that it is securely positioned
between annular portion 72 and the interior of ferrule member
42.
A depending, collar-like portion 74 is of appropriate size and
configuration to be received within the cylindrical portion 51 of
ferrule member 42. A lower, depending innerset portion 76 is also
of a tubular design being provided with interior shoulder 68 which
forms an abutment surface or rest against which the coil spring 66
may react. It will be noted that extending from lower portion 76
are two opposed guide or tract members 78 integrally molded with
the valve body member 70 (where the valve body member is of plastic
as is preferred) and that the opposed ends 80 are provided with
notches 82 in opposed relationship for purposes, as will become
apparent. It will also be noted that the tract member 78 adjacent
the notches 82 are slightly enlarged as at 84.
The next member in the assemblage is mandrel member 86 having an
upper portion 88 with opposed spring fingers 90 thereon. The
mandrel 86 is of molded plastic, as are the fingers 90, but because
of the material construction and their design, the fingers 90 are
somewhat yieldable and spring-like. The elongate portion 92 of
mandrel 86 terminates in a terminus 94 having a spherical end
96.
The mandrel component 86 is intended to be assembled into engaging
relationship with the valve body member 72, and more specifically,
the extending guides 78 thereof in the telescoped state. It will be
noted that because of the flexibility of the spring-like fingers
90, that the mandrel 86 will be telescopically received, so as to
speak, with the guide members 78, the external edges thereof
forming a track-like surface against which the interior surface of
fingers 90 may bear and ride along. It will be noted that because
of the fingers 90, that the telescopically received mandrel 86 is
not rotatable with respect to member 72, but is only longitudinally
or vertically shiftable along the tracks formed by the guides
78.
The next member in the assemblage is expansible member or bladder
100 within which the fluids or flowable substances are to be
contained within the chamber 8. The bladder 100 is provided with an
upper flanged portion 102 forming a collar-like configuration to be
received in nestled relationship within the annular portion 74 of
valve body member 70. It will be noted that the general exterior
configuration of the elongate portion 103 of expansible bladder 100
is uniform, having a lower portion 104 of somewhat tapered design
having a thickened portion 106 formed into a receptacle-like
configuration 108 to provide a snap, friction-fitting fit for the
spherical end 96 of mandrel member 86. The length of the elongate
portion 103 of bladder 100 will depend upon the volume of the fluid
or flowable substance to be contained therein, but the general
proportion as seen in FIG. 1 will generally suffice for most
applications.
The expansible member or bladder 100 is preferably made of
elastometic type of material, which is impermeable to and
chemically compatible with he substance to be packaged. Material
such as, for example, natural latex silicone rubber, butyl, nitrile
and similar such materials will be useful. The thickness of the
expansible member or bladder 100 may be within the range of about
10 to 80 thousandths of an inch, and in some instances, may be
more. Preferably the membrane should be a suitable thickness
depending upon end result desired, and one which has an exceedingly
high memory or resilient capability to permit the membrane or
member from which it is made, after distortion as by the
introduction of fluid to be contained, to exert substantially high
forces upon the fluid contained therein in order to aid in the
dispensing of same therefrom. However, in some instances, the
single bladder may be much less elastic and the utilization made of
another exterior power bladder. Inasmuch as no claim is laid hereto
to such an arrangement, further detail thereof will not be delved
into.
The remaining component of the assemblage is snap ring member 112,
which is adapted for coaction with the interior of collar 18 and
being made of moldable plastic, has a first collar portion 114,
which is adapted to be received in snug, nestled relationship
within annular cylindrical portions 74 of valve body member 70 with
the flanged end 102 of bladder 100 therebetween. The lower annular
portion 116 of snap ring or collar 112 is also adapted to be
received in snug engagement within ferrule member 42 and more
particularly, the depending walls 51 thereof as is apparent.
Snap ring 112 has a plurality of spaced locking legs 118 integrally
connected to annular portion 116 and being spaced from one another
and providing a flexing or springing force to retain the components
of the assemblage in secure relationship as seen in FIG. 1. To aid
in this retention, each of the legs 118 is provided with an
exteriorly directed flange 119 adapted to abut the lowermost edge
of collar 18 of dispenser 2 as seen in FIG. 1.
Referring now to the base 12 of the container 2, it will be seen
that a central portion 120 forms an interior surface 122, which is
configured to act as a centering land for mandrel 86 and the lower
extremity 106 of bladder 100. It will be noted that the central
portion 120 has a depending, protective, annular skirt-like portion
124 spaced from the walls forming central portion 120. Central
portion 120 is provided with air vents 126 which communicate the
ambient atmosphere to the interior chamber 8 formed by the
container body 4 and base 12. It will be noted that because the
vents 126 are horizontally rather than vertically disposed, that
the bladder 100 is protected from accidental rupture or the like by
inadvertent contact with a sharp surface.
In assembling the container, and more specifically the components
thereof, the mandrel 86 is first positioned on the guides 78 and
thereafter the bladder 100 pushed into engagement so that the
spherical end 96 is securely retained within the bladder portion
106 in friction-fit relationship.
Thereafter, in the preferred form, the remainder of the assemblage
is made substantially as shown in FIG. 2 with the interior
components all assembled in retained relationship by means of the
bending or crimping of ferrule 42 and thereafter positioned within
the body 4, and more specifically, the collar 18. It will be noted
at this juncture that the bladder and mandrel will be in the
phantom line position shown in FIG. 1.
After assemblage of the base (which incidentally may take place
prior to the disposition of the assembly 40 within the body 4), the
container may now be readied for filling with the product which is
to be contained. As those of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize, a filling nozzle may be introduced into the orifice 44
formed by ferrule member 42 to depress valve member 54 and to allow
communication into the interior of flexible bladder 100.
As product is introduced under pressure into the flexible member
100, the bladder 100 distends and billows in both horizontal and
vertical direction. Continued expansion in the vertical direction
will cause the telescoped mandrel 86 to be extended along the
tracks 78 until such time as continued filling forces the fingers
90 over the enlarged portions 84 of the terminals 80 of guides 78
at which time they snap into locking engagement within notches 82.
Obviously, where it is desired not to have the product effect
extension of the mandrel 86, it may be done manually just prior to
filling by leaving the base 12 off the body 4, extending the
mandrel 86, and thereafter positioning the base 12 in secure
fashion and then proceeding with the filling operation as would be
the ordinary case. Additionally, where the base is already
assembled, the mandrel may be fully extended by filling the bladder
with air. Thereafter, the air is released and the bladder readied
to receive the product to be stored.
There are many variations and modifications that will make
themselves apparent to those of ordinary skill in the container
art. All such variations and modifications will not detract from
the spirit of the invention as disclosed herein, and all such
deviations are intended to be covered by the appended claims.
* * * * *