U.S. patent number 3,876,115 [Application Number 05/248,212] was granted by the patent office on 1975-04-08 for double expansible bladder container.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Plant Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Richard E. Ruhe, Frank Venus, Jr..
United States Patent |
3,876,115 |
Venus, Jr. , et al. |
April 8, 1975 |
Double expansible bladder container
Abstract
A fluid container especially adapted for the fluid storage and
dispensing of a fluid without the use of a propellant or the like.
The container utilizes a first expansible bladder which is
substantially compatible with the material or fluid to be stored
therein and which in most instances, is fluid impervious or
material impermeable. The first bladder does not materially
contribute to exerting an expelling force on the material stored
within and consequently, a second expansible bladder substantially
coextensive with the first one is provided wherein the material
from which the second bladder is constructed has a high-elastic
memory so that upon the filling of a first bladder with a stored
fluid, the expansion of the first bladder causes equal expansion of
the second bladder to thereby exert a dispensing force upon the
material or fluid stored within the first expansible bladder. A
novel container utilizing the double bladder concept is also
disclosed. Applications of the invention other than containers are
also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Venus, Jr.; Frank (Watertown,
CT), Ruhe; Richard E. (Bedford, NH) |
Assignee: |
Plant Industries, Inc.
(Anaheim, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
22938149 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/248,212 |
Filed: |
April 27, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/183; 222/212;
222/386.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
83/0061 (20130101); B65D 2231/004 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65D
83/00 (20060101); B67d 005/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;222/92,94,95,105,212,183,213,214,386.5,387 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Tollberg; Stanley H.
Assistant Examiner: Martin; Larry H.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Mahoney, Schick & Cislo
Claims
We claim:
1. A non-aerosol container having an outer, substantially rigid
exterior body to store fluids having a first inner conformable
resilient member adapted to hold fluid therein and having the
ability to resist molecular or other fluid migration therethrough;
a second outer conformable member in the unstressed, unfilled state
being substantially congruent in configuration to, juxtapositioned
and contacting said first inner member at the interface formed by
the exterior walls of each of said first and second members and
having an elasticity thereof sufficient to exert an expelling force
on the stored fluid and to drive same from said first member, each
of said first and second members having an open end and a closed
end, said first member being nested within said second member.
2. The container in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first
member is fabricated of a material that is compatible with the
fluid to be stored.
3. The container in accordance with claim 2 wherein said first
member is inert to the stored material and comprises a butyl-type
elastomer and said second member is fabricated of a latex-type
elastomer having high elastic memory.
4. The container in accordance with claim 2 wherein the force
exerted by said second member is sufficient to expel substantially
all of stored fluid.
5. The container in accordance with claim 4 wherein the wall
construction of said second member is of multi-layered construction
and the wall construction of said first member is of integrally
molded construction.
6. The container in accordance with claim 5 wherein in the normal
unfilled state said first member is of smaller size to nest within
said second member.
7. The container in accordance with claim 6 wherein the wall
thickness of said first member lies within the range of about 0.040
to 0.060 inch.
8. The container in accordance with claim 7 wherein the wall
thickness of said second member lies within the range of about
0.030 to 0.070 inch.
9. The container in accordance with claim 6 wherein a layer of
friction reducing material is positioned at said interface to
facilitate nesting of said first and second members.
10. The container in accordance with claim 9 wherein the upper
portion of said first member is provided with a flange of
relatively square cross-section.
11. The container in accordance with claim 10 wherein the upper
portion of said second member is provided with a frusto-conical
configuration.
12. The container in accordance with claim 11 wherein said first
and second members are prestressed prior to filling with said fluid
to be stored.
13. The container in accordance with claim 12 wherein said first
and second members are longitudinally and radially stressed.
14. A non-aerosol fluid dispenser comprising the combination of: a
substantially rigid container body and cover therefor, including a
fluid passageway communicating the exterior thereof to a valve
member supported within said container body; a valve member; a
first inner resilient expansible member of fluid impermeable
character having an open end and a closed end, the diameter
proximate said open end being larger than the diameter of said
closed end, said first expansible member being adapted to be
retained within said container body and store fluid therein; a
second outer expansible member in the unstressed, unfilled state
being substantially congruent to, coextensive with and contacting
said first member in juxtarelationship and having an open end and a
closed end, said exterior walls of said first and second members
being in substantial contact and forming an interface substantially
coincident with said first and second members; a valve seating
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 first expansible member;
a mandrel within said first expansible member forming a dispensing
flow path for fluid to be stored within said first expansible
member and pretensioning said first and second expansible members
and said second expansible member overlying said first expansible
member having high elastic memory and being conformable with said
first expansible member when same is filled with a fluid exerting a
dispensing force thereon to expel said fluid when said valve
seating member is unseated.
15. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 14 wherein said
mandrel and said first and second expansible members are about
coextensive in the unfilled state.
16. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 15 wherein said
first expansible member is compatible with and substantially
impermeable to said fluids to be stored therein for a sufficient
time to provide an acceptable shelf life.
17. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 16 wherein said
first and second expansible members are retained in secured
relationship proximate their upper portions.
18. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 17 wherein the
upper portion of said second member terminates in a frusto-conical
configuration.
19. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 18 wherein the
upper portion of said first expansible member terminates in a
flange of substantially square cross-section.
20. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 19 wherein said
first and second expansible members form a substantially smooth
interface therebetween.
21. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 20 wherein said
first expansible member comprises a butyl-like material.
22. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 21 wherein said
second expansible member comprises a latex-like material of
relatively high elastic memory.
23. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 19 wherein said
mandrel is cruci-form in cross-section.
24. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 19 wherein said
mandrel is oval in cross-section.
25. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 19 wherein said
valve member includes a valve body member having a valve seat and
said valve seating member acts thereagainst to close said
communication between said fluid passageway and the interior of
said first expansible member.
26. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 25 wherein said
valve seating member is normally spring biased into the closed
position.
27. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 26 wherein said
mandrel has a plurality of spaced grooves extending substantially
the length thereof and the upper portion is adapted to form fluid
paths for the fluid stored in said first expansible member to said
fluid passageway.
28. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 27 wherein said
valve seating member comprises an annular head with spaced
peripheral protuberances thereabout, and a depending spring
centering portion limits the downward movement thereof by abutting
an upper surface of said mandrel.
29. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 28 wherein said
spring is coil-shaped and is positioned to react against the under
surface of said annular head and the upper surface of said
mandrel.
30. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 29 wherein the
upper surface of said head forms a sealing lip to engage the under
surface of said valve seat in fluid-tight relationship.
31. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 30 wherein said
valve seat and valve body member are received in nestled
relationship by a ferrule member of deformable character and said
valve seat is a disc of conformable material having an annular
passageway of the same size as said fluid passageway and
communicating thereto.
32. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 31 wherein said
disc is retained in position with said valve body member by said
overlying ferrule member and said ferrule member has an aligned
aperture accommodating said fluid passageway and said annular
passageway.
33. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 32 wherein the
open ends of said first and second expansible members are retained
in fluid-tight relationship in the assembly and a locking collar
member received within said ferrule member is adapted to engage the
interior wall of said container body and position the assembly
within the neck of said container body with the coaction of said
ferrule member.
34. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 30 wherein the
open ends of said first and second expansible members are received
by the lower portion of said valve body member and said valve seat
and valve body member are received in nestled relationship by a
ferrule member of deformable character to form an assembly and said
valve seat is a disc of conformable material having an annular
passageway of the same size as said fluid passageway and
communicating thereto and the neck of said container body is
adapted to support said assembly and expansible members in
retained, fluid-tight relationship.
35. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 34 which includes
a snap ring member received within said ferrule member with said
open ends of said expansible members being retained in fluid-tight
relationship therebetween and is adapted to engage the interior
wall of said container body and position the assembly within the
neck of said container body with the cooperation of said ferrule
member in locked relationship.
36. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 35 wherein the
depending wall portion of said valve body member and the opposed
exterior surface of said snap ring member forms a sinuousity within
which the open end of said second expansible member is received in
retained relationship.
37. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 36 wherein a
secondary ferrule is disposed within said ferrule member and
engages the upper portion of said mandrel member and lateral
contiguous portions of said valve body member and the lower portion
of said snap ring member to form an initial sub-assembly prior to
insertion into nested relationship with said ferrule member.
38. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 35 wherein the
upper surface of said mandrel forms a receiving recess for said
valve seat and is retained therein by an annular retaining member
disposed between it and an upper crimped over portion of said
ferrule member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of expansible membranesor bladders for the storage and
dispensing of fluids, especially viscous ones, has been suggested
hereinbefore in order to replace the ubiquitous aerosol container.
The reason for wanting to replace the aerosol-type dispenser is
because of the health hazard that these containers present.
Firstly, there is some medical evidence to indicate that a number
of people are afflicted with serious asthmatic or other traumatic
attacks from the inhalation of the fluoro hydrocarbons normally
utilized as propellants.
Secondly, the high pressures under which the aerosol containers are
put present safety hazards, especially once the consumer product
contained within the containers has been expelled. Thus, heating or
incineration of the aerosol containers have resulted in mishaps due
to the resultant explosions.
However, in some of the containers that have been proposed that
obviate the use of a propellant such as the fluorinated
hydrocarbons, it has not always been possible to store a fluid for
a prolonged period of time without the deleterious results to the
effective functioning of the dispenser. It has been difficult to
match the material or fluid to be contained with the particular
bladder or expansible membrane which was to contain the fluid or
material. In many instances, it was possible to obtain
compatibility with the product to be stored but the compatibility
was short-lived or did not provide the necessary expelling force to
the fluid or material contained in the dispenser.
In the storage of fluids, it is necessary for obtaining an
effective dispenser to not only provide an impermeable boundary or
barriers for the fluid to be stored, but also to provide a force
acting upon the fluid which will effectively dispense it from the
container over the life of the product.
Hence, in dealing with containers of the expansible bladder type,
the most important parameters to be considered are permeability of
the product and elasticity or elastic memory of the bladder
sufficient to be able to provide an expelling or dispensing force
even after the expansible bladder has contained the fluid to be
stored over a prolonged period of time. In most instances, where
the bladder would satisfactorily retain the fluid therein, it was
found that after a short period of time, the bladder took a set and
could no longer exert the necessary force upon the stored fluid to
exert a dispensing force thereon. In other instances, where the
bladder had high-elastic memory and thus would not take an undue
set, it was found that its resistance to permeability was not
effective for many products or components thereof.
With the herein-disclosed dispensers of this invention, many of the
above-described shortcomings have been overcome and there is
provided a dispensing container wherein a double bladder
combination is utilized wherein the first bladder to contain the
fluid is highly compatible with and is substantially impervious to
the material or fluid to be stored and the second bladder
substantially coextensive with the first bladder, has high-elastic
memory not subject to taking a physical set which would impair its
ability to exert a dispensing force on the fluid stored within the
first expansible bladder
Additionally, a container is provided which is easily assembled and
which utilizes a valve and a container construction which permits
sub-assembly of many of the components of the containers of this
invention, prior to the complete assemblage of the total
dispenser.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide a fluid dispenser of
the expansible member type.
It is another object of this invention to provide a fluid dispenser
of the expansible member type wherein substantially long shelf life
is given to the product to be stored.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a fluid
dispenser of the expansible member type utilizing an unique
assemblage of valve components.
It is still a further more specific object of the invention to
provide a fluid dispenser of the expansible member type utilizing a
first expansible member of substantially impermeable character and
a second expansible member having a high degree of elastic
memory.
It is still another and further specific object of the invention to
provide a fluid dispenser of the expansible member type utilizing a
double bladder construction wherein a first bladder, within which
the fluid or material is to be stored has high compatibility
therewith.
It is still another and further more specific object of the
invention to provide a fluid dispenser of the expansible member
type wherein a double bladder or expansible membrane construction
is utilized, the second membrane being substantially coextensive
with the first membrance and having a high degree of elastic memory
but a high permeability to most fluids and materials
It is still a further and specific object of the invention to
provide a fluid dispenser of the expansible member type utilizing a
double bladder construction wherein the first bladder, which stores
the fluid, is of a butyl-type elastomer and the second member which
exerts dispelling forces upon the stored fluid in the first
bladder, is of a latex-type elastomer.
It is still an even further more specific object of the invention
to provide a container to store fluids utilizing a double bladder
construction wherein the bladders are chosen for specific end
functions and cooperation with one another to effectively store and
dispense fluids having a myriad of properties.
It is still another and even further specific object of the
invention to provide a container to store fluids which permits
sub-assembly of several of the major components thereof to be
readied for complete assembly into an assembled container.
These and further objects of the invention will become apparent
from the disclosure and the drawings contained herein.
Generally, in an exemplary embodiment, the dispenser of this
invention pertains to a container to store fluids having a first
conformable member adapted to hold fluids therein and having the
ability to resist molecular or other fluid migration therethrough.
A second conformable member is juxtapositioned to and substantially
co-extensive with said first member and has an elasticity thereof
sufficient to exert an expelling force on the stored fluid and to
drive same from said first member.
In a more specific exemplary embodiment, a fluid dispenser is
contemplated 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. A valve member; a first expansible member of fluid
impermeable character having an open end and a closed end, the
diameter approximate said open end being larger than the diameter
of said closed end with said first expansible member being adapted
to be retained within said container body and store fluid therein.
A second expansible member, coextensive with and exteriorly
disposed to said first member in juxta relationship, is also
provided. A valve seating member is disposed in axially shiftable
relationship within said valve member and is adapted to open and
close the communication between said fluid passageway and the
interior of said first expansible member. A mandrel is provided
within said first expansible member forming dispensing flow paths
for fluid to be stored within said first expansible member and
exerting pretensioning upon said first and second expansible
members. The second expansible member overlying said first
expansible member has a high elastic memory and is conformable with
said first expansible member when same is filled with a fluid and
exerts a dispensing force thereon to expel said fluid when said
valve seating member is unseated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
FIG. 1 is a side view, in partial cross-section, of one of the
fluid dispensers of this invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the essential interior components of
the fluid dispenser shown in FIG. 1 illustrating their order of
assembly;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3--3 of FIG.
1;
FIG. 4 is a partial, cross-sectional view of another mandrel member
that may be utilized in lieu of that shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 and as
would be taken along the line 3--3;
FIG. 5 is a fragmented view, in cross-section, of another
embodiment of a container of this invention; and
FIG. 6 is a fragmented,cross-sectional view of still another
embodiment of a container of this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST EMBODIMENTS CONTEMPLATED:
Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals of reference
designate like elements throughout and referring specifically to
FIG. 1, a dispenser 2, one of the several embodiments of the
invention, 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 bottom
interior wall thereof being formed by a base 10 thereby forming an
enclosed physical barrier or container 12 for purposes which will
become apparent as the description proceeds herein.
Supported on neck 6 is collar member 14 integrally molded and
connected as by connection ribs 16 and forming a mouth opening 18
which receives a 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 18 as will be described.
The cover 22 is of molded plastic and fits onto the collar 16 and
is rotatable with respect thereto into a locked position and
oppositely rotatable to an open position. Suffice to say that in
order to obtain operability of the dispenser 2, and more
specifically actuation of the valve mechanism, the locked position
prevents depression of the cap 22 and more specifically the
communication of inlet 30 with the valve assembly received in
nestled relationship within the mouth 18. Other forms of cover
members are also contemplated.
The valve assembly 32 received within the mouth 18 of the dispenser
2 comprises, (in the order of assembly shown in FIG.2) ferrule
member 34 of thin wall deformable metal, aluminum for example, of
generally cylindrical design having an orifice portion 36
communicating to the inlet 30 of passage 24 of cover member 22.
Ferrule member 34 may be within the thickness of about 0.020 of an
inch so that the lower portion thereof may be crimped or bent as
shown at 38 (FIG. 1) after assemblage of the valve assembly 32 as
will become apparent.
An upper portion 40 of cylindrical configuration provides an
interior recess to receive the valve seat 42 in this instance, an
annular disc of conformable rubber, having a central aperture 44 to
accommodate inlet 30 of passage 24. Ferrule 34 has a depending
exterior wall which as indicated earlier, becomes crimped as at 38
in later assembly. The interior configuration of ferrule 34 is
adapted to receive in nestled, substantially tight relationship,
the remaining components of the assemblage as can be seen in FIG. 1
and as will now be described.
A valve seating member 46 having an annular portion 48 with spaced
protuberances 50 provides the manipulable component of the valve
assemblage 32 to allow dispensing of flowable substances contained
within the dispenser 2 as will become apparent. The upper surface
52 of member 46, which member is axially shiftable as will become
apparent, into and out of fluid-tight relationship with the under
surface 54 of valve seat 42 permits fluid or flowable substances,
to flow between the spaced protuberances or projections 50
peripherally spaced on the exterior surface of annular portion
48.
The under surface of annular portion 48 and depending portion 56
are adapted to receive in cooperation, coil spring 58 which coil
spring acts against the upper surface 60 of the mandrel 62 having
upstanding opposed projections 64 at the upper portion thereof to
captively hold coil spring 58.
To effect proper positioning of coil spring 58, a button
protuberance 66 may be provided on the surface 60 of mandrel 62. It
should be obvious that the coil spring 58 normally positions and
biases seating member 46 into the seating or closed position with
respect to valve seat 42 thereby effectively blocking fluid flow to
passageway 30.
Mandrel member 62, in this instance, may be of molded plastic and
is cruciform in cross-section (FIG. 3) having the ribs 68
symmetrically arranged thereby forming flow paths 70 therebetween
to allow for fluid or material flow into (during the filling
operation) and from within the expansible member through the valve
assemblage 32 into the inlet 30 and ultimately through the outlet
24 formed by cap member 22. The mandrel 62 is just slightly longer
than the expansible members making up the containers of this
invention, but not so long as to extend the entire length of the
chamber 8 formed by body 4 and base 10 of the dispenser 2. Other
lengths may be useful.
The next component valve body member 72 is of general cylindrical
configuration having a first annular portion 74 providing an
abutment or stop upon which valve seat member 42 is supported. A
next cylindrical but larger portion 76 is of depending skirt
configuration having a tubular depending extension 78 with a
tapered end portion 80. It will be noted that the valve body member
72 is of a size to be received within the interior of ferrule
member 34 and forms with the depending collar portion 76, a means
to receive the open upper ends of the expansible members in
fluid-tight relationship as shown in FIG. 1.
The first expansible bladder or membrane 82 is of a material which
is compatible with the fluid or material to be stored therein and
generally will be of butyl-like elastomer which is highly
impervious to the materials to be stored therein. It will be noted
that the upper flange portion 84 is substantially square in
cross-section and is tightly received within the depending collar
76 of valve body member 72. The second expansible bladder or
membrane 86 is generally slightly larger than the first expansible
member 82 and has an upper flanged portion 88 which is slightly
larger than the flanged portion 84 and is of a different shape.
That is, the upper flange 88 is of frusto-conical configuration so
as to be received within the sinuosity formed between the valve
body member 72 and the locking ring 90. Other fluid-tight
arrangements are possible.
The locking ring 90 also of molded plastic, is generally
collar-like in configuration having a first collar portion 92
adapted to be received in snug, nestled relationship within the
collar 14 of dispenser 2 in a snap-action fitting manner. It will
be noted that the upper portion 92 of snap ring member 90 is
adapted to retain the flanged portions 88 and 84 of expansible
membranes 86 and 82 respectively and to do so while being received
in snug engagement within ferrule member 34 and more particularly
the depending walls of which are eventually crimped to form a rigid
assemblage as shown in FIG. 1.
Snap or locking ring 90 has a plurality of spaced locking legs 94
on the lower collar portion 96 which member is formed of a
deformable plastic and which is received as earlier indicated,
within the collar 14 in friction-fit, snug relationship.
There are other embodiments of the invention which will now be
described which provide for an effective fluid dispenser as
functional as the one just described. For example, the mandrel
member previously described need not be cruci-form in cross-section
but may be oval in cross-section as illustrated in FIG. 4. It has
been found that ribs or grooves or other such means, are not
necessary to form fluid paths for the materials to be dispensed
within the confines of the first bladder 82. Thus, the elasticity
or resilience of the second bladder 86 substantially coextensive
with the first expandible bladder 82, will create a dispensing
force tending to drive the fluid along the extent of the oval
mandrel.
Another embodiment is as illustrated in FIGS. 5, and 6 utilizing
slightly different construction. For example, referring now to FIG.
5 it will be seen that a secondary ferrule member 102 is utilized
in the structure wherein there is permitted the assemblage of
sub-assemblies prior to assembly into the final assembly of the
dispenser. In this instance, the order of assembly, as for example
shown in FIG. 2, is somewhat different. The outer or second bladder
86 is assembled with the snap ring 90 to comprise one sub-assembly
and the first bladder 82 is combined with the valve body member 72.
The snap ring with the positioned second or outer bladder is then
joined in cooperative relationship with the valve body member 72 by
means of secondary ferrule 102 which is crimped at the lower
portion 104 thereof to provide the sub-assembly. Thereafter, when
complete assembly is contemplated, the mandrel 62 is driven into
the bore of the valve member and assumes the locked relationship
shown thereby pretensioning and extending the first and second
bladders 82 and 86 respectively, and thereafter the coil spring 58,
valve actuator 46 and valve seat 42 are positioned within the
ferrule 34 and the outer ferrule crimped over at the lower portion
thereof as shown in FIG. 5 to securely position and join all of the
elements in cooperative relationship.
Referring now to FIG. 6 there is shown a construction which does
not utilize a secondary ferrule member but instead a ferrule member
112 is utilized which has an open upper portion 114 shown in dotted
line with a lower portion configured substantially as earlier
described for ferrule 34. In this instance, however, the order of
assembly is that the mandrel 62 is snapped into a temporary locked
position after the first and second bladders, locking ring and
valve body are assembled and held together with the ferrule 112
being thereafter crimped as at 116. The valve spring 58, valve
actuator 46 and valve seat 42 are thereafter positioned in place
along with a plastic annular cap member 118 which forms the upper
abutment surface for valve seat 42 and thereafter the upper
portions 120 of ferrule 112 are bent over and crimped as shown in
full line of FIG. 6.
It should be understood that the specific structures described
hereinabove, may be varied considerably with respect to individual
components utilized and their specific design and configuration
modified as those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize
without departing from the spirit of the invention. Thus, many
alternatives and modifications will suggest themselves and indeed
all are contemplated so long as the essence of the invention is
adhered to. The particularly important aspects of the invention
will now be considered in some detail.
THE FIRST OR INNER BLADDER
While there are a great many chemical formulations from which this
member may be made, it is not only important to consider the
impermeability of the material with respect to fluids or other
substances which it will eventually contain, but also its overall
compatability. By compatability is meant the ability of the formed
membrane or bladder to store fluid for an acceptable shelf-life
period without permitting migration or permeation of the fluid
therethrough and to remain inert and substantially unaffected by
the contained fluid. Additionally, it is important that the end
material be capable of functioning in a manner to produce an
effective overall container.
For example, the first or inner membrane must not only be
impermeable, it must also meet certain other criteria for effective
use in a container of the type embraced by this invention. The
material must be able to have a substantial ability to expand and
contract without bursting; must be able to have some degree of
elasticity and generally must meet the criteria necessary to
satisfactorily perform in the manner as disclosed herein.
While a butyl-type elastomer, polymer or copolymer has the lowest
permeability, it may not always be the most satisfactory when
considering other factors. For example, butyl has a low
permeability to most products, but is not necessarily compatible
with some as for example, alcohol and oil. For example,
chloro-butyl, while not as satisfactory as butyl with regard to
permeability, is easier to use and in some instances, much more
desirable than the butyl polymer without the chloro radical.
Permeability to fluids may be determined by acceptable test
procedures sch as ASTM D814-55.
In any event, notwithstanding some of these properties, it is
important that the inner bladder, which contains the fluid or
material to be stored, meet certain minimum criteria so as to be
able to function satisfactorily in containers of the type herein
under discussion.
For example, it has been found that the wall thickness of the
formed bladder may be within the range of about 0.040 to 0.060 inch
and that the material used should also be capable of producing a
bladder that is compatible with the material to be stored and
should have a modulus of about 300 at 500 percent elongation.
Additionally, it should have an ultimate tensile of about 2000 psi
plus or minus 200 with an elongation factor of at least 850 percent
which includes a satisfactory safety factor. The set that the
material takes after standing, should not be more than about 20
percent although this of course, will vary depending upon the
ultimate elasticity or elastic memory of the butyl-like material
used and to some degree is influenced by the material used for the
second or primary power bladder which furnishes the majority of the
force used to dispense the stored product. These parameters may be
easily determined utilizing accepted ASTM procedures, modified
where necessary to meet the circumstances.
If undue set occurs, folds and/or wrinkles will form in the inner
membrane making it difficult, if not impossible, to dispense the
fluids contained within these folds. This undesirability is
manifest. Volume expansion of the formed bladder should be at least
800cc and the S.sub.2 /S.sub.O should be at least 22. (S.sub.2
/S.sub.O refers to the thin film or bubble burst test that is
applied to a section of the membrane. The so-called S.sub.2
/S.sub.O for the mebrane itself varies over the entire surface area
of the expanded membrane. Values may range from 0.8/1 to 15.0/1.
The relationship is determined by "gridding" or stamping the
unexpanded membrane surface with squares 0.1 in width .times. 0.1
in length and measuring the sidth and lengths in various sections
at different degrees of inflation. The primary objective of this
type of test is to determine uniformity of expansion over the
entire area and also the shape or profile for various volumes). All
of the foregoing parameters are applicable for an ultimate
container of the 8 ounce size variety. Obviously, some of the
foregoing parameters will change depending upon the ultimate size
of the container desired and are merely given for guide
purposes.
The foregoing physical constants are determined for the most part,
as previously indicated, according to accepted testing procedures
utilizing for example, the Scott Test Procedures in order to
determine the modulus, tensile and elongation factors, whereas the
S.sub.2 /S.sub.O and volume test are determined by the thin-film
burst tests as outlined in High Polymer Latices, D.C. Blackley,
Palmerton Publishing Co., New York, Vol 2. Chapter VIII, Section
17.3.2.
Other types of butyl-like elastomers will also suggest themselves
with respect to the ultimate end uses to which they are to be put.
For example, where a food product, or the like, is intended to be
the material or fluid to be contained in the first bladder, FDA
approval must be available and where other products are
contemplated that have a deteriorating effect upon the more
commonplace butyl-elastomers, other compounds such as nitrile
rubber, neoprene and the "Vitons" may be resorted to. In each of
these instances, however, the basic physical properties as outlined
hereinbefore, should be followed in order to have the most
satisfactory container combination possible. In most instances, the
butyl-like bladder or membrane will be molded as opposed to dip
formed, but obviously where the materials from which the first or
inner membrane is made, can meet the afore-described criteria, it
matters not what manufacturing procedure or processes are employed.
Additionally, while a specific polygonal configuration for the
membrane has been illustrated, other shapes are indeed
possible.
THE SECOND OR LATEX-TYPE MEMBRANE
The materials that are most suitable for the manufacture of the
second or outer membrane, are the latex-type compounds. Undue
regard need not be made with respect to permeability. However, the
selected material should be of the type that closely approximates
the basic physical consideration and parameters outlined above for
the inner membrane or bladder, and in addition, one important
criterion. This salient factor is that of elasticity or elastic
momery. Elasticity must be such that the second member or membrane
will always retain a sufficient tendency to return to its original,
natural or unfilled state, so as to be capable of exerting
dispensing forces upon the material contained within the first or
inner membrane. For an 8 ounce size container, it is most desirable
that the initial force exerted by the outer bladder or membrane, be
in the area of about 15 psi with a final force factor of about 9 to
10 psi. It is, of course, obvious that at the initial period of
shelf life of a recently-filled container, the inner membrane will
help contribute some of the dispensing force which, depending upon
the material utilized, will dissipate over a period of time because
of the poor elastic memory of some of the butyl-like
elastomers.
The second or outer membrane should have a modulus of about 500 or
more at 500 percent, and a tensile strength of roughly 3000 to 5000
with an elongation factor within the range, of avout 750-1000. The
volume test should be at least not below 600cc and preferably about
800cc at a 14 psi pressure. The S2/S.sub.O ratio should desirably
be in the 25-35 range at a stress factor of about 7000 to
14000.
It has been found that most materials of the natural latex-type,
natural or otherwise, will give the characteristics outlined above,
wherein the wall thickness of the bladder lies within the range of
about 0.030-0.090 inch. In most instances, an improved performance
bladder is obtained by double or even triple dipping allowing the
individual coats of material to dry or cure between dippings. That
is not to say, however, that other materials that are moldable and
still meet the foregoing criteria, will not suffice as indeed many
other such materials will perform satisfactorily.
COOPERATIVE PARAMATERS
With respect to the first or inner bladder and the second or outer
bladder, it is important that the physical relationship be
maintained. Thus, while specific polygonal configurations of the
bladders have been illustrated, other configurations are indeed
possible just so long as the two members are substantially
coextensive and preferably congruent in configuration and the
following relationships be maintained.
The outside diameter of the first or inner bladder should be such
as to combine with the second bladder in nesting relationship so
that sufficient contact at the interface therof is obtained in
order to ensure simultaneous distention and extension of the
bladders during the filling process. Relative movement between the
physically assembled first and second bladders, at the interface
thereof, should be curtailed and avoided if possible, to eliminate
the possibility of rupturing or localized overstressing of one
bladder with respect to the other.
It is also important that the respective dimensions of the bladders
be such that there is no excess or surplusage of material at the
interface formed by the exterior of the first bladder and the
interior of the second or outer bladder. The avoidance of the
excess or surplusage prevents wrinkling of the bladder at the
interface and eliminates the possibility of entrapment of fluid or
material which is to be stored in the container in the voids and
cavities of the wrinkles which would be produced by having
oversized bladders and which formation would occur during the
filling process. In order to aid in the correct interface condition
formation, a friction-reducing material is preferably placed on
either the exterior surface of the first or inner membrane or on
the inside surface of the second or outer membrane. Such materials
may comprise cornstarch, calcium carbonate, finely ground corn cobs
or any of the other known such desiccant-type materials.
The specific configuration of the upper portion or extremities of
the bladders is important with respect to the prevention of
relative movement and displacement thereof with respect to one
another, and with respect to the valve assembly with which they are
assembled. For example, it will be noted that the first or inner
bladder membrane, is provided with an upstanding flange of
relatively square cross-section whereas thhe latex-type bladder or
membrane is provided with a frusto-conical upper extremity, all of
which ensures satisfactory performance of the double bladder
containers of this invention. Other modes are contemplated.
While the invention has been specifically described as it relates
to non-aerosol-type containers, it is of course obvious that the
basic idea of containing a substance in an impervious first member
and having a second member coextensive therewith to exert
dispensing forces on the stored material for one reason or another,
has broader application as might be found in pressure accumulators,
storage tanks, and other similar applications. All such
applications will follow the spirit and essence of the invention as
disclosed herein and are intended to be covered by the appended
claims.
Using the criteria for the containers of this invention and
specifically the disclosure directed to the FIG. 1 embodiment, a
plurality of containers were fabricated and satisfactorily tested
with various products from water to heavy viscous fluids such as
hand creams. One such container is described below.
EXAMPLE I
A butyl-type elastomer from WARCO, a fabricator of elastomeric
products, and specifically designated WARCO 5P-8A, was utilized to
fabricate a first or or inner bladder using conventional molding
techniques. The thickness of this member was 0.038 inch.
A second bladder or member was fabricated using a multi-dip process
from a latex-type elastomer from Uniroyal Co. product designated
Nat. 5085.
These materials produced bladders having the following
characteristics:
VOLUME TEST
__________________________________________________________________________
Modulus Tensile Elong. Membrane Bubble 500% PSI PSI % PSI Vo=5ml
S.sub.2 /S.sub.0 Stress V --ml
__________________________________________________________________________
BUTYL 307 2123 937 7.0 745 23.2 3940 LATEX 418 4370 843 14.0 1160
27.9 12,630
__________________________________________________________________________
These bladders performed satisfactorily for most products tested
having an acceptable shelf life and level of performance.
Thus, there has been disclosed unique containers for a myriad of
products wherein the products are dispensed without the use of
propellants of the conventional type.
* * * * *