US3670965A

US3670965A - Non pressurized product dispensing system

Info

Publication number: US3670965A
Application number: US43417A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jean Marand
Original assignee: Ciba Geigy Corp
Current assignee: Novartis Corp
Priority date: 1970-06-04
Filing date: 1970-06-04
Publication date: 1972-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 1989-06-20
Also published as: ZA713592B; CA935791A

Abstract

A dispenser for spraying a fluid product includes a product container housing the product. The product is in communication with a product flow passage through a valve of the container. The stem of the valve is connected to a coupler-aspirator. A conventional aerosol propellant cartridge is also connected to the coupler-aspirator aligned with the product container. When the propellant cartridge is depressed, both the valve thereof and the container valve are opened. Thus the product is then aspirated by the propellant through the coupler-aspirator.

Description

United States Patent- Marand [451 June 20, 1972 s41 NON PRESSURIZED PRODUCT 3,451,593 6/1969 Dillarstone ..239/337 x DISPENSING SYSTEM 3,357,647 12/1967 Marral'fino..... ...239/308 X 3,478,933 11/1969 Rousselot ..239/308 X [72] Inventor: Jean Mllllld, Norwalk, Conn.

73 1 Cum 0mm Primary Examiner-M. Henson Wood, Jr. 1 Asslgnee C Assistant Examiner-John .I. Love Filed! J ll 1970 Attorney-Wenderoth, Lind & Ponack [21] Appl.No.: 43,417 mm A dispenser for spraying a fluid product includes a product 5.33: container housing the product. The product is in communica- 58 Field of Search ..239/307 308 328 337 34s 9" 3 mush 235/3 1 5 tamer. The stem of the valve is connected to a coupler-aspirator. A conventional aerosol propellant cartridge is also connected to the coupler-aspirator aligned with the product con- [56] Rdmnm cmd tainer. When the propellant cartridge is depressed, both the UNITED STATES PATENTS valve thereof and the container valve are opened. Thus the product is then aspirated by the propellant through the cou- 3,442,425 5/1969 Chambers ..222/ 193 plepaspimmn 3,255,972 5/1966 l-lultgren et al. ..239/328 X 3,408,010 10/ 1 968 Fukui ..239l308 8 Chins, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEUJUMO 1972 SHEET 10F 4 FlCml INVENTOR JEAN MARAND ATTORNEYS PATENTEDJUHEO m2 3. 670.965

SHEET 2 BF 4 I 1 I 110; 121 Q I25 Q FIG.2

INVENTOR JEAN MARA ND ATTORNEYS PATENTEDJUHZO m2 SHEET 3 BF 4 IN VENTOR JEAN MARAND BY MM ATTORNEYS PATENTEDJum 1912 3,670,965

saw u o; 4

INVENTOR JEAN MARAND BY Am 91% 851d M ATTORNEY-Y NON PRESSURIZED PRODUCT DISPENSING SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a dispensing system of the aerosol type for spraying a fluid, generally liquid, by aspiration with a liquefied gas propellant. More particularly, the present invention relates to such a system wherein the product is housed in a product container and coupled to an aerosol propellant cartridge separate from the product container through a coupler-aspirator.

Even more particularly, the present invention relates to such a system wherein a single actuation causes the propellant to aspirate the product through the coupler-aspirator.

A great many dispensers of the aerosol type are known for dispensing a product upon aspiration by a liquified gas propellant. Such containers comprise a single product and propellant container. The container houses the propellant cartridge and the product such that they are mutually isolated. Separate flow paths lead from the propellant cartridge and from the product through a common valve to a nonle. When the valve is actuated, the product is aspirated by the propellant.

However, certain commercial disadvantages are inherent in such dispensers. In the use of such dispensers, it is necessary to create a seal between the common container and the valve or the valve collar. This becomes a complex practical problem in sophisticated dispensers. Also, the creation of a satisfactory seal becomes difiicult with the use of certain materials.

Furthermore, the general manufacture of aerosol dispensers is a specialized industry. Therefore, manufacturers who-wish to market products in aerosol form must acquire specialized knowledge and must invest large capital in specialized equipment. An alternative is to "farm out" such aerosol production to specialized aerosol manufacturers. This of course, reduces the amount of control which the product manufacturers can exercise over the quality and manufacture of their product.

Also, the handling and shipping of aerosol units is much more complex and expensive than that of non-aerosol products. Special product containers are required, and special shipping regulations must be observed.

For economic reasons, the design of the aerosol unit must be such that the propellant is used up at approximately the same time as the product. This requires the propellant. cartridge to be specifically designed for virtually each and every product which is manufactured. Manifestly, this individualization is expensive. Even though such design may be approximately achieved in the aerosol industry, normal manufacturing tolerances are such that invariably some of the product or propellant is wasted.

With these disadvantages in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dispensing system of the type such that the product is aspirated by a propellant, but wherein the product is housed in a product container separate from the propellant cartridge and is aspirated by the propellant separate from the product container through a coupler-aspirator.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein the product container need only be leak sealed and not pressure sealed.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide such a system which need include only the product, the product container and a coupler, and may be readily combined with a standard and conventional aerosol propellant cartridge.

It is yet an additional object of the present invention to provide such a system that may be handled and shipped without the propellant, and therefore in the same manner as other non-aerosol products.

It is still further an object of the present invention to provide such a system which eliminates waste of the product or the propellant.

These objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention by the provision of a product container containing the product and having a product container valve in communication with the product. The product may be contained in a flexible product sac within the product container wherein the product sac is in communication with the valve. Alternatively, a dip tube may be connected to the valve such that the product within the container is in communication with the valve. The product container valve or valve collar is leak sealed to the product container. The outlet of the product container valve communicates with one flow path in a coupler-aspirator. A second flow path in the coupler-aspirator is adapted to communicate with the outlet valve of a conventional aerosol propellant cartridge mounted in alignment with the product container. The two flow paths in the coupleraspirator join at, a Venturi noule therein for spraying the product. When the propellant cartridge is pressed downwardly, both the propellant cartridge valve and the product container valve are opened. This allows the product to be aspirated by the propellant through the coupler-aspirator.

Other objects and features of the invention will be made clear by the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional illustration of the first em bodiment of the present invention where the product is contained in a flexible product sac;

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional illustration of a second embodiment of the present invention where the product is housed in the product container;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional illustration of a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a first modified coupleraspirator in accordance withthe present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a second modified coupler-aspirator in accordance with the present invention.

With reference now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a first em bodiment of the dispenser in accordance with the present invention will be described.

A product container 1 is adapted to contain a flexible product sac 2 enclosing a suitable product to be dispensed therefrom. Sac 2 may be made of any suitable material which is compatible with the product to be dispensed. Product container 1 may also be made of any suitable or desirable material such as a plastic, metal, fiberboard, etc. A product container valve 4 is seated in valve collar 5. Valve collar 5 is sealed to container 1 in any conventional manner. The seal between collar 5 and container 1 need not be a pressure seal or leakproof seal since container 1 does not house a propellant and the product is contained in a sac. The interior of sac 2 is in communication with a product flow path within valve 4 in a conventional manner, one example of which will be described in detail below.

The outlet of product container valve 4 is in communication with a first flow path 7 in a coupler-aspirator 6. First flow path 7 and a second flow path 8 join in a Venturi noule 9 from which the product is sprayed. Second flow path 8 is adapted to communicate with the stem 10 of the conventional aerosol valve 11 of a conventional aerosol propellant cartridge 12. Propellant cartridge 12 contains a suitable liquefied gas propellant 13. A dip tube 14 is provided in propellant cartridge 12. since the cartridge will normally be positioned above the product container and, therefore, used in the inverted position. This enables only vaporized propellant to be withdrawn. Product container 1 is provided with a guide 15 which is adapted to fit in any conventional manner, such as a snap fit, over the top of the product container. Guide 15 acts to guide and laterally support propellant cartridge 12, as shown in FIG. I. Coupler-aspirator 6 extends to and sprays through a hole 16 in guide 15. Container 1 isprovided with holes 17 in any suitable location for the purpose of providing air vents in the container. Holes 17 allow equalization of atmospheric pressure within container 1 and around product sac 2. Thus, as product is dispensed fromsac 2, the pressure is equalized therearound to insure complete or continued dispensing.

As previously mentioned, product container valve 4 may be any such conventional device. One example of such a valve is shown in FIG. 1. and will now be described. Valve collar 5 has a central opening 20 therein. Just below opening 20 annular gasket 21 is supported on a body member 22. A crimp 23 in collar 5 acts to retain body member 22 in place and to hold gasket 21 in place. Flexible product sac 2 is connected to a sac adaptor 24. Sac adaptor 24 extends through and is held in place by the inner periphery of body member 22. Slidably mounted within annular chamber 25 in the interior of body member 22 is a valve stem 26. Stem 26 has therein a longitudinal passage 27 which communicates at its lower end with a radial passage 28. Radial passage 28 extends to the outer surface of valve stem 27. A spring 29 urges valve stem 26 in an upwardly closed position. In this closed position the inner periphery of gasket 21 closes radial hole 28.

, The general operation of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1 will now be described. The operator graps the unit generally around guide 15. Pressure is then applied by finger or thumb in the general direction of arrow 30. Since container 1, coupler-aspirator 6 and cartridge 12 are aligned, the pressure from the propellant cartridge 12 causes aerosol valve 11 to be opened and also pushes down the coupler-aspirator 6. This pressure is transferred to stem 26. As stem 26 is pushed down against the force of spring 29, radial opening 28 becomes clear of gasket 21. Communication is then opened between the interior of product sac 2, sac adaptor 24, chamber 25, radial opening 28, longitudinal opening 27, flow passage 7, and nozzle 9. Thus, it will be apparent that as propellant cartridge 12 is depressed, both the propellant container aerosol valve and the product container low pressure valve are opened. Only pressure sufficient to open the stiffer of these two valves is required. When both valves are opened the propellant will aspirate the product through the above-mentioned path and cause it to be sprayed from nozzle 9.

In the dispenser shown in FIG. 1, the product is enclosed in a flexible product sac. Thus, the product container may be provided with various holes 17 therein to insure equalization of pressure within the product container to further provide for continued dispensing of the product from the sac. However, as also previously mentioned, it is possible to enclose the product within the product container itself, rather than in a flexible product sac. However, it is manifest that if such arrangement is made, the pressure equalization holes may not be provided in the product container and the seal of the collar to the product container must be leakproof.

Therefore, with reference now to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described 'wherein the product is located within the product container and means are provided within the valve for pressure-equalization within the product container. The product 103 is enclosed within product container 101. Dip tube 102 extends into the product and is fitted into flange 124 in annular body member 122. Body member 122 is supported on the inner periphery of a downwardly extending projection 105a of collar 105. Gasket 121 is held in place between collar 105 and annular body member 122. Collar 105 is sealed to container 101 in a conventional manner to provide a leakproof seal. Slidably mounted within annular chamber 125 of annular body member 122 is a valve stem 132. Radial openings 126 extend from a longitudinal center passage 127 of stem 132 into chamber 125. Gasket 121 has the inner periphery thereof obturating the radial openings 126 and thus serves as a low pressure obturator. Annular depending projection 105a has a longitudinal opening 105k therein.

It will be apparent that as the unit is actuated and stem 132 is depressed, gasket 121 is moved downwardly. This of course, opens communication between product in product container 101 through dip tube 102 into chamber 125 through openings 126 and into passage 127. Simultaneously, however, gasket 121 is moved away from projection 1050 of collar 105, and there is then communication between the atmosphere above collar and the interior of container 101 through opening 105k. Thus, as product is aspirated from the interior of container 101, atmospheric pressure is introduced into container 101 to equalize the pressure therein, and to thus insure continued dispensing of the product therefrom.

The construction of the coupler-aspirator is the same as that disclosed with regard to the embodiment of FIG. 1. Therefore, as the operator depresses propellant cartridge 112 both the product container valve and the aerosol valve are opened. Thus, the propellant flows through flow passage 108 of coupler-aspirator 106 to aspirate the product through flow passage 107 whereby the product is sprayed from nozzle 109.

In the embodiments of the invention discussed with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol and product valves were actuated upon depression. However, it is to be understood that it is within the scope of the present invention to include aerosol and product valves which are actuated upon being tilted in a generally horizontal direction. With reference then to FIG. 3 of the drawings, a further embodiment of the present invention incorporating the use of tiltable valves will be described. A product container 201 houses a product to be dispensed. The product may be contained either within a flexible product sac in the manner described with reference to FIG. 1 or the product may be housed in the container itself in the manner described with reference to FIG. 2. A suitable tiltable product container valve 204 is seated within the collar of product container 201. A coupler-aspirator 206 is coupled to the stem of the tiltable product valve in a manner similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 such that the interior of the stem is in communication with first flow path 207. A standard aerosol propellant cartridge 212 having a conventional tiltable aerosol valve 211 is coupled at stern 210 with coupler-aspirator 206 tocommunicate with second flow passage 208 therein in a manner similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. A guide 215 fits over the top of product container 201 in a manner similar to that described with the previous embodiments. However, guide 215 has a closed top portion 213, and provides lateral support for cartridge 212 only at an upper reduced diameter section 214. Coupler-aspirator 206 extends to and sprays through a hole 216 in guide 215. Guide 215 may also include a hole 217 on the side thereon opposite hole 216.

The operation of tiltable aerosol valves is well-known in the art. Therefore, a complete description of valves 204 and 211 will herein be dispensed with.

The operation of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3 will now be described. The operator again generally grasps the unit around guide 215. However, force is applied against cartridge 212 in a generally horizontal direction as indicated by arrow 218 by a thumb or finger extending through hole 217 in guide 215. As this occurs, the valve end of cartridge 212 is caused to tilt in a right hand direction as viewed in FIG. 3. This of course tends to move the upper part of coupler-aspirator 206 also in a right hand direction as viewed in FIG. 3. However, coupler-aspirator 206 resists this movement due to its close fit with stem 210. This resistance causes stem 210 to be tilted with regard to the axis of cartridge 212. This tilting action causes valve 21 1 to be opened in a conventional manner. As the top of coupler-aspirator 216 is caused to be moved in a right hand direction as viewed in FIG. 3, the remainder of coupler-aspirator 206 is also caused to move generally in this direction. As this occurs the top of the product container valve stem is caused to be moved in a right hand direction as viewed in FIG. 3. This causes the stem to be tilted, thereby opening valve 204 in a conventional manner. At this point, the product within container 201 is in communication with flow passage 207 through the valve 204, and the aerosol propellant is in communication with flow path 208 through valve 211. Thus, the product is aspirated by the propellant in a manner similar to the embodimentsdiscussed with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2. When force on the cartridge 212 is released, the components return to their original positions due to the normal urging of the valves 211 and 204.

Alternatively, guide 215 may be provided with a hole 217a on the same side thereof as hole 216. In this embodiment the tilting of the valves would be in the left hand direction as viewed in FIG. 3.

With reference now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, a modified form of the coupler-aspirator will be described. Coupleraspirator 306 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 and has a first flow passage 307 adapted to communicate with a product container valve through chamber 330. A second flow passage 308 is adapted to communicate with an aerosol propellant cartridge through chamber 322. However, passage 308 opens into an enlarged chamber 320. Chamber 320 communicates with chamber 322. However, a filtering screen 323 having a generally conical shape fits within chamber 320 and is retained therein by ridge 321. Screen 323 operates to filter out debris or dust that might otherwise accumulate in chamber 322 during shipment or storage when the propellant cartridge is not yet in place. The accumulation of such debris or dust could easily clog nozzle 309, and thereby prevent the operation of the unit. Thus, the provision of screen 323 prevents such blockage of the unit before a propellant cartridge is assembled thereto.

In all of the embodiments of the present invention so far described, the coupler-aspirator has been coupled to male product and aerosol valve stems. However, it is to be un derstood that it is within the scope of the present invention to include a coupler-aspirator having male stems adapted to couple with female product and aerosol valves. Thus, with reference now to FIG. 5 of the drawings, one such arrangement of the coupler-aspirator having male stems at point A or B will be described. In FIG. 5 is shown one form of a stem, in this instance adapted to be coupled to a female aerosol propellant and/or product valve. Coupler-aspirator 406 includes a stem portion 440 through which flow passage 408 communicates. Thus, the stern 440 would be inserted within a female valve of a standard aerosol cartridge and/or product container. The unit so modified would operate in the same manner as previously discussed embodiments of the invention. It is further to be understood that the coupler-aspirator as shown in the modified FIG. is meant to be by example only. It is to be understood that many variations of such a male stem are possible and that these variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be understood that any standard propellant cartridge may be used. The cartridge need not be specially designed with regard to the quantity of the product contained in the unit. When the propellant is exhaused, it need merely be replaced by another standard propellant cartridge. Additionally, when the products are exhausted, and when some of the propellant remains, the propellant cartridge may be transferred to a new product dispenser. Thus, it is apparent that the system in accordance with the present invention eliminates waste to both the product and the propellant.

As previously mentioned, all of the various parts of the various embodiments of the present invention above described may be made of any desirable conventional material. For instance, all of these parts may be molded of plastic material by conventional molding techniques, thus making possible the provision of such dispensers at a low cost.

The flexible sacs above described are preferably of the thin walled type and have a great flexibility. This sac may be made of any suitable material which is compatible with the products used therein.

Thus, it will be seen that there has been provided a product dispenser which may be manufactured inexpensively by nonaerosol type manufacturers. The dispenser of this invention may manifestly provide greatly improved commercial exploitation of products which heretofore have not been distributed in aerosol form. The unit as described above may be manufactured and adapted to be later combined with a conventional aerosol cartridge. The provision of this type d|spenser eliminates a great many manufacturing problems.

The product container need not be pressure sealed. The product unit need not be shipped or handled under aerosol regulations, since the unit contains no aerosol cartridge. The waste of either the propellant or the product, heretofore unavoidable, is eliminated.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, such description is intended to be illustrative only, and not restrictive, since many details of the construction of the invention may be altered or modified without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.

What is claimed is:

l. A product dispenser comprising a product container housing a product; a valve means mounted on the top of said product container for selectively dispensing said product, said valve means including a passage communicating with said product and means for selectively blocking and unblocking said product passage; a coupler-aspirator mounted above said product container and having first and second coupling means, the first of said coupling means connected to said valve means, said coupler-aspirator further having a Venturi nozzle having a throat portion and first and second flow paths joining at said nozzle, the first of said flow paths communicating with said first coupling means and the second of said flow paths communicating with said second coupling means, said Venturi throat portion located in said second flow path, said first flow path being in fluid communication with said Venturi throat portion; and an aerosol propellant cartridge positioned above said coupler-aspirator and vertically aligned with said container and having a valve connected to said second coupling means, such that depression of said cartridge and said coupleraspirator opens said valve means and said valve and propellant from said cartridge aspirates said product through said Venturi nozzle.

2. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said valve means is leak sealed but not pressure sealed to said product container.

3. A dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein said product is enclosed within said product container, said valve means including a dip tube fitted therein to provide communication between said product and said product passage, and air inlet means.

4. A dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein said product is enclosed in a flexible product sac, said sac having a sac adaptor thereon which fits into said valve means to provide communication between said sac and said product passage.

5. A dispenser as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a guide means fitting around and extending above said container for providing lateral support for said aerosol propellant cartridge, said guide means having an opening therein through which said product is sprayed by said coupler-aspirator.

6. A dispenser as claimed in claim 5, wherein said valve means and said aerosol valve are tiltable valves and said guide means further has a hole therein whereby said cartridge may be tilted to cause said valve means and said aerosol valve to be opened.

7. A dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein said valve means and said aerosol valve have male stems and said coupling means are openings to receive said stems.

8. A dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein said coupling means are male stems adapted to be received in said valve means and said aerosol valve.

i I i i l

Claims

1. A product dispenser comprising a product container housing a product; a valve means mounted on the top of said product container for selectively dispensing said product, said valve means including a passage communicating with said product and means for selectively blocking and unblocking said product passage; a coupler-aspirator mounted above said product container and having first and second coupling means, the first of said coupling means connected to said valve means, said coupleraspirator further having a Venturi nozzle having a throat portion and first and second flow paths joining at said nozzle, the first of said flow paths communicating with said first coupling means and the second of said flow paths communicating with said second coupling means, said Venturi throat portion located in said second flow path, said first flow path being in fluid communication with said Venturi throat portion; and an aerosol propellant cartridge positioned above said coupler-aspirator and vertically aligned with said container and having a valve connected to said second coupling means, such that depression of said cartridge and said coupler-aspirator opens said valve means and said valve and propellant from Said cartridge aspirates said product through said Venturi nozzle.