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WO2006031989A2 - Couvercle de commande sous charge ressort - Google Patents

Couvercle de commande sous charge ressort Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006031989A2
WO2006031989A2 PCT/US2005/033014 US2005033014W WO2006031989A2 WO 2006031989 A2 WO2006031989 A2 WO 2006031989A2 US 2005033014 W US2005033014 W US 2005033014W WO 2006031989 A2 WO2006031989 A2 WO 2006031989A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
actuator
cap
pillar
container
arm
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2005/033014
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2006031989A3 (fr
Inventor
Steven B. Mineau
Ernst W. Tamm
Allen D. Miller
Scott W. Demarest
Brian E. Healy
Anthony G. Volini
Simon M. Conway
Nathan R. Westphal
Original Assignee
S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US10/941,791 external-priority patent/US7308992B1/en
Priority claimed from US11/006,930 external-priority patent/US7308993B2/en
Priority claimed from US11/007,070 external-priority patent/US7296713B2/en
Priority claimed from US11/127,492 external-priority patent/US7637393B2/en
Application filed by S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. filed Critical S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
Priority to EP05794822A priority Critical patent/EP1789344B1/fr
Priority to CA002580382A priority patent/CA2580382A1/fr
Priority to DE602005005838T priority patent/DE602005005838T2/de
Publication of WO2006031989A2 publication Critical patent/WO2006031989A2/fr
Publication of WO2006031989A3 publication Critical patent/WO2006031989A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant
    • B65D83/16—Actuating means
    • B65D83/20—Actuator caps
    • B65D83/206—Actuator caps comprising cantilevered actuating elements, e.g. levers pivoting about living hinges
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant
    • B65D83/16—Actuating means
    • B65D83/18—Hand lever actuators
    • B65D83/182—Hand lever actuators combined with hand grips
    • B65D83/184—Hand lever actuators combined with hand grips at the end of extension rods

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to actuating apparatus, and more particularly to actuator caps that are placed on containers and used to dispense product from the containers.
  • Smrt U.S. Patent No. 5,287,998 discloses an actuator fitted to a container and including an axially extending passage therethrough for discharging product.
  • the actuator includes a pair of wings that extend transversely from the actuator.
  • the container may be moved axially within a device such that the wings bear against a surface defining a passage, thereby discharging product through the passage.
  • Brotspies et al. discloses a spray bottle grip used with a nasal spray bottle.
  • the grip is coupled to a reciprocating nozzle of the spray bottle, and two arms extend downwardly along the spray bottle.
  • the arms include finger flanges that provide an ergonomic means of reciprocating the nozzle to dispense product from the spray bottle.
  • Haas U.S. Patent No. 3,318,492 discloses a disc-shaped actuator attached to a nozzle of a container. A user may depress the actuator with her finger to dispense product from the container.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,340,103 discloses a handle extending along a container body. When a user pulls the handle toward the container body, a portion of the handle pushes downwardly upon a nozzle portion of the container to dispense product from the container.
  • the user pushes the housing, which in turn pushes the shroud and the valve stem to dispense the air freshener out of the housing.
  • an actuator cap for a container of product includes a main peripheral wall surrounding a central discharge member.
  • the central discharge member is oriented to discharge product axially.
  • An actuator arm extends radially from the central discharge member and is axially deflectable to axially displace the discharge member.
  • a pillar has a peripheral surface and is radially deflectable toward the central discharge member, and the pillar is deflectable relative to the main peripheral wall. In an actuating position of the discharge member, both the pillar and the actuator arm are deflected.
  • a further aspect of the present invention comprehends an actuator cap for a container of product that includes a centrally disposed actuator member oriented to discharge product axially and a main peripheral wall.
  • a wall portion is radially deflectable toward the actuator member.
  • An axially deflectable actuator arm has an end extending from the actuator member in a direction from the actuator member toward the main peripheral wall wherein the cap assumes first, second, and third positions.
  • the wall portion In the first position, the wall portion is in a first deflected state and the actuator arm is deflected to an actuating position.
  • the wall portion In the second position, the wall portion is in a second deflected state in which the wall portion is deflected less than in the first deflected state and the actuator arm is in a non-actuating position.
  • both the wall portion and the actuator arm are in an undeflected state.
  • an actuator cap for a container of product includes a main body having a flexible region that is radially deflectable toward an axial centerline of the cap.
  • the flexible region deflects in response to a first force to a first extent and in response to a second force greater than the first force deflects to a second extent greater than the first extent.
  • a centrally disposed actuator member is oriented to discharge product axially.
  • An actuator arm extends radially from the actuator member in a direction from the actuator member toward the flexible region. The actuator arm deflects to an actuating position in response to the second force but does not deflect to an actuating position in response to the first force.
  • FIG. IA is an exploded isometric view of a container and valve actuating apparatus
  • FIG. IB is an exploded isometric view showing a container having a female- type receiver valve
  • FIG. 1C is an isometric view of valve actuating apparatus
  • FIG. ID is an isometric view of a valve stem having an arm extending therefrom;
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of a housing into which the container of FIG. IA may be placed;
  • FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the housing of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken generally along the lines 4-4 of FIG. 3 further illustrating the container of FIG. 1 in elevation;
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view of FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 5 A is an enlarged sectional view taken generally along the lines 5A-5A of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 6 is a fragmentary exploded isometric view illustrating a nozzle that may be fitted to a valve stem
  • FIG. 7 is an enlarged bottom elevational view of the nozzle of FIG. 6;
  • FIG. 8 is a side elevational view showing a rod and trigger mechanism in combination with the housing of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 9 is a fragmentary partial sectional view taken generally along the lines 9- 9 of FIG. 8;
  • FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 9; Docket No. J-4104 -5-
  • FIGS. 11 and 12 are top and bottom isometric views, respectively, of the - actuator cap of FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the actuator cap of FIG. 9 showing an optional cover in phantom lines;
  • FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken generally along the lines 14-14 of FIG. 11 ;
  • FIGS. 15 is an isometric view of a second actuator cap
  • FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken generally along the lines 16-16 of FIG. 15;
  • FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a third actuator cap
  • FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken generally along the lines 18-18 of FIG. 17;
  • FIG. 19A is a side elevational view of the cap of FIG. 17 shown in an undeflected condition
  • FIG. 19B is a side elevational view of the actuator cap of FIG. 17 showing the actuator cap in a deflected condition
  • FIG. 20 is a plan view of the actuator cap of FIG. 17;
  • FIG. 21 is a bottom elevational view of the actuator cap of FIG. 17;
  • FIG. 22 is a fragmentary sectional view of the housing of FIG. 1 further illustrating the container of FIG. 1 in elevation and an actuator cap similar to the cap of FIG. 17 in section;
  • FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 22, but showing the container advanced axially toward the discharge opening of the housing;
  • FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary isometric view of an alternative pillar and actuator arm
  • FIG. 25 is a fragmentary isometric view of a portion of the cap of FIG. FIG. 17 further illustrating the cap having an integral nozzle member;
  • FIG. 26 is a bottom elevational view of a portion of the cap of FIG. 17.
  • FIG. 27 is a fragmentary sectional view taken generally along the lines 27-27 of FIG. 25. Docket No. J-4104 -6-
  • FIG. IA illustrates a container 50 and a valve actuating apparatus 52 actuable to dispense product from the container 50.
  • the container 50 includes a main container body 56 that contains product.
  • a housing 60 is provided, in which the container 50 may be placed.
  • the housing 60 includes a wall 61 that decreases in cross sectional size, tapering to a discharge opening 62.
  • the discharge opening 62 has a cross sectional size greater than a radius R of the container 50.
  • the container 50 includes a valve stem 66 that actuates a valve (not shown) disposed within the container body 56, and product flows from the valve stem 66 in a direction substantially parallel to an axial dimension of the container 50.
  • the valve stem 66 could be either a vertically depressible valve stem or a tilt valve stem. As will be appreciated hereinafter, if a tilt valve stem is utilized such stem could also alternatively be depressed vertically without tilting to dispense product therethrough.
  • a tilt valve stem is utilized such stem could also alternatively be depressed vertically without tilting to dispense product therethrough.
  • the valve stem 66 could substitute the valve stem 66 with a female valve 68 that receives a suitable insertion tube 69.
  • the insertion tube 69 could be integral with or secured to the valve actuating apparatus 52.
  • the valve actuating apparatus 52 could be separable from the insertion tube 69.
  • the valve actuating apparatus 52 could be separable from the valve stem 66 or could be secured in fixed relation thereto or could be integral therewith.
  • the valve actuating apparatus 52 could include any suitable apparatus that may be displaced to release product from the container 50.
  • the housing 60 may include first and second wall portions 70, 72 that may be joined together to house the container 50.
  • the portion 70 may include three bayonet slots 76a-76c disposed on an end 77 of the portion 70 and equally spaced from one another by 120 degrees.
  • a user inserts pins 78a-78c carried by an end 79 of the portion 72 into the slots 76a-76c and provides a relative rotation of the portions 70, 72 to seat the pins 78a-78c within recessed regions 80a-80c of the slots 76.
  • Either of the portions 70, 72 may include protrusions 82 such as guide fins 84 having edges 85 that abut an exterior surface 86 of the container 50 when the container 50 is placed therein to center the container 50 within the housing 60.
  • protrusions 82 such as guide fins 84 having edges 85 that abut an exterior surface 86 of the container 50 when the container 50 is placed therein to center the container 50 within the housing 60.
  • the 70, 72 may include elongate openings or windows 88 that allow a user to see the container 50 when the container is disposed within the housing 60.
  • the windows 88 further provide an advantage in that the user may see written directions or graphics disposed on the container 50.
  • the valve actuating apparatus 52 extends in a direction transverse to a longitudinal dimension of the container 50.
  • the valve actuating apparatus 52 has a length L defined between a center of the valve stem 66 and an outer peripheral surface 90 of the valve actuating apparatus 52. As seen in FIG. 5, the length L is selected relative to the inner dimensions of the wall 61 such that the outer peripheral surface 90 is disposed in interfering relationship with the wall 61.
  • valve actuating apparatus 52 could be of any suitably shaped structure.
  • the valve actuating apparatus 52 could include a single arm 94 having at least a portion of length L and extending from a tilt-type valve stem 96.
  • a nozzle 98 may be fitted to the valve stem 66 and the nozzle 98 may be fitted within a bore defined by a circumferential wall 100 of the valve actuating apparatus 52.
  • the nozzle 98 includes a shoulder 102 that abuts a bearing surface 104 of the valve actuating apparatus 52.
  • the circumferential wall 100 may include ribs 101 extending therefrom that engage the wall 108.
  • the wall 100 may be tapered to facilitate insertion of the nozzle 98 therein.
  • the nozzle 98 may include an inner circumferential wall 106 defining a flow passage and surrounded by an outer circumferential wall 108 connected to the inner circumferential wall 106 by radially extending members 110.
  • the nozzle 98 may also have a flange 111 that abuts a lower periphery of the circumferential wall 100 as seen in FIG. 5.
  • An outlet 112 is located at a discharge orifice 114 of the nozzle 98.
  • Various conventional internal features can be selected so as to impart a desired spray characteristic to product discharged from the nozzle 98. Nozzles such as nozzle 98 are commercially available from Summit Packaging Systems, hie. of Manchester, New Hampshire. Docket No. J-4104 -8-
  • the housing 60 includes a sleeve 116 attached by any suitable means to a first end 117 of a hollow tube 118 of a rod and trigger mechanism 120.
  • a handle assembly 121 is secured by any suitable means to a second end 122 of the hollow tube 118. Pulling a trigger 123 of the handle assembly 121 advances a push rod 124 (FIG. 9) disposed within the tube 118 against a bottom surface 126 of the container 50, thereby advancing the valve actuating apparatus 52 toward the discharge opening 62 to dispense product from the housing 60.
  • an end 127 of the push rod 124 may be shaped and/or fitted with a plate or other member to distribute forces more evenly across the bottom surface 126 of the container 50. Further, if desired, rather than moving the container 50 relative to the housing 60 by using the rod and trigger mechanism one could move the container 50 and/or the housing 60 relative to one another by hand to dispense product.
  • a main region 129 of the wall portions 70 and 72 may have an inner cross sectional size Cl of about 66 mm, and thus the container 50 could have a cross sectional size of up to about 66 mm.
  • a range of sizes is available for the container 50 one might wish to provide a container sized at or near maximum to provide a maximum useful life for the container 50 given the available space within the housing 60.
  • a preferred value for L is about 25 mm.
  • the product stored within the container body 56 could be any of a broad variety of products such as an air freshener, an insect control agent, a hair spray, a cleaning agent, a polishing agent, a fragrance, or other any other product stored in a container. Further, the product may be pressurized by a suitable propellant disposed within the container 50.
  • FIGS. 10-14 illustrate a further embodiment of valve actuating apparatus 146 wherein structures common to previous embodiments are assigned like reference numerals.
  • FIG. 11 shows the valve actuating apparatus 146 incorporated in an actuator cap 148 that may be fitted onto the container 50.
  • a main peripheral wall 149 of the cap 148 decreases in cross sectional size along an axial dimension defined between first and Docket No. J-4104 -9- second ends 150, 152, tapering from the end 150 to the end 152.
  • a first arm 154a is integral with the wall 100 surrounding the nozzle 98 and has a length L as measured between the surface 90 and the center of the valve stem 66.
  • the center of the valve stem 66 is substantially coincident with the center of the actuator cap 148.
  • FIG. 10 shows that a portion of the inner circumferential wall 106 of the nozzle 98 may be tapered to facilitate insertion of the valve stem 66 therein.
  • the arm 154a extends in a direction transverse to the axial dimension such that the surface 90 is disposed beyond a portion 158 of the main wall 149.
  • the cap 148 is fitted to the container 50, one or both of the cap 148 and the container 50 define an outermost periphery 162, and the arm 154a preferably (although not necessarily) does not extend beyond the outermost periphery 162.
  • a flexible strap member 164a extends from the circumferential wall 100 in a direction opposite the arm 154a.
  • additional arms 154b, 154c may be provided, and the arms 154a- 154c are spaced apart by 120°.
  • Strap members 164b, 164c extend in diametrically opposite directions to the arms 154b, 154c.
  • the arms 154a- 154c are cantilevered from the circumferential wall 100, and the arms 154 and the straps 164 form a monolithic structure attached to the main wall 149 only at areas 166a- 166c of the main wall 149.
  • the straps 164 and the arms 154 are disposed in recesses defined between upright portions 167-172 of the cap 148.
  • the actuator cap 148 provides a useful centering function in that exterior surfaces 173a-173f of the upright portions 167-172, respectively, maintain the point of discharge 112 of the actuator cap 148, best seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, in a centrally located position relative to the discharge opening 62, thereby minimizing the potential for product impingement against the surface 92 of the wall 61.
  • a cover 175 may be placed over the cap 148 to prevent inadvertent actuation during shipment.
  • FIG. 14 shows that the actuator cap 148 may include a circumferential inwardly- tapered flange 180 and a plurality of spaced apart inwardly-directed beads 182. As shown in FIG. 10, the flange 180 and the beads 182 are snap fitted over a rim 184 of the container 50 such that the rim 184 is captured between the flange 180 and the beads 182 to retain the actuator cap 148 on the container 50.
  • FIGS. 12 and 14 show arcuate gussets or strengthening ribs 186 that provide rigidity to the wall portions 167-172.
  • FIG. 14 shows ribs 188 that may be provided within Docket No. J-4104 -10- the circumferential wall 100 to engage the exterior surface of the valve stem 66 or of the nozzle 98 fitted to the valve stem 68.
  • the ribs 188 aid in centering the nozzle 98 and also provide slightly flexible contact points between the circumferential wall 100 and the nozzle 98, accommodating minor variances in the size of either part.
  • FIGS. 15 and 16 show an alternative actuator cap 200 having an arm in the form of a lever member 204.
  • the lever member 204 extends in a direction transverse to the axial dimension and terminates at the outer peripheral surface 90, which is disposed beyond a portion 208 of the wall 149 of the cap 200. However, the lever member 204 preferably does not extend transversely beyond an outer diameter of the first end 150.
  • the lever member 204 is pivotable about a hinge portion 212 connected to the wall 149.
  • the surface 90 of the lever member 204 traverses an arcuate path as the lever member 204 is pivoted downwardly.
  • the surface 90 does not extend beyond any portion of the wall 149 such that the lever member 204 cannot move downwardly more than a particular distance owing to the fact that the lever member 204 is shielded from the housing surface 92 by the wall 149. Therefore, when the cap 200 is disposed on the container 50 it is not possible to deflect the lever member 204, and hence the valve stem 66, more than the particular distance. Comparing the cap 148 of FIGS. 10-14 to the cap 200, it should be noted that the plurality of arms 154 of the cap 148 radiating from the circumferential wall 100 provide a plurality of the surfaces 90 at circumferentially spaced positions. Providing a plurality of the surfaces 90 at spaced apart positions, such as 180°, ensures substantially axial reciprocating movement of the valve stem 66, rather than tilting movement, potentially minimizing product discharge against the wall 61 of the housing 60.
  • FIGS. 17-27 illustrate actuator cap embodiments designed to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent dispensing that might result from a user inadvertently shaking or jostling the housing 60 with the container 50 disposed therein.
  • an actuator cap 300 has a main body 302, a centrally disposed adapter 304 securable to the valve stem 66 shown in FIG. 1, and actuator arms 3O5a-3O5c extending from the adapter 304 and cantilevered therefrom.
  • First through sixth flexible pillars 306a-306f are provided, which may be similar or identical in shape to the upright portions 168-172 of FIGS. 10-14.
  • the pillars 306a-306f extend from a main Docket No. J-4104 -11- peripheral wall 308 of the main body 302.
  • the pillars 306 are cantilevered from the wall 308, attached to the wall 308 at a hinge point 309.
  • the pillars 306 are capable of being deflected radially inwardly toward the central adapter 304 about the hinge point 309. During such deflection, the pillars 306 tip inwardly about the hinge point 309, bowing toward the central adapter 304.
  • FIG. 19B illustrates a deflection state of the cap 300 in which the pillars 306 are deflected but the actuator arms 305 are not deflected. The deflection shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 19B shows a path portion Pl traversed by an end surface 324 of the actuator arms 305. If one were to make the flexible pillars 306 rigid and immobile, then a surface 325 of the pillars 306 at a lower extreme of the path portion Pl would shield the arms 305 from further displacement against the housing surface 92.
  • FIG. 23 shows the pillars 306 deflected toward the central adapter 304 and the valve stem 66 axially displaced into the container 50.
  • the pillars 306 may have a resilient bias outward away from the central adapter 304.
  • an amount of force must be applied that is sufficient to overcome the bias of the pillars 306, and thus move the pillars 306 to allow sufficient deflection of the actuator arms 305 to the actuating position thereof.
  • strengthening ribs 328 may be provided.
  • the ribs 328 connect an internal surface 329 (FIG. 18) of the peripheral wall 308 to internal surfaces 332a-332f (FIG. 21) of the pillars 306.
  • the pillars 306 are hollow, and the ribs 328 bisect the hollow pillars 306. During deflection of the pillars 306, each of the pillars 306 moves unitarily.
  • a lower edge 334 of the ribs 328 may be positioned sufficiently close to the hinge point 309 such that the ribs 328 need not substantially flex during deflection of the pillars 306.
  • the outermost surfaces 90 of the actuator arms 305 of FIG. 18 extend a lesser distance outside the cap 300 beyond a surface 335 than the various actuating arms shown in FIGS. 10-16, such as the actuator arms 154 (FIGS. 10- 14), or the lever member 204 (FIG. 16).
  • the actuator arms 305 extend outwardly a lesser distance relative to the surface 335, the actuator arms 305 still define a length L which must be sufficient so that the outermost surfaces 90 of the actuator arms 305 may contact the housing surface 92.
  • the length L as shown in FIG.
  • the length L may be alternatively expressed as greater than about Vi the radius R (the container radius R seen in FIG. 22) of the container 50 to which the cap 300 is affixed.
  • the actuator arms 3O5a-3O5c need not extend outside of the cap 300 beyond the surface 335.
  • the end surfaces 324 of the actuator arms 305 could be disposed at the position of a phantom line 336. With such an arrangement, the end surfaces 324 of the actuator arms 3O5a-3O5c would be disposed inside of the actuator cap 300 prior to deflection of the pillars 306, but upon sufficient deflection of the pillars 306 would come into contact with the housing surface 92.
  • the actuator arms 305 could alternatively be dimensioned such that the end surfaces 324 are flush with the surface 335 prior to deflection of the pillars 306. Irrespective of whether the surfaces 324 are positioned inside or outside the cap 300 or flush with the surface 335, the extent of axial deflection of the actuator arms 305 against the surface 92 may be increased by radial deflection of the pillars 306 toward the adapter 304. Docket No. J-4104 -13-
  • the adapter 304 may include an integral nozzle member 390 having a spray tip 392.
  • the nozzle member 390 may have a tapered surface 394 to facilitate fitting the valve stem 66 within the nozzle member 390.
  • this resistance of the pillars 306 against movement provides a reactive force against forces directing the container 50 toward the discharge opening 62, such that this reactive force must be overcome before dispensing may occur.
  • This reactive force is advantageous in that low force levels may be insufficient to overcome same to dispense product from the housing 60. For example, such low force levels may occur from a user jostling the housing 60 while walking or manipulating the housing 60 or may arise as a user shakes the housing 60 to mix the contents of the container 50.
  • an alternative pillar 400 could include a rod 402 or other structure extending therefrom into the deflection path of an actuator arm 405, similar or identical to the actuator arms 305. Axial deflection of the actuator arm 405 in the direction of an arrow A pushes the actuator arm 405 against the rod 402, thereby moving the pillar 400. With the design of FIG. 24, moving the actuator arm 405 moves the pillar 400, and any force applied directly to the arm 405 must be sufficient to overcome the resistance to movement of the pillar 400 in order for the actuator arm 405 to reach an actuating position thereof.
  • valve actuating apparatus 52 such as the arm 305
  • the valve actuating apparatus 52 has a sufficiently large value of L, preferably having any suitable value greater than about one half the container radius R (or, stated another way, one quarter the diameter D)
  • the valve actuating apparatus 52 is usable with the housing 60 to dispense product therefrom even though the discharge opening 62 is large.
  • the cross sectional size of the discharge opening 62 is greater than the container radius R.
  • Containers lacking an actuating apparatus of the length L as defined previously are not usable with the housing 60.
  • the wall 61 contacts the outer peripheral surface 90 at the distance L from the orifice of the valve stem 66, the potential for product obstruction or impingement is minimized. This feature could be especially advantageous for some products that fan out while discharging from the container 50 as the product gets farther away from the container 50.
  • the large cross sectional size of the wall 61 would accommodate such Docket No. J-4104 -15- fanning out while minimizing product impingement or deposition thereupon.
  • a further advantage of the large discharge opening 62 is that the surface 92 of the wall 61 may be easily manually accessed for cleaning.
  • the lever arm 204 has significant mechanical advantage at least according to this embodiment.
  • a further optional advantage of the large value of L is that the valve actuating apparatus 52 might be easily displaced by hand if a user removes the container 50 from the housing 60 and manually displaces same.
  • the relative large value of the length L allows the user to maintain her hands away from product discharging from the container 50 in the event of such manual actuation.
  • the large size of the discharge opening 62 may require less material to construct the housing 60, and hence less cost.
  • the foregoing embodiments are useful for dispensing a variety of products such as insecticides, cleaning products, air treatment products (e.g., air fresheners), or other products.
  • products such as insecticides, cleaning products, air treatment products (e.g., air fresheners), or other products.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Pens And Brushes (AREA)
  • Rear-View Mirror Devices That Are Mounted On The Exterior Of The Vehicle (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)
  • Eye Examination Apparatus (AREA)
  • Finger-Pressure Massage (AREA)
  • Surgical Instruments (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un couvercle de commande destiné à un récipient de produit qui comprend une paroi périphérique principale entourant un élément d'évacuation central. Cet élément d'évacuation central est orienté de façon à évacuer le produit de manière axiale. Un bras de commandes s'étend radialement à partir de l'élément d'évacuation central et peut se dévier axialement afin de déplacer axialement l'élément d'évacuation. Une colonne possède une surface périphérique et peut-être radialement déviée en direction de l'élément d'évacuation central et, cette colonne peut-être déviée par rapport à la paroi périphérique principale. En position de commande de l'élément d'évacuation, la colonne et le bras de commande sont déviés.
PCT/US2005/033014 2004-09-15 2005-09-15 Couvercle de commande sous charge ressort WO2006031989A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05794822A EP1789344B1 (fr) 2004-09-15 2005-09-15 Couvercle de commande sous charge ressort
CA002580382A CA2580382A1 (fr) 2004-09-15 2005-09-15 Couvercle de commande sous charge ressort
DE602005005838T DE602005005838T2 (de) 2004-09-15 2005-09-15 Federbelastete betätigungskappe

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/941,791 2004-09-15
US10/941,791 US7308992B1 (en) 2004-09-15 2004-09-15 Spring-loaded actuator cap
US11/007,070 2004-12-08
US11/006,930 US7308993B2 (en) 2004-12-08 2004-12-08 Actuator cap and product refill for a housing
US11/006,930 2004-12-08
US11/007,070 US7296713B2 (en) 2004-12-08 2004-12-08 Actuator cap and product refill for a housing
US11/127,492 2005-05-12
US11/127,492 US7637393B2 (en) 2004-03-26 2005-05-12 Actuator cap for a container

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006031989A2 true WO2006031989A2 (fr) 2006-03-23
WO2006031989A3 WO2006031989A3 (fr) 2006-06-08

Family

ID=36060379

Family Applications (4)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2005/033014 WO2006031989A2 (fr) 2004-09-15 2005-09-15 Couvercle de commande sous charge ressort
PCT/US2005/033245 WO2006032037A1 (fr) 2004-09-15 2005-09-15 Capuchon actionneur pour contenant
PCT/US2005/033015 WO2006031990A1 (fr) 2004-09-15 2005-09-15 Bouchon a actionneur
PCT/US2005/033241 WO2006032036A1 (fr) 2004-09-15 2005-09-15 Capuchon d'actionnement et cartouche de produit pour boitier

Family Applications After (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2005/033245 WO2006032037A1 (fr) 2004-09-15 2005-09-15 Capuchon actionneur pour contenant
PCT/US2005/033015 WO2006031990A1 (fr) 2004-09-15 2005-09-15 Bouchon a actionneur
PCT/US2005/033241 WO2006032036A1 (fr) 2004-09-15 2005-09-15 Capuchon d'actionnement et cartouche de produit pour boitier

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (4) EP1789344B1 (fr)
AT (3) ATE391090T1 (fr)
CA (4) CA2579874A1 (fr)
DE (4) DE602005010880D1 (fr)
ES (4) ES2315917T3 (fr)
WO (4) WO2006031989A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10377556B2 (en) * 2015-02-04 2019-08-13 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Retaining apparatus
BR112017020883A2 (pt) * 2015-04-06 2018-07-10 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. sistemas de dosagem
WO2021257079A1 (fr) * 2020-06-18 2021-12-23 WD-40 Manufacturing Company Actionneur d'aérosol

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3404814A (en) * 1967-06-27 1968-10-08 Risdon Mfg Co Actuator for aerosol valve
US3739941A (en) * 1971-04-26 1973-06-19 Federal Tool & Plastics Uca Co Actuator means for use with aerosol dispensers
US3946911A (en) * 1973-03-16 1976-03-30 L'oreal Cap for operating dispensing valve which may be actuated from a plurality of directions
US3888392A (en) * 1974-02-28 1975-06-10 Procter & Gamble Aerosol package nozzle having means for reducing product retention therein and valve actuator
AU7439200A (en) * 1999-10-09 2001-04-23 Guillermo Aelejandro Araque A valve actuator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE391090T1 (de) 2008-04-15
ES2294737T3 (es) 2008-04-01
CA2579878A1 (fr) 2006-03-23
ATE393744T1 (de) 2008-05-15
DE602005006427T2 (de) 2009-06-18
EP1789344A2 (fr) 2007-05-30
DE602005003591T2 (de) 2008-10-23
WO2006032036A1 (fr) 2006-03-23
DE602005010880D1 (de) 2008-12-18
EP1789347B1 (fr) 2008-11-05
EP1789344B1 (fr) 2008-04-02
ES2301064T3 (es) 2008-06-16
WO2006031989A3 (fr) 2006-06-08
DE602005005838T2 (de) 2009-04-09
EP1789345B1 (fr) 2007-11-28
EP1789346B1 (fr) 2008-04-30
WO2006031990A1 (fr) 2006-03-23
EP1789347A1 (fr) 2007-05-30
EP1789345A1 (fr) 2007-05-30
ATE413344T1 (de) 2008-11-15
CA2579874A1 (fr) 2006-03-23
EP1789346A1 (fr) 2007-05-30
DE602005005838D1 (de) 2008-05-15
ES2306228T3 (es) 2008-11-01
DE602005003591D1 (de) 2008-01-10
CA2579872A1 (fr) 2006-03-23
CA2580382A1 (fr) 2006-03-23
DE602005006427D1 (de) 2008-06-12
WO2006032037A1 (fr) 2006-03-23
ES2315917T3 (es) 2009-04-01

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