AU2015242974A1 - Bi-directional spray acuator - Google Patents

Abstract

A bi-directional spray actuator for attachment to a pressurisable container such as an aerosol. Two spray outlets are provided directed in different directions which are selectable to choose a desired direction, relative to the pressurisable container, for fluid from the pressurisable container to be dispensed. A locked position is also preferably provided to prevent fluid being dispensed out of either outlet. 2426564v1 () / "-en iif/i / $4 -. I 7 / -..- ~ - -7

Description

1 TITLE: BI-DIRECTIONAL SPRAY ACTUATOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION: 1. Field of the Invention: [0001] This invention relates to a bi-directional spray actuator. [0002] The invention particularly relates, but is not limited to, a bi-directional spray actuator for a pressurised (e.g. aerosol) container. [0003] The pressurised (e.g. aerosol) container may contain a wide range of liquids to be dispensed as an aerosol spray, including paints, coatings, inks, adhesives, insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, lubricants, anti-corrosion chemicals or the like. The contents of the container may be pressurised by suitable propellant gas (or gasses), including hydrocarbons, or gas (or gasses) inert to the liquids, dissolved therein; or by an external pressurising source. 2. Prior Art: [0004] NB: The following discussion is by way of background information only: and is not to be considered a statement of the common general knowledge (CGK) in the area of technology. [0005] Many spray actuators for pressurised aerosol containers have been proposed, or adopted, over the years. [0006] In the simplest versions, a simple "valve actuator" is fitted to a valve stem in communication with the interior of the container, and is provided with a nozzle, arranged to produce a cone-like spray pattern. When the valve stem is operated e.g. depressed by the valve actuator, the stem causes the valve in the container to release a portion of the liquid contents (and propellant) from the container, to be released in the spray pattern from the nozzle. [0007] Over the years, more complex spray actuators have been devised. In particular, the actuators may comprise a body (mountable on the container), a nozzle, and a trigger hingedly mounted on / on the body, and the nozzle communicates with the interior of the container via a product passageway connected to a valve in the container and an orifice in the nozzle. 2426564v1 2 [0008] An example of a recent design of such a spray actuator is disclosed in US 2010/0059551 Al (Tomkins et al). [0009] Many of the known spray actuators have at least one limitation in their manner of construction and/or their method of operation. For example, they can only be operated by either a finger-operated trigger or a finger- (or thumb-) operated "button". They are usually not capable of being easily operated when the container is in a number of different orientations, or where alternative spray patterns are to be applied. [0010] Spray actuators previously designed to overcome, or at least ameliorate, these known limitations, are typically complex, and thereby, expensive to manufacture. [0011] In an effort to solve, or at least ameliorate, the problems with the known spray actuators, the present inventors designed a directional spray actuator disclosed in International Application PCT/AU2013/000203) (International Publication W02013/131127) (Vega Innovations Pty Ltd). [0012] While that spray actuator is a marked improvement over the prior art spray actuators, the inventors are aware that it did not solve all the problems to be overcome. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION: [0013] It is an object of the present invention of the present invention to overcome, or at least ameliorate, the problems with the known spray actuators. [0014] Other preferred objects will become apparent from the following description. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION: [0015] In one aspect, the present invention resides in a bi-directional spray actuator for attachment to a pressurisable container having a valve and a valve stem and containing at least one liquid to be dispensed, the spray actuator including: an actuator housing or shroud, mountable on the container to at least partially surround the valve stem; 2426564v1 3 a valve actuator, having first and second passageways therethrough, the passageways each having an inlet operably connectable to the valve stem and a spray outlet, with the spray outlet of the second passageway being directed in a different direction to the spray outlet of the second passageway; and a pivotal connection between the valve actuator and the actuator housing or shroud; so arranged that by movement of the valve actuator relative to the valve stem, the respective inlet are selectively connectable to the valve stem to enable the at least one liquid to be dispensed in respective directions relative to the container. [0016] Preferably, the valve actuator is movable relative to the valve stem to isolate both passageways from the valve stem, to prevent the at least one liquid to be dispensed. [0017] Preferably, in one embodiment, the actuator shroud has a cross-piece adjacent the valve stem, the cross-piece having a socket or bore; the valve actuator has a spigot or pivot pin extending below the valve actuator, at or adjacent a first end thereof; and the spigot or pin is received in the socket or bore for at least substantially lateral pivotal movement of the valve actuator relative to the actuator shroud. [0018] in an alternative embodiment, the actuator shroud has a cross-piece adjacent the valve stem, the cross-piece having a spigot or pivot pin; the valve actuator has a socket or bore extending below the valve actuator, at or adjacent a first end thereof; and the spigot or pin is received in the socket or bore for at least substantially lateral pivotal movement to the actuator shroud. [0019] Preferably, the actuator shroud has a respective slot or stop aligned with the respective positions of the valve actuator when the inlets are aligned with the valve stem and/or when the inlets are isolated from the valve stem; and an abutment or stop member at, or adjacent, a second end of the valve actuator is selectively engageable with the respective slots or stops to enable the liquid to be dispensed or to prevent the liquid being dispensed. 2426564v1 4 [0020] Preferably, the valve actuator can be tilted relative to the actuator shroud to enable the abutment or stop member to be released from, or engaged with, the respective slots or stops. [0021] Preferably, the inlets to the first and second passageways are provided on an underside of the valve actuator, spaced along an arcuate path at the same radial distance from the spigot or pivot pin as the radial distance between the spigot or pivot pin and the valve stem; and the valve stem is located intermediate the inlets when the valve actuator is positioned to prevent the liquid being dispensed. [0022] Preferably, one of the spray outlets is located at the one end of the valve actuator, and the other of the spray outlets is locate in an upper-side of the valve actuator. [0023] Preferably, the spray outlets are arranged to dispense the liquid in respective directions substantially laterally, and longitudinally, of the container. [0024] Optionally, one, or both, spray outlets may be provided with a mechanical breakup unit, such as a spray nozzle, designed to dispense the liquid in a selected spray pattern and/or direction. [0025] Preferably, a finger-pad is provided at, or adjacent, the second end of the valve actuator, the finger-pad being depressed to cause the valve actuator to move the valve stem to open the valve and dispense the liquid. [0026] In a second aspect, the present invention resides in a liquid spray system, including: a pressurisable container having a valve and a valve stem; at least one liquid to be dispensed within the container; and the spray actuator as hereinbefore described. [0027] Preferably, the liquid is pressurised by a pressurising gas, or gases, within the container or from a source operably connected to the container. [0028] Other preferred aspects of the present invention will become apparent 8rom the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS: [0029] To enable the invention to be fully understood, and to enable the skilled addressee to be able to put the invention into effect, a number of 2426564v1 5 preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a top isometric view of a first embodiment of the bi-directional spray actuator, as assembled, in accordance with the present invention: FIG. 2 is a top isometric view of the spray actuator before assembly; FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the actuator shroud; FIG. 4 is a bottom isometric view of the valve actuator; FIGS. 5 and 6 are respective top isometric views of the valve actuator, from opposed ends; FIG. 7 is a part-sectional side isometric view of the spray actuator fitted to an aerosol container; FIG. 8 is a top plan view, on an enlarged scale, illustrating the releasable locking system between the valve actuator and the actuator shroud; FIGS. 9 to 11 are respective top isometric views of the valve actuator in the three positions relative to the actuator shroud; FIGS. 12 and 13 are respective side elevational views illustrating the operation of the spray actuator; FIGS. 14 to 16 are top isometric views illustrating the operation of the spray actuator; and FIGS. 17 to 20 illustrate alternative embodiments of the spray outlets on the valve actuator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS: [0030] The bi-directional spray actuator 10, to be hereinafter described in more detail, is designed to be mounted on an aerosol container 80, as illustrated in FIG. 7, of the type having a cylindrical body 81 and dome-like top portion 82 interconnected by a peripheral rim 83. The container 80 contains a liquid to be dispensed e.g. an ink or dye, pressurised by a suitable pressurising gas. The liquid is dispensed through a valve stem 84, connected to a valve within the container 80, when the valve stem 84 is depressed. Preferably, the valve will dispense the liquid while the container 80 is in any orientation. [0031] As will be described in more detail, the spray actuator 10 incorporates 2426564v1 6 an actuator shroud 20, mountable on the container 80; and a valve actuator 40 pivotally mounted on the actuator shroud 20 to operate the valve stem 84 the selectively dispense the liquid. [0032] The actuator shroud 20 is injection-moulded in suitable plastics material (e.g. polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene or ABS), and has a lower skirt-portion 21 having a circumferential wall 22 adapted to engage the peripheral rim 83 of the container 80. [0033] A cross-piece 23 spans a gap between a pair of upper side walls 24 of the actuator shroud 20, each side wall 24 having an inwardly-directed top wall 25. The inner-edges 26 of the top walls 25 are separated by a gap 27, which has slightly-divergent sides at one end, and more-divergent sides at the other end, in top plan view. [0034] An integral hinge plate 28 extends inwardly from the cross-piece 23, and the hinge plate 28 has a vertical bore 29 therethrough. The bore 29 provides the pivotal axis for the valve actuator 40, to be hereinafter described in more detail. [0035] An inwardly directed lip 30, diametrically opposed to the cross-piece 23, interconnects the side walls 24, and has three inwardly-directed slots 31 33, each with a tamper-evident tab 34, as best illustrated in FIG. 3. The slots 31-33 are respectively marked Top, Lock and Front. [0036] The valve actuator 40 is also injection-moulded from suitable plastics, but is preferably moulded in a different colour to the actuator shroud e.g. black compared with red. [0037] The valve actuator 40 has a top wall 41, with a substantially-peripheral skirt 42 depending therefrom. At a first end, the peripheral skirt 42 has a first end wall 43; which interconnects divergent side walls 44, 45; which, in turn, interconnect a curved second end wall 48. [0038] A stop-member 49 extends radially outwardly from the intermediate portion of the second end wall 48 and is selectively engageable in the slots 31-33. [0039] A finger-pad 50 is provided on the top wall 41 at the second end thereof, and is marked Locate with a double-ended arrow 51; and with Lift an arrow 52 and Lift. Arrow 51 extends substantially transversely to the valve 2426564v1 7 actuator 40, while arrow 52 extends radially towards the second end of the valve actuator 40. (Arrows 56A & 59A in the top wall 41 indicate which spray outlet 56, 59 is arranged to dispense the liquid when the valve actuator 40 is moved from the intermediate position and the stop-member 49 is engaged complementary Top or Front slot 31, 33, respectively.) [0040] A spigot 53 extends downwardly from the valve actuator 40 adjacent the first end, and is arranged to be received in the vertical bore 29 in the pivot plate 28; and is provided with a locking bead 54 to prevent release from the vertical bore 29. The spigot 53 & vertical bore 29 are dimensioned to permit substantially lateral movement of the valve actuator 40 relative to the actuator shroud 20, together with limited tilting movement relative thereto. NB: The valve actuator 40 is dimensioned relative to the gap 27 to permit the valve actuator 40 to be moved relative to the actuator shroud 20 to enable the stop member 49 to be aligned with, and engaged in, the slots 31-33 in the actuator shroud 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 11. [0041] A first passageway 54 extends substantially vertically relative to the top wall 41, with a convergent first inlet 55 operably connected to a first spray outlet 56 directed vertically relative to the top wall 41. [0042] A second passageway 57 underlies the top wall 41, and interconnects a convergent second inlet 58 with a second spray outlet 59, in the first end wall, directed along the longitudinal axis of the valve actuator. 40 [0043] Reinforcing ribs 60, 61, on the underside of the top wall 41, interconnect the inlets 55, 58 to the second end wall 48, to reinforce the finger-pad 50. [0044] The inlets 55, 58 are at the same radial distance from the spigot 53 as the valve stem 84 is from the vertical bore 29, so that when the valve actuator 40 is moved to either of the dispensing positions, to be hereinafter described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 11, the distal (upper) end of the valve stem 84 is received in sealing engagement with first or second inlets 55, 58, to enable the liquid in the container 80 to be dispensed. [0045] NB: When the valve actuator 40 is in an intermediate position, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the valve stem 84 is intermediate the inlets 55, 58; and depressing the finger-pad 50 will not cause the valve actuator 40 to depress 2426564v1 8 the valve stem 84. [0046] The operation of the spray actuator 10 will now be described with particular reference to FIGS. 9 to 16. [0047] The spray actuator 10 is assembled as illustrated in FIG. 1; and is installed on the aerosol container 80, as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 12 and 13, with the lower skirt-portion 22 of the actuator shroud 20 engaged with the peripheral rim 83 on the container 80. [0048] Initially, the valve actuator 40 is located in the Lock position illustrated in FIG. 10, but the stop member 49 is not directed into slot 32 to cause the tamper-evident tab 34 therein to be dislodged. (NB: If preferred, the valve actuator 40 may be placed in the Lock position, with the stop member 49 received in slot 32, to prevent accidental dispensing of the liquid from the aerosol container 80 during storage / transport. [0049] When the operator receives the aerosol container 80 fitted with spray actuator 10, he / she can visually check if the container 80 has been tampered with. The operator can also depress the finger-pad 50 to "tilt" the valve actuator 40 so that it is in the Lock position with the stop-member 49 received in slot 32. [0049] Dependent on the pattern of liquid to be sprayed onto an article e.g. yellow marking ink onto a road surface, the operator will lift the second end of the valve actuator 40 e.g. with a finger nail under the finger-pad 50, as illustrated in FIG. 12, and pivot the valve actuator 40 i.e. in one of the two directions indicated by arrow 51, until arrow 52 is aligned with either slot 31 (for spraying from the first spray outlet 56 with the valve actuator 40 in the Top position); or arrow 52 is aligned with slot 33 (for spraying from the second spray outlet 59 with the valve actuator 40 in the Front position), as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 11, respectively. [0050] The operator depresses the finger-pad 50; and the stop-member 48 enters the slot 31 or 33, displacing the tamper-evident tab 34, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16. [0051] The distal (upper) end of the valve stem 84 engages the aligned first or second inlet 55, 58; and forms a fluid tight seal therewith. [0052] As the finger-pad 50 is further depressed, the valve stem 84 is 2426564v1 9 depressed to open the valve in the container 80 and allows the liquid to be dispensed. The pressurised liquid flows through the valve stem 84; through inlet 55 or 58; and then through the first or second passageway 54 or 57 to the spray outlet 56 or 59. [0053] To stop spraying the liquid, the operator raises the finger-pad 50, as illustrated in FIG. 12, e.g. using a finger-nail under the second end of the valve actuator under finger-pad 50, until the inlet 55, 58 is released from the valve stem 84. [0054] The operator pivots the valve actuator 40 laterally relative to the actuator shroud 20, until the stop-member 48 is aligned with slot 32; and then depresses the finger-pad 50 to engage the stop-member 48 in the slot 32, with the valve actuator 40 in the Lock position, as illustrated in FIG. 10. [0055] To recommence spray the liquid, the operating steps are repeated, with the valve actuator 40 moved to either the Top or Front position, dependent on the spray pattern required. [0056] The skilled addressee will appreciate that the valve actuator 40 will remain in either of the spraying positions, or the Lock position, until the operator "tilts" the second end of the valve actuator 40 upwardly to release the stop-member 48 from the aligned slot 31-33. [0057] In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, both spray outlets 56, 59 are of the non-mechanical breakup unit (NMBU) types; but either / both may be replaced by selected mechanical breakup units (MBU) e.g. dependent on the liquid(s) to be dispensed, the spray pattern(s) required, the directions of the spray(s), and like parameters. For example, FIG. 17 illustrates a valve actuator 140 with an NMBU spray outlet 156 & MBU spray outlet 159; FIG. 18 illustrates a valve actuator 240 with both spray outlets 256, 259 on the NMBU type; FIG. 19 illustrates a valve actuator 340 with a MBU spray outlet 356 & NMBU spray outlet 359; and FIG. 20 illustrates a valve actuator 440 with both spray outlets 456, 459 of the MBU type. [0058] While the Top and Front positions for the valve actuator 40 have the inlets 55, 58 on opposite sides of the valve stem 84, when the valve actuator 40 is in the Lock position, the skilled addressee will appreciate that e .g. the Front and Lock positions may be reversed. 2426564v1 10 [0059] In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, the spigot 53 may extend upwardly from the cross-piece 23 (or hinge plate) and be received in a downwardly-directed socket in the underside of the valve actuator 40. This arrangement will provide the laterally-pivotal movement, preferably with also at least limited tilting movement, to allow the valve actuator to be selectively moved between two dispensing positions and/or a locked (or non-dispensing) position. [0060] The engagement of the stop-member 48 in the slots 31, 33 ensures that the inlets 55, 58 are accurately aligned with the valve stem 84, before the latter is depressed to open the valve and dispense the liquid in the aerosol container 80. This minimises the risk of the pressurised liquid leaking past the sealing line of contact between the distal (upper) end if the valve stem 84 and the convergent wall(s) of the inlets 55, 58. (The convergent wall(s) of the inlets 55, 58 will assist in aligning the valve stem 84 with the inlets 55, 58, should the valve stem 84 suffer any wear or damage.) [0061] The skilled addressee will also appreciate the operation of each passageway is independent of the other, as each has a respective inlet 55, 58 connectable to the valve stem 84. [0062] While the spray actuator 10 has been described, and illustrated, fitted to an aerosol container 80, the spray actuator 10 may be fitted to a container, containing at least one liquid, where the liquid(s) are pressurised e.g. by compression / collapsing of the container, connection of the container to a source of pressurised gas e.g. to a compered air tank or air compressor, by a movable wall or membrane within the container, or other suitable pressurising method. [0062] The skilled addressee will appreciate that the present invention, may be modified to be able to spray in three- or more directions e.g. as a tri directional spray actuator, where a respective third passageway, with an inlet and spray outlet, is provided in the valve actuator; and a respective slot or stop, engageable by the abutment or stop member on the valve actuator; and the third spray outlet may be directed to spray e.g. at an angle bisecting the spray outlets of the first and second passageways. [0063] Advantages of the spray actuator of the present invention include, but 2426564v1 11 are not limited to: a) Ease of manufacture; b) Inexpensive to manufacture i.e. as a disposable product; c) Ease of assembly; d) Tamper-proof indication before use; e) Ease of use; f) Can be used with a container in any orientation; g) Availability of optional spray patterns in either / both spray directions; h) Can be provided with one or more mechanical breakup units (MBU); i) Lockable for storage / transport; j) Child-proof; and k) Can be produced in a range of e.g. bright, or "hi-vis", colours (e.g. for the actuator shroud) for use on worksites where safety is paramount. [0064] Various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described, and illustrated, without departing from the present invention. 2426564v1

Claims (13)

1. A bi-directional spray actuator for attachment to a pressurisable container having a valve and a valve stem and containing at least one liquid to be dispensed, the spray actuator including: an actuator housing or shroud, mountable on the container to at least partially surround the valve stem; a valve actuator, having first and second passageways therethrough, the passageways each having an inlet operably connectable to the valve stem and a spray outlet, with the spray outlet of the second passageway being directed in a different direction to the spray outlet of the second passageway; and a pivotal connection between the valve actuator and the actuator housing or shroud; so arranged that by movement of the valve actuator relative to the valve stem, the respective inlets are selectively connectable to the valve stem to enable the at least one liquid to be dispensed in respective directions relative to the container.

2. The spray actuator of claim 1, wherein: the valve actuator is movable relative to the valve stem to isolate both passageways from the valve stem, to prevent the at least one liquid to be dispensed.

3. The spray actuator of claim 1, wherein: the actuator shroud has a cross-piece adjacent the valve stem, the cross-piece having a socket or bore; the valve actuator has a spigot or pivot pin extending below the valve actuator at, or adjacent, a first end thereof; and the spigot or pin is received in the socket or bore for at least substantially lateral pivotal movement of the valve actuator relative to the actuator shroud. 2426564v1 13

4. The spray actuator of claim 1, wherein: the actuator shroud has a cross-piece adjacent the valve stem, the cross-piece having a spigot or pivot pin; the valve actuator has a socket or bore extending below the valve actuator at, or adjacent, a first end thereof; and the spigot or pin is received in the socket or bore for at least substantially lateral pivotal movement to the actuator shroud.

5. The spray actuator of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein: the actuator shroud has a respective slot or stop aligned with the respective positions of the valve actuator when the inlets are aligned with the valve stem and/or when the inlets are isolated from the valve stem; and an abutment or stop member at, or adjacent, a second end of the valve actuator is selectively engageable with the respective slots or stops to enable the liquid to be dispensed or to prevent the liquid being dispensed.

6. The spray actuator of claim 5, wherein: the valve actuator can be tilted relative to the actuator shroud to enable the abutment or stop member to be released from, or engaged with, the respective slots or stops.

7. The spray actuator of claim 1, wherein: the inlets to the first and second passageways are provided on an underside of the valve actuator, spaced along an arcuate path at the same radial distance from the spigot or pivot pin as the radial distance between the spigot or pivot pin and the valve stem; and the valve stem is located intermediate the inlets when the valve actuator is positioned to prevent the liquid being dispensed.

8. The spray actuator of claim 1, wherein: one of the spray outlets is located at the one end of the valve actuator, and the other of the spray outlets is locate in an upper-side of the valve actuator. 2426564v1 14

9. The spray actuator of claim 8, wherein: the spray outlets are arranged to dispense the liquid in respective directions substantially laterally, and longitudinally, of the container.

10. The spray actuator of claim 1, wherein: one, or both, spray outlets are provided with a mechanical breakup unit, such as a spray nozzle, designed to dispense the liquid in a selected spray pattern and/or direction.

11. The spray actuator of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: a finger-pad is provided at, or adjacent, the second end of the valve actuator, the finger-pad being depressed to cause the valve actuator to move the valve stem to open the valve and dispense the liquid.

12. A liquid spray system, including: a pressurisable container having a valve and a valve stem; at least one liquid to be dispensed within the container; and the spray actuator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The liquid spray system of claim 12, wherein: the liquid is pressurised by a pressurising gas, or gases, within the container or from a source operably connected to the container. 2426564v1