EP1976775B1 - Verfahren zur abgabe von inhalt aus einem aerosolbehälter und betätigungsvorrichtung zur durchführung solch eines verfahrens sowie anordnung, aerosolbehälter und ausgabekappe - Google Patents

Verfahren zur abgabe von inhalt aus einem aerosolbehälter und betätigungsvorrichtung zur durchführung solch eines verfahrens sowie anordnung, aerosolbehälter und ausgabekappe Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1976775B1
EP1976775B1 EP05822969A EP05822969A EP1976775B1 EP 1976775 B1 EP1976775 B1 EP 1976775B1 EP 05822969 A EP05822969 A EP 05822969A EP 05822969 A EP05822969 A EP 05822969A EP 1976775 B1 EP1976775 B1 EP 1976775B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
knob
force
energy
user interface
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP05822969A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP1976775A1 (de
Inventor
Werner Marie Camie Clauwaert
Annick Dumon
Thomas Van Der Schoor
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
FrieslandCampina Nederland BV
Original Assignee
Friesland Brands BV
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Priority to PL05822969T priority Critical patent/PL1976775T3/pl
Publication of EP1976775A1 publication Critical patent/EP1976775A1/de
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Publication of EP1976775B1 publication Critical patent/EP1976775B1/de
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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 or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/44—Valves specially adapted therefor; Regulating devices
    • B65D83/52—Valves specially adapted therefor; Regulating devices for metering
    • 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 or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/16—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means
    • B65D83/20—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means operated by manual action, e.g. button-type actuator or actuator caps
    • B65D83/201—Lever-operated actuators
    • B65D83/202—Lever-operated actuators combined with a hand grip

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for dispensing a food ingredient from an aerosol container, the container having a container knob which in a depressed state opens a valve of the container for dispensing the content of the container and in a non-depressed state releases said valve into a closed condition, the container knob being biased in the non-depressed state.
  • the aerosol containers which can be standard aerosol containers, are used for dispensing various food content, for example food like whipped cream.
  • Such commonly known standard aerosol containers normally comprise a container knob, which opens a valve when being depressed by a user of the container. In that depressed state, the content of the container can be released from the container for using it.
  • a disadvantage of a method like this for dispensing the content from the aerosol container is that the user is free to decide on the amount of the content, which is dispensed from the container.
  • the container will become empty relatively quickly when users dispense large amounts of content, which consequently is relatively expensive.
  • some container knobs are hard to depress and therefore ask a lot of force from the user, which makes it relatively difficult to operate the standard aerosol container.
  • the method according to the invention is characterized in that for dispensing a fixed amount of food ingredient from the container each time, the container is connected with an operating device comprising a user interface arranged for being brought from a first position to an actuated position by manual force, a knob actuator for actuating the container knob upon actuation of the user interface and an intermediate mechanism comprising force and movement transmitting elements and energy-storing elements of a mechanical nature only, operatively arranged between the user interface and the container knob actuator for controlling the knob actuator and for keeping the knob in a depressed state for a fixed time after actuating the user interface.
  • an operating device comprising a user interface arranged for being brought from a first position to an actuated position by manual force, a knob actuator for actuating the container knob upon actuation of the user interface and an intermediate mechanism comprising force and movement transmitting elements and energy-storing elements of a mechanical nature only, operatively arranged between the user interface and the container knob actuator for controlling the knob actuator and for keeping the knob in a depressed state for
  • the valve of the aerosol container When the knob is in a depressed state for a fixed time, the valve of the aerosol container is open for a fixed time to release food ingredient. Consequently, a fixed amount of content is dispensed.
  • the intermediate mechanism controls the knob actuator that actuates the knob. For this method, to dispense equal amounts every time the user interface is operated, it is irrelevant how long it takes for the user to completely operate the user interface. The hand force the user uses to operate the user interface does not influence the time period that the knob is in a depressed state.
  • the mechanism is adapted to overcome user influences on the depressed state of the container knob.
  • a further advantage of the method according to the invention is that the user of the method for dispensing content from the aerosol container is not likely to get in contact with the food ingredient due to the position of the user interface in relation to the position of the nozzle, which is favourable in terms of hygienic standards. Furthermore, the food ingredient is not likely to soil the user interface because it preferably is situated at a distance from the nozzle and container knob. Consequently, the user interface does not experience any operating difficulties because of dirt.
  • the mechanical nature of the intermediate mechanism enables that the method for dispensing content from a standard aerosol container can be carried out on many different places, also places where no electricity is available.
  • the operating device can be placed on the most convenient operating place for the user, where the user can easily reach it and pick it up when necessary.
  • JP 2001287782 discloses a method and a device for dispensing aerosol products such as a fumigant, a deodorizer, an aromatic etc.
  • the device can be positioned on top of a known aerosol container comprising a fluid.
  • the device comprises a time setting ring for setting a predetermined time for dispensing the contents of the container, thereby winding a spiral spring.
  • a user can push the button of the container in a substantially downward direction until a locked position is obtained.
  • a first spring is compressed to store energy.
  • a second spring is compressed as well, thereby opening a valve enabling release of the contents of the aerosol container.
  • the container button During rotation of the time setting ring, due to the spiral spring, the container button will stay in the compressed position, until an unlocking position is reached. Then, due to the stored energy in the first spring, the valve is closed such that the dispensing of the aerosol content is stopped.
  • US-A-4,570,824 discloses a doorbell actuated air freshener comprising an air freshener disperser that is connected to a doorbell transformer via a control wiring.
  • the doorbell pushbutton is also connected to the doorbell transformer via a control wiring.
  • the air freshener disperser comprises a means for holding and actuating an air freshener aerosol can.
  • the can has centred at its top an aerosol push button.
  • the aerosol can is actuated by actuation means that provides a downward mechanical force upon the aerosol pushbutton for a period of time while the doorbell is being pressed and releases the pushbutton after the doorbell is released.
  • the actuation means comprises an electric motor, which in turn actuates a cam pusher that in fact actuates the pushbutton.
  • the cam pusher comprises a rotating cam that is driven by the motor.
  • a cam follower means translates the movement of the rotating cam into a push action directly contactingly driving the pushbutton in a periodically depressed direction.
  • said container knob is brought into said depressed state by transmitting a first force to the knob actuator which transmits said first force to the container knob in a direction substantially parallel to a depressing direction, wherein the first force is transmitted in one go. If the first force is transmitted in one go, a large amount of energy is released at once thereby depressing the container knob entirely. This prevents the container knob from being only semi-depressed and therefore dispensing too little amount of content.
  • the first force is created by operating the user interface thereby storing energy in an energy-storing element and releasing the energy when a locking mechanism is released.
  • the locking mechanism preferably comprises an aperture, for instance a tapered aperture and a locking element, for instance a locking pin or a locking ball, wherein the locking element is engaging the aperture with a locking force.
  • the locking mechanism releases enabling the first force to be transmitted in one go.
  • This kind of locking mechanism is a simple mechanism with little parts to release the first force and is therefore reliable.
  • the container knob is brought back in the non-depressed state by transmitting a second force to release the knob actuator from the first force and thereby releasing the container knob from the first force, the container knob moving in a direction substantially opposite to the depressing direction of said container knob.
  • the container knob is brought back in the non-depressed state by transmitting a second force to the knob actuator, creating a resultant force on the container knob in a direction substantially opposite to the depressing direction of said container knob. Whether the knob actuator is released from the first force or a second force is applied to the knob actuator to create a resultant force, the knob actuator moves away from the container knob bringing the container knob in a non-depressed state. In both ways this is an automatic operation and a consequence of operating the user interface.
  • the second force is created by operating the user interface thereby storing energy in a second energy-storing element and thereafter releasing the energy in a dampened way.
  • the fixed time is created.
  • the second force is transmitted a little while after the first force, thereby defining the dispensing period and consequently the dispensing amount.
  • a timer device is provided in the mechanism and can be controlled by a user, for instance by a user control, to regulate said dampened way.
  • the user can set a desired fixed amount for example taking cake size or mug or cup size into account.
  • energy is stored in the first energy-storing element substantially at the same time as energy is stored in the second energy-storing element. This is very favourable because it only takes the user one operation to dispense the content from the aerosol container. This makes the method easy to carry out, and saves the aerosol container user time.
  • the invention also provides an operating device for an aerosol container, for use in a above described method, the container, containing a food ingredient, having a container knob which in a depressed state opens a valve of the container for dispensing the content of the container and in a non-depressed state releases said valve into a closed condition, the container knob being biased in the non-depressed state, the operating device comprising:
  • This operating device provides similar advantages as mentioned with the above-described method.
  • said user interface can comprise at least one of a handle, a knob and/or a button.
  • the operating device can further comprise positioning means, for adequately positioning said standard aerosol container in the operating device, the container knob being opposed to the knob actuator.
  • said positioning means can comprise at least one of a male part and a female part, said parts adapted to interlock with the container knob.
  • the invention further relates to an aerosol container operating device assembly, comprising an aerosol container connected to an above mentioned operating device, wherein the assembly is adapted for dispensing a fixed amount of food content from said aerosol container.
  • FIGS 1a-1c show an operating device 1 with thereto connected an aerosol container 2.
  • the aerosol container 2 which can be a standard aerosol container, has a container knob 4 which in depressed state opens a valve of the container 2 for dispensing the content of the container 2 and in a non depressed state releases said valve into a closed condition.
  • the container knob 4 is being biased in the non-depressed state.
  • the aerosol container 2 further has a nozzle 3a through which the content leaves the container 2.
  • the operating device 1 comprises a user interface 6, in this case a handle, a knob actuator 7 and an intermediate mechanism 8 arranged for keeping the knob in a depressed state for a fixed time after actuating the user interface 6.
  • the user interface 6 can also be a button, a knob or the like.
  • the operating device 1 further comprises a frame 5 to releaseably mount the aerosol container 2 in a fixed position, thereby situating the container knob 4 opposite the knob actuator 7.
  • the support 23 can also be a different kind of support like metal strips, rubbers, belts or the like.
  • the intermediate mechanism 8 mechanically connects the handle 6 to the knob actuator 7. Therefore, the mechanism 8 is provided with force and movement transmitting elements like slides, levers, rack and pinions, gears, friction couplings, dampers, air pumps, and air cylinders.
  • the mechanism 8 further comprises energy-storing elements, like mechanical springs, gas springs and hydraulic springs.
  • the operating device In a non-operated state, the knob actuator 7 is in a rest position and the container knob 4 is in a non-depressed state.
  • the container knob 4 can be brought into a depressed state by transmitting a first force F 1 to the knob actuator 7.
  • the first force F 1 is then transmitted to the container knob 4 in a direction substantially parallel to a depressing direction (indicate by arrow D).
  • the first force F 1 is preferably transmitted in one go, thereby depressing the container knob 4 also in one go.
  • Figure 1b shows the operating device 1 being operated and the container knob 4 being in a depressed state.
  • the first force F 1 is created by operating the handle 6 in the O-direction (see fig. 1a ), the handle 6 thereby pivoting about pivot axis 6a.
  • a handle part 6b moves a first slide 24 in direction A (indicated by arrow A).
  • a projection 24a of the first slide 24 hooks behind a first projection 25a of a second slide 25.
  • the second slide 25 consequently moves along with the first slide 24 in substantially the same direction A.
  • the second slide 25 is connected with a first energy-storing element, in this embodiment a spring 9.
  • the locking mechanism 12 comprises an aperture 13 and a locking element 14, in this embodiment the same element as projection 25a.
  • the second slide 25 has a projection 25b that hooks behind projection 26b of the third slide 26.
  • the third slide 26 therefore moves substantially in direction A as well, thereby depressing a second energy-storing element, a spring 10.
  • a spring 10 When the spring 9 is depressed and the first slide 24 is moved further in direction A the locking mechanism 12 releases.
  • the first force F 1 will become larger than the locking force F L of locking element 14 in aperture 13, therefore releasing locking element 14 from the element 13.
  • the locking force F L decreases because projection 24b abuts with frame part 5a, the frame part 5a pushing the first slide away from the second slide. Consequently, the spring 9 relaxes and pushes the second slide 25 in direction B (indicated by arrow B).
  • the second slide abuts with the knob actuator 7 thereby transmitting the first force F 1 to the knob actuator 7.
  • the knob actuator 7 is hingedly connected to the frame 5.
  • the knob actuator 7 hinges around hinge 7a and transmits the first force F 1 to the container knob 4, which depresses in one go.
  • the valve is opened and the container content is able to leave the container.
  • a rack 11b is provided that engages with a pinion 11a that is provided on a timer device 11, in this embodiment a damper, more specifically a rotation brake.
  • a rotation brake comprises rotating blades in a housing filled with a viscous fluid, which viscous fluid is pressed through a groove between the rotating blades and a housing. The configuration is such that the damper only brakes in one direction of rotation. The characteristics of damper 11 are that it easily rotates clockwise, but dampens the rotation anti-clockwise.
  • the rack 11b slides in direction A as well, rotating the pinion 11a and the damper 11 clockwise.
  • the locking mechanism 12 of the first slide 24 releases, also the hooked connection between the second slide 25 and the third slide 26 releases, thereby releasing the energy from the second spring 10 in a dampened way.
  • the third slide 26 substantially moves in direction B and after a time period the third slide 26, more specific the projection 26a facing the second slide 25, abuts projection 25c of the second slide 25, thereby removing the second slide 25 from the knob actuator 7 (see fig. 1c ).
  • the second force F 2 overcomes the force from the leaf spring 27.
  • the first force F 1 is removed from the knob actuator 7, which can return in the non-depressed state, thereby removing force F 1 from the container knob 4. It is also possible that instead of removing the second slide 25 from the knob actuator 7, the second force F 2 is supplied to the knob actuator 7 as well, creating a resultant force F R in the direction opposite the depressing direction D. In this way, the knob actuator 7 moves away from the container knob 4, bringing said knob 4 back in the non-depressed state. The dispensing of the content from the container 2 stops. It is clear that this mechanism 8 is not influenced by the speed or the force the user pulls the handle with or the time that the user takes to operate the handle. With every operation of the handle a same amount of content is dispensed. Thus, when more than one portion of food ingredient is needed, the handle has to be operated several times.
  • the operating device 1 comprises a frame 5 holding the aerosol container 2.
  • the container 2 is fixed in the frame 5 with aid of a support 23, in this embodiment comprising a top part 23a and a bottom part 23b for clamping the container there between.
  • the top part 23a is adapted to receive the semi-spherical top part 2c of the container 2.
  • the operating device 1 further comprises a grip G with a handle 6 for operating the device 1.
  • the grip G is positioned in an angle ⁇ to the container 2, the angle ⁇ between the nozzle 3a and the end of the grip G preferably being smaller than 90° to obtain an ergonomic grip G for the user.
  • This construction of the grip G enables an easy way of holding the operating device 1 and consequently the container 2 is always in the right dispensing position, i.e., the nozzle pointing downward. A user can hold the container and operate it with one hand.
  • Figs. 2b-2d show cross-sections of fig 2a , clarifying the method for dispensing content from the standard aerosol container 2.
  • the operating device 1 comprises a frame 5 with a grip G comprising a handle 6 (see fig. 2c ) that is pivotally connected to grip G and can pivot around a pivot axis 6a.
  • a container 2 is releaseably connected between the top part 23a and the bottom part 23b of the support 23.
  • the bottom part 23 b comprises a projection 23c that engages in the recess 2b of the container 2a.
  • the bottom part 23b of the support 23 is hingedly connected to the frame 5. After placing the container 2 with the container top part 2c into the top part 23a of the support 23, the bottom part 23b of the support 23 is hinged towards the recess 2b of the container, wherein the bottom part 23b clicks to a locked position.
  • a button 23b' has to be pushed to unlock it.
  • the handle 6 To dispense content from the aerosol container 2, the handle 6 has to be operated.
  • handle part 6b moves in direction A towards the end of grip G.
  • the handle part 6b is connected to a first slide 24 and moves this slide 24 along direction A as well.
  • a projection 24a hooks behind projection 25a of a second slide 25.
  • the second slide 25 is connected to a first energy-storing element, spring 9, which absorbs energy while the second slide 25 moves in direction A.
  • the second slide 25 has projections 25a and 25c perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. Projection 25c is stuck between rails (not shown), forcing second slide 25 to be close to the first slide 24 until handle 6 is fully operated into operation direction O.
  • second slide 25 is forced away from first slide 24 in order to disconnect projection 24a from projection 25a. Consequently, second slide 25 is free to move in direction B, forced by spring 9.
  • Projection 25c of the second slide 25 is forced through rails (not shown), thereby pushing a first part of an actuating element 29 into direction C pivoting around pivot axis 29a.
  • a second part of the actuating element 29 consequently hooks behind a projection 7a of the knob actuator, transmitting force F1 to the knob actuator 7, moving the knob actuator 7 in direction D, a depressing direction.
  • the knob actuator 7 transmits force F 1 to the container knob 4 thereby depressing the knob 4, which opens a container valve (not shown) to dispense food ingredient from the container 2.
  • a projection 25b of the second slide 25 hooks behind a projection 26a of a third slide 26.
  • Slide 26 moves in direction A as well, extending a second energy-storing element, spring 10.
  • a rack 11b is connected to the third slide 26 and a cooperating pinion 11a is connected to a damper 11.
  • Third slide 26 comprises a projection 26a to disconnect second slide 25 from the actuating element 29 and hence moving the actuating element 29 from the actuated position to the rest position.
  • a user control 15 is provided to set the distance of the damper relative to the pinion rack.
  • the dampened time can be set by moving the damper 11 towards the end of the grip G in direction A or by moving the damper in direction.B.
  • the damper 11 is moved in direction B, the distance that the rack 11b and pinion 11a are connected in operation is larger therefore elongating the dispensing time and thus the dispensing amount. Consequently, when the damper 11 is moved in direction A, the damping time will be shorter, therefore dispensing a smaller amount of food ingredient.
  • Figs. 2e and 2f show a damper 11 displaced in direction A and a damper displaced in direction B, respectively.
  • the user control 15 can be set by, for example, a screwdriver. This way of setting the user control 15 discourages users to set the user control themselves. Setting the user control 15 can be reserved for certain users.
  • FIG. 3a shows a schematic view of a third embodiment and fig. 3b shows a cross sectional view of said third embodiment.
  • An operating device 1 comprises a frame 5 holding a container 2 with aid of connection elements 23.
  • the frame 5 further comprises a handle 6, a knob actuator 7 and an intermediate mechanism 8 arranged for keeping the knob 4 in a depressed state for a fixed time after actuating the user interface, i.e. the handle 6.
  • the container knob 4 In order to release content such as food ingredient, from the container 2, the container knob 4 has to be depressed to open a valve (not shown) of the container 2.
  • the container knob 4 is biased in the non-depressed state and has to be actuated to depress.
  • the container knob 4 is brought into said depressed state by transmitting a first force F 1 to the container knob 4 in a direction substantially parallel to a depressing direction D, wherein the first force F 1 is transmitted in one go.
  • the first force F 1 is created by operating the handle 6, thereby storing energy in an energy-storing element, spring 9.
  • handle part 6b moves an air pump part, plunger 16a of the air pump 16 into direction A (indicated by arrow A).
  • the air that is situated in the air pump room 16b is pushed out of the air pump room 16b through a line 30 into air cylinder room 11c of the air cylinder 11.
  • Plunger 17 that is connected to the spring 9 consequently moves in direction A pulling the spring 9, therefore storing energy in said spring 9.
  • the other end of spring 9 is connected to an end part 7a of the knob actuator 7.
  • the knob actuator 7 stays in place because of the locking mechanism 12.
  • the locking mechanism 12 comprises an aperture 13, for instance a tapered aperture and a locking element 14, for instance a locking pin or a locking ball. In non-operated state, the locking pin 14 is engaging the aperture 13 with a locking force F L .
  • the first force F1 exceeds the locking force F L
  • the locking mechanism 12 is released and then the spring 9 releases its stored energy. Consequently, the knob actuator 7 moves in direction A, thereby actuating the container knob 4 in one go, the container knob 4 opens a valve (not shown) and the content of the container 2 leaves the container 2 via nozzle 3a.
  • spring 10 is provided around knob actuator 7 and is connected to the knob actuator 7 near the locking mechanism 14. The other end of the spring 10 rests against a frame part 5a, the frame part 5a slidably receiving the end of knob actuator 7a.
  • the container knob 4 is brought back in the non-depressed state by transmitting a second force F 2 to the knob actuator, creating a resultant force F R on the container knob 4 in a direction substantially opposite to the depressing direction (arrow D) of said container knob 4.
  • the second force F 2 is created by storing energy in spring 10 and thereafter releasing that energy in a dampened way with aid of a timer device 11, the air cylinder.
  • the operating device 1 can provide a user control to regulate the dampened way.
  • the control is able to lengthen the damping time so that a larger fixed amount of food ingredient will be dispensed every time the handle is actuated. But the control can also shorten the damping time to dispense a smaller amount of food ingredient.
  • the user control can for instance be arranged as a device to vary the length of the air cylinder 11.
  • the user control can also be a device to slide the end of the handle part 6b that is connected to handle 6 along the handle 6 to vary the stroke of the air pump 16.
  • the mechanism 8 of the operating device container assembly as shown in figure 3b is adapted tot actuate the container knob 4 when the user interface 6 is operated, thereby always dispensing a fixed amount, regardless the user interface 6 is kept in operating position or released after operating. Consequently, for dispensing more food ingredient than the fixed amount, it is necessary to operate the handle 6 again.
  • FIG. 4a shows a schematic view of a fourth embodiment and fig 4b shows a cross sectional view of said fourth embodiment.
  • An operating device 1 comprises a frame 5 holding a container 2 with aid of connection elements 23.
  • the frame 5 further comprises a handle 6, a knob actuator 7 and an intermediate mechanism 8 arranged for keeping the knob 4 in a depressed state for a fixed time after actuating the user interface, i.e. the handle 6 that is provided on a grip G.
  • the grip G enables the user to hold the operating device 1 with the nozzle 3a pointing downwards, already in stand-by for releasing content.
  • the handle 6 is moved in operating direction O (indicated by arrow O) with a user force Fu.
  • Handle part 6b is on one end connected to handle 6 and with the other end to the knob actuator 7.
  • the handle part 6b moves the knob actuator 7 in direction A due to the operated handle 6. Consequently, plunger 16a of air pump 16 will move in direction O as well thereby depressing the first energy-storing element, spring 9 that stores energy.
  • a locking mechanism 12 locks the handle 6 so that the container 2 keeps on dispensing content. This means that the user has to push the handle 6 far enough to enable the locking mechanism 12 to lock.
  • the locking mechanism 12 comprises an aperture 13, for instance a tapered aperture like a V-groove and a locking element 14, for instance a locking ball.
  • the locking element 14 is engaging the aperture 13 with a locking force F L .
  • the plunger 16a moves in direction O
  • air from the air pump room 16b moves via line 30 to the air cylinder room 11c of the timer device 11.
  • the plunger 11d of the air cylinder moves towards a part 14a of the locking mechanism, thereby storing energy in a second spring 10 and pushing locking element 14 with force F L in the aperture 13.
  • Air cylinder room 11c comprises a little aperture 11e, which enables the air to leave the room 11c.
  • the mechanism 8 is adapted to actuate the container knob 4 when the handle 6 is operated, thereby dispensing a fixed amount when the handle 6 is released after operating or continuing to dispense when the handle 6 is kept in operating position, wherein the dispensing stops when the handle 6 is released.
  • a desired amount to be dispensed is larger than the fixed amount that is set, the user can keep the handle 6 in operating position. The dispensing continues until the user releases the handle 6, releasing the spring 9 removing the knob actuator 7 from the container knob 4, the container knob 4 moving in a direction opposite the depressing direction D.
  • Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of fifth embodiment that is based on the same mechanism as the fourth embodiment.
  • the timer device 11 is a damper like the one that is provided in the first embodiment and spring 9 is connected to a rack 11b that engages to pinion 11a that is connected tot the damper. It is clear that a timer device 11 can be constructed in different ways obtaining similar mechanical effects, for example shown in fig. 6 .
  • Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of a sixth embodiment that is based on the same mechanism as the fourth embodiment as well.
  • This mechanism is provided with a mill timer device 11. During actuating the handle 6, the mill winds up. When the handle 6 is released the mill 11 starts turning and due to the resistance a certain time passes before the mechanism 8 brings the container knob 4 back in the non-depressed state, therefore defining the fixed amount of released food content.
  • Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the aerosol container according to the invention.
  • the aerosol container 2 comprises a container housing 2a and a semi-spherical top part 2c.
  • a valve is provided to release the content of the container 2.
  • This valve can have a depressible plunger (not shown) to engage on the valve.
  • Container 2 comprises a ring member (not shown) extending around said valve, on which a dispensing cap 3, preferably a plastic cap is mountable.
  • Dispensing cap 3 is integrally formed for example by injection moulding.
  • the dispensing cap 3 comprises a base part 18a and an upper part 18b. Upper part 18b is pivotable about pivot point 19. The upper part can also be hingedly connected to the base part for instance with a film hinge.
  • the container 2 further comprises a dispensing cap 3 with a container knob 4 and a nozzle 3a.
  • the dispensing cap 3 is further provided with positioning means 20 for removably interlocking the aerosol container 2 to an operating device 1.
  • the positioning means 20 comprise at least one of a male 21' and a female part 22' for connecting to a counterpart provided on the operating device (not shown fig. 6 ).
  • the male part 21' preferably is provided on the nozzle 3a of the dispensing cap 3 and the female part 22' is provided in the container knob 4, the male part 21' and the female part 22' being arranged on opposite sides of the dispensing cap 3.
  • a perspective view of a dispensing cap 3 is shown.
  • the dispensing cap 3 is adapted to be used on an aerosol container, the dispensing cap 3 having a base part 18a for being mountable on a container 2 and an upper part 18b comprising a knob 4 and a nozzle 3a.
  • Upper part 18b is pivotable about pivot point 19.
  • the upper part can also be hingedly connected to the base part for instance with a film hinge.
  • the dispensing cap 3 further comprises positioning means 20 for removably interlocking an aerosol container to an operating device.
  • the positioning means 20 are provided with at least one of a male 21' and female part 22' for connecting to a counterpart 21, 22 provided on said operating device (not shown).
  • Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a detail of a dispensing cap 3 connected to an operating device. It is shown that the positioning means 20 of the dispensing cap 3 interlock with the male 21 and female 22 part of the positioning means 20 of the operating device.

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)
  • Nozzles (AREA)

Claims (24)

  1. Verfahren zum Abgeben eines Nahrungsmittelbestandteils aus einem Aerosolbehälter (2), wobei der Behälter (2) einen Behälterknopf (4) aufweist, der in einem herabgedrückten Zustand ein Ventil des Behälters (2) zum Abgeben des Inhalts des Behälters (2) öffnet und in einem nicht herabgedrückten Zustand das Ventil in einen geschlossenen Zustand freigibt, der Behälterknopf (4) in den nicht herabgedrückten Zustand vorgespannt ist und der Behälter (2) zum jedmaligen Abgeben einer festgelegten Menge des Nahrungsmittelbestandteils aus dem Behälter (2) mit einer Bedieneinrichtung (1) verbunden ist, wobei das Verfahren dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass die Bedieneinrichtung eine Benutzeroberfläche (6), die dafür eingerichtet ist, durch Handkraft von einer ersten Position in eine betätigte Position gebracht zu werden, einen Knopfaktuator (7) zum Betätigen des Behälterknopfes (4) auf eine Betätigung der Benutzeroberfläche (6) hin und einen Zwischenmechanismus (8) umfasst, der Kraft- und Bewegungsübertragungselemente und Energiespeicherelemente nur mechanischer Art umfasst und in Wirkanordnung zwischen der Benutzeroberfläche (6) und dem Behälterknopfaktuator (7) zum Steuern des Knopfaktuators (7) und zum Halten des Knopfes (4) in einem herabgedrückten Zustand für eine festgelegte Zeitdauer nach dem Betätigen der Benutzeroberfläche (6) angeordnet ist.
  2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, bei dem die Kraft- und Bewegungsübertragungselemente aus der Gruppe bestehend aus Schiebern, Hebeln, Zahnstangen, Ritzeln, Reibungskupplungen, Dämpfern, Luftpumpen und Luftzylindern ausgewählt sind.
  3. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1-2, bei dem die Energiespeicherelemente aus der Gruppe bestehend aus mechanischen Federn, Gasfedern und hydraulischen Federn ausgewählt sind.
  4. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der Behälterknopf (4) in den herabgedrückten Zustand gebracht wird, indem eine erste Kraft (F1) auf den Knopfaktuator (7) übertragen wird, der die erste Kraft (F1) in einer Richtung, die im Wesentlichen parallel zu einer Herabdrückrichtung (D) ist, auf den Behälterknopf (4) überträgt, wobei die erste Kraft (F1) in einem Zug übertragen wird.
  5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4, bei dem die erste Kraft (F1) durch Bedienen der Benutzeroberfläche (6) erzeugt wird, wodurch Energie in einem Energiespeicherelement (9) gespeichert wird und die Energie freigesetzt wird, wenn ein Verschlussmechanismus (12) gelöst wird.
  6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 5, bei dem der Verschlussmechanismus (12) eine Öffnung (13), zum Beispiel eine konisch zulaufende Öffnung, und ein Verschlusselement (14), zum Beispiel einen Verschlussstift oder eine Verschlusskugel, umfasst, wobei das Verschlusselement (14) mit der Öffnung (13) mit einer Verschlusskraft (FL) in Eingriff steht.
  7. Verfahren nach wenigstens Anspruch 6, bei dem der Verschlussmechanismus (12) gelöst wird, wenn die erste Kraft (F1) die Verschlusskraft (FL) übersteigt.
  8. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1-7, bei dem der Behälterknopf (4) zurück in den nicht herabgedrückten Zustand gebracht wird, indem eine zweite Kraft (F2) übertragen wird, um den Knopfaktuator (7) von der ersten Kraft (F1) zu lösen, und dadurch der Behälterknopf (4) von der ersten Kraft (F1) gelöst wird, wobei sich der Behälterknopf (4) in einer Richtung bewegt, die im Wesentlichen entgegengesetzt zu der Herabdrückrichtung des Behälterknopfes (4) ist.
  9. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1-7, bei dem der Behälterknopf (4) zurück in den nicht herabgedrückten Zustand gebracht wird, indem eine zweite Kraft (F2) auf den Knopfaktuator (7) übertragen wird, wodurch eine resultierende Kraft (FR) auf den Behälterknopf (4) in einer Richtung erzeugt wird, die im Wesentlichen entgegengesetzt zu der Herabdrückrichtung des Behälterknopfes (4) ist.
  10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, bei dem die zweite Kraft (F2) durch Bedienen der Benutzeroberfläche (6) erzeugt wird, wodurch Energie in einem zweiten Energiespeicherelement (10) gespeichert wird und danach die Energie auf eine gedämpfte Weise freigesetzt wird.
  11. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 5-10, bei dem die Energie im Wesentlichen zu der gleichen Zeit in dem ersten Energiespeicherelement (9) gespeichert wird, zu der die Energie in dem zweiten Energiespeicherelement (10) gespeichert wird.
  12. Verfahren nach wenigstens Anspruch 10, bei dem eine Zeitschalteinrichtung (11), die in dem Mechanismus (8) vorgesehen ist, durch einen Benutzer gesteuert wird, um die gedämpfte Weise zu regeln.
  13. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der Mechanismus (8) dafür eingerichtet ist, den Behälterknopf (4) zu betätigen, wenn die Benutzeroberfläche (6) bedient wird, wodurch immer eine festgelegte Menge abgegeben wird, ungeachtet dessen, ob die Benutzeroberfläche (6) in der Bedienungsposition gehalten ist oder nach der Bedienung gelöst ist.
  14. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1-13, bei dem der Mechanismus (8) dafür eingerichtet ist, den Behälterknopf (4) zu betätigen, wenn die Benutzeroberfläche (6) bedient wird, wodurch eine festgelegte Menge abgegeben wird, wenn die Benutzeroberfläche (6) nach der Bedienung gelöst ist, oder mit dem Abgeben fortgefahren wird, wenn die Benutzeroberfläche (6) in der Bedienungsposition gehalten ist, wobei das Abgeben aufhört, wenn die Benutzeroberfläche (6) gelöst wird.
  15. Bedieneinrichtung für einen Aerosolbehälter zur Verwendung bei einem Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1-14, wobei der Behälter (2) einen Nahrungsmittelbestandteil enthält und einen Behälterknopf (4) aufweist, der in einem herabgedrückten Zustand ein Ventil des Behälters (2) zum Abgeben des Inhalts des Behälters (2) öffnet und in einem nicht herabgedrückten Zustand das Ventil in einen geschlossenen Zustand freigibt, der Behälterknopf (4) in den nicht herabgedrückten Zustand vorgespannt ist und die Bedieneinrichtung umfasst:
    - Verbindungselemente (23) zum lösbaren Verbinden des Behälters (2) mit der Bedieneinrichtung (1); wobei die Einrichtung dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass sie ferner umfasst:
    - eine Benutzeroberfläche (6), die dafür eingerichtet ist, durch Handkraft von einer ersten Position in eine betätigte Position gebracht zu werden,
    - einen Behälterknopfaktuator (7) zum Betätigen des Behälterknopfes (4) auf eine Betätigung der Benutzeroberfläche (6) hin;
    - einen Zwischenmechanismus (8), der Kraft- und Bewegungsübertragungselemente und Energiespeicherelemente nur mechanischer Art umfasst, wobei der Mechanismus in Wirkanordnung zwischen der Benutzeroberfläche (6) und dem Behälterknopfaktuator (7) zum Steuern des Knopfaktuators und zum Herabdrücken des Behälterknopfes (4) und zum Halten des Behälterknopfes (4) in einem herabgedrückten Zustand für eine festgelegte Zeitdauer angeordnet ist.
  16. Bedieneinrichtung nach Anspruch 15, bei der die Kraft- und Bewegungsübertragungselemente aus der Gruppe bestehend aus Schiebern, Hebeln, Zahnstangen, Ritzeln, Reibungskupplungen, Dämpfern, Luftpumpen und Luftzylindern ausgewählt sind.
  17. Bedieneinrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 15-16, bei der die Energiespeicherelemente aus der Gruppe bestehend aus mechanischen Federn, Gasfedern und hydraulischen Federn ausgewählt sind.
  18. Bedieneinrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 15-17, bei welcher der Mechanismus (8) ein Energiespeicherelement (9) zum Speichern von Energie, wenn die Benutzeroberfläche (6) bedient wird, und Freisetzen von Energie umfasst.
  19. Bedieneinrichtung nach wenigstens Anspruch 18, bei welcher der Mechanismus (8) einen Verschlussmechanismus (12) umfasst, der dafür eingerichtet ist, Energie aus dem Energiespeicherelement (9) in einem Zug freizusetzen.
  20. Bedieneinrichtung nach Anspruch 19, bei welcher der Verschlussmechanismus (12) eine Öffnung (13), zum Beispiel eine konisch zulaufende Öffnung, und ein Verschlusselement (14), zum Beispiel einen Verschlussstift oder eine Verschlusskugel, umfasst, das dafür eingerichtet ist, mit der Öffnung (13) mit einer Verschlusskraft (FL) in Eingriff zu stehen.
  21. Bedieneinrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 15-20, bei welcher der Mechanismus (12) ferner ein zweites Energiespeicherelement (10) umfasst, das dafür eingerichtet ist, Energie zu speichern und freizusetzen und eine zweite Kraft (F2) zu erzeugen, um eine resultierende Kraft (FR) auf den Behälterknopf (4) in einer im Wesentlichen entgegengesetzten Herabdrückrichtung zu erhalten.
  22. Bedieneinrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 15-21, bei welcher der Mechanismus (8) ferner eine Zeitschalteinrichtung (11) zum Freisetzen der Energie aus dem zweiten Energiespeicherelement (10) auf eine gedämpfte Weise umfasst.
  23. Bedieneinrichtung nach Anspruch 22, bei der die Zeitschalteinrichtung (11) eine Benutzersteuerung (15) zum Regeln der gedämpften Weise umfasst.
  24. Aerosolbehälterbedieneinrichtungsaufbau, der einen mit einer Bedieneinrichtung (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 15-23 verbundenen Aerosolbehälter (2) umfasst, wobei der Aufbau dafür eingerichtet ist, eine festgelegte Menge eines Nahrungsmittelinhalts aus dem Aerosolbehälter (2) abzugeben.
EP05822969A 2005-12-21 2005-12-21 Verfahren zur abgabe von inhalt aus einem aerosolbehälter und betätigungsvorrichtung zur durchführung solch eines verfahrens sowie anordnung, aerosolbehälter und ausgabekappe Active EP1976775B1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL05822969T PL1976775T3 (pl) 2005-12-21 2005-12-21 Sposób dozowania zawartości z pojemnika aerozolowego i urządzenie do realizacji tego sposobu, zespół, pojemnik aerozolowy i kołpak dozujący

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/NL2005/000880 WO2007073148A1 (en) 2005-12-21 2005-12-21 Method for dispensing content from an aerosol container and operating device for carrying out such a method, an assembly, an aerosol container and a dispensing cap

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EP1976775A1 EP1976775A1 (de) 2008-10-08
EP1976775B1 true EP1976775B1 (de) 2010-07-21

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EP (1) EP1976775B1 (de)
AT (1) ATE474797T1 (de)
DE (1) DE602005022509D1 (de)
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ES (1) ES2349473T3 (de)
PL (1) PL1976775T3 (de)
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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9108782B2 (en) 2012-10-15 2015-08-18 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Dispensing systems with improved sensing capabilities

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US20130068788A1 (en) 2011-09-19 2013-03-21 Thomas P. Gasper Spray Dispenser
DE202012008778U1 (de) 2012-09-13 2012-10-18 Herbafood Ingredients Gmbh Haltevorrichtung für einen handgeführten Schäumer
BE1024437B9 (nl) * 2016-10-24 2018-06-06 Giuseppe Pascariello Universele inrichting voor het actief koelen of verwarmen en verdelen van voedingsmiddelen uit spuitbussen
US20200253234A1 (en) * 2017-09-27 2020-08-13 Dippin' Dots, L.L.C. Whipped ice cream mix

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US4570824A (en) * 1983-09-12 1986-02-18 Yvonne Bolling Doorbell actuated air freshener
JP4272797B2 (ja) * 2000-04-11 2009-06-03 株式会社ダイゾー エアゾール製品
US20040188473A1 (en) * 2003-03-25 2004-09-30 Groh David M. Hand-held product dispensers having pressurized delivery

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9108782B2 (en) 2012-10-15 2015-08-18 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Dispensing systems with improved sensing capabilities

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WO2007073148A1 (en) 2007-06-28
ATE474797T1 (de) 2010-08-15
DK1976775T3 (da) 2010-10-25
EP1976775A1 (de) 2008-10-08
ES2349473T3 (es) 2011-01-03
PL1976775T3 (pl) 2011-04-29
DE602005022509D1 (de) 2010-09-02

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