GB2374303A

GB2374303A - Cap for an aerosol container

Info

Publication number: GB2374303A
Application number: GB0215339A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Douglas Roger Cooper
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-06-27
Filing date: 2002-06-27
Publication date: 2002-10-16
Anticipated expiration: 2022-06-27
Also published as: GB2374303B; GB0215339D0

Abstract

A reusable cap for a disposable aerosol canister comprises a cylindrical side wall 5 with a disc-shaped top, an open bottom and an aerosol outlet. The interior of the cap includes flexible strips 2 which are attached at a first end to the cylindrical wall and at a second end to a ring which is adapted to fit over and retain the standard bezel ring 1 of an aerosol canister. The interior also contains a spigot which engages the canister outlet 3 and conducts aerosol to the aerosol outlet. In one embodiment the outlet nozzle is a cylindrical shape onto which is fitted a shroud (3, fig 2) for directing the aerosol once it has left the outlet. In a second embodiment (figure 4) the shroud (2, fig 4) is integral to the cap and is fixed by a hinge thereto.

Description

"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap" Reference: Air Pollution/Waste Disposal/Expenditure Reduction The present invention relates to a"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"for the use of all forms of aerosol and spray equipment. Its benefits are reductions in air pollution/waste disposal and purchasing expenditure due to the nature of the design and the subsequent reduction of containers purchased.

Whilst"aerosol"and hand pressure spray containers are currently equipped with adequate nozzles for the product within those containers to be discharged there are many disadvantages associated with the use of this type of nozzle. For example a very high percentage of the product being discharged does not arrive at the place for which it is intended.

Listed here are some of the possible applications to benefit from the"Spray container controlled discharge cap" 1. hairdresser lacquer 2. deodorants 3. perfume 4. starch for ironing 5. adhesive spray mount 6. paint 7. foot sprays To look at some examples of numerous scenarios that would greatly benefit from this"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap". It can be seen in the work place; for example :- Hairdressing salons In a large salon with several stylists working and using hair lacquer sprays a high percentage of the lacquer does not arrive on the clients hair but enters into the atmosphere of the work place, The lacquer product takes various forms of composition by way of its chemistry, some of which are mentioned in the"Health and Safety"list of"Occupational Exposure Limits for the Work Place". This list gives indication of acceptable exposure limits of various products in the space affected. Clearly to reduce the percentage of hair lacquer entering the atmosphere in the work place would reduce the pollution of that atmosphere and of general world atmospheric pollution, resulting from the extractor equipment often used in salons and other work places to remove the polluted atmosphere by way of air changes through ventilation units and extractors within those places. It will be understood that a further advantage of using the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"is the reduction of quantities of the product within the containers being used by the consumer by reducing excessive waste, bringing about financial savings, by consumers generally as the quantities of spray containers internationally marketed are enormous. It would also therefore follow that the levels of waste disposal would fall resulting from the reduction in spray containers being purchased and need to be disposed of

Work relating to Highways Authorities and contracting companies frequently use aerosol sprays for marking for example road surfaces to indicate areas and details of road works required. In this instance a straight nozzle with a round opening at the discharge end would ensure a discharge of the spray marking product in a parallel round form which could be presented close to the surface for which it is intended and not discharged in the usual manner that being a spread increasing as the marking product leaves and moves away from the discharge nozzle aperture only to frequently be blown into the atmosphere by wind.

It will be appreciated that many variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described in this specification without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, depending on the product being discharged and its purpose the shroud profile (Fig 3, item 1), size, shape, colour and material used in its production may vary.

The purpose of this invention is to ensure that a higher percentage of the product being discharged from containers reaches the area or surface for which it is intended and not onto surrounding surfaces or into the atmosphere.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings which are :- Figure 1 Is a section through the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"and it indicates after having disregarded the existing spray container cap and nozzle that is purchased with the spray container the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"replaces it in the same position. Unlike most spray container caps which vary in shape and form to suit the varying sizes and required application of containers produced, the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"fits onto the top bezel ring (1) which is a standard 32mm diameter on the majority of containers produced at present. This will be a push fit at the point (6) that can be removed and replaced when required.

The"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"material will be sufficiently rigid to replace the discarded cap purchased with the spray container to ensure it remains firmly in place.

The flexibility of the plastic retaining strips (2) of the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap" (5) will be sufficient so as to allow the full depression of the outlet nozzle (3) ensuring discharge of the container product each time returning to its original profile to await further depression until the product is fully used up.

The clearance gap (4) will be sufficient to allow for the majority of lengths of outlet nozzle (3) that are produced which do vary slightly.

Figure 2 shows a part section taken through the centre line of the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"which makes clear a method of obtaining an even discharge of the product being discharged from the container over the surface where the application is required. Baffles (1) are shown which vary in

dimension, and quantity depending on the product to direct he. p & th otMeproduct being discharged evenly over the surface for which it is intended. This is achieved by ensuring the top edge (2) of the Baffles vary to an approximately equal degree about the centre line of the actual spray nozzle (3).

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"in place on the spray container and indicates the profile of the additional shroud component (1) which if required can vary according to the application. It will be appreciated that for the application of hair sprays to the head the profile for a salon use could be larger than for that of say spraying starch to clothing when ironing, and similarly much smaller if used for the application of deodorants or perfume.

The"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"will have a straight tubular section (2) the length of which could alter running from the cap for use when a small area only is required to receive the container product, for example spraying road markings as required by highways engineers to indicate work required to road surfaces and on other markings to buildings-also in offices where spray mount type adhesives are used the applications can be controlled and not discharged generally into the atmosphere either of the work place or on the wind of the outside application of spray marking referred to is carried out. The addition of (1) for controlled application such as using hair sprays or ironing using starch sprays can be added to (2) by a simple push fit by means of the neck of component (1) having a slightly larger inside diameter than the outside diameter of tubular outlet (2) allowing for component (1) to be pushed into (2) until the raised aspect (3) registers into the inner depression ring (4) or visa versa. The material used will allow for the connection and separation without excessive force. The added shroud component (1) can be structured to be either of a disposable nature or more durable for cleaning or sterilisation for continued use.

Figure 4 this shows where the shroud is not used as a detachable accessory for repeated or disposable use. For example as an item of hairdressing equipment. It will be appreciated that with an alternative structuring of the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap" (1) and shroud (2), the shroud (2) can be in a folded down position for storage and shelf space following the curvature of the spray container (5) at the point (7) the shroud (2) can be an integral part of the cap (1) linked with a hinge (6) and an operating extension (7), the shroud (2) has an integral operating extension (7) which prior to the use of the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"is located in the down position (8). This position (8) is maintained prior to use with a breakable plastic strip section indicated at (9).

When broken this plastic strip section (9) allows the operating extension (7), being of suitable flexibility and strength to be hinged upward about the hinge point (17) to a point indicated at 18. In the process of this action a flexible plastic tongue of suitable strength and flexibility (10) which is an integral part of the operating extension (7) moves radially about the hinge point (17) until it locates into a slot (11) which exists in the top of the round hinge barrel (6). With this location of (10) into slot (11) the operating extension (7) is ready to be operated hinging the shroud (2) and operating extension (7) as one part about the hinge point (17).

The operating extension (7) can now by applying franger pessvre be hiRgc down into position (8) bringing at the same time the shroud (2) up into the working position indicated at (12). By continuing downward pressure of the operating extension (7) the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"will move downward made possible by the flexibility of the plastic retaining strips (13). The flexibility will be sufficient so as to allow the full depression of the outlet nozzle (14) ensuring discharge of the container product. Each time the downward finger pressure is ceased the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"will, due to the correct elastic properties of the retaining strips (13) return to its original position to await further depressions until the product is fully used up.

After each operation by holding the container (5) and applying a rapid downward wrist action the shroud (2) will be relocated around the container (5). This is achieved by the plastic structuring and flexibility of the shroud (2) being of a less diameter than that of the container (5) and extending around beyond half way indicated at point (19). See also Fig 6 point indicated at (9).

In the interest of safety and to avoid the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"being depressed downward thus releasing product when containers are in storage and prior to the operating extension (7) being moved from its original position indicated at (8) the shroud (2) will have such a contour that it will sit on the shoulder of the container (5) at the point indicated at (20) or thereabouts thus preventing the downward movement of the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"referred to.

The downward movement of the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"can therefore only take place when the shroud (2) has been released and raised for use.

When in the lowered initial position the shroud (2) could accommodate all required advertising design to match the container giving it a disguised appearance. The shroud (2) will be fabricated in such a way as to ensure the correct profile is achieved when in the working position for the purpose of controlling the product dispersal as indicated in Fig 2.

Figure 5 this shows the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"flexible retaining strips (1) connected to the inner face of the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap" (2) and to a continuous plastic ring (3) indicated as (16 on Fig.

4) which locates the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"to the top bezel ring indicated as (15 on Fig. 4).

Figure 6 this shows the operating strip (10) in the pre-use position indicated at (4) lying flat along the top of the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap" (11) secured initially in position with a breakable plastic strip (3). The shroud (12) when being brought into the working position indicated at (8) moves as an integral part of the hinge (5). It also moves in a similar manner when being returned after use to the position indicated at the point (9) which when in this returned position leaves the operating strip (10) in the position indicated at (2) awaiting further use.

The hinge (5) which forms part of the shroud (12) and the operating strip (10) is located into position by two smooth raised domed plastic pips (6) which are an integral part of the hinge (5) and are pushed into two suitable cupped recesses (7) located within the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"with adequate

clearance around the hinge (5) and the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"body (11) indicated at (13) to provide a smooth hinged action.

The shroud (12) can move freely though the 900 movement required for it's use and storage position.

It can be seen that when the operating strip (10) has been released from its original storage position indicated at (4) by breaking the plastic seal (3) the operating strip (10) can be hinged up into the position indicated at (2) which will locate the flexible plastic tongue (1) into the slot provided in the hinge barrel (5).

This is indicated in the"Spray Container Controlled Discharge Cap"section drawing on Fig. 4. The operating strip (10) is now engaged so that when moved downward with the finger the shroud (12) being now an integral part of the operating strip (10) will move in unison.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A cap for an aerosol container, which includes : - an outer cover having a cylindrical side wall which contains an outlet opening and a disc-shaped top wall which is joined to said side wall ; - a series of flexible strips joined to said side wall and disposed substantially coaxially therewith also joined to a continuous ring at their lower end for engagement with a bezel ring of a spray container; - a spigot extending coaxially downwards from said top wall within the outer cover for engagement with an outlet nozzle located within the bezel ring of said spray container; and - a spray nozzle projecting radially from said spigot to terminate in a spray outlet which is disposed in said outlet opening whereby, in use, depression of said top wall operates the outlet nozzle to release material from the container which is conducted via the spigot and spray nozzle to be directed through the outlet opening.
2. A cap according to Claim 1, in which said side wall is joined to a tubular section which extends substantially radially outwards from said outlet opening in alignment with the spray nozzle to contain and direct the sprayed material. A cap according to Claim 1 which includes a shroud for containing the sprayed material, and said shroud projects outwardly from an upper region of the tubular section to further contain and direct the sprayed material upon leaving the tubular section.
3. A cap according to Claim 1 and 2, in which said shroud has a push-fit engagement with the tubular section.
4. A cap according to Claim 2 and 3, in which the shroud contains baffles which extend transverse to the spraying direction.

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5. A cap according to Claim 4, in which the baffles are concavely curved relative to the spray nozzle.

6. A cap according to Claim 4 or 5, in which the top edges of the baffles are progressively stepped across the centre line of the spray nozzle.

7. A cap according to Claim 2, in which the shroud is integrally formed with the spray nozzle.

8. A cap according to Claim 7, in which the spray nozzle is integrally formed with said side wall but is connected thereto by an integral hinge.

9. A cap according to Claim 8, in which the shroud is substantially part-cylindrical to embrace the side wall of the spray container when the cap is engaged therewith.

10. A cap for a spray container which is substantially described with reference to Figures 1 to 6 of the drawings.

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Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS

a--F p A an A cap for an sercsc ! container, which inc'ndes : - an outer cover having a cylindrical side wall which contains an outlet opening and a disc-shaped top wall which is joined to said side wall ; - a series of flexible strips joined to said side wall and disposed substantially coaxially therewith also joined to a continuous ring at their lower end for engagement with a bezel ring of a spray container ; - a spigot extending coaxially downwards from said top wall within the outer cover for engagement with an outlet nozzle located within the bezel ring of said spray container; and - a spray nozzle projecting radially from said spigot to terminate in a spray outlet which is disposed in said outlet opening whereby, in use, depression of said top wall operates the outlet nozzle to release material from the container which is conducted via the spigot and spray nozzle to be directed through the outlet opening.

2. A cap according to Claim 1, in which said side wall is joined to a tubular section which extends substantially radially outwards from said outlet opening in alignment with the spray nozzle to contain and direct the sprayed material.

3. A cap according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 which includes a shroud for containing the sprayed material, and said shroud projects outwardly from an upper region of the tubular section to further contain and direct the sprayed material upon leaving the tubular section.

4. A cap according to Claim 3, in which said shroud has a push-fit engagement with the tubular section.

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30, (4, 5. A cap according to ClairrV 5. A cap according to Oaimin which the shroud contains baffles which

extend transverse to the spraying direction.
6. A cap according to Claim 5, in which the baffles are concavely curved relative to the spray nozzle.
7. A cap according to Claim 5 or 6, in which the top edges of the baffles are progressively stepped across the centre line of the spray nozzle.
8. A cap according to Claim 2 or 3, in which the shroud is integrally formed with the spray nozzle.
9. A cap according to Claim 8, in which the spray nozzle is integrally formed with said side wall but is connected thereto by an integral hinge.
10. A cap according to Claim 9, in which the shroud is substantially part-cylindrical to embrace the side wall of the spray container when the cap is engaged therewith.
11. A cap for a spray container which is substantially described with reference to Figures 1 to 6 of the drawings.