GB2483510A

GB2483510A - Fluent Material Dispenser having Heater

Info

Publication number: GB2483510A
Application number: GB201015185A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lawrence Nicholson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-09-11
Filing date: 2010-09-11
Publication date: 2012-03-14
Also published as: GB201015185D0

Abstract

Fluent material e.g. shaving cream dispenser 10 comprising a pressurised vessel 90 containing the material and a tube engaging an outlet of the vessel, the tube having a second portion 78 of at least twice the internal diameter of a first portion 76, an electric heater 84 disposed in the second portion around which the material flows and is heated when dispensed. The vessel may be received in an extruded plastics housing 72 e.g. through an aperture (16, Figure 1) or by opening hinged sections (36, 38, Figure 2) after removing a nozzle usually supplied with the vessel to reveal the valve stem 88. The housing may have a nozzle 80 for controlling expansion and atomisation of the cream or foam. A push button 92 may release the material from the vessel and actuate the heater by closing a circuit 98-104. The heater may be powered by a battery 82. The tube may narrow towards nozzle 80 to direct and accelerate flow of the foam. The second portion may get wider in the downstream direction to allow for expansion of the cream as it is heated. The heater may be covered in a heat conductive, electrically insulating material.

Description

I

Title of Invention: Shaving cream dispensing apparatus

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to shaving cream dispensing apparatus, in particular but not exclusively shaving cream dispensing apparatus which is operative to heat dispensed shaving cream.

Background Art

Shaving foam is often dispensed from a pressurised can, with the foam being dispensed at room temperature. Warm foam improves the effectiveness of a shave and provides for a more comfortable shaving experience. Hence, it is desirable to increase the temperature of the shaving foam.

GB 1221191A describes a device for heating and dispensing shaving cream. The device comprises a transformer having a tubular secondary winding that heats up upon application of an alternating current to the transformer primary winding.

Shaving cream released from a pressurised container is heated as it passes though the heated tubular secondary winding.

The present inventor has appreciated that the device of GB 12211 91A has shortcomings. It is therefore an object for the present invention to provide an improved shaving cream dispensing apparatus that is operative to heat shaving cream released from a pressurised vessel.

Statement of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided shaving cream dispensing apparatus comprising: a tube having an outlet at a first end, the tube being configured at a second, opposite end to sealably engage with an outlet from a pressurised vessel containing shaving cream; the tube comprising first and second portions at spaced apart locations along its length, an internal diameter of the second portion being at least twice an internal is diameter of the first portion; and a heater apparatus which is configured to generate heat upon application of an electrical current thereto, the heater apparatus being disposed in the second portion of the tube, the shaving cream dispensing apparatus being operable to release shaving cream from the pressurised vessel whereby the shaving cream flows though the tube past the heater apparatus.

An outlet from a known pressurised vessel containing shaving cream is brought into engagement with the second end of the tube of the shaving cream dispensing apparatus. The pressurised vessel containing shaving cream may be a known pressurised vessel containing shaving cream, such as a pressurised can of shaving foam. The second end may engage with the outlet from the pressurised vessel so as to form a fluid tight seal. When it is desired to dispense some shaving cream, the user releases shaving cream, e.g. by means of a valve arrangement, from the pressurised vessel and the released shaving cream flows through the tube past the heating apparatus whereby the passing shaving cream is heated before leaving the outlet from the tube. The second portion of the tube allows for expansion of the shaving cream as it is heated. The present inventor has appreciated that the heating of shaving cream whilst not allowing for its expansion, e.g. such as in the apparatus of GB 1221191A, is liable to cause the shaving cream to have a watery consistency when it is dispensed. Thus, for example, where the shaving cream is shaving foam the lack of expansion militates against the formation of a proper body of dispensed s foam. Hence, the shaving cream dispensing apparatus may be shaving foam dispensing apparatus, the pressurised vessel may contain shaving foam and the shaving foam dispensing apparatus may be operable to release shaving foam from the pressurised vessel whereby the shaving foam flows through the tube past the heater apparatus. Also, the expansion of the shaving cream as it is heated may, depending on circumstances, increase the rate of heat transfer from the heater apparatus to the shaving cream.

Alternatively or in addition, the heater apparatus may be disposed within the space defined by the second portion of the tube. Hence, the component parts of the is shaving cream dispensing apparatus may occupy less space than apparatus in which the heating apparatus is outside a flow tube. More specifically, the heater apparatus may be disposed in the space such that shaving cream flows around, e.g. such that it surrounds, the heater apparatus. The heater apparatus may be disposed proximate or substantially at a centre of the space defined by the second portion of the tube.

The heater apparatus may comprise a heater element. The heater element may comprise at least one resistive member, such as a wire, which may be elongate in form and which generates heat upon passage of current through the at least one resistive member. Shaving cream released from the pressurised vessel may come into contact with the heater apparatus. Hence, the heater apparatus may comprise electrically insulating material over the heater element. The heater element may be encased in the electrically insulating material. More specifically, the electrically insulating material may comprise a heat conductive electrically insulating material, such as ceramic.

Alternatively or in addition, the resistive member may have a resistance of between substantially 5 Ohms and substantially 0.01 Ohms. Alternatively or in addition, the resistive member may have a resistance of no more than substantially 2.5 Ohm.

More specifically, the resistive member may have a resistance of no more than substantially 0.5 Ohms. More specifically, the resistive member may have a resistance of no more than substantially 0.2 Ohms, such as 0.09 Ohms or S substantially 0.0225 Ohms.

Alternatively or in addition, the heater apparatus may comprise a heat conducting elongate member, e.g. formed of a metal, which defines a space for receiving the heater element. The heater element may be electrically isolated from the heat conducting elongate member, for example, by the electrically insulating material.

Alternatively or in addition, the first portion of the tube may have an internal diameter of no more than substantially 3 mm. More specifically, the first portion of the tube may have an internal diameter of no more than substantially 1.5 mm. More specifically, the first portion of the tube may have an internal diameter of substantially 1 mm.

Alternatively or in addition, the second portion of the tube may have an internal diameter of no more than substantially 15 mm. More specifically, the second portion of the tube may have an internal diameter of no more than substantially 10 mm.

More specifically, the second portion of the tube may have an internal diameter of substantially 6 mm.

Alternatively or in addition, the second portion of the tube may be of a length between substantially 20 mm and substantially 80 mm. More specifically, the second portion of the tube may be of a length between substantially 30 mm and substantially 60 mm. More specifically, the second portion of the tube may be of a length of substantially 40 mm.

Alternatively or in addition, an end of the first portion of the tube may abut an end of the second portion of the tube. The first and second portions of the tube may be integrally formed, e.g. formed from extruded plastics material. Alternatively or in addition, the tube may be cylindrical in cross section.

Alternatively or in addition, an internal diameter of an end of the second portion of the tube closer than an opposite end of the second portion to the first portion of the tube may progressively increase in a direction away from the first portion. Hence, the progressive increase in internal diameter of the second portion may allow for progressive expansion of the shaving cream as it flows through the second portion.

The internal surface of the second portion defining the progressively increasing internal diameter may curve in substantially the same direction that the internal diameter increases. Alternatively or in addition, an internal diameter of the opposite end of the second portion may progressively decrease, e.g. by curving, in a direction away from the first portion. Alternatively, an internal diameter of the opposite end of the second portion may be substantially the same as the internal diameter at a widest part of the second portion.

Alternatively or in addition, the heater apparatus may be configured to generate heat upon application of a d.c. current. Thus, the shaving cream dispensing apparatus may be battery powered and may therefore further comprise at least one battery connector for electrically connecting to a respective at least one electrical battery, such as one or two AAA cells. Shaving cream dispensing apparatus that is battery powered may be safer than mains powered shaving cream dispensing apparatus, such as that of GB 1221191A.

Alternatively or in addition, the shaving cream dispensing apparatus may further comprise a valve actuator movable by a user between a first condition in which release of shaving cream from the pressurised vessel is prevented and a second condition in which shaving cream is released from the pressurised vessel and flows though the tube past the heater apparatus. The valve actuator may be formed at least in part from a plastics material, such as a polyester.

More specifically, the valve actuator may be operable to close an electrical switch whereby electrical current is caused to flow through the heater apparatus. Hence, operation of the valve actuator may both release shaving foam from the pressurised vessel and switch on the heater apparatus.

Alternatively or in addition, the valve actuator may comprise a push button which is pressed by a user to move from the first condition to the second condition. The valve actuator may comprise a biasing device, such as a spring, to bias the valve towards the first condition. The valve actuator may be configured to receive an end of a stem of a valve arrangement forming part of an outlet from the pressurised vessel. Operation of the valve actuator may depress the stem to thereby release shaving cream from the pressurised vessel.

Alternatively or in addition, the shaving cream dispensing apparatus may further comprise a nozzle at the outlet from the tube. The nozzle may be of known form and function and serve to at least one of: change a direction of flow of the shaving cream; accelerate the rate of flow of shaving cream; provide for controlled expansion of the flowing shaving cream; and atomise the flowing shaving cream. In a form the nozzle is may have an internal diameter substantially the same as the internal diameter of the second portion. Hence, the nozzle may serve only to change a direction of flow of the shaving cream. In another form, the nozzle may define a flow path having a diameter less than the internal diameter of the second portion to thereby accelerate the flow of the shaving cream. The nozzle may be formed at least in part from a plastics material, such as a polyester.

The shaving cream dispensing apparatus may further comprise a housing which is configured to engage with the pressurised vessel. The housing may support the tube and the heater apparatus. Where the shaving cream dispensing apparatus comprises a valve actuator, the housing may support the valve actuator. More specifically, the valve actuator may be attached to the housing, e.g. such that a push button of the valve actuator extends beyond an exterior surface of the housing to thereby provide for ease of access by a user. The valve actuator may be attached to an end of the housing which is, in use, proximate a stem of a valve of the pressurised vessel. Where the shaving cream dispensing apparatus comprises a nozzle, the housing may support the nozzle. More specifically, the nozzle may be attached to the housing, e.g. such that the nozzle extends beyond an exterior surface of the housing. The nozzle may be attached to an end of the housing which is, in use, proximate a stem of a valve of the pressurised vessel.

Alternatively or in addition, the housing may be configured to receive at least a part of the pressurised vessel. More specifically, the housing may be configured to receive and thereby contain the entire pressurised vessel. The housing may have a substantially cylindrical form. The housing may be formed, e.g. by extrusion, from a plastics material, such as a polyester.

In a first form, the housing may define a space that is enclosed with the exception of an aperture which is configured to allow the pressurised vessel to be moved through the aperture and be thereby received in the space. The housing may define the aperture at one end of the housing. Where the shaving cream dispensing apparatus comprises a valve actuator, the aperture may be defined in the end opposite the end is supporting the valve actuator. Thus, the pressurised vessel may be received in the space through an aperture defined in, what is in use, the bottom of the shaving cream dispensing apparatus.

In a second form, the housing may comprise first and second housing parts that are movable in relation to each other between a first disposition, in which the housing defines a substantially enclosed space for containing the pressurised vessel, and a second disposition, in which the first and second housing parts are spaced apart from each other whereby the pressurised vessel may be received between the first and second housing parts. More specifically, the first and second housing parts may be rotatable in relation to each other, e.g. about a hinge joining the first and second housing parts to each other. The first and second housing parts may be rotatable about an axis which extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pressurised vessel when received in the housing.

Alternatively or in addition, the shaving cream dispensing apparatus may further comprise a heat insulating arrangement around at least the second portion of the tube. The heat insulating arrangement may comprise at least one of: a fabric; and a heat insulating foam, e.g. formed from a polyolefin resin.

The tubing may be formed, e.g. by extrusion, from a plastics material, such as a polyester.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided fluent material dispensing apparatus comprising: a housing configured to engage with a pressurised vessel, the pressurised vessel containing fluent material; a tube having an outlet at a first end, the tube being configured at a second, opposite end to sealably engage with an outlet from the pressurised vessel when the pressurised vessel is engaged with the housing; a heater apparatus which is configured to generate heat upon application of an electrical current to the heater apparatus, the heater apparatus being disposed in the tube; and a valve movable by a user between a first condition in which release of fluent material from the pressurised vessel is prevented and a second condition in which fluent material is released from the pressurised vessel and flows though the tube past the heater apparatus.

In use, the fluent material dispensing apparatus may be operable to release fluent material from a pressurised vessel and to heat the released fluent material. Fluent material contained in the pressurised vessel may comprise material applied to the skin, such as shaving cream, a cosmetic, sun screen or the like.

Further embodiments of the further aspect of the present invention may comprise at one or more features of the first aspect of the present invention.

Brief Description of Drawings

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following specific description, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of a second embodiment of the present invention; and s Figure 3 is a vertical section through the shaving foam dispensing apparatus, which shows the present invention in detail.

Description of Embodiments

Shaving foam dispensing apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment is shown in Figure 1. The shaving foam dispensing apparatus 10 comprises a housing 12, which is cylindrical in form and defines an internal space of a size and shape sufficient to contain a pressurised can of shaving foam 14 (which constitutes a pressurised vessel of shaving cream) entirely (as shown in Figure 2, which is described below).

The pressurised can of shaving foam 14 is received into the space defined by the housing 12 through an aperture 16 formed in the base of the housing. Before a pressurised can of shaving foam 14 is inserted into the space through the aperture 16, the nozzle that is typically provided with the can of shaving foam 14 is removed to expose the valve stem 18 to allow the valve stem to mate with the shaving foam dispensing apparatus as is described below with reference to Figure 3. The housing 12 is formed from a plastics material, such as a polyester, by extrusion. The shaving foam dispensing apparatus 10 also comprises a push button 20, which forms part of a valve actuator, and a foam outlet nozzle 22. The foam outlet nozzle is of known form and function and serves to provide for controlled expansion of the flowing shaving foam and the atomising of the flowing shaving foam. The push button 20 and foam outlet nozzle 22 extend from an outer surface of what is, in use, the upper end of the housing. The push button 20 and foam outlet nozzle 22 are formed from a plastics material, such as a polyester.

Shaving foam apparatus 30 according to a second embodiment is shown in Figure 2.

The shaving foam apparatus 30 of Figure 2 comprises a housing 32, which is cylindrical in form and defines an internal space of a size and shape sufficient to contain a pressurised can of shaving foam 34 entirely. The housing 32 comprises first 36 and second 38 housing parts that are attached rotatably to each other by a hinge 40 that extends along one side of the housing. Hence, the first and second housing parts 36, 38 are movable in relation to each other between a first, closed disposition, in which the housing contains a pressurised can 34 entirely and a second, open disposition (as shown in Figure 2), in which access is gained to the internal space defined by the housing so that a pressurised can may be received or removed from between the first and second housing parts. Before a pressurised can of shaving foam 34 is located between the first and second housing parts 36, 38, the nozzle that is typically provided with the can of shaving foam 34 is removed to expose the valve stem 42 to allow the valve stem to mate with the shaving foam dispensing apparatus as is described below with reference to Figure 3. When in the first disposition, the housing 32 of Figure 2 defines a substantially entirely enclose space. Thus, the housing 32 of Figure 2 lacks the aperture 16 of the housing 12 of Figure 1 and indeed has no need for the aperture on account of it being formed from the relatively movable first and second housing parts 36, 38. The housing 32 of the second embodiment is formed from a plastics material, such as a polyester, by extrusion. In common with the first embodiment, the shaving foam dispensing apparatus 30 of the second embodiment also comprises a push button 44 and a foam outlet nozzle 46, which are both formed from a plastics material, such as a polyester.

The shaving foam dispensing apparatus further comprises a valve actuator 48, a tube 50, a heater apparatus 52 and an electrical battery 54. The push button 44 forms part of the valve actuator 48, which is described further below with reference to Figure 3. The tube 50 has an outlet at a first end that is connected to the foam outlet nozzle 46, an inlet at a second, opposite end that forms a fluid tight seal with the valve actuator 48, a first portion 56 having an internal diameter of substantially I mm and a second potion 58 having a widest internal diameter of substantially 6 mm.

The first portion 56 of the tube extends between the second end of the tube and an end of the second portion 58 and the second portion 58 extends thereafter to the outlet to which the nozzle is attached. The internal diameter of the second portion is substantially constant as one progresses towards its outlet end. Hence, the tube forms a path of generally constant internal diameter between the heater apparatus 52 and the nozzle 46. The internal surface of the second portion curves outwards as one progresses away from the end closer to the first portion and such that the second portion thereafter is of genera fly constant diameter. The heater apparatus is located generally centrally within a middle section of the second portion of generally s constant internal diameter such that foam flowing through the middle section surrounds the heater apparatus 52. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the nozzle defines a path with a diameter substantially the same as the internal diameter of the second portion. Hence, the nozzle merely serves to change a direction of flow of shaving foam. In another embodiment, the nozzle defines a path of smaller diameter than the internal diameter of the second portion. Hence, the nozzle serves to change a direction of flow of the shaving foam and accelerate the rate of flow of the shaving foam as it leaves the apparatus. The tube 50 is held in position within the housing 32 such that first portion 56 extends downwards and generally parallel to a side of the pressurised can 34 before forming a u-shaped section before the second portion 58 of the tube is reached with the second portion 58 extending upwards and generally parallel to the downwardly extending first portion. The second portion 58 of the tube is described further below with reference to Figure 3.

The tube 50 is integrally formed from a plastics material, such as a polyester, by extrusion. Although not shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3, the tube is surrounded by a heat insulating fabric, which reduces heat loss from the tube and in particular from the tube in the vicinity of the heater apparatus. The components of the second embodiment described in the present paragraph are present in the first embodiment of Figure 1 and are of the same form and function. The apparatus according to either the first or second embodiment has a weight of about 300 g.

The vertical section of the shaving foam dispensing apparatus 70 of Figure 3 shows the internal components of the first and second embodiments in detail. As described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the shaving foam dispensing apparatus 70 comprises a housing 72, which is configured as per the first embodiment or the second embodiment, a valve actuator 74, a tube comprising a first portion 76 and a second portion 78, a foam outlet nozzle 80, an electrical battery 82 and a heater apparatus 84. The length of the second portion is substantially 40 mm. The internal diameter at each opposite end of the second portion is the same as the internal diameter of the first portion, i.e. substantially 1 mm. The internal surface of the second portion curves outwards as one progresses away from each opposite end such that a middle section of substantially constant diameter is formed between the outwardly curving end sections. The valve actuator 74 comprises a valve stem seat 86, which is configured to receive a distal end of a valve stem 88 of a pressurised can of shaving foam 90. The valve stem seat 86 defines a bore in which the valve stem 88 is received and which is in fluid communication with the inlet at the second end of the tube. The valve stem seat 86 is held for linear movement within an elongate, hollow valve body, which extends down from the inner surface of the top of the housing. The valve stem seat 86 extends upwards through the valve body and thereafter through an aperture formed in the housing 72. The push button 92 of the valve actuator is attached to the distal end of the valve stem seat 86 that extends beyond the outer surface of the housing. A coil spring (which constitutes a biasing device) is located between a shoulder defined by the push button 92 and the outer surface of the housing to thereby bias the push button 92 away from the housing.

Hence, the valve stem seat 86 is biased with the push button in an upward direction and no pressure is exerted on the valve stem 88 of the pressurised can. Depression of the push button 92 by a user against the spring bias causes the valve stem seat 86 to move downwards within and relative to the valve body and to depress the valve stem 88 of the pressurised can to thereby release foam from the can. When there is no downward pressure on the push button 92 the valve actuator 74 is in a first condition and when the push button is depressed the valve actuator 74 is in a second condition. The valve actuator 74 with the exception of the coil spring is formed of a plastics material, such as a polyester. The coil spring is formed of an appropriate metal.

The valve actuator 74 of Figure 3 further comprises an electrically conductive lug 96 which is attached to the valve seat for movement with the valve seat, when the latter moves linearly within the valve body. The electrically conductive first lug 96 protrudes through a slot formed in the valve body whereby the first lug 96 can travel up and down the slot and thereby move freely up and down in relation to the valve body. When the valve actuator 74 is in the first condition, i.e. when no pressure is being applied to the push button 92, the first lug 96 is spaced apart from an electrical contact 98. When the valve actuator 74 is in the second condition, i.e. when pressure is applied by a user to the push button 92, the first lug 96 makes electrical contact with the electrical contact 98. The electrical contact 98 is electrically connected by a first wire 100 to one of the positive and negative terminals of the electrical battery 82. The other of the positive and negative terminals of the electrical battery 82 is electrically connected by a second wire to one end of the heater apparatus 84. The electrical battery is connected to the shaving foam dispensing apparatus by means of a known battery connector. The second end of the heater apparatus is connected by a third wire 104 to an electrically conductive second lug 106, which protrudes in an opposite direction to the first lug through another slot formed in the valve body whereby the second lug 106 can travel up and down its slot and thereby move freely up and down with the first lug 96 in relation to the valve body. Hence, when the push button 92 is depressed the first lug 96 and the electrical contact 98 make contact to thereby close an electrical path in which the heater apparatus 84 is in series with the electrical battery.

The heater apparatus 84 comprises a resistive wire which is electrically connected between the electrical contacts at opposite ends of the heater apparatus. The resistance of the wire is chosen so as to generate sufficient heat upon passage of electrical current through the wire to thereby raise the temperature of the surrounding foam. Where the electrical battery is an AAA cell which supports an electrical potential of 1.5 volts a wire resistance of 0.0225 Ohms generates 100 Watts of power. Where an AAA cell with a capacity of 700 mAh is used, foam can be dispensed about twenty five times between battery changes if foam is dispensed for one to two seconds each use. In a lower power form, where the electrical battery is an AAA cell which supports an electrical potential of 1.5 volts a wire resistance of 0.225 Ohms generates 10 Watts of power. In this latter form and where an AAA cell with a capacity of 700 mAh is used, foam can be dispensed about two hundred and fifty times between battery changes if foam is dispensed for one to two seconds each use. The number of uses can be increased significantly by using two AAA cells either in series or parallel or by using a larger capacity battery. The resistive wire is embedded in a mass of ceramic material, which provides for electrical insulation and good conduction of heat away from the wire. The mass of ceramic mass of material is in turn enclosed in a metal tube, which provides for effective radiation of heat into the surrounding foam as well as conduction of heat to the surrounding foam.

The use of the shaving foam dispensing apparatus will now be described with s reference to Figures 1 to 3. When the shaving foam dispensing apparatus is first being brought into use, an electrical battery 54, 82 is connected to the battery connector and a can of shaving foam 14, 34, 90 is introduced into the space defined by the housing 12, 32, 72 of the apparatus such that the valve stem 42, 88 is received in the bore defined by the valve stem seat 86. When it is desired to dispense some foam from the apparatus, the push button 20, 44, 92 is depressed by the user. Depressing the push button causes at the same time: contact to be made between the first lug 96 and the electrical contact 98, which causes the heater apparatus 52, 84 to generate heat; and the depression of the valve stem 42, 88, which releases foam from the can into the tube where it is heated by the heater is apparatus before being dispensed from the nozzle 22, 46, 80 for use thereafter. As the foam flows from the first portion of tube 76 into the second portion of tube 78 the foam is allowed to expand by virtue of the increase in internal diameter of the tube to thereby reduce the likelihood of the foam developing a watery consistency as it is heated.

Although the preceding description has been given with reference to the dispensing of heated shaving foam, the apparatus may be adapted to dispense other materials that are applied to the skin, such as cosmetics and sunscreen, in particular where such products expand upon release from their pressurised vessels.