JP2012507450A - Portable aerosol dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

  An ergonomically portable portable aerosol dispenser (1) comprising an aerosol container (3) and an attached spray cap (2), the container (3) having a valve (15) on its top and its It has a section (4) that is constricted near the upper end, and the upper extension of the constricted section (4) continues gently into the attached cap (2), where the attached cap (2) Reaching the maximum cross-sectional dimension and reducing further from there, and: (i) an actuating button (6) located on its surface (8) above the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the attached cap, The button (6) inclined upwardly from 15 ° to 50 °, (ii) the spray opening (7) on the opposite side of the actuating button (6) of the cap (2), and (iii) the container (3) Upper valve (15 ) And an associated spray channel (15) that provides fluid communication between the spray opening (7) and the dimensions of the dispenser (1) are determined by the consumer around the constricted section (4) of the container. An ergonomically portable portable aerosol dispenser (1) that allows the dispenser (1) to be operated by holding the dispenser (1) and pressing the actuating button (6) with the index finger using the same hand. ).

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable aerosol dispenser, and more particularly to a portable aerosol dispenser for dispensing a cosmetic composition onto the surface of a human body.

  US Pat. No. 6,398,082 discloses an actuating mechanism for a portable canister where the slider engages the valve from a position where the valve is disengaged by finger pressure. Moveable to a possible position and when the finger pressure is removed, a hidden spring returns the slider to a position where the valve is disengaged.

US Pat. No. 6,398,082

  An object of the present invention is to provide an ergonomically superior aerosol dispenser with a slidable actuation button.

In a first aspect of the invention, a portable cylindrical aerosol dispenser is provided comprising an aerosol container and an attached spray cap, the container having a valve on its top and a constricted section near its upper end. However, the upper extension of the constricted section continues gently into the attached cap, which reaches the maximum cross-sectional dimension and reduces further from there:
(I) an activation button located on its surface above the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the attached cap, wherein the button is inclined upwards from 15 ° to 50 °;
(Ii) a spray opening on the opposite side of the cap actuation button;
(Iii) having an associated spray channel that provides fluid communication between the valve on the container and the spray opening;
The size of the dispenser allows the consumer to hold the dispenser around the constricted section of the container and, using the same hand, press the activation button with his index finger to activate the dispenser.

  In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of applying a cosmetic aerosol composition to the human body, comprising using an actuator device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

  Throughout this description, directional terms such as “upper”, “upper”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and “downward” refer to dispensers that are in an “upright” position with the base of the container seated on a horizontal plane. Please understand that they are pointing. Such an orientation of the dispenser is shown in FIGS.

  It should be understood that the term “droop” refers to a shape that projects downward from the other.

  It should be understood that the term “lateral” refers to a plane that is generally perpendicular to the vertical axis of the dispenser when oriented as described in the previous paragraph.

  The vertical axis of the dispenser may be considered as its main axis, and the term “horizontal” refers to a plane perpendicular to this axis.

  The dispenser of the present invention is easy to operate using one hand. The slanted actuation button and constricted design of the container advantageously allows the dispenser to be held in the hand, at which time the index finger can actuate the actuator via a simple extension motion. Desirably, the dispenser allows the consumer to grasp the constriction of the container between the pinnacle and middle and ring fingers, and to place the consumer's index finger on the finger pad on the top of the activation button before activation. When placed in the center, it is dimensioned so that it can be in a slightly bent position.

  The top surface of the activation button must be considered as its finger pad.

  It should be understood that the constricted section of the container is a narrow section with a loose profile. That is, a section in which the diameter gradually decreases toward the “neck portion”, and then a section in which the diameter gradually increases. It should be understood that the “neck” is the narrowest part of the constricted section.

  It should be understood that the “upper” portion of the dispenser is the upper portion of the constriction of the dispenser, and the “lower” portion of the dispenser is the lower portion of the constriction of the dispenser.

  The constricted section of the container is usually present as a half, preferably a third part of the container.

  The upper extension of the constricted section continues gently into the attached spray cap. That is, the upward extension of the dispenser diameter is about the same and moves from the container into the cap. This does not exclude the possibility of a clear joint between the container and the spray cap. In fact, this is standard (see below). Preferably, the maximum diameter of the upper portion of the dispenser is the point where the spray cap is mounted on the container.

  For reasons of stability, the maximum diameter of the upper part of the dispenser preferably does not exceed the maximum diameter of the lower part of the dispenser. More preferably, the diameter of the upper portion of the dispenser is the same or substantially the same as the diameter of the lower portion of the dispenser.

  In a preferred embodiment, the spray cap is lockable in place at the top of the aerosol container. This can be accomplished by using a beading process around the inner edge of the bottom of the spray cap and the associated groove near the top of the aerosol container. By having a “locked” spray cap in place on top of the aerosol container, operational robustness is improved. A spray cap is a cap through which the product in an aerosol container can be dispensed (sprayed) without being removed. This is accomplished by having an associated spray channel that provides fluid communication between the valve on the container and the spray opening in the spray cap.

  The spray opening is a void defined by the outer wall of the spray cap. Through this gap, the spray channel allows the contents of the container to be dispensed when a valve on the container is opened. The spray opening is considered to be in front of the dispenser.

  The valve on the container can be opened by the downward pressure on it, which is usually generated by the downward pressure on the associated spray channel.

  In a preferred embodiment, the constriction of the container has an outer diameter of 30 mm to 40 mm, more preferably 33 mm to 39 mm, most preferably 35 mm to 37 mm.

  In a preferred embodiment, the constriction of the container is 70 mm to 90 mm, more preferably 75 mm to 81 mm, most preferably 77 mm from the center of the finger pad of the activation button when measured as the shortest distance along the curved outer surface of the dispenser. Located between 5 mm and 79.5 mm. These dimensions are particularly appropriate when the dispenser is used by a woman, and the resulting dispenser fits well in a typical female hand and is particularly simple to use.

  In a preferred embodiment, the ratio between the outer diameter of the constriction of the container and the distance between the outer diameter of the constriction and the center of the finger pad of the activation button was measured as the shortest distance along the curved outer surface of the dispenser. At least 0.42 to 1, and no more than 0.50 to 1, more preferably at least 0.44 to 1 and no more than 0.48 to 1, most preferably at least It does not exceed 0.45 to 1 and 0.47 to 1. These dimensions are particularly appropriate when the dispenser is used by a woman, and the resulting dispenser fits well in a typical female hand and is particularly simple to use.

  In a preferred embodiment, the ratio between the outer diameter of the constriction of the container and the diameter of the container at the point where the spray cap is mounted on the container is at least 1: 1.15 and not more than 1: 1.35. More preferably at least 1 to 1.2 and no more than 1 to 1.3, most preferably 1 to 1.25. These relative dimensions, particularly in combination with one of the preferred ratios detailed in the above paragraph, result in improved ergonomic benefits.

  The activation button is preferably activated by sliding it, i.e. sliding the activation button forward to release the contents of the aerosol container through the spray opening. The sliding of the button can be conveniently done by extending the index finger, wherein the finger is in a slightly bent position with the finger pad seated in the center of the activation button.

  For repeated use, it is highly preferred that the activation button has a return mechanism. The activation button is usually fitted with a return spring that is biased when the button is pushed forward and returns the button to its original position when the pressure on the button is removed. To work.

  The activation button is present at an angle of 15 ° to 50 °, preferably 20 ° to 45 °, more preferably 25 ° to 40 ° with respect to the horizontal. These angles must be considered as the angle between the activation button along its longitudinal axis and a horizontal line in the same vertical plane. When the actuator is curved, it is required that a curved tangent exists at the indicated angle.

  The activation button can have a rib across its top surface to improve grip. Preferably, the top surface of the button is made of a thermoplastic elastomer for the same reason. The main body of the activation button may be made of an alternative plastic material, such as an acetal copolymer.

  The activation button, in particular its finger pad, is preferably curved upward at its front end. This serves to aid the sliding of the button in the forward direction and can thus contribute to the ergonomic advantages of the present invention.

  Release of the contents of the container is usually via a spray channel leading from a valve at the top of the container to the spray opening. In a preferred embodiment, when the activation button is slid forward, it allows a downward pressure to be exerted on the valve, thereby opening the valve and applying a pressurized aerosol composition in the container. It becomes possible to dispense things.

  In a preferred embodiment according to the above paragraph, the activation button is slid in the forward direction and then slid downward to exert a downward pressure on the valve at the top of the aerosol container. Preferably, this is accomplished via a protrusion that hangs from an activation button that exerts a downward pressure on the spray channel, which in turn exerts a downward pressure on the valve.

  A spray cap containing an associated spray channel is typically made of a plastic such as polypropylene. A common method of manufacture is injection molding.

  The aerosol containers used according to the invention are usually made of tin plating or aluminum. The valve is located at the top of the container, usually in the center position. The container can withstand the pressure of the aerosol composition stored therein. This pressure may be up to 2 or 3 bar, up to 10 bar, or up to 14 bar.

  The aerosol container preferably contains a cosmetic composition for application to the surface of the human body. In such applications and such compositions, the ergonomic advantages of the present invention are particularly advantageous, and the dispenser is particularly suitable for spraying products toward the user's own body. This is especially true when spraying products that normally target the lower part of the heel, ie, deodorant and antiperspirant compositions.

  Features described with reference to the following specific embodiments may be independently incorporated into the overall description provided above and / or in the claims.

Figure 2 is a rear / side view of a dispenser (1) according to the invention with a spray cap (2) in place on top of a constricted aerosol container (3). 2 is a front / side view of the dispenser (1) shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded rear / side view of the dispenser (1) shown in FIG. 1 without a valve cup and associated valve normally present at the top of the aerosol container (3). It is a rear surface / side surface / top view of a spray cap (2). It is a front view of a spray cap (2). FIG. 2 is a top view of a spray cap (2) having the indicated cross-sectional lines AA, BB, and CC. It is a bottom view of a spray cap (2). It is a cross section which crosses the beating process part (10) in the bottom part of a spray cap (2). It is a cross section which crosses the beating process part (11) in the bottom part of a spray cap (2). FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view through the spray cap (2) along AA. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view through the spray cap (2) along BB. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view through the spray cap (2) along CC. Figure 5 is a front / side view of the spray channel (15). FIG. 6 is a front / side view of the actuation button (6) as viewed from slightly below.

  Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the aerosol container (3) has a constricted section (4) near its upper end. The upper extension of the constricted section (4) of the aerosol container (3) continues gently into the attached spray cap (2), but there is a clear joint (5) between these two is doing.

  The spray cap (2) has a slidable actuation button (6) present on its surface above its maximum cross-sectional dimension, on the opposite side by the side wall (8) of the spray cap (2) There is a defined spray opening (7).

  The dispenser (1) is designed in particular to be the easiest to handle by female hands. The constricted section (4) can be easily grasped between the user's thumb and middle finger and ring finger, and when so gripped, the index finger pad of the user's same hand is moved to the drive button (6) The index finger is in a slightly bent position in preparation for forward and upward stretching.

  In this particular embodiment, the ratio of the outer diameter of the constriction of the container (3) to the distance between the outer diameter of the constriction and the center of the actuation button (6) is the shortest along the curved outer surface of the dispenser. When measured as a distance, it is 0.46 to 1.

  The spray cap (2) and its features are further illustrated in FIGS. The spray cap (2) has a circular cross section defined by the side wall (8), the diameter of the spray cap (2) decreasing towards its upper end. The side wall (8) defines an elliptical spray opening (7) that is considered to be in front of the dispenser (1). The elliptical spray opening (7) has its minor axis in the horizontal direction and is located closer to the upper end of the side wall (8).

  Protruding inward from the side walls (8) on both sides of the spray opening (7) are two support wings (9). These support wings (9) are thin walls extending from the top of the side wall (8) to a point about half way down its length. From each side of the support wing (9) facing the spray opening (7), a spray channel guide wall (10) projects. These spray channel guide walls (10) lie in a vertical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (AA) of the dispenser (1). These extend from the support wing (9) towards each other in the vicinity of the spray opening (7). The spray channel guide walls (10) end with a gap between them, which is always slightly larger than the short axis of the elliptical spray opening (7).

  At the bottom of the side wall (8) there is a beading part (11A and 11B) intended to allow the spray cap (2) to be snapped onto the top of the aerosol container (1) To do. The beading part consists of six smooth beads (11A) equally distributed around the bottom inner surface of the side wall (8) and interposed by the corrugated beading part (11B). Detailed cross sections of the beading sections (11A and 11B) are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively. The beading process is snapped into a recess (12) around the top of the aerosol container 1 (see FIG. 3).

  The spray cap (2) also has a top wall (13) that defines an opening (14), which is intended to accommodate a segment of the associated spray channel (15) (see below). . The upper wall (13) is connected to the side wall (8) by an inner wall (16) whose height changes from front to back, that is, relatively high at the front and lower toward the rear.

  The upper wall (13) has a large segment (13A) inclined upwards toward the front of the actuator at an angle of about 32 ° from horizontal and a small segment (13B) that is generally horizontal. (See FIG. 11). A small segment (13B) exists at the front end of the top wall (13). The opening (14) in the top wall (13) is centrally located where the large segment (13A) and the small segment (13B) join, but is often defined by the small portion (13B).

  On both sides of the opening (14), ie in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the actuating button (6), two protrusions (17) rise from the small segment (13B) of the top wall (13). The protrusions (17) each have a raised ridge (18) on their sides adjacent to the opening (14).

  Large circular opening walls (19 and 20) outline the opening (14), both hanging and raised vertically from the top wall (13). (See FIG. 12). The lower segment (19) depending from the upper wall (13) is longer than the upper segment (20) raised from the upper wall (13). The lower segment (19) depending from the upper wall (13) is at its front part a gap (21), another parallel wall (22) extending from the edge of the gap (21) towards the spray opening (7). Have These parallel further walls (22) have a lower edge (23) which is inclined upwards in the direction of the spray opening (7). Another parallel wall (22) terminates at the same height as the outer edge (24) of the inner wall (16).

  The upper segment (20) of the open wall rising from the upper wall (13) is abutted by the protrusion (17) described above, which also rises from the upper wall (13). A raised arched ceiling (25) extends from the front of the upper segment (20) and connects the upper segment (20) to the inner wall (16), with a small segment (13B) and opening in the upper wall (13). Bridging the “void” in the upper segment (20) of the wall. The raised arched ceiling (25) has a dome at the top and its inner surface (26) has a void (21) in the lower segment (19) of the open wall depending from the upper wall (13). Continuing with the inner surface of another parallel wall (22) extending from the edge. The raised arched ceiling (25) is designed to accommodate a segment of the spray channel (15) (see below).

  The inner surface (20C) of the large circular opening walls (19 and 20) is continuous and vertical aligned with the two protrusions (17) raised from the upper wall (13) on both sides of the opening (14). It has a retreat part (20D) on both sides.

  From the large segment (13A) of the upper wall (13), a central protrusion (27) bulges and has a rear surface (28) extending through the void (29) in the upper wall (13). This extensive rear surface (28) forms a substantial bearing wall and will be referred to as such.

  A restraining clip (30) projects toward the rear of the large segment (13A) of the upper wall (13). These are intended to restrain the segment of the activation button (6) (see below). The clip (30) is seated on parallel slits (31) in the upper wall (13) extending rearward from the restraining clip (30), i.e. away from the direction in which the actuation button (6) is pressed.

  Two separate parallel slits (32) are present in the large segment (13A) of the top wall (13). These other parallel slits (32) also pass back and forth, are located on both sides of the central protrusion (27) and are flush with the rear surface (28) of the central protrusion (27) from the upper wall (13). It extends from immediately after the protruding part (17) protruding to the point.

  The spray channel (15) mentioned above is shown in FIG. It consists of a vertical segment (33) and a segment (34) at an angle of about 114 ° to the vertical segment (34), ie at an angle of 24 ° from horizontal. The vertical segment (33) and the inclined segment (34) are in fluid communication.

  The vertical segment (33) of the spray channel (15) is designed to fit over the valve stem (not shown) of the aerosol container (3) and at its base (36V) to aid said fitting. It has been spread. The vertical segment (33) of the spray channel (15) is also designed to fit snugly within the opening (14) in the top wall (13) of the spray cap (2) (see below). In this way, the lateral movement of the spray channel (15) is limited. The vertical segment (33) of the spray channel (15) has an elastic region (35) at its top that the segment of the activation button (6) presses when the dispenser (1) is operated.

  The vertical segment (33) of the spray channel (15) has a vertically oriented rectangular block (33A) protruding from both sides of its side, ie in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the activation button (6). Have. These rectangular blocks (33A) are designed to be able to slide in vertical recesses (20D) in the inner surface (20C) of the large circular aperture walls (19 and 20). By such means, the rotational movement of the spray channel (15) is limited.

  The vertical segment (33) of the spray channel (15) has two small retaining clips (33B) each present slightly above the rectangular block (33A) on either side. These clips (33B) serve to hold the spray channel (15) in place during manufacture and are withdrawn therefrom upon first use of the dispenser (1).

  The inclined segment (34) of the spray channel (15) is narrower than the vertical segment (33) both internally and externally. The inclined segment (34) leads from the top of the vertical segment (33) towards the spray opening (7). At the spray opening end of the slanted segment (34) there is an elliptical disc (36D) designed to fit immediately after the elliptical spray opening (7) and leave no void visible from the outside at all times. There is also a conventional vortex chamber (37) designed to improve spray quality at the end of the sloping segment (34).

  The activation button (6) is shown in FIG. It consists of a finger pad (38) and various elements depending from it. The finger pad (38) is long in the front-rear direction, ie the direction in which it is designed to slide. The finger pad is designed to sit on the upper wall (13) of the spray cap (2). The finger pad (38) curves upward at its front end (39) to improve ergonomics in use. Also for this same purpose, a curved protrusion (38A) is also present on its upper surface (see FIGS. 1 and 3 for these features).

  Hanging vertically from the finger pad (38) are two orientation clips (40), which are large segments (in the upper wall (13) located on either side of the central protrusion (27) ( Designed to pass through two parallel slits (32) present in 13A). The clip (40) has an outwardly facing wedge (41) that assists in their insertion into the slit (32), and the clip (40) is temporarily internal when insertion is performed. Bent in the direction. When the actuating button (6) is pressed, the retaining clip (40) slides forward in its respective slit (32).

  It is a keel-shaped structure (43) that hangs from the finger pad (38) along the central longitudinal axis. The structure tilts outwardly from the lower side of the finger pad (38) near its front end and terminates at about half the length of the finger pad (38). The lower part (44) of the keel-shaped structure (43) presses the elastic region (35) at the top of the vertical segment (33) of the activation button (6) when the dispenser (1) is operated. Designed to.

  An elastic leaf spring (45) hangs from the finger pad (38) at a point closer to the back of the front-rear axis. The leaf spring (45) is disposed so as to pass through the gap (29) in the upper wall (13) of the spray cap (2) existing behind the central protrusion (27) protruding from the upper wall (13). The The leaf spring (45) is designed to abut against a large load bearing wall (28) that forms an extended rear surface (28) of the central protrusion (27) raised from the top wall (13). When the actuating button (6) is pushed forward, the leaf spring is biased. When the activation button (6) is released, the leaf spring (45) pushes the activation button (6) toward its original position.

  Two protrusions designed to interact with two protrusions (17) raised from the front of the finger pad (38) from a small segment (13B) of the top wall (13) of the spray cap (2) (46) hangs down. When the operation button (6) is pushed forward, the lower part of the protrusion (46) depending from the finger pad (38) is the protrusion (17) where the protrusion (46) depending on the protrusion is raised. And slide along the upper part of the protrusion (17) which raises the upper wall (13) of the spray cap (2). The raised ridge (18) on the protrusion (17) raised from the upper wall (13) of the spray cap (2) guides the protrusion (46) depending from the finger pad (38) during this process. To work. After the drooping projection (46) goes too far over the raised projection (17), the actuation button (6) can be depressed.

  Two struts (47) with hinged joints (48) hang down from behind the finger pad (38), which is a large segment of the top wall (13) of the spray cap (2). (13A) Designed to be mounted in parallel slits (31) located near the rear.

  When the actuating device is operated, the actuating button (6) is slid forward and the protrusion (46) depending from the front of the finger pad (38) is the upper wall (13) of the spray cap (2). ) Along the protruding protrusion (17) from the smaller segment (13B). At the same time, the two orientation clips (40) depending from the finger pad are separated by two parallel slits (13A) in the large segment (13A) of the upper wall (13) located on both sides of the central protrusion (27). 32) and the hinge joint (48) sliding forward from within the finger pad (38) is located closer to the rear of the large segment (13A) of the upper wall (13) of the spray cap (2). Slide along parallel slits (31). At the same time, the leaf spring (45) is biased by pressing the bearing wall (28).

  When the protrusion (46) depending from the front part of the finger pad (38) has slid over the protrusion (17) raised from the small segment (13B) of the upper wall (13), the operating button (6 ) Can be pushed down. At this time, the hinge joint (48) depending from the back of the finger pad (38) has reached the restraining clip (30) located near the rear of the large segment (13A) of the upper wall (13). The finger pad (38) is depressed and the keel-shaped structure (43) depending from it presses the elastic region (35) on top of the vertical segment (33) of the spray channel (15). This causes the spray channel (15) to press the valve stem (VS) of the container (1) on which it sits, thereby opening the valve and allowing the product in the container (1) to be discharged. . During the depression of the vertical segment (33) of the spray channel (15), the inclined segment (34) of the spray channel (15) is an arched ceiling connecting the upper segment (20) and the inner wall (16) of the open wall. The elliptical disc (36) sliding down in the part (25) and at the end of the spray channel (15) slides down immediately after the elliptical spray opening (7).

  When pressure is removed from the actuating button (6), the spring associated with the valve stem (VS) of the container (1) pushes the spray channel (15) upwards and immediately thereafter droops from the finger pad (38). The plate spring (45) that has pushed the actuating button (6) back to its original position.

Claims (7)

A portable cylindrical aerosol dispenser comprising an aerosol container and an attached spray cap, the container having a valve at its top and a constricted section near its upper end, extending above the constricted section The part continues gently into the attached cap, the attached cap reaches the maximum cross-sectional dimension and reduces further from there, and
(I) an activation button located on its surface above the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the attached cap, wherein the button is inclined upwards from 15 ° to 50 °;
(Ii) a spray opening on the opposite side of the cap actuation button;
(Iii) having an associated spray channel that provides fluid communication between the valve on the container and the spray opening;
An aerosol dispenser where the dimensions of the dispenser allow the consumer to hold the dispenser around the constricted section of the container and use the same hand to press the activation button with his index finger to activate the dispenser.   When the ratio between the outer diameter of the constriction of the container and the distance between the outer diameter of the constriction and the center of the finger pad of the actuating button is measured as the shortest distance along the curved outer surface of the dispenser, at least 0. The aerosol dispenser of claim 1, wherein the aerosol dispenser is 42: 1 and no more than 0.50: 1.   The ratio of the outer diameter of the constricted portion of the container to the diameter of the container at the point where the spray cap is mounted on the container is at least 1: 1.15 and not more than 1: 1.35, more preferably An aerosol dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least 1 to 1.2 and not more than 1 to 1.3, most preferably 1 to 1.25.   4. The aerosol dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the maximum diameter of the maximum diameter of the upper part of the dispenser is the point at which the spray cap is mounted on the container.   The aerosol dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activation button is slidably activated.   The constriction of the container has an outer diameter of 33 cm to 39 cm and is located 75 cm to 81 cm from the center of the finger pad of the activation button when measured as the shortest distance along the curved outer surface of the dispenser. Item 6. The aerosol dispenser according to any one of Items 1 to 5.   The aerosol dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the activation button has a return mechanism.

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