NL2003782C2

NL2003782C2 - Aerosol container.

Info

Publication number: NL2003782C2
Application number: NL2003782A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Werner Marie Camiel Clauwaert; Mark Robert Rene Massa
Original assignee: Friesland Brands Bv
Priority date: 2009-11-10
Filing date: 2009-11-10
Publication date: 2011-05-11
Also published as: WO2011059319A1

Description

P90072NL00

Title: Aerosol container

The invention relates to an assembly for dispensing a product.

Aerosol containers as such are commonly known from the prior art. A container, containing a foodproduct, particularly cream, is currently marketed and sold by the applicant. The known container is lightweight, 5 compact and designed to be disposed after being used-up. An example of the container, having an advantageous configuration, is disclosed in applicant’s EP1916931A1.

The known container has manually operable discharge means. Particularly, during operation of the aerosol container, in case of operating 10 the discharge means, cream is ejected via a distal dispensing head and undergoes a so called 'overrun', such that a 'spray cream' which resembles common whipped cream, is obtained. In the known device, the container comprises valve means and a small discharge nozzle. During activation, the nozzle sprays the cream into a foodproduct receiving space that is defined by 15 the dispensing head, upon which the cream preferably expands to a desired degree and is agitated vigorously due to expanding propellant.

An object of the present invention is to improve the aerosol container. Particularly, the invention aims to provide a container, wherein utilization of the container can be carried out in a straightforward reliable 20 manner, without leading to a considerable rise in the manufacturing costs. Moreover, it is desired that high hygiene standards are maintained, or even improved.

To this aim, according to an embodiment of the invention, the aerosol container comprises: 25 - a reservoir containing a propellant and a product (for example a foodproduct); -operable discharge valve to discharge the product; 2 - a dispensing head defining a product receiving space to receive the product from the discharge valve, - a coupling member that is fixed to the aerosol container; -a hinge to connect the dispensing head to the coupling member, 5 such that the head can be brought from an idle position to an operating position for actuating the valve, and from the idle position (away from the container) to a head cleansing position.

In this way utilization of the container can be carried out in a reliable straightforward manner, without leading to a considerable rise in 10 the manufacturing costs. Moreover, since the head can be brought to a cleansing position, for example for rinsing the head, high hygiene standards can be obtained.

Preferably, the hinge is configured to allow head rotation over an angle of 90° or more from the idle position to the head cleansing position.

15 In a highly advantageous embodiment the coupling member, hinge and head are made of plastic, and -even more preferred- they are made in one piece. Alternatively, the hinge can be configured to releasingly connect the head to the coupling member.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described 20 in the dependent claims. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereafter. Therein shows:

Fig. 1 schematically an opened side view, partly in cross-section, of part of a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 25 Fig. 2 a bottom view of part of the embodiment of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 a cross-section over line III-III of Fig 2;

Fig. 4 schematically a side view, partly in cross-section, when the dispensing head is in the idle position;

Fig. 5 schematically side view similar as Fig. 4 when the 30 dispensing head is in the operating position; and 3

Fig. 6 schematically side view similar as Fig. 4 when the dispensing head is in the cleansing position.

Figures 1-6 show an embodiment of a rigid aerosol container 1, to discharge (and shape/model) a foodproduct, or -alternatively- another type 5 of product. The rigid container 1 can be made of various materials, for example a rigid plastic, a metal, or an alloy. Only an upper part of the container 1 is shown, schematically.

The container 1 has a reservoir 2 containing a propellant and a foodproduct, and an operable discharge valve 4 for discharging the 10 foodproduct. The drawing show an example of the container valve 4 (in this case being located in an upper section of the container). The reservoir 2 is schematically depicted. Also, only a distal part 4 (in this case part of an axially movable nozzle 4, for example a cylinder shaped nozzle 4) of the valve is shown. The present container 1 is configured to be used upside 15 down, and therefore does not comprise a dip-tube dispensing mechanism.

The container can be provided with operable valve means, comprising a downwardly (i.e. towards a container bottom) depressible foodproduct nozzle 4 and spring means to counteract the depressing of the nozzle, such as in a currently marketed spray foodproduct aerosol container, 20 as will be appreciated by the skilled person. For example, depressing of the foodproduct nozzle 4 leads to opening of the valve means so that foodproduct and part of the propellant can be ejected (through the nozzle 4) towards the dispensing head 5 (described below), to be dispensed thereby. Mentioned spring means can urge the valve to a closed position (such as in figures 1, 4 25 and 6).

Each container 1 is compact (for example with an overall volume less than 11), of a lightweight construction. Also for example, initially, a packed container 1, comprising the foodproduct, can weigh less than 1 kg, such as about 750 or 250 g. According to an embodiment, the container as 30 such can be made of tinplate or aluminium, coated on the inside, and has a 4 substantially cylindrical shape. The container can also be made of a different material, for example a rigid plastic. Also, the present aerosol container 1 is of a non-refillable type, to be discarded after being used up. The present container 1 is of a relatively inexpensive, durable construction, 5 having few components. Generally, an upper end of the container may include a circumferential flange 18.

The container 1 comprises at least one reservoir 2 containing the foodproduct, the foodproduct being safe for consumption, and a suitable propellant. As a non limiting example, the aerosol container can be packed 10 with foodproduct and propellant, the initial pressure in the container being for example in the range of 7-18 atmospheres, depending on the amount of packed foodproduct, as will be appreciated by the skilled person. The propellant can consist of one or more gasses acceptable from the viewpoint of food technology, for example a gas which substantially dissolves in the 15 foodproduct, a gas which substantially does not dissolve in the foodproduct and a combination of these gasses. Particularly, the propellant can comprise C02, nitrogen (N2), laughing gas (N20) or a combination of these gasses (such as nitrogen and laughing gas). For example, 15-25 w% (weight%) of the propellant can be N2 and the remainder of the propellant (i.e. 85-75 w%) 20 can be N20.

At least part of the propellant can be packed separately from the foodproduct, for example in the case that the container is provided with separate reservoirs, for example with a movable or flexible partition to provide such separation (such as in European patent application EP 1 061 25 006 Al). For example, the container can include a first reservoir containing the product, and a second reservoir containing the propellant (separate from the product)

In another embodiment, the propellant and foodproduct are packed together, in the same reservoir, in the aerosol container (for example in case 30 the container is provided with a single reservoir).

5

In a particular embodiment, the foodproduct comprises cream. In that case, as will be appreciated by the skilled person, a "spray cream" that is obtained from use of the present aerosol container 1 generally differs from conventional whipping cream (obtained from manually or automatically 5 whipping common cream without using a cream propellant) to a high degree. Also, in the case the foodproduct comprises cream as an ingredient, the foodproduct can comprise various other ingredients, for example sugar, emulsifier, stabiliser, aroma. Preferably, the cream has a fat content in the range of about 5%-50%, for example about 40%. Another cream composition 10 can include a fat milk constituent (particularly cream, or common cream) and a non-fat milk constituent (for example skimmed milk), see EP 1 061 006 Al. Generally, a cream foodproduct can comprise at least 80 w% of one or more milk constituents, and preferably at least circa 90 w%.

Referring to the drawings, in the present embodiment, the 15 container 1 is also provided with a dispensing head 5 defining a foodproduct receiving space 11 to receive the foodproduct from the discharge valve 4, and to subsequently discharge the received foodproduct to surroundings.

Besides, the head 5 acts as manually operable actuation member (having a manually pressible knob part 22), configured to cooperate with the 20 nozzle/discharge valve 4 of the container to discharge the foodproduct. The container discharge nozzle 4 protrudes out of the container when it is in an idle position (i.e. when the valve is closed, as in Fig. 4), and also when the nozzle 4 has been axially depressed -by the head 5- to a respective product discharging position (as in Fig. 5) 25 A coupling member 10 is provided, being fixed to the rim 18 of the aerosol container 1. A hinge T connects the dispensing head 5 to the coupling member 10, the configuration being such that the head 5 can be brought from an idle position (i.e. a first position, depicted in figures 1, 4) to an operating position (i.e. a second position, depicted in figure 4) for 6 actuating the valve, and from the idle position away from the container 1 to a head cleansing position (i.e. a third position, depicted in figure 6).

Preferably, a cap 8 is provided. After assembly, the cap 8 entirely covers the dispensing head 5 and a respective operating part (knob 22). Fig.

5 1 depicts the embodiment, wherein the cap 8 is joined with the container. In the example, the cap is made of a transparent material, for example a transparent plastic. Figures 4-6 shows the part of the embodiment after the cap 8 has been removed from the container 1.

Advantageously, the aerosol container 1 is provided with a 10 coupling member 10, configured to hold the manually operable discharge means 5. In a non-limiting embodiment the coupling member 10 may be made of a different material than the material of the container. In the present embodiment, the coupling member 10 is made of plastic, for example (i.e. not limited to) polypropylene.

15 In this embodiment, the coupling member 10 as such has been made in a separate process (for example in a suitable plastic component manufacturing process, for example injection moulding) with respect to a container manufacturing process, and is therefore not made in one piece with the container 1. In this way, both the container and the coupling 20 member can be manufactured in an efficient manner. For example, the container 1 as such is manufactured by a standard aerosol container manufacturing process. The coupling member 10 as such can be mass-produced, leading to a low cost-price thereof. Joining the coupling member 10 and the container 1 is preferably carried out after the container 1 has 25 been filled with product (for example after the valve 4 has been mounted to the container 1).

In the example, the coupling member 10 is integrally, optionally in a rotational fixed manner (i.e. with respect to a centre line of the container 10), and preferably concentrically, connected to an upper end of 30 the container 1.

7

For example, the coupling member 10 and the container flange 18 can firmly hold each other using a clamping force, and optionally using adhesive. In a further embodiment, the coupling member 10 can be made of a resilient material, which material provides a clamping force to firmly grip 5 the container after assembly. Optionally, the coupling member 10 and the container 1 are provided with one or more blocking members and/or with a friction enhancing surface, interacting with each other to block turning/rotation of the coupling member 10 with respect to the container 1.

Preferably, the coupling member 10 is firmly fixed to the 10 container 1, for example by being snapped to the rim of the container via integral snapping means 10a. In the present example, the snapping means is an internal circular rim, or an array of snapping cams, 10a that snaps behind the rim 18 of the container 1. For example, the coupling member 10 can be fixed such, that a force of at least 100 N or more is required (for 15 example a force of 150 N or more) to mechanically remove the coupling member 10 from the rim 18 of the container 1.

The coupling member can be substantially convex with rounded edges, dome-shaped, such as in the example, or it may have a different shape. The convex shape (a convex side being faced away from the 20 container) is advantageous since it provides a rigid and strong configuration, at relatively thin wall thickness. The coupling member 10 may define an interior space that receives (encloses) an upper section of the container 1 (as well as a distal part of the valve 4 that protrudes from the container 1).

25 As follows from Figures 3-4, the present coupling member may include a (in the example substantially ring-shaped) lower section 11, which connects to the container flange 18 (and encloses that flange) after assembly. The present lower section 11 of the coupling member 10 is provided with the afore-mentioned snapping means 10a to hold the 30 container rim.

8

Optionally, the coupling member 10 can be provided with connection means for removably holding the cap 8. In the example, the coupling member is provided with a circumferential rim 10b, spaced-apart from the snapping means 10a. The circumferential rim 10b and the cap 8 5 may be configured to cooperate with each other, to removable connect the cap 8 via the coupling member 10 to the container 1. For example, the cap 8 may be provided with an internal rim 8a, or internal cams, configured to releasably grasp the coupling member 10 (for example via the rim 10b). In yet a further embodiment, the coupling member 10 may comprise a 10 breakable or tearable connection, to releasably hold the cap. For example, a connection between the cap 8 and coupling member 10 can include a breakable member that breaks when the cap is 8 removed for the first time from the coupling member 10, for example to provide a tamper evident connection. In a further embodiment, the breakable of tearable connection 15 can be manufactured by a thermal process, for example by applying heat (to the cap and/or coupling member) to locally melt the cap to the coupling member, by ultrasonic welding, or differently.

The present coupling member also includes an (in the example substantially dome-shaped) upper section 12. In the example, a maximum 20 outer diameter of the upper section 12 is smaller than an outer diameter of the ring-shaped lower section 11.

In the present a generally mushroom shaped dispensing head 5 is provided, so that improved foodproduct shaping can be achieved, as is described in applicant’s EP1916931A1 incorporated herein by reference in 25 its entirety by reference. Optionally, the dispensing head has a (downstream) distal part with product shaping projections 5a. The dispensing head can also be shaped differently. Preferably, the product dispensing head 5 has a proximal sleeve 5c, for example having an outwardly tapered inner wall that defines a product access, to receive a 30 distal part of the discharge valve 4.

9

As is mentioned above, the dispensing head 5 is connected to the coupling member 10 via a hinge T. The dispensing head 10 is tiltable about a tilting axis defined by the hinge, to depress the foodproduct nozzle 4 of the container 1. In the example, said tilting axis extends orthogonally with 5 respect to a centre line of the nozzle 4.

In the present example, the dispensing head 5 is not removable from the coupling member 10. Thus, the dispensing head 5 cannot be replaced. For example, the coupling member 10, hinge T and head 5 can be made in one piece, for example by plastic injection moulding, which is 10 advantageous in view of manufacturability and hygiene. It allows assembly of the container 1 using relatively little assembly steps, providing a relatively cheap, durable, hygienic solution. For example, the coupling member 10, hinge T and head 5 can all be entirely made of plastic. In such an embodiment, the integral (one-piece) hinge T can for example be a film-15 type hinge, a V-shaped hinge, as will be appreciated by the skilled person.

In a preferred embodiment, the hinge T is configured to allow head rotation over an angle of 90° or more from the idle position to the head cleansing position, as in Fig. 6. Thus, a thorough rinsing of the head can be achieved (for example using water, flowing from a water tap), for example to 20 remove any clocked product there-from. In that case, also, the container can be manually held for positioning the dispensing head 5 in the running water, allowing water the flow through the head 5 (for example from a distal discharge end to a proximal part 5c, or in opposite direction). Thus, an end user can achieve high hygienic standards and reliable container operation 25 In another embodiment, the hinge can be configured to releasingly connect the head 5 to the coupling member 10. In that case, after the head 5 has been released from the coupling member 10, the head 5 can be rinsed separately from the container 1. For example, the hinge can be made of a number of hinge components that can be adjusted from a hinge 30 forming state (forming the hinge to connect the head 5 and the coupling 10 member 10) and a disassembled state wherein the head 5 is released from the coupling member 10. For example, a suitable hinge can be a hook-type hinge (having hinge members that can be unhooked from each other to release the head 5) or a hinge having a hinge axis that extends through 5 hinge bushings, the axis being removable to disassemble the hinge.

Advantageously, the hinge T can be located near a virtual valve centre line of the discharge valve 4. For example, the hinge T can be located radially closer to a virtual valve centre line (i.e. container centre line CL, in this example) of the discharge valve 4 than a circumferential edge of the 10 coupling member 10, for example by at least 0.5 cm. Besides, preferably, a radial distance X (see Fig. 4) between the hinge T and a centre line of the discharge valve 4 can be smaller than 20 mm, when the head is in it’s idle position.

Also, preferably, when measured in axial direction, i.e. in parallel 15 with a container centre line CL, the hinge T can be located at the same axial location as a distal end of the discharge valve 4 (as in Fig. 4) that reaches out of the container 1, or axially within a distance of 5 mm from that distal end, when the head 5 is in the idle position.

Preferably, when measured in axial direction, i.e. in parallel with 20 a container centre line CL, the hinge T can be located at a distance Y from the connecting flange 18 of the container 1 that is larger than 1 cm. Good results have been obtained using a distance Y in the range of 15-25 mm, particularly a distance in the range of 18-22 mm, for example as about 20 mm.

25 In a further embodiment, bringing the head 5 from the idle position to the operating position involves pivoting the head 5 over an angle 6 of 20° or smaller, particularly 15° or smaller, more particularly 13° or smaller. Similarly, in a further embodiment, bringing the head 5 from the idle position to the operating position involves pivoting the head over an 30 angle 6 of 5° or larger, particularly 10° or larger, more particularly 12° or 11 larger. Thus, for example an actuating action involving depressing the head 5 can lead to a head pivoting movement over an angle 6 in the range of 5° to 20°, for example a range of 10° to 15°. This pivoting of the head 5 leads to axial displacement of the valve nozzle 4, leading to opening (and closing) of 5 the valve. Preferably, the pivoting of the head 5 between the idle and operating position (fig. 4 and fig 5, respectively) can provide a displacement of the nozzle 4 over a distance of more than 2 mm, for example about 2.5 mm.

In the present embodiments, the dispensing head comprises a 10 knob part 22 for manual activation of dispensing of the foodproduct. The present knob part 22 is made in one piece with the head 10. The knob part 22 is located diametrically opposite the hinge T (viewed with respect to a head centre line). In a further preferred example, the knob part 22 has a curved finger receiving surface 22a (see Fig. 4). This improves user 15 operation, enabling operating the valve via the head 5 using the thumb.

In the present example, the knob part 22 has a blocking section 22b that cooperates with a blocking section lOd of the coupling member 10 to block head movement towards the container 1, when the head 5 is in the operating position, thereby defining the operating position (see fig. 5). In an 20 alternative embodiment, the head can be provided with a blocking part that comes into contact with the container 1 itself when the head is swung to its operating position, to block further head movement (in the direction towards the container).

As follows from the drawing, in the present example, the coupling 25 member 10 is provided with a central aperture for receiving a lower part of the head 5 (see Fig. 3). The mounting member 10 has upstanding side walls lOf that enclose the central aperture.

Particularly, part of the head 5 may reach along the upstanding wall sections 103f of the mounting member 10 when the head is in the idle 30 position and in the operating position. Optionally, the upstanding wall 12 sections 103f can guide the head 5 between the idle position and a respective valve operating position, preventing a certain lateral movement of the head when respective side walls extend there-along. Thus, optionally, the mounting member 10 and the lever dispensing head may be configured to 5 cooperate, to guide the head along the mounting member during operation (i.e. when the head 5 is moved towards it's operation position and backwards to it's idle position).

As follows from figures 2-3, preferably, the dispensing head 5 may be provided with a concave lower side, (which side is faced towards the 10 container when the head is in it’s idle position), that is preferably provided with one or more reinforcement ribs 5t. Such ribs 5t can extend in various directions, and may have various configurations, as will be appreciated by the skilled person. For example, according to a further embodiment, the knob part 22 can be provided with a concave lower side (faced towards the 15 container when the head is in it’s idle position), the lower side having a number of reinforcement ribs 5t to reinforce the knob part 22.

Preferably, during the manufacturing of the container 1, the (food-)product may be packed into the reservoir 2 first via a filling aperture in the top of the container, after which the filling aperture is sealed, by 20 assembly of the valve onto the container. Then, the propellant can be packed into the reservoir 2, preferably via the valve. In the latter case, the valve serves as a filling means, to supply propellant to the reservoir 2 during the manufacture of the container. After that, the coupling member 10 and respective dispensing head 5 can be mounted to the container.

25 Subsequently, the container can be provided with a cap 8, preferably of a tamper evident configuration, to (entirely) cover the dispensing head 5 and respective knob 22, wherein the discharge means and dispensing head as such are preferably not provided with a tamper-evident configuration but are directly operable after removal of the cap from the 30 container. A tamper-evident mechanism of the cap can be configured in 13 various ways, and can comprise a breaking member to break or rupture a tamper-evident connection between the cap 8 and a remaining part of the container, tearing means, deformation means, a one-way release or unlocking mechanism, or other suitable means. Thus, after removal of the 5 cap, the valve 4 and dispensing head 5 can be operated in a logical and safe manner by a user, without the user needing to read a manual to understand the operation. Still, since the cap is tamper-evident, a first use of the container can be indicated and tampering of the container can be avoided.

During use, of the embodiment shown in the figures, the container 10 valve 4 can be operated (after having removed the cap), by pressing down the discharge head 5 using the knob member 22. Thus, the valve means can be opened and (food-)product, preferably with some propellant, is discharged by the nozzle 4 into the foodproduct receiving space, and towards surroundings.

15 Advantageously, the head 5 of the present embodiment can be swung away (or even detached, in the alternative embodiment) from the container 1 to its third position (shown in Fig. 6), revealing a lower side of the head 5, for cleansing purposes. Thus, repositioning (or detaching) and cleaning the whole head can be carried out with ease and precision.

20 In case of application of a head 5 being made in one piece with the coupling member 10, reliable cleansing and hygienic operation can be achieved. Relatively little places are available (if any, at all) for the product to get stuck, thereby avoiding clogging by dried product, bacterial growth and/or possibility that leftover parts of the product go rancid or in any other 25 way react with oxygen.

In yet a further embodiment, in case of application of a removable head (in case of a hinge configured to releasingly connect the head 5 to the coupling member 10), the dispensing head can be replaced by another (second, different,) clean dispensing head, for example having a different 30 shape, a different size, or both a different shape and a different size, as the 14 initial head. Another advantage is that the consumer can keep the head (removed from the container) to use on a new container, particularly another container that is already provided with a suitable coupling member 10. Reuse of the removable head reduces waste thereby reducing the 5 environmental impact of said canister.

Although the illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to those embodiments. Various changes or modifications may be effected by one 10 skilled in the art without departing from the scope or the spirit of the invention as defined in the claims.

It is to be understood that in the present application, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps. Also, each of the terms "a" and "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference sign(s) in the 15 claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

For example, the rigid aerosol container can be provided with a single reservoir, containing propellant and product together.

Also, for example, the rigid aerosol container can be provided with a plurality of reservoirs. In that case, propellant and product can be 20 contained separate from each other, in different reservoirs of the rigid container.

Claims

A spray can (1) comprising: a reservoir (2) containing a propellant and a food product; - an operable discharge valve (4) for dispensing the food product; -a dispensing head (5) defining a food product receiving space (11) to receive the food product from the discharge valve (4), -a coupling part (10) fixed to the spray can (1); -a hinge (T) for connecting the dispensing head (5) to the coupling part (10), such that the head (5) can be brought from a rest position to an operative position to operate the valve, and away from the rest position from the rest position bus (1) 10 to a head cleaning position.

The can according to claim 1, wherein the hinge (T) is configured to allow head rotation through an angle of 90 ° or more from the rest position to the head cleaning position.

3. The bush according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling part (10), hinge (T) and the head (5) are made of plastic.

The can according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the coupling part (10), hinge (T) and the head (5) are made in one piece.

The bush according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the hinge (T) is designed to detachably connect the head to the coupling part.

The can according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing head is provided with a button part (22) for manual activation of the dispensing of the food product, the button part (22) having a curved finger receiving surface (22a).

The can according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing head 25 is provided with a button part (22) for manual activation of dispensing the food product, the button part (22) being provided with a blocking part which cooperates with a blocking part of the food product. coupling part (10) to block further movement from the head to the bushing (1) when the head is in the operative position, so as to define the operating position.

8. The can according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling part (10) is substantially convex.

The can according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge (T) is radially closer to a virtual valve center line of the discharge valve (4) than a peripheral edge of the coupling part (10), for example with at least 0.5 cm.

The can according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, viewed along a bus center line, the hinge (T) is at the same axial position as a distal end of the discharge valve (4), or axially within 5 mm of that distal end, when the head is in the rest position.

11. The can according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a radial distance between the hinge (T) and a center line of the discharge valve (4) is smaller than 20 mm when the head is in its rest position.

12. The can according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein bringing the head from the rest position to the active position involves turning the head through an angle of 20 ° or smaller, in particular 15 ° or smaller, more in particular 13 ° or less.

The can according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein bringing the head from the rest position to the active position involves turning the head through an angle of 5 ° or more, in particular 10 ° or more, more in in particular 12 ° or more. 25