US20080035638A1

US20080035638A1 - Cap with actuation protection for a pressurized container

Info

Publication number: US20080035638A1
Application number: US11/809,742
Authority: US
Inventors: Johannes Burghaus; Heiko Eberhardt; Hans Engeland; Franz Steigerwald
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 2006-06-02
Filing date: 2007-06-01
Publication date: 2008-02-14
Also published as: EP1862400A1; BRPI0712229A2; AU2007257573A1; CA2652923A1; CN101454223A; MX2008015163A; WO2007141723A1

Abstract

A cap (1) for a pressurized container (2) with an actuation button (3) arranged at the top, which is provided for discharging a metered spray or foam quantity of a product from a nozzle (4) or opening (4A) via a channel (5), wherein the channel (5) communicates with a short-stroke valve (6) of a valve disk (7) for the pressurized container (2) and the actuation button (3). The actuation button (3) communicates with an actuation protection device (8.1-8.4) for first-time activation. The cap (1) with the actuation button (3) has the shape of a protective cap (32) externally and exhibits an essentially closed surface. As an actuation protection device (8.1-8.4), the channel (5) is connected to a first reinforcement rib (22) in the lower, lateral area (9) in the proximity of the valve (6); said reinforcement rib (22) is connected to a lever (26) on the bottom end (24), wherein the lever (26) is connected to a start (25) of a first rib (10) via a predetermined breaking zone (15). An end (27) of the first rib (10) is connected to a base part (14), which is supported on the valve disk (7), wherein, by overcoming a counterforce during first-time activation of the actuation button (3), the predetermined breaking zone (15) causes a predetermined break (16) due to manual force at the lever and thus enables activation of the valve (6) (FIG. 1).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a cap or a pressurized container with an actuation button arranged on top, which is provided for discharging a metered spray or foam quantity of a product from a nozzle or opening via a channel, wherein the channel communicates with a short-stroke valve of a valve disk in the pressurized container and the actuation button. The first time the actuation button is activated, it communicates with an actuation protection device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Caps with an actuation protection device for first-time activation of an actuation button (first opening guarantee) for a pressurized container are known in the most varied of embodiments, for example from United Kingdom Patent Application No. GB2108205A. This type of actuation protection is externally visible to the user due to the design. This results in additional limitations on the design of such types of caps.
Furthermore, caps with an actuation protection device for first-time activation of an actuation button (first opening guarantee) for a pressurized container are known from everyday use, with which the actuation button cannot be activated until a tab is torn off. This action, however, results in a separate or interfering part.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Correspondingly, the object of the invention is to obtain a generically equivalent cap that does not have the aforementioned disadvantages, or wherein the actuation protection device (first opening guarantee) is not externally visible to the user, and that is easy to handle. In addition, it should not present any limitations in the external design of such type of cap.
Thus, it is now possible, despite an essentially closed surface of a cap, to arrange an actuation protection device as a first opening guarantee that is not externally visible to the user and is easy to handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in detail below with reference to five exemplary embodiments.
The following is shown:
FIGS. 1-4 show various views of a first exemplary embodiment;
FIGS. 5-8 show various views of a second exemplary embodiment;
FIGS. 9-12 show various views of a third exemplary embodiment;
FIGS. 13-16 show various views of a fourth exemplary embodiment;
FIGS. 17-21 show various views of a fifth exemplary embodiment; and
FIG. 22 shows a version according to FIG. 17.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows, in a first exemplary embodiment, a cap 1 for a pressurized container 2 with an actuation protection device 8.1, wherein the cap 1 has the shape of a protective cap 32 externally with an actuation button 3 arranged on top, which is not pressed, and an essentially closed surface. The actuation button 3 is provided for discharging a metered spray or foam quantity of a product from a nozzle 4 or opening 4A via a channel 5. The channel 5 communicates with a short-stroke valve 6 of a valve disk 7 in the pressurized container 2 and with the actuation button 3, wherein the actuation button 3 for first-time activation communicates with the actuation protection device 8.1 as a first opening guarantee.
As an actuation protection device 8.1, the channel 5 is connected to a first reinforcement rib 22 in the lower, lateral area 9 in the proximity of the valve 6; said reinforcement rib 22 is connected to a horizontally arranged lever 26, wherein the lever 26 is connected to a start 25 of a first rib 10 via a predetermined breaking zone 15. An end 27 of the first rib 10 is connected to a base part 14 at an angle to an axis of the valve 6; said base part 14 is supported on the valve disk 7. The actuation button 3 in this case is protected by the actuation protection device 8.1. By overcoming a counterforce during first-time manual actuation of the actuation button 3, predetermined breaking zone 15 leads to a predetermined break 16 (FIGS. 3 and 4) due to manual force at the lever 26 and thus enables activation of the valve 6. Preferably, the channel 5 is manufactured from plastic as a one-piece unit with the reinforcement rib 22, the lever 26, the first rib 10, and the base part 14.
FIG. 2 shows a detailed enlargement (X1) according to FIG. 1, indicating in more detail the actuation protection device 8.1 and the base part 14, which is designed as a half-ring 19.
FIG. 3 shows the activated actuation button 3 pressed downwards axially, which has led to a predetermined break 16 in the predetermined breaking zone 15 and thus has enabled actuation of the valve 6. The actuation button 3 in this exemplary embodiment is connected to a housing 31 with a film hinge 30. Instead of the hinge 30, an elastic annular wall can be provided around the actuation button 3 according to FIG. 22; said wall is manufactured using a two-component injection molding process and enables a corresponding lift movement of the actuation button 3. In addition, this also tightly seals the actuation button 3 with the housing 31.
FIG. 4 shows a detailed enlargement (X2) according to FIG. 3 indicating particularly the rib 10 broken by the lever 26.
FIGS. 5 to 8 show, in a second exemplary embodiment, a cap 1 with an actuation protection device 8.2, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4; however, in this case, the actuation protection device 8.2 also has an elastic band 17 that is connected to the lever 26 and the first rib 10. This ensures that, after a predetermined break 16, the first rib 10 remains connected to the base part 14 and with the lever 26 via the elastic band 17 (FIGS. 7 and 8).
FIG. 6 shows a detailed enlargement (X3) according to FIG. 5 indicating particularly the elastic band 17.
FIG. 7 shows the cap 1 according to FIG. 5, but with the activated actuation button 3 pressed downwards axially.
FIG. 8 shows a detailed enlargement (X4) according to FIG. 7, indicating particularly the elastic connection function of the elastic band 17, whereby the first rib 10 along with the base part 14 cannot move uncontrollably as a single part.
FIGS. 9 to 12 show, in a third exemplary embodiment, a cap 1 with an actuation protection device 8.3 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4; however, the device is additionally and diametrically connected to a second reinforcement rib 23 with a lever 26 and a second rib 11, wherein the base part 14 is designed as a complete ring 20. This diametrical arrangement results in an optimally centric application of force onto the actuation protection device 8.3.
FIG. 10 shows a detailed enlargement (X5) according to FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 shows the cap 1 according to FIG. 9, but with the activated actuation button 3 pressed downwards axially.
FIG. 12 shows a detailed enlargement (X6) according to FIG. 11 indicating the doubled predetermined break 16 in more detail.
FIGS. 13 to 16 show, in a fourth exemplary embodiment, a cap 1 with an actuation protection device 8.4, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, but with each additionally having an elastic band 17, each of which is connected to the lever 26 and the first rib 10 or the second rib 11. This ensures that, after a predetermined break 16, the first and second rib 10, 11 remain connected to the base part 14 (complete ring 20) and with the lever 26 via the elastic band 17 (FIGS. 15 and 16).
FIG. 14 shows a detailed enlargement (X7) according to FIG. 13 indicating particularly the elastic bands 17.
FIG. 15 shows the cap 1 according to FIG. 13, but with the activated actuation button 3 pressed downwards axially.
FIG. 16 shows a detailed enlargement (X8) according to FIG. 15, indicating particularly the elastic connection function of the elastic bands 17, whereby the first and the second rib 10, 11 along with the base part 14 (complete ring 20) cannot move uncontrollably as a single part.
FIGS. 17 to 21 show, in a fifth exemplary embodiment, a cap 1 for a pressurized container 2 with an actuation protection device 8.5, wherein the cap 1 has the external shape of a protective cap 32 with an actuation button 3 arranged on top and an essentially closed surface. The actuation button 3 is provided for discharging a metered spray or foam quantity of a product from a nozzle 4 or opening 4A via a channel 5. The channel 5 communicates with a short-stroke valve 6 of a valve disk 7 in the pressurized container 2 and with the actuation button 3, wherein the actuation button 3 for first-time activation communicates with the actuation protection device 8.5 as a first opening guarantee.
As an actuation protection device 8.5, the channel 5 is connected to at least a third rib 12 in the lower, lateral area 9 in the proximity of the valve 6; said rib 12 is connected on an external end 28 to a hollow cylinder section 21 via a second predetermined breaking zone 29; the hollow cylinder section 21 is coaxially supported on the valve disk 7 as a base part 14. By overcoming a counterforce during first-time manual actuation of the actuation button 3, the second predetermined breaking zone 29 leads to a predetermined break 16 due to manual force at the third rib 12 and thus enables activation of the valve 6. In addition to the third rib 12, this exemplary embodiment also contains a fourth rib 13, which can optionally be arranged diametrically as well.
FIG. 18 shows a detailed enlargement (X9) according to FIG. 17 indicating the third and fourth rib 12, 13 in more detail.
FIG. 19 shows a cross-section of the detailed enlargement according to FIG. 18.
FIG. 20 shows the cap 1 with an activated actuation button 3 pressed downwards axially and with a predetermined break 16 for both ribs 12, 13.
FIG. 21 shows a detailed enlargement (X10) according to FIG. 20 in a corresponding cross-section.
FIG. 22 shows a version according to FIG. 17 wherein the actuation button 3 is connected to the housing 31 by an elastic annular wall 33. This means that the cap 1 exhibits a closed surface and can still be pressed downwards axially to activate the valve 6. The dotted line 34 schematically shows the activated actuation button 3 pressed downwards axially, wherein the elastic annular wall 33 simultaneously forms a type of hinge.

REFERENCE LIST

- 1 Cap
- 2 Pressurized container
- 3 Actuation button
- 4 Nozzle
- 4A Opening
- 5 Channel
- 6 Valve
- 7 Valve disk
- 8.1-8.5 Actuation protection device
- 9 Bottom, lateral area
- 10 First rib
- 11 Second rib
- 12 Third rib
- 13 Fourth rib
- 14 Base part
- 15 First predetermined breaking zone
- 16 Predetermined break
- 17 Elastic band
- 18 Break part protection device
- 19 Half-ring
- 20 Complete ring
- 21 Hollow cylinder section
- 22 First reinforcement rib
- 23 Second reinforcement rib
- 24 End/first reinforcement rib 22
- 25 Start/first rib 10
- 26 Lever
- 27 End/first rib 10
- 28 External end/third and fourth rib 12, 13
- 29 Second predetermined breaking zone
- 30 Film hinge
- 31 Housing
- 32 Protective cap
- 33 Elastic annular wall
- 34 Dotted line

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”
All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A cap for a pressurized container comprising an actuation button arranged at the top, which is provided for discharging a metered spray or foam quantity of a product from a nozzle or opening via a channel, wherein the channel communicates with a short-stroke valve of a valve disk for the pressurized container and the actuation button, and wherein the actuation button communicates with an actuation protection device for first-time activation, wherein the cap has the shape of a protective cap externally with the actuation button and exhibits a closed surface, and that, as an actuation protection device, the channel is connected to at least one first reinforcement rib in the lower, lateral area in the vicinity of the valve, which is connected with a lever on a lower end, and wherein the lever is connected to a start of a first rib via a predetermined breaking zone, and wherein an end of the first rib is connected to a base part, which is supported on the valve disk, wherein, by overcoming a counterforce during first-time activation of the actuation button, the predetermined breaking zone leads to a predetermined break due to manual force at the lever and thus enables activation of the valve.

2. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the channel with the reinforcement rib, the lever, the first rib, and the base part is manufactured from plastic as a single unit.

3. A cap according to claim 1, wherein a first and a second rib are provided.

4. A cap according to claim 1, wherein a first and a second rib are arranged opposite one another.

5. A cap according to claim 1, wherein both the first and the second rib are connected with an elastic band at the channel and which is used as a break part protection device.

6. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the base part comprises a half-ring and is arranged coaxially with respect to the valve.

7. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the base part comprises a complete ring and is arranged coaxially with respect to the valve.

8. A cap for a pressurized container comprising an actuation button arranged at the top, which is provided for discharging a metered spray or foam quantity of a product from a nozzle or opening via a channel, wherein the channel communicates with a short-stroke valve of a valve disk for the pressurized container and the actuation button, and wherein the actuation button communicates with an actuation protection device for first-time activation, wherein the cap has the shape of a protective cap externally with the actuation button and essentially exhibits a closed surface, and that, as an actuation protection device, the channel is connected to at least one third reinforcement rib in the lower, lateral area in the vicinity of the valve, and the rib is connected to a hollow cylinder section on an external end via a second predeterminded breaking zone, and the hollow cylinder section is supported coaxially on the valve disk as a base part, wherein, by overcoming a counterforce during first-time activation of the actuation button, the second predetermined breaking zone leads to a predetermined break at the third rib due to manual force and thus enables activation of the valve.

9. A cap according to claim 8, wherein the channel with the third rib and optionally the fourth rib and the hollow cylinder section is manufactured from plastic as a single part.

10. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the actuation button is connected to the housing by an elastic annular wall.

11. A cap according to claim 8, wherein the actuation button is connected to the housing by an elastic annular wall.