US3631579A - Apparatus for assembling aerosol dispensing devices - Google Patents

Apparatus for assembling aerosol dispensing devices Download PDF

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Publication number
US3631579A
US3631579A US10553A US3631579DA US3631579A US 3631579 A US3631579 A US 3631579A US 10553 A US10553 A US 10553A US 3631579D A US3631579D A US 3631579DA US 3631579 A US3631579 A US 3631579A
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United States
Prior art keywords
alignment
aerosol dispensing
holddown
pressure
aerosol
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Expired - Lifetime
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US10553A
Inventor
Herbert L Leach
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Merck and Co Inc
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Merck and Co Inc
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
    • B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
    • B65B7/2842—Securing closures on containers
    • B65B7/285—Securing closures on containers by deformation of the closure
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/53313—Means to interrelatedly feed plural work parts from plural sources without manual intervention
    • Y10T29/53322—Means to assemble container
    • Y10T29/53335—Pressurized dispensing container
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/53709—Overedge assembling means
    • Y10T29/53717—Annular work
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/53978—Means to assemble or disassemble including means to relatively position plural work parts

Definitions

  • Apparatus for assembling aerosol dispensing devices including a tapered recess to align the valve structure of the aerosol device with the condenser, means to apply pressure to the valve assembly, and means to impart reciprocal vertical motion to the alignment and pressure applying means.
  • this invention relates to an improved apparatus for assembling the valve structure and the container in the production of aerosol dispensing devices such as those disclosed in US. Pat. Nos. 2,721,010, 3,001,524 and 3,301,306.
  • this invention relates to an improved apparatus for aligning and holding down the valve structure during its assembly with the aerosol container by a crimping operation.
  • FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the aligning and holding device of this invention and the aerosol valve and neck portion of the container to be assembled;
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the aligning and holding device of FIG. 1 in engagement with the aerosol valve and container being assembled in which the aligning and holding device is partially depressed;
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the aligning and holding device of FIG. 1 in engagement with the aerosol valve and container being assembled in which the aligning and holding device is fully depressed;
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the aligning and holding device of FIG. 1 in engagement with the assembled aerosol dispensing device.
  • the aerosol dispensing device 2 comprises a container 3 having a lip 4 an annular washer 5 of elastic material, such as rubber, a sealing ring 6 and a pump assembly 7 which is substantially as described in the aforementioned patents.
  • a metallic sleeve generally designated 8 Surrounding the pump assembly 7 is a metallic sleeve generally designated 8 having a cylindrical tubular portion 9 which has its interior diameter substantially equal to the exterior diameter of the lip 5 of the container so that the cylindrical portion fits closely about the exterior of the lip.
  • the metallic sleeve 8 has a substantially radial portion 10 extended inwardly from the upper part of the cylindrical portion 9.
  • the metallic sleeve 8 also has a cylindrical, tubular portion 11 extending upwardly a substantial distance above the radial portion 10. At the upper end of the cylindrical, tubular portion of the metallic sleeve 1 I, the sleeve turns inwardly to form a shoulder portion 12 that has a central aperture 13 through which extends the valve stem 14. This metallic sleeve 8 secures to the container 3 the pump assembly 7.
  • the alignment and holddown assembly 1 of this invention is utilized in the assembly of the aerosol dispensing device 2.
  • This assembly comprises a holder 20, an alignment portion 21 and a holddown portion 22.
  • the holder is constructed of metal and has an upper cavity 23 and a lower cavity 24 which are connected by a round channel 25 in the center portion 26 of the holder 20.
  • the holddown portion 22 comprises a metal holddown 27 and a metal ring 28.
  • the outside surface 29 of the holddown 27 abuts the surface 30 of cavity 24.
  • Holddown 27 has a radial shoulder 31 which extends outwardly from the bottom edge of portion 32 of the holddown 27 to the uppermost edge of portion 33 of the holddown 27.
  • the u er ed e 34 of the ring 28 abuts the shoulder 31 of the hol own g7 and shoulder 35 of the alignment portion 21 while the bottom edge 36 of the ring 28 and the bottom edge 37 of the holddown 27 form a common pressure applying surface.
  • An adjustable screw 38 is used to lock the holddown 27 into place and a washer 39 is used to insure a tight fit of the holddown 27 against the upper surface of the cavity 24.
  • the alignment portion 21 has an upper external edge 40 which is slidably engaged with the surface 41 of cavity 24.
  • the upper portion of helical spring 42 surrounds the portion 43 of the screw 38 which protrudes into cavity 24 and the lower portion of helical spring 42 extends into upper recess 44 of the alignment means 21.
  • the alignment means 21 has a lower cavity 45 which has a tapered portion 46 extending upwardly and inwardly from the lowermost edge of the outside portion 47 of the alignment means 21 to a narrow tubular recess 48 which is of a diameter which corresponds to that of the valve stem 14 of the pump assembly.
  • Surface 47 of the alignment means 21 is slidably engaged with the inner surface 49 of the ring 28.
  • the lowermost edge of alignment means 21 is prevented from extending below the bottom edges 36 and 37 of the holddown portion by the engagement of the shoulder 35 by the uppermost edge of the ring 28.
  • the holddown assembly 1 In operation, as each container and valve structure reaches the assembly station the holddown assembly 1 is automatically actuated and depressed thereby guiding the valve stem 14 into recess 45 as shown in FIG. 2. At this point the valve stem 14 is in engagement with the sides and bottom of the narrow tubular recess 48. As the holddown assembly I is further depressed the pressure exerted by the top of the valve stem 14 against the bottom of recess 48 forces the alignment means 21 upward into the cavity 24 against the pressure exerted by spring 42. When the position shown in FIG. 3 is reached the spring 42 is compressed and surfaces 36 and 37 of the holddown assembly are exerting pressure evenly on the entire surface of the radial portion 10 of the metal sleeve 8.
  • crimping means (not shown) are actuated and crimp the lowermost extending portion 50 of the metal sleeve 8 tightly against the neck of the container as shown in FIG. 4. At this time the holddown assembly is retracted and returned to the position of FIG. 1 wherein the operating cycle is repeated.
  • Two important features of this invention are the accurate alignment of the valve structure due to the use of the improved alignment means 21 and the even application of pressure on the entire surface of the radial portion 10 of the metal sleeve 8.
  • An apparatus as in claim 1 in which the means for applying pressure comprise a metal holddown and a metal ring.

Abstract

Apparatus for assembling aerosol dispensing devices including a tapered recess to align the valve structure of the aerosol device with the condenser, means to apply pressure to the valve assembly, and means to impart reciprocal vertical motion to the alignment and pressure applying means.

Description

Inventor Herbert L. Leach Y Hatfield, Pa. Appl. No. 10,553 Filed Feb. 11, 1970 Patented Jan. 4, 1972 Assignee Merck 8: Co., Inc.
Rahway', NJ.
APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING AEROSOL DISPENSING DEVICES 5 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs.
U.S. Cl 29/208 B Int. Cl B23p 19/04 Field of Search 29/429, 208
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,212,174 10/1965 Wonneman Primary ExaminerThomas H. Eager Attorneys-Martin L. Katz, Harry E. Westlake, Jr. and 1. Louis Wolk ABSTRACT: Apparatus for assembling aerosol dispensing devices including a tapered recess to align the valve structure of the aerosol device with the condenser, means to apply pressure to the valve assembly, and means to impart reciprocal vertical motion to the alignment and pressure applying means.
PATENTEDJAN 41972 3,631,579
sum 1 or 2 INVENTOR HERBERT L. LEACH ATTORNEY This invention relates to the production of aerosol dispensing devices.
More particularly, this invention relates to an improved apparatus for assembling the valve structure and the container in the production of aerosol dispensing devices such as those disclosed in US. Pat. Nos. 2,721,010, 3,001,524 and 3,301,306.
Still more particularly, this invention relates to an improved apparatus for aligning and holding down the valve structure during its assembly with the aerosol container by a crimping operation.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved apparatus for aligning and holding down the valve structure during the aforementioned crimping operation.
While alignment and holddown procedures are presently used in the assembly of aerosol dispensing devices, they are generally inaccurate and result in a loose fit during the assembly procedure. This will often lead to leakage of the contents of the container after assembly. Accordingly, it is a further object of this invention to provide a more accurate assembly apparatus and procedure than that which is presently m use.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become evident from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the aligning and holding device of this invention and the aerosol valve and neck portion of the container to be assembled;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the aligning and holding device of FIG. 1 in engagement with the aerosol valve and container being assembled in which the aligning and holding device is partially depressed;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the aligning and holding device of FIG. 1 in engagement with the aerosol valve and container being assembled in which the aligning and holding device is fully depressed; and
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the aligning and holding device of FIG. 1 in engagement with the assembled aerosol dispensing device.
Referring to FIG. I, there is shown an alignment and holddown assembly generally designated 1 and the aerosol dispensing device generally designated 2 being assembled. The aerosol dispensing device 2 comprises a container 3 having a lip 4 an annular washer 5 of elastic material, such as rubber, a sealing ring 6 and a pump assembly 7 which is substantially as described in the aforementioned patents. Surrounding the pump assembly 7 is a metallic sleeve generally designated 8 having a cylindrical tubular portion 9 which has its interior diameter substantially equal to the exterior diameter of the lip 5 of the container so that the cylindrical portion fits closely about the exterior of the lip. The metallic sleeve 8 has a substantially radial portion 10 extended inwardly from the upper part of the cylindrical portion 9. The metallic sleeve 8 also has a cylindrical, tubular portion 11 extending upwardly a substantial distance above the radial portion 10. At the upper end of the cylindrical, tubular portion of the metallic sleeve 1 I, the sleeve turns inwardly to form a shoulder portion 12 that has a central aperture 13 through which extends the valve stem 14. This metallic sleeve 8 secures to the container 3 the pump assembly 7.
The alignment and holddown assembly 1 of this invention is utilized in the assembly of the aerosol dispensing device 2. This assembly comprises a holder 20, an alignment portion 21 and a holddown portion 22. The holder is constructed of metal and has an upper cavity 23 and a lower cavity 24 which are connected by a round channel 25 in the center portion 26 of the holder 20. The holddown portion 22 comprises a metal holddown 27 and a metal ring 28. The outside surface 29 of the holddown 27 abuts the surface 30 of cavity 24. Holddown 27 has a radial shoulder 31 which extends outwardly from the bottom edge of portion 32 of the holddown 27 to the uppermost edge of portion 33 of the holddown 27. The u er ed e 34 of the ring 28 abuts the shoulder 31 of the hol own g7 and shoulder 35 of the alignment portion 21 while the bottom edge 36 of the ring 28 and the bottom edge 37 of the holddown 27 form a common pressure applying surface. An adjustable screw 38 is used to lock the holddown 27 into place and a washer 39 is used to insure a tight fit of the holddown 27 against the upper surface of the cavity 24.
The alignment portion 21 has an upper external edge 40 which is slidably engaged with the surface 41 of cavity 24. The upper portion of helical spring 42 surrounds the portion 43 of the screw 38 which protrudes into cavity 24 and the lower portion of helical spring 42 extends into upper recess 44 of the alignment means 21. The alignment means 21 has a lower cavity 45 which has a tapered portion 46 extending upwardly and inwardly from the lowermost edge of the outside portion 47 of the alignment means 21 to a narrow tubular recess 48 which is of a diameter which corresponds to that of the valve stem 14 of the pump assembly. Surface 47 of the alignment means 21 is slidably engaged with the inner surface 49 of the ring 28. The lowermost edge of alignment means 21 is prevented from extending below the bottom edges 36 and 37 of the holddown portion by the engagement of the shoulder 35 by the uppermost edge of the ring 28.
In operation, as each container and valve structure reaches the assembly station the holddown assembly 1 is automatically actuated and depressed thereby guiding the valve stem 14 into recess 45 as shown in FIG. 2. At this point the valve stem 14 is in engagement with the sides and bottom of the narrow tubular recess 48. As the holddown assembly I is further depressed the pressure exerted by the top of the valve stem 14 against the bottom of recess 48 forces the alignment means 21 upward into the cavity 24 against the pressure exerted by spring 42. When the position shown in FIG. 3 is reached the spring 42 is compressed and surfaces 36 and 37 of the holddown assembly are exerting pressure evenly on the entire surface of the radial portion 10 of the metal sleeve 8. At this point crimping means (not shown) are actuated and crimp the lowermost extending portion 50 of the metal sleeve 8 tightly against the neck of the container as shown in FIG. 4. At this time the holddown assembly is retracted and returned to the position of FIG. 1 wherein the operating cycle is repeated.
Two important features of this invention are the accurate alignment of the valve structure due to the use of the improved alignment means 21 and the even application of pressure on the entire surface of the radial portion 10 of the metal sleeve 8.
I claim:
1. In an apparatus for assembling aerosol dispensing devices, the combination comprising:
a. means for aligning the valve structure of an aerosol dispensing device with the container, said means having a tapered portion extending upwardly and inwardly from the lowermost edge of said alignment means to a narrow tubular recess;
b. means for applying pressure evenly to the entire radial surface of a metal sleeve surrounding the pump assembly of said valve structure; and
c. means for imparting reciprocal vertical motion to said alignment and pressure applying means.
2. An apparatus as in claim 1 in which the narrow tubular recess has a diameter which is equal to or slightly larger than that of the valve stem of the aerosol device being assembled.
3. An apparatus as in claim 1 in which the means for applying pressure comprise a metal holddown and a metal ring.
4. An apparatus as in claim 3 in which the metal ring surrounds the outside portion of the alignment means and keeps said alignment means in place.
5. An apparatus as in claim 1 in which the alignment means is reciprocally moveable against the pressure of a helical spring.

Claims (5)

1. In an apparatus for assembling aerosol dispensing devices, the combination comprising: a. means for aligning the valve structure of an aerosol dispensing device with the container, said means having a tapered portion extending upwardly and inwardly from the lowermost edge of said alignment means to a narrow tubular recess; b. means for applying pressure evenly to the entire radial surface of a metal sleeve surrounding the pump assembly of said valve structure; and c. means for imparting reciprocal vertical motion to said alignment and pressure applying means.
2. An appaRatus as in claim 1 in which the narrow tubular recess has a diameter which is equal to or slightly larger than that of the valve stem of the aerosol device being assembled.
3. An apparatus as in claim 1 in which the means for applying pressure comprise a metal holddown and a metal ring.
4. An apparatus as in claim 3 in which the metal ring surrounds the outside portion of the alignment means and keeps said alignment means in place.
5. An apparatus as in claim 1 in which the alignment means is reciprocally moveable against the pressure of a helical spring.
US10553A 1970-02-11 1970-02-11 Apparatus for assembling aerosol dispensing devices Expired - Lifetime US3631579A (en)

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4292721A (en) * 1980-04-21 1981-10-06 American Standard Inc. Crimping device for use in assembling an overtravel spring assembly for slack adjuster
FR2843709A1 (en) * 2002-08-23 2004-02-27 Valois Sa Equipment for mounting dispensing element on container neck
US20050050707A1 (en) * 2003-09-05 2005-03-10 Scott Joshua Lynn Tip tool
WO2009054795A1 (en) * 2007-10-26 2009-04-30 Astrazeneca Ab Device for measuring valve alignment of a pressurized metered dose inhaler canister

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3212174A (en) * 1964-02-21 1965-10-19 Wonneman Roman Francis Inline apparatus for assembling flexible curved dip tube closures to containers

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3212174A (en) * 1964-02-21 1965-10-19 Wonneman Roman Francis Inline apparatus for assembling flexible curved dip tube closures to containers

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4292721A (en) * 1980-04-21 1981-10-06 American Standard Inc. Crimping device for use in assembling an overtravel spring assembly for slack adjuster
FR2843709A1 (en) * 2002-08-23 2004-02-27 Valois Sa Equipment for mounting dispensing element on container neck
WO2004018296A2 (en) * 2002-08-23 2004-03-04 Valois S.A.S. Assembly device for mounting a dispensing element to the neck of a container
WO2004018296A3 (en) * 2002-08-23 2004-04-08 Valois Sas Assembly device for mounting a dispensing element to the neck of a container
US20050285000A1 (en) * 2002-08-23 2005-12-29 Stephane Desrues Assembly device for mounting a dispensing element to the neck of a container
US20050050707A1 (en) * 2003-09-05 2005-03-10 Scott Joshua Lynn Tip tool
WO2009054795A1 (en) * 2007-10-26 2009-04-30 Astrazeneca Ab Device for measuring valve alignment of a pressurized metered dose inhaler canister

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