WO2008131101A1

WO2008131101A1 - Dispenser with pivotable extension tube

Info

Publication number: WO2008131101A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/060632
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Malloy; Christian Saclier
Original assignee: Novartis Ag
Priority date: 2007-04-20
Filing date: 2008-04-17
Publication date: 2008-10-30

Abstract

A dispenser is provided for delivering a discharge of material from a container. A valve is provided for selectively dispensing the retained material. A cap is provided covering the valve. The cap includes a recessed channel adjacent the discharge nozzle. An extension tube is pivotably positioned on the dispenser. The extension tube includes a proximal end that communicates, when pivoted into the dispensing position, with the nozzle such that the discharge, such as a spray, stream or the like, is directed through the passage of the extension tube and dispensed through the distal end of the tube. The extension tube may be pivoted to a stowed position in which the extension tube is positioned within the channel

Description

DISPENSER WITH PIVOTABLE EXTENSION TUBE

Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to a dispenser, such as pressurized spray canister, having an extension tube thereon for directing the material discharge from a nozzle.

Background

[0002] It is known to provide a dispensing container having a pressurized material therein with a nozzle to direct the discharge of material from the container. A cap on the container may include a movable portion that activates a valve to direct the material through the nozzle. [0003] It is also known to provide an extension tube which communicates with the discharge nozzle for more accurately directing the spray toward a desired location. [0004] Extension tubes that are tethered to the container are shown in US 5,788,129: US 6,102,258; and US 6,253,971. Containers having pivotable tubes attached to the cap or valve are shown in EP 0697223; EP 1031517; JP 9-154914; and WO 2006/080320.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention relates to a dispenser for delivering the discharge from a container holding a charge of liquid, gas or similar material. The container includes a valve thereon for selectively dispensing the material from the container. The valve includes a nozzle having an opening for directing the material upon activation. A cap is provided on the container covering the valve. The cap includes a recessed channel, adjacent the nozzle. An extension tube is provided having a proximal end hingedly mounted to the cap or valve for pivoting between a stowed position and a dispensing position. In the stowed position, the extension tube is positioned within the channel in the cap and preferably lies flush with the cap. In the dispensing position, the proximal end of the extension tube communicates with the nozzle. The extension tube includes a passageway that directs the material from the nozzle to the distal end of the tube. Thus, the tube directs the discharge outwardly, away from the nozzle. In the stowed position, the nozzle opening serves to discharge the material directly upon activation of the valve.

[0006] In a further aspect of the invention, a planar portion is attached to the extension tube. In the stowed position, the planar portion of the extension tube lies flush with the cap surface and covers the extension tube. Preferably, the planar portion is integrally formed with the extension tube.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0007] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a dispenser as contemplated by the present invention.

[0009] Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the dispenser as shown in Fig. 1.

[0010] Fig. 3 is an exploded side view showing the operative elements of the dispenser,

[0011] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a valve and extension tube portion of the dispenser,

[0012] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cap, valve and extension tube of the dispenser as shown in the stowed position.

[0013] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cap, valve and extension tube of the dispenser as shown in the discharge position.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0014] In the drawings, where like elements are identified by like numerals, there is shown an embodiment of a dispenser in a form which is preferred. Other embodiments and manifestations of the present invention are contemplated and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the present specification. In the figures, the dispenser is generally identified by the numeral 10. The dispenser 10 comprises a container 12 for holding a charge of material. Positioned on the top of the container 12 is a cap 14. [0015] In Figs. 1 and 2, the dispenser 10 is shown with the cap 14 positioned on the container 12. A valve 16 is positioned within the cap 14. An extension tube 18 is positioned within a recess area 20 in the outer surfaces of the cap 14. The extension tube 18 is located in the stowed position within the recess area 20 and the valve opening 22 is exposed (Fig. 2) for directing a pressurized spray or stream of material, which will be discussed in further detail below.

[0016] In Fig. 3, the constituent parts of the dispenser 10 are disassembled. The container 12 includes a valve stem 24 on which a valve head 26 is positioned. The valve stem 24 and valve head 26 form the valve 16 for release of a pressurized charge of material from the container 12 through the valve opening or nozzle 22 (Fig. 2). Extension tube 18 is positioned on the valve head 26 by means of openings 28 on the bottom flange 30 of the extension tube 18 that fit over nubs 32 formed on opposite sides of the valve head 26, adjacent the nozzle 22 (Fig. 2). The nubs 32 form a pivot for the extension tube 18 to permit the extension tube 18 to move from a stowed position to a dispensing position. Cap 14 engages the valve head 26 and remains fixed in position as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. A slot 34 may be formed in the interior of the cap 14 so as to engage the extension tube 18 adjacent the openings 28 to further secure the extension tube 18 within the dispenser structure. [0017] In Fig. 4, the extension tube 18 is attached to the valve head 26. The nubs 32 project through the opening 28 in the bottom flange 30 of the extension tube 18. The extension tube 18 includes a planar portion 36, having a passageway 38 extending therethrough. The extension tube passageway 38 is defined at its proximal end by a ring 40 that engages the nozzle 22 when the extension tube 18 is moved to the discharge position (see Fig. 6). In Fig. 4, the extension tube 18 is in the recessed positioned with the planar portion 36 extending downwardly in front of the valve head 26. A tab 44 is provided on the discharge end 42 of the extension tube 18. As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the tab 44 extends below the bottom edge of the cap 14 and provides means for lifting the extension tube 18 from the stowed position, to be pivoted about the nubs 32, and into the discharge position. In Fig. 4, the flanges 30 on the extension tube 18 are engaged by fingers 46. The fingers 46 frictionally contact the flange 30 so as to resist free movement of the extension tube 18 without an applicating force being applied by the user. [0018] In Figs. 5 and 6, there is shown in cross-section the cap 14, valve 16 and extension tube 18. In Fig. 5, the extension tube 18 is positioned in the stowed position, with the planar portion 36 being held within the recess 20 of the cap 14 and the nozzle 22 exposed for directing the material discharge. In Fig. 6, the extension tube 18 is positioned in the dispensing position, with the proximal end 40 of the extension tube 18 positioned within the nozzle 22 such that the spray is directed from the nozzle 22 through the passageway 38 and out of the discharge end 42.

[0019] The valve head 26 comprises a cup shape portion 48 which is adapted to fit over the rim of the container 50 (see Fig. 3). A bead 52 is formed on the inner surface of the cup portion 48 to create a friction fit between the valve head 26 and the container 12. A receiving tube 54 is provided in the central portion of the cup portion 48 and is adapted to receive the valve stem 24 of the container 12 (see Fig. 3). The receiving portion 54 includes a flared end and a sealing portion, such that fluid directed from the valve stem 24 into the channel 56 of the valve head 26 is retained within the channel 56 and does not drip or flow onto the top of the container 12, or the like.

[0020] The channel 56 includes a first portion extending upwardly from the receiving portion 54 and a second portion directed perpendicularly thereto which terminates in the nozzle 22. The receiving portion 54, channel 56 and nozzle 22 are cantilevered from the cup shape portion 48 at position 58. The cap 14 further includes an activation button 60 which is cantilevered from position 62 on the rear end of the cap. The button 60 includes a downwardly projecting flange 64 that engages the top portion 66 of the channel 56. Force applied by the user on the button 60 causes the flange 64 to push on the top 66 and cantilever the channel 56 about position 58. The movement of the channel 56 causes movement of the valve stem 24 and the opening of the valve on the container 12. A pressurized charge of material from the container 12 is then directed through the valve stem 24, through channel 56 and out of the nozzle 22.

[0021] In Fig. 5, the extension tube 18 is located in the stowed position and out of the way of the discharge directed from the nozzle 22. In the stowed position, the extension tube 18 is recessed within the channel 20 (Figs. 1 and 2). Preferably, the planar portion 36 lies flush with the outer surface of the cap 14. Thus, the extension tube 18 provides a pleasing appearance, essentially blending in with the cap 14. The tab 44 is spaced from the container 12 and projects below the bottom edge of the cap 14. A person may use a finger to lift the extension tube 18 by means of tab 44 and place the extension tube 18 in the discharge position, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0022] In the discharge position, the extension tube is pivoted about nubs 32 and the proximal end 40 engages the nozzle 22 on the valve head 26. The material charge directed through the channel 56 in the valve head 26 passes through the nozzle 22 and into the passageway 38 of the extension tube 18. The flow through the passageway 38 is directed outwardly through the discharge end 42 of the extension tube 18. The fingers 46 (Fig. 4) preferably engage the flange 30 on the extension tube 18 so as to frictionally hold the extension tube 18 in both the stowed position (Fig. 5) and the discharge position (Fig. 6). Thus, in the discharge position, the ring on the proximal end 40 of the extension tube 18 remains engaged with the nozzle 22.

[0Θ23] In the present embodiment, the extension tube moves from the stowed position to the discharge position at the desire of the user. It is contemplated that, in the discharge position, the extension tube refines the discharge directed from the nozzle and thus permits more accurate placement of material. This result is contemplated whether the nozzle provides an atomized spray, a refined stream or other discharge form. Alternatively, when in the stowed position, the extension tube is moved out of the way of the nozzle and is recessed within the confines of the cap. Preferably, the planar portion or similar member is configured to fit within the recess and create a flush appearance with the outer cap surfaces, [0024] In the embodiment described above, it is contemplated that the charge of material is retained within a bag-on-valve type package. The materials to be discharged are retained in a laminated bag, such as a foil laminate, which is connected to the valve. Compressed air or the like is also retained within the container, but outside of the material charge to be dispensed. The pressure of the compressed air forces the material through the valve when opened. However, the propellant does not come into contact with the dispensing material and not does it exhaust outside the container. The material within the container is under pressure and is able to be discharged by opening the valve and is controlled by movement of the valve stem in combination with the valve head. The nozzle further serves to atomize the pressurized material as it moves through the passageways and discharges an appropriate spray pattern. The material may include topical medications, oral medications, cleaning solutions, lubricants and any number of similar type materials.

[0025] Other embodiments of the dispenser are also contemplated. The dispenser may be an aerosol type, having a propellant retained in the container along with the charge of material. In addition, the vessel for storing fluid or other materials to be discharged may not normally be retained under pressure. Activation of the valve may include a pumping action which forces material from the container and directs a pressurized flow through the passageways and out of the nozzle. The pump action may be created by a trigger or the like as is known in the art. In addition, various valve structures may be provided depending upon the desires of the manufacturer. In the present embodiment, the valve stem and valve head form what is identified as the valve for controlling flow of fluid from the container through the nozzle. Other structural combinations may also be utilized without departing from the spirit or essence of the present invention.

[0026] While a specific embodiment of the invention has been described in detail above, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those detailed structures may be developed without departing from the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and are not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breath of the appended claims and all equivalence thereof.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A dispenser for discharge of a materia! charge, the dispenser comprising: a container for holding a quantity of material; a valve for selectively dispensing the material from the container, the valve having a nozzle for directing the discharge upon activation; a cap on the container covering the valve and secured to the container, the cap having a recessed channel therein adjacent the nozzle; an extension tube having a proximal end. a distal end and a passage therethrough, the extension tube hingedly mounted for pivoting between a stowed position, in which the extension tube is recessed within the channel, and a dispensing position, in which the proximal end of the passage communicates with the nozzle, with the discharge directed through the passage and dispensed from the distal end.

2. The dispenser according to claim 3 further comprising a planar portion attached to the extension tube, the planar portion and the extension tube lying flush with the cap in the stowed position.

3. The dispenser according to claim 2 wherein the planar portion is integrally formed with the extension tube.

4. The dispenser according to claim 1 wherein the extension tube is hingedly mounted on the valve.

5. A dispenser for delivering a controlled spray, the dispenser comprising: a container for holding a pressurized charge of flowable materia!; a valve for selectively controlling the dispensing of the material from the container; a cap on the container covering the valve; an extension tube having a proximal end a distal end, and a passage through the extension tube, the extension tube being pivotal iy mounted, adjacent its proximal end, to the valve to pivot between a stowed position and a dispensing position, in the dispensing position the proximal end of the passage communicates with the valve, and the cap and valve being configured so that movement of the extension tube to the stowed position places the extension tube at or below the outer surface of the cap and, when the extension tube is in the dispensing position, operation of the valve to dispense the materia! from the container and directs the substance from the valve, through the passage and out of the distal end of the extension tube.

6. The dispenser according to claim 5 wherein, when the extension tube is in the stowed position, the extension tube is frictionally retained within the recess of the cap and the operation of the valve delivers the material without interference from the extension tube.