WO2013116147A2

WO2013116147A2 - Aerosol actuators having reduced volume flow channels

Info

Publication number: WO2013116147A2
Application number: PCT/US2013/023418
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven A. Sell
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Calmar, Inc.
Priority date: 2012-01-31
Filing date: 2013-01-28
Publication date: 2013-08-08
Also published as: WO2013116147A3

Abstract

An aerosol actuator having one or more volume reducers in a manifold to reduce a product flow rate through the manifold at any given time.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

AEROSOL ACTUATORS HAVING REDUCED VOLUME FLOW CHANNELS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Field of the Invention: The present invention generally relates to aerosol actuators and more particularly to different embodiments of aerosol actuators having a reduced volume or flow area.

[0002] State of the Art: Aerosol actuators are well known and used throughout the world. In many instances, an aerosol actuator consists of a push-button having an orifice or orifice cup for creating a spray as the button is pressed. The push-button may be assembled to a valve of an aerosol container by pushing the button over the valve stem.

[0003] More recently, trigger actuated aerosol actuators are being produced and used in various markets. In many of the trigger-type aerosol actuators, a manifold caries product from the valve stem to an output or orifice cup for dispersion.

[0004] Upon actuation of an aerosol actuator, a product is released from the aerosol container. Aerosol products typically include a propellant that expands as it is released from the aerosol container, carrying with it the product from the container. When an aerosol valve closes, product ceases to flow through the actuator. However, the product and propellant already in the aerosol actuator must escape. In the case of the push-button type actuators, this often leads to product dripping from the orifice onto the hands of a user. In the case of the trigger-type actuators, product may not drip directly onto the hands of the user but product seeps out of the orifice or opening, resulting in what appears to be a leak or in some instances, bearding of the product around the orifice. The apparent leaking or bearding may be exacerbated by the size of the manifold through which the product travels - the larger the manifold, the more residual product remains.

[0005] In addition, as trigger-type aerosol actuators become more common, there is a desire to create aerosol actuators that have longer flow paths having discharge orifices further away from the user. Such longer flow channels necessitate longer manifold flow paths which in turn results in more residual product left in a manifold following completed actuation of an aerosol actuator. The increased amount of product in the manifold may result in more leakage or additional bearding as the propellant expands in the manifold. [0006] It is therefore desirable to develop aerosol actuators having longer manifold flow paths with limited amounts of leakage or bearding following cessation of the actuation of the aerosol actuator.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to certain embodiments of the invention, an aerosol actuator may include three parts: a base, an actuator having an integrated manifold, and an orifice cup. In some embodiments, one or more volume reducers may be seated in one or more portions of the manifold to reduce the volume within the manifold.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the invention, an aerosol actuator may include a base, an actuator attached to the base, a manifold integrated with the actuator and having an inlet flow path and an outlet flow path, and one or more volume reducers seated in at least one of the inlet flow path and the outlet flow path.

[0009] According to still other embodiments of the invention, the volume within a manifold of an aerosol actuator may be reduced by placement or seating of one or more volume reducers within the manifold. In some instances, an inlet flow path may have a reduced volume. In other instances, an outlet flow path may have a reduced volume. In still other instances, the inlet and outlet flow paths may have a reduced volume.

[0010] According to various embodiments of the invention, a volume reducer may include any shape, geometry, or other desirable configuration. In still other embodiments of the invention, a volume reducer may be configured or shaped to contribute to the spin mechanics or spray pattern of the product exiting the aerosol actuator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming particular embodiments of the present invention, various embodiments of the invention can be more readily understood and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art from the following descriptions of various embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a component assembly diagram of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the component assembly diagram of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the invention; [0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an assembled aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the invention;

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of an assembled aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the invention;

[0016] FIGs. 5A through 5F illustrate different views of an exterior aesthetic design of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the invention; and

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates an aerosol actuator and aerosol container according to various embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] According to embodiments of the invention, an aerosol actuator 100 may include a base 110 and an actuator 120. The actuator 120 may include an integral manifold 130 or flow path through the actuator 120. One or more volume reducers 140 may be seated in, positioned within, or otherwise held within a portion of the manifold 130. An aerosol actuator 100 according to certain embodiments of the invention may also include a post 170, an orifice cup 180, a lock 190, or any combination thereof.

[0019] Unassembled parts of an aerosol actuator 100 according to certain embodiments of the invention are illustrated in FIGs. 1 and 2 and different views of an assembled aerosol actuator 100 are illustrated in FIGs. 3 and 4. As illustrated, an aerosol actuator 100 may include a base 110, an actuator 120, two volume reducers 140 positioned in a manifold 130, a post 170 and orifice cup 180 positioned in the outlet flow path 132 of the manifold 130, and a lock 190.

[0020] According to various embodiments of the invention, a base 110 may be configured to snap to or mount to a container containing an aerosol product. The base 110 may also include one or more ergonomic features such as the saddle 112 illustrated in FIGs. 1 through 4. A saddle 112, or other feature, may be configured to assist a user with the operation of the aerosol actuator 100. A base 110 may also include one or more features configured to support, connect to, or otherwise mate with an actuator 120 when the actuator 120 is assembled to the base 110 for operation. For example, a base 110 may include a snap- fit attachment 114 to mate with an attachment post 124 of an actuator 120.

[0021] An actuator 120 according to various embodiments of the invention may include a single piece of molded material. An actuator 120 may include an integrated manifold 130 having an inlet flow path 132 and an outlet flow path 134. A manifold 130 may also include a valve attachment 138. A valve attachment 138 may be configured to mate with a valve on an aerosol container such that the valve is secured with the manifold 130 so that product may flow through the valve and into the inlet flow path 132 of the manifold 130 upon actuation of the actuator 120.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the invention, an actuator 120 may include a trigger-type actuator lever for a user to actuate. In other embodiments of the invention, an actuator 120 may include a button-type contact for the user to push to actuate the actuator 120.

[0023] In some embodiments of the invention, a manifold 130 may include an inlet flow path 132 that extends past the outlet flow path 134 as illustrated in FIGs. 2, 3 and 4 such that a volume reducer 140 in the outlet flow path 134 butts up against a volume reducer 140 in the inlet flow path 132. According to other embodiments of the invention, the outlet flow path 134 may extend beyond the inlet flow path 132 such that a volume reducer 140 in the inlet flow path 132 could butt up against a volume reducer 140 in the outlet flow path 134.

[0024] According to still other embodiments of the invention, the inlet flow path 132 and outlet flow path 134 of the manifold 130 may be different sizes or may have different cross-sectional areas. For example, a manifold 130 may include an inlet flow path 132 large enough to accommodate a volume reducer 140 but have a smaller outlet flow path 134 unable to accommodate a volume reducer 140, or vice-versa. In this manner, the volume or cross-sectional area of an inlet flow path 132 or outlet flow path 134 may be reduced without the use of a volume reducer 140.

[0025] According to certain embodiments of the invention two volume reducers 140 may be inserted into portions of the manifold 130 as illustrated in FIGs. 3 and 4: one volume reducer in the inlet flow path 132 and one volume reducer 140 in the outlet flow path 134 of the manifold 130. The volume reducers 140 may be similar shapes and include similar geometries or they may be different.

[0026] In other embodiments of the invention, a single volume reducer 140 may be used as desired. For example, a single volume reducer 140 may be inserted into either the inlet flow path 132 of the manifold 130 or the outlet flow path 134 of the manifold 130.

[0027] In still other embodiments of the invention, more than two volume reducers

140 may be used. For example, in some embodiments, a single volume reducer 140 may be inserted in the inlet flow path 132 of the manifold 130 and two or more volume reducers 140 may be inserted in the outlet flow path 134 of the manifold 130. The two or more volume reducers 140 may include similar shapes and geometries or different shapes and geometries.

For instance, two different geometries may be selected to alter the flow of product through the outlet flow path 134 of the manifold 130, which may impart certain characteristics desired for the spin mechanics or spray of the product from an aerosol actuator 100.

According to various embodiments of the invention, the shape, geometry, and size of a volume reducer 140 may include any shape or size. For instance, a volume reducer 140 may have a cross-sectional area shaped like a circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, star, octagon, hexagon, polygon, or any other desired shape. In some instances, the cross-sectional area may be constant over the entire length of the volume reducer 140; in other instances, the cross-sectional area may change or vary over the length of the volume reducer 140. A volume reducer 140 may be used to reduce the volume of the passageway through an inlet flow path 132, outlet flow path 134, or both of a manifold 130.

[0028] According to various embodiments of the invention, an orifice cup 180 may be inserted into a discharge end of the manifold 130. In other embodiments of the invention, a mechanical breakup (MBU) may be used in place of, or as, an orifice cup 180. In still other embodiments of the invention, an insert may be used in place of an orifice cup 180 such that the insert holds the post 170 and a volume reducer 140, the post 170, or the volume reducer 140 within a portion of the manifold 130. In some embodiments of the invention, an orifice cup 180, MBU or other device may include features to create a foam or to facilitate the creation of a foam from the product exiting the aerosol actuator 100.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the invention, a post 170 may be assembled with an aerosol actuator 100. A post 170 may included any desired shape, geometric design, or combination of shapes and designs to give, or impart, a particular spray pattern on a product when used in conjunction with an orifice cup 180, insert, or MBU. A post 170 may be held within a portion of the manifold 130 by an orifice cup 180 or other such feature.

[0030] In some embodiments of the invention, a lock 190 may be incorporated with the aerosol actuator 100. A lock 190 may be used to block actuation of the aerosol actuator 100, or more particularly, movement of the actuator 120 portion of the aerosol actuator 100. In some embodiments of the invention, a lock 190 may include a sliding lock 190 which may engage and disengage with the actuator 120 to prevent or allow movement thereof, respectively. In other embodiments of the invention, a lock 190 may include a push-button type lock 190 capable of engaging and disengaging the actuator 120 to limit movement thereof. Other locking mechanisms may also be incorporated with various embodiments of the invention. [0031] Operation of an aerosol actuator 100 assembled and attached to an aerosol container according to various embodiments of the invention may involve a user unlocking the lock 190, if one exists, and then applying a force to a portion of the actuator 120 - such as a trigger portion - to actuate the actuator 120. Upon actuation, the actuator 120 moves the valve attachment 138 portion of the manifold 130 such that a valve is opened and product is allowed to pass from a container into the manifold 130. If one or more volume reducers 140 are in the manifold 130 inlet flow path 132 and outlet flow path 134, the volume of product may be restricted as it passes through the manifold 130. The product then exits the manifold 130 passing by a post 170 and out an orifice cup 180. Upon release of the actuation of the actuator 120, the valve is shut and no more product flows into the manifold 130. The residual product in the manifold 130 either passes out the end of the manifold 130 or remains in the manifold 130. Due to the reduced volume within the inlet flow path 132 and outlet flow path 134 of the manifold 130, less product is wasted or drips, drools, or otherwise expands out the orifice cup 180. The reduced residual product therefore reduces waste and unwanted drooling or perceived leaking effects of conventional aerosol actuators.

[0032] The various components of an aerosol actuator 100 according to

embodiments of the invention may be made of any desired material. In some embodiments, for example, all of the components may be molded from a resin or plastic material. In some embodiments, all of the parts may be made of the same material to promote recycling or proper disposal of the aerosol actuator 100 without the need for disassembly. In other embodiments of the invention, one or more materials may be used to make the parts, for example, by molding each of the parts using different materials or different colored materials.

[0033] An aerosol actuator 100 according to one embodiment of the invention may include an exterior aesthetic design as illustrated in FIGs. 5A through 5F: FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of an aesthetic design of an aerosol actuator 100 according to various

embodiments of the invention; FIG. 5B illustrates a rear view of an aesthetic design of an aerosol actuator 100 according to various embodiments of the invention; FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of an aesthetic design of an aerosol actuator 100 according to various embodiments of the invention; FIG. 5D illustrates a bottom view of an aesthetic design of an aerosol actuator 100 according to various embodiments of the invention; FIG. 5E illustrates a front perspective view of an aesthetic design of an aerosol actuator 100 according to various embodiments of the invention; and FIG. 5F illustrates a rear perspective view of an aesthetic design of an aerosol actuator 100 according to various embodiments of the invention. While a particular, exterior aesthetic design is illustrated in FIGs. 5A through 5F, it is understood that various embodiments of the invention may include different exterior aesthetic designs and that the claims are not limited to the exterior aesthetic design illustrated.

[0034] An aerosol actuator 100 attached to a container 900 is illustrated in FIG. 6. As illustrated, an aerosol actuator 100 according to embodiments of the invention may be attached to a container 900 or aerosol bottle for dispensing product contained in the container 900. While a particular aesthetic design of a container 900 is illustrated, it is understood that other shapes, sizes, configurations, and aesthetic appearances of a container 900 may be used with embodiments of the invention. In addition, a container 900 may be made of any desirable material. For example, an aerosol actuator 100 according to embodiments of the invention may be attached to a plastic container 900, a metal container 900, a composite container 900, a bag-in-bottle container 900, or a container 900 made of any other one or more materials. In addition, an aerosol actuator 100 according to embodiments of the invention may be attached to a container 900 using any of a number of conventional methods, including snap fitment, pressure fitment, glue, weld, or otherwise.

[0035] According to still other embodiments of the invention, a volume reducer 140 as disclosed herein may be used with an aerosol actuator having a separate manifold. For example, one or more volume reducers 140 according to various embodiments of the invention could be inserted into one or more flow paths of a conventional manifold being assembled to an aerosol actuator.

[0036] Having thus described certain particular embodiments of the invention, it is understood that the invention defined by the appended claims is not to be limited by particular details set forth in the above description, as many apparent variations thereof are contemplated. Rather, the invention is limited only be the appended claims, which include within their scope all equivalent devices or methods which operate according to the principles of the invention as described.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An aerosol actuator, comprising:

a base;

an actuator assembled to the base;

a manifold through the actuator, the manifold comprising an inlet flow path, an outlet flow path and a valve attachment;

at least one volume reducer in the manifold;

a post in the manifold; and

an orifice cup in the manifold.

2. The aerosol actuator of claim 1, wherein the at least one volume reducer comprises: a first volume reducer in the inlet flow path; and

a second volume reducer in the outlet flow path.

3. The aerosol actuator of claim 2, wherein the first volume reducer and the second volume reducer have different cross-sectional areas.

4. The aerosol actuator of claim 2, wherein the first volume reducer and the second volume reducer have similar cross-sectional areas.

5. The aerosol actuator of claim 1, wherein the at least one volume reducer has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of a circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, star, octagon, hexagon, and polygon.

6. The aerosol actuator of claim 1, further comprising a container having a valve, wherein the base is attached to the container and the valve is mated with the valve

attachment.

7. The aerosol actuator of claim 1, wherein the at least one volume reducer is positioned in the inlet flow path of the manifold.

8. The aerosol actuator of claim 1, wherein the at least one volume reducer is positioned in the outlet flow path of the manifold.

9. The aerosol actuator of claim 1, wherein the orifice cup holds the post and at least one volume reducer in the outlet flow path of the manifold.

10. An aerosol product, comprising:

an aerosol container;

a valve connected to the aerosol container;

a product retained in the container by the valve;

an aerosol actuator mounted on the container, the aerosol actuator comprising:

an base mounted to the container;

an actuator mounted to the base;

a manifold in the actuator, the manifold comprising:

an inlet flow path;

an outlet flow path; and

a valve attachment, wherein the valve attachment is attached to the valve; at least one volume reducer within the manifold.

11. The aerosol product of claim 10, wherein the at least one volume reducer further comprises:

a first volume reducer in the inlet flow path; and

a second volume reducer in the outlet flow path.

12. The aerosol produce of claim 11, wherein the first volume reducer has a cross- sectional area different than a cross-sectional area of the second volume reducer.

13. The aerosol product of claim 11, wherein the first volume reducer has a cross- sectional area identical to a cross-sectional area of the second volume reducer.

14. The aerosol product of claim 10, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the at least one volume reducer is selected from a cross-sectional shapes consisting of a circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, star, octagon, hexagon, and polygon.

15. The aerosol product of claim 10, further comprising:

a post in the outlet flow path of the manifold; and

an orifice cup seated against the post in the outlet flow path of the manifold.

16. The aerosol product of claim 10, further comprising a lock, wherein the lock is movable to prevent actuation of the actuator and to allow actuation of the actuator.