WO2013131127A1

WO2013131127A1 - Directional spray actuator

Info

Publication number: WO2013131127A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/000203
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Eric GRIFFIN; Benjamin Cyril GILLESPIE
Original assignee: Vega Innovations Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-03-07
Filing date: 2013-03-05
Publication date: 2013-09-12
Also published as: NZ628713A; AU2013230673A1; AU2013230673B2

Abstract

A directional spray actuator, for a pressurised (e.g. aerosol) container containing at least one liquid to be dispensed, and the container has a valve and valve stem. The spray actuator has a body mountable on the container; and a valve actuator is hingedly mounted on the body. The inlet of the valve actuator is connected to the valve stem. A nozzle component is rotatably mounted on the body, and has two product passageways, which have parallel outlet portions with nozzles to dispense the liquid. The inlet portions of the nozzle component are e.g. at right angles, for selective connection to the outlet, of the valve actuator, so that the liquid can be dispensed in respective directions relative to the aerosol container.

Description

TITLE: DIRECTIONAL SPRAY ACTUATOR

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION: 1. Field of the Invention:

[0001] This invention relates to a directional spray actuator.

[0002] The invention particularly relates, but is not limited to, a bi-directional spray actuator for a pressurised (e.g. aerosol) container.

[0003] The pressurised (e.g. aerosol) container may contain a wide range of liquids to be dispensed as an aerosol spray, including paints, coatings, inks, adhesives, insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, lubricants, anti-corrosion chemicals or the like. The contents of the container may be pressurised by suitable propellant gas (or gasses), including hydrocarbons, or gas (or gasses) inert to the liquids, dissolved therein; or by an external pressurising source.

2. Prior Art: [0004] NB: The following discussion is by way of background information only, and is not to be considered a statement of the common general knowledge (CGK) in the area of technology.

[0005] Many spray actuators for pressurised aerosol containers have been proposed, or adopted, over the years.

[0006] In the simplest versions, a simple "valve actuator" is fitted to a valve stem in communication with the interior of the container, and is provided with a nozzle, arranged to produce a cone-like spray pattern. When the valve stem is operated e.g. depressed by the valve actuator, the stem causes the valve in the container to release a portion of the liquid contents (and propellant) from the container, to be released in the spray pattern from the nozzle.

[0007] Over the years, more complex spray actuators have been devised. In particular, the actuators may comprise a body (mountable on the container), a nozzle, and a trigger hingedly mounted on / on the body, and the nozzle communicates with the interior of the container via a product passageway connected to a valve in the container and an orifice in the nozzle.

[0008] An example of a recent design of such a spray actuator is disclosed in US 2010/0059551 A1 (Tomkins et al). (NB: This disclosure does not constitute "common general knowledge" in Australia,)

[0009] Many of the known spray actuators have at least one limitation in their manner of construction and/or their method of operation. For example, they can only be operated by either a finger-operated trigger or a finger- (or thumb-) operated "button". They are usually not capable of being easily operated when the container is in a number of different orientations, or where alternative spray patterns are to be applied.

[0010] Spray actuators previously designed to overcome, or at least ameliorate, these known limitations, are typically complex, and thereby, expensive to. manufacture.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION: [0011] It is an object of the present invention of the present invention to overcome, or at least ameliorate, the problems with the known spray actuators.

[0012] Other preferred objects will become apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[0013] In one aspect, the present invention resides in a directional spray actuator for attachment to a pressurised container containing at least one liquid to be dispensed, the container having a valve and valve stem, the spray actuator including:

a body having a sidewall, to enclose and/or releasably engage an upper portion, of the container;

a valve actuator, movably mounted on the body, having a passageway therethrough, the passageway having an inlet operably connectable to the valve stem and an outlet;

a nozzle component rotatably mounted on the body;

respective first and second product passageways through the nozzle component, each product passageway having a respective inlet portion and nozzle portion;

the respective nozzle portions being substantially parallel;

the inlet portion of the second product passageway being at an angle to the inlet portion of the first product passageway;

so arranged that by rotation of the nozzle component relative to the valve actuator, the respective inlet portions are selectively connectable to the outlet of the product passageway to enable the at least one liquid to be dispensed in respective directions relative to the container.

[0014] Preferably, the valve actuator is hingedly mounted on the body about a hinge axis.

[0015] Preferably, the inlet portion of the second product passageway is at substantially a right-angle to the inlet portion of the first product passageway, to enable the at least one liquid to be dispensed in a first direction aligned with the valve stem and in a second direction substantially perpendicular thereto.

[0016] Preferably, the inlet portions are provided in a body portion of the nozzle component;

the body portion has a curved external wall for sealing engagement with the outlet; and

the nozzle portions are provided in an extension portion which extends substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis.

[0017] Preferably, the body portion is of substantially cylindrical or spherical shape;

the outlet is of substantially oval or elliptical shape; and

at least one sealing member is provided to sealably interconnect the outlet and the respective inlet portions.

[0018] Each nozzle portion may have a nozzle designed to dispense the at least one liquid in a selected spray patterns, where the spray patterns may be identical or different. Alternatively, each nozzle portion may have a recess, or nozzle receiver, to receive a replaceable nozzle insert. In a further alternative, a replaceable nozzle insert may be mounted on a distal end of the extension portion. The nozzle insert may be connected to both of the nozzle portions; or each nozzle portion may be provided with a respective nozzle insert.

[0019] Preferably, the sidewall has a rim engaging portion for attachment to the container and/or a skirt depending from the sidewall of the body; and the body and the valve actuator are formed with an integral hinge forming the hinge axis.

[0020] In a second aspect, the present invention resides in an aerosol container containing at least one liquid to be dispensed, the container having a valve and valve stem, provided with the directional spray actuator hereinbefore described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0021] To enable the invention to be fully understood, preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a directional spray actuator, in accordance with the present invention, where the nozzle component arranged for substantially horizontal spraying of the liquid in an aerosol container;

FIG. 2 is a part-sectional perspective view of the actuator, with the nozzle component arranged for substantially vertical spraying;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, with the nozzle component arranged for horizontal spraying;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, corresponding to FIG. 1 , with the nozzle component removed FIG. 5 is a part-sectional sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a similar view to FIG. 2, on a section line transverse thereto; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the nozzle component;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a sectional side view through FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view through FIG. 4 transverse to FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a view of a portion of FIG. 9 on an enlarged scale;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are respective top plan and side views of the sealing member;

FIG. 14 is a [part-sectional top view of the nozzle component;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are respective side sectional views of the nozzle component;

FIG. 17 is an end sectional view of FIG. 15; and

FIGS. 18 to 27 are corresponding views to FIGS. 8 to 27, of a second embodiment of the directional spray actuator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:

[0022] The directional spray actuators 10, 110 (to be hereinafter described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17 and 18 to 27, respectively) are designed to be fitted to an aerosol container (not shown) which has a valve stem connected to a valve for the selective release of a gas-pressurised liquid, such as a lubricant, paint or marking paint or ink, or other liquid, as hereinbefore described. Preferably the valve enables the liquid to be dispensed in any orientation of the container.

[0023] The valve stem projects upwardly from the centre of the top wall of the container, surrounded by an annular rim at the junction between the top wall and side wall of the container.

[0024] The components of the directional spray actuators 10, 110, to be hereinafter described in more detail, are preferably manufactured from suitable polymeric materials e.g. by injection-moulding; may be manufactured in different colours; and/or may have directions for use e.g. directional arrows moulded thereon. The selection of the polymeric materials will, in part, be determined by the liquid(s) being dispensed from the container to which the spray actuators 10, 110 may be fitted.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 18, the (bi-directional) spray actuator 10 has a body 20 with a frusto-conical sidewall 21 with a skirt 22 arranged to enclose an upper portion of the container to which the spray actuator 10 is fitted. An inwardly-directed circumferential flange 23 is adapted to engage the underside of the rim portion of the container, while an abutment member 24 is spaced above the flange 23 to locate the rim portion there-between.

[0026] A central recess 25 extends transversely across the top of the body 20, intermediate top wall portions 26, 27.

[0027] The valve actuator 30 forms the "floor" of the central recess 25. One end 31 is hingedly connected to the body 20 by an integral hinge 28, which defines the hinge axis 29 for the valve actuator 30.

[0028] The distal end 32 of the valve actuator 30 provides a "thumb grip" to be pressed towards the container when the liquid is to be dispensed.

[0029] A central portion 33 of the valve actuator 30 is of increased thickness relative to the adjacent ends 31 , 32, and has a passageway 34 therethrough.

[0030] As shown in more detail in FIG. 11 , the inlet 35 to the passageway 34 is inwardly convergent for sealing engagement with the valve stem of the container. The outlet 36 from the passageway 34 is surrounded by a peripheral wall 37 to locate an O-ring 38 (see FIGS. 2 and 3), which seals the outlet 36 to the nozzle component 50, to be hereinafter described.

[0031 ] A pair of support plates 39, 40 extend upwardly from opposed sides of the central portion 33, and each is provided with a pivot hole 41 and a (curved) locating hole 42 with stop formations 43, 44 adjacent the upper and lower ends of the locating hole 42. The support plates 39, 40 lie parallel to, but spaced inwardly from, recess walls 25A, 25B which depend from the top wall portions 26, 27.

[0032] The nozzle component 50, as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 14 to 17, has a substantially cylindrical body portion 51, which has stub-axles 52, 53 rotatably mounted in the pivot holes 41 of the support plates 39, 40. [0033] An extension portion 54 is formed integrally with, and extends from the external face 55 of the body portion 51 , transversely to the rotational axis 56 of the nozzle component 50 defined by the pivot holes 41 and stub-axles 52, 53.

[0034] Stop members 57, 58 extend from the end faces of the body portion 51 , are received in the locating holes 42 in the support plates 39, 40, and selectively engage the stop formations 43, 44 when in the respective positions illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively.

[0035] A first product passageway 60 through the nozzle component 50 is substantially co-axial with the extension portion 54 and diametrical to the body portion 51 , with respective inlet and outlet portions 61 , 62. As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 11 , the inlet portion 61 is operably connected to the outlet 36 of the passageway 34 in the valve actuator 30 when the nozzle component 50 has the extension portion 54 co-axial with the passageway 34 (and the valve stem of the container. )

[0036} A second product passageway 64 through the nozzle component 50 is laterally offset a small distance from the first product passageway 60, and has an outlet portion 66 parallel to the outlet portion 62 of the first product passageway 60. In contrast, the inlet portion 65 of the second product passageway 64 extends laterally from the outlet portion 66, i.e. radially thereto at 90° relative to the inlet portion 61 of the first product passageway 60. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 8, the inlet portion 65 of the second product passageway 64 is operably connected to the outlet 36 of the passageway 34 in the valve actuator 30 when the extension portion 54 of the nozzle component 50 lies perpendicular with the passageway 34 (and the valve stem.)

[0037] The skilled addressee will appreciate the sealing contact between O- ring 38 about the outlet 36 of the passageway 34 and the external face 55 of the body portion 51 of the nozzle component 50 will ensure sealed connection between the outlet 36 and respective inlet portions 61 , 65.

[0038] The skilled addressee will further appreciate that the engagement of the stop members 57, 58 with the stop formations 43, 44 will tend to maintain the nozzle component 50 in the position selected, and the outlet 36 with either of the inlet portions 61 , 65.

[0039] As illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 17, the outlet 36 made be non- circular e.g. elliptical- or ovoid- in shape to ensure that the outlet 36 spans both inlet portions 61 , 65.

[0040] With the extension portion 54 raised, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the liquid in the container can be preferably dispensed in substantially vertical spray patterns. Alternatively, with the extension portion 54 in the lowered position, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 , 3 and 8, the liquid can preferably be dispensed in substantially horizontal spray patterns.

[0041] The nozzles 67, 68 of the first and second product passageways 60, 64, may produce identical spray patterns. Alternatively, as vertical spraying directions are primarily used to mark vertical lines e.g. on a mine roof or floor; while horizontal spraying directions may also be used to spray numerals and or letters e.g. "bolts 2m apart" or "min. ht. 5m", the nozzles 67, 68 may produce different spray patterns.

[0042] The respective reference numerals for the features of second embodiment will be "1xx", where "xx" is the reference numeral for the corresponding feature in the first embodiment e.g. nozzle component 150 and product passageways 160, 164.

[0043] In particular, the O-ring 38 around the outlet 36 of the passageway 34 in the valve actuator 30 is replaced by a rubber- or plastics-material seal 138 which has a concave sealing face 170 in the top wall 171 of the body 172 of the seal 138, the concave sealing face engaging the external face 155 of the body portion 151 of the nozzle component 150. If preferred, the seal 138 may be ovoid in plan view.

[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26, the nozzles 67, 68 may be substituted by nozzle receivers 167, 168, of increased diameter, or dimensions, to receive nozzle inserts (not shown) which produce the desired spray patterns. A respective nozzle insert may be provided for each nozzle receiver 167, 168; or a single insert may be received in each nozzle receiver 167, 168 providing the respective nozzles. In an alternative arrangement, the nozzle insert, received in both nozzle receivers 167, 168, can have convergent passages connected to a single spray nozzle connected to both product passageways.

[0045] The O-ring 38 and the seal 138 may be substituted by any suitable sealing arrangement which provides a liquid-tight seal between the outlet 36, 136 and the external face 55, 55 of the nozzle component 50, 150. For example, flexible sealing lips, or a peripheral flange, may be formed integrally with, or mountable on, the central portion 33, 133 of the valve actuator 30, 30, surrounding the outlet 36, 136. The selection of the sealing arrangement will, in part, be determined by the pressure and composition of the liquid being dispensed; by the configuration of the external face 55, 155; and by the dimensions / shape of the outlet 36, 136.

[0046] The skilled addressee will appreciate that, that while two product passageways through the nozzle component have been described and illustrated, additional such product passageways may be provided e.g. to enable the actuator to operated with the nozzle component intermediate the respective positions described and illustrated.

[0047] The skilled addressee will appreciate that, while the valve actuator is described and illustrated as being hingedly mounted on the body, to enable the valve body to depress the valve stem of the container, that the valve actuator may be slidably, or otherwise movably mounted on the body, to enable the valve stem to be depressed, where at least one spring or other resilient member returns the actuator body to its initial position on release.

[0048] The skilled addressee will further appreciate that the advantages of the present invention include, inter alia:

a) the manufacturer only has to produce, and the supplier, only has to stock one line of spray cans or line markers (in a range of colours), rather than respective lines for vertical- and horizontal- spraying respectively,;

b) the end user only requires one container, fitted with the directional spray actuator, to mark lines in both the vertical- and horizontal-directions;

c) the problems of "discontinuous" spraying, which can occur with 360° valves when the container is substantially horizontal, are overcome as the container is used in an "upright" position, even when inverted e.g. to mark a mine floor, for efficient operation of the valve;

d) the spray actuator can easily be changed between vertical- and horizontal- spraying, and vice versa; and

e) the spray actuator can be easily manufactured and installed on the containers, with no modification to the latter.

[0049] The embodiments described and illustrated are by way of example only. The selection of the spray actuators 10, 110; and the components thereof, will be dependent, inter alia, on the liquids to be dispensed.

[0050] While the spray actuator has been described fitted to an aerosol container, where the liquid is pressurised by propellant gas (or gasses), the spray actuator could be fitted to a liquid container, where the contents are pressurised e.g. by a hand-pump; an air compressor; a source of compressed air or other gas (e.g. C0₂or N₂); or like pressurising source.

[0051] Various other changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described and illustrated without departing from the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A directional spray actuator for attachment to a pressurised container containing at least one liquid to be dispensed, the container having a valve and valve stem, the spray actuator including:

a nozzle component rotatably mounted on the body;

the respective nozzle portions being substantially parallel;

2. The spray actuator as claimed in claim , wherein:

the valve actuator is hingedly mounted on the body about a hinge axis.

3. The spray actuator as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein:

the inlet portion of the second product passageway is at substantially a right- angle to the inlet portion of the first product passageway, to enable the at least one liquid to be dispensed in a first direction aligned with the valve stem and in a second direction substantially perpendicular thereto.

4. The spray actuator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: the inlet portions are provided in a body portion of the nozzle component; the body portion has a curved external wall for sealing engagement with the outlet; and the nozzle portions are provided in an extension portion which extends substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis.

5. The spray actuator as claimed in claim 4, wherein:

the body portion is of substantially cylindrical or spherical shape;

the outlet is of substantially oval or elliptical shape; and

6. The spray actuator as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein:

each nozzle portion has a nozzle designed to dispense the at least one liquid in a selected spray patterns, where the spray patterns are identical or different; or

each nozzle portion has a recess, or nozzle receiver, to receive a replaceable nozzle insert; or

a replaceable nozzle insert is mountable on a distal end of the extension portion;

the nozzle insert is connectable to both of the nozzle portions; or each nozzle portion is provided with a respective nozzle insert.

7. The spray actuator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: the sidewall has a rim engaging portion for attachment to the container and/or a skirt depending from the sidewall of the body; and

the body and the valve actuator are formed with an integral hinge forming the hinge axis.

8. A pressurised container containing at least one liquid to be dispensed, the container having a valve and valve stem, provided with the directional spray actuator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7.