WO2013140173A2 - Buse - Google Patents

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Publication number
WO2013140173A2
WO2013140173A2 PCT/GB2013/050735 GB2013050735W WO2013140173A2 WO 2013140173 A2 WO2013140173 A2 WO 2013140173A2 GB 2013050735 W GB2013050735 W GB 2013050735W WO 2013140173 A2 WO2013140173 A2 WO 2013140173A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
nozzle
passage
outlet
fluid
tube
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2013/050735
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2013140173A3 (fr
Inventor
Keith Laidler
Original Assignee
Leafgreen Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Leafgreen Limited filed Critical Leafgreen Limited
Publication of WO2013140173A2 publication Critical patent/WO2013140173A2/fr
Publication of WO2013140173A3 publication Critical patent/WO2013140173A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/16—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means
    • B65D83/20—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means operated by manual action, e.g. button-type actuator or actuator caps
    • B65D83/205—Actuator caps, or peripheral actuator skirts, attachable to the aerosol container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1097—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle with means for sucking back the liquid or other fluent material in the nozzle after a dispensing stroke
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/34—Cleaning or preventing clogging of the discharge passage
    • B65D83/345—Anti-clogging means for outlets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/75—Aerosol containers not provided for in groups B65D83/16 - B65D83/74
    • B65D83/753—Aerosol containers not provided for in groups B65D83/16 - B65D83/74 characterised by details or accessories associated with outlets
    • B65D83/7535—Outlet valves opened by the product to be delivered

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an outlet device for a container, vessel, manually actuated pump or trigger type fluid devices. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to improved nozzle arrangements that are adapted to be fitted to an outlet of a pressurised container or vessel, such as an aerosol or post foaming gel dispenser, or which are a part of a manually actuated pump or trigger type fluid dispensing device.
  • Nozzle arrangements are commonly used to facilitate the dispensing of various fluids from containers or vessels.
  • nozzle arrangements are commonly fitted to pressurised fluid filled vessels or containers, such as so called “aerosol canisters” and pressurised canisters for dispensing a post foaming gel or mousse, to provide a means by which fluid stored in the vessel or container can be dispensed.
  • so called manual pump and trigger activated nozzle arrangements are also commonly used to enable the fluid contents of a non pressurised vessel or container to be conveniently dispensed in response to the operation of the pump or trigger by an operator.
  • a typical nozzle arrangement comprises an inlet through which fluid accesses the nozzle arrangement, an outlet through which the fluid is dispensed into the external environment, and an internal flow passageway through which fluid can flow from the inlet to the outlet.
  • conventional nozzle arrangements comprise an actuator means. The operation of the actuator means causes fluid to flow from the container to which the nozzle arrangement is attached into the inlet of the arrangement, where it flows along the fluid flow passageway to the outlet in an active phase. After each use in a passive phase, it is usual for a proportion of the fluid from the container to remain within the nozzle arrangement. This can cause a number of problems.
  • the fluid retained in the nozzle arrangement after use may dry out or harden and can result in a build up of residue within the passageway, which may ultimately lead to the blockage of the inlet, the outlet, or the internal passageway.
  • This can be particularly problematical with certain fluids such as, for example, a food product (such as cream, sauces etc,), a cosmetic or pharmaceutical cream or lotion, or an expandable product such as hair mousse, shaving gel or foam etc.
  • a food product such as cream, sauces etc,
  • a cosmetic or pharmaceutical cream or lotion such as hair mousse, shaving gel or foam etc.
  • an expandable product such as hair mousse, shaving gel or foam etc.
  • Leakage is especially prevalent when the fluid product being dispensed is an expandable or post foaming product such as, for example, shaving gel or hair mousse, because the proportion of the product remaining in the nozzle arrangement after use typically expands over time and this invariably causes a proportion of the fluid to leak out through the outlet. Alternatively, this leakage may simply occur as a result of gravity causing fluid to flow towards the outlet after use. Any fluid that does leak through the outlet over time can become adhered to the outlet or the surrounding vicinity creating a mess. The leaked fluid may also run down the side of the container or onto the surface on which the container is placed.
  • a third problem is that fluid remaining in the nozzle arrangement, or which leaks out of the nozzle arrangement over time, may degrade or become contaminated with microbes.
  • EP 0 747 292 Al which relates to a pump action dispenser nozzle having various means for closing at least the outlet end of the fluid flow passage between actuations.
  • a block of flexible material such as silicone is located in the nozzle.
  • the block has a slit which is normally closed. When the pump is actuated, the pressure of the liquid product opens the slit so that it functions as an outlet passage.
  • the construction of the nozzle arrangement described is complex requiring a separate block to be manufactured and inserted within the body of the nozzle and it doesn't fully prevent post foaming although it does reduce it.
  • post foam or post foaming
  • the terms "post foam” or post foaming” are used to refer to the material retained in the nozzle after each actuation.
  • the invention can also be applied for use in dispensing fluids that do not expand over time but where leakage during the passive phase can still be a problem.
  • a nozzle arrangement adapted to be fitted to a pressurised vessel or container to permit fluid present in said pressurised vessel or container to be dispensed through it under pressure, said nozzle arrangement having a body which defines an inlet, two outlets, and two internal flow passageways through which fluid can flow to said outlets, said body comprising actuator means which is adapted, upon operation, to engage and open an outlet valve of the pressurised vessel or container to which the arrangement is attached and thereby enable fluid present in the pressurised vessel or container to be released into the inlet of said arrangement.
  • the body of the nozzle arrangement has a non deformable tubular outlet channel that contains a deformable wall member or tube which defines the entire length or substantially the entire length of the fluid flow passageway, said resiliently deformable wall being configured such that, when fluid is caused to flow through the nozzle arrangement in response to the operation of said actuator means, said wall undergoes a resilient deformation from an initial resiliently biased configuration whereby fluid can flow through said passageway and be dispensed through the outlet, said wall being further configured to revert to the initial resiliently biased configuration when the operation of the actuator means is ceased and thereby cause most fluid remaining in the entire length, or substantially the entire length, of the passageway to be expelled.
  • the nozzle arrangements of the present invention have been found to solve the aforementioned problems associated with eliminating post foaming. Specifically, the provision of a nozzle arrangement as defined above has been found to provide a means by which most fluid remaining in the fluid flow passageway is expelled from the nozzle arrangement or is contained in an additional chamber after each operation of the actuation means. In practice, the expulsion of fluid from the main fluid passageway occurs as soon as the actuation phase has finished and is hardly noticed to the operator.
  • the resiliently deformable wall or tube extends for substantially the entire length of the internal fluid flow passageway, thereby enabling all or most of the fluid remaining in the fluid flow passageway to be expelled once the operation of the actuation means ceases and the resiliently deformable wall or tube reverts to its initial resiliently biased configuration.
  • substantially the entire length of the internal fluid flow passageway we mean that the resiliently deformable wall or tube extends for 75% or more of the length of the fluid flow passageway or more preferably, 90% or more of the length of the fluid flow passageway, or even more preferably 98% or more of the length of the fluid flow passageway. It is most preferred that the resiliently deformable wall or tube extends the entire length of the passageway.
  • the main outlet is defined, at least in part, by a resiliently deformable wall of the body, which is configured such that, when fluid is caused to flow through the nozzle arrangement in response to the operation of said actuator means, said wall undergoes a resilient deformation from an initial resiliently biased configuration in which the outlet is closed to a distended configuration whereby fluid can flow through said outlet, said wall being further configured to revert to the initial resiliently biased configuration when the operation of the actuator means ceases and thereby causing most fluid remaining in said main outlet to be expelled.
  • the main outlet is an open end of said portion of the passageway (i.e.
  • the resiliently deformable wall which defines the outlet is the end of the resiliently deformable wall which defines said portion of the fluid flow passageway).
  • the resiliently deformable wall which defines an internal surface of the fluid flow passageway is adapted such that, when the operation of the actuator has ceased and the resiliently deformable wall reverts to the initial resiliently biased configuration, most fluid remaining in said portion of the passageway is expelled through the outlet (although a small portion of fluid may be pushed back towards the container once the operation of the actuator means has ceased, it is preferable that most is expelled through the outlet). It is most preferred that the fluid remaining in the passageway is caused to flow out of the passageway and through the outlet in a continuous flow, so that as soon as the actuation is ceased there is only a short lag time while fluid which would otherwise remain in the passageway continues to be dispensed through the outlet.
  • the resiliently deformable wall is resiliently biased against the opposing walls to define a closed passageway.
  • the surface of the passageway formed by the resiliently deformable wall is configured to deform away from the opposing surface as the resiliently deformable wall becomes distended and thereby defines an open channel or passageway through which the fluid can flow though to the outlet.
  • the chamber inside of the resiliently deformable tube by making one or more entry holes into it preferably from the top of the resiliently deformable tube.
  • the resiliently deformable tube reforms and the grooves are clear so the fluid can flow in them. Also, because the resiliently deformable tube is pushed upwards the input holes are also sealed against the top of the passageway walls in the main body during the active phase and are only open during the passive phase afterwards. Any way of creating holes in the resiliently deformable tube that are opened and closed when required is acceptable and could be used but this is a preferred option. Another option would be to have the holes in the side of the resiliently deformable tube as these would close when the resiliently deformable tube is deformed during the active phase. It also works to a lesser extent if the holes are on the bottom of the resiliently deformable tube and angled as they also close during the active phase.
  • the grooves in the tubular chamber of the main body have to be small so the resiliently deformable tube will block them during the active phase but only the portion of each groove which is closed by the tube needs to be small so the rest of the groove can be made larger especially nearer to the top of the chamber.
  • the holes at the top of the resiliently deformable tube can be quite large as the fluid cannot reach them during the activation phase.
  • the arrangement of grooves and holes for transferring fluid into the tube during the passive phase works well and during the passive phase the remaining liquor flows into the resiliently deformable tube where it may expand.
  • the resiliently deformable tube is sized so that preferably less than half of it is filled with the expanded fluid although other proportions could also be used. Some of the foam may well then shrink back and if enough time is elapsed between actuations, it will have dried and become powdery taking up far less space.
  • New fluid entering the resiliently deformable tube will combine with it so it is no longer powdery.
  • the fluid inside the resiliently deformable tube will either flow out of the outlet usually as a foam or will prevent the tube properly contracting during the active phase. So we use the contraction of the resiliently deformable tube during the active phase to drive out some of the post foam and mix it with the fresh fluid stream as it is delivered. This is actually very difficult to do as the foam tends to go out of the outlet and then be sucked back inside as the resiliently deformable tube reforms at the end of the active cycle. This can also be unsightly and may be unacceptable to clients.
  • One arrangement for addressing this problem is by adding an end cap onto the end of the main outlet chamber that covers part of that chamber and part of the chamber inside the resiliently deformable tube.
  • Putting a small ramp like projection near to the base of the end cap at the outlet directs the main stream of the new fluid slightly upwards and into the path of the post foam from the second outlet.
  • the projection doesn't normally extend all of the way across because it can trap residual fluid there.
  • the post foam sits on top of the main stream and is dragged out of the resiliently deformable tube by the main stream and is also stretched by the stream which moves much faster so it forms a tiny bead on top of the main stream that rapidly absorbs fluid from the main stream and effectively becomes the same as the main stream.
  • the projection could be provided by means other than an end cap fitted to the spout and might be formed as an integral part of the spout and other arrangements for bring the main stream of fresh fluid into contact with an post foam being ejected can be used.
  • the end cap also solves another problem associated with devices that use a resiliently deformable element to create an outlet channel.
  • Some of the post foam always works its way forwards and out of the closed gap between the resiliently deformable element and the opposing wall. It is a small amount but significant when the clients want none.
  • the resiliently deformable tube or element stretches outside of the tube of the main body in the active phase and this weakens its return strength and allows small pockets of the fluid to build up especially near to the outlet.
  • the end cap is shaped so that the tube at the bottom cannot stretch out because it is restricted by the shape of the end cap. Preferably the rest of the tube is not so restricted and the combination means that the residual trapped fluid is greatly reduced.
  • the end cap is particularly advantageous because we prefer to collapse a certain amount of the resiliently deformable tube to be able to eject the post foam. Too little deformation and we eject too little post foam so it quickly builds up after a few uses and overflows out of the outlet. Too much deformation and there is too much fluid in the main chamber to be fully ejected.
  • the first part of the nozzle arrangement will be a main body, which is adapted to fit onto the container and defines the inlet and the first abutment surface, a portion of which forms a wall of the internal fluid flow passageway and the outlet.
  • the second part is the resiliently deformable part which goes inside the outlet passageway of the base part so that the outlet is formed between them.
  • the second part is a resiliently deformable tube that goes inside the outlet passageway of the base part which is tubular and the resiliently deformable tube is fixed onto a post of the base part at the upstream end of the outlet passageway.
  • the fluid passageway is now formed between the resiliently deformable tube and the passageway of the base part and in the rest position the resiliently deformable tube is a fairly tight fit against the wall of the main body.
  • a first of said abutment surfaces is non deformable and comprises one or more grooves in its abutment surface, which extend around the surface in a ring or rings. Additional grooves may also be added that lead from the main outlet back to the nearest annular groove.
  • the rigid parts including the main body and the cap can be made in any appropriate plastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane etc.
  • the resiliently deformable part, e.g. the tube can be made in a range of plastics or rubbers including polyurethane, silicone, TPV etc.
  • the internal passageway may be of any suitable shape or configuration for the required purpose but in most cases it will be straight and tubular as this is simplest and the most effective.
  • the nozzle arrangement of the present invention may be configured as any suitable form of nozzle arrangement.
  • the nozzle arrangement is in the form of a spray through cap, which is adapted to be fitted to a hand held pressurised container. Examples of spray through cap nozzle arrangements are again described in International patent publication Nos. WO 97/31841 and WO 01/89958.
  • the nozzle arrangement may be fitted to the pressurised container by any suitable means such as, for example, a snap fit mechanism.
  • the term "spray through cap” is used to generally to describe this type of through flow cap nozzle and will be adopted herein for convenience. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to applications in which the nozzle produces a spray as such.
  • the invention will often be used to dispense fluid in the form of foam or a post foaming gel or mousse. Accordingly, the term "spray though cap” should not be considered limiting but can be considered to cover any suitable nozzle cap with a through flow arrangement.
  • the actuator means may be of any means that can be operated to selectively open the outlet valve of the pressurised container or vessel.
  • the actuator means is a portion of the nozzle arrangement that can be depressed by an operator so as to engage and open the outlet valve.
  • Such actuators are well known in the art.
  • this invention primarily for an aerosol or other pressurised canister but it could also be used with a manually operated pump dispenser or a trigger activated manual pump dispenser or even a manually operated pump or trigger foamer. All of these devices have an outlet chamber usually with a spout and they may be actuated differently but that is irrelevant to the way the invention works.
  • the arrangement in the main outlet channel will be the same but it will be supplied with pressurized fluid from a pump chamber instead of from a pressurised canister.
  • Some products such as food, pharmaceuticals etc may react to the air and for these there could be an additional closed end cap put over the end of the spout or onto the end cap if there is need to create an air seal.
  • This could be a separate component or it could be hinged to the main body or joined to it with a lanyard or equivalent.
  • the invention has mostly been described with a resiliently deformable tube inside a tubular passageway with the main passageway created between the outside of the resiliently deformable tube and the walls of the tubular chamber and the post foaming passageway being inside the resiliently deformable tube.
  • the passageways are adjacent to each other and the main passageway is closed during the passive phase and open during the active phase whilst the second chamber is open during the passive phase and at least partially closed or deformed during the active phase.
  • a resiliently deformable wall separates the two passageways and during the active phase as it is deformed to open the first passageway so it deforms and part closes or reduces in size the second passageway.
  • any resiliently deformable element such as a block of material made of a suitable material such as silicone with a passageway on the inside could work or a half tube shape could be used where the main passageway is created as before between the resiliently deformable half tube and the walls of the tubular passageway and the second passageway is also created between the resiliently deformable half tube and the walls of the tubular passageway but on the opposite side of the resiliently deformable half tube.
  • An aspect of the invention comprises a nozzle for dispensing a fluid under pressure in accordance with claim 1. Further preferred features of this aspect of the invention are defined in the claims dependent on claim 1.
  • a dispenser nozzle as described with the resiliently deformable tube and the end cap but with no transfer inlet holes in the resiliently deformable tube so there is only the first passage portion is used. This is different to prior art where no end cap is used as it makes a great deal of difference to the fluid ejected in the active phase.
  • a nozzle for dispensing a fluid under pressure comprising a body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path through which fluid can flow under pressure from the inlet to the outlet to be dispensed from the outlet, the flow path including an elongate passageway defined in the body between the inlet and the outlet, the nozzle comprising a resiliently deformable member dividing the elongate passage so as to define a first passage portion fluidly connected with the nozzle outlet and forming a part of the fluid flow path, the resiliently deformable member being configured such that it is resiliently deformable between an initial resiliently biased configuration in which it engages with at least part of a wall defining the elongate passage to close the first passage portion and a dispensing configuration in which first passage portion is open to allow fluid under pressure to flow through the first passage portion to the outlet, wherein the body comprises an outlet spout, at least a downstream part of the elongate passage
  • the end wall may comprise a protrusion which partially covers the outlet of the first passage portion, the protrusion being shaped so as to deflect fluid exiting the first passage portion at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the elongate passage.
  • Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration showing in cross section a side view of a spray through spray cap nozzle arrangement according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a diagrammatic exploded illustration showing in cross section a side view of the spray through cap nozzle arrangement of Figure 1 showing the different components according to the present invention
  • Figure 3 is a diagrammatic illustration in cross section of an end cap forming part of the spray through cap nozzle arrangement of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 4 is an end view of the cap of Figure 3.
  • Figure 5 is a diagrammatic illustration in cross section showing a side view of part of the spray through cap nozzle arrangement of Figure 1 but in an enlarged scale.
  • a spray through cap nozzle arrangemntlOO is shown which is adapted to be fitted to the end of a standard cylindrical pressurised canister or dispenser (not shown) for dispensing a fluid under pressure.
  • the spray through cap nozzle arrangement 100 has a main body having a lower part or base portion 102 and an upper part or actuation portion 101 which are joined at 106 with an integral hinge or connecting portion and split at 107 and around the cap apart from at 106.
  • the connection portion 106 is resiliently deformable so as to permit the actuator portion 101 to be pressed downwards relative to the base portion and subsequently spring back to its initial position when the downward pressure applied by the operator is released.
  • the base portion 102 is mounted to the top of a pressurised canister and a valve cup 105 in the lower surface of the actuation portion 101 which engages with the outlet valve of the pressurised canister.
  • the valve cup 105 snaps onto the valve on first actuation and forms a tight friction fit seal on the valve.
  • the base part 102 has a circular ledge 108 that sits on the circular shoulder of the pressurised canister and the base part is held in place by a circular ridge 103 that sits inside a corresponding circular recess on the pressurised canister. This is all standard for spray through caps on pressurised canisters.
  • a tubular recess or chamber 201 in the form of a blind bore as shown in figure 2 at 201.
  • the chamber 201 has open downstream or outlet end 202 inside an annular spout 208 and a closed upstream end with a tapered post 203.
  • a cylindrical passage or inlet hole 207 fluidly connects the valve cup 105 with the chamber 201 .
  • the valve cup 105 and the passage 207 form a nozzle inlet 1 1 1 which is configured to direct fluid from the pressurised dispenser into the chamber 201.
  • the inlet 11 1 directs fluid in to the chamber at a position located between the closed inner, upstream end and the outlet end 202 and which is at a lowermost point of the circumference of the chamber.
  • annular grooves 204 and 205 there are two annular grooves 204 and 205 and these go circumferentially around the inside of the tubular recess. They may go around the entire circumference or may only be formed through 270 degrees so the circumferentially lower base of the tube has no groove at all.
  • the groove 206 extends longitudinally along the tubular recess 201 and is located in a side region above the circumferentially lower base region of the tubular chamber.
  • the upstream recess 204 is shown as being aligned with the inlet hole 207 but it could be further upstream or downstream of the inlet hole 207.
  • the tubular chamber 201 is shown as being angled upwards from the upstream end to the downstream end and this is preferred with the angle being set so that when the operator activates the device the tubular chamber 201 is substantially horizontal when the fluid is delivered. Appropriate sizing of the tubular chamber 201 is important as will be explained later.
  • the chamber 201 has an internal diameter of 9 mm but the size of the chamber will vary according to the particular application.
  • the spray through cap nozzle 100 is expected to be used generally in an upright position as illustrated in the drawings with the base portion 102 lowermost and directional terms such as "upper”, “uppermost”, upwardly”, “lower”, lowermost”, “downwardly” and the like used in the description and claims should be construed according. It will be appreciated however that the nozzle might be used in other orientations.
  • the cylindrical chamber 201 is angled so that its longitudinal axis X slopes upwardly in a direction towards the outlet end 202 of the chamber 201 relative to a plane that includes the circular ridge 103. This is configured so that in use the nozzle may be angled so that the longitudinal axis X of the chamber 201 extends generally horizontally with the base portion 201 and inlet 1 1 1 below the chamber 201.
  • a resiliently deformable flexible tube 1 10 sits co-axially inside the tubular recess or chamber 201 and extends substantially along its entire length.
  • the resilient tube a strong friction fit over the post 203 and seals around it so no fluid can pass between the tube and the post and so that the tube is held on the post to retain its position within the chamber 201.
  • the resiliently deformable flexible tube 1 10 also forms a tight fit inside the walls of the tubular chamber 201 when in its non- tensioned, initial resiliently biased configuration such that the only space between the resiliently deformable flexible tube 1 10 and the main body is provided by the grooves 204, 205, 206 and the inlet hole 207.
  • the resiliently deformable tube 110 divides the cylindrical chamber 201 into two passage portions 230, 232.
  • a first passage portion is defined between the exterior of the tube 1 10 and the wall of the chamber 201 and a second passage portion is defined within the interior of the tube 1 10.
  • the first passage portion 232 is effectively closed because the tube engages tightly with the wall of the chamber 201 so that the volume of the first passage chamber is at a minimum. In this condition, the initial volume of the second passage portion 232 is at a maximum.
  • the actuation portion 101 of the dispenser cap is depressed to open the valve on the pressurised dispenser, fluid under pressure enters the chamber 201 through the inlet hole 207.
  • the nozzle is configured so that the pressure of the fluid is sufficient to deform the tube 1 10 inwardly and upwardly against its natural resilience. Because the tube 1 10 is held against the wall of the chamber by the post 203 at the closed inner end, the fluid will tend to flow towards the outlet end of the chamber so as to open the first passage portion 230 from the inlet 3 1 1 to the outlet between the tube 1 10 and the wall of the chamber. The fluid flowing through the first passage portion will pass out of the outlet end of the chamber to be dispensed. The inward deformation of the tube 110 to open the first passage portion will also have the effect of recuing the volume of the second passage portion 232.
  • a lower part of the resilientiy deformable tube 1 10 is pressed upwardly and outwardly against the side walls of the chamber 201 so that the fluid is contained in the first passage portion 230 defined within a circumferential ly lower part of the chamber 201 below the tube 1 10.
  • the first passage is defined between a circumferentially lower part of the tube and the opposed part of the wall of the chamber 201.
  • the circumferentially lower part of the tube 1 10 thus forms a first resilientiy deformable wall of the first passage portion 230 and the opposed portion of the chamber wall forms a second substantially rigid wall of the first passage portion 230.
  • An outlet 401 of the first passage portion is defined between the tube and the opposed rigid wall at the outlet end of the chamber 201.
  • the resilientiy deformable flexible tube 1 10 has two holes 210 and 21 1 in the top half of it (i.e. circumferentially opposite the inlet 207) and these are positioned so they are aligned respectively with the grooves 204, 205 in the wall of the tubular chamber 201 when the resilientiy deformable flexible tube 1 10 is assembled inside the tubular chamber 201.
  • the holes 210, 21 1 and the grooves 204, 205, 206 form a fluid transfer inlet arrangement which permits any fluid still present in the first passage portion 230 to be transferred into the second passage portion 232 after each actuation.
  • the resilient tube In its dispensing configuration, the resilient tube is pressed into part of the grooves 204 and 205 in the walls of the tubular chamber 201 to block the grooves off and prevent fluid flowing to the inlet holes 210 and 21 1 in the resiliently deformable tube 1 10. Furthermore, the upper part of the tube is pressed into the upper surface of the channel so that the inlet holes 210, 21 1 are also closed off. It will be appreciated that amount by which the tube 110 is deformed can be controlled by the appropriate selection of the material and dimensions of the tube (e.g. length, diameter, thickness and shore hardness of the tube) bearing in mind the pressure and nature of the fluid to be dispensed.
  • the material and dimensions of the tube e.g. length, diameter, thickness and shore hardness of the tube
  • the resiliently deformable flexible tube 1 10 quickly snaps back into its initial resiliently biased configuration ejecting almost all of the fluid in the first passage portion 230 through the outlet. Any fluid still present in the first passage portion 230 or the inlet hole 207, or indeed elsewhere in the system will flow through the channels 204, 205, 206 and through the holes 210 and 21 1 in the resiliently deformable flexible tube 110 to enter the second passage portion 232 inside the tube. Where the nozzle has been used previously and there is already some old post foam present inside the tube 110, the new post foam entering the second passage portion 230 will mix with old post foam and redissolves most of the old post foam it as it forms a new foam.
  • the fluid entering the downstream hole 211 will form a foam and because the second passage portion 232 is angled upwards, gravity will cause the foam to form upstream rather than downstream so the foam doesn't go out of the outlet end of the tube.
  • the combined foam will fill up about half to two thirds of the second passage portion 232 inside the tube 1 10 and this can be predetermined by appropriate sizing of the second passage portion. Over time, the foam will shrink back inside.
  • the inward deformation of the resiliently deformable tube 1 10 by the new fluid entering the first passage portion 230 reduces the volume of the second passage portion 232 and causes some of the previous post foam materia] inside the tube to be pushed out of the open end 224 of the resiliently deformabie tube 1 10.
  • this material is shaped like a rod of foam.
  • the new fluid exiting the first passage portion 230 as a stream makes contact with the underside of the post foam and draws it out and because it travels much faster it stretches out the post foam like a small bead along its length.
  • the post foam absorbs some of the new fluid and quickly becomes mixed with the new fluid stream and part of it.
  • an end cap 220 is fixed onto the end of the circular spout 208.
  • the end cap has an annular wall 223 which engages about an end region of the spout with a tight fit to form a seal against the spout so that fluid at low pressure cannot pass between them.
  • the end cap 220 is typically made of a rigid plastic such as polypropylene but could be made in a rigid flexible material or even a flexible material. Rigid plastic is preferred.
  • the end cap 220 as an outer end wall region, the inside face surface 221 of which abuts the outer end face 209 of the spout 208 as can be seen in figs 1 and 5.
  • An outlet hole 226 is defined in the outer end wall of the end cap 220 substantially aligned with outlet end of the cylindrical chamber 201 to define an outlet for the nozzle.
  • the outlet hole in the cap is 226 is circular about most of its circumference, particularly over an upper half, having a diameter corresponding broadly with that of the cylindrical chamber 201 as indicated at 402.
  • the opening is shaped so that the end wall of the cap 220 defines a protrusion 225 that extends radially inwardly so as to cover the outer end 212 of a lower part of the resiliently deformabie flexible tube 1 10 and also slightly over a lower part of the open outer end 224 of the second passage portion 232, at least when resiliently deformabie tube 1 10 is in its initial resiliently biased configuration, and so preventing that lower part of the resiliently deformabie flexible tube 1 10 from moving forwards out of the chamber 201.
  • the height and shape of the protrusion 225 causes the stream of fluid passing out of the first passage portion 230 to be angled slightly upwards from the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, which as noted previously will tend to be horizontal in use.
  • the protrusion 225 is designed so that the fluid exiting the first passage portion 230 hits the protrusion 225 and is angled upwards at about 15 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the chamber.
  • the protrusion is shaped with a ramp 302 on its radially inner free edge which slopes downwardly in a direction towards an outer surface of the cap to help control the angle at which the fluid stream is deflected and to prevent it being deflected too high. Deflecting the fluid exiting the first passage portion upwardly helps it to mix with and draw out any post foam which is dispensed from the second passage portion 232.
  • the protrusion 225 could be provided as an integral part of the main body at the end of the elongate passage 201.
  • the protrusion would be movable so that it could be moved between a retracted position in which it does not obscure the elongate passage 201 to allow the tube 1 10 to be mounted and an active position in which it projects over part of the first passage portion 230 as described above.
  • the protrusion 225 could be hinged so as to be flipped between retracted and active positions. Other arrangements for mounting the protrusion 225 can also be devised.
  • An alternative arrangement to the protrusion 225 to cause mixing of the post foam and the new fluid is to form the tube 1 10 so that it has only a small hole at its downstream outlet end through which the post from in the second passage portion 232 exits.
  • the hole is configured to angle the post foam into the main stream of fresh fluid as it leaves the first passage portion 230 at 401.
  • the resilient deformable tube may not be open at is downstream end or any opening may be blocked off completely so that no post foam inside the tube is dispensed.
  • the post foam is simply allowed to build up inside the tube 1 10.
  • the post foam inside the tube 1 10 is crushed as the fluid passing through the first passage portion deforms the tube inwardly to reduce the volume of the second passage portion 232 inside the tube. This is less desirable as it becomes progressively more difficult to deform the resilientlv deformable tube 1 10 making it harder to eject the fresh fluid through the first passage portion 230.
  • the pressure in the pressurised canister will reduce as the contents empty and near to the end of the pressurised dispenser life, the pressure is much lower and it may lead to excess product being left in the canister because the pressure is not sufficient to deform the resiliently deformable tube 1 10 to open the first passage portion 230.
  • Another option is to restrict the size of the outlet to the second passage portion 232 at the outlet end of the tube so that it is only a small hole that only lets out post foam when there is a set amount inside the tube so that the amount of foam built up in the second passage portion is never sufficient to prevent the nozzle from working.
  • post foam material inside the tube 1 10 is not dispensed on every actuation but only once a predetermined volume of material has built up so that the volume of material inside the tube does not increase beyond a critical level that would hinder inward deformation of the tube under a normal range of fluid pressures for the dispenser.
  • the nozzle as been described with reference to a spray through type cap for use with a pressurised dispenser or other pressurised canister, the nozzle can be adapted for use with a dispenser having a manually operated pump to deliver the fluid under pressure into the nozzle from an otherwise unpressurised container.
  • a dispenser may be a foam dispenser and/or it may have a trigger type actuator.
  • the grooves 204, 205, 206 which form part of the fluid transfer inlet arrangement may be formed in the outer surface of the resiliently deformable tube rather than in the wall of the chamber 201 or indeed the grooves 204, 205, 206 may be formed partly in both the wall of the chamber and the outer surface of the tube 1 10.
  • the circumferential groves have been described as being aligned with their associated transfer inlet holes 210, 21 1 in the rube, the grooves could be offset upstream or downstream slightly from the holes provided the fluid can flow from the grooves through the holes when the tube is in its initial resiliently biased configuration during a passive phase when no fluid is being dispensed through the first passage portion.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur une buse (100) pour distribuer un fluide sous pression, laquelle buse comprend un passage allongé (201) et un élément élastiquement déformable (110) divisant le passage allongé en deux parties de passage (230, 232), au moins l'une des parties de passage (230) étant en liaison fluidique avec une sortie de buse. L'élément élastiquement déformable est élastiquement déformable entre une configuration élastiquement sollicitée initiale (telle que représentée) dans laquelle il ferme la première partie de passage (230) et une configuration de distribution dans laquelle la première partie de passage est ouverte afin d'admettre un fluide vers la sortie. La buse comprend un agencement d'entrée de transfert (204, 205, 206, 210, 211) à travers lequel un fluide est apte à entrer dans la seconde partie de passage (232) à partir de la première partie de passage (230) quand l'élément élastique est dans sa configuration élastiquement sollicitée initiale entre des actionnements.
PCT/GB2013/050735 2012-03-22 2013-03-21 Buse WO2013140173A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1205116.5 2012-03-22
GBGB1205116.5A GB201205116D0 (en) 2012-03-22 2012-03-22 Anti post foam device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013140173A2 true WO2013140173A2 (fr) 2013-09-26
WO2013140173A3 WO2013140173A3 (fr) 2014-02-06

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GB (1) GB201205116D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2013140173A2 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI617360B (zh) * 2013-10-31 2018-03-11 德恩的創新公司 真空噴灑裝置及其用途
US10182696B2 (en) 2012-09-27 2019-01-22 Dehn's Innovations, Llc Steam nozzle system and method
US10189034B2 (en) 2007-09-04 2019-01-29 Dehn's Innovations, Llc Nozzle system and method
US10562078B2 (en) 2013-07-01 2020-02-18 Ecp Incorporated Vacuum spray apparatus and uses thereof
CN111050874A (zh) * 2017-08-31 2020-04-21 通用电气健康护理生物科学股份公司 空气捕集装置和用于该空气捕集装置的喷嘴
US11931760B2 (en) 2018-08-14 2024-03-19 Ecp Incorporated Spray head structure

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0747292A1 (fr) 1994-12-22 1996-12-11 Pentel Kabushiki Kaisha Conteneur de deversement
WO1997031841A1 (fr) 1996-02-28 1997-09-04 Incro Limited Appareil de diffusion et dispositifs de buse
WO2001089958A2 (fr) 2000-05-10 2001-11-29 Incro Limited Agencement de buse comprenant des moyens de reglage de la dimension des gouttelettes de fluide
WO2004018111A1 (fr) 2002-08-23 2004-03-04 Incro Limited Dispositif de sortie pour contenant ou recipient

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JPH0245161U (fr) * 1988-09-22 1990-03-28
WO2006013353A1 (fr) * 2004-08-03 2006-02-09 Incro Limited Disperseur pour les mousses d’aérosol et produits similaires, avec chambre de post-expansion

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0747292A1 (fr) 1994-12-22 1996-12-11 Pentel Kabushiki Kaisha Conteneur de deversement
WO1997031841A1 (fr) 1996-02-28 1997-09-04 Incro Limited Appareil de diffusion et dispositifs de buse
WO2001089958A2 (fr) 2000-05-10 2001-11-29 Incro Limited Agencement de buse comprenant des moyens de reglage de la dimension des gouttelettes de fluide
WO2004018111A1 (fr) 2002-08-23 2004-03-04 Incro Limited Dispositif de sortie pour contenant ou recipient

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10189034B2 (en) 2007-09-04 2019-01-29 Dehn's Innovations, Llc Nozzle system and method
US10343177B1 (en) 2007-09-04 2019-07-09 Ecp Incorporated Nozzle system and method
US10730062B2 (en) 2007-09-04 2020-08-04 Ecp Incorporated Nozzle system and method
US10182696B2 (en) 2012-09-27 2019-01-22 Dehn's Innovations, Llc Steam nozzle system and method
US11330954B2 (en) 2012-09-27 2022-05-17 Ecp Incorporated Steam nozzle system and method
US10562078B2 (en) 2013-07-01 2020-02-18 Ecp Incorporated Vacuum spray apparatus and uses thereof
US11040376B2 (en) 2013-07-01 2021-06-22 Ecp Incorporated Vacuum spray apparatus and uses thereof
US11491516B2 (en) 2013-07-01 2022-11-08 Ecp Incorporated Vacuum spray apparatus and uses thereof
TWI617360B (zh) * 2013-10-31 2018-03-11 德恩的創新公司 真空噴灑裝置及其用途
CN111050874A (zh) * 2017-08-31 2020-04-21 通用电气健康护理生物科学股份公司 空气捕集装置和用于该空气捕集装置的喷嘴
CN111050874B (zh) * 2017-08-31 2022-11-01 思拓凡瑞典有限公司 空气捕集装置和用于该空气捕集装置的喷嘴
US11931760B2 (en) 2018-08-14 2024-03-19 Ecp Incorporated Spray head structure

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2013140173A3 (fr) 2014-02-06
GB201205116D0 (en) 2012-05-09

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