aerosol actuator

Abstract

The aerosol actuator includes a housing. An actuating member located within the housing has a rod cavity adapted to receive a valve stem of the aerosol container. In high-speed production lines, multiple inwardly extending compressible ribs and tabs extending from the housing facilitate the insertion of the rod into the cavity when the housing is mounted on the aerosol container; the tabs stabilize the actuating member within the housing. When the user initially presses down on the actuating member, the tabs pivot away from the path of movement of the actuating member. To prevent the actuating member from being accidentally pressed down by a top load, a housing wall extends in a plane above the surface of the actuating member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an actuator for a pressurized aerosol container, the type having a spring-loaded valve stem, and more specifically to an actuating member that allows for the high-speed production mounting of an "unstable" actuating member onto the container due to a unique rod cavity design including internal ribs that maintain alignment between the cavity and the valve stem, thereby creating the necessary seal. The invention also relates to a tab that stabilizes the actuating member when the valve stem is inserted into the cavity, and a shield with an extended wall that prevents the actuating member from being accidentally depressurized due to external upper load forces. Background Technology

[0002] Actuators used in pressurized fluid containers with compressible, spring-loaded valve stems are known in the art. The actuator is designed to be mounted on top of the container, above a vertically extending valve stem. The actuator includes an actuating member aligned with and engaging the valve stem. The actuating member is movably mounted within a shroud designed to engage with the top of the container. When an external downward force is applied to the actuating member, the member moves toward the container to press the valve stem, thereby releasing the contents of the container. The actuating member includes a nozzle connected to the valve stem to direct fluid out of the container.

[0003] When an actuator is installed on a pressurized vessel manually or on a low-speed production line, it is relatively easy to correctly align the actuator with the vessel so that the stem is seated in the stem cavity at the bottom of the actuating member. However, on high-speed production lines, such as those operating at 300 pieces per minute, when the stem is housed in the actuating member cavity, problems regarding the correct alignment and stability of the actuating member are unavoidable unless the cavity is designed to be separated from the stem within itself, so that no seal is required between the cavity and the stem until the user presses down on the actuating member, or the cavity is designed to always be connected to the stem and never separate from it, thus preventing a breach in the seal. However, in practice, high-speed assembly of actuators on vessels has proven difficult.

[0004] Various designs have been considered to overcome this problem. Floating recesses have been unsuccessful due to the production height of the stem and molding and assembly tolerances exceeding the sealing parameters. Longer recesses provide inconsistent release during re-engagement. Medium-length recesses with high sealing and reduced vertical radial sealing depth are partially successful, but the actuating element is too "unstable" to provide consistent alignment before engagement with the valve stem.

[0005] In this invention, these problems are overcome by creating a "sliding seal" that allows the valve stem to move within the cavity for disengagement and re-engagement. This is achieved by using an internal "rib" near the cavity entrance. The rib engages the valve stem directly below the radial sealing area, allowing the valve stem to enter the cavity without excessive resistance (excessive resistance would cause the stem to stick in the cavity).

[0006] The rib is made of a slightly elastic or compressible material, which can be "compressed" to a smaller extent by the rod when it enters the recess. Furthermore, the portion of the rib's surface near the recess entrance is sloped to provide the necessary guide angle, allowing the rod to be guided into the recess. This enables high-speed applications that operate within machine positioning tolerances, allowing production equipment to run at a target of 300 pieces per minute.

[0007] The rib design with a high internal seal also eliminates the need to "hammer" the recess onto the rod, thus preventing accidental release of the container contents and allowing for higher application operating speeds.

[0008] Ribs protrude from the inner surface of the stem cavity and extend in a direction generally parallel to the central axis of the cavity. Preferably, at least five ribs are circumferentially arranged within the cavity to ensure consistent autocentering of the valve stem within the cavity.

[0009] The primary use case for orifices with internal ribs is to allow for undulating sealing and resealing between the orifice and the valve stem, while other components of the actuator serve to stabilize the actuation member. In these cases, actuator assemblies can be configured to stabilize the actuation member during high-speed production before the actuator is installed on the container.

[0010] To ensure proper stability of the actuating component within the housing during actuator installation, it is necessary to consistently position and attach the rod cavity of the actuating component above the valve stem. To achieve this, the present invention employs stabilizing tabs to ensure that the actuating component is always correctly positioned relative to the housing, allowing the valve stem to be accommodated within the cavity.

[0011] The stabilizing tab is molded as part of the shroud and extends from the shroud wall toward the rod cavity of the actuating member to position the rod cavity during production. The stabilizing tab is used to keep the actuating member stable, and the force required to maintain this stability ensures that the rod cavity remains within a range within which the actuator can be applied effectively and consistently at production speeds of up to 300 pieces per minute.

[0012] The stabilizing tab remains in place within the actuator until the actuator is used for the first time. The actuating member is provided with a component that, upon the user's first press of the actuating member, engages the tab and pivots the tab out of the path of the actuating member. The force required to move the tab when the valve is depressed is within human-measured force, ensuring actuation even when combined with the force required to open the valve. This depressing force is normal for use by consumers who have dispensed the aerosol product.

[0013] Another problem with this type of actuator is that during transport and storage, various types of external forces can cause top load pressure on the actuating member, leading to accidental release of the container contents. In this invention, a structure is provided to protect the actuating member from being crushed by flat objects, such as other aerosol containers stacked on top of the aerosol container, without requiring additional packaging materials and without restricting access to the actuating member during use.

[0014] The actuating component is protected by extending the height of the protective wall such that the top of the protective wall is located in a plane slightly above the actuating component, wherein the actuating component is located within the protective wall.

[0015] The extended shroud allows top load pressure to contact the shroud and transmits the force downwards through the shroud walls to the valve seat and container. This prevents the actuator from being accidentally released during transport and storage without additional inner packaging. The easily accessible nature of the actuating components is retained for consumer use. Summary of the Invention

[0016] For these and other possible purposes, the present invention relates to an aerosol actuator for use with a pressurized fluid container having a valve with a rod capable of being depressurized to release the contents of the container. The actuator includes a shroud adapted to be positioned on the container over the rod. The shroud has a wall defining a space in which an actuating member is located. The actuating member includes a rod cavity adapted to receive the valve rod. The actuating member is mounted within the shroud for movement relative to the shroud between a first position where the valve rod is not depressurized and a second position where the valve rod is depressurized to release the contents of the container. The actuating member has a nozzle with a channel connecting the valve rod to an outlet port of the nozzle. The rod cavity has an axis and an inner surface, with a plurality of ribs extending inwardly from the inner surface of the rod cavity along the direction of the rod cavity axis to facilitate insertion of the rod into the rod cavity.

[0017] The ribs are arranged circumferentially around the inner surface of the rod hole.

[0018] At least five ribs are provided. The ribs engage the rod at a location spaced apart from or directly below the radial sealing area.

[0019] The ribs are made of compressible material.

[0020] The rib has an inclined surface portion near the entrance of the rod hole.

[0021] The actuator also includes a tab extending from the shroud toward the actuating member. The tab is used to position and stabilize the actuating member such that when the actuator is positioned on the container, the rod cavity is correctly positioned relative to the valve stem.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, an aerosol actuator is provided for use with a pressurized fluid container having a valve with a rod capable of being depressurized to release the contents of the container. The actuator includes a shroud adapted to be positioned on the container and covering the rod. The shroud defines a space in which the actuating member is located. The actuating member is mounted within the shroud for movement relative to the shroud between a first position where the valve rod is not depressurized and a second position where the valve rod is depressurized to release the contents of the container. The actuating member has a nozzle with a channel connecting the valve rod to an outlet port of the nozzle. A tab extending from the shroud to the actuating member is configured to position the actuating member relative to the shroud.

[0023] The actuating member includes a rod cavity. During the assembly of the actuator and the container, the tab positions the rod cavity relative to the valve stem and stabilizes the actuating member.

[0024] The actuator also includes a component adapted to engage a tab and pivot the tab away from the movement path of the actuating member when the actuating member is pressed down.

[0025] The tab is connected to the shield via a movable hinge. The actuating component has an edge that contacts the tab near the movable hinge.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, an aerosol actuator is provided for use with a pressurized fluid container having a valve with a rod capable of being depressurized to release the contents of the container. The actuator includes a shroud adapted to be positioned on the container and covering the rod. The shroud includes a wall defining a space and having an upper edge. An actuating member is aligned with the valve rod. The actuating member has a surface and is mounted within the shroud space to move relative to the shroud between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the valve rod is not depressurized, and in the second position a force is applied to the actuating member to depress the valve rod and release the contents of the container. The actuating member includes a nozzle and a channel connecting the valve rod to an outlet port of the nozzle. A plane of the actuating member surface lies below the upper edge of the shroud wall to protect the actuating member from accidental depressurization due to top load. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To achieve these objectives and other objectives that may arise below, the present invention relates to an aerosol actuator for a pressurized fluid container, as described in detail in the following description and as set forth in the appended claims and drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts, and wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the aerosol actuator of the present invention, which is mounted on a pressurized container as shown in the figure;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a front view of the actuator.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a front view of the back of the actuator;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a plan view of the top of the actuator;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a plan view of the bottom of the actuator;

[0033] Figure 6 It is an enlarged sectional view of the top of the container, the valve stem, and the stem hole;

[0034] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of the hole in the rod;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the actuator;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the shield that connects to the tab, showing the position of the tab before and after the initial compression of the actuating member. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Figures 1-4 The exterior of the aerosol actuator of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 An actuator is shown, as illustrated, mounted on a pressurized fluid container generally indicated by A. As is conventional, a spring-loaded valve stem protrudes from the center of the top of the container (not visible in these figures). When this valve stem is depressurized, the pressurized fluid in the container is released.

[0038] The actuator consists of three basic components: a shroud, generally designated B, adapted to be mounted on top of container A, covering the valve stem; an actuating member, generally designated C, movably mounted within the shroud B to depress the valve stem; and a nozzle, generally designated D, which includes a fluid passage (not visible in these figures) extending from the valve stem to the nozzle's outlet port. The nozzle D is movably mounted to the actuating member C and is capable of rotating between vertical and horizontal positions to provide different spray patterns.

[0039] The shield B includes a generally U-shaped wall defining an opening in which the actuating member C is housed. The bottom of the shield wall is configured to engage the top of the container A to mount the actuator onto the container.

[0040] The top of the actuating member C includes a button having a surface 10 defining an area in which a user's finger can be positioned to apply an external downward force to move the actuating member to press down the valve stem, thereby releasing pressurized fluid from the container. The surface 10 may be provided with spaced parallel protrusions to provide a non-slip surface for the user's fingers.

[0041] like Figure 8 As shown in the optimal configuration, the actuating member has an internal passage 12 that connects the valve stem to the nozzle. The passage 12 has a vertical portion 12a aligned with the valve stem and a horizontal portion 12b leading to the nozzle. Depressing the valve stem releases the contents of the container into the passage portion 12a. From the passage portion 12a, the released fluid is guided to the nozzle through the passage portion 12b.

[0042] Nozzle D is rotatably mounted between the shield walls, in Figure 1 Between the position shown and another position (not shown), wherein, Figure 1 In the position shown, the elongated portion 14 of the nozzle and the suction tube 16 extending from the portion 14 are both in a vertical position; in the other position, the elongated portion 14 of the nozzle and the suction tube 16 are in a horizontal position.

[0043] Nozzle D has two spray outlet ports 18 and 20. Figure 1 As shown, the outlet port 18 is connected to the end of the channel portion 12b via the nozzle body and provides a wide-angle spray pattern for the fluid released from the container. When the nozzle is rotated to the horizontal position of the nozzle portion 14, the end of the channel portion 12b is aligned with the opening 22, which guides the released fluid through the port 20 to the suction tube 16, where the fluid exits the suction tube in a concentrated spray pattern.

[0044] Now refer to Figures 5 to 8 The entrance end of channel 12a is provided with a rod hole 24. For example... Figure 6 As shown, when the actuator is mounted on the container, the recess 24 is adapted to receive the end of the valve stem 28.

[0045] The entrance end of the recess 24 is provided with a plurality of ribs 26, which protrude from the inner surface of the hole and extend along the inner surface of the hole in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the hole. The ribs are made of an elastic or compressible material and have tapered outer edges 27, such as... Figure 6As best illustrated in the diagram. When the actuator is mounted on the container, the rib guides the end of the valve stem 28 into the recess by aligning the recess with the valve stem. This configuration allows the actuator to be positioned or aligned with the valve stem before a seal is achieved, thus eliminating the need to press down and / or actuate the valve, enabling the actuator to be mounted on the container at a much higher speed than would otherwise be possible.

[0046] Ribs 26 are arranged circumferentially around the inner surface of the rod hole. For example... Figure 7 As best illustrated, the ribs flare outward as they extend toward the orifice opening, causing the tapered outer edges 27 to be spaced apart. This configuration serves to guide the valve stem into the recess, thereby correcting any misalignment that may exist between the actuating member and the valve stem when the actuator is mounted on the container. Preferably, the ribs are designed to engage the stem at points spaced apart from the radial sealing area, directly below the radial sealing area.

[0047] The number of ribs can vary. The attached diagram shows a cavity with five ribs. However, different numbers of ribs can be used.

[0048] Now refer to Figure 5 and Figure 9 A tab 30 is provided to stabilize the actuating member, so that when the actuator is mounted on the container, the actuating member is in the correct position to receive the valve stem in the rod cavity, further enhancing the ability of the actuator of the present invention to be mounted on the container at high speed.

[0049] A tab 30 extends from the shroud wall toward the actuating member. This tab is movable between an active position and a passive position. In the active position, when the actuator is mounted on the container, the actuating member is fixed. In the passive position, the tab allows the actuating member to move freely within the shroud.

[0050] One end of the tab 30 is connected to the shroud via a "movable hinge" that allows the tab to rotate from its active position to its passive position. After the actuator is mounted on the container, the tab rotates when the user initially presses down on the actuating member. In the active position, the tab is in the path of movement of the actuating member, thus preventing movement of the actuating member relative to the shroud. In the passive position, the tab is outside the path of movement of the actuating member and no longer restricts or interferes with the movement of the actuating member.

[0051] like Figure 9 As best shown, the shield B has an internal component 32 that extends vertically downward from the inner surface of the shield at a short distance from the rear of the shield. Figure 5 The tab in its active position is shown. The tab 30 extends from the bottom end of the component 32.

[0052] The actuating member has a component 34 extending downward from its rear. The end of component 34 has an inclined surface. In the active position of the tab, the tab 30 is located below component 34, thereby holding the actuating member in the correct position for receiving the valve stem in the rod cavity when the actuator is mounted on the container.

[0053] The product is shipped with the tab in the active position. The tab remains in this active position until the actuating member is first pressed down by the user. Figure 9 As shown, the initial depressurization of the actuating member will cause the actuating member component 34 to move downward, rotating the tab 30 from its active position to its passive position and disengaging it from the movement path of the actuating member, so that the depressurization of the actuating element is no longer inhibited by the tab. Throughout the product's service life, the tab 30 will remain in its passive position without interfering with the operation of the actuator.

[0054] Both the ribs and stabilizing tabs of the rod cavity facilitate the high-speed mounting of the actuator of the present invention to the container. The tabs stabilize the position of the actuating member within the housing. The ribs guide the valve stem into the inlet of the rod cavity, thereby correcting any misalignment between the valve stem and the inlet of the cavity.

[0055] During the packaging and handling of containers with aerosol actuators, a top load generated by an external downward force can cause the actuating element to be pressed down so much that it accidentally releases the container contents, which is undesirable. This can happen, for example, if products are stacked one on top of another in a carton without any packaging material between them.

[0056] To prevent accidental release from top load, the invention is designed such that the upper edge 36 of the shield extends above the plane of the button surface 10 of the actuating member. This in Figure 2 and Figure 3 The most clearly visible feature is the extended top 36 of the shield wall, which prevents top loads from flat objects from exerting external forces on the actuator. The extended shield wall transfers the top load to the container. This structure achieves this function without restricting the user's access to the button surface 10 and without requiring additional packaging materials.

[0057] It is now understood that the present invention relates to an aerosol actuator capable of being manufactured and installed onto an aerosol container at high speed by stabilizing the position of the actuating member and correcting any misalignment between the actuating member rod hole and the valve stem. Furthermore, the protective wall is extended to prevent accidental release of the container contents due to top loads without restricting access to the actuating member or requiring unnecessary additional packaging material.

[0058] While only one preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, it will be apparent that many modifications and variations are possible thereto. The invention is intended to cover all such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol actuator for use with a pressurized fluid container having a valve with a rod capable of being depressurized to release the contents of the container; the actuator comprising a shroud, an actuating member, a tab, and a plurality of ribs, wherein, The shield is adapted to be positioned on the container and cover the rod. The actuating member located within the shield includes a rod cavity having an inlet end adapted to receive a valve rod. A tab extends from the shield toward the actuating member and is configured to position the actuating member such that the rod cavity is aligned with the valve rod. The actuating member is movable relative to the shield between a first position where the valve rod is not depressed and a second position where the valve rod is depressed to release the contents of the container. The actuating member includes a nozzle with an outlet port and a channel connecting the valve rod to the nozzle. The rod cavity... The cavity has an axis and the rod cavity includes an inner surface, and the plurality of ribs extend from the inner surface near the inlet end of the rod cavity along the axis to facilitate the rod entering the rod cavity, wherein the ribs have an inclined surface near the inlet of the rod cavity and are arranged circumferentially around the inner surface of the rod cavity, the ribs are made of a compressible or elastic material and have a tapered outer edge, the ribs are used to feed the valve rod into the rod cavity, and when the actuator is mounted on the container, the ribs guide the end of the valve rod into the rod cavity by aligning the rod cavity with the valve rod.

2. An aerosol actuator for use with a pressurized fluid container having a valve with a rod capable of being depressurized to release the contents of the container, the actuator comprising a shroud, an actuating member, and a tab, wherein, The shroud is adapted to be positioned on the container and cover the rod. The actuating member is mounted to the shroud for movement between a first position where the valve rod is not depressed and a second position where the valve rod is depressed to release the contents of the container. The actuating member includes a nozzle with an outlet port and a channel connecting the valve rod and the nozzle. A tab extends from the shroud toward the actuating member to position the actuating member relative to the shroud. The actuating member includes a downwardly extending component, the end of which includes an inclined surface; The tab is connected to the shield via a movable hinge, the movable hinge being configured to allow the tab to move between a movable position and a passive position; In the active position of the tab, the tab is in the movement path of the actuating member and engages with the inclined surface, thereby preventing the actuating member from moving relative to the cover; in the passive position of the tab, the tab is outside the movement path of the actuating member and no longer interferes with the movement of the actuating member. When the actuating member is first pressed down by the user, the actuating member is adapted to pivot the tab away from the movement path of the actuating member and rotate to the passive position.

3. The actuator according to claim 2, wherein, The actuating member includes a rod cavity, and the tab positions the actuating member such that the rod cavity is aligned with the valve stem.

4. The actuator according to claim 2, wherein, When in the active position, the tab is located below the downwardly extending member, holding the actuating member in place to accommodate the valve stem during assembly of the actuator and the container.

5. The actuator according to claim 3, wherein, The rod hole has an axis and the rod hole includes an inner surface, and The actuator also includes a plurality of ribs that extend from the inner surface of the rod cavity along the axis to facilitate the rod entering the rod cavity.

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