Valve for dispensing flowable product from pressurized container

Abstract

A pressurized container includes a mounting cup of a valve assembly. The mounting cup includes one or more gassing orifices through which the pressurized container can be gassed independent of any gassing by unseating a stem from a seat to open the valve.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a valve for dispensing a flowable product from a pressurized container, a pressurized container including the same, and a method of gassing the pressurized container.BACKGROUND

[0002] Valves for pressurized containers (e.g., aerosol containers) are well known. One type of valve includes a mounting cup, a stem, and a seal (e.g., a grommet) disposed between and interconnecting the stem and the mounting cup. The mounting cup is received in an opening on top of the container, and the mounting cup is crimped (clinched) or otherwise attached to the container. The seal is made of a resilient material and has an elongate neck which extends through a mounting opening in the mounting cup, and a flange that engages and / or seals against a lower surface of the mounting cup. The neck of the seal is constructed to form a fluid seal of the interface between the mounting cup and the seal. A typical stem includes an elongate stem body, and a disc (or button) at the lower end of the stem body. The stem body snugly fits through a bore defined by the seal to form a seal there between. The disc seats against a seat portion of the seal to form a leak proof seal when the valve is in a non-actuated position. The disc is movable away from the seat portion in an actuated position to allow product in the container, via pressure inside the container, to flow between the disc and the seat portion and through inlet(s) of the stem.

[0003] Conventionally, these valves and other types of valves (e.g., spring valves, such as described in U.S. Patent No. 11,273,972, among other designs) for pressurized containers may be gassed with a propellant gas using a gas filling head that forces the gas through the valve by opening the valve by displacing the stem. Essentially, the container is gassed by introducing the pressurized gas along a path that is inverse to the path the flowable product is released from the container. In one example, the gas filling head seals around an actuator or neck of the seal and injects the pressurized gas to unseat the disc of the steam from the seat, enabling the flow of gas through the valve and into the container.SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

[0004] In one aspect, a method of gassing a pressurized container including gassing the pressurized container through one or more gassing orifices defined by a mounting cup of a valve assembly attached to the pressurized container independent of any gassing by unseating a stem from a seat to open the valve.

[0005] In another aspect, a valve assembly generally comprises a mounting cup defining a central opening; and a valve stem extending through the central opening and seated on a valve seat. The mounting cup includes a bottom wall defining at least one gassing orifice, separate from the central opening, to enable gassing of a container through the gassing orifice independent of gassing the container by unseating the valve stem from the valve seat.

[0006] In yet another aspect, a mounting cup for a valve assembly comprises a bottom wall defining a central opening and at least one gassing orifice separate from the central opening.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective of one embodiment of a valve assembly of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross section of the valve assembly. FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the valve assembly. FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a mounting cup of the valve assembly. FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the mounting cup. FIG. 6 is a cross section illustrating gassing of a pressurized container including the valve assembly using a gassing head. FIG. 7 is a front elevation of the gassing head coupled to the valve assembly. FIG. 8 is a cross section of FIG. 2 taken through the line 8-8 in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a cross section of another embodiment of a valve assembly. FIG. 10 is a cross section of another embodiment of a valve assembly.

[0008] Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding aspects of the illustrated embodiments throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The present disclosure is directed to a valve assembly for a pressurized container that facilitates rapid or high-speed gassing of the pressurized container (e.g., aerosol container), and a method of gassing the pressurized container. In particular, and as explained in more detail below, one or more disclosed embodiments enable gassing through the valve assembly in a nonconventional method, whereby at least some of the gas, an in one embodiment at least a majority such as substantially all of the gas, is delivered through the valve assembly without displacing the valve stem.

[0010] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a valve assembly constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure is generally indicated at reference number 10. The valve 10 comprises a mounting cup, generally indicated at 14; a stem, generally indicated at 16; and a seal (e.g., a grommet), generally indicated at 18, attached to the stem and disposed between and interconnecting the stem and the mounting cup. As explained below, at least the mounting cup 14 has different features than a conventional mounting cup; the other components may be the same or similar to their corresponding conventional components. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the valve assembly 10 may also include a nozzle (also called an actuator or tip), generally indicated at 22, coupled to the seal 18. As shown in FIG.6, the illustrated valve 10 is suitable for attachment to a pressurized container 20 (e.g., an aerosol container), or other container, for dispensing flowable product contained within the container. In particular, the mounting cup 14 may be crimped or cinched on an upper bead of the container 20, as is generally known in the art. The orientation of the valve 10 in the drawings provides a point of reference for the terms in this detailed description defining relative locations and positions of structures and components of the valve, including but not limited to the terms "upper," "lower," "top," and "bottom," "upward," and "downward," as used throughout the present disclosure. Relative orientations may change depending on how the valve is used.

[0011] The mounting cup 14 has a generally cylindrical sidewall 30, a bottom wall 32 (e.g., generally flat or planar bottom wall), and an upper curled lip 34 at an upper end of the sidewall. A central portion 36 extends upward from a central region of the bottom wall 32 and defines a mounting opening through which the seal 18 and the stem 16 extend. The mounting cup 14 is received in an opening on the top of the container 20, and the mounting cup 14 is crimped (clinched) or otherwise attached to the container. The seal 18 is made of a resilient material (e.g., elastomeric material) and includes an elongate neck 40 which extends through the mounting opening 36. A seal bead 42 extends radially outward from the neck 40 and overlies and presses against an upper peripheral edge of the central portion 36 to secure the seal 18 to the mounting cup 14. The stem 16 includes an elongate stem body 46 (e.g., post), and a disc 48 (or button) at the lower end of the stem body. The stem body 46 extends through a bore 50 defined by the seal 18. Together, the stem body 46 and the bore 50 define an annular passageway. The disc 48 seats against a seat portion 54 of the seal 18 to form a leak proof seal when the container 20 is pressurized and the valve assembly 10 is in a non-actuated position. The disc 48 is movable away from the seat portion 54 in an actuated position to allow product in the container, via pressure inside the container, to flow between the disc and the seat portion and through annular passage defined between the stem body 46 and the bore 50. In other embodiments, the flowable product may flow through a stem body itself, where the stem body defines an internal passage with lower inlet(s) and upper outlet(s), as is generally known in the art. Depending on the actuator used to operate the valve assembly, the valve assembly may function as a vertically actuated valve, whereby axial force is applied to the stem 16 to unseat the disc 48 from the seat portion 54 of the seal 18, or alternatively, as a tilt valve, whereby a rotational force is applied to the side of the stem to unseat the disk, as described above.

[0012] Referring to FIG. 6-9, the illustrated gassing head 70 includes a body 80 and an annular skirt 81 extending around the body adjacent a lower end of the body. The body 80 defines a gassing inlet 82, which is configured to be in communication with a source of gas via a conduit 83, for example, and a cavity 84 for receiving the actuator 22, stem 16, and neck 40 of seal 18 that are exposed and extending upward from the container 20. The annular skirt 81 defines an annular channel 86 in which a gasket 88 (e.g., O-ring) is received. When the gassing head 70 is coupled to the container 20, the gasket 88 engages and seals against the lip 34 of the mounting cup 14. During gassing, the gassing inlet 82 delivers the pressurized gas G into the cavity 84. The gasket 88 inhibits the gas from flowing between the mounting cup 14 and the gassing head. During conventional gassing using a conventional mounting cup (not shown), the pressurized gas flows between the disc 48 of the stem 16 and the seat 54 to gas the container 20. In one example, the pressurized gas may displace the disc 48 from the seat, or the disc may be biased in an open configuration. Where a spring valve is used, conventionally the pressurized gas creates a force against the biasing force of the spring to open the valve and gas the container.

[0013] In the present embodiment, the container 20 including the valve assembly 10 enables improved gassing, such as more rapid gassing, using the gassing head 70 when compared to conventional valve assemblies. In general, the valve assembly 10 is designed and constructed to enable gassing of a container through the valve assembly without or in combination with actuation or displacement of the valve stem (e.g., unseating the valve stem). As shown throughout the drawings, the mounting cup 14 defines or more gassing orifices or through openings 60 which are in selective fluid communication with the interior of the container 20. In particular, the valve assembly 10 further includes one or more check valve flaps 62 or flapper(s) (broadly, a movable seal cover) in registration with the gassing orifices 60 to enable selective opening of the gassing orifices during gassing, and selective closing of the gassing orifices after completion of the gassing to inhibit gas and flowable product in the container from exiting the container through the gassing orifice(s). For example, during gassing the pressurized gas from a gassing head (such as illustrated gassing head, generally indicated at 70) "blows open" the gassing orifice(s) 60 by deflecting or displacing the check valve flap(s) 62 (or seal cover) away from the gassing orifices 60, thereby enabling the gas to enter the container 20; and after completion of gassing, the check valve flap(s) rebound to cover the gassing orifice(s). The check valve flap(s) 62 may be resiliently biased in the closed position. The check valve flap(s) 62 may be biased in the open position in other embodiments and may be closed by the pressure inside the container 20 after gassing.

[0014] In the illustrated embodiment, an annular flange (also indicated at reference numeral 62) of the seal 18 of the valve assembly 10 functions as the check valve flap(s) 62. This flange 62 may be disposed axially between the neck 40 and the seat 54 of the seal 18. The illustrated flange 62 (and thus check valve flap(s)) is resiliently displaceable or deflectable away from a lower surface of the bottom 32 of the mounting cup 14 during gassing using the gassing head 70, as shown in FIG. 8. After gassing, the flange 62 rebounds and seals against the lower surface of the bottom 32 of the mounting cup 14, thereby closing the gassing orifice(s) 60, by one or more of it being elastic or pressure in the container 20, as shown in FIG. 9, to inhibit pressurized product from flowing through the gassing orifice(s). Instead, the flowable product only flows out of the container 20 by unseating the disc 48 from the seat portion 54. It is understood that in other embodiments, the gassing orifice(s) and associates check valve flap(s) (or other opening and closing mechanisms) may be disposed at other locations on the mounting cup, including other than the bottom, including for example, the side wall. Moreover, the check valve flap(s) may be independent and separate from the seal in one or more embodiments.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 10, another embodiment of a valve assembly is generally indicated at reference numeral 110. As explained above, features of the present disclosure can be employed in other types of a valve assemblies for pressurized containers, such as the spring aerosol valve 110 of the type illustrated. The spring aerosol valve 110 includes a stem 116 that is displaceable away from a seat 154 against a closed-biasing force of a spring 109 to open the valve and disposed pressurized flowable product. Conventionally, a container including a spring aerosol valve was gassed by forcing open the valve 110 under gassing pressure, as explained above. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the valve assembly 110 includes one or more gassing orifices 160 which may extend through a bottom 132 of a mounting cup 114. As with the prior embodiment, the present valve assembly 110 includes one or more check valve flaps 162 (e.g., an elastomeric or flexible ring) configured to enable opening of the gassing orifice(s) 160 during gassing and closing of the gassing orifice(s) after gassing. The method of gassing is the same or similar to that described above with respect to the first embodiment. After gassing is complete, the one or more check valve flaps 162 seal the gassing orifice(s) to inhibit the pressurized flowable product from flowing out the gassing orifice(s).

[0016] The following number paragraphs disclose one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 1. A method of gassing a pressurized container comprising: gassing the pressurized container through one or more gassing orifices defined by a mounting cup of a valve assembly attached to the pressurized container independent of any gassing by unseating a stem from a seat to open the valve. 2. The method set forth in paragraph 1, wherein gassing the pressurized container comprises deflecting one or more check valve flaps away from the one or more gassing orifices to enable gas to enter the pressurized container. 3. The method set forth in paragraph 2, further comprising, after completion of gassing, the one or more check valve flaps rebounding to cover the one or more gassing orifices to inhibit gas and flowable product in the pressurized container from exiting through the one or more gassing orifices. 4. The method set forth in any one of paragraphs 1-3, wherein the one or more gassing orifices are defined by a bottom wall of the mounting cup. 5. The method set forth in any one of paragraphs 1-4, wherein gassing the pressurized container comprises coupling a gassing head to the pressurized container, the gassing head including a body defining a gassing inlet and a cavity for receiving an actuator, the stem, and a neck of a seal extending upward from the pressurized container. 6. The method set forth in any one of paragraphs 1-5, wherein the gassing head includes an annular skirt defining an annular channel in which a gasket is received, and wherein the gasket engages and seals against a lip of the mounting cup when the gassing head is coupled to the pressurized container. 7. A valve assembly comprising: a mounting cup defining a central opening; and a valve stem extending through the central opening and seated on a valve seat, wherein the mounting cup includes a bottom wall defining at least one gassing orifice, separate from the central opening, to enable gassing of a container through the gassing orifice independent of gassing the container by unseating the valve stem from the valve seat. 8. The valve assembly set forth in paragraph 7, further comprising one or more check valve flaps in registration with the at least one gassing orifice to enable selective opening of the at least one gassing orifice during gassing and selective closing of the at least one gassing orifice after completion of gassing. 9. The valve assembly set forth in paragraph 8, wherein the one or more check valve flaps are resiliently biased in a closed position. 10. The valve assembly set forth in either one of paragraphs 8 or 9, wherein the one or more check valve flaps comprise an annular flange of a seal of the valve assembly. 11. The valve assembly set forth in paragraph 10, wherein the annular flange is disposed axially between a neck of the seal and a seat portion of the seal. 12. The valve assembly set forth in any one of paragraphs 8-11, wherein the one or more check valve flaps is resiliently displaceable away from a lower surface of the bottom wall of the mounting cup during gassing. 13. The valve assembly set forth in any one of paragraphs 7-10, wherein the valve stem includes an elongate stem body and a disc at a lower end of the stem body, the disc configured to seat against a seat portion of a seal. 14. The valve assembly set forth in any one of paragraphs 7-13, in combination with a pressurized container, wherein the mounting cup of the valve assembly is secured to an open end of the pressurized container to close the open end. 15. A mounting cup for a valve assembly comprising: a bottom wall defining a central opening and at least one gassing orifice separate from the central opening; and one or more check valve flaps in registration with the at least one gassing orifice to enable selective opening of the at least one gassing orifice during gassing and selective closing of the at least one gassing orifice after completion of gassing.

[0017] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0018] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the disclosure are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

[0019] As various changes could be made in the above products and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0009]The present disclosure is directed to a valve assembly for a pressurized container that facilitates rapid or high-speed gassing of the pressurized container (e.g., aerosol container), and a method of gassing the pressurized container. In particular, and as explained in more detail below, one or more disclosed embodiments enable gassing through the valve assembly in a nonconventional method, whereby at least some of the gas, an in one embodiment at least a majority such as substantially all of the gas, is delivered through the valve assembly without displacing the valve stem.

[0010]Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a valve assembly constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure is generally indicated at reference number 10. The valve 10 comprises a mounting cup, generally indicated at 14; a stem, generally indicated at 16; and a seal (e.g., a grommet), generally indicated at 18, attached to the stem and disposed between and interconnecting the st...

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a valve for dispensing a flowable product from a pressurized container, a pressurized container including the same, and a method of gassing the pressurized container.BACKGROUND

[0002] Valves for pressurized containers (e.g., aerosol containers) are well known. One type of valve includes a mounting cup, a stem, and a seal (e.g., a grommet) disposed between and interconnecting the stem and the mounting cup. The mounting cup is received in an opening on top of the container, and the mounting cup is crimped (clinched) or otherwise attached to the container. The seal is made of a resilient material and has an elongate neck which extends through a mounting opening in the mounting cup, and a flange that engages and / or seals against a lower surface of the mounting cup. The neck of the seal is constructed to form a fluid seal of the interface between the mounting cup and the seal. A typical stem includes an elongate stem body, and a disc (or button) at the lower end of the stem body. The stem body snugly fits through a bore defined by the seal to form a seal there between. The disc seats against a seat portion of the seal to form a leak proof seal when the valve is in a non-actuated position. The disc is movable away from the seat portion in an actuated position to allow product in the container, via pressure inside the container, to flow between the disc and the seat portion and through inlet(s) of the stem.

[0003] Conventionally, these valves and other types of valves (e.g., spring valves, such as described in U.S. Patent No. 11,273,972, among other designs) for pressurized containers may be gassed with a propellant gas using a gas filling head that forces the gas through the valve by opening the valve by displacing the stem. Essentially, the container is gassed by introducing the pressurized gas along a path that is inverse to the path the flowable product is released from the container. In one example, the gas filling head seals around an actuator or neck of the seal and injects the pressurized gas to unseat the disc of the steam from the seat, enabling the flow of gas through the valve and into the container.SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

[0004] In one aspect, a method of gassing a pressurized container including gassing the pressurized container through one or more gassing orifices defined by a mounting cup of a valve assembly attached to the pressurized container independent of any gassing by unseating a stem from a seat to open the valve.

[0005] In another aspect, a valve assembly generally comprises a mounting cup defining a central opening; and a valve stem extending through the central opening and seated on a valve seat. The mounting cup includes a bottom wall defining at least one gassing orifice, separate from the central opening, to enable gassing of a container through the gassing orifice independent of gassing the container by unseating the valve stem from the valve seat.

[0006] In yet another aspect, a mounting cup for a valve assembly comprises a bottom wall defining a central opening and at least one gassing orifice separate from the central opening.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective of one embodiment of a valve assembly of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross section of the valve assembly. FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the valve assembly. FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a mounting cup of the valve assembly. FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the mounting cup. FIG. 6 is a cross section illustrating gassing of a pressurized container including the valve assembly using a gassing head. FIG. 7 is a front elevation of the gassing head coupled to the valve assembly. FIG. 8 is a cross section of FIG. 2 taken through the line 8-8 in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a cross section of another embodiment of a valve assembly. FIG. 10 is a cross section of another embodiment of a valve assembly.

[0008] Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding aspects of the illustrated embodiments throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The present disclosure is directed to a valve assembly for a pressurized container that facilitates rapid or high-speed gassing of the pressurized container (e.g., aerosol container), and a method of gassing the pressurized container. In particular, and as explained in more detail below, one or more disclosed embodiments enable gassing through the valve assembly in a nonconventional method, whereby at least some of the gas, an in one embodiment at least a majority such as substantially all of the gas, is delivered through the valve assembly without displacing the valve stem.

[0010] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a valve assembly constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure is generally indicated at reference number 10. The valve 10 comprises a mounting cup, generally indicated at 14; a stem, generally indicated at 16; and a seal (e.g., a grommet), generally indicated at 18, attached to the stem and disposed between and interconnecting the stem and the mounting cup. As explained below, at least the mounting cup 14 has different features than a conventional mounting cup; the other components may be the same or similar to their corresponding conventional components. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the valve assembly 10 may also include a nozzle (also called an actuator or tip), generally indicated at 22, coupled to the seal 18. As shown in FIG.6, the illustrated valve 10 is suitable for attachment to a pressurized container 20 (e.g., an aerosol container), or other container, for dispensing flowable product contained within the container. In particular, the mounting cup 14 may be crimped or cinched on an upper bead of the container 20, as is generally known in the art. The orientation of the valve 10 in the drawings provides a point of reference for the terms in this detailed description defining relative locations and positions of structures and components of the valve, including but not limited to the terms "upper," "lower," "top," and "bottom," "upward," and "downward," as used throughout the present disclosure. Relative orientations may change depending on how the valve is used.

[0011] The mounting cup 14 has a generally cylindrical sidewall 30, a bottom wall 32 (e.g., generally flat or planar bottom wall), and an upper curled lip 34 at an upper end of the sidewall. A central portion 36 extends upward from a central region of the bottom wall 32 and defines a mounting opening through which the seal 18 and the stem 16 extend. The mounting cup 14 is received in an opening on the top of the container 20, and the mounting cup 14 is crimped (clinched) or otherwise attached to the container. The seal 18 is made of a resilient material (e.g., elastomeric material) and includes an elongate neck 40 which extends through the mounting opening 36. A seal bead 42 extends radially outward from the neck 40 and overlies and presses against an upper peripheral edge of the central portion 36 to secure the seal 18 to the mounting cup 14. The stem 16 includes an elongate stem body 46 (e.g., post), and a disc 48 (or button) at the lower end of the stem body. The stem body 46 extends through a bore 50 defined by the seal 18. Together, the stem body 46 and the bore 50 define an annular passageway. The disc 48 seats against a seat portion 54 of the seal 18 to form a leak proof seal when the container 20 is pressurized and the valve assembly 10 is in a non-actuated position. The disc 48 is movable away from the seat portion 54 in an actuated position to allow product in the container, via pressure inside the container, to flow between the disc and the seat portion and through annular passage defined between the stem body 46 and the bore 50. In other embodiments, the flowable product may flow through a stem body itself, where the stem body defines an internal passage with lower inlet(s) and upper outlet(s), as is generally known in the art. Depending on the actuator used to operate the valve assembly, the valve assembly may function as a vertically actuated valve, whereby axial force is applied to the stem 16 to unseat the disc 48 from the seat portion 54 of the seal 18, or alternatively, as a tilt valve, whereby a rotational force is applied to the side of the stem to unseat the disk, as described above.

[0012] Referring to FIG. 6-9, the illustrated gassing head 70 includes a body 80 and an annular skirt 81 extending around the body adjacent a lower end of the body. The body 80 defines a gassing inlet 82, which is configured to be in communication with a source of gas via a conduit 83, for example, and a cavity 84 for receiving the actuator 22, stem 16, and neck 40 of seal 18 that are exposed and extending upward from the container 20. The annular skirt 81 defines an annular channel 86 in which a gasket 88 (e.g., O-ring) is received. When the gassing head 70 is coupled to the container 20, the gasket 88 engages and seals against the lip 34 of the mounting cup 14. During gassing, the gassing inlet 82 delivers the pressurized gas G into the cavity 84. The gasket 88 inhibits the gas from flowing between the mounting cup 14 and the gassing head. During conventional gassing using a conventional mounting cup (not shown), the pressurized gas flows between the disc 48 of the stem 16 and the seat 54 to gas the container 20. In one example, the pressurized gas may displace the disc 48 from the seat, or the disc may be biased in an open configuration. Where a spring valve is used, conventionally the pressurized gas creates a force against the biasing force of the spring to open the valve and gas the container.

[0013] In the present embodiment, the container 20 including the valve assembly 10 enables improved gassing, such as more rapid gassing, using the gassing head 70 when compared to conventional valve assemblies. In general, the valve assembly 10 is designed and constructed to enable gassing of a container through the valve assembly without or in combination with actuation or displacement of the valve stem (e.g., unseating the valve stem). As shown throughout the drawings, the mounting cup 14 defines or more gassing orifices or through openings 60 which are in selective fluid communication with the interior of the container 20. In particular, the valve assembly 10 further includes one or more check valve flaps 62 or flapper(s) (broadly, a movable seal cover) in registration with the gassing orifices 60 to enable selective opening of the gassing orifices during gassing, and selective closing of the gassing orifices after completion of the gassing to inhibit gas and flowable product in the container from exiting the container through the gassing orifice(s). For example, during gassing the pressurized gas from a gassing head (such as illustrated gassing head, generally indicated at 70) "blows open" the gassing orifice(s) 60 by deflecting or displacing the check valve flap(s) 62 (or seal cover) away from the gassing orifices 60, thereby enabling the gas to enter the container 20; and after completion of gassing, the check valve flap(s) rebound to cover the gassing orifice(s). The check valve flap(s) 62 may be resiliently biased in the closed position. The check valve flap(s) 62 may be biased in the open position in other embodiments and may be closed by the pressure inside the container 20 after gassing.

[0014] In the illustrated embodiment, an annular flange (also indicated at reference numeral 62) of the seal 18 of the valve assembly 10 functions as the check valve flap(s) 62. This flange 62 may be disposed axially between the neck 40 and the seat 54 of the seal 18. The illustrated flange 62 (and thus check valve flap(s)) is resiliently displaceable or deflectable away from a lower surface of the bottom 32 of the mounting cup 14 during gassing using the gassing head 70, as shown in FIG. 8. After gassing, the flange 62 rebounds and seals against the lower surface of the bottom 32 of the mounting cup 14, thereby closing the gassing orifice(s) 60, by one or more of it being elastic or pressure in the container 20, as shown in FIG. 9, to inhibit pressurized product from flowing through the gassing orifice(s). Instead, the flowable product only flows out of the container 20 by unseating the disc 48 from the seat portion 54. It is understood that in other embodiments, the gassing orifice(s) and associates check valve flap(s) (or other opening and closing mechanisms) may be disposed at other locations on the mounting cup, including other than the bottom, including for example, the side wall. Moreover, the check valve flap(s) may be independent and separate from the seal in one or more embodiments.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 10, another embodiment of a valve assembly is generally indicated at reference numeral 110. As explained above, features of the present disclosure can be employed in other types of a valve assemblies for pressurized containers, such as the spring aerosol valve 110 of the type illustrated. The spring aerosol valve 110 includes a stem 116 that is displaceable away from a seat 154 against a closed-biasing force of a spring 109 to open the valve and disposed pressurized flowable product. Conventionally, a container including a spring aerosol valve was gassed by forcing open the valve 110 under gassing pressure, as explained above. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the valve assembly 110 includes one or more gassing orifices 160 which may extend through a bottom 132 of a mounting cup 114. As with the prior embodiment, the present valve assembly 110 includes one or more check valve flaps 162 (e.g., an elastomeric or flexible ring) configured to enable opening of the gassing orifice(s) 160 during gassing and closing of the gassing orifice(s) after gassing. The method of gassing is the same or similar to that described above with respect to the first embodiment. After gassing is complete, the one or more check valve flaps 162 seal the gassing orifice(s) to inhibit the pressurized flowable product from flowing out the gassing orifice(s).

[0016] The following number paragraphs disclose one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 1. A method of gassing a pressurized container comprising: gassing the pressurized container through one or more gassing orifices defined by a mounting cup of a valve assembly attached to the pressurized container independent of any gassing by unseating a stem from a seat to open the valve. 2. The method set forth in paragraph 1, wherein gassing the pressurized container comprises deflecting one or more check valve flaps away from the one or more gassing orifices to enable gas to enter the pressurized container. 3. The method set forth in paragraph 2, further comprising, after completion of gassing, the one or more check valve flaps rebounding to cover the one or more gassing orifices to inhibit gas and flowable product in the pressurized container from exiting through the one or more gassing orifices. 4. The method set forth in any one of paragraphs 1-3, wherein the one or more gassing orifices are defined by a bottom wall of the mounting cup. 5. The method set forth in any one of paragraphs 1-4, wherein gassing the pressurized container comprises coupling a gassing head to the pressurized container, the gassing head including a body defining a gassing inlet and a cavity for receiving an actuator, the stem, and a neck of a seal extending upward from the pressurized container. 6. The method set forth in any one of paragraphs 1-5, wherein the gassing head includes an annular skirt defining an annular channel in which a gasket is received, and wherein the gasket engages and seals against a lip of the mounting cup when the gassing head is coupled to the pressurized container. 7. A valve assembly comprising: a mounting cup defining a central opening; and a valve stem extending through the central opening and seated on a valve seat, wherein the mounting cup includes a bottom wall defining at least one gassing orifice, separate from the central opening, to enable gassing of a container through the gassing orifice independent of gassing the container by unseating the valve stem from the valve seat. 8. The valve assembly set forth in paragraph 7, further comprising one or more check valve flaps in registration with the at least one gassing orifice to enable selective opening of the at least one gassing orifice during gassing and selective closing of the at least one gassing orifice after completion of gassing. 9. The valve assembly set forth in paragraph 8, wherein the one or more check valve flaps are resiliently biased in a closed position. 10. The valve assembly set forth in either one of paragraphs 8 or 9, wherein the one or more check valve flaps comprise an annular flange of a seal of the valve assembly. 11. The valve assembly set forth in paragraph 10, wherein the annular flange is disposed axially between a neck of the seal and a seat portion of the seal. 12. The valve assembly set forth in any one of paragraphs 8-11, wherein the one or more check valve flaps is resiliently displaceable away from a lower surface of the bottom wall of the mounting cup during gassing. 13. The valve assembly set forth in any one of paragraphs 7-10, wherein the valve stem includes an elongate stem body and a disc at a lower end of the stem body, the disc configured to seat against a seat portion of a seal. 14. The valve assembly set forth in any one of paragraphs 7-13, in combination with a pressurized container, wherein the mounting cup of the valve assembly is secured to an open end of the pressurized container to close the open end. 15. A mounting cup for a valve assembly comprising: a bottom wall defining a central opening and at least one gassing orifice separate from the central opening; and one or more check valve flaps in registration with the at least one gassing orifice to enable selective opening of the at least one gassing orifice during gassing and selective closing of the at least one gassing orifice after completion of gassing.

[0017] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0018] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the disclosure are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

[0019] As various changes could be made in the above products and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0009]The present disclosure is directed to a valve assembly for a pressurized container that facilitates rapid or high-speed gassing of the pressurized container (e.g., aerosol container), and a method of gassing the pressurized container. In particular, and as explained in more detail below, one or more disclosed embodiments enable gassing through the valve assembly in a nonconventional method, whereby at least some of the gas, an in one embodiment at least a majority such as substantially all of the gas, is delivered through the valve assembly without displacing the valve stem.

[0010]Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a valve assembly constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure is generally indicated at reference number 10. The valve 10 comprises a mounting cup, generally indicated at 14; a stem, generally indicated at 16; and a seal (e.g., a grommet), generally indicated at 18, attached to the stem and disposed between and interconnecting the st...

Claims

1. A method of gassing a pressurized container comprising: gassing the pressurized container through one or more gassing orifices defined by a mounting cup of a valve assembly attached to the pressurized container independent of any gassing by unseating a stem from a seat to open the valve.

2. The method set forth in claim 1, wherein gassing the pressurized container comprises deflecting one or more check valve flaps away from the one or more gassing orifices to enable gas to enter the pressurized container.

3. The method set forth in claim 2, further comprising, after completion of gassing, the one or more check valve flaps rebounding to cover the one or more gassing orifices to inhibit gas and flowable product in the pressurized container from exiting through the one or more gassing orifices.

4. The method set forth in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the one or more gassing orifices are defined by a bottom wall of the mounting cup.

5. The method set forth in any one of claims 1-4, wherein gassing the pressurized container comprises coupling a gassing head to the pressurized container, the gassing head including a body defining a gassing inlet and a cavity for receiving an actuator, the stem, and a neck of a seal extending upward from the pressurized container.

6. The method set forth in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the gassing head includes an annular skirt defining an annular channel in which a gasket is received, and wherein the gasket engages and seals against a lip of the mounting cup when the gassing head is coupled to the pressurized container.

7. A valve assembly comprising: a mounting cup defining a central opening; and a valve stem extending through the central opening and seated on a valve seat, wherein the mounting cup includes a bottom wall defining at least one gassing orifice, separate from the central opening, to enable gassing of a container through the gassing orifice independent of gassing the container by unseating the valve stem from the valve seat.

8. The valve assembly set forth in claim 7, further comprising one or more check valve flaps in registration with the at least one gassing orifice to enable selective opening of the at least one gassing orifice during gassing and selective closing of the at least one gassing orifice after completion of gassing.

9. The valve assembly set forth in claim 8, wherein the one or more check valve flaps are resiliently biased in a closed position.

10. The valve assembly set forth in either one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the one or more check valve flaps comprise an annular flange of a seal of the valve assembly.

11. The valve assembly set forth in claim 10, wherein the annular flange is disposed axially between a neck of the seal and a seat portion of the seal.

12. The valve assembly set forth in any one of claims 8-11, wherein the one or more check valve flaps is resiliently displaceable away from a lower surface of the bottom wall of the mounting cup during gassing.

13. The valve assembly set forth in any one of claims 7-10, wherein the valve stem includes an elongate stem body and a disc at a lower end of the stem body, the disc configured to seat against a seat portion of a seal.

14. The valve assembly set forth in any one of claims 7-13, in combination with a pressurized container, wherein the mounting cup of the valve assembly is secured to an open end of the pressurized container to close the open end.

15. A mounting cup for a valve assembly comprising: a bottom wall defining a central opening and at least one gassing orifice separate from the central opening; and one or more check valve flaps in registration with the at least one gassing orifice to enable selective opening of the at least one gassing orifice during gassing and selective closing of the at least one gassing orifice after completion of gassing.

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