Dispensing cup for aerosol device
10591337 ยท 2020-03-17
Assignee
Inventors
- Mark Neuhalfen (Mount Prospect, IL, US)
- Gregory A Erickson (Wheaton, IL, US)
- Stephen Virgilio (Mount Prospect, IL, US)
- Paul Hallman (Village of Lakewood, IL, US)
- Gerald J Marquardt (Elgin, IL, US)
- Sean Hang Cho (Elgin, IL, US)
Cpc classification
B65D83/75
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B05B1/267
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D83/22
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D83/206
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
G01F11/288
PHYSICS
International classification
G01F11/26
PHYSICS
Abstract
A lockable metering aerosol dispenser is disclosed for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container through an aerosol valve. The lockable metering aerosol dispenser comprises a base secured to the aerosol container with a cup rotationally mounted to the base between a locked rotational position and an unlocked rotational position. A metering cup is secured relative to the base and communicates with the aerosol valve. The cup is capable of actuating the aerosol valve for dispensing the aerosol product into the metering cup when the cup is rotated into the unlocked rotational position. The cup is inhibited from actuating the aerosol valve when the cup is rotated into the locked rotational position.
Claims
1. A dispensing cup for an aerosol device, the aerosol dispenser supplying an aerosol product from an aerosol container through an aerosol valve having a valve stem, comprising: a base defining about an axis of symmetry of said base; a mounting for securing said base to the aerosol container; a cup defining a bottom wall and a side wall extending between a bottom side wall end and an upper side wall end; a pouring spout defined in said side wall of said cup; a cup mounting extending from said cup for removeably securing said cup to said base; a lid engageable with said side wall of said cup for closing said cup; and a cup input port defined in one of said bottom wall and said side wall for engaging with the valve stem of the aerosol valve for supplying aerosol product from said valve stem through said cup input port into said cup upon depression of said cup relative to the aerosol container.
2. A dispensing cup for an aerosol device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cup input port is defined in said bottom wall.
3. A dispensing cup for an aerosol device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cup input port is defined in said side wall.
4. A dispensing cup for an aerosol device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cup input port includes a nozzle extending from said bottom wall into said cup in proximity to said upper sidewall end.
5. A dispensing cup for an aerosol device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cup input port includes a nozzle extending from said bottom wall into said cup in proximity to said upper sidewall end; and said nozzle being substantially linear along the length thereof.
6. A dispensing cup for an aerosol device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cup input port includes a nozzle independent of said cup.
7. A dispensing cup for an aerosol device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cup input port includes a nozzle extending from said bottom wall into said cup in proximity to said upper sidewall end; and said nozzle includes a change in direction in proximity to said upper sidewall end.
8. A dispensing cup for an aerosol device as set forth in claim 1, including a one-way valve located adjacent to said cup input port.
9. A dispensing cup for an aerosol device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cup mounting rotatably secures said cup to said base between a locked rotational position and an unlocked rotational position; said cup being capable of actuating the aerosol valve for dispensing the aerosol product into said cup when said cup is rotated into said unlocked rotational position; and said cup being inhibited from actuating the aerosol valve when said cup is rotated into said locked rotational position.
10. A dispensing cup for an aerosol device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cup is transparent for enabling an operator to view the aerosol product within said cup.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
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(29) Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several Figures of the drawings.
DETAILED DISCUSSION
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(31) The first embodiment of the dispensing cup 10 defines an axis of symmetry 13 of the dispensing cup 10. An aerosol valve 20 having a valve stem 30 cooperates with the dispensing cup 10 to control the flow of the aerosol product 11 from an aerosol container 40 into the dispensing cup 10.
(32) The aerosol container 40 is shown as a cylindrical container of conventional design and material. The aerosol container 40 extends between a top portion 41 and a bottom portion 42 with a cylindrical sidewall 43 located therebetween. The bottom portion 42 of the aerosol container 40 is closed by an end wall 44. Although the aerosol container 40 has been shown as a conventional design, it should be understood that the dispensing cup for aerosol device 10 of the present invention may be used with aerosol containers of various designs.
(33) As best shown in
(34) The aerosol valve 20 includes a valve body 22 secured to the turret 54 of the mounting cup 50 by a conventional crimping process. The valve body 22 defines an internal valve cavity 24 in fluid communication with the aerosol container 40 through a dip tube 26. The aerosol valve 20 includes a valve element 28 positioned within the internal valve cavity 24. A bias spring 29 biases the valve element 28 into a closed position to inhibit the flow of the aerosol product 11 through the valve stem 30. Preferably, the aerosol valve 20 incorporates a TPE or Silicone valve or check valve for suitable for use in food applications.
(35) The valve stem 30 extends between a first end 31 and a second end 32 and defines an outer surface 33 with a stem passageway 34 extending therein. The stem passageway 34 provides fluid communication from the internal valve cavity 24 of the valve body 22 to the second end 32 of the valve stem 30. A depression of the valve stem 30 moves the valve element 28 into an open position against the urging of the bias spring 29 to permit the flow of the aerosol product 11 from the second end 32 of the valve stem 30.
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(37) The base 60 includes a base mounting 66 for securing the base 60 to the aerosol container 40. The base mounting 66 is shown as annular base projections 66 extending radially inwardly for securing the base 60 to the aerosol container 40. In this example, the annular base projection 66 engages with the bead 46 of the aerosol container 40. However, it should be understood that various conventional structures may be used for securing the base 60 to the aerosol container 40.
(38) The base 60 includes a base retainer 67 for rotationally securing a cup 70 to the base 60. The base retainer 67 comprises a plurality of annular projections 67 extending radially outwardly from the base 60. The plurality of annular projections 67 are distributed about the axis of symmetry 13 of the dispensing cup for aerosol device 10.
(39) The cup 70 extends between a top portion 71 and a bottom portion 72 with a cylindrical sidewall 73 located therebetween. The sidewall 73 of the cup 70 is a substantially rigid sidewall 73 coaxial with the axis of symmetry 13. A rigid bottom wall 74 is unitary with the sidewall 73 to define an inner space 75 of the cup 70.
(40) The cup 70 includes a cup retainer 77 for cooperating with the base retainer 67 for rotationally securing the cup 70 to the base 60. The cup retainer 77 is shown as a plurality of annular projections 77 extending radially inwardly from the sidewall 73 of the cup 70. The radially inwardly extending cup retainers 77 cooperate with the radially outwardly extending base retainers 67 for rotationally securing the cup 70 to the base 60.
(41) The top portion 71 of the cup 70 comprises an open top 76. The open top 76 defines a spout 78 for pouring the aerosol product 11 from the cup 70 after the aerosol product 11 is dispensed from the aerosol container 40 into the cup 70.
(42) A nozzle 80 extends from a proximal end 81 to a distal end 82 with a nozzle channel 83 extending therebetween. The nozzle 80 is supported by the rigid bottom wall 74 into the inner space 75 of the cup 70. In this embodiment, the nozzle 80 is unitary with the cup 70. The proximal end 81 of the nozzle channel 83 includes a socket 84 for communication with the aerosol valve 20. The socket 84 frictionally receives the second end 32 of the valve stem 30. The distal end 82 of the nozzle channel 83 terminates in a terminal orifice 86. The nozzle 80 is unitary with the cup 70.
(43) A lid 90 is provided to seal with the open top 76 of the cup 70 through a frictional engagement. The lid comprises a top portion 91 and a bottom portion 92. A sidewall seal 93 shown as a gaskets seals with the open top 76 of the cup 70. A spout seal 94 extends from the lid 90 for sealing the spout 78 of the lid 90. The sidewall seal 93 and the spout seal 94 function in concert to completely seal the inner space 75 of the cup 70 when the lid 90 is frictionally affixed to the cup 70 to prevent undesired discharge from the cup 70 during actuation of the aerosol valve 20. The lid 90 is provided with a handle 95 extending from the top portion 91 for affixing and removing the lid 90 from the cup 70. An actuator surface 96 is defined in the top portion 91 of the lid 90 for actuating the aerosol valve 20 as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. The actuator surface 96 is shown as a depression in the top portion 91 of the lid 90 for receiving a finger tip of a user.
(44) A deflection surface 97 is defined by the bottom portion 92 of the lid 90. The deflection surface 97 directs the aerosol product 11 emanating upwardly from the terminal orifice 86 into the inner space 75 of the cup 70. In this example, the deflection surface 97 comprises two arcuate deflection surfaces 97 but it should be understood that various shapes of deflection surfaces 97 may be utilized for directing the aerosol product 11 into the inner space 75 of the cup 70.
(45) As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the cup 70 is tiltable relative to the base 60 for actuating the aerosol valve 20 to dispense the aerosol product 11 from the aerosol container 40 through the nozzle 80 into the inner space 75 of the cup 70.
(46) The cup 70 is rotatable relative to the base 60 between a locked rotational position as shown in
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(48) An inner base platform 112 extends radially inwardly from the inner ring 110 and defines a central platform aperture 114 coaxial with the outer ring 100 and the inner ring 110. Preferably, the plurality of radial ribs 102 and the inner ring 110 and the inner base platform 112 are integrally formed with the base 60. As best shown in
(49) The inner ring 110 supports the base retainer 67 for cooperating with the cup retainer 77 for rotationally securing the cup 70 to the base 60. The base retainer 67 is shown as a plurality of annular projections 67 extending radially outwardly from the inner ring 110 of the base 60. The plurality of annular projections 67 are distributed about the axis of symmetry 13 of the dispensing cup for aerosol device 10.
(50) Preferably, the inner ring 110 of the base 60 is deformable for enabling the cup retainer 77 to pass over the base retainer 67. After the cup retainer 77 passes over the base retainer 67, the base retainer 67 engages with the cup retainer 77 to retain the cup 70 on the base 60. The cup retainer 77 of the cup 70 interlocks with the base retainer 67 for rotationally securing the cup 70 to the base 60.
(51) A void 120 is defined between the outer ring 100 and the inner ring 110 of the base 60. A bridge 125 extends across the void 120 between the outer ring 100 and the inner ring 110 of the base 60. Preferably, the bridge 125 extends across a portion of the void 120 and is located at a level below the first end 61 of the base 60. The bridge 125 occupies a minor portion of the circumference of the inner ring 110. In this example, the bridge 125 occupies a five to ten degree arc portion of the circumference of the inner ring 110 about the axis of symmetry 13 of the dispensing cup for aerosol device 10.
(52) The base 60 includes a base stop 130 for cooperating with the cup 70 for establishing an unlocked rotational position and a locked rotational position of the cup 70 relative to the base 60. More specifically, the base stop 130 extends upwardly from the inner base platform 112 and extends inwardly from the inner ring 110 to selectively interfere with the rotation of the cup 70. The base stop 130 includes a locked position stop 131 and an unlocked position stop 132 defined by circumferentially spaced apart lateral surfaces 131 and 132 of the base stop 130. Preferably, the base stop 130 is integrally formed with the inner ring 110 and the inner base platform 112. The locked position stop 131 establishes a locked rotational position of the dispensing cup relative to the base 60 as shown in
(53) The base 60 includes audible cup rib 140 for cooperating with the cup 70 for audibly indicating the rotational position of the cup 70 relative to the base 60. In this example, the audible cup rib 140 comprises plural audible cup ribs 141 and 142. Each of the plural audible cup ribs 141 and 142 extends upwardly from the inner base platform 112 and extends inwardly from the inner ring 110.
(54) The dispensing cup for aerosol device 10 comprises a lock 145 for locking the tilting of the cup 70 relative to the base 60. The lock 145 includes a groove 150 defined on the base 60 cooperating with a groove rib 180 extending from the cup 70. The groove 150 is defined in the inner ring 110 of the base 60 for enabling the cup 70 to be tilted relative to the base 60 as shown in
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(57) The cup 70 includes the groove rib 180 extending from the bottom wall 74 of the cup 70. Preferably, the groove rib 180 is formed as a one-piece unit with the cup 70. More specifically, the groove rib 180 includes plural grooves 181-184 equally spaced about the axis of symmetry 13 of the dispensing cup 10.
(58) The plurality of groove ribs 181-184 of the cup 70 are misaligned with the plurality of grooves 151-153 defined by the inner ring 110 of the base 60 when the cup 70 is located in the locked rotational position as shown in
(59) The plurality of groove ribs 181-184 of the cup 70 are aligned with the plurality of grooves 151-153 defined by the inner ring 110 of the base 60 when the cup 70 is established in the unlocked rotational position as shown in
(60) As will be described hereinafter, the groove ribs 183 and 184 interact with the locked position stop 131 and the unlocked position stop 132 of the base stop 130 for establishing the locked rotational position and the unlocked rotational position of the cup 70 relative to the base 60.
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(62) When the cup 70 is moved into the locked rotational position, the nozzle 80 is inhibited from actuating the aerosol valve 20. In the locked rotational position, the plurality of groove ribs 181-184 engage with the inner ring 110 of the base 60 to prevent the cup 70 from tilting relative to the base 60.
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(64) When the cup 70 is located in the unlocked rotational position, the plurality of groove ribs 181-183 are aligned with the plurality of grooves 151-153 of the base to enable the cup 70 to tilt relative to the base 60. The groove rib 184 is aligned with the bridge 125. The alignment of the groove ribs 181-183 with the grooves 151-153 permits the cup 70 to be tilted relative to the base 60 to actuate the aerosol valve 20.
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(66) The tilting of the cup 70 about the bridge 125 actuates the aerosol valve 20 to discharge aerosol product 11 upwardly from the terminal orifice 86 of the nozzle 80. The aerosol product 11 emanating upwardly from the terminal orifice 86 of the nozzle 80 strikes the deflection surface 97 of the lid 90. The deflection surface 97 redirects the aerosol product 11 into the cup 70. Preferably, the cup 70 is transparent or translucent to enable an operator to visually observe the amount of aerosol product 11 within the cup 70.
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(72) The cup includes an inner wall 79B having a resilient conical portion 87B terminating in a resilient circular aperture 88B. The nozzle 80B extends from a proximal end 81B to a distal end 82B with a nozzle channel 83B extending therebetween. The nozzle 80B is supported by the valve stem 40. The proximal end 81B of the nozzle channel 83B includes a socket 84B for communication with the aerosol valve 20. The socket 84B frictionally receives the second end 32 of the valve stem 30. The distal end 82B of the nozzle channel 83B terminates in a terminal orifice 86B. In this embodiment, the terminal orifice 86B is located on the side surface of the nozzle 80B and in proximity to the distal end 80B. The terminal orifice 86B discharges the aerosol product 11 perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 13. The discharging the aerosol product 11 perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 13 eliminates the need for the deflection surface of 97 of the lid 90 shown in
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(75) The present invention provides an improved dispensing cup for an aerosol device. The dispensing cup actuates the aerosol device upon a depression of a dispenser head. The dispensing cup has a reduced number of parts and preferably a base and a dispensing cup. The dispensing cup for aerosol device includes a lock for inhibiting actuation of the dispensing cup for aerosol device.
(76) Although the invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.