VALVE CARTRIDGE FOR ACTUATORS OF A RANGE OF PACKAGING

Abstract

VALVE CARTRIDGE FOR ACTUATORS OF A RANGE OF PACKAGING, having an independent complementary valve mechanism (1) to be mounted directly on the internal region of an outlet nozzle (2) of a known actuator (3) of a usual packaging (4), which actuator is traditionally combined with a pump-type mechanism (5) for extracting the product (P) contained in said packaging (4) and, accordingly, said packaging has a seal-tight upper closing part (6) that forms the body housing the extractor pump-type mechanism (5), the upper part of which is in communication with the outlet nozzle (2), while the lower part is in communication with the inside of the packaging (4), where it produces a vacuum, negative pressure or positive pressure, sufficient to move the product (P) to the outlet nozzle (2), containing an inlet duct (7) and an outlet duct (8), and in the latter there is mounted the independent complementary valve mechanism (1) which alters said stream of the semi-solid product (P) turning it into a drip, trickle or spray.

Claims

1. A valve cartridge for actuators of a range of packaging, characterized by comprising an independent complementary valve mechanism mounted directly on the internal region of an outlet nozzle of a known actuator of a usual packaging, which actuator is traditionally combined with a pump-type mechanism for extracting the product contained in said packaging and, accordingly, said packaging has a seal-tight upper closing part that forms the body housing the extractor pump-type mechanism, the upper part of which is in communication with the outlet nozzle, while the lower part is in communication with the inside of the packaging, where it produces a vacuum, negative pressure or positive pressure, sufficient to move the product to the outlet nozzle, containing an inlet duct and an outlet duct, and in the latter there is mounted the independent complementary valve mechanism which alters said stream of the semi-solid product turning it into a drip, trickle or spray.

2. The valve cartridge for actuators of a range of packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that the independent complementary valve mechanism comprises a tubular cartridge with diameter and length to be housed inside the outlet duct of the actuator, where said cartridge has means so that its internal part communicates with the inlet duct and receives the product stream to be altered and dispensed and, accordingly, inside said cartridge a mobile part is longitudinally housed in jet form having the rear end supported on the tubular cartridge itself through a spring, while the opposite end is an obturator tip normally kept pressed against a seat seal coupled to the front end of said cartridge and of the outlet nozzle, and, further, said jet or obturator tip moves away from said seat seal only when there is an increase in internal pressure in the ducts and, simultaneously, there is also a product stream (P) inside the inlet duct and in the outlet duct, consequently, a portion in drip form of said product is dispensed in the outlet nozzle.

3. The valve cartridge for actuators of a range of packaging according to claim 2, characterized in that the tubular cartridge has a frustoconical rear end which makes it easier to fit inside the outlet duct and, further, the rear end includes a closing which, internally, constitutes support for the spring, and before said frustoconical tapering there are means communicating with the inlet duct in the form of a string of oblong apertures.

4. The valve cartridge for actuators of a range of packaging according to claim 2, characterized in that the jet has an elongated part in the form of cylindrical rod, the front end having a chamfer and averagely has radial vanes and the rear end includes a plunger-like head, with a central hole for incasing the spring, and the plunger-like head and the radial vanes have outer diameters consistent for tight and sliding inside the tubular cartridge.

5. The valve cartridge for actuators of a range of packaging according to claim 2, characterized in that the spring is comprised of a cylindrical pin which, by the front end, is incased in that central hole of the plunger, while at the opposite end it has radial projections curved backwards which configure small blade springs, whose distal ends are interconnected by a stabilizer ring which, in turn, constitutes support against the closing of the tubular cartridge.

6. The valve cartridge for actuators of a range of packaging according to claim 2, characterized in that the seat seal is formed by a rear ring part, with internal chamfer and external diameter consistent for penetrating and being locked inside the tubular cartridge, having a front flange as penetration limit with external diameter equal to that of the tubular cartridge and, further, this flange is hollowed by central hole internally with a chamfer which, in turn, constitutes the seat seal per se for the obturator tip of the jet.

7. The valve cartridge for actuators of a range of packaging according to claim 2, in another preferred embodiment, constructive details are provided that enable the cartridge to dispense a quantity of product substantially larger than a drip, defined herein as trickle, such as occurs, for example, when the product is a lotion; characterized in that the seat seal is modified, but maintaining the rear ring part with external diameter consistent for penetrating and being locked inside the tubular cartridge, having the same front flange as penetration limit with external diameter equal to that of the tubular cartridge and, further, this flange is hollowed by central hole before which there are provided two circular widenings, an intermediary widening with chamfer and a rear widening greater than the front, resulting in two degrees and, which, jointly with the central holed, form the seat seal per se, which receives the corresponding end of the jet, and this end, in turn, is also modified and ends in the form of an integrated stopper, with suitable diameter and length to close or open the central hole and, before said integrated stopper, there is a degree corresponding to the diameter of the cylindrical rod which, in turn, closes or opens the intermediary widening, consequently, a closing in more than one stage occurs.

8. The valve cartridge for actuators of a range of packaging according to claim 2, in another preferred embodiment constructive details are provided that enable the cartridge to dispense a quantity of product in the form of spray; characterized by comprising a stream-splitting tip and an internal seat seal, where a stream-splitting tip has a rear ring part (40) with external diameter consistent for penetrating and being locked inside the tubular cartridge, having a front blind flange as penetration limit with external diameter equal to that of the tubular cartridge, while in the internal diameter of the rear ring part the internal seat seal is incased which, in turn, has a circular stretch with a diameter corresponding with the shape of a glass, with a rear flange with external diameter to be adjusted in the internal diameter of the cartridge, and said internal seal has its front part closed, containing a central hole that forms the seat seal per se, which receives the corresponding end of the cylindrical rod of the jet that ends in the form of an integrated stopper, with suitable diameter and length to close or open said central hole, establishing or interrupting a single stream which arrives at the stream-splitting tip, where said single stream is split into various other smaller streams and, accordingly, the inner side of the front blind flange has a circular recess configuring a primary distribution chamber between said front blind flange and the seat seal formed by the central hole; said primary chamber has various radial exits splitting the stream which tangentially communicate with other secondary distribution chambers, equally circular, distributed around the first, and also inside each secondary distribution chamber there are spiral recesses centrally with an outlet hole of the product to be dispensed in spray.

9. The valve cartridge for actuators of a range of packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that independent complementary valve mechanism is mounted directly on the internal closing region in the form of fixed lid with an outlet nozzle of a usual simple press-type packaging, whether or not it has an inner suction tube coupled to the inlet duct of said fixed lid, where internal pressure is obtained by pressing the body.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Below is a detailed description of the present Invention for improved understanding, drawing references to the accompanying drawings:

[0016] FIG. 1 represents a cross section view exemplifying a packaging with actuator and dispenser mechanism, where the actuator includes the present valve cartridge;

[0017] FIG. 2 shows enlarged details of the front view;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a blown-up view and an enlarged detail thereof, showing in a front angle the actuator and the components that form the present valve cartridge;

[0019] FIG. 4 is also a blown-up view and an enlarged detail thereof, but showing in a rear angle the actuator and the components that form the present valve cartridge;

[0020] FIG. 5 shows a view practically identical to FIG. 3, but in cross section showing the internal details of the assembly;

[0021] FIG. 6 is practically identical to FIG. 2, but this case illustrates another preferred embodiment to alter the outlet stream of the product;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a blown-up view of FIG. 6, including an enlarged detail thereof;

[0023] FIG. 8 shows a blown-up view and an enlarged detail thereof, showing in a front angle the other embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7;

[0024] FIG. 9 represents a blown-up view in a front angle of the embodiment that turns the stream into spray;

[0025] FIG. 10 shows a view identical to FIG. 2, but this case has modified details that define the version so that the stream can exit in spray form;

[0026] FIG. 11 represents an exploded perspective of the section illustrated in FIG. 10 and enlarged details thereof;

[0027] FIG. 12 shows a blown-up view of the section illustrated in FIG. 10 and an enlarged detail thereof; and

[0028] FIG. 13 represents a side view schematically showing a press-type packaging or without dispenser mechanism exemplifying that this type of packaging and other similar ones may utilize the present valve cartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] According to these illustrations and details herein, more particularly FIG. 1, the present Invention, a VALVE CARTRIDGE FOR ACTUATORS OF A RANGE OF PACKAGING, is characterized by being an independent complementary valve mechanism (1) developed to be mounted directly on the internal region of the outlet nozzle (2) of a known actuator (3) of a usual packaging (4), which actuator is traditionally combined with a pump-type mechanism (5) for extracting the product (P) contained in said packaging (4) and, accordingly, said packaging has a seal-tight upper closing part (6) that forms the body housing the extractor pump-type mechanism (5), the upper part of which is in communication with the outlet nozzle (2), while the lower part is in communication with the inside of the packaging (4), where it produces a vacuum, negative pressure or positive pressure, sufficient to move the product (P) to the outlet nozzle (2), containing an inlet duct (7) and an outlet duct (8), and in the latter there is mounted the independent complementary valve mechanism (1) which alters said stream of the semi-solid product (P) turning it into a drip, trickle or spray.

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the independent complementary valve mechanism (1) is formed by a tubular cartridge (9) with diameter and length consistent to be housed inside the outlet duct (8) of the actuator (3), where said cartridge has means (10) so that its internal part communicates with the inlet duct (7) and receives the stream of product (P) to be altered and dispensed and, accordingly, inside said cartridge a mobile part is longitudinally housed in jet form (11) and respective spring (12), said jet having a rear end supported on the tubular cartridge (9) itself, while the opposite end is an obturator tip (13) normally kept pressed against a seat seal (14) coupled to the front end of said cartridge (9) and of the outlet nozzle (2), and, further, said jet (11) or obturator tip (13) moves away from said seat seal (14) only when there is an increase in internal pressure in the ducts (7-8) and, simultaneously, a product stream (P) also occurs inside the inlet duct (7) and in the outlet duct (8), consequently, a portion in drip form of said product (P) is dispensed in the outlet nozzle (2).

[0031] In relation to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the tubular cartridge (9) presents a frustoconical rear end (15) which makes it easier to fit inside the outlet duct (8) and, further, the rear end includes a closing (16) which, internally, constitutes support for the spring (12), and before said frustoconical tapering (15) the communicating means (10) with the inlet duct (7) are defined by a string of oblong apertures (17).

[0032] The jet (11) has an elongated part in the form of cylindrical rod (18), having a front end with a chamfer (19) and averagely has radial vanes (20) and at the rear end includes a plunger-like head (21), with a central hole (22) for incasing the spring (12), and the plunger-like head (21) and the radial vanes (20) have outer diameters consistent for tight and sliding inside the tubular cartridge (9).

[0033] The spring (12) is comprised of a cylindrical pin (23) which, by the front end, is incased into that central hole (22) of the plunger (21), while at the opposite end it has radial projections curved backwards that configure small blade springs (24), whose distal ends are interconnected by a stabilizer ring (25) which, in turn, constitutes support against the closing (16) of the tubular cartridge (9) and, thus, when there is an increase in pressure inside said tubular cartridge (9), the plunger (21) is forced backwards and overcomes the pressure of the spring blades (24), consequently, the chamfered end (19) of the jet (11) moves away from the seat seal (14) allowing a reduced quantity of product (P), in drip form, to be dispensed.

[0034] The seat seal (14) is formed by a rear ring part (26), with internal chamfer (27) and external diameter consistent for penetrating and being locked inside the tubular cartridge (9), having a front flange (28) as penetration limit, with external diameter equal to that of the tubular cartridge (9) and, further, this flange is hollowed by a central hole (29) internally with a chamfer (30) which, in turn, constitutes the seat seal per se for the obturator tip (13) of the jet (11).

[0035] In another preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, constructive details are provided that enable the cartridge to dispense a quantity of product substantially larger than a drip, defined herein as trickle, such as occurs, for example, when the product is a lotion. In this case generally a greater quantity has to be dispensed in a single operation and, accordingly, the seat seal (14) is modified, but maintaining the rear ring part (26) with external diameter consistent for penetrating and being locked inside the tubular cartridge (9), having the same front flange (28) as penetration limit with external diameter equal to that of the tubular cartridge (9) and, further, this flange is hollowed by a central hole (29) which is characterized in that before it there are provided two circular widenings, an intermediary widening (31) with chamfer (32) and a rear widening (33) greater than the front, resulting in two degrees (34) and (35), which, jointly with the central hole (29), form the seat seal per se, which receives the corresponding end of the jet (11). This end, in turn, is also modified and ends in the form of an integrated stopper (36), with suitable diameter and length to close or open the central hole (29) and, before said integrated stopper (36), there is a degree (37) corresponding to the diameter of the cylindrical rod (18) which, in turn, closes or opens the intermediary widening (31), consequently, a closing in more than one stage occurs, such that a trickle of the product can be dispensed, such as occurs, for example, with a lotion.

[0036] In another preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 12, constructive details are provided that enable the cartridge to dispense a quantity of product in spray form and, accordingly, comprises a stream-splitting tip (38) and an internal seat seal (39). The stream-splitting tip (38) has a rear ring part (40) with external diameter consistent for penetrating and being locked inside the tubular cartridge (9), having a front blind flange (41) as penetration limit, with external diameter equal to that of the tubular cartridge (9), while in the internal diameter of the rear ring part (40) the internal seat seal (39) is incased which, in turn, has a circular stretch with a diameter corresponding (42) to the shape of a glass, with a rear flange (43) with external diameter to be adjusted in the internal diameter of the cartridge (9), and said internal seal (39) has its front part closed (44), containing a central hole (45) which form the seat seal per se, which receives the corresponding end of the cylindrical rod (18) of the jet (11) which ends in the form of an integrated stopper (46), with suitable diameter and length to close or open said central hole (45), establishing or interrupting a single stream which arrives at the stream-splitting tip (38), where said single stream is split into various other smaller streams and, accordingly, the inner side of the front blind flange (41) has a circular recess configuring a primary distribution chamber (47) between said front blind flange (41) and the seat seal formed by the central hole (45). Said primary chamber (47) has various radial outlets (48) to split the stream which tangentially communicate with other secondary distribution chambers (49), equally circular, distributed around the first (47), and each secondary distribution chamber (49) has internally spiral recesses (50) centrally with an outlet hole (51) of the product to be dispensed in spray.

[0037] The working of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 12 is practically identical to the preceding versions, but with alteration in the stream at the outlet of the tip, and this stream is split and swirled sufficiently for the product to be dispensed in the form of spray at each outlet hole (51), that is, in the same form as in the preceding versions, when there is an increase in pressure in the inlet duct (7) of the actuator (3), the spring (12) is overcome and the jet (11) is displaced backwards, through its plunger (21), consequently, the stopper (46) is moved away from the hole (45), where an outlet product stream is established which, in turn, fills the first chamber (47) of the stream-splitting tip (38). In this chamber the stream is split into other smaller streams through the radial exits (48), where each stream tangentially enters into the corresponding secondary distribution chamber (49) and, at this point, the spiral recesses (50) provoke swirling of the product stream, that is, the spiral recesses produce a particular effect in the product stream, spinning it with speed and pressure, consequently, said stream is further split, turning into a jet of particles which is finally dispensed in spray form through each outlet hole (51). This working condition enables the products with greater density, such as oils and the like, for example, the silicone can be dispensed in the desired form. Logically at the moment in which the pressure decreases and ceases in the inlet duct (7), the whole assembly returns to its previous position and thus the seat seal (39) is again closed in seal-tight manner.

[0038] Lastly, FIG. 13 schematically shows a usual simple press-type packaging, those devoid of pump-type dispenser mechanism, that is, the internal pressure is obtained by pressing the body (C) of the packaging such that its content can be forced to flow through a suction tube (P) to a lid or similar (T). In this type of packaging, the suction tube (P) is provided when it remains or is handled upright, consequently, said suction tube is eliminated when the packaging remains or is handled capsizedly. Regardless of said aspects, said lid (T) is not an actuator and does not have any seal-tight component, that is, the stream ceases in the moment when the body of the packaging is no longer pressed. Therefore, said lid (T) is a fixed closing part that may potentially receive a seal-tight overcap (not illustrated), and in this case said lid (T) includes the inlet (7) and the outlet (8) ducts, in communication with each other, where the latter, such as already described, constitutes housing for the independent complementary valve mechanism (1) of the versions already described and configures the outlet nozzle (2). In this case exemplified in FIG. 1 the outlet duct (8) is illustrated in the horizontal position, but maintaining the same functional concept, same could be in slanted position or in the vertical position, which does not alter the working of the assembly, that is, by pressing the body (C) of the packaging, sufficient internal pressure is created so that the product can stream until it reaches the inside of the independent complementary valve mechanism (1). From this point onwards, the working of the assembly is exactly the same as described previously for all the embodiments.