Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
11360~
Description
Continuous Spray Overcap
Technical Field
This invention relates to an overcap assembly of the
type primarily used in conjunction with an aerosol dispenser
and more particularly to an overcap for continuously dis-
pensing the product of the aerosol dispenser.
Background Art
Presently there exists many different ~ypes of aerosol
dispensers with various types of valve assemblies. Some
assemblies are of the continuous type which are primarily
designed to remain in an "open" or "On" position once
actuated by an operator. Typically, room deodorants and bug
sprays and the like use continuous valve assemblies.
One prior art continuous spray assembly has an extra-
long, closed end valve stem having scored or crimped in-
dentations therein. To actuate the valve, the stem is bent
back and forth at the scored indentation until the stem
severs to allow the product and propellant to escape. The
major disadvantage of this type of continuous spray assembly
is the inability to terminate or turn "Off" the spray once
the stem has been severed. This valve can ~e particularly
hazardous if the stem is accidentally severed during ship-
ment or storage. Another disadvantage is the inability of
the severed stem to create a desired spray pattern. The
product and propellant just haphazardly spews out of the
stem.
Another type of continuous spray button assembly
consists of a clip which holds the stem of a tilt valve in a
tilted position. The clip is placed over the button and
engages a rim of the aerosol dispenser. A hole within the
clip allows the product and propellant to be dispensed from
the terminal orifice of the button. Unfortunately the clip
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cannot be easily dislodged from the rim after actuation
of the continous spray assembly. A further disadvantage
of this structure is the use of two separate pieces of
the structure. The clip is usually just loosely contained
within an overcap of the aerosol dispenser raising the
possibility that the clip will be lost, especially when
displayed and subjected to customer handling.
Another type of continuous spray assembly consists
of a button mounted upon a tilt valve type assembly. The
1~ stem of the assembly has an integral protruding arm with
a hooked portion at an outer end. As the button is
tilted to an "On" position, the hook portion engages a
rim of the aerosol dispenser. An upstanding tab which
is integrally molded onto the protruding arm may be
pressed to disengage the hook portion of the protruding
arm, thereby releasing the button. The button then
returns to the original vertical "Off" position.
Unfortunately, this structure is complicated and expensive
and has many of the same problems as the previously
described continuous spray button assemblies.
Another type of continuous spray assembly is an actua-
tion cap shown in Landsman U.S. Patent 3,765,573, issued
October 16, 1973. The actuation cap comprises a
cylindrical sidewall with a transverse wall extending
therebetween. The transverse wall includes a conical
protuberance having a vertical axis offset from the
vertical axis of the valve stem. The actuation cap is
inverted and reseated on the rim of the mounting cup
causing the protuberance to actuate the valve stem by
tilting the valve into an "On" position. The product and
propellant are then dispensed through an opening in the
apex of the protuberance. The major disadvantage of
this type of continuous spray assembly is the configuration
of the protuberance. The valve stem does not fit into the
protuberance, but is only tilted by the protuberance.
This arrangement occasionally causes the product and
propellant to impinge onto the interior of the protuberance
causing leakage around the rim. Furthermore, the product
accumulates in the opening which interferes with proper
issuance of the
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product. In extreme cases, clogging may occur which renders
the aerosol dispenser inoperable. Another major disad-
vantage of this st-ucture is the inability to easily
incorporate various swirl chambers, expansion chambers and
terminal orifices within the structure.
; Therefore, in order to overcome the inherent and
particular inadequacies of the prior art, it is an object of
this invention to produce a continuous spray overcap assembly
which may be easily turned `'On" and "Off".
Another object of this invention is to provide a means
~ to prevent leakage of the product before the product issues
; ' from the terminal orifice.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a
structure which may utilize various swirl chambers, ex-
' 15 pansion chambers, inserts and terminal orifices to achieve a
desired spray pattern.
A further object of this invention is to provide a
- structure which may be used with a large variety of existing
aerosol dispensers.
A still further object of this invention is to provide
a structure which is easy and economical to manufacture,
Other objects and a fuller understanding of the inven-
tion may be had by referring to the summary of the invention,
the description and the claims, taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
Disclosure of Invention
The invention relates to a continuous spray overcap
; assembly of the type primarily used with aerosol dispensers
or cans.
The invention functions as a standard protective
overcap for the aerosol can during shipment and shelf
storage. A valve assembly in the aerosol container includes
a projecting valve stem. The overcap assembly may be
removed and remounted in an inverted position onto a rim on
the top of the aerosol can, In the inverted position, the
overcap moves the valve stem into an "On~ position, thereby
.
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dispensing the product and propellant. Removal of the
overcap assembly causes the stem to return to the original
"Off" position. The~overcap assembly can then be reinverted
~ and fitted onto the rim of the can of the aerosol dispenser
for further shelf storage. It should be evident that all or
only a portion of the product and propellant may ~e dispensed
from this continuous spray overcap.
In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the
overcap assembly has a cup-shape. A valve actuation means
is disposed in the base of the cup-shaped cavity. The rim
of the cavity is configured to be resiliently mounted onto a
rim of the aerosol dispenser, such as the mounting cup rim,
a rim on the chime or the outer rim of the aerosol can. An
inside rim of the mounting cup or an undercut on the chime
as well as an inside rim of the can may also be used for
mounting. In any case, a plurality of lugs or a mere
annular lip may be utilized to hold the overcap assembly in
an inverted valve actuating mounted position.
In the first embodiment, the valve actuation means
comprises a nipple for receiving the stem of the aerosol
valve. As the inverted overcap assembly is mounted, the
valve stem is simultaneously depressed to actuate the valve
to spray product and propellant through a hole in the
nipple.
In the second embodiment, the valve actuation means has
the nipple structure of the first embodiment with a terminal
orifice insert fitted into a recess of the nipple. Any type
of insert may be utilized depending on the desired spray
pattern.
; 30 In the third embodiment, the valve actuation means
comprises an aperture which encircles the valve button of
the aerosol valve. The button may be ridigly press-fitted
onto the valve stem or may be an integral valve buttcn with
depending stem. The lower portion of the button has an
outer annular step. When the overcap assembly is inverted
and remounted on the aerosol can, the button extends through
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the aperture with the edge of the aperture seated on the
annular step to depress the button.
In some circumstances, it is not desirable to manu-
facture a valve button with an annular step. In the fourth
embodiment, the valve actuation means has a hollow cage with
a top whereby a standard valve ~utton may ~e received within
the cage. The top of the cage depresses the button, thereby
actuating the valve.
Alternatively, the cage may be simply one or more up-
standing arms. The hand of the arm depresses the button asthe overcap is mounted in the inverted position. A desir-
able feature of this em~odiment is that the arm may be made
to flex outwaraly to accommodate various diameters of
buttons.
A major feature of this invention is the ability to
turn the spray "On" and "Off" at leisure. In many appli-
cations, this feature is most desirable. For example, when
a large portion of product must be dispensed, it may be
desirable to spray for a rather lengthy period. Ordinarily,
the user would be fatigued by the continued depression of
the button. For example, bug defoggers, household deodorants,
paint sprayers or rug cleaners frequently require such
lengthy spray application. Bug fumigators generally require
a totally continuous spray until complete exhaustion of the
product and the propellant.
Another feature of this invention is the elimination of
buildup of product as it issues from the terminal orifice.
Specifically, in the first and second embodiments of the
actuation means, the cavity of the nipple is specially con-
figured to graspingly receive the valve stem. This pre-
cludes leakage of product before the product issues from the
nipple. The continued use of a valve button in the third
and fourth embodiments inherently precludes leakage.
Another feature of this invention is the ability to
achieve almost any type of spray pattern. Specifically, the
valve actuation means may include various swirl cham~ers or
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expansion chambers prior to the terminal orifice. Hence,
various type spray patterns may be achived. Additionally,
inserts such as mechanical breakup (~B~) inserts may be used
to mechanically atomize the product before dispensing.
The invention accordingly comprises the features of
construction, combination of elements and arrangement of
parts which will be exemplified in the construction here-
inafter set forth and the scope of the invention will be
indicated in the claims.
.
Brief Description of the Drawings
~ For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of
; the present invention, reference should be had to the
following detailea description taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the continuous
spray overcap assembly in the valve protecting position;
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the continuous
spray overcap assembly in the inverted spray actuating
position;
Fig. 3 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a first
~- embodiment of the valve actuating means;
' Fig. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a second
embodiment of the valve actuating means;
Fig. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a third
embodiment of the valve actuating means;
Fig. 6 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a fourth
embodiment of the valve actuating means;
Fig. 7 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a fifth
embodiment of the valve actuating means;
Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectonal view of the second
embodiment of valve actuation means and including an insert
shown therein;
Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the third
embodiment of valve actuation means and including a button
and insert shown therein;
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Fig. 10 is a top view of the fourth embodiment shown
in Fig. 6 illustrating a cage disposed about a standard
valve stem;
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines
11-11 of Fig. 10 showing the cylindrical wall of the cage;
Fig. 12 is a top view of another embodiment of the
cage structure showing upstanding arms; and
Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines
13-13 of Fig~ 12 showing a hand of each arm depressing the
top of the valve button.
In the accompanying drawings, Figure 8 appears with
Figures 1, 2 and 3; and Figure 6 appears with Figures 10,
11, 12 and 13.
Similar reference characters refer to similar parts
throughout the several views of the drawings.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
.
As generally shown in Figs. 1 and 2, this invention
comprises a continuous spray assembly including an overcap
1 having a cup-shaped body. A cavity 3 is located in the
base of the cup with a valve actuation means 7 being
disposed in the center of the cavity 3.
The overcap 1 functions as a standard protective over-
cap during shipment and shelf storage. However the overcap
1 may be inverted and mounted onto the aerosol can 9 as
shown in Fi~. 2. In the inverted position, the actuation
means 7 depresses a valve stem 11 of a container within
the aerosol can 9 to dispense the product and propellant
as shown by arrows 15. Subsequent removal of the overcap
1 causes the valve assembly to return to an "Off" position.
As shown in Fig. 1, the overcap 1 in the valve
protection position is attached to the outer rim 17 of the
aerosol can 9. In this position, the overcap 1 protects
the valve stem 11 from accidental actuation. Inwardly
extending lugs 19 spaced around the rim 20 of the overcap
may be used as the attachment means. Alternatively an
inwardly directed continuous lip may be used in addition
to equivalent structure ,
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It should be noted that the overcap 1 may attach to
other parts of the aerosol dispenser. For example the
overcap 1 may attach onto an undercut in the rim 21 of the
valve turret or the chime or onto the inside of the rim 17
of the aerosol can. The overcap 1 may also be mounted onto
the outside of the rim 21 of the mounting cup, or onto an
inside crimp on the mounting cup.
- In the first embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the cavity 3
~- of the overcap 1 has an annular sidewall 25 and a shallow
conical top 27 with lugs 29 disposed at the bottom edge of
-; the wall 25. When the overcap 1 is inverted and remounted
on the rim 21 of the mounting cup, wall 25 flexes outwardly
. to enable lugs 29 to snap over the rim 21. In this inverted
position, the overcap 1 depresses the valve stem to open the
valve and dispense the product and propellant.
- In the second embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the cavity 3
of the overcap is configured to secure to an inside crimp 31
on the mounting cup 23. In this embodiment, a depending
annular skirt 37 extends downwardly from a dome 35. Lugs 41
are disposed on the outside of the skirt 37. When this
embodiment is positioned in the inverted position, the skirt
37 resiliently flexes inwardly as overcap 1 is pressed
downwardly. The lugs 41 engage crimp 31 to hold overcap 1
in the "Valve On" position.
In the third embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the cavity 3
of the overcap fits onto the crimp 43 of the valve turret
45. A depending annular skirt 49 extends from the bottom
edge 51 of the dome 47 with lugs 53 being disposed on the
inside of the skirt 49. The skirt 49 resiliently flexes
outwardly as the overcap 1 is pressed into the inverted
remounted position. The lugs 53 engage the crimp 43 to hold
the overcap 1 in the "Valve On" position.
In the fourth embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the cavity 3
fits onto an undercut rim 55 of chime 57 of the can 9. The
base of cavity 3 has a partially spherically shaped dome 59
~,
,
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g
with the lower edge 63 having inwardly directed lugs 65 to
grasp the rim 55. Dome 59 resiliently flexes outwardly as
the overcap 1 is remounted on the can 9 enabling lugs 65 to
engage rim 55 to hold overcap 1 in the "Valve On" position.
In the fifth embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the cavity 3
fits onto the rim 69 of the aerosol can 71. The cavity 3
has an angular-shaped dome 73 with a rim 75 grasping onto
the aerosol can rim 69 through lugs 79. Rim 75 resiliently
flexes outwardly as the overcap 1 is removed in the inverted
position as lugs 79 snap over the rim to hold the overcap 1
in the "Valve On" position.
It should be understood that the lugs utilized in all
of the embodiments of the cavity may comprise a plurality of
lugs or an annular protuberance. Furthermore, it should
also be understood that a plurality of legs may be used
instead of the skirt shown in the various embodiments.
The first embodiment of the actuation means is best
seen in Fig. 3 and comprises a hollow shaped nipple 83
disposed in the base of the cup-shaped cavity 3. The cavity
87 in the nipple 83 tightly receives the valve stem 89. The
outer edge 91 of the nipple cavity 87 may be chamfered as
shown to help locate the valve stem 89. When the overcap 1
is inverted and mounted on rim 21, the valve stem 89 locates
in cavity 87 and depresses the valve stem 89 to open and
valve and dispense product through an overcap nipple orifice
99.
The second embodiment of the actuator means is best
shown in Fig. 8 and comprises a nipple 101 having a cavity
104 dimensioned to receive an insert 105 and a valve stem
107. Edges 109 of the nipple 101 may be chamfered to help
locate the valve stem 107.
The third embodiment of the actuator means is best
shown in Fig. 9 and comprises an aperture 111 disposed in
the base of the cup-shaped cavity 3. An enlarged valve
`
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~ button 113 having an annular step 115 is mounted on the
{ valve stem 117. When the overcap 1 is inverted and re-
~ mounted the button 113 extends through the aperture 111 with
¦ the edge 118 of the aperture 111 seated on top of the step
115 to depress the stem 117 thereby dispensing product and
pr~pellant.
~ The fourth embodiment of the actuator means is best
-~ shown in Figs. 10, 11, 12 and 13 and comprises a cage 119
disposed over an aperture 120. In Fig. 11, the cage includes
a substantially cylindrical wall 121 with a top 123 having
an axial orifice 125 therein. When the overcap 1 is inverted
~ and remounted, the valve button with or without insert 127
j is enclosed in the cage 119 and depressed by top 123 thereby
~ actuating the valve assembly lnot shown). Product and pro-
-' 15 pellant are dispensed through a terminal orifice 129 of the
g button with or without insert 127 and through the axial
orifice 125.
Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate a cage 119 comprising at
least one upstanding arm 131 with hand 133 disposed at the
20 end of each arm 131. As the button with or without insert
135 enters cage 119, the hand 133 grasps the button edge 137
and depresses the button 135 to dispense the product. It
should be noted that this particular embodiment may be used
with various size valve buttons. Thus, regardless of the
25 diameter of the button, arms 131 may flex outwardly as shown
I by arrow 139 and grasp edge 137 of the button 135 to activate
I the valve.
The cage configuration also enables use of a side
orifice button whereby the spray is emitted horizontally
30 such as a right angle spray passage 141.
~ From the foregoing it should be evident that a superior
¦ c~ntinuous spray overcap has been designed. The cooperative
fit between the valve stem and the overcap, or between the
valve button and the overcap prevents leakage therebetween.
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The invention also enables use of a side spray pattern as
well as the use of terminal orifice inserts or buttons with
such inserts. Mechanical breakup buttons or other special
spray or breakup or even aspirator feed flow patterns can be
incorporated into the overcap or button structure if desired.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above,
among those made apparent from the preceding description,
are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be
made in the above construction without departing from the
scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter con-
tained in the above description or shown in the accompanying
drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a
limiting sense.
, ~
