US3244331A - Disposable single charge aerosol capsule - Google Patents

Description

April 5, 1966 R. N. KHARASCH DISPOSABLE SINGLE CHARGE AEROSOL CAPSULE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 24, 1964 INVENTOR Pa e-z! Mme/15c ATTORNEY April 5, 1966 R. N. KHARASCH DISPOSABLE SINGLE CHARGE AEROSOL CAPSULE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 24, 1964 INVENTOR @asvser/V Mme/25c ATTORNEY United States Patent Office 3,244,331 Patented. Apr. 5, 19 66 3,244,331 DISPOSABLE SINGLE CHARGE AEROSOL CAPSULE Robert N- arasch, 7 Bu d C u e h a, Filed Jan. 24, 1964, Ser. No. 340,061 15 Claims. (Cl. 222-211) This invention relates generally to aerosol dispensers and more particularly to a one-shot aerosol capsule especially adapted for use on trips, etc., where packing space may be at a premium and where it is desired to ha e a ail bl a in e ha ge or sh t of shaving c deodorant, etc., available.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel aerosol capsule wlch lends itself to ready packaging, affords protection against ac-cidental release or discha e, is ea ily an econom a y m n a nd. is readily used and practical for the purposes intended.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide a novel disposable aerosol capsule frangible seal means within the capsule, and in Whih said seal means is protected against rupture or breaking during transit, handling etc., and yet is immediately accessible to be broken by a simple man al, m nipu a ion- A fur h r obje of t Pre ent. in n is to P ov a single charge aerosol capsule whereby substantially all of the fluent contents thereof will be dispensed and the use and activation of the capsule is readily accomplished in a single hand operation by a user.

Another object of the present invention in conformance with that set forth is to provide a novel aerosol capsule which includes means for controlling the distribution or amount of fluent material being discharged to different locations.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a novel disposable aerosol capsule which includes novel frangible seal fracturing means.

And a still further object of the invention in conformance with that set forth above is to provide a novel disposable aerosol capsule which includes a frangible aerosolcharge element for activating the capsule.

These together with other objects and advantages will become apparent upon a consideration of the accompanying specification and drawings forming a part thereof, wherein:

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation of the novel aerosol capsule of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a view similar to FIGURE 1 with portions broken away and sectioned for purposes of showing details of construction;

FIGURE 3a is a view similar to FIGURE 2, showing in phantom lines the normal position of the cup or fluid well of the capsule, and illustrating how the frangible seal of the dip tube of the capsule may be broken;

FIGURE 3b is an enlarged fragmentary view of an end portion of a modified dip tube end portion for facilitating optional discharge of the aerosol dispenser contents;

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to FIGURES 2 and 3, showing in phantom lines the normal position of the control portion of the exposed end of the dispensing end of the dip tube; the capsule being actuated and showing how the broken tip is retained in the sump or fluid well;

FIGURE 5a is a slightly enlarged, fragmentary section similar to the lower portion of FIGURES 2, 3a and 4, showing a modified frangible seal on the lower dip tube end, and showing by phantom lines the manner in which the seal is broken;

FIGURE 5b is a vertical section taken substantially on the plane of line 5b-5b of FIGURE 5a;

FIGURE 6 is a view similar to FIGURE 5ashowing a still further modification of the dip tube frangible seal;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary vertical section similar to FIGURES 5a-6, showing a disposable aerosol capsule including an aerosol-supply cartridge; and

FIGURE 8 is a side elevation of the embodiment of FIGURE 7, with portions broken away and shown in section.

Prior to referring to the drawings in detail, it should be kept in mind that the novel capsule of the invention is not only conducive for use as a one-shot aerosol capsule, but the principles of the invention are readily applicable in other types of throw away aerosol containers.

Referring to the drawings in detail, a novel aerosol capsule is indicated generally at 10 and comprises a flexible container indicated generally at 12 and an integral, relae tively flexible dip tube indicated generally at 14.

The entire assembly is produced from a suitable plastic material which will not be subject to corrosion, and although the dip tube is flexible, it will have sufiicient rigidity to facilitate the breaking of a frangible seal at a weakened portion within the container; this structure and function will be subsequently described in detail.

The container 12 has an enlarged upper body portion 16, conveniently having a circular cross-section, and continuing in a transverse top wall 18 which is centrally apertured at 20. The body portion 16 includes a converging lower portion 22 which terminates in a sealed, flexible tip or teat-like fluid well or sump 24.

The body portion 16 may be readily grasped in a users hand and the tip or fluid well may be displaced from the phantom to the solid line position of FIGURE 3a. At the same time, the thumb and index finger of the user will be free to manipulate the exposed terminal end of the dip tube 14 in the manner clearly indicated in FIGURE 4, and for the purpose to be described.

The lower part of the container 16 and the well 24 will be filled with a fluent material F to be dispensed by pressure, i.e., powder or liquid, such as shaving cream, bath powder, deodorant, hair sprays, etc.

The assembly of the capsule may be accomplished at a relatively low temperature, and the container 16 will receive a charge of a suitable aerosol gas G which is conventionally used in commercial shaving cream dispensers and the like, for example. The introduction of the gas under lower temperature conditions will facilitate charging of the capsule, and when subject to normal temperatures will expand to the extent of providing the necessary internal pressure in the capsule.

The clip tube 14 comprises an elongated body portion 26 projecting through the aperture 20 of the wall 18 of the container and is integrated therewith, after the container is charged, by means of a heat weld, sealing material, etc, forming a sealed connection 28. The wall 18 may include an enlarged boss portion 30 about aperture 20 to faciiltate sealing and provide structural rigidity to wall 18 at the seal 28.

The lower end of the body portion 26 is closed as indicated at 32, and formed in the tube within the well or tip 24 is a frangible seal 34 which comprises a weakened portion in the side wall of the tube to insure severing or breaking as shown at 34 and 34" in FIGURES 3 and 4, respectively. In the event the lower portion 36 of the tube 26 is entirely separated from the tube 26, the portion remaining in the fluid sump or well will not impede dispensing of the fluid material F by the gas G.

It will be noted that the fluid F will accumulate in the lower portion of the sump or well 24 of the container and thus although a relatively small or single charge of the material F is provided in the container, the well or sump assures that substantially all of the material F will be dispensed.

The tube 26 includes at the exposed terminal end 40 a reduced diameter orifice 42 through which the fluent material is immediately discharged as a spray, foam, etc.,

upon the breaking of the frangible seal 34.

In order to afford the selective distribution of the spray, the tube 26 includes in spaced relation from the orifice 42 an enlarged portion 44 which provides a physically operated valve or close-off means for the tube, the portion 44 defining a natural fold or physically formed seal 46 which can be maintained by the relatively free thumb and index finger of the user of the device. The tube 26, it will be noted from FIGURE 4, will be pinched tight at the fold 46 and thus a deodorant or hair spray, for example, can be selectively sprayed where needed. The subject invention can also be used for the purpose of spraying insecticides, paints, etc., and the flexible container 16, prior to the breaking of the frangible seal 34, may be readily kneaded for the purpose of mixing paint, etc. Likewise, the capsule of the invention is practical and desirable for use in simple touch-up work on automotive finishes, furniture touch up, etc., and thus although the exemplary embodiment is disclosed as a oneshot aerosol capsule conducive to be transported and taken on trips, dispensed in restrooms, etc., the invention is disclosed by way of illustration and not limitation.

Considering FIGURE 31) as compared with 3a, a fragmentary portion of a dip tube 26' includes a discharge orifice 42'. The tube 26' includes on the inner wall thereof in spaced relation from the discharge orifice an enlarged abutment portion 44 which facilitates the forming of the pinch valve" similar to that illustrated in FIG- URE 4.

Alternatively, as seen in FIGURE 3a, the tube 26 may have formed on the inner wall thereof an enlargement 44" which is disposed above the seal 34 within the well 24 The abutment 44 will function as a pinch olf valve by squeezing the tube together thereat.

Referring to FIGURES a and 5b, the upper portion of this dispenser is essentially the same as that previously described. This embodiment includes a container 112 including a body portion 116 having a lower converging portion 122 merging into an elongated, modified well or sump 124. The sump 124 has formed on the inner surface thereof an inwardly projecting pointed portion 125 which can be urged toward the opposite wall portion of the sump 124 as shown by phantom lines.

A dip tube 126 is intermediately secured to the container body portion 116 as described with respect to FIG- URES l-4, and includes a lower, flat, tear-drop shaped portion 127 dispose-d in sump 124. The flat portion 127 includes a relatively thin puncturable or frangible side wall 134 disposed adjacent the terminal end of the pointed projection 125.

As shown by means of phantom lines in FIGURE 5a, by grasping the sump 124, between one thumb and forefinger, the pointed end of projection 125 will penetrate the thin wall 134, and the pressure change within container 116, as in the previously described embodiment, will force the fluent material F upwardly out of the dip tube 126.

Considering FIGURE 6, a body portion 116 includes a dip tube 126' mounted in the upper portion thereof as previously described. The well or sump portion 124' has the lower end of the dip tube disposed therein.

The lower end of the dip tube 126 includes a frangible or rupturable wall portion 134', and the lower end of the tube includes a flexible, reverse bend portion 129 terminating in a pointed portion 125.

The pointed end of portion 125' is disposed opposite the thin wall portion 134, and when the well 124' is squeezed, as shown by phantom lines, fluid F will be dispensed as previously described.

Considering FIGURES 7 and 8, there is disclosed an embodiment which includes a flexible and rupturable aerosol cartridge. This embodiment eliminates certain controlled manufacturing procedures that would be required in producing the previously described embodimerits. Additionally, an aerosol charge that might react unfavorably with the fluid being dispensed, after extended contact therewith, is kept out of contact until actual dispensing.

This embodiment includes a flexible body portion 216 which has a lower well or sump portion 224. The sump 224 is slightly larger than the sumps of the previously described embodiments and includes an annular recess 231 formed on the inner surface thereof, a dip tube 226 is secured to the upper end of the body portion 216 in a manner similar to that of the previously described embodiments.

The dip tube 226 is open at the lower end thereof as indicated at 232, whereby fluid will be forced therethrough when pressurized fluid is released from a sealed, flexible and rupturable sack or cartridge 234 charged with such fluid. The tube 226 includes a lateral sharpened projection 225 which will pierce the adjacent portion of the sealed cartridge or sack 234 as indicated by phantom lines in FIGURE 7.

When the sump 224 is squeezed as indicated by the direction arrows on FIGURE 7, pressurized fluid in the sack 234 will rise, react on the fluid contained in the body portion 216 and force it out of the well.

If desired, the outer terminal end of tube 226 may be sealed as indicated at 336 to prevent accidental discharge of the aerosol capsule in the event the container 234 is accidentally ruptured. The tube 226 includes a weakened portion 238 permitting discharge of the capsule contents by breaking off the tip of the sealed tube.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and therefore the invention is not limited to what is shown in the drawings and described in the specification, but only as indicated in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An aerosol assembly comprising a flexible, deformable container including a transverse upper wall, a dip tube extending through said upper wall and intermediately sealed thereto, a fluid to be expressed sealed in said container, a pressurized expressing agent in said container, and frangible seal means located within said container in a position normally preventing the pressurized expressing agent from expelling the fluid to be dispensed through said dip tube, until flexure of the side walls of the container fractures the seal means and permits the pressurized expressing agent to expel said fluid.

2. The structure of claim 1 in which the terminal end of said dip tube exteriorly of said flexible container is flexible for permitting the tube to be manually folded over to control dispensing of the container contents.

3. The structure of claim 2 in which said flexible dip tube includes an intermediate, integral abutment portion to promote folding and pinching off of said tube.

4. The structure of claim 3in which said intermediate, integral abutment portion is disposed inside the dip tube.

5. The structure of claim 3 in whichsaid, intermediate integral abutment portion is disposed exteriorly' of said tube. i

6 The structure of claim 1 in which said flexible container includes a lower sump portion in which the fluid to be expressed will accumulate, said frangible seal means being located in said sump portion.

7. The structure of claim 6 in which said dip tube ter-' minates in said sump portion, said seal means being integral with a portion of said dip tube in said sump portion.

Su p portion, Said sump portion including a sharpened projection aligned with and extendible through said thinned out section.

10. The structure of claim 7 in which said seal means comprises an intermediate thinned-out section of said tube within said sump portion, said dip tube including a sealed, terminal, reverse bend pointed portion disposed in alignment with said intermediate thinncd out section and extendible therethrough.

11. The structure of claim 1 in which said seal means comprises a sealed, puncturable sack in said flexible container, said sack containing said expressing agent.

12. The structure of claim 11 in which the lower end of said dip tube is open, said dip tube including a sharpened portion adjacent said puncturable sack for puncturing the sack.

13. The structure of claim 12 in which the sharpened portion of said dip tube comprises a lateral projection on said clip tube, said puncturable sack being disposed adjacent said lateral projection.

14. The structure of claim 1 in which said dip tube includes a flexible terminal end portion disposed adjacent a lower portion of said container, said flexible terminal end portion of said dip tube including an integral,

intermediate abutment for promoting pinching-off and closing said tube to control dispensing the contents of said container.

15. The structure of claim 14 in which the lower end of said dip tube irrcludes said frangible seal means, said seal means being located below said abutment, and a lower sump integral with said container and in which said frangible seal means and abutment are located.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,742,604 1/ 1930 Lemoine 239-308 2,574,890 11/ 1951 Samuels 222-541 X 2,574,931 11/1951 Nason 222-529 X 2,593,165 4/1952 Metger 222- 2,615,447 10/1952 Cohen.

2,811,390 10/1957 Kiraly 239-309 2,888,208 10/1959 Fedit 239-309 3,157,360 11/1964 Heard 222-214 X 3,166,096 1/1965 Lang 222-3865 X RAPHAEL M. LUPO, Primary Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. AN AEROSOL ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE, DEFORMABLE CONTAINER INCLUDING A TRANSVERSE UPPER WALL, A DIP TUBE EXTENDING THROUGH SAID UPPER WALL AND INTERMEDIATELY SEALED THERETO, A FLUID TO BE EXPRESSED SEALED IN SAID CONTAINER, A PRESSURIZED EXPRESSING AGENT IN SAID CONTAINER, AND FRANGIBLE SEAL MEANS LOCATED WITHIN SAID CONTAINER IN A POSITION NORMALLY PREVENTING THE PRESSURIZED EXPRESSING AGENT FROM EXPELLING THE FLUID TO BE DISPENSED THROUGH SAID DIP TUBE, UNTIL FLEXURE OF THE SIDE WALLS OF THE CONTAINER FRACTURES THE SEAL MEANS AND PERMITS THE PRESSURIZED EXPRESSING AGENT TO EXPEL SAID FLUID.

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