Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6415963
-
Patent Number
6,415,963
-
Date Filed
Friday, September 7, 200122 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, July 9, 200222 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Doerrler; William C.
- Bui; Thach H.
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 222 1291
- 222 1451
- 222 135
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A container with pressure device for maintaining a substantially constant, pre-set pressure in the container, which is arranged for dispensing a fluid. The pressure control device comprises a first chamber for containing a pressure fluid, in particular a pressure gas, a second chamber in which, at least during use, a control pressure prevails, and a third chamber which is formed by or is in communication with, at any rate is at least partly included in an inner space of the container. A control means is movable by a displaceable or deformable part of the wall of the second chamber and is arranged for at least partly displacing the closing member when the pressure in the third chamber is lower than the control pressure, such that the pressure fluid can flow under pressure from the first chamber to the third chamber.
Description
This application was published in English on Jun. 22, 2000 as International Publication Number WO 00/35774.
This invention relates to a container of the type described in the preamble of the main claim. Such a container is known from FR-A-2690142.
This known container comprises an inner space in which a fluid to be dispensed is included, in which inner space a pressure vessel is included with pressure control means. In the pressure vessel, a first chamber is formed into which a gas has been introduced under relatively high pressure, while an outflow opening is provided which is closed by a closing member. This closing member is somewhat rod-shaped and is surrounded in the outflow opening by an O-ring in tightly sealing engagement therewith. In the rod-shaped element, a circumferential groove is provided. In the pressure vessel, opposite the first chamber, a second chamber is formed which is closed on the side proximal to the first chamber by a membrane to which the rod-shaped element is attached through one end thereof. In the second chamber, a control pressure has been applied by means of a gas. Between the first and the second chamber, a third chamber is included, through which the rod-shaped element extends and which is provided with an opening which forms a fluid connection between the third chamber and the inner space of the container.
When in this known apparatus in the third chamber a desired pressure prevails, for instance equal to the control pressure, the groove is located in the third chamber and the outflow opening is closed by the rod-shaped element. When fluid is dispensed from the inner space, the pressure therein will decrease, which results in a corresponding pressure decrease in the third chamber. As a result, the membrane-shaped wall part of the second chamber will deform in the direction of the first chamber, thereby moving the rod-shaped element axially, further into the first chamber. When the groove has been moved to the level of the O-ring, gas can escape under pressure from the first chamber via the groove past the O-ring to the third chamber and from there to the inner space of the container. As a result, the pressure in the third chamber rises, such that the membrane-shaped wall part is deformed back, against the control pressure, thereby moving along with it the rod-shaped element from the first chamber. When the rod-shaped element is sealingly embraced again by the O-ring, no gas can escape from the first chamber anymore, in which condition the pressure in the third chamber and in the inner space is approximately equal again to the desired pressure, in this case the control pressure.
This known container has as a disadvantage that already when fitting the pressure control, a control pressure is to be provided in the second chamber, and, moreover, the control means will operate the closing member directly, so that gas will flow out of the first chamber. The reason is that when fitting occurs under normal pressure, the pressure in the third chamber will always be lower than the control pressure in the second chamber. In order to obviate this problem, it has been proposed to mount the pressure control device and fill the container under excess pressure, such that the control pressure is compensated. This, however, is technically complicated and disadvantageous.
The object of the invention is to provide a container of the type described in the preamble, in which the disadvantages mentioned are obviated, while maintaining the advantages thereof. To that end, an apparatus according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim
1
.
In an apparatus according to the present invention, the advantage is achieved that prior to use the control means is at least functionally uncoupled from the closing member. This means that at a pressure in the third chamber which is relatively low with respect to the control pressure, for instance during assembly and filling of the container, movements of the control means will not force the closing member into an opened position. This means that prior to use the closing member will remain closed at all times. Only when a specific activation step is carried out is a functional coupling obtained between the control means and the closing member, such that a control pressure desired during use is obtained in the second chamber and upon decrease of the pressure in the third chamber relative to the control pressure, the closing member can be urged to the open position for the desired pressure fluid, as described in the introduction. The activation step is then to be carried out deliberately in order to set the pressure control into operation.
A pressure control for use in an apparatus according to the present invention further has the advantage that it can be readily stored and transported, without involving the risk that the pressure medium will flow out of the first chamber. Thus, important technical safety advantages and economic advantages are achieved. Moreover, an apparatus according to the present invention can be assembled and filled at normal ambient pressure, which is particularly advantageous, since this permits the use of conventional assembly and filling lines and does not necessitate special pressure provisions.
In a first advantageous elaboration, a container according to the present invention is characterized by the features according to claim
2
.
In such an embodiment, in the first position, the control means can move freely relative to the closing member over a selected distance, without the closing member being operated. This means that the volume of the second chamber can vary within selected limits, for instance as a result of a pressure change, without this enabling pressure fluid to escape from the first chamber. Through an activation step, the first and second coupling means can be brought into a coupled second position, such that a change of the volume of the second chamber, in particular an increase thereof, will activate the control means, so that the closing member is operated for at least temporarily clearing the passage opening between the first and third chamber. The container can, for instance, be filled and the pressure control device can be fitted with the coupling means in the first position, so that unwanted release of pressure fluid from the first chamber is prevented, while the container can be made ready for use through the activation step referred to. The activation step can be chosen such that it can be effected by the consumer himself and/or such that it can be carried out by the manufacturer or retailer.
In this embodiment, first and second coupling means are provided which can be brought into a first position in which they are functionally uncoupled, such that the first part can move relatively freely with respect to the second part, without thereby operating the closing member. Only when the first and second coupling means have been brought into a second position, in which they are functionally coupled, can the closing member be moved to an open position by movement of the control means. The activation step then required can, for instance, be obtained by mechanical means, such as the active movement of the first and second part relative to each other, but is preferably obtained in a pneumatic manner by temporarily raising the pressure in the third chamber to above an activation pressure which is preferably at least higher than the control pressure in the second chamber desired during use.
It is preferred that the pressure in the second chamber prior to the activation step is substantially equal to the ambient pressure, at least is approximately equal to 1 bar. This prevents the movable part of the wall from being loaded unduly and protractedly.
The invention further relates to a method for making a container ready for dispensing a fluid under substantially constant pressure, characterized by the features according to claim
6
.
With such a method, in a simple manner, a pressure control device can be filled with pressure medium, such as a gas, and subsequently be built together, without involving the risk that pressure fluid flows away undesirably from the first chamber to the environment. In fact, the closing member will keep the first chamber closed at all times, while the control means cannot, at least not yet, open it. Only when the control means have been functionally coupled to the closing member through an activation step can pressure control be provided for by controlled opening and closing of the closing member.
In a first advantageous embodiment, a method according to the present invention is further characterized by the features according to claim
7
.
By including the second part in, at least adjacent to, the closing means for the container, and mounting the first part in the container at a slight distance from the second part, they are kept separate in the container prior to use. By further designing the second part to be movable relative to the first part, the pressure control device can be set into operation by coupling the first and second part through the movement referred to. Through cooperation with the closing member, the control means will then provide for the desired internal pressure in the container. In that case, when filling the container, already a pressure can be applied in the inner space, approximately equal to the control pressure in the second chamber. Consequently, prior to the coupling of the first and second part, the control means will be in a neutral position.
In a further advantageous embodiment, a method according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim
9
.
In such an embodiment, the pressure in the inner space of the container is temporarily raised substantially, for instance by introducing an additional amount of pressure gas, in particular CO
2
, into the headspace of the container, so that the control means are activated and are brought into an actively and functionally coupled position, in communication with the closing member. Since the headspace will normally be relatively small, relatively little gas needs to be additionally introduced, which can be readily absorbed by the beverage, so that the pressure will decrease relatively fast. Thereafter, the opening and closing of the closing member is actively controlled by the pressure control device. It will be clear, incidentally, that it is also possible to obtain the desired pressure increase by reducing the headspace, for instance by deformation of a wall part of the container in the direction of the inner space, or by inflating a balloon-shaped element in the container.
The required activation step can be readily carried out by the manufacturer, for instance by introducing an amount of CO
2
or deforming a container wall part directly after filling of the container, during or directly after closure of the container. Also, means may be provided to allow the consumer carry out this activation step, for instance by means of an internal or external gas cartridge, a widget responding to the opening of dispensing means or the like.
As a pressure fluid in an apparatus or method according to the invention, preferably a gas, in particular CO
2
or CO
2
-containing gas, is utilized. However, a different pressure fluid can also be used, for instance a liquid. A pressure fluid can also be obtained in a chemical manner, for instance by bringing together calcium, (bi)carbonate and an acid such as citric acid. Thus, a pressure gas, in particular CO
2
, is obtained. Many variations thereof are possible. In this connection, for instance the (bi)carbonate or other calciferous product can be stored in the third chamber, at least on the opposite side of the closing member.
Further advantageous embodiments of a container and method according to the invention are set forth in the further dependent claims.
To clarify the invention, exemplary embodiments of a container, pressure control device and method will be further explained with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:
FIG. 1
schematically shows in sectional side elevation a container with pressure control device according to the present invention;
FIG. 2
schematically shows in sectional side elevation the general construction of a pressure control device for use in the invention;
FIGS. 3A and B
show a detail of a container according to the present invention with a portion of a pressure control device, in uncoupled condition in FIG.
3
A and in coupled, ready-for-use condition in
FIG. 3B
;
FIG. 4
shows in sectional side elevation a detail of a pressure control device in an alternative embodiment;
FIG. 5
shows in sectional side elevation a detail of a pressure control device in a second alternative embodiment;
FIG. 6
shows in sectional side elevation a detail of a pressure control device in a third alternative embodiment;
FIG. 7
shows a portion of a pressure device according to
FIG. 6
, in an alternative embodiment;
FIG. 8
shows a portion of a pressure device according to
FIG. 6
, in a fifth alternative embodiment;
FIGS. 9 and 9A
show a portion of a pressure device according to
FIG. 6
, in a sixth alternative embodiment;
FIGS. 10 and 10A
show a portion of a pressure device according to
FIG. 6
in a seventh alternative embodiment;
FIG. 11
shows a portion of a pressure device according to
FIG. 6
in an eighth alternative embodiment, suitable in particular for use with tilting valves; and
FIG. 12
shows a further alternative embodiment of a pressure control device according to the invention.
FIG. 1
shows, in a highly schematic form in a sectional side elevation, a container
1
, in the form of a substantially cylinder-shaped can in which beverage
2
is included in the inner space
4
. In the container
1
, a headspace
6
can be present, for instance filled with carbonic acid gas. In the container
1
, further, a pressure control device
8
is included, which comprises a pressure vessel
10
, a valve assembly
12
and an outlet opening
14
. In the pressure vessel
10
, in a manner to be further described hereinafter, a gas is stored under relatively high pressure. By means of the valve assembly
12
, in a manner to be further described hereinafter, gas can be introduced from the pressure vessel
10
via the pressure control device
8
into the inner space
4
of the container
1
for controlling the pressure therein. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1
, in the sidewall of the container
1
, a tap
16
is arranged, with which beverage
2
can be discharged from the inner space
4
.
In
FIG. 2
, in sectional side elevation, a portion of a pressure control device
8
is shown, as described in more detail in the Dutch patent application filed on the same date, entitled “Container with pressure control device for dispensing fluid”. This embodiment is described to illustrate the general principle of operation of such a pressure control device
8
.
In this embodiment, the pressure control device
8
comprises a first housing
18
, an intermediate part
22
and a second housing
52
. In the intermediate part
22
, a valve
94
is included of the type conventionally utilized in spray cans such as aerosol containers and the like. Such a valve is known from practice. In
FIG. 2
, a suitable embodiment of a valve
94
is shown, but it will be clear that other types of valves can also be used in a pressure control device according to the present invention. Thus, for instance, female valves or tilting valves can be used instead of the male valve shown. In the embodiment shown, the valve
94
comprises a third housing
95
, fixedly connected with the intermediate part
22
, having therein a fourth chamber
86
in which a compression spring
42
is accommodated by way of biasing means. The valve is thereby biased into the closed position. A rod-shaped element
96
is confined, through a collar
98
, between the coupling part
22
and the upper end of the spring
42
and extends to a point outside the coupling part
22
. In the part located outside the coupling part
22
, an axial bore
36
is provided in the form of a blind hole. Provided above the collar
98
is a radial bore
37
, which terminates in the axial bore
36
. In the position shown, the radial bore
37
is closed by a sealing ring
39
in the intermediate part
22
. On the intermediate part
22
, the second housing
52
is mounted with suitable snap means
48
,
50
. Inside the second housing
52
, a second chamber
60
is separated from a third chamber
62
by an axially displaceable piston
58
. The third chamber
62
is in communication with the inner space
4
of the container
1
via an outflow opening
64
. At the underside of the piston
58
, a cylindrical part
95
is formed with an axial bore
98
which can be secured with a proper fit over the upper end of the rod-shaped element
96
. On the side proximal to the piston
58
, a collar
99
is provided in the axial bore
98
, which is supported against the upper end of the rod-shaped element
96
. From the axial bore
98
, radial bores
97
extend, which bring the axial bore
98
into fluid communication with the third chamber
62
.
As is described in more detail in the above-mentioned Dutch patent application of the same date, in the second chamber
60
a control pressure is applied, such that upon a decrease of the pressure in the third chamber
62
and the inner space
4
to below a minimum desired pressure, the volume of the chamber
60
will be increased, at least the piston
58
will be displaced, such that the rod-shaped element
96
will move down, against the spring pressure of the spring
42
, in the direction of the first chamber
24
. A fluid communication is thereby obtained between the first chamber
24
and the third chamber
62
via the passage opening
28
, the fourth chamber
86
, the radial bore
37
, the axial bores
36
,
98
and the radial bores
97
.
In the first chamber, a suitable amount of pressure medium, in particular gas such as CO
2
, is stored under excess pressure. Within the first housing
18
, the first chamber
24
is preferably largely filled with activated carbon, for instance activated carbon fiber
26
having a high adsorption and absorption power for the pressure gas referred to, in particular CO
2
or a CO
2
containing gas. As a result, a particularly large amount of the pressure gas can be charged to the first chamber
24
in proportion to the pressure thereby obtained. This provides the advantage that the first chamber
24
can be relatively small and yet contain sufficient gas. Such use of activated carbon is described in applicant's previously filed Dutch patent application 1009654, which application is understood to be incorporated herein by reference.
Instead of or in addition to the CO
2
, a different pressure fluid may be included in the first chamber, for instance a liquid under pressure. Also, optionally, a reactive substance may be included in the first chamber, capable of reacting with a second reactive substance to form a pressure medium such as CO
2
. These may be, for instance, an acid and a calcium product, such as citric acid and (bi)carbonate, while the second reactive component may be stored in the first chamber and reacts only upon a pressure decrease, or in the third chamber, at least on the side of the closing member remote from the first chamber. In that case, the reaction between components does not take place until the closing member is temporarily controlled into the open position upon a pressure decrease in the inner space of the container and the components are brought together or undergo sufficient pressure change to form the desired gas. other reactions too may be suitably employed, to be selected depending on, inter alia, the medium to be dispensed.
When the above-described fluid communication between the first chamber
24
and the third chamber
62
has been formed, gas will flow away under pressure and flow via the passage opening
64
to the inner space
4
of the container, thereby increasing the pressure prevailing therein. Moreover, the pressure in the third chamber
62
will be raised, so that the piston
58
is moved back up, thereby increasing the pressure in the second chamber
60
becoming smaller, until the rod-shaped element has moved back into the position shown in FIG.
2
and the radial opening
37
is closed by the ring
39
. With such a pressure control device, therefore, a desired pressure in the inner space
4
of the container
2
will be maintained continuously. Indeed, if fluid is discharged from the container, the pressure in the inner space
4
and the third chamber
62
will decrease and the piston will move down for the purpose of the pressure regulation described above.
In the embodiment shown, the piston
58
is coupled to the rod-shaped element
96
when the second housing
52
is coupled to the first housing
18
. This immediately yields an active, functional coupling between the piston
58
and the valve
94
. This means that when the assembly then formed is not stored and assembled under a sufficiently high ambient pressure, the valve
94
will be immediately controlled to open and gas will flow away from the first chamber
24
to the environment.
To obviate this disadvantage, it is proposed, according to the present invention, to functionally uncouple the piston
58
or comparable control means from the valve
94
or comparable closing member and to effect such functional coupling only after an activation step. Referring to
FIGS. 3-12
, a number of exemplary embodiments of such control devices with activation step will be described, it being noted that the control means used therein can also be designed differently, for instance as shown in the above-mentioned Dutch patent application of the same date, filed by applicant.
In
FIG. 3
, a portion of an advantageous embodiment of a container
101
according to the invention is shown, in cross-section, with a portion of a pressure control device, for instance as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2
. It will be clear, incidentally, that in a container
101
, other embodiments of a pressure control device according to the present invention can be utilized as well.
In
FIG. 3A
, a portion of the wall
103
of a container
101
is shown, with an opening
115
therein, in which a movable closing means
117
is received, in sealing engagement with a rubber ring
119
or like sealing element. At some distance below the opening
115
, by means of suitable suspension means
121
, the first housing
118
of the pressure control device
108
is suspended such that the pressure control device
108
is mounted in a positionally fixed manner. In the closing means
117
, on the side proximal to the first chamber
124
, a space
123
is recessed, in which the second housing
152
can be secured with a slightly clamping fit, such that the counter-coupling means
150
extend at a slight distance from the further coupling means
148
. The axial bore
198
is then likewise located at a slight distance from the rod-shaped element
196
. In this position, the valve
194
cannot be energized, at least cannot be opened, so that no gas can flow from the first chamber
124
to the inner space
104
.
In the closing means
117
, a discharge channel
125
is included, which at one end is connected to the cavity
123
and at the other end can be connected to, for instance, a hose
127
which can be connected to a tapping device or the like. In the cavity, a series of ribs
128
are provided, which keep the end wall
156
of the second housing
152
spaced from the walls of the cavity
123
, both in axial and in radial direction. Accordingly, during use, beverage
2
can flow past the second housing
152
to the discharge channel
125
, regardless of the position of the closing means
117
.
To make the pressure control device
101
ready for use, in a container
101
according to
FIG. 3
only the closing means
117
needs to be moved in the direction of the inner space
104
, thereby pressing the second housing
152
fixedly onto the first housing
118
by means of the coupling means
148
,
150
. At the same time, the axial bore
198
is thereby pushed over the rod-shaped element
196
. This ready-for-use condition is shown in FIG.
3
B. The closing means
117
can then be moved back upwards, but can optionally be secured in the depressed position. In the condition shown in
FIG. 3B
, the pressure in the inner space
104
will be controlled depending on the control pressure in the second chamber
160
and the pressure in the third chamber
162
, in the manner described hereinbefore.
In a variant, not shown, of the embodiment according to
FIG. 3
, the closing means
117
comprises a valve which closes the discharge channel
125
in the condition shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B
, i.e., the extreme upwardly moved condition. This valve is automatically opened when the closing means
117
in
FIG. 3A
or B is pushed down. The advantage thereby achieved is that the closing means
117
can at the same time function as tap
116
. The discharge channel
125
, however, can also be omitted when another tap is provided, for instance as shown in FIG.
1
.
Also, in an embodiment as shown in
FIG. 3
, the piston can be connected with the rod-shaped element
196
, such that prior to activation the chamber
160
is relatively large, and is reduced only when the closing means
117
is pressed down.
FIG. 4
shows an alternative embodiment, in which the housing
252
for the second chamber
260
is connected with the valve
294
, while the piston
258
extends into the open end of the housing
252
remote from the first chamber
224
and can be secured in two positions with respect to the wall
203
of the container. In
FIG. 4
, on the left-hand side, the piston
258
is secured in an upper position, so that the second chamber
260
is relatively large and substantially pressureless, such that the housing
252
will remain stationary. By pressing the piston
258
down into the position shown on the right-hand side in
FIG. 4
, in which it is retained on the wall
203
by means of fingers
253
, the volume of the second chamber
260
is reduced considerably, so that a desired control pressure is obtained therein. A change of the pressure in the inner space
204
to a value below the control pressure will presently result in the housing
252
moving away from the piston
258
, in downward direction, thereby operating the valve
294
for release of gas from the first chamber
224
.
FIG. 5
shows an embodiment of a control device according to the invention in which a first chamber
324
is equipped with a valve
394
, being a male valve in the embodiment shown. It will be clear, however, that this may also be a female or tilting valve. A second chamber
360
is provided in a housing
352
, in which a piston
358
is received with a proper fit, along with a sealing O-ring
370
. A stem
366
is fixedly connected with the piston
358
and extends in the direction of the valve
394
. The free end
367
of the stem
366
is clear of the valve
394
. A substantially cylindrical intermediate part
396
has a first end secured on the valve
394
and has its circumferential wall provided with a number of passage openings
397
for forming a fluid connection between the first chamber
324
and the third chamber
304
when the valve is opened. The intermediate part
396
is provided, adjacent the open second end remote from the first chamber, with a widened portion
371
with a shoulder
373
. The free end
367
of the stem
366
extends into the bore
375
of the intermediate part
369
and is provided with outwardly biased resilient fingers
377
. In the first position shown in
FIG. 5
, the fingers
377
rest against the inside of the narrower portion of the bore
375
, between the valve
394
and the shoulder
373
. This means that the piston
358
can move freely over a pre-selected distance, which distance is determined, on the one hand, by the minimum distance between the free end
367
and the valve
394
and, on the other hand, by the position of the fingers
377
and the shoulder
373
. In fact, when the piston
358
is moved further within the housing
352
in the direction of the end wall
356
, as far as or beyond the position represented in broken lines, the free ends of the fingers
377
end up above the shoulder
373
and will spring outwardly, such that upon subsequent downward movement of the piston
358
, they will engage the top surface of the shoulder
373
. The fingers
377
and the shoulder
373
thus form first and second coupling means. When the piston
358
is moved down from the position represented in broken lines, then, as a result of an increase of the volume of the second chamber
360
, the intermediate part
369
will be moved down along with it and the valve
394
will thereby be opened.
From the position of the piston
358
shown in solid lines in
FIG. 5
, which does not permit operation of the valve
394
, it can be brought into a position of use by an activation step. To that end, for instance, the pressure in the third chamber
304
is temporarily raised from outside, such that the piston
358
is moved up to the position represented in broken lines, whereby the control pressure in the second chamber
360
is at least approximated. As a result, the fingers
377
are moved to above the shoulder
373
, and the active position of use is achieved. It will be clear that this can also be achieved, for instance, by mechanically pulling the piston
358
up into the position represented in broken lines, or in any other suitable manner.
FIG. 6
schematically shows an alternative embodiment, where in the stem
466
the bore
475
is provided, which stem
466
is connected with the piston
458
, such that the bore
475
has a blind end
479
. Adjacent the open end
481
, the bore
475
is provided with a widened portion
471
, such that a shoulder
473
is formed at a distance from the blind end
479
. An intermediate part
469
has a first end secured in a valve
494
, female in this example, and is provided with a passage
497
for forming a fluid connection between the first chamber
424
and the inner space
404
of the container when the valve is open. The intermediate part
469
is provided with outwardly biased resilient fingers
477
. When the free ends of the fingers
477
are pinched together, they can be slipped into the relatively narrow portion of the bore
475
between the blind end
479
and the shoulder
473
, where the fingers
477
can move freely in the longitudinal direction, so that movements of the piston
458
are permitted without the valve
494
being operated. Only when the piston is moved such that the volume of the chamber
460
is reduced considerably and the free ends
483
of the fingers
477
are moved to below the shoulder
473
can the fingers
477
expand such that the free ends
483
can engage the shoulder
473
. In this position, a movement of the piston
458
in the direction of the valve
494
results in the intermediate part
469
being pressed down along with it, thereby opening the valve
494
. The first and second position of the first and second coupling means formed by the stem
466
, at least the shoulder
473
, and the intermediate part
469
, at least the fingers
477
, are represented in broken lines in the first, uncoupled position and second, coupled position.
FIG. 7
shows a portion of a control means according to
FIG. 6
, where the piston
458
has a stem
466
which is divided into two parts
466
A,
466
B. The first, cylindrical part
466
A is fixedly connected with the piston
458
and is provided at the free end with an inwardly extending flange
461
with an opening. Through the opening extends the second part
466
B of the stem
466
, which is provided, at the end located within the first stem part
466
A, with a widening which provides for proper guidance and moreover butts against the flange
461
when the second stem part
466
B has been moved down maximally. In the second stem part
466
B, a bore
475
is provided having a widening
471
adjacent the outer free end, thereby forming a shoulder
473
. The fingers
477
, not shown in
FIG. 7
, of the intermediate part
469
as shown in
FIG. 6
can again be received in the bore
475
in the first and second position referred to. In this embodiment, the advantage achieved is that the piston
458
acquires a greater free movement with the coupling means
477
,
473
in the first position, disallowing operation of the valve
494
, since the second stem part
466
B can move freely relative to the first stem part
466
A over the distance S. Only when the inner end of the second stem part
466
B rests against the piston
458
A and the fingers
477
rest against the shoulder
473
can the valve
494
be operated.
FIG. 8
shows a further alternative embodiment of a piston
458
with stem
466
for use in a pressure control device according to FIG.
6
. In the widened portion
471
of the bore
475
, a ridge
485
extends from the shoulder
473
in the direction away from the piston
458
and the blind end
479
of the bore
475
, which ridge
485
is included within the widened portion
471
. In this embodiment, the free ends
483
of the fingers
477
will have to pass the edge
487
of the ridge
485
in order to be brought from the first, uncoupled position to the second, coupled position to be able to rest against the shoulder
473
. The advantage thereby achieved is that the piston
458
will have to be moved relative to the housing
425
over a relatively great distance, i.e., the volume of the second chamber
460
will have to be reduced considerably, clearly further than is necessary for the desired control pressure. This means that the chance of undesired activation is reduced considerably, which enhances safety still further.
FIGS. 9 and 9A
show, in cutaway side elevation and partial front view, a further alternative embodiment of control means for a container according to the present invention. In this embodiment, on the valve
594
of the first chamber
524
, an intermediate part
569
with passage
597
is secured, on which intermediate part a resilient finger
577
is mounted. In the position shown in
FIG. 9
, the resilient finger
577
is optionally biased to the left, for reasons to be described further hereinafter. Attached to the piston
558
with piston ring
570
is a stem
566
, provided with two bores located next to each other. In
FIG. 9
, the first bore
575
A, located on the left-hand side, has a depth S
1
, the second bore
575
B, located on the right-hand side, has a depth S
2
, which is greater than depth S
1
. The depth has been determined starting from the open end
581
of the bores
575
, remote from the piston
558
. The resilient finger
577
is provided, at the free end, with a head
591
, designed as a cross-stick in the embodiment shown. The first bore
575
A is separated from the second bore
575
B by a partition
595
which terminates at a distance from the open end
581
. Adjacent to the open end
581
of the bore, a somewhat flexible flap
593
is connected on the side of the first bore
575
A and extends at a slant up against the opposite wall of the second bore
575
B. Provided in the flap
593
is a slot
593
A through which the finger
577
can extend. The head
591
then rests against the side of the prongs of the fork-shaped flap
593
proximal to the piston
558
.
In
FIG. 9
, the first, uncoupled position is shown, in which the head
591
extends in the second bore
575
B, between the blind end thereof and the flap
593
. The piston
558
can then move freely over a height which is determined by the distance between the free edge
599
of the partition
595
and the blind end
579
B of the second bore
575
B. When the piston
558
is moved upwards so far that the head
591
extends under the free edge
599
, it will be guided into the first bore
575
A by the flap
593
. If subsequently the piston
558
is moved down again, the head
591
will be received in the first bore
575
A and butt against the blind end
579
A of the first bore
575
A, so that the coupled second position is obtained. Upon further downward movement of the piston
558
, the valve
594
will be operated via the finger
577
. The flap
593
prevents the possibility of the head
591
being released from the bore
575
. Moreover, the flap
593
is located so close to the edge
599
of the partition
595
that the head
591
will not be easily moved between them when the head moves up along the flap
593
. The head
591
is thereby prevented from moving back into the second bore
575
B. It is noted, incidentally, that when the finger
579
is sufficiently biased in the direction of the first bore
575
A, the flap
593
can optionally be omitted.
FIGS. 10 and 10A
show in partial sectional side elevation and in perspective view, respectively, a further alternative embodiment of an operating device according to the invention, suitable in particular for use with a tilting valve. Such tilting valves, by which a passage opening can be opened or closed by tilting an operating stem, are known from practice and are not further discussed here. In this embodiment, the tilting valve
694
, connected with the first chamber
624
, is provided with an operating stem
669
with a widened head
667
. The head
667
has a preferably convex top. In the housing
652
of the second chamber
660
, a piston
658
is received, on which a stem
666
has been secured. The piston
658
has a direction of travel P, which extends at an angle, and preferably at right angles, relative to the centerline L of the tilting valve
694
and the operating stem
669
. The stem
666
of the piston
658
is provided with a first fork
690
and a second fork
692
. In
FIG. 10A
, in perspective view, the stem
666
with the first fork
690
and the second fork
692
is represented, together with the operating stem
669
with its widened head
667
. The first and second forks
690
,
692
are located in parallel planes, at some distance from each other. In the neutral position shown in
FIG. 10A
, this distance is indicated by D
1
. Each fork
690
,
692
comprises two prongs with an intervening slot
690
A and
690
B, respectively, which slots are open at the end remote from the piston
658
. The slots
690
A, B have a width greater than the thickness of the operating stem
669
, but smaller than the width of the head
667
. Accordingly, the two forks
690
,
692
can be slipped between the valve
694
and the head
667
over the operating stem
669
. The first fork
690
is shorter than the second fork
692
, as are the slots provided therein. The closed end
679
A of the first slot
690
A lies at a distance from the piston
658
greater than the distance between the piston and the closed end
679
B of the second slot
690
B.
In
FIG. 10
, in the upper portion, the operating device is shown in an uncoupled first position, where the first fork
690
, elastically deformed to some extent, rests against the top of the knob
667
. The materials and the deformation of the fork have been selected such that the movement of the piston
658
in the direction P is possible without the operating stem
669
thereby being carried along. From this position, the device can be activated by displacing the piston
658
in the direction of the end wall
656
, such that the free end of the first fork
690
can pass the head
667
. Elastic deformation stress in the first fork
690
will then ensure that it returns to the plane V, such that it will extend under the underside of the head
667
. As a result, upon return of the piston
658
in the direction of the valve
694
, the operating stem
669
will be received in the first slot
690
A. Upon further movement of the piston
658
in the direction away from the end wall
656
, upon increase of the volume of the chamber
660
, the blind end
679
A will butt against the operating stem
669
and, upon further movement, carry along the operating stem
669
, so that it is tilted relative to the longitudinal axis L referred to above. The tilting valve
694
will thereby be opened, and gas can flow from the first chamber
624
to the inner space
604
. Upon increase of the pressure in the inner space
604
, the piston
658
will move back, the second chamber
660
thereby being reduced, so that the tilting valve
694
can return to its closed position. Optionally, on the operating stem
669
, between the valve
624
and the head
667
, a guide ring
667
A can be provided, represented in
FIG. 10
in broken lines, such that at least the second fork
692
is guided between the valve
694
and the guide ring
667
A, so that a still better positioning is obtained.
FIG. 11
shows a simple embodiment of a device according to the present invention for operating a tilting valve
794
. In this embodiment, the piston
758
, which bounds the second chamber
760
within the housing
752
, comprises a stem
766
with a beveled free end
781
. On the tilting valve
794
on the first chamber
724
, a coupling part
769
is provided with a likewise beveled free end
783
. The stem
766
is guided within the housing
752
by a guide
757
. Upon enlargement of the second chamber
760
the stem
766
is moved down, in the direction of the tilting valve
794
. The cooperating beveled ends
781
,
783
will ensure that the tilting valve
794
is tilted from the closed position to an open position. Such a solution can also be readily utilized in exemplary embodiments shown hereinabove when tilting valves are used instead of valves or operating means shown there.
FIG. 12
shows a further alternative embodiment of a pressure control device
808
according to the invention. In this embodiment, in a recess
872
in the first housing
818
, a passage opening
828
is provided, with an axial bore
836
. A closing member
840
in the form of a ball is urged against the seating
834
by biasing means
842
, with a pin
880
extending from the closing member
840
through the axial bore
836
into the recess
872
. The biasing means
842
and the closing member
840
are received in a fourth chamber
886
with inflow openings
888
terminating in the first chamber
824
. As a consequence, the recess
872
can be located at a relatively great distance from the wall of the first housing
818
. In this embodiment, the second housing
852
is accommodated in the recess
872
, such that it has the end wall
856
resting on the bottom
878
of the recess. In this embodiment, the piston
858
is designed as a cylinder with an outer circumference approximately corresponding with the inner circumference of the second housing
852
, with interposition of a fitting piston ring
870
or like gas-tight and liquid-tight sealing means. Between the piston
858
and the end wall
856
, again the second chamber
860
is formed. At the end of the piston
858
remote from the second chamber
860
, a control means
866
is included, designed as a disc
867
with frustoconical edges
890
,
892
. This disc
867
has an outside diameter which, for instance, corresponds approximately with the inside diameter of the recess
872
, while the smallest diameter of the frustoconical edges
890
,
892
is approximately equal to the diameter of the piston
858
.
With the piston
858
in a neutral position, i.e., in an uncoupled position, with a low pressure prevailing in the second chamber
860
, the lower conical edge
892
is disposed against the upper side of the pin
880
. Accordingly, the closing member
840
cannot be operated by the piston
858
, since it is pushed outwards by the spring
842
. When in the third chamber
862
at least temporarily the pressure is raised considerably, the piston
858
will be pushed downwards, thereby reducing the second chamber
860
and raising the pressure therein. The piston
858
will then be pushed past the pin
880
, temporarily pressing it away, counter to the spring
842
. After the piston
858
has passed, the closing member
840
will be pushed back into the closing position. Thus, the control device
808
is activated. When the pressure in the third chamber
862
decreases again to below the control pressure, the piston
858
will be pushed away upwardly, thereby pushing away the pin
880
and hence the closing member
840
, counter to the spring
842
, thereby forming a fluid connection between the first chamber
824
, the opening
888
, the fourth chamber
886
and the outflow opening
828
, for raising the pressure in the third chamber
862
and hence in the inner space of the container. When the pressure in the inner space has been raised again sufficiently, the piston
858
will be pushed back again into the position shown in
FIG. 12
, and the closing member is closed again.
In principle, operating devices according to the present invention have as an important additional advantage that upon fall-out of the control pressure in the second chamber, for instance through leakage, the operating means is forced to a closed position, so that gas is simply and effectively prevented from uncontrollably flowing from the first chamber to the third chamber and giving rise to excessive pressure in the container, at least in the third chamber. Thus, the safety of a container according to the present invention, at least of a pressure control device to be used therein, is enhanced still further.
Claims
- 1. A container with pressure control device for maintaining a substantially constant, pre-set pressure in the container, the container being arranged for dispensing a fluid, the pressure control device comprising a first chamber for containing a pressure fluid, in particular a pressure gas, a second chamber in which at least during use a control pressure prevails, and a third chamber which is formed by or is in communication with, at any rate is at least partly included in an inner space of the container, while between the first chamber and the third chamber a passage opening is provided in which a closing member is included for closing the passage opening during normal use when the pressure in the third chamber is higher than the control pressure, while a control means is movable by a displaceable or deformable part of the wall of the second chamber and is arranged for at least partly displacing the closing member when the pressure in the third chamber is lower than the control pressure, such that the pressure fluid can flow under pressure from the first chamber to the third chamber, characterized in that prior to use the control means have been brought into a position in which they are at least functionally uncoupled from the closing member, and the pressure control device is arranged for functionally coupling the control means to the closing member through an activation step prior to use.
- 2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the control means comprise a first part and a second part, the first part being connected with the closing member and the second part being connected with the displaceable or deformable wall part of the second chamber, the first and second part comprising first and second coupling means which can be brought into a first position in which said wall part is freely movable relative to the closing member and into a second position in which the coupling means are coupled such that the closing member can be moved through movement or deformation of said wall part.
- 3. A container according to claim 2, wherein the first coupling means comprise a number of outwardly biased resilient elements, the second coupling means comprising a bore, said bore being at least partly wider adjacent an open end than adjacent the opposite end, such that a shoulder is formed at a distance therefrom, the resilient elements in the first position resting against the inside of the bore between the shoulder and the narrower end and in the second position resting against the side of the shoulder proximal to the open wide end.
- 4. A container according to claim 2, wherein the first coupling means are connected with the first part.
- 5. A container according to claim 2, wherein the closing member is formed by a tilting valve, the first coupling means comprising a rod-shaped element connected with the tilting valve and having a widened head, and the second coupling means comprising a fork-shaped element having at least two prongs and an intervening slot, said slot having a width greater than the width of the rod-shaped element, but smaller than the widened head, while in the first position the prongs of the fork-shaped element are located on the upper side of the widened part, slightly biased in the direction of the head, and can move freely thereover without tilting the valve, and in the second position the rod-shaped element is received in the slot, such that the prongs are located between the widened head and the tilting valve, such that through movement of said wall part the closed end of the slot can be moved against the rod-shaped element for tilting the tilting valve.
- 6. A method for making a container ready for dispensing a fluid under substantially constant pressure, wherein a can-shaped holder is provided with a first part of a pressure control device, which first part comprises at least a closing member which is biased into a closed position and can be opened by an overpressure applied thereto from the outside; wherein a fluid, in particular a gas, is introduced into the holder under relatively high pressure and upon removal of the overpressure the closing member is brought into said closed position, whereafter on the first part a second part of the pressure control device is arranged, which second part comprises control pressure-controlled control means which force the closing member, at least during use, counter to said bias, to an opened position when in the environment of the holder a pressure prevails which is lower than said control pressure; wherein the holder with coupled first and second part is introduced into the container, which container is filled with a fluid to be dispensed and is subsequently closed, while the control means are actively functionally coupled to the closing member by means of an activation step.
- 7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the second part is included in, at least adjacent to, closing means for the container, the first part is mounted in the container at a slight distance from the second part, and when the container is closed, the second part is movable to a cooperative position with the first part, such that through said movement of said second part the pressure control device is set into operation.
- 8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the second part is mounted in or adjacent to dispensing means for the fluid, and through said movement of the second part the dispensing means are set into operation, at least are made ready for use.
- 9. A method according to claim 7, wherein prior to use at least temporarily an overpressure is applied in the inner space of the container, such that the control means are actively functionally coupled to the closing member.
- 10. A method according to claim 9, wherein control means are used with a second chamber at least partly defined by a movable wall part, wherein in the second chamber during use a control pressure is set, wherein prior to use by raising the pressure in the inner space of the container the volume of the second chamber is considerably reduced and the pressure therein is raised to above the control pressure, such that first and second coupling means of the control means and the closing member are moved from a functionally uncoupled position to said functionally coupled position.
- 11. A container according to claim 3, wherein the first coupling means are connected with the first part.
Priority Claims (2)
Number |
Date |
Country |
Kind |
298 22 430 U |
Dec 1998 |
DE |
|
1012921 |
Aug 1999 |
NL |
|
PCT Information
Filing Document |
Filing Date |
Country |
Kind |
PCT/NL99/00771 |
|
WO |
00 |
Publishing Document |
Publishing Date |
Country |
Kind |
WO00/35774 |
6/22/2000 |
WO |
A |
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Number |
Name |
Date |
Kind |
4456155 |
Miyata et al. |
Jun 1984 |
A |
4995533 |
Vandoninck |
Feb 1991 |
A |
5110014 |
Doundoulakis |
May 1992 |
A |
5439137 |
Grollier et al. |
Aug 1995 |
A |
Foreign Referenced Citations (3)
Number |
Date |
Country |
0349053 |
Jan 1990 |
EP |
2689866 |
Oct 1993 |
FR |
2690142 |
Oct 1993 |
FR |