FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure generally relates to an actuator for selectively dispensing flowable product from a pressurized container, and more specifically to actuator that froths the flowable product as the product is dispensed.
BACKGROUND
Pressurized containers may be used to dispense various flowable products, such as food condiments. Conventional pressurized containers use pressurized propellant to dispense the flowable product. The containers include selectively actuatable valves that open to allow the propellant to dispense the product. Typically, an actuator is connected to the valve to selectively operate the valve and dispense the product from an outlet of the actuator. The outlet can have a variety of different configurations to dispense the flowable product in different ways.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective of a pressurized container including an actuator constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure shown in a dispensing position;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective of the pressurized container with the actuator in a storing position and a cap spaced apart from the pressurized container;
FIG. 3 is a perspective of a valve coupler and a skirt of the actuator;
FIG. 4 is a perspective of a dispensing applicator of the actuator;
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the dispensing applicator;
FIG. 5A is a section of the dispensing applicator taken through line 5A-5A in FIG. 5;
FIG. 5B is a section of the dispensing applicator taken through line 5B-5B in FIG. 5;
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the dispensing applicator;
FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the dispensing applicator;
FIG. 8A is a bottom plan view of the valve coupler and the skirt;
FIG. 8B is a bottom perspective of the valve coupler and the skirt;
FIG. 9 is a perspective of an intermediate actuator connected to a valve of the pressurized container;
FIG. 10 is a perspective of the valve connected to the pressurized container;
FIG. 11 is a perspective of the valve of the pressurized container; and
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective of the valve.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1-3, a pressurized container is generally indicated at 10. The pressurized container 10 is configured to store and dispense a flowable product using pressurized propellant. For example, the flowable product may be a flowable condiment to be added to a beverage, including but not limited to liquid creamer, a milk-substitute product, liquid flavoring, etc. Also, as an example, the container may be pressurized by a propellant gas, including but not limited to nitrous oxide. It will be understood that various propellants and flowable products may be used in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.
The illustrated container 10 includes a container body (e.g., a can), generally indicated at 12, and an actuator, generally indicated at 14, configured to dispense the flowable product from the container 10. The actuator 14 is coupled to and configured to selectively actuate a valve, generally indicated at 20, attached to the can 12 as shown in FIGS. 10-12. When actuated by the actuator 14, the valve 20 opens to fluidly couple an interior volume of the container body 12 to the actuator. As will be discussed in further detail below, the actuator 14 receives the flowable product from the interior volume of the container body 12 and dispenses the flowable product in a dispensing direction that is generally transverse (e.g., crosswise or orthogonal) to a flow direction of the flowable product in the actuator 14, thereby frothing (i.e. foaming) the flowable product. The container 10 can include a lid, generally indicated at 13, configured to snap onto the can 12 and cover the actuator 14.
Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the container body 12 has a base and top spaced apart along a height. The base forms the bottom of the container body 12, and the top defines an opening to the interior of the container body. The top of the container body 12 defines a rim (hidden in the drawings) that extends circumferentially around the opening. Preferably, the rim defines a bead or other structure for securing the valve 20 to the container body 12. When the valve 20 is secured to the rim and closed, as shown, the valve closes the opening. Accordingly, the container body 12 and the valve 20 enclose the flowable product and propellant in the interior of the container body.
Referring to FIGS. 10-12, the illustrated valve 20 is a “tilt valve” or “toggle valve.” Any suitable tilt valve may be used in other embodiments. In addition, other types of valves may be used in other embodiments. The valve 20 is configured to be selectively operated from a non-actuated position to an actuated position to dispense the flowable product from the container body 12. The illustrated valve 20 includes a mounting cup 40, a stem 42, and a seal 44 (i.e., a grommet) disposed between and interconnecting the stem and mounting cup. The mounting cup 40 is an annular body that defines an outer lip portion 40A sized to curl around the rim of the container body 12. In one embodiment, the lip portion 40A is crimped or otherwise fastened to the rim to form a leak proof seal. A central portion 40B of the mounting cup 40 extends radially inward from the inner end of the lip portion 40B to an inner wall portion 40C. In the illustrated embodiment, as the central portion 40B extends inward, it slopes first downward from the lip portion 40A and then upward toward the inner wall portion 40C. As discussed below, the upwardly sloped inner segment of the central portion 40B forms a seat for sealing engagement with a portion of the grommet 44. The inner wall portion 40C extends generally upward from the inner end of the central portion 40B and defines a mounting opening in the cup 40.
The grommet 44 may be made of resilient material and has an elongate neck portion 44A that extends through the mounting opening of the cup 40 and a flange portion 44B that extends radially outward at the bottom end of the neck portion of the grommet. A seal bead 44C extends radially outward from the neck portion 44A and overlies and presses against a top end of the inner wall portion 40C of the cup 40. An actuator seal 44D extends radially outward from the neck portion 44A and is configured to press against a component coupled to the neck portion (such as an actuator) to form a leak proof seal between the components. The central portion 40B of the mounting cup 40 is thereby pressed against the flange portion 44B of the grommet 44 to form a leak proof seal. An axially extending bore 46 extends from a top end through a bottom end of the grommet 44 to receive the valve stem 42 therein.
The valve stem 42 includes an elongate stem body 42A and a disc 42B (or button) at the lower end of the stem. The stem body 42A extends through the bore 46, and the disc 42B seats against the flange portion 44B of the grommet 44 to form a leak proof seal when the valve 18 is in a non-actuated position. In the non-actuated position, the valve 20 is closed. As shown in FIG. 11, in the non-actuated or closed position the valve stem 42 is generally vertical with the entire disc 42B seated against the flange portion 44B of the grommet 44. As discussed in more detail below, when the actuator 14 is selectively actuated to move the valve 20 into the actuated or open position, the actuator engages the elongate neck portion 44A to tilt or rotate the stem 42, thereby disengaging a portion of the disc 42B from the flange portion 44B of the grommet 44 to open the valve 20. When the actuator 14 is operated such that the valve 20 is in the actuated position, the valve forms an outlet (i.e., a fluid flow passage), fluidly coupling the container body interior to the actuator 14 (i.e., the valve is opened). Pressurized fluid such as the propellant and/or product propelled by the propellant can flow through the outlet to be dispensed from the container 10. In particular, in the actuated position a portion of the disc 42B is disengaged from the flange portion 44b, allowing the flowable product to enter and travel upward (relative to the orientation shown in FIGS. 10-12) through the bore 46 along the stem 42 and out of the valve 20. It is understood the can 12 and/or the valve 20 may have other constructions than described herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the valve may be a push-down type valve or another type of valve.
Referring to FIGS. 1-3, 8A, and 8B, the actuator 14 includes a valve coupler 50, and a dispensing applicator 52 connected to the valve coupler. The valve coupler 50 is configured to be operatively coupled to the valve 20 to allow selective opening and closing of the valve (i.e., the non-actuated and actuated positions). The illustrated valve coupler 50 includes a generally cone-shaped outer wall 54 and a generally cylindrical inner wall 56 positioned inside the outer wall. The outer wall 54 includes a flat face 58 at the top portion of the valve coupler 50. The cylindrical inner wall 56 extends from the top of the valve coupler 50 in a downward direction (relative to the orientation shown). A portion of the top of the inner wall 56 is connected to the flat face 58 of the outer wall 54 and two ribs 60 extend along the outside of the inner wall 56 to interconnect the inner and outer walls. The cylindrical inner wall 56 defines a receiving compartment 62 configured to couple to the valve 20 and receive the flowable product expelled from the valve. The receiving compartment 62 has an open bottom and extends upward to the flat face 58. An outlet 66 of the receiving compartment 62 (broadly, a valve coupler outlet) extends through the flat face 58 of the outer wall 54. When the valve coupler 50 is coupled to the valve 20, the valve extends into the receiving compartment 62 through the open bottom. In the preferred embodiment, an intermediate actuator 68 is coupled to the valve 20 and the valve coupler 50 is coupled to the intermediate actuator. The cylindrical inner wall 56 is sized and shaped to slide onto the intermediate actuator 68 with a friction tight fit that forms a leak proof seal when the intermediate actuator is received in the receiving compartment 62. In another embodiment, the cylindrical inner wall 56 may be sized and shaped to directly engage and form a leak proof seal with the valve 20. As will become apparent, the receiving compartment 62 provides fluid communication between the valve 20 and the dispensing applicator 52.
Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in the illustrated embodiment the actuator 14 includes a skirt 70 configured to be received on and secured to the container body 12 and/or the mounting cup 40 of the valve 20, such as by cleats. The skirt 70 is generally circular in shape and slides over the top of the container body 12. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, a lower edge margin 72 of the skirt 70 generally conforms to the shape of the container body 12. The valve coupler 50 is pivotably connected to the skirt 70 such that the valve coupler can be tilted or actuated relative to the skirt. The valve coupler 50 and skirt 70 can be formed as a single component or can be separate components. In one embodiment, the valve coupler is pivotably connected to the skirt 70 by a living hinge 74. Other methods of connecting the valve coupler 50 and the skirt 70 are within the scope of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4-7, the dispensing applicator 52 of the actuator 14 is connected to the valve coupler 50. As described in more detail below, the dispensing applicator 52 is in fluid communication with the valve 20. The dispensing applicator 52 is generally elongate and has a proximal end 84 and a distal end 86. The proximal and distal ends 86 define an applicator length AL (FIG. 5B). The dispensing applicator 52 includes opposing first and second broad sides 76 and 78, respectively, opposing first and second narrow sides 80 and 82, respectively, and opposing proximal and distal sides 85 and 87, respectively. The first and second broad and narrow sides 76, 78, 80, 82 extend between the proximal and distal sides 85, 87. The proximal and distal sides 85, 87 extend between and interconnect the first and second broad and narrow sides 76, 78, 80, 82 at the proximal and distal ends 85, 86, respectively. The first and second narrow sides 80, 82 extend between and interconnect the first and second broad sides 76, 78. The first narrow side 80 extends between an edge margin of the first broad side 76 and an edge margin of the second broad side 78. The second narrow side 82 extends between an opposite edge margin of the first broad side 76 and an opposite edge margin of the second broad side 78. The dispensing applicator 52 has a generally flat shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the first broad side 76 and proximal side 85 are slightly curved. The second broad side 78, the first and second narrow sides 80, 82, and the distal side 87 are generally flat. However, it is understood the dispensing applicator 52 can have other shapes than described herein that are within the scope of the present disclosure.
The first and second broad and narrow sides 76, 78, 80, 82 and proximal and distal sides 85, 87 define an applicator chamber 94 of the dispensing applicator 52. The applicator chamber 94 extends along the dispensing applicator 52 between the proximal and distal sides 85, 87. The proximal and distal sides 85, 87 define closed proximal and distal ends of the applicator chamber, respectively. The applicator chamber 94 has a chamber length CL that extends along the applicator length AL of the dispensing applicator 52 (FIG. 5B). The dispensing applicator 52 includes an interior wall 96 in the applicator chamber 94 that divides the applicator chamber into first and second longitudinal chamber portions 94a, 94b, respectively. The interior wall 96 is positioned between the first and second narrow sides 80, 82 and extends between the first and second broad sides 76, 78. The interior wall 96 extends from the distal end of the applicator chamber (i.e. the distal side 87) toward the proximal end of the applicator chamber 94. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior wall 96 extends between the proximal and distal ends of the applicator chamber 94. The interior wall 96 includes an opening or gap 97 adjacent the proximal end 84 of the dispensing applicator 84 that provides fluid communication between the first and second longitudinal chamber portions 94a, 94b. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 97 in the interior wall 96 is aligned with a chamber inlet 90, discussed in more detail below, and extends between the first and second broad sides 76, 78.
The dispensing applicator 52 defines the chamber inlet 90 in fluid communication with the applicator chamber 94. The chamber inlet 90 provides fluid communication between the receiving compartment 62 of the valve coupler 50 and the applicator chamber 94 of the dispensing applicator 52. The illustrated chamber inlet 90 is defined by a cylindrical shaped inlet protrusion 88 of the dispensing applicator 52. The inlet protrusion 88 is adjacent the proximal end 84 of the dispensing applicator and extends outward from the second broad side 78 (i.e. extends in a direction that is away from the applicator chamber 94). The inlet protrusion 88 is configured to be inserted into the outlet 66 of the valve coupler 50 so that the chamber inlet 90 is in fluid communication with the receiving compartment 62. The outer surface of the inlet protrusion 88 includes ridges that engage the inner surface of the connecting wall 64 to form a fluid tight fit between the valve coupler 50 and the dispensing applicator 52. The inlet protrusion 88 includes resiliently deflectable cleats 92, each cleat having a shoulder 93 that engages an edge of the connecting wall 64 located in the receiving compartment 62 to secure the dispensing applicator 52 to the valve coupler 50. The cleats 92 are deflected when the inlet protrusion 88 is inserted into the outlet 66 and snap back into their original position once the inlet protrusion 88 is completely inserted into the outlet. The inlet protrusion 88 is rotatable within the connecting wall 64. In this manner, the dispensing applicator 52 is rotatably connected to the valve coupler 50. The dispensing applicator 52 is rotatable about 180° from a storing position (FIG. 2) to a dispensing position (FIG. 1). In the storing position, the dispensing applicator 52 is positioned along the valve coupler 50 and extends toward the container body 12 such that the distal end 86 is proximate or adjacent the container body. In the dispensing position, the dispensing applicator 52 extends away from the valve coupler 50 and the container body 12. It is understood that the dispensing applicator 52 may be connected to the valve coupler 50 in other ways.
Referring to FIGS. 4-7, the dispensing applicator 52 defines a chamber outlet 100 in fluid communication with the applicator chamber 94. As discussed in more detail below, the flowable product is dispensed from the actuator 14 through the chamber outlet 100 in a dispensing direction that is generally transverse to the dispensing applicator 52. The chamber outlet 100 is located distal of the chamber inlet 90 on the dispensing applicator 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the chamber outlet 100 is adjacent the distal end 86 of the dispensing applicator 52 (i.e. the distal end of the applicator chamber 94). The chamber outlet 100 comprises a plurality of individual chamber outlets or holes 102 in fluid communication with the applicator chamber 94. The illustrated chamber outlet 100 has at least one individual chamber outlet 102 on a first side of the interior wall 96 in direct fluid communication with the first longitudinal chamber portion 94a, and at least one individual chamber outlet 102 on a second side of the interior wall in direct fluid communication with the second longitudinal chamber portion 94b. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of individual chamber outlets 102 are in direct fluid communication with the first and second longitudinal chamber portions 94a, 94b. In one embodiment, the individual chamber outlets 102 have a diameter of about 0.04 inches (1 mm), although the chamber outlets may have other sizes.
The individual chamber outlets 102 are located on at least one of the first and second broad sides 76, 78, and preferably on both the first and second broad sides. It is understood the individual chamber outlets 102 can be included on the first and second narrow sides 80, 82 as well. Each individual chamber outlet 102 extends from the applicator chamber through one of the respective first and second broad and narrow sides 76, 78, 80, 82 in a direction that is generally transverse to the applicator length AL. A first set 104 of individual chamber outlets 102 is positioned on the first broad side 76. The individual chamber outlets 102 of the first set 104 extend from the applicator chamber 94 through the first broad side 76 in a first transverse direction relative to the applicator length AL. As viewed from FIG. 5, the first transverse direction is generally away from the second broad side 78. A second set 106 of individual chamber outlets 102 is positioned on the second broad side 78. The individual chamber outlets 102 of the second set 106 extend from the applicator chamber 94 through the second broad side 78 in a second transverse direction relative to the applicator length AL. The second transverse direction is opposite the first transverse direction. As viewed from FIG. 5, the second transverse direction is generally away from the first broad side 78. In the illustrated embodiment, the individual chamber outlets 102 of the first and second sets 104, 106 are spaced apart from one another across the first and second broad sides 76, 78, respectively, in a row that is generally transverse to the applicator length AL (FIGS. 5-7). Other arrangements and configurations of the individual chamber outlets 102 on the dispensing applicator are within the scope of the present disclosure. The individual chamber outlets 102 of the first and second sets 104, 106 can be aligned, as shown, or misaligned (i.e. offset).
Referring to FIG. 5, the chamber outlet 100 also includes cleaning chamber outlets 108. As discussed in more detail below, the cleaning chamber outlets 108 function as an outlet for the flowable product and as an inlet for a cleaning fluid (e.g., water). One cleaning chamber outlet 108 extends through the first narrow side 80 and is in direct fluid communication with the first longitudinal chamber portion 94a. Another cleaning chamber outlet 108 extends through the second narrow side 82 and is in direct fluid communication with the second longitudinal chamber portion 94b. The cleaning chamber outlets 108 are similar or analogous to the individual chamber outlets 102, described above, except that in one embodiment the cleaning chamber outlets have cross-sectional areas that are greater than the respective cross-sectional areas of the chamber outlets 102 on the broad sides 76, 78. In one embodiment, the cleaning chamber outlets 108 have a diameter of about 0.07 inches (1.8 mm), although the chamber outlets may have other sizes. The interior wall 96 may include an interior wall chamber opening 108a, similar to cleaning chamber outlets 108, at the adjacent the distal end 86 of the dispensing applicator 52 to provide fluid communication between the first and second longitudinal chamber portions 94a, 94b at the distal ends thereof.
Each of the components of the actuator 14 can be formed from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, plastic. The components may be formed from other suitable materials.
In use, the actuator 14 is installed on the container body 12 such that the valve 20 is positioned inside the receiving compartment 62 and in fluid communication with the dispensing applicator 52. To dispense the flowable product from the interior of the container body 12, the dispensing applicator 52 is first moved to the dispensing position. The user then pivots the valve coupler 50. As the valve coupler 50 pivots, the valve 20 opens. Once the valve 20 is open, the propellant in the container body 12 expels the flowable product through the valve and into actuator 14. As additional flowable product is expelled through the valve 20, the flowable product flows into the applicator chamber 94 of the dispensing applicator 52. In particular, the flowable product moves through the chamber inlet 90 and into the first and second longitudinal chamber portions 94a, 94b of the applicator chamber 94 through the opening 97 in the interior wall 96. The flowable product moves along the applicator chamber 94 in a distal direction that is generally parallel to the applicator length AL. The flowable product exits the dispensing applicator 52 through the chamber outlet 100. As a result of the individual chamber outlets 102 and the cleaning chamber outlets 108 extending generally transverse to the applicator length AL, the flowable product is dispensed from the dispensing applicator 52 in a dispensing direction that is generally transverse to the applicator length. Thus, the dispensing direction of the individual chamber outlet 108 is generally co-extensive with the direction the individual chamber outlets extend through the dispensing applicator 52 from the applicator chamber. The individual chamber outlets 102 and cleaning chamber outlets 108 on the first and second broad and narrow sides 76, 78, 80, 82 dispense the fluid in different directions, with each of the directions being generally transverse to the applicator length AL. In particular, the individual chamber outlets 102 of the first set 104 on the first broad side 76 dispense the flowable product in a first dispensing direction F1 (FIG. 5); the individual chamber outlets 102 of the second set 106 on the second broad side 78 dispense the flowable product in a second dispensing direction F2 (FIG. 5); the cleaning chamber outlet 108 on the first narrow side 80 dispenses the flowable product in a third dispensing direction F3 (FIGS. 6 and 7); and the cleaning chamber outlet 108 on the second narrow side 82 dispenses the flowable product in a fourth dispensing direction F4 (FIGS. 6 and 7). Thus, the chamber outlet 100 dispenses the flowable product in dispensing directions that are generally transverse or perpendicular to the distal direction of flow of the flowable product in the dispensing applicator 52.
In a particular embodiment in which the dispensing applicator 52 is received in a beverage or other liquid, as a result of the actuator 14 dispensing the flowable product a direction that is generally transverse to the direction of flow of the flowable product in the dispensing applicator 52, the actuator 14 froths (e.g., foams) the flowable product as it is dispensed into the beverage or other liquid. In one embodiment, for example, the actuator 14 froths creamer (the flowable product) when the distal end 86 of the dispensing applicator 52 is inserted (e.g., orientated upside down) into a coffee beverage to create a latte. The container 10 may be used for frothing other types of beverages or other liquids.
After the flowable product is dispensed from the container 10, the dispensing applicator 52 can be cleaned. To clean the dispensing applicator 52, the user tilts the dispensing applicator on its side so that the cleaning chamber outlet 108 on the first narrow side 80 is vertically positioned above the cleaning chamber outlet 108 on the second narrow side 82 (or vice versa). Once tilted, the user may place the dispensing applicator 52 under a source of running water (broadly a cleaning fluid), such as a faucet, so that the water enters the dispensing applicator through the cleaning chamber outlet 108 (i.e. the cleaning chamber outlet is now an inlet). Once in the dispensing applicator 52, the water moves, under the influence of gravity, through the first longitudinal chamber portion 94a of the applicator chamber, through the opening 97 in the interior wall 96, through the second longitudinal chamber portion 94b and exits the dispensing applicator 52 through the cleaning chamber outlet 108 on the second narrow side 82 (this sequence is reversed if the water enters the cleaning chamber outlet on the second narrow side 82). As the water moves through the dispensing applicator 52, the water washes away any remaining flowable product in the applicator chamber. The larger opening of the cleaning chamber outlet 108 allows the water to more easily enter and exit the dispensing applicator 52.
It will be understood that in certain embodiments, the actuator 14 can be installed on a can 12 to form a completed container 10, and in other embodiments, the actuator is a standalone component.
In view of the above, it will be seen that the several features of the disclosure are achieved and other advantageous results obtained.
Having described the disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims.
When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Patent Application
20190276222
