GB2458175A - A member for use with a canister or other container that dispenses particulate - Google Patents

Abstract

A member 14 for use with a canister or other container 10 that dispenses particulate is in the form of a hollow generally cylindrical or conical member for receiving particulate dispensed from the canister or other container 10. The member 14 has a plurality of apertures disposed along at least a part of the length of the member 14.

Description

Apparatus for Control of Aerosol Residue and Surface Deposits The present invention relates to the correct use of an aerosol spray or particulate dispenser, the enhancing of its performance and the prevention of its use too close to a surface, area or object whereby inappropriate residues or surface coatings would otherwise result.

Aerosol containers or canisters are used to deliver or dispense a mixture of ingredients in particulate form usually under pressure. Usually the mixture of ingredients is contained within a container that is pressurised either manually or, commonly, through the use of chemicals known as propellants before being released, usually by means of a manually operated valve and usually finally exiting through a nozzle or actuator. The particulate, spray profile and characteristics that result are derived from the particular combination and interaction of these chemical ingredients and components. The particulate, spray or aerosol, its profile and its characteristics can be defined and controlled closely through appropriate definition and selection of components.

What is often less closely controlled is the distance between the aerosol dispenser outlet and the physical area, object or surface at which it may be directed. In some cases (such as air freshener for example) the spray is not intended to be directed at a physical surface and this may not be a significant concern. In other cases it is more important (underarm deodorant used too close to the skin or clothing can result in unsightly stains or deposits if dispensed too close for example). In many cases it is vital to the correct operation of the product and prevention of damage. One of the better known examples of this is the use of spray paint too close to the surface to be painted whereby droplets, unwanted patterns and sometimes rivulet run off occurs rather than the even coating promised by the product particulars. Furniture polish is another example and staining may occur through incorrect use. In some cases incorrect use may even be indirectly life threatening. Aerosol smoke or hazard detector testers that are used too close can result in residues and deposits on and in detectors that, aside from being unsightly, can adversely affect the performance of the smoke or hazard detector. For these reasons products usually carry instructions that a certain distance should be maintained between the exit of the aerosol and the object or area at which it is directed. These directions are, however, often not followed.

While, in certain cases, dispensing apparatus exists to control or influence the spray after exiting from the container, that apparatus often has to be notably larger or significantly longer than the aerosol container or canister itself and, as a result, is usually bulky or otherwise awkward or inconvenient to carry. In the event it does not form a permanent part' of the aerosol product, is not convenient to carry and I or is not inherently simple to fit or operate then its use is either avoided or ignored and the spray Is used too close -with unwanted results.

From one aspect, the present invention provides a member for use with a canister or other container that dispenses particulate (usually) under pressure, the member being in the form of a hollow generally cylindrical or conical member for receiving particulate dispensed from the canister or other container and having a plurality of apertures disposed along at least a part of the length of the member.

The length of the member preferably dictates the minimum distance between the release point of the aerosol spray or particulate and the point where it can directly impact the target surface, area or object. Through the use of telescopic or extending parts the member may also be collapsed when not in use so as to take up less space than the minimum distance it dictates for the aerosol spray or particulate when extended. Designed in this way it can be much more convenient to retain with the core product that is the aerosol container itself and therefore be easier and more likely to be employed.

In order that the present invention be more readily understood, embodiments thereof will now be descnbed by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig I shows a first embodiment of the present invention in a first position; Fig 2 shows the first embodiment in a second position; Fig 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention in a first position; and Fig 4 shows the second embodiment in a second position.

Fig 5 shows a third embodiment of the present invention in a first position; and Fig 6 shows the third embodiment in a second position Fig 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention in a first position; and Fig 8 and 9 shows the fourth embodiment in a second and third position Aerosol containers usually have manually operable valves which have an outlet aperture pointing either axially along the length of the container or radially, transversely to the axis of the container, although some may be at angles in between the two or adjustable angles. We have designed and explain below specific arrangements to deal with these two most common different orientations of valve aperture although variations of the theme will suit different orientations.

The first embodiment is designed to be a unitary assembly of container and spacer member for use with an aerosol container whose nozzle or actuator aperture is directed radially to the axis of the container and a detailed description of this first embodiment will now be given with reference to Figs I and 2. The container 10 is shown as being a conventional cylindrical container one end of which is provided with a manually operable valve 11 which has a radially directed nozzle or actuator outlet aperture (not shown). Attached to the exterior of the container 10 is a spacer member 14 which has an arcuate cross section and which is pivotally connected to the container 10 at points 16, only one of which is shown in Fig 1, at a position spaced from the ends of the member 14. It is possible using this configuration, although not shown in the Figure, that a part of the member 14 projects above the top of the container 10 by a distance sufficient to result in any aerosol, spray or particulate discharged from the outlet aperture of the valve of the container striking the articulate surface of the member 14.

In this position, termed the first position, the member 14 forms a shield to prevent any aerosol, spray or particulate discharged from the container reaching or directly impacting a given surface, area or object. It may also be left attached to the container without significantly changing the size or shape of the container or otherwise adversely affecting the carrying or storage of the product. In this way it is always available for use.

As shown in Fig 2, the member 14 is pivotal about the points 16 so that it can adopt an operative or second position such that the member 14 is radial to the container 10. In S. this position when the valve 11 of the container is operated, the resultant aerosol spray or particulate discharge will travel down the length of the member 14 towards a surface, object or area. It will be appreciated that the length of the member 14 will thus dictate the minimum distance at which the aerosol, spray or particulate from container 10 can be positioned with respect to a surface, object or area. The member 14 is shown be generally cylindrical or conical and to have a plurality of holes in its side wall. The required length of the member 14 is a function of the formula of the product and the valve and nozzle selected as well as by the amount of air that is/can be Introduced to the spray as it travels the length of the spacer. In the event that the spacer is one that encloses the aerosol, spray or particulate by being a cylinder, cone or tube then the performance of the overall device is impacted by the number, type, size, shape and positioning of holes that may be introduced into the walls of the spacer. In a further development of this concept the device is arranged such that it cannot be used when the spacer member is not in place or is closed thereby preventing use too close and its use is only enabled when the spacer member is properly positioned -thereby dictating the minimum distance. In this way inadvertent use too close' is inhibited or prevented.

It may be that the member 14 can be a single member as shown in the drawings but it is equally possible for the member 14 to be made of a two or more telescopically extending or folding portions. If desired, the container and / or the member 14 can be suitably formed so as to provide a retention means for holding the member 14 in the position shown in Fig 2. Other modifications are possible both to the exact shape of the member 14 and its construction. For example it may be lengthened simply by the use of rods that extend to a given distance.

As shown in Fig 2, the member 14 is pivotal about the points 16 so that it can adopt an operative or second position such that the member 14 is radial to the container 10. In this position it is possible to operate the valve 11 of the container and the resultant aerosol, spray or particulate discharge will travel down the length of the member 14 towards a surface, object or area. It will be appreciated that the length of the member 14 will thus dictate the minimum distance at which the aerosol, spray or particulate from container 10 can be positioned with respect to a surface, object or area. It may be that the member 14 can be a single member as shown in the drawings but it is equally possible for the member 14 to be made of two or more telescopically extending or folding portions. If desired, the container and / or the member 14 can be suitably formed so as to provide a retention means for holding the member 14 in the position shown in Fig 2. Other modifications are possible both to the exact shape of the member 14 and its construction. For example it may be provided with apertures along its length or it may be lengthened simply by the use of rods that extend to a given distance.

As an alternative to being attached to the container and pivoted into and out of an operative position, the member 14 may be provided with a mounting ring or clip for receiving the container when in use whereby, when not in use, the member may be stored detached from the container but clipped into position on the container when needed for use.

Turning now to Figs 3 and 4, this is an embodiment which is designed to be utilised with an aerosol container whose valve has an outlet aperture directed axially or broadly axially of the container. In this embodiment, the container has a reference numeral 20 and the spacer member has a reference numeral 24. It will be seen from Figs 3 and 4 that the spacer member 24 is in fact made up of a plurality of telescopically extendable sections 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d. The elements 24b, c and d are arranged and dimensioned so that they fit within the element 24a which thus constitutes the outer-most element when in a closed condition as shown in Fig 3. If desired, a cap 26 can be provided to be attached to the end of the element 24a and thus retain the member 24 in the closed condition -although the principle of containing the inner sections may also be achieved in other ways such as the addition of a lip to the top of the outermost section 24a.

The exact number of telescopic sections is dependent on a number of factors one of which is the desired minimum distance at which the container outlet should be spaced from a surface area or object for proper operation and the other is the overall axial length of the product in its stored, carried or closed position. In this embodiment the minimum number of sections is two namely the sections identified as section 24a and 24d. Section 24d is fixed to the top of the container by fitting to the valve (something that due to wide standardisations of valves will enable the device to fit a variety of sizes and shapes of container) but it could equally be fitted to the container in many instances. Section 24d is provided with a first aperture 30 which provides access for a user's finger to operate the valve of the container. This finger aperture is not, of course, vital' to the concept. A different lock' I mechanical push' could also be envisaged and could equally well prevent or discourage discharge in position one (the too close' position) and enable it in position two (the spacing position). It is preferred however that one or more additional apertures 31 are provided in the walls-of the element (shown here in 24d) as this has been found to improve the performance of the apparatus under certain circumstances. The second section which needs to be present in this embodiment is the outer-most section 24a. In this embodiment this section 24a is the one that telescopes, thereby extending the minimum distance in the second position without being disadvantageous, awkward or inconvenient in the first position.

Further, in this embodiment this outer section does not have any apertures through its side wall that are large enough to enable actuation of the valve. Consequently, when in the closed position of the member 24, it is impossible for a user to operate the valve of the container as the section 24 shields the valve and protects the nozzle or actuator while preventing use in a similar way to the role performed by a traditional aerosol cap while, at the same time, being only a little larger than such a cap.

There may be one or more intermediate sections such as those shown as 24b and 24c.

Preferably one or more of the intermediate sections are provided with one or more apertures 33 in its side wall as again this has been shown to provide an improved is performance under certain circumstances. The preferred material for the member 24 is a plastics material and the holes are shown here as circular holes though they can differ in shape, size, quantity and position. In a modified version it is possible to replace one or more of the intermediate sections or all of them with sections having mesh walls or even solid walls but it is to be noted that the size, positioning and number of apertures will affect performance of the overall product.

The shape of the individual sections of the member 24 in this embodiment can be varied but ideally the sections can be nested one within the other in the closed condition and be maintained in an extended position irrespective of the orientation of the container and spacer. We prefer that each of the sections be slightly tapering so that when extended the spacer member 24 has a generally conical profile. Not only does this conical shape improve performance but the other advantage of this shape is that the telescopic sections can be extended simply by flicking the assembly which causes the sections to extend and then jam against each other in the extended condition due to friction between the individual sections. Collapsing the member 24 is then simply a matter of pushing the elements together. This has the advantage of neat and easy storage and means that the device can be permanently connected to or with the container such that it is always used. Correctly designed in this way the user will not find himself in a position of being tempted (or, depending on the actuator employed, even able) to deploy the aerosol without the spacer member and therefore not potentially too close. We have found that a spacer member 24 having the following dimensions produces an acceptable performance: between internal diameter 1.4 inches, arid internal diameter 2 inches and a length (extended) of 11 inches inclusive of the mounting but 10 inches if measured from the outlet of the container.

The third embodiment shown here in figures 5 and 6 is very similar to the second but the diameter of the outermost telescopic section is wider than the container itself and therefore encloses most or all of the container when in its closed position. This embodiment would allow for a longer distance to be introduced in position two but with less telescopic sections still without significantly increasing the size of the overall product when in its closed position. Alternatively a greater overall length of telescope could be obtained. As with the third embodiment the apparatus is perceived to perform better with the introduction of apertures 30 and 33.

A fourth embodiment shown here in Figures 7, 8 and 9, is again one that contains all or most of the container in the first position (Figure 7 its closed, storage or carrying position) but, in this embodiment the container 40 sits within a cylinder 41 that comprises the form of the spacing member and is removed from the interior of this spacing member which is itself then inverted and placed on top of the container. This can be seen in Figures 7 and 8 where the ends of the spacer, marked as A & B, are seen to be reversed by the act of inversion. In the embodiment shown the spacing member has an interior disc 41 a with an aperture 41 b at its centre through which the nozzle or actuator 4 protrudes. In this particular embodiment the nozzle or actuator cannot be depressed manually with a finger since it emits aerosol particulate or spray vertically and the finger of the operator would impede aerosol particulate or spray release. The nozzle is however, designed with a shoulder that is larger than the aperture 41 b and pressing one against the other enables aerosol particulate or spray to be released. As with the prior embodiments the minimum distance between the exit of the aerosol particulate or spray from the container and the point at which it directly impacts the target surface, area or object can be limited by the dimensions of the spacing member and this, itself, can be adjusted by use of telescoping sections.

Similarly, the spacing member can be constructed from various materials (with plastic being a preferred option) and will perform better with appropriately placed apertures (in this case in the walls of the outer section and in the disc). As with the other embodiments the design is such, however that use of the aerosol without the spacer section is either inconvenient or impossible but the spacer member is conveniently stored and carried with the aerosol product and so is more likely always to be deployed and so enhance the overall performance of the aerosol product through elimination of inappropriate residues or surface coatings.

With any of the embodiments disclosed above, it is possible to provide a spacer such that in the operative position, the container cannot be positioned closer than, for example, 6 to 10 inches from surface, object or area and any of these designs, when used in conjunction with a suitable formula, valve and nozzle selection will serve to minimise or eliminate the deposit of unwanted residue (such as in the case of aerosol smoke detector testers or deodorants) or deliver a smooth and even deposit of spray coating without bubbles, droplets, run off or streaming (such as in the case of furniture polish or paint spray).

The preferred embodiment thus provides a spacer arrangement that is connected to or contains a container, preferably in the form of an aerosol canister during the usual use of the container and which does not make the container significantly larger or more bulky to carry but, either by hinging, telescoping, inverting or otherwise extending into an operative position acts as a spacer that inhibits use of the aerosol spray or particulate too close to a surface. The required length of the spacer is a function of the formula of the product and the valve and nozzle selected as well as by the amount of air that is / can be introduced to the spray as it travels the length of the spacer. In the event that the spacer is one that encloses the aerosol, spray or particulate by being a cylinder, cone or tube then the performance of the overall device is impacted by the number, type, size, shape and positioning of holes that may be introduced into the walls of the spacer. In a further development of this concept the device is arranged such that it cannot be used when the spacer member is not in place or is closed thereby preventing use too close and its use is only enabled when the spacer member is properly positioned -thereby dictating the minimum distance. In this way inadvertent use too close' is inhibited or prevented.

Accordingly the use of a spacer member with apertures as hereinbefore described can improve the throw' of a particulate which is dispensed from a canister or other container connected to the member and assist with control, or prevention of residue from the particulate whilst also meaning that the spacer member need not be as long as would need to be the case if there were no apertures in the side walls.

Claims (13)

1. CLAIMS1. A member for use with a canister or other container that dispenses particulate, the member being in the form of a hollow generally cylindrical or conical member for receiving particulate dispensed from the canister or other container and having a plurality of apertures disposed along at least a part of the length of the member.
2. 2. The member according to claim 1, wherein the member is arranged to extend to its operative length.
3. 3. The member according to claim 2, wherein the member comprises a plurality of telescopically extending sections.
4. 4. The member according to claim 3, wherein the telescopically extending sections form a generally conical profile.
5. 5. The member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is one or more intermediate sections between the outer section of the member and the section attachable to the canister or other container.
6. 6. The member according to any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein at least one of the telescopically extending sections comprises an opening or apparatus in its side wall to permit access to the inside of the member from the side of the member.
7. 7. The member according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for attaching the member to the canister or other container.
8. 8. The member according to claim 7, wherein the attaching means comprises means for providing a pivotal connection between the member and the canister or other container.
9. 9. The member according to claim 7, wherein the attaching means comprises a mounting ring or clip for receiving the canister or other container.
10. 10. The member according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the member is formed at least in part of a mesh.
11. II. The member according to any one of claims 2 to 10 further comprising means for retaining the member in an unextended position.
12. 12. A member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
13. 13. Apparatus comprising a canister or other container that dispenses particulate and a member according to any preceding claim attached thereto.