DE60202488T2 - OPERATING CAP FOR THE RADIAL ARRANGEMENT OF A TIN IN A HOLDING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

An actuator cap (10) for use in radially locating a pressurized can (12) in a sprayer device having a cradle for receiving the can. The actuator cap (10) has a recess (50) that engages an engagement land of the cradle and an actuator arm (52) that is so located as to be movable by an actuation pin located in the engagement land. By such movement, the can's valve can be activated and its contents released. A method is also disclosed for activating a pressurized, axially extending can (12) having a forwardly presenting valve while the can (12) is held in predetermined radial orientation within a sprayer device.

Description

BACKGROUND THE INVENTION

The The present invention relates to an actuating cap according to the preamble of claim 1 for actuating aerosol and other pressurized containers Content. The actuation cap is for intended for use with a holding device. Examples of such Devices are holders at the end of extension handles with which a user over a can a mechanical linkage can activate while he keeps her at a distance.

is the can to be used in such a holder with an actuating cap which constructs an assembly for activation by moving which attacks at only one point along the circumference of the cap, allowed the actuator cap always sit in a single radial orientation in the holder. For example, an actuating arm extends across the actuating cap and is he constructed so that by pressing on one end of the arm is moved, the point at which pressure is applied to it, careful be aligned with the component that is to exert the pressure. Should continue to be an actuator cap with a side-facing, a fan pattern or another special If you want to inject the target image of the throwing pattern guarantee, the actuating cap in the holder always exactly in the radial target orientation sit. Should after all the spray jet are discharged substantially axially with respect to the nozzle, the Components that hold and align the can, the spray jet do not block.

It There are various devices for holding aerosol and others pressurized cans in holding devices; the actuating cap according to the invention should solve the problems to take care of Must be done by adding structural means to support the holding of the can in the holder, for precise radial alignment of the can in the holder, to enable the same via special Facilities and to avoid a disturbance of a substantially axially ejected spray jet provides.

cut for aerosol cans, which take on the various special requirements are For example, from the US-A-3,260,416 known, the preamble of claim 1 is based. This document discloses a dispensing cap for one Aerosol can with one actuator arm, in a recess in the uppermost end surface of the cap lies. The actuating arm has a raised finger touch surface to control the operation of the To facilitate valve by hand. In addition to the finger attachment surface contains the cap wall a recess which runs steeply away from it under the finger attachment surface additional To create space that makes the finger attachment area easily accessible.

The US-A-3 397 822 shows a dispensing cap for an aerosol can with a operating arm, the total in a recessed portion of the upper termination surface of the Cap lies. The operating arm contains at one End an opening, through the spray can escape from the can. At the other end is also one Fingeransetzfläche intended. The finger attachment area is in line with a pair of transverse recesses in the uppermost finish area the cap. These recesses extend across the actuating arm to the user keep a finger in line with the exit opening across the Put on the cap. This arrangement therefore prevents the user inadvertently with the spray in contact device.

at Both of these pamphlets are about spray cans held by hand and be operated should.

SHORT SUMMARY THE INVENTION

The Invention creates an actuating cap Claim 1 below for use with a pressurized can. The can extends axially and has a back and a front End, wherein the front end contains a forward projecting valve. The overcap extends axially relative to the can and is at the front Set at the end.

The Can to put in a spraying device be inserted, which contains a Muldenelement for receiving the can, the between a front and a rear end with respect to axially extending in it held can. An example of a suitable one sprayer is disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 09/951632 of 14th September 2001 described (provided that the spray device shown there by omission of the cleaning mixture at the spray end the same is modified).

The trough member has at the front end a stop surface which limits an axial forward movement of the can, and a can clamping device which holds the can abutting the stop surface. The abutment surface has a gripping surface extending rearwardly from the can stopper face and having an actuating pin therein which a user can selectively actuate to extend rearwardly thereof from the gripping surface and activate the actuating cap. The Angrifffläche may be made in one piece or a combination of two or more Represent structural elements that together represent the attack surface. The term "actuating pin" is not intended to designate a particular shape; this can therefore be other than a pin-shaped. Rather, the actuating pin may have any convenient cross-section as long as it provides a contact point that can interact with the actuating cap.

The overcap has a Dosenansetzstruktur, with the former on the front End of the can is placed. A conventional example of an under Pressurized can is a common aerosol can. Such cans typically have a side surface and an upper part, wherein both surfaces over a Seam connected to each other, which is referred to as "bell". Conventional aerosol cans typically also have a central valve in a valve cup is arranged. The valve cup is attached at its edge to the upper part. It is known actuation caps on aerosol cans over To attach elastic locking elements on the bell or on the Attack cup edge. Without being limited to these are such Examples of can attachment constructions for use with the actuator cap of the present invention suitable. The attachment to the bell is preferred because of a Construction yields that does not disturb the rest of the interior of the actuator cap.

The overcap has a recess for receiving the Angrifefläche, which recess the setting of the can in the trough element and the placing of the actuating cap in a radially predetermined orientation relative to the well element support should. The actuation cap also has a valve actuator on. The valve actuator contains an internal passage and tightly engages the valve; if - preferably backwards - moved, it activates the valve, allowing the contents of the can through the passage is released through. An actuating arm is arranged that it is located at the Angrifffläche taken from the recess of the Actuating pin off extends backwards and aligned with it; the actuating arm can be - preferably move backwards - when a user releases the actuating pin moves so that the valve actuator moves and the valve is actuated become.

Although Preferably, the components of the actuator cap - eg. by conventional injection molding - one-piece be trained, they can be trained as independent elements, the interact with each other. For example. is preferably the actuating arm via a Film hinge attached to the rest of the actuator cap. It can but also a separate operating arm be provided, you over a detent hinge or other device with the rest of the overcap combines. Preferably, the valve actuating element will continue to be in one piece with the actuating arm educated; but it can also be a separate component - eg. a conventional one Aerosol actuator button - act, to the the actuating arm applies without being formed together with the actuating arm.

In a preferred embodiment indicates when the can valve is a forwardly extending valve stem has, the valve actuator a backward open Valve intake on, in conjunction with the internal passage stands, who is moving forward extends to supply the can contents of an outlet opening, from which emerges upon activation of the valve's can contents. These it is at the can valve to a recessed valve, that shows Valve actuator a backwards yourself extending tube element, which in in the desired position on the Can located actuator cap attacking the valve; it contains a forward extending internal passage to supply the can contents of an outlet opening, from which spend the activation of the valve can contents leaves.

Preferably extends the actuating arm in terms of the actuating cap across and over he is a film hinge attached to the rest of the same. While that Hinge can be located at both ends of the actuating arm, the preferred starting point is away from the recess to to gain a beneficial leverage. The actuating arm has a forward facing surface, behind the box located in Muldenelement in the recess and preferably at the furthest rear extent of the gripping surface and the actuating pin when a user moves it backwards.

In an aspect runs in the actuator cap a slot away from the recess and laterally in the actuating cap a free opening, which communicates with the recess. The actuating arm can then be transversely the actuating cap extend, one end of which is located at the slot.

Preferably, the recess has inwardly tapered guide surfaces which assist in correctly inserting the engagement surface into the recess when the actuating cap is in the desired position in the recess. Also preferably, the recess is located on one side of the actuating cap and is the outlet opening of the valve activator on the cap axis and thus between the recess and the opposite side of the actuating cap. In this arrangement, the can is supported by the interaction of the recess with the engaging surface, both of which lie on one side of the outlet opening, without the need for actuation or depression elements are that would interfere with the outlet opening and thus the axial leakage of the contents of the can out of her.

At the inventive method This is a procedure for activating one under pressure standing, axially extending can with a forward projecting Valve while the can in a predetermined radial orientation in a spray device is mounted, which contains a depression element for receiving the can, wherein the trough element at the front end a stop surface, the a forward directed axial movement of the can, and a can clamping device has, which holds the can on the stop surface of the trough element, wherein this stop surface still a target area has that from the stop surface projects backwards and in which is an actuating pin which is selectively extendable by a user from behind is. In a first step you place on the front end of the can put on an actuating cap which has a recess for receiving the attack surface contains to hold the can in the well element and the actuation cap in a radially predetermined orientation with respect to the well element support, furthermore a valve actuating element, which contains an internal passage which opens into an outlet opening, wherein the Valve actuator tightly closed at the valve attacks and, when moved backwards, activates it, allowing the can contents through the internal passage and out of the outlet opening is output, and finally an actuating arm ready, which extends backwards and when engaged in the recess Angrifefläche with the actuating pin is aligned, wherein the actuating arm to move backwards can when a user releases the actuating pin moves to the valve actuator to move and operate the valve. In a second step of the procedure you put the can in the Trough element so that the attack surface is in the recess and secures the can by means of the can clamping device in the Trough component. In the final Step moves the actuating pin backwards, to to operate the valve.

Preferably the step of providing one on the front can end attached actuating cap providing a slot extending radially from the recess extends outwards and laterally in the actuator cap a free opening forms, which communicates with the recess, as well as providing an actuating arm on the subject the actuator cap across runs, wherein one end of the actuating arm is radial aligned with the slot and the actuating arm one in the recess forward facing surface having behind in the recess befindlicher attack surface the actuating pin lies and is aligned with this.

To In another aspect, the pressurized can assembly of the invention is suitable for the Application in a spraying device with a tray member for receiving a can extending axially between a front and a rear end with respect to a inserted can extends and a stop surface at the front End, that the axial forward movement the can is limited and still one of the stop surface itself extending backwards attack surface having, wherein in the gripping surface an actuating pin is arranged, the backward from a user selectively this is extendable. The can assembly is under pressure standing box with a front and a rear end on, where from the front end a valve protrudes forward. On the front Can end is an actuation cap fitted with a recess of such a size and shape, that they are the attack surface complementary can record. The actuation cap also has a valve actuator, that concludes tightly at the valve can attack and contains an internal passage, the in conjunction with an outlet opening. The valve actuator can, if moved, operate the valve so that can contents is released through the internal passage to the outlet opening. The overcap also has an actuating arm on, which is at the recorded from the recess Angrifefläche of actuating pin backwards and extends with this aligned and which can move when a user the actuating pin moves to the valve actuator to move and so to operate the valve.

SUMMARY THE DRAWINGS

1 shows in perspective a cap of the invention from above;

2 shows in perspective a actuation cap according to the invention from below;

3 shows in a perspective a conventional aerosol can with the actuating cap in a ready-to-sit position;

4 shows in a perspective of a spraying device for use with the actuating cap according to the invention; and

5 shows in a perspective from above and behind a broken away part of the well element of the spray device and its front parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The drawings, in which like reference characters designate like and corresponding parts, is in 1 generally from above and in the 2 from below 10 shown an actuating cap with which can bring a can in a holding device in a radial desired position. The actuation cap 10 is suitable for a conventional, pressurized or aerosol can, as in 3 generally included 12 is shown. The tin 12 has a back end 14 , a front end 16 , the page 18 as well as a top 20 , The side surface 18 and the top 20 are joined together at a seam, commonly called a can bell 22 referred to as. The tin 12 also has a valve 24 in a valve cup 26 on top, with the can top 20 is joined together at a seam commonly referred to as a valve cup rim 28 referred to as.

The actuation cap 10 has a downwardly extending sidewall 30 which encloses a substantially hollow interior. On the inner surface of the side wall 30 are locking elements 32 designed so that they are elastic over the bell 22 snap and act as Ansetzzeinrichtung, with the actuation cap 10 on the front end 16 put on a can and can be fixed there. For a person skilled in the art, it will be appreciated that the latching elements 32 merely one example of a variety of standard actuator cap attachment arrangements, some of which are on the bell 22 and others at the valve cup rim 28 or elsewhere on a can 12 attack. All of these alternatives and their equivalents are to be considered as falling within the scope of the invention.

The actuation cap 10 and the can 12 should be used in a spraying device, as generally in 4 at 34 is shown. The spraying device 34 allows remote operation of a pressurized can and, of course, is but one example of such a device; Other spray devices with different applications and features are possible. The spraying device 34 has, as in 5 can be seen, for receiving the can a Muldenelement 36 extending axially between a front and a rear end 38 respectively. 40 extends. The trough element 36 has at the front end 38 a stop surface 42 which allows axial forward movement of the can 12 limited. An attack surface 46 stands backwards out of the stop surface 42 out in front of; there is an actuating pin in it 48 arranged, which is actuated by a user selectively extendable backwards to the actuating cap 10 to operate as described below.

The actuation cap 10 contains a forward facing recess 50 such a size and shape that they are the attack surface 46 can absorb radially substantially immovable. In in the trough element 36 inserted can surrounds the recess 50 the attack surface 46 preferably at least partially and thus resists lateral displacement of the can 12 , This will be the retention of the can 12 in the trough element 35 supports and becomes the actuating cap 10 held in a radially predetermined orientation relative to the trough element. Preferably, the recess has 50 inward sloping guide surfaces 51 to insert the actuator cap 10 in the trough element 36 the insertion of the attack surface 46 to assist in the recess.

The actuation cap 10 has an actuating arm 52 that is from the recess 50 absorbed contact surface 46 backwards of the actuating pin 48 and aligned with this runs. With one end is the actuating arm 52 hinged to the rest of the actuator cap 10 set so that the operating arm can move when a user activates the actuating pin 48 performs. The actuating cap 10 has a valve actuator 54 that at the valve 24 can attack tightly. Preferably, the valve actuating element 54 with the operating arm 52 designed in one piece, as shown in the figures, although an alternative embodiment as a separate component is possible. The valve actuator 54 includes an internal passage (not shown) leading into an exit port 56 empties.

Is due to the action of the actuating pin 48 the valve actuator 54 moved, this puts on the valve 24 and presses it, allowing can contents through the passage and out the exit port 56 can flow out. Preferably, the valve 24 by a backward movement of the valve actuating element 54 actuated; However, a triggered by lateral tilting valve is also possible. Both types of valves are common and both movements can be achieved with the valve actuator by selecting the hinge stop point and other conventional means known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, it is the valve 24 around a protruding valve with a valve stem, 58 moving axially forwardly from the valve actuator 54 to be recorded. However, recessed valves are also known and can be used alternatively, wherein in the valve actuating element 54 Design elements are provided with which such a valve can be actuated.

Preferably, the actuating arm extends 52 across the actuator cap 10 and he is at one of the recess 50 distant point with the rest of the actuator cap via a film hinge 60 connected. While a hinged be attachment in another place is also possible, obtained with the preferred type of connection an appropriate leverage for actuating a centrally located valve 24 , In the preferred embodiment are on the underside of the actuating arm 52 designed to stiffen the same ribs; See, for example, the ribs 61 of the 2 ,

The actuating arm 52 has in the recess 50 a forward facing surface 62 that are in the trough element 36 inserted socket preferably backward behind the furthest rearward extension of the Angrifffläche 46 and definitely backwards behind the actuating pin 48 lies before it is extended, with the forward facing surface 62 receives the actuation pin extended backwards by a user. Preferably, the recess is located 50 laterally offset on one side of the actuator cap 10 and the valve operating member 54 on the axis of the cap and so between the recess and the opposite side of the cap. In this arrangement leaves the actuator cap 10 in the trough element 35 holders, without parts of the same, the leakage of the can contents from the outlet opening 56 the valve actuator 54 To block.

To the actuation cap 10 even safer in the trough element 36 To hold a secondary Angrifffläche can be provided by the stop surface 42 the Muldenelements ago projects backwards. Preferably, the secondary engaging surface extends on an actuating pin 48 opposite point from the attack surface 46 radially outward. Then contains the actuator cap 10 a slot coming out of the recess 50 in conjunction with this extends radially outward and in the trough element 36 inserted actuation cap 10 and can 12 complementary with the secondary engaging surface engages. The actuating arm 52 then preferably extends across the actuator cap 10 wherein one end of the actuating arm is at the slot 66 located.

The actuation cap according to the invention 10 can be produced by injection molding of plastics, which are conventionally used for actuating caps for aerosol cans. The practical application method for the actuator cap 10 are described above.

The The foregoing description covers only preferred embodiments the invention. The full scope of the invention will be apparent from the claims.

COMMERCIAL APPLICABILITY

It become a practical use in the circumstances described one overcap and discloses the means for their preparation and their application.

Claims (11)

Actuating cap ( 10 ) for use on a pressurized can ( 12 ) with a rear end ( 14 ) and a front end ( 16 ) and a forward projecting valve ( 24 ) on the latter, the can in a spray device ( 34 ) is receivable, which is a Muldenelement ( 36 ) for receiving a can ( 12 ), and wherein the trough element ( 36 ) between a front end ( 36 ) and a rear end ( 40 ) with respect to a can ( 12 ) extends axially and at the front end ( 36 ) a stop surface ( 42 ), with which a forward axial movement of the can ( 12 ) and which continues to have an attack surface ( 46 ), extending from the stop surface ( 42 ) extends to the rear and inside a trigger pin ( 46 ) is and is selectively movable by user to extend out of her back and the actuating cap ( 10 ), whereby the actuating cap ( 10 ) relative to the can ( 12 ) extends axially away from it and comprises: a. a can attachment structure ( 32 ), with which the actuating cap ( 10 ) to the front end ( 16 ) of the can is attachable; b. a recess ( 50 ) of a size and shape sufficient to grip the surface ( 46 ) complementary; c. an actuator ( 54 ), which on the valve ( 24 ) tightly engages and contains an internal channel with an outlet opening ( 56 ) is in flow communication with the valve retracting element ( 54 ), when it is moved, the valve ( 24 ) and so can contents through the internal channel to the outlet opening ( 56 ) releases; and d. an actuating arm ( 52 ), which is arranged so that it is in the receptacle ( 50 ) seated attack surface ( 46 ) from the actuating pin ( 46 ) extends rearward and is aligned with it, wherein the actuating arm ( 52 ) can move when a user releases the actuating pin ( 48 ) is moved to the valve actuator ( 54 ) and to move the valve ( 24 ) trigger; characterized in that the recess ( 50 ) is adjacent to one side of the actuating cap and the valve actuator ( 54 ) on the cap axis and consequently between the recess ( 50 ) and the side facing away from the latter of the actuating cap and the recess has inwardly inclined guide surfaces, the insertion of the Angrifffläche ( 46 ) in the recess ( 50 ) support; and that the actuating arm ( 52 ) a forward facing surface ( 62 ) located in the recess ( 50 ) and arranged so that they are in the trough inserted behind the rearmost extension of the contact surface ( 46 ) to the actuating pin ( 48 ) when a user extends it backwards. An actuator cap according to claim 1, wherein the valve of the can has a forwardly projecting valve stem and the valve actuator (10). 54 ) has a rearwardly open valve socket which is in fluid communication with the internal channel. An actuating cap according to claim 1, in which the valve actuating element ( 54 ) with the actuating arm ( 52 ) is uniform. Actuating cap ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the actuating arm ( 52 ) extends transversely to the actuating cap and a film hinge ( 60 ) is attached to the rest of the actuator cap. An actuating cap according to claim 1, wherein the actuating arm ( 52 ) extends transversely to the actuating cap and at one of the recess ( 50 ) removed place via a film hinge ( 60 ) is attached to the rest of the actuator cap. An actuating cap according to claim 1, wherein a slot ( 66 ) extends radially outwardly from the recess and from the side of the actuating cap ( 10 ) ago a free opening in connection with the recess ( 50 ). An actuating cap according to claim 1, wherein the actuating arm ( 52 ) across the actuating cap ( 10 ) and one end of the actuator arm is at the slot. Actuating cap ( 10 ) according to claim 1, which is designed for attachment to a can with a bell region, the attachment device ( 32 ) is applied to attach the actuator cap to the front end of the can to the bell of the can. Actuating cap ( 10 ) according to claim 1, which is designed for attachment to a can with a valve cup rim, wherein the attachment device ( 32 ) is applied to attach the actuator cap to the front can end to the valve cup rim of the can. An actuating cap according to claim 1, wherein the recess inwardly oblique guide surfaces as an aid in the insertion of the Angrifffläche ( 46 ) in the recess ( 50 ), when the actuating cap is in the desired position in the trough element. Pressure can arrangement for use in a spraying device with a tray member for receiving a can extending axially between a front and a rear end with respect to a extending in it held can and at the front end has a stop surface, the one forward Directed axial displacement of the can is limited and the continue an attack surface has, extending from the stop surface of the trough element extends backwards and in the one actuating pin is arranged, of a user selectively moving and doing backwards out it is extendable, wherein the pressure can arrangement has: a) a pressurized can with a front and a back End, with a protruding valve on the former, and b) an actuating cap according to one of the preceding claims.