FROTHING ACTUATOR FOR PRESSURIZED CONTAINER
An actuator for a container that includes a valve and retains a flowable product under pressure includes a valve coupler configured to be operatively coupled to the valve for selective opening and closing of the valve. A dispensing applicator is connected to the valve coupler and has proximal and distal ends with an applicator length extending there-between. The dispensing applicator defines an applicator chamber having a chamber length extending along the applicator length, a chamber inlet in communication with the applicator chamber, and a chamber outlet in communication with the applicator chamber. The chamber outlet extends in a direction generally transverse to the applicator length. The dispensing applicator is in fluid communication with the valve when the valve is selectively opened using the valve coupler such that the flowable product flows through the chamber inlet into the applicator chamber and exits the dispensing applicator through the chamber outlet in a direction that is generally transverse to the applicator length.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/639,390, filed Mar. 6, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF DISCLOSUREThe 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.
BACKGROUNDPressurized 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.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONReferring to the drawings, and in particular to
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
Referring to
Referring to
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
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
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 (
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 (
Referring to
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
Referring to
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 (
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.
Claims
1. An actuator for a container that includes a container body configured to retain a flowable product under pressure, and a valve coupled to the container body, the actuator comprising:
- a valve coupler configured to be operatively coupled to the valve to allow selective opening and closing of the valve; and
- a dispensing applicator connected to the valve coupler, the dispensing applicator being elongate and having a proximal end, a distal end, and an applicator length extending between the proximal and distal ends, the dispensing applicator defining an applicator chamber having a chamber length extending along the applicator length of the dispensing applicator, a chamber inlet in communication with the applicator chamber adjacent the proximal end of the dispensing applicator, a chamber outlet in communication with the applicator chamber at a location distal to the chamber inlet, wherein the chamber outlet extends in a direction generally transverse to the applicator length,
- wherein the dispensing applicator is configured to be in fluid communication with the valve when the valve is selectively opened using the valve coupler such that the flowable product flows through the chamber inlet into the applicator chamber and exits the dispensing applicator through the chamber outlet in a direction that is generally transverse to the applicator length.
2. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the chamber outlet comprises a plurality of individual chamber outlets.
3. The actuator of claim 2, wherein the plurality of individual chamber outlets comprises a first set of the individual chamber outlets and a second set of the individual chamber outlets, wherein the individual chamber outlets in the first set of individual chamber outlets extend in a first transverse direction relative to the applicator length, wherein the individual chamber outlets in the second set of individual chamber outlets extend in a second transverse direction, opposite the first transverse direction, relative to the applicator length.
4. The actuator of claim 3, wherein the first and second transverse directions are perpendicular to a direction of flow of flowable product in the applicator chamber.
5. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the chamber outlet is adjacent the distal end of the dispensing applicator.
6. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the dispensing applicator is closed and defines a closed distal end of the applicator chamber.
7. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the dispensing applicator comprises first and second broad sides opposing one another, and first and second narrow sides opposing one another and interconnecting the first and second broad sides to define a generally flat shape of the dispensing applicator.
8. The actuator of claim 7, wherein the chamber outlet comprises a plurality of individual chamber outlets extending through at least one of the first and second broad sides of the dispensing applicator.
9. The actuator of claim 8, wherein the individual chamber outlets of the plurality of individual chamber outlets are spaced apart from one another across said at least one of the first and second broad sides of the dispending applicator to define a transverse row of individual chamber outlets.
10. The actuator of claim 7, wherein the chamber outlet comprises a plurality of individual chamber outlets extending through the first and second broad sides of the dispensing applicator.
11. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the dispensing applicator includes an interior wall within the applicator chamber extending from the distal end of the applicator chamber toward the proximal end of the applicator chamber and defining a first longitudinal chamber portion and a second longitudinal chamber portion of the applicator chamber.
12. The actuator of claim 10, wherein the interior wall defines an opening adjacent the proximal end that provides fluid communication between the first and second longitudinal chamber portions.
13. The actuator of claim 11, wherein the chamber outlet includes at least one first chamber outlet on a first side of the interior wall in direct fluid communication with the first longitudinal chamber portion, and at least one second chamber outlet on a second side of the interior wall in direct fluid communication with the second longitudinal chamber portion.
14. The actuator of claim 12, wherein the dispensing applicator comprises first and second broad sides opposing one another, and first and second narrow sides opposing one another and interconnecting the first and second broad sides to define a generally flat shape of the dispensing applicator, wherein said at least one first chamber outlet includes a first cleaning chamber outlet extending through the first narrow side, wherein said at least one second chamber outlet includes a second cleaning outlet extending through the second narrow side.
15. The actuator of claim 13, wherein said at least one first chamber outlet includes a plurality of first dispensing chamber outlets extending through the first and second broad sides, wherein said at least one second chamber outlet includes a plurality of second dispensing chamber outlets extending through the first and second broad sides, wherein cross-sectional areas of the first and second dispensing chamber outlets are less than than the cross-sectional areas of the first and second cleaning chamber outlets.
16. The actuator set forth in claim 1, wherein the valve coupler is configured to seal on the valve.
17. The actuator of claim 15, wherein the valve coupler defines a receiving compartment configured to receive the flowable product expelled from the valve, the receiving compartment providing fluid communication between the valve and the dispensing applicator.
18. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the dispensing applicator is rotatably connected to the valve coupler, the dispensing applicator rotatable 180 degrees from a storage position to a dispensing position.
19. The actuator of claim 1, further comprising a skirt configured to be received on the container body, wherein the valve coupler is pivotably connected to the skirt.
20. The actuation device of claim 18, wherein the valve coupler is pivotably connected to the skirt by a living hinge.
21. A container for dispensing a flowable product under pressure, the container comprising:
- a container body configured to contain the flowable product under pressure therein;
- a valve coupled to the container body, the valve being selectively operable to dispense the flowable product from the container body; and
- an actuator including a valve coupler operatively coupled to the valve to allow selective opening and closing of the valve; and a dispensing applicator connected to the valve coupler, the dispensing applicator being elongate and having a proximal end, a distal end, and an applicator length extending between the proximal and distal ends, the dispensing applicator defining an applicator chamber having a chamber length extending along the applicator length of the dispensing applicator, a chamber inlet in communication with the applicator chamber adjacent the proximal end of the dispensing applicator, a chamber outlet in communication with the applicator chamber at a location distal to the chamber inlet, wherein the chamber outlet extends in a direction generally transverse to the applicator length,
- wherein the dispensing applicator is configured to be in fluid communication with the valve when the valve is selectively opened using the valve coupler such that the flowable product flows through the chamber inlet into the applicator chamber and exits the dispensing applicator through the chamber outlet in a direction that is generally transverse to the applicator length.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 6, 2019
Publication Date: Sep 12, 2019
Inventor: Mark Baker (St. Louis, MO)
Application Number: 16/294,269