US3658294A

US3658294A - Tilt valve

Info

Publication number: US3658294A
Application number: US11578A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ronald F Ewald
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-02-16
Filing date: 1970-02-16
Publication date: 1972-04-25
Anticipated expiration: 1989-04-25
Also published as: GB1355082A; FR2078604A5; DE2107067A1; CA942255A

Abstract

An aerosol valve of the tilt action type, having a valve body, a valve stem, a valve stem sealer, a sealing gasket and valve stem biasing means. The valve stem sealer is reciprocally disposed within the cavity of the valve body and has a valve stem cavity in its top wall which is adapted to receive a specially shaped plug on the inner end of the completely separate valve stem. A swirl chamber may be formed on the top surface of the sealer below the stem. The peripheral rim of the valve stem sealer is forcibly urged against the sealing gasket, by the valve stem biasing means, to form a seal. The valve stem is operated by tilting and/or depressing it to break this seal to permit the product to be dispensed. In one embodiment the valve may be designed to dispense a metered amount of product with each actuation. In another embodiment the valve may only be actuated by tilting the valve in one direction. In another, the valve has filter grooves and drain chambers. In another, the valve has structure to lock the valve in the open position. And in another, a variable adjustment is provided to control the rate of product flow.

Description

, United States aten Ewald I 1 1 TILT VALVE 721' Inventor: Ronald F. Ewald, 2700 Cardinal Drive,

Rolling Meadows, Ill.

[63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 801,132, Feb. 20,

1969, Pat. No. 3,547,405.

[451 Apr. 25, 1972 Primary Examiner-Samuel Scott AttorneyStefan M. Stein [57] ABSTRACT An aerosol valve of the tilt action type, having a valve body, a valve stem, a valve stem sealer, a sealing gasket and valve stem biasing means. The valve stem sealer is reciprocally disposed within the cavity of the valve body and has a valve stem cavity in its top wall which is adapted to receive a specially shaped plug on the inner end of the completely separate valve stem. A swirl chamber may be formed on the top surface of the sealer [52] US. CL... ..251/354 below the Stem; The peripheral rim ofthe valve Stem sealer is [51] Int. Cl ....Fl6k 31/524 f d h k b {h I [58] FieldofSearch ..251/34s,353 9 Y urge agams e Seamg gas Y biasing means, to form a seal. The valve stem 15 operated by tilting and/or depressing it to break this seal to permit the [56] References cued product to be dispensed. In one embodiment the valve may be U TE STATES PATENTS designed to dispense a metered amount of product with each actuation. In another embodiment the valve may only be actu- 2,9l3,154 1 H1959 Kuffer ..251/353 X med by tilting the valve in one direction In another, the valve 3998589 7/1963 m-- "251/353 X has filter grooves and drain chambers. 1n another, the valve 31145911 8/1964 PP X has structure to lock the valve in the open position. And in 3,166,250 1/1965 Kappel ......251/353 X another, a variable adjustment is provided to nh rate 3,231,153 1/1966 Green et al. ..251/353 X f d t fl 3,235,140 2/1966 Green ...251/353 X 3,344,961 10/1967 Graham ..222/402.22 15 Claims, 35 Drawing Figures I2 40 [6 32 lo/ 34 I8 36 PATENTEDAPHS I972 3, 658 294 SHEET 2 BF 4 INVENTOR. RONALD F EWALD BY ATTY.

PATENTEDAPRZS 1912 3, 658,294

sum u 0F 4 v I E? LE-JIM INVENTOR. RONALD F EWALD 236 BY FIG 29 w ATTY.

TILT VALVE I t This is a continuation-in-part of my co-pending application,

'Ser. No. 801,132 filed Feb. 20, 1969, and now U.S. FanNo.

position. Typical patents which illustrate the operating mechanism of such tilt action valves are: U.S.Pat. No. 2,506,449 I US. Pat. No. 2,704,172

U.S. Pat-No. 2,912,144

U.S. Pat. No. 3,155,290

I U.S. Pat No. 3,219,069

As can be seen in these patents, with complete tilting of the valve stem including that portion contained within the valve body, such action occasionally leads to jamming and'leakag'e between the body and the sealing gasket. This is obviously undesirable. i I

Recently, more sophisticated aerosol valves have been demanded. Fillers demand valves which are tailoredto'dispense particular products so that the most effective results can be obtained for said products. Thus, aerosol valves have been designed to meter out a specific quantity of product, to mechanically break up the product into a fine spray, to foam the product before it is dispensed andsimilar effects.

It is" an object of this invention to provide an improved aerosol valve of the-tilt action type.

Another object is to provide a valve of the above character having a cam action valve stem whereby jamming is avoided.

Still another object is to provide a valve of the above characterhaving in combination a swirl chamber.

A further object is to provide a valve of the above character which can be easily and inexpensively manufactured without the need of special equipment and intricate molds. I A still further object is to provide a valve of the above character which can dispense a product intermittently or continuously until empty or until the valve is shut off.

Another object is to provide a valve of the above character which is fast actuating.

Another object is to provide a valve of the above character which dispenses a'metere'd amount with each actuation.

Another object is to provide a valve of the above character which can be actuated by tilting in only onedirection.

Another object is to provide a valve of the above character which can be adjusted to produce a variable spray volume per unit time.

Another object is to provide a valve of the above character which can be locked in the open condition. y

Another object is to provide a valve of the above character which has an anti-clogging feature.

Another object isto provide a valve of the above character which has'an improved valve stem sealer.

Another object is to provide a valve of theabove-ch'aracter which has a one-piecevalve stem and button.

Another object is to provide avalveof theabovecharacter which has a reversible valve stem sealer.

Another object is-to provide avalve of the abovecharacter which can be shut off by depression of the valve button.

Other objects of the invention'will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

The aerosol valve of the present invention includes, generally, a valve body adapted to be affixedwithin the valve turret of a valve housing, a valve stem a'valve stem sealer, a sealing gasket and valve stem biasing means. The valve stem sealer is reciprocally disposed within the cavity ofthe valve body and has a valve stem cavity in its top wall which is adapted to receive a specially'shaped plugon'the inner end of the completely separate valve stem. The valve stem" biasingmeans forcibly urges the peripheral rim of the valve stem sealer against the sealing gasket to form a seal.

The valve stem, the valve stem sealer and the cavity within the valve body have a configuration such that a combination swirl-expansion chamber effect is provided for a more satisfactory dispersion of the product. I

In one embodiment, a swirl chamber is formed between the base of the stem and the sealer. I

In a further embodiment, the configuration of the inner end of the valve stem and the top wall of the valve stem sealer is such that when tiltedproperly the aerosol valve is locked in the open position.

In yet another modification an annular seal is provided at the base of the valve body cavity so that upon depression the aerosol valve will dispense a one-shot metered amount.

In a further modification of the turret of the mounting cup and the valve button, the valve stem may be tilted in only one direction hence the product can be sprayed in only that direction.

Another modification of the inner end of the valve stem and the top wall of the valve stem sealer allows the user to vary the volume of spray by orientation of the valve button.

In yet a further modification of the top wall of the valve stem sealer and the valve stem, filter grooves and drain chambers are provided to help prevent clogging.

In operation, the valve stem is tilted, and in some cases depressed, whereby the valve seat on the inner end of the stem cams against the valve stem sealer and causes it to move downwardly into the cavity of the valve body. This action breaks the seal between the rim of the sealer and the sealing gasket, thereby permitting the product to be forced out the valve stem through the action of the propellant within the can.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the constructions hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an aerosol valve, constructed in accordance with a first 'embodimentof the invention, illustrating its construction and the manner in which it is assembled;

FIG. 2 is a similar sectional view of the valve of FIG. 1, illustrating the manner in which it operates when the valve stem is tilted; I

FIG. 3 also is a sectional view of the valve of FIG. 1, illustrating the manner in which it operates when the valve stem is I depressed.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an aerosol valve constructured in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a similar sectional view of the valve of FIG. 4, illustrating the manner in which it is operated when the valve stem is tilted;

FIG. 6 also is a sectional view of the valve of FIG. 4, illustrating the manner in which it is releasibly locked in an operative position;

'FIG.6A is a cross sectional view of a self-locking tilt valve 1 modification;

has been slightly modified, and further illustrating it in an operative position;

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view of an aerosol valve, illustrating still another construction for the valve stem sealer;

FIG. 9A is a partial cross sectional view of a lip modification of the valve stem sealer; FIG.=9B is a partial vcross sectional view of a lip modification of the valve stem sealer;

FIG. is a partial sectional view of an aerosol valve, illustrating the manner in which a valve stem having a closed inner end can be used;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are a partial side plan view and a bottom view of the inner end of the valve stem, illustrating the scalloped configuration of the flange thereof;

FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view of still another valve, having a tubular valve stem and a valve stem plug affixed to it;

FIG. 14 is a partial sectional view of another embodiment of valve stem sealer structure;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the sealer shown in FIG. 14;

FIGS. 16 and 17 are sectional views of other embodiments of valve stems which may be used especially when the valve stem sealer of FIGS. 14 and 15 is used;

FIG. 18 is a side view ofa unidirectional tilt valve;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the valve button of the unidirectional tilt valve;

FIG. 20 is a side view of a second unidirectional tilt valve button;

FIG. 21 is a top sectional view through line 21-2l of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a side view ofa third unidirectional tilt valve button;

FIG. 23 is a top sectional view through line 23-23 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a cross sectional view of a variable volume aerosol valve;

FIG. 25 is a sectional view through line 25-25 of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view through line 26-26 of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a cross sectional view of the valve stem of the variable volume aerosol valve;

FIG. 28 is a top view ofsaid valve stem of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a top view of a second valve stem for the variable volume aerosol valve;

FIG. 30 is a cross section of an aerosol valve with filter grooves and drain chamber;

FIG. 31 is a cross sectional view through line 3131 of FIG. 30.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Referring now to the drawings, in FIGS. 1-3 there is shown an aerosol valve 10 which includes a valve body 12, a valve stem 14, a valve stem sealer 16, valve stem biasing means 18, and a sealing gasket 20. The aerosol valve 10 is adapted to be affixed within a valve turret 22 of a valve housing 24 by, for example, crimping the side wall 26 of the valve turret 22 about the valve body 12, as at 27. The valve housing 24 is adapted to be affixed to an aerosol can, in the well-known manner. The aerosol valve 10 is operated to dispense a product, by depressing and/or tilting the valve stem 14. The valve stem 14 is, in one embodiment of the invention, further adapted to be releasably locked in an operative position.

More specifically, the valve body 12 of the aerosol valve 10 is of generally tubular construction and has an enlarged diameter head portion 28 and a reduced diameter tail portion 30 which forms a dip tube attachment tail to which a dip tube (not shown) of the type that is generally used can be affixed. A valve stem cavity 32 is formed in the head portion 28 and below it, in the tail portion 30, is formed a cavity 34 for receiving and retaining the valve stem biasing means 18, which may be a spring, as illustrated. The bottom wall of the cavity 34 forms a support surface 36 for the valve stem biasing means,

respondingly flared angularly outward near its top, so as to accommodate the valve stem sealer 16. The top wall 44 of the valve stem sealer 16 has a cone-shaped cavity 48 formed in it (FIG. 2), which flows into and joins with a small cylindrical shaped cavity 50 beneath it. The diameter of the cone-shaped cavity 48, at the top wall 44, is substantially larger than the diameter of the aperture 46 in the sealing gasket 20, for

and has an orifice 38 in it through which the product can flow to the valve stem cavity 32.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the valve stem sealer 16 has a reduced diameter portion 40 on its bottom which is engaged by the valve stem biasing means 18, to retain the latter in aligned, operative relationship with the sealer 16. The side wall 42 of the valve stem sealer l6 flares angularly outward near its top, so that its top wall 44 engages against the sealing gasket 20, at a spaced distance about the aperture 46 formed in it. The side wall 47 of the valve stem cavity is correasons which will be apparent from the description below.

The valve stem 14 has a tubular stem portion 52 which has a cone-shaped inner end 54. The diameter of the inner end 54, at its base, is larger than the diameter of the aperture 46 in the sealing gasket 20, so that the base forms an annular rim 56 which abuts against the sealing gasket 20 to prevent the valve stem 14 from being removed, by pulling it out, once the aerosol valve 10 is assembled. The angle or taper of the side wall 58 (FIG. 2) of the inner end 54 is less than that ofthe side wall of the cone-shaped cavity 48, so that a space or expansion chamber 60 is provided between these side walls when the tip of the end 54 is engaged within the cylindrical shaped cavity 50, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Orifice ports 62 are formed in the side wall 58 of end 54 and extend into the cavity 64 of the tubular stem portion 52 of the valve stem. The valve stem portion 52 extends through the aperture 46 in the sealing gasket 20 and the aperture 66 in the top wall ofthe valve turret 22 a substantial length above the valve turret 22, so that it can be depressed and/or tilted by pushing it with a finger to operate the aerosol valve. A button or actuator of appropriate design, not shown, may be affixed to the valve stem, via anchor tabs 65.

The sealing gasket 20 is an annular shaped resilient ring, preferably rubber, and the aperture 46 in it is slightly smaller in diameter than that of the stem portion 52 of the valve stem. A tight seal is therefore provided about the stern portion 52 to prevent leakage.

The aperture 66 in the valve turret 22 is preferably of such diameter that the stem portion 52 of the valve stem 14, may be tilted, but only to a limited extent (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Sealing gasket 20 also seals the aperture 66, to prevent leakage.

The valve stem sealer 16 is loosely retained within the valve stem cavity 32, as illustrated, so that the product to be dispensed can flow between the side walls of the sealer and the cavity of the valve body. Alternatively, a tighter, slidable fit can be provided so that the sealer 16 is slidably retained in vertical alignment within cavity 32. In such instance, a number of grooved slots (not shown) are formed in the side wall of either or both, the sealer l6 and the cavity 32, to permit the product to flow past the sealer.

As indicated above, the aerosol valve 10 is operated to dispense a product, either by depressing and/or tilting the valve stem 14. When depressing the valve stem 14, a valve button (not shown) is advantageously affixed to the end of the stem portion 52.

The aerosol valve 10 has a cam-type action between the valve stem 14 and the sealer 16. As can be seen in FIG. 2, when the valve stem 14 is tilted to operate the aerosol valve 10, the side wall 58 of the inner end 54, near its tip, cams against the rim of the cavity 50. This camming action forces the sealer 16 to move downwardly within the cavity 32, thereby breaking the seal between its top wall 44 and the sealing gasket 20. The product therefore is now free to flow into the cone-shaped cavity 48 in the sealer l6 and through the orifice ports 62 in the inner end 54 into the cavity of the valve stem 14 from which it is dispensed.

As indicated above, the space between the side walls of the cone-shaped cavity 48 and the inner end 54 function as an expansion chamber 60 for the product. As the product flows into the expansion chamber 60, it is caused to swirl because of the curvature of these side walls and, simultaneously, it is permitted to preexpand to some degree before being forced through the orifice ports 62 into cavity 64 of the valve stem. Upon passing through the orifice ports 62, the pre-expanded product is partially mechanically broken up so that product is thereafter more uniformly dispersed.

When the valve stem 14 is released, the valvestem biasing means 18 forcibly urges the sealer 16 upwardly,to effect a seal between its top wall 44 and the sealing gasket 20. The flow of the product is thereby shut off to prevent further dispensing of it.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, when the valve stem 14 .is depressed, the inner end 54 of the valve stem cams against the sealer 16 and likewise causes it to be depressed, in the manner described above. When released, the top wall 44 of the sealer 16 seals against the sealing gasket 20, to shut off the flow of product.

In FIGS. 4-6, another aerosol valve 70 is shown which is substantially like the aerosol valve 10, and the like parts thereof are correspondingly numbered. The primary difference between the aerosol valves and 70 is in theshapeof the cavity formed in the sealer 16. In the valve 70, a truncated cone-shaped cavity 48 (FIG. 5) is formed in the top wall 44 of the valve stem sealer 16, concentrically about the cylindrical shaped cavity 50 beneath. With this construction, an annular shelf 72 is provided above the cavity 50.

The aerosol valve 70 operates in the same manner as the aerosol valve 10, however, when the valve stem 14 is tilted sufficiently, the tip ofthe inner end 54 will seat on the shelf 72, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The tip will stay seated on the shelf 72, until the valve stem 14 is forcibly urged to disengage and reseat in the cylindrical shaped cavity 50. Accordingly, the aerosol valve 70 can be operated to releasably lock the valve stem 14 in a position to dispense the product, and it will remain in this position until it is released.

FIG. 6A illustrates another self-locking tilt valve structure for an aerosol valve 180. The aerosol valve 180 differs from aerosol valve 70 primarily in the shape of its valve stem sealer 182 and the inner end 184 of the valve stem 14. The remaining elements of aerosol valve 180 are like those of valves 10 and 7.0, and are accordingly numbered similarly.

Valve stem sealer 182 of aerosol valve 180 is generally cylindrical shaped at its base and is of a size as to be reciprot cally operable in valve stem cavity 32 of valve body 12. Recessed circular shaped cavities 186 and 188 are locatedat the top of sealer 182 and are adapted to receive the inner end 184 of valve stem 14. Cavity 188 isconcentric withand of smaller diameter than cavity 186. Inner end 184has a rounded end 190 which is adapted to seat in cavity 188 when the valve is closed.

The aerosol valve 180 operates in the same manner as" aerosol valves 10 and 70, however, when valve stem 14 'is' tilted sufficiently, the rounded end 190 will seat on the annular ridge of cavity 186. The rounded end 190 will stay seated on the ridge of cavity 186 until valve stem 14 is forcibly urged to disengage and re-seat in cavity 188. I v

In FIG. 7, there is shown still another aerosol valve 80 which may be operated to dispense a product, by tilting its 'valv'e stem. The primary difference in' the aerosol valve 80 is in the shape of its valve stem sealer 82 and the inner end 84 of the valve stem 14. The remaining elements of the aerosol valve 80 are like those of the aerosol valves 10 and 70, and are accordingly correspondingly numbered.

The valve stem sealer 82 of the aerosol valve 80 is generally cylindrical shaped and of a size so as to be reciprocally operable in the valve stem cavity 32 in the valve body 12. As indicated above, the valve stem sealer can be loosely received therein or, alternatively, can be more tightly fitted. In the latter case groove slots (not shown) are formed in its side walls. Recessed circular shaped cavities 90 and 92 which are advantageously of the same; diameters so that the valve stem sealer can be reversiblyplaced in the valve stem cavity 32 are formed inthe top and bottom walls 94 and 95, respectively, of the. valve stem sealer. When assembled, the rim 93 (in the illustrated case) forms seal with the sealing gasket 20, in the same manner as described above.

,The inner end 84 of the-valve stem 14 is preferably a circular shaped, flat platewhichihas a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameters of the circular shaped cavities 90 and 92 so that it will seat within them, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The'cavity of the stern portion 86 of the valve stem 14, in this case,:extends through the inner end 84.

To operate the aerosol valve 80, its valve stem 14 istilted and this action causes the inner end 84 to cam against the bottom wall of the cavity 90. This action, in turn, causes the valve stem sealer to move downwardly and thereby break the seal between its rim 93 and the sealing gasket 20. The product now is permitted'to flow into the recessed cavity 90, and from there out through the cavity of valve stem 14. The annular cavity 98 formed between the walls of the valve stem sealer 82 and the valve stem cavity 32 and the recessed cavity 90 in the valve stem sealer 82 function as a combination of swirling and expansion chamber to mechanically break up and preexpand the product before it is dispensed, so as to provide a more satisfactory spray.

FIG. 7A illustrates a slight modification of the interior of valve body 12 and valve stem sealer 82 of aerosol valve 80. Here, recessed circular shaped cavity 92 is made slightly deeper so that the interior edge 83 of rim 93 can be sloped outwardly. In addition, an annular protrusion 81 is formed on the interior of valve body 12. Protrusion 81 has an inwardly sloping edge 85 which is adapted to mate in a sealing relationship with edge 83. In operation when the valve button is depressed, valve sealer 82 will seal against valve body 12 and only the metered amount of product located within valve stem cavity 32 will be dispensed. Upon release of the valve button,

valve stem biasing means 18 will unseat valve stem sealer 82 and cavity 32 will fill with product.

In FIG.- 8, there is illustrated an aerosol valve which is generally like the valve 80, however, the inner end of its valve stem 14 and its valve stem sealer 102 have been modified. With the valve 100, it can be seen that the inner end 104 ofthe valve stem 14 is closed, except for an orifice 106 extending through it into the cavity 64 within the valve stem.

The valve button sealer 102 has a deep large diameter cavity 110 and a small diameter cavity 112 concentrically formed in each of its two faces. The cavities 110 have diameters substantially corresponding to the diameter of the inner end of the valve stem 14. The cavities 112 have diameters substantially corresponding to the diameter of the valve stem biasing means 18, so as to form both a seat for the valve stem biasing means 18 and a drain chamber, depending upon their positions within the valve stem cavity, as illustrated. The valve 100, as described, is operable by tilting the valve stem 14, however, a number of supply grooves 114 preferably are formed in the bottom wall of the cavities 110, leading into the cavities or drain chambers 112, so that the valve also can be operated by vertically depressing the valve stem 14, as described below. When the valve stem 14 is tilted and/or depressed, the seal between the top wall of the valve stem sealer 102 and the sealing gasket 20 is broken. This permits the product to flow into the cavity 110, through the supply grooves 114, and into the cavity or drain chamber 112. From the drain chamber 112, it flows through the orifice 106 into the cavity 64 in the valve stem, from which it is dispersed.

In addition to having the features of the

valves

10, 70 and 80, the valve 100 has an improved anti-clogging feature, for the product being confined, to some degree, in the supply grooves 114 and the supply chamber 112 has a tendency to blow" out any dried product or other foreign matter. With this characteristic, it is less subject to clogging.

I Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, there are shown three aerosol valves 120, and which are generally similar to the

valves

10, 70, 80 and 100, however, each of them is slightly modified, in the manner described below. These valves I20, 130, 140 each also have a valve body 12, a valve stem 14, a valve stem sealer 16, valve stem biasing means 18, and a sealing gasket 20, and are affixed to an aerosol can, in the above described manner.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, valve stem sealer 16 has a reduced diameter portion 121 on its bottom which is engaged by valve stem biasing means 18, to retain the latter in aligned, operative relationship with sealer 16. The annular lip 122 of valve stem sealer 16 engages against sealing gasket 20, at a spaced distance about the aperture 46 formed in it, and has a cylindrical shaped cavity 123 formed in it for receiving and retaining an annular flange 124 integrally formed on the inner end of the valve stem 14. The diameter of flange 124 is substantially larger than the diameter of aperture 46 in sealing gasket 20, to prevent valve stem 14 from being pulled out of the valve. A smaller diameter cylindrical shaped drain cavity 125 is formed concentric with and in the bottom wall 126 of cavity 123.

Valve stem 14 is tubular and has a closed inner end 54 surrounded by annular flange 124. An orifice port 127 is positioned above drain cavity 125 and extends into cavity 64 of the valve stem. Sweep through grooves 128 also are preferably formed in bottom wall 126 of cavity 123 and extending into drain cavity 125 so that the valve can be operated by both tilting and vertically depressing valve stem 14. Valve stem 14 extends through aperture 46 in sealing gasket and aperture 66 in the top wall of valve turret 22, a substantial distance above valve turret 22, so that it can be depressed and/or tilted by pushing it with a finger to operate the aerosol valve. A button or actuator of appropriate design, not shown, may be affixed to the valve stem.

When valve stem 14 is tilted to operate aerosol valve 120, flange 124 cams against bottom wall 126 of cavity 123. This camming action forces sealer 16 to move downwardly within cavity 32, thereby breaking the seal between annular lip 122 and sealing gasket 20. The product therefore is now free to flow into cavity 123 in sealer 16, through sweep-through grooves 128 into drain cavity 125 and through orifice port 127 in inner end 54 and then into the cavity of valve stem 14 from which it is dispensed.

When valve stem 14 is depressed, the inner end of the valve stem cams against sealer 16 and likewise causes it to be depressed, in the manner described above. When valve stem 14 is released, valve stem biasing means 18 forcibly urges sealer 16 upwardly, to effect a seal between annular lip 122 and sealing gasket 20. The flow of the product is thereby shut off to prevent further dispensing.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 98, a modification of annular lip 122 of valve sealer 16 is shown. The outer edge of lip 129 is vertical and forms a sharp annular ridge with the rounded inner edge of the annular lip. This annular lip is forced against sealing gasket by biasing means 18. Annular lip 135 of FIG. 9B is a second modification in which an annular depression 141 extends about the periphery of lip 135. It has been found that both these annular lip configurations give improved sealing results when used with a powder or anti-perspirant product.

In FIG. 10, aerosol valve 130 is shown and it can be seen that its valve stem also is tubular and has a closed inner end which is surrounded by an annular flange 131. Beneath flange 131 there also is a generally semi-circular shaped tip 132 which has an orifice port 133 in it extending into cavity 64 of the valve stem. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one orifice port 134 can be formed in flange 131 extending into cavity 64. Also, flange 131 can be scalloped, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, for improved operation when orifice ports 134 are formed in flange 131.

Valve stem sealer 16 is generally like sealer 82 of valve 80 in FIG. 7, in that it has a cavity 136 in each of its two faces for receiving and retaining flange 131 of inner end of valve stem or, alternatively, biasing means 18. In other words, it is reversible. Sealer 16 also has a deep, smaller drain cavity 137 concentrically formed in bottom wall 138 of cavity 136, for receiving the tip 132 if sealer 16 were reversed. Sweep-. through grooves 139 also are preferably formed in the bottom wall 138, extending into the drain cavity 137.

Aerosol valve 130 operates in generally the same manner as described above. When valve stem 14 is tilted or vertically depressed, the seal between the top wall of valvestem sealer 16 and sealing gasket 20 is broken, thereby permitting the product to flow into cavity 136. From cavity 136, the product flows through sweep-through grooves 139 into drain cavity 137 and through orifice port 133 into the cavity of the valve stem. The curvature of drain cavity 137 and of tip 132 causes the product to swirl about the drain cavity until it finds entrance into orifice port 133. Also, if an orifice port 134 is formed in flange 131, some product will flow through it into the cavity of the valve stem.

Upon releasing the valve stem 14, biasing means 18 forcibly urges valve stem sealer 16 upward to effect a seal between its top wall and sealing gasket 20, to cut off product flow. Any product which remains in the valve stem drains back into drain cavity 137 and is effectively blown" out the next time the valve is operated.

In FIG. 13, aerosol valve 140 is shown which has valve stem sealer 16 which is generally cylindrical shaped with cylindrical shaped cavities 142 in each of its two faces so that it is reversible. A smaller diameter drain cavity 143 is also formed in bottom wall 144 of each of cavities 142, also sweep through grooves 149 are formed in the bottom wall 144 extending into it. When assembled, the top wall of valve stem sealer 16 forms a seal with sealing gasket 20, in the same manner as described above.

The valve stem 14 is a tubular, open ended stem having valve stem plug 145 affixed to its inner end. Plug 145 includes a circular shaped, flat plate 146 which has a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameters of cavities 142 so that it will seat within them, as illustrated. Affixed to plate 146 is a stern portion 147 which is adapted to tightly fit within the open inner end of the valve stem. An orifice port 148 extends through plate 146 and stem portion 147. With plug affixed to valve stem 14, it can be seen that its inner end is generally of the same configuration as the valve stem of valve 120. Plug 145, therefore, permits an ordinary, inexpensive tubular valve stem to be used.

The valve stem structure shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 are alternate structures that may be used especially as alternatives for the valve stem of FIG. 9. As is noted, the restricted orifice may be located intermediate the ends or at the outer end of the valve stem. Indeed when so relocated, use of a valve button may be avoided for further economies.

To operate aerosol valve 140, valve stem 14 is tilted or depressed to cause valve stem sealer to move downwardly and thereby break the seal between its top wall and sealing gasket 20. The product now is permitted to flow into recessed cavity 142, and from there through sweep through grooves 149 into drain cavity 143. Drain cavity 143 functions as a combination swirling and expansion chamber to mechanically break up and pre-expand the product before it is dispensed, via orifice port 148 and the cavity in the valve stem, so as to provide a more satisfactory spray.

In each of the above described aerosol valves, the valve bodies 12 are of the standard type presently used with most aerosol valves. The valve stem 14 and the valve stem sealers all are of simple configurations which can be easily and inexpensively manufactured and assembled without the need of special equipment or intricate molds.

In FIG. 14, a further modification is shown wherein a swirl chamber is incorporated into the top surface of the valve sealer.

As best seen in FIG. 15, tangential channels or passageways are formed in the bottom of sealer cavity 162 from the edge of wall 164 to the center of the sealer where they terminate in a well 166. In use, well 166 is located directly below stem orifice 127 (of the valve of FIG. 9). Although four channels or passageways 164 are shown, it is to be understood that more or less may be provided. The channels also act as drain cavities for stem 14.

These tangential channels or passageways 160 cause further swirling of the product when the valve is actuated. This breaks up the product in addition to producing a more efficient spray pattern.

It has been found that the provision of a cylindrical postl68 extending upwardly from the center of well 166 further assists this swirling action. I

Use of the sealer swirl chamber frequently enables elimination of the valve button. In such instance, the cavity within the valve stem may have a restricted orifice 170 intermediate or at the outer end of thevalve stern, as seen in FIGS.'l6 and17,-in addition to that shown in FIG. 9; Further swirl inducing means, such as vanes, etc., may be incorporated into the wall of said cavity to enhance the mechanical breakup'ability ofthe valve.

The benefits derived from the use of a sealer swirl chamber may be listed as follows: i

l. The well enables the productin the stern todrain into the well instead of: a. plugging the stem cavity b. building up residue between the lower flange of the stem and the valve sealer. (especially where large particles, as in anti-perspirant are involved) to cause leaking c. causing adherence between the bottom of valve stem and valve sealer with products such as hair spray and paint to cause a plugged valve or a hard to. open valve. 2. The tangential passageways:

a. allow any crystallized product in well to'be redissolved by fresh product, starch,- fabric'finish, window cleaners b. allow product to become better blended with propellant before being dispensed into-cavity of valve stem c. allow product concentrate to become better blended before spraying where concentrates are not stable and have a tendency to separate. It allows the use of a one-piece valve stemand button; Microorifices may also be utilized in the plug l45 to insure consistent low spray rates. In addition it allows insertion of a'valve stem with a restricted orifice already molded therein to' give double stem metering.

Instead of the swirl chamber being incorporated in the valve sealer as shown in FIG. 14, it could be incorporated in the base of the stem. In this casethe sealer would be in-the alternative either flat with only a post, flat with no post orprovided with only adrain chamber or with a drain chamber-and apost.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-23, there is illustrated various modifications of valve 10 such that valve stemsealer'16ca'n be unseated by tilting valve stem -14 in only one direction; FIG. 18 shows one design in which a valve button or actuator202 is attached to valve stem 14. Extending from the base 204 of button 202 is annular skirt 206. Skirt 206 extends around'button base 204 close to the surface of valve turret 22,- except near the front of button 202 where the terminal orifice 208 is located. Skirt 206 is so arranged that if stem 14 istilted in any direction, except in the direction of terminal 'orifice 208, annular skirt will strike turret 22 and further movement is prevented. The button assembly of FIG; 18 allowsaerosol 10 to spray in only one direction.

In FIG. 20 the valve turret 22 has an elliptical aperture 2 10 with flat sides 214 instead of a circular aperture 66as in the previous embodiment.Similarly, valve stem l4has matching flattened sides 212 that extend into aperture'210. These flat sides prevent valve stem 14 from turning. The fact that valve stem sides 212 are close to aperturesides 21'4-prevents valve stem 14 from being tilted in any direction except in the direction of terminal orifice 208.

FIG. 22 illustrates yet another modification. Here, as in FIG. 20, aperture2l0 in valve turret 22 is elliptical instead of circular. However, in this embodiment, valve 14 does'nothave flat sides as previously. The circular stem 14 is free to be tilted valve 220 is shown which is substantially like the aerosol valve heretofore described and like parts thereof are correspondingly numbered. The primary difference between aerosol valves disclosed above and the aerosol valve 220 is in the structure of the inner end flange 222 of valve stem 14 and 1 the top 2240f valve sealer 16. Valve sealer 16 is adapted to be reciprocally operable in valve stem cavity 32 and is resiliently biased into sealing engagement with sealing gasket 20 by springs 18.:At the top of sealer 16 is a first circular cavity 226. Concentric with cavity 226 is a second cavity 228 of smaller clogging as explainedabove. The inner end of valve stem 14 .has two configurations, as shown by FIGS. 28 and 29. The

configuration of the inner end 234 shown in FIG. 28 allows for discrete variation of spray volume while the configuration of innerend 236 shown in FIG.29 allows for a continuous variation of spray volume. Returning now to FIG. 28, the transversely extending inner end flange 222 has a series of arcs 234,

234', 234", each of which have a different radius.

In FIG."29 the transversely extending inner end flange 222 is one continuous curve the radius of curvature, of which, is increasing.

Aerosol valve 220 operates in generally the same way as described above. When valve stem 14 is vertically depressed, the seal between the top wall of valve stem sealer 16 and sealing gasket-20 is broken, thereby permitting the product to flow into cavity 226. From cavity 226 the product flows through slot (sweep-through groove) 230, into drain cavity 232 and into the cavity of valve stem 14. The amount of product enter ing the sweep through groove 230 per unit time is dependent .upon the opening size. The size can be varied by rotation of valve butto'n202. If the configuration of inner end 234 is used,

then discrete settings will be made by rotating button 202. If

'inner end236 is used then an infinite number of settings can shown which utilizes a drain chamber 232 and filter grooves 234*.l-Iere, sealer 16 has an annular groove 236 which is concentrically located inthe top. Also in the center between groove 236 and cavity 232 is an annular projection 238. Axially extending on the outer surface of projection 238 are grooves 234. Valve stem 14 is force fitted over projection 238 soas'to define a'series of channels as may be seen more closely by FIG. 31. Aseries of apertures 240 are located about the base'of stem 14-to provide a passageway for the product when seal 16 is unseated. ln operation'aerosol valve 230 operates in the-same manner described above. When valve stem 14 is tilted or depressed, the seal between sealer l6 and sealing gasket 20'is broken. Product then flow into cavity 236 through apertures 240 and up filter grooves 234 and into-the stem of valve stem 14. When the valve is closed any trapped product drains back into drain cavity 232.

It will thus be'seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, andsince certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above :description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the inventionherein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Now that the invention has been described, what it claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent ls:

1. An aerosol valve comprising, in combination: a tubular valve body, a valve stem sealer disposed within the cavity of said valve body, said valve body has an annular protrusion on the interior of said valve body whereby when said valve stem sealer moves downwardly within said cavity the base of said valve stem sealer will sealingly engage said annular protrusion, a sealing gasket, biasing means within said valve body normally biasing said sealer against said sealing gasket to seal said valve, a tubular valve stem with its inner end in contact with said sealer, said inner end having a configuration such as to cam against said valve stem sealer to cause it to move downwardly within said cavity to break the seal of said valve, to thereby permit a product flow into and through said tubular valve stem, said valve stem sealer having a cavity in the top wall, said cavity adapted to receive said inner end of said valve stem.

2. The aerosol valve of claim 1 wherein said base of said valve stem sealer slopes outwardly whereby said base readily seals with said annular protrusion.

3. An aerosol valve comprising, in combination: a tubular valve body, a stem sealer disposed within the cavity of said valve body, a sealing gasket, said sealer having a top wall which defines an annular lip, said lip having a shaped annular depression arranged on the periphery of said lip so as to define a plurality of sealing surfaces, whereby said sealer engages said gasket with at least two sealing surfaces, biasing means within said valve body normally biasing said sealer against said sealing gasket or seal said valve, a tubular valve stem with its inner end in contact with said sealer, said inner end having a configuration such as to cam against said valve stem sealer to cause it to move downwardly within said cavity to break the seal of said valve, to thereby permit a product flow into and through said tubular valve stem, said valve stem sealer having a cavity in the top wall, said cavity adapted to receive said inner end of said valve stem.

4. The aerosol valve of claim 3 wherein said shaped annular depression comprises a substantially V-shaped cutout forming two engaging surfaces on the top wall of said valve stem sealer.

5. An aerosol valve comprising, in combination: a tubular valve body, a valve stem sealer disposed within the cavity of said valve body, a sealing gasket, biasing means within said valve body normally biasing said sealer against said sealing gasket to seal said valve, a tubular valve stem with its inner end in contact with said sealer, said inner end having a configuration such as to cam against said valve stem sealer to cause it to move downwardly within said cavity to break the seal of said valve, to thereby permit a product flow into and through said tubular valve stem, said valve stem sealer having a plurality of concentric cavities of decreasing diameter relative to one another adapted to receive the end of said valve stem, said cavity adapted to receive said inner end of said valve stem.

6. The aerosol valve of claim 5 wherein said valve stem sealer has a second concentric cavity of smaller diameter adapted to receive the end of said valve stem whereby when said valve stem is unseated said inner end engages a portion of the annular rim defined by said concentric cavities whereby said valve remains open.

7. The aerosol valve of claim 5 wherein said top of said valve stem sealer has a first, second and third concentric cavity, each of said cavities of progressively smaller diameter, and adapted to receive the inner end of said tubular valve stem having a radially extending annular flange, further said second cavity has a radially extending slot.

8. The aerosol valve of claim 7 wherein said radially extending flange has a radius which continuously increases for 360 whereby rotating said valve stem will selectively uncover a larger portion of said radially extending slot enabling a larger volume of spray.

9. The aerosol valve of claim 7 wherein said radially extending flange has a plurality of arc sections of different radii w ereby rotation of said valve stem will selectively cover the radially extending slot.

10. An aerosol valve comprising, in combination: a tubular valve body, a valve stem sealer disposed within the cavity of said valve body, a sealing gasket, biasing means within said valve body normally biasing said sealer against said sealing gasket to seal said valve, a tubular valve stem with its inner end in contact with said sealer, said inner end having a configuration such as to cam against said valve stem sealer to cause it to move downwardly within said cavity to break the seal of said valve, to thereby permit a product flow into and through said tubular valve stem, said valve stem sealer having a cavity in the top wall, said cavity adapted to receive said inner end of said valve stem, said valve stem sealer having an axially aligned annular groove in the top thereof, a post including a drain chamber extending upwardly from said top of said valve stem sealer, a plurality of axially extending co-extensive grooves on the outer surface of said post, said tubular valve stem including an aperture formed on said inner end extending over said post in a surrounding relationship whereby upon actuation the product will be forced into said grooves and out said tubular valve stem.

11. An aerosol valve comprising, in combination: a control means for controlling the direction of valve button actuation, a tubular valve body, a valve stem sealer disposed within the cavity of said valve body, a sealing gasket, biasing means within said valve body normally biasing said sealer against said sealing gasket to seal said valve, a tubular valve stem with its inner end in contact with said sealer, said inner end having a configuration such as to cam against said valve stem sealer to cause it to move downwardly within said cavity to break the seal of said valve, to thereby pen'nit a product flow into and through said tubular valve stem, said valve stem sealer having a cavity in the top wall, said cavity adapted to receive said inner end of said valve stem.

12. The aerosol valve of claim 11 wherein said control means comprises a valve button, said button having an annular skirt depending therefrom, said annular skirt extending close to the valve turret partially about the periphery thereby preventing said button from being tilted or depressed in at least one direction.

13. The aerosol valve of claim 11 wherein said control means comprises an apertured valve turret with a flange adapted to receive said valve stem, a valve button operatively attached to said valve stem, a lug attached to said button and extending downward whereby rotation of said button is prevented by said flange of said valve turret aperture.

14. The aerosol valve of claim 11 wherein said control means comprises a valve turret with an elliptical aperture containing said tubular valve body, said aperture adapted to restrict said valve stem movement to only one direction.

15. The aerosol valve of claim 14 wherein a portion of said valve stem has flat sides adapted to operatively fit in said apertured valve turret, whereby rotation of said stem is prohibited.

i i l

Claims

8. The aerosol valve of claim 7 wherein said radially extending flange has a radius which continuously increases for 360* whereby rotating said valve stem will selectively uncover a larger portion of said radially extending slot enabling a larger volume of spray.

9. The aerosol valve of claim 7 wherein said radially extending flange has a plurality of arc sections of different radii whereby rotation of said valve stem will selectively cover the radially extending slot.

11. An aerosol valve comprising, in combination: a control means for controlling the direction of valve button actuation, a tubular valve body, a valve stem sealer disposed within the cavity of said valve body, a sealing gasket, biasing means within said valve body normally biasing said sealer against said sealing gasket to seal said valve, a tubular valve stem with its inner end in contact with said sealer, said inner end having a configuration such as to cam against said valve stem sealer to cause it to move downwardly within said cavity to break the seal of said valve, to thereby permit a product flow into and through said tubular valve stem, said valve stem sealer having a cavity in the top wall, said cavity adapted to receive said inner end of said valve stem.