Field of Art:
[0001] The present invention relates to a process for producing a double dispensing device
like an aerosol device and a container therefor, and more particularly, to process
for producing a double dispensing device characterized in steps of loading stock solution
or concentrate and pressurized gas, and to a double dispensing container adapted to
the process.
Background Art:
[0002] Generally, as known dispensing devices, there are two types of devices, that is,
a general type in which stock solution is loaded into a container together with propellant,
and so called "a double dispensing device" in which stock solution is loaded into
a container with separating from propellant by means of barrier wall such as a piston
or an inner bag such that the stock solution is pressurized by the propellant through
the barrier wall. The latter is used for loading liquid food or the like which is
not preferable to be blended with propellant, or stock solution which might react
with propellant when they are blended with each other. As the barrier, a collapsible
inner bag or a piston movable up and down in the container is used generally. In some
devices in which a piston is used as a barrier wall, the upper chamber is loaded with
stock solution, and the lower chamber is loaded with propellant (liquefied gas or
compressed gas). In another case, the upper chamber is loaded with a pressurized gas
and the lower chamber is loaded with a stock solution. The latter case is reasonable,
since the pressurized gas is low in specific gravity. However, such type of device
needs a tube extending bellow from a dispensing valve (aerosol valve) through the
piston. In this case, the piston moves with sliding along the tube and an inner wall
of the container.
[0003] Beside, when a stock solution and propellant are loaded into a container, stock solution
which can be loaded under atmospheric pressure is loaded fore in general case, and
pressurized gas is thereafter loaded through a gas-loading-valve or by so-called under-cup-loading.
The gas-loading-valve might be provided in a bottom of the container or a mounting
cup of the dispensing valve. However, the gas-loading-valve attached separately provides
excess cost, and the loading process is troublesome. For example, the above-mentioned
dispensing device provided with a piston and a tube passing through the piston is
produced by the following steps. That is to say, a pipe-like nozzle is inserted through
a tube-inserting hole of a piston, and a stock solution is loaded below the piston
with lifting the piston by means of pressure or flotage. Then, under an unstable state
that the piston lifts on the way, a tube fixed to the dispensing valve is inserted
through the tube-inserting hole of the piston. Then, a pressurized gas is loaded with
under-cup-loading through a gap between the dispensing valve and an opening of the
container, and immediately after the gas-loading, the dispensing valve is crimped,
or the pressurized gas is loaded through a gas-loading-valve separately provided on
the container. Therefore, some gap is required between the tube-inserting hole and
the tube, and the propellant might leak through the gap.
[0004] Beside, in such type of dispensing device that propellant is loaded in the lower
side of the piston, a gas-loading-valve is necessary to be provided in the bottom
of the container. Therefore, high cost is required, and the loading work is troublesome,
and production efficiency is low. In addition, there is probability of leak through
the propellant-loading-valve.
[0005] Beside, in a case of double dispensing device using an inner bag, the loading process
is troublesome when under-cup-loading is employed. And when a loading valve is attached
at a bottom of container, cost is high, and there is probability of leak of propellant.
[0006] Further, when compressed gas is employed as propellant, the gas-leak problem among
the above-mentioned problems becomes important especially, since the loaded amount
of the pressurized gas depends on the volume and the upper bound of pressure, and
the propellant cannot be loaded excess. That is to say, when compressed gas is used,
the device is very sensitive to leak of gas not similar to the case of liquefied gas.
[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing a double
dispensing device in which loading work is easy and propellant do not easily leak.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a double dispensing container
to be used for the process.
Disclosure of Invention:
[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a process for producing a double
dispensing device, by providing a pressure-transmittable barrier wall to separate
an inside of a vessel (or body of container) into a first chamber and a second chamber,
a dispensing valve, a passage to connect the dispensing valve with the first chamber,
and a check valve means capable of flowing liquid from the first chamber to the second
chamber in a pressure vessel; loading pressurized gas substantially insoluble to stock
solution into the first chamber from the valve through the passage, and further bringing
the pressurized gas to the second chamber through the check valve means; and loading
stock solution into the first chamber through the passage from the valve.
[0009] At the step of loading a stock solution from the valve, the gas remaining in the
first chamber might forcibly brought to the second chamber by means of a stock solution
loaded into the first chamber. The gas remaining in the first chamber might also be
discharged through the valve after the step of loading the gas and before the first
chamber is loaded with the stock solution. In the step of loading stock solution in
the first chamber, it is preferable to load the stock solution so sufficiently that
some stock solution overflow the first chamber to the second chamber.
[0010] The double dispensing container of the present invention comprises a pressure vessel;
a dispensing valve mounted on a top opening of the vessel; a pressure-transmittable
barrier wall for separating an inside of the vessel into a first chamber and a second
chamber; a passage for connecting the valve with the first chamber; and a check valve
means for enabling movement of gas from the first chamber to the second chamber and
for preventing movement in reverse direction. However, it is not necessary to seal
perfectly the movement of the gas in the reverse direction. That is to say, the function
of the check valve means can be such extent that movement from the first chamber to
the second chamber is smooth and the movement in the reverse direction is merely resisted.
[0011] The above-mentioned barrier wall might be a piston which separates the inside of
the vessel and is slidable in up-down direction. The piston might be constructed so
as to function as the check valve means for enabling gas movement from the first chamber
to the second chamber and for preventing reverse movement. In this case, when the
lower side is the first chamber, the above-mentioned passage might be a tube for connecting
the valve with the first chamber. When the upper side is the first chamber, the valve
might be directly connected with the first chamber.
[0012] When the piston functions as a check valve means, it is preferable that the periphery
of the piston is yieldable elastically toward inside so that the piston can function
as a check valve. Further, a stopper is preferably interposed between the vessel or
valve and the piston so as to secure some space for the second chamber with a predetermined
volume when the piston moves to decrease the volume of the second chamber. The above-mentioned
predetermined volume is preferably 30 to 50% of the volume of the vessel. The stopper
can be obtained by an inner face of the vessel or a lower face of the valve to be
abutted against the piston.
[0013] The above-mentioned barrier wall can be made of a collapsible or deformable inner
bag of which inside becomes the first chamber. In this case, the inner bag is preferably
provided with a check valve at the bottom of the inner bag or the top of the inner
bag or at position near the dispensing valve.
[0014] Further, the above-mentioned double dispensing container is preferably provided with
a means for forcibly connecting the second chamber with the valve or the first chamber
when the barrier wall moves or is deformed to reduce the volume of the first chamber.
As the forcibly connecting means for the piston-type-device, a through hole in the
tube capable of connecting the inside of the tube with the second chamber, or an element
capable deforming or piercing the piston, when the piston moves to reduce the volume
of the first chamber, can be employed. As a case of the inner-bag-type, an element
to pierce the inner bag to connecting the outer side of the inner bag with the inside
of the inner bag or the valve, when the inner bag shrinks, can be employed.
[0015] In the case of the above-mentioned piston-type double dispensing container with a
tube, a dispensing device can be produced by loading a pressurized gas substantially
insoluble to a stock solution into the first chamber from the valve through the tube,
and loading a stock solution in the first chamber from the valve through the tube
with keeping the container in a right-standing posture to provide motion of the pressurized
gas in the first chamber to the second chamber.
[0016] In a case of piston-type double dispensing container without tube, a dispensing device
can be produced by loading a pressurized gas substantially insoluble to a stock solution
into the first chamber from the valve; and loading a stock solution in the first chamber
from the valve with keeping the container in an inverted posture to provide motion
of the pressurized gas remaining in the first chamber to the second chamber.
[0017] In a case of the inner-bag-type double dispensing container with a check valve at
a bottom or top portion, a double dispensing device can be produced by loading a pressurized
gas substantially insoluble to stock solution from a valve; and loading a stock solution
into the first chamber from the valve with keeping the container in a right standing
or inverted posture to provide motion of the pressurized gas remaining in the first
chamber toward the second chamber.
[0018] In any case of double dispensing containers mentioned above, the pressurized gas
in the first chamber might be discharged once after the pressurized gas is loaded,
and the stock solution therefore might be loaded into the first chamber.
[0019] In the process for producing a double dispensing device of the present invention,
not similarly to conventional process, pressurized gas is loaded at first, and stock
solution is loaded thereafter. That is to say, when the pressurized gas is loaded
into the first chamber from a valve through a passage, such as a tube, at first, the
first chamber is filled with the pressurized gas with moving or deforming a barrier
wall. Then, the pressurized gas in the first chamber moves to the second chamber through
the check valve means. At this situation the pressure in the first chamber is the
same as the second chamber. Next, as loading a stock solution into the first chamber
from the same valve, the first chamber is filled with the stock solution. During the
loading of the stock solution, the pressurized gas do not leak from the second chamber
to the first chamber due to the function of the check valve means.
[0020] In the process of the present invention, contains can be loaded after the dispensing
container has been assembled entirely without employing under-cup-loading. Further,
since pressurized gas and stock solution can be loaded from the same valve, any additional
gas-loading-valve is not necessary at a bottom of the vessel or the like. Further,
loading process is easy, and production efficiency is high. Further, after the loading
process, the stock solution in the first chamber is interposed between the pressurized
gas in the second chamber and the valve. Therefore, the pressurized gas is in a liquid-sealed
condition, and the gas is hard to leak. Therefore, it is convenient to use a compressed
gas which is sensitive to leak as propellant.
[0021] Beside, at a situation that only pressurized gas is loaded, that is, before the stock
solution is loaded, it can be easily confirmed whether there is leak or not.
[0022] Among the above-mentioned producing processes, when the process in which the pressurized
gas is remained in the first chamber and is moved to the second chamber as loading
stock solution into the first chamber, is employed, the initial loading pressure of
the pressurized gas might be low, and gas-discharging step is not necessary.
[0023] In contrast with the above-mentioned, the process in which stock solution is loaded
after the pressurized gas in the first chamber is discharged through the valve, has
an advantage that the container is not required to stand reversely even if the first
chamber is upper side of the vessel. Beside, when the pressurized gas is discharged
from the first chamber, the pressurized gas is hard to leak from the second chamber
to the first chamber by virtue of the function of check valve means.
[0024] In the piston-type double dispensing container of the present invention, the pressurized
gas can smoothly move from the first chamber to the second chamber since a piston
functions as a check valve. Therefore, by loading stock solution into the first chamber
with keeping the container in a right stand posture, in which the first chamber to
be loaded with stock solution is lower side, or in an inverted posture, only the pressurized
gas can be easily loaded into the second chamber through the piston capable of functioning
as a check valve. The dispensing container having a stopper for securing a predetermined
space at end of stroke of the piston has advantage that the pressurized gas can securely
move to the second chamber.
[0025] In the inner-bag-type double dispensing device of the present invention, by loading
stock solution with standing in right or inverted posture in dependent to the position
of the check valve, only the pressurized gas can be easily moved to the second chamber
through the check valve. Further, in the double dispensing container with means for
forcibly connecting, the second chamber is connected with the first chamber or the
dispensing valve when the stock solution is used up. Therefore, the pressurized gas
remaining in the second chamber can be exhausted outward through the first chamber
and the dispensing valve. Therefore, the interior pressure can be reduced before the
container is abandoned, and the container can be safely abandoned.
[0026] Hereinafter, referring to the attached drawings, the process for producing a double
dispensing device and a double dispensing container used therefor of the present invention
will be explained.
Brief description of drawings:
[0027]
Fig.1 is a process drawing showing an embodiment of the process for producing a dispensing
device of the present invention.
Fig.2 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the dispensing container of the
present invention to be used for the process.
Fig.3 and Fig.4 are sectional views showing another embodiments of the dispensing
device of the present invention, respectively.
Fig.5 to 7 are process drawings showing another embodiment of the producing process
of the present invention.
Fig.8a is a sectional view in part showing another embodiment of the dispensing container
of the present invention, and Fig.8b is a sectional view in part showing an operating
state thereof.
Fig.9 and Fig.10 are sectional views in part showing further another embodiments of
the dispensing container of the present invention, respectively.
Fig.11 is a sectional view in part showing another embodiment of the dispensing container
of the present invention, and Fig.11b is a sectional view along line XI-XI thereof.
Figs.12, 13, 14 and 15 are sectional views in part showing further another embodiments
of the present invention.
Fig.16, 17 and 18 are process drawings showing further another embodiment of the producing
process of the present invention.
Fig.19 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of an inner bag relating to
the present invention.
Fig.20 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of a check valve relating to
the present invention.
Best mode for carrying out the invention:
[0028] At first, referring to Fig.2, an embodiment of a dispensing container will be explained.
The dispensing container A has a vessel 1, a piston 2 housed therein movably up and
down as a barrier wall, a tube 4 inserted in a hole 3 formed in the center of the
piston 2 and a dispensing valve (hereinafter, referred to merely as "valve") 6 which
is connected to an upper end of the tube 4 and closes an upper opening 5 of the vessel
1. The vessel 1 is a known deep-drawn can having a trunk 7, shoulder 8 and a dome-like
bottom 9 formed as one body. The vessel 1 can be produced of an aluminium sheet for
example. In addition to the deep drawn can, a vessel assembled by a trunk made of
a cylindrically curled steel sheet, a bottom part and a shoulder part can be employed.
Further another vessel made of synthetic resin or glass can also be used.
[0029] The inside of the vessel 1 is separated by the piston 2 into the lower first chamber
(stock solution chamber) N1 and the upper second chamber (pressurized gas chamber)
N2. As the piston 2 moving up and down, volumes of the chambers N1, N2 vary.
[0030] The piston 2 has a bottom plate 10 having a dome shape according to the shape of
bottom 9 of the vessel 1, a side wall 11 rising from the periphery thereof, a boss
12 provided on the center of the bottom plate 10, and rib plates 13 connecting the
side wall to the upper end of the boss, so as to form a cup-like shape with upper
opening. The center of boss 12 is formed with the above-mentioned hole 3. The side
wall 11 slides along an inner surface of the vessel 1 and is elastically bendable.
The free end or upper end of the side wall 11 can be elastically deformed inwardly
in some extent, so that the side wall 11 can functions as a check valve to allow motion
of gas from the first chamber N1 under the piston 2 to the second chamber N2, but
not easily allow the motion of gas in the opposite direction. Beside, the boss 12
can be formed so that a gap between the boss 12 and the tube 14 functions as a check
valve. The above-mentioned side wall 11 abuts against the lower face of the shoulder
8 of the vessel 1 when the piston 2 lifts up so that the piston cannot move upward
further. That is, the side wall 11 functions as a stopper.
[0031] The above-mentioned piston 2 can be made of synthetic resin such as polyethylene,
polypropylene, polyacetal, polyamide(nylon), polyvinyl chloride, ethylen-vinyl acetate
copolymer(EVER), poleythylene terephthalate, and the like, especially engineering
plastic, synthetic resin elastmer, rubber such as NBR (butadien-acrylonitrile rubber),
or composition thereof or combination threof. Further, the piston can be made by combining
some parts or members. Each part might be made of sole material or some materials.
[0032] The above-mentioned valve 6 has been known. The valve 6 has a mounting cup 15, a
housing 16 held by the mounting cup 15, a stem 17 housed in the housing 16 movably
in up-down direction, a spring 18 for urging the stem upward, a gasket 19 interposed
between the housing and the mounting cup, another gasket 21 to be attached in periphery
of the mounting cup 15 for sealing between the mounting cup and a bead 20 of the vessel
1, and the like.
[0033] The above-mentioned tube 4 can be made of a synthetic resin similar to the piston
2 and is preferably bendable elastically in some extent. However, a hard tube without
bendability also can be used. The tube 4 is attached to the lower end of the housing
16 and functions as a passage to connect the inside of the housing to the first chamber
N1 under the piston 2.
[0034] The above-mentioned dispensing container A can be produced as explained hereinafter,
for example. At first, referring to step S1 in Fig.1, a piston 2 is inserted into
the inside of a vessel 1 of which shoulder 8 is not formed as shown by imaginary line
8a. Then, the upper portion of the vessel 1 is drawn as shown by arrow mark H to form
a shoulder 8. Further, the cylindrical upper end portion is curled to form a bead
20. Then, as inserting a tube 4 into a hole 3 of the piston 3 as shown by arrow mark
J, the dispesing valve 6 is mounted on the bead 20. Further, the mounting cup 15 of
the valve 6 is crimped against the bead 20 to joint to the vessel as one body. By
those steps, a dispensing container A before loading of stock solution and propellant
is produced.
[0035] Hereinafter, referring to Fig.1, a process for producing a dispensing device by loading
pressurized gas and stock solution into the empty dispensing container A will be explained.
In Fig.1, S1 shows the above-mentioned step for assembling a dispencing container
A, and S2 and S3 are a step for loading pressurized gas and a step for loading stock
solution, respectively. The pressurized-gas-loading step S2 is a step for injecting
pressurized gas into the first chamber N1 from the valve 6 through the tube 4 to fill
the first chamber with the pressurized gas. As loading of the pressurized gas proceeds,
the piston 2 lifts with compressing the second chamber N2, and further, the piston
makes the pressurized gas to move into the second chamber gradually by means of the
check valve function. In this situation, the side wall 11 functions as a stopper.
The air in the vessel 1 might be remained in this step. However, the remaining air
might be discharged.Such discharge of air can be performed by means of vacuum discharging
in accordance with well known method when the valve is crimped on the vessel, or by
opening the valve and sucking with vacuum from the stem after crimping of the valve.
In such case that the pressurized gas to be loaded is air, it is not necessary to
discharge the remaining air in the vessel 1. In general case, the piston is stopped
when the side wall 11 abuts against the lower face of the shoulder 8 of the vessel
1, and a part of the pressurized gas moves to the second chamber N2 side through a
gap between the piston 2 and the vessel 1.
[0036] Next, at the stock-solution-loading step S3, stock solution is loaded from the valve
6 through the tube 4. The stock solution is forcibly loaded under pressure against
the pressure of the pressurized gas. Then, the stock solution pushes out the pressurized
gas from the first chamber, and then the stock solution fills the first chamber with
replacing the pressurized gas.
[0037] The stock solution is preferably sufficiently loaded so as to leak slightly to the
second chamber N2, such that the pressurized gas cannot remain in the first chamber
N1. Thus, a dispencing device B is completed.
[0038] As the above-mentioned pressurized gas, gas which substantially insoluble to the
stock solution is employed. For example, compessed gas of nitrogen(N
2), carbon dioxide(CO
2), air, oxygen(0
2), argon(Ar
2), and the like can be employed. Liquefied gas is not used usually. As the stock solution,
liquid such as aqueous solution, alcoholic solution, and the like, semi-solid material
such as creamy food, toothpaste, and the like can be employed. The ratio of pressurized
gas and the stock solution is in an extent about 30:70-50:50, preferably 35:65-45:55
in volume ratio. In the above-mentioned embodiments, the height of the side wall 11
of piston 2, which functions as a stopper, is preferably determined according to the
loading ratio.
[0039] As described above, in the producing process of the present invention, inversely
to a conventional process, pressurized gas is loaded at first, and stock solution
is loaded thereafter. And the pressurized gas and the stock solution are loaded from
the same valve 6. Therefore, the loading work is easy, and separated gas-loading-valve
is not necessary. The dispensing device B produced as mentioned above can be used
similarly to a conventional device. That is to say, when the first chamber N1 is opened
by pushing a push button (reference mark 22 in Fig.2), the pressurized gas in the
second chamber N2 press the stock solution in the first chamber N1 through the piston
2. Then, the stock solution can be released through the tube 4 and a nozzle or spout
of the push button 22.
[0040] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the side wall 11 of the piston 2 is abutted against
the lower face of the shoulder 8 of the vessel 1 so as to function as a stopper. However,
as shown in Fig.3, the boss 12 might be extended over the side wall 11 so that the
boss 12 can be used as a stopper for abutting against the lower end of the valve.
Beside, as shown in Fig.3, the vessel 1 might be made by assembling a curled trunk
7, a bottom 9 and a shoulder produced separately. In such case, the piston 2 can be
inserted from a bottom side opening, and the bottom 9 can be fixed by curling to the
trunk thereafter.
[0041] Beside, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the piston 2 has a cup-like shape which
opens upward. However, shape of the piston is not limited in the dispensing container
of the present invention. As shown in Fig.4, the piston 2 can be formed to a hollow
float. In this case, permeation of the contains through the piston can be sufficiently
prevented. In the piston 2 of Fig.4, the upper plate 13 has a bowl-like shape so as
not to interact with the valve when the piston 2 lifts up.
[0042] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the pressurized gas is loaded at the upper side,
and the stock solution is loaded at the lower side chamber N1. However, as shown in
Fig.5, the upper side can be a first chamber N1 to be filled with stock solution,
and the lower side can be a second chamber N2 to be filled with pressurized gas. Fig.5
shows an embodiment of a process for producing such dispensing device. This producing
process, similarly to the case of Fig.1, comprises a container-assembling step S1,
a pressurized-gas-loaded step S2 and a stock-solution-loading step S3.
[0043] The dispensing container does not need any tube (4 in Fig.1). The piston 2 is inserted
with an inverted posture upside down. Therefore, the piston 2 has check valve function
to allow flow of fluid from the upper first chamber N1 to the lower second chamber
N2, but restrict the flow in the inverse direction. In this case, the side wall 11
of the piston can also function as a stopper for securing volume of the second chamber
N2.
[0044] The container-assembling step S1 and the pressurized-gas-loaded step S2 are the same
as the case of Fig.1. However, in the stock solution loading step S3, the stock solution
is loaded with setting the container upside down, since the pressurized gas should
be moved before the stock solution reach to the second chamber N2. This is different
point from the case of Fig.1. The stock solution loading step S3 in Fig.5 shows a
state of half way of the loading. At last, the first chamber N1 is sufficiently filled
with stock solution so that the stock solution rather overflow to the second chamber
N2. Beside, the lower plate 11 of the piston is preferably curved to project upward
(downward in step S3) so that the pressurized gas remaining in the first chamber N1
is reduced as far as possible.
[0045] In the above-mentioned embodiments, a piston 2 is employed as a barrier wall. However,
as shown in Fig.6 and Fig.7, a known deformable inner bag 23 can also be employed
as a barrier wall. In the embodiment of Fig.6, the inner bag 23 is made of two sheets
or films of which peripheries are welded, heat sealed or adhered with each other to
form a bag. The inner bag 23 is fixed to a valve 6 having a tubular portion 24 extending
downward. The tubular portion 24 is sandwiched between sheets of the inner bag 23.
However, another shape of inner bag can be employed. For example, an inner bag having
a periphery or flange around an opening to be crimped on an bead 20 around an opening
5 of the vessel together with a mounting cup 15, can be employed. A mono-film synthetic
resin, a laminated film of synthetic resin films, a laminated film of a synthetic
resin film and a metal foil, and the like can be used for the sheet of the inner bag
23. If demanded, a container made of thin metal sheet, for example 0.2-0.4mm in thickness,
which is collapsible under pressure, can be employed.
[0046] In this embodiment of dispensing container, the inner bag 23 is provided with a check
valve 25 at the upper end thereof. The check valve 25 allows the flow of fluid from
the inside of the inner bag 23 (first chamber N1) to the out side (second chamber
N2) which is a space between the inner bag 23 and the vessel 1, but does not allow
the inverse flow substantially from the out side to the inside. In this case, the
flow from the out side to the inside might be in an extent merely to be resisted by
the check valve. It is preferable to attach a tube 4 to the tubular portion 24 of
the valve 6 so that the stock solution can fill the inner bag 23 gradually from the
bottom side thereof.
[0047] As shown at the container-assembling step S1, the inner bag 23 is folded along longitudinal
lines when the bag is inserted into the vessel 1 and is expanded at the inside of
the vessel 1. By crimping the mounting cup 15 on the bead 20 of the vessel 1 under
this situation, a container is completely assembled.
[0048] At the pressurized-gas-loading step S2, pressurized gas is loaded from the stem 17
into the first chamber N1 in the inner bag to expand the inner bag, and further the
pressurized gas is also loaded in the second chamber N2 between the inner bag 23 and
the vessel 1 through the check valve 25. In this case, the pressure in the vessel
1 becomes 5-12 kgf/cm
2 for example. However, since the inside and the out side of the inner bag 23 are balanced
in pressure, the inner bag 23 is not broken.
[0049] Next, at the stock-solution-loading step S3, stock solution is charged from the same
stem 17 under pressure. Therefore, the pressurized gas in the inner bag 23 moves to
the second chamber N2 through the check valve 25, and the inner bag 23 is filled with
the stock solution without pressurized gas. In this case, it is preferable that the
stock solution overflow slightly to the second chamber N2.
[0050] A dispensing container shown in Fig.7 has a check valve 25 at the lower end of the
inner bag 23 and is not provided with any tube. Another constructions are the same
as that of Fig.6 substantially. In this embodiment, when the stock-solution-loading
step S3, the container is kept upside down so that only pressurized gas move to the
second chamber N2 through the check valve 25.
[0051] The check valve 25 can be obtained, for example, by forming a through hole 25b in
the side wall of the tubular portion 25a having a closed end, and by fitting an elastically
deformable tube 25c around the tubular portion 25a. Beside, a known check valve having
a ball urged by a spring can also be employed.
[0052] The dispensing device assembled as mentioned above is completed at last by mounting
a push button or spout on the stem 17. By pushing the push button of the obtained
dispensing device B to open the valve 6, the stock solution in the inner bag 23 pressurized
by the pressurized gas in the second chamber N2 can be released through the nozzle
or the like of the push button.
[0053] In any embodiment mentioned above, since the pressurized gas in the second chamber
N2 is sealed by the stock solution in the first chamber N1 by means of "liquid seal",
sealing effect is high. Therefore, the device is especially advantageous for a dispensing
device in which compressed gas sensitive to leak is used as propellant. However, when
the pressurized gas is discharged in order to reduce the inner pressure of a used
container for safe abandonment, the good seal function is inconvenient on the contrary.
Then, it is preferable to provide a forcibly-connecting-means capable of automatically
cancelling the seal function of the barrier wall when the container is used entirely.
[0054] Fig.8a shows a type of dispensing container in which a first chamber for stock solution
under a piston is connected with a valve through a tube. The tube 4 is slightly short
such that the lower end 6 of the tube 4 comes out of a boss 12 of the piston 2 when
the piston as a barrier wall reaches the bottom. Therefore, when the stock solution
is used almost entirely, the second chamber N2 is connected with inside of the tube
4. Then the pressurized gas can be discharged through the valve 6. Therefore, the
device can be thrown away safely with reduced inner pressure. Further, the device
is preferably provided with a temporary stopping leg 26 such as a coil spring or the
like between a bottom 6 of the vessel 1 and a lower plate 10 of the piston 2 such
that the piston 6 does not slip out from the tube 4 before loading of pressurized
gas. The temporary stopping leg 26 has such strength (repulsing force of spring in
this embodiment) that the piston 2 can be prevented from slipping out of the tube
4, and the piston 2 can slip out of the tube 4 by means of pressure of the pressurized
gas when the stock solution is used almost entirely by using up the dispensing device.
[0055] In addition to a spring with predetermined repulsive force, such temporary-stopping
leg 26 can be made of a leg or legs extending downward from periphery of the piston,
capable of being broken with predetermined compressive force, or the like.
[0056] Fig.9 shows a dispensing container similar to the dispensing containers of Fig.8a
and 8b. In this embodiment, a tube 4 having a through hole 27 formed at a half way
instead of the above-mentioned short tube. In this dispensing container, when the
stock solution is used up and the piston comes to the bottom, the second chamber N2
is connected with the inside of the tube 4. The dispensing container is also preferably
provided with a temporary-stopping leg 26.
[0057] Fig.10 shows another embodiment of forcibly connecting means having a pin or spike
28 fixed at the bottom 9 of the vessel 1 so as to direct upward. In this embodiment,
when the piston 2 as a barrier wall comes to the bottom, the spike 28 can break through
the lower plate 10 of the piston 2 to connect the first chamber N1 to the second chamber
N2. This embodiment is also preferably provided with a temporary-stopping leg 28 similar
to Fig.8a and the like.
[0058] Beside, another type of forcibly connecting means can be obtained by providing a
projection or the like at a trunk, a bottom or a shoulder of the vessel 1. The projection
can engage with the piston to deform the piston 2 so as to cancel the seal function
of the piston 2.
[0059] Fig.11a shows one of the embodiments of such type of dispensing container. In this
embodiment, a first chamber N1 for stock solution is set at the upper side of piston
2, and the trunk of the vessel 1 is provided with a rib or ribs (see Fig.11b) 29 projecting
inward at the upper portion of the trunk. In this embodiment, when the stock solution
is used up and the piston comes to the upper end, the side wall 11 of the piston runs
on the ribs 29 to be deformed. Therefore, seal function is released and the first
chamber N1 is connected with the second chamber N2. As shown by imaginary lines in
Fig.11a, the piston 2 might be provided with an extending portion 30 at the upper
end thereof, which abuts with the shoulder 8 of the vessel 1 and deforms the piston
so as to connect the first chamber N1 to the second chamber N2 when the piston 2 lifts
to the upper end.
[0060] Fig.12 shows a type of dispensing container in which stock solution is loaded in
the upper side of the piston 2. In this container, a valve 6 has a hard tube or tubular
portion 24 at the lower side thereof, and a sharp edge 31 is formed at the lower end
of the tubular portion 24. In addition, a lower plate 10 of the piston 2 has a thin
portion 32 to be broken by the sharp edge 31. Therefore, when the piston goes to the
upper end, the second chamber N2 is connected with the inside of the tube 4 through
the tube 4 piercing through the piston 2.
[0061] Fig.13 shows a dispensing device having an inner bag 23 and a tube or tubular portion
24 at the lower side of the valve 6. The tubular portion 24 has spikes 33 projecting
in the side directions. In this embodiment, when the stock solution in the inner bag
23 is used up, the inner bag 23 is broken by the spikes 33, and the first chamber
N1 is connected with the second chamber N2. In stead of the spikes 33, a tubular projection
with sharp edge at the free end thereof might be employed. In this embodiment, when
the inner bag 23 is broken, the second chamber N2 is directly connected to the inside
of the tube 4. Those forcibly connecting means can be applied not only to a dispensing
container having a check valve at the upper side of the inner bag 23, but also to
a dispensing container having a check valve at the lower side of the inner bag.
[0062] Fig.14 shows an embodiment of a dispensing container similar to the dispensing container
of Fig.2. This embodiment has a piston 2 provided with a check valve 34, which can
function as a forcibly connecting means, at a lower plate 10 thereof. The check valve
34 has a hole 35 through a lower plate 10 of the piston 2, a valve body 36 and a spring
37 for urging the valve body 36 toward the lower plate 10 side. The valve body 36
has a seat 36a for closing the hole 35 from the second chamber N2 side and a shaft
36b projecting to the first chamber N1 side through the hole 35. The check valve 34
functions as a check valve for allowing the flow of fluid from the first chamber N1
to the second chamber N2 in ordinary case. In addition, when the piston goes to the
bottom 9 of the vessel 1, the shaft 36b of the valve body 36 abuts against the bottom
9 so as to lift the valve body 36 and to connect the first chamber N1 to the second
chamber N2. Therefore, in this situation, the check valve 34 functions as a forcibly
connecting means.
[0063] Fig.15 shows a dispensing device similar to the dispensing device of Fig.2. In this
embodiment, the piston 2 has a lower plate made of a dome-like thin plate projecting
upward and deformable in the inverse direction. The piston 2 has a boss 12 projecting
downward from the center of the thin plate. In addition, the bottom 9 of the vessel
1 is provided with an abutting member 38 at periphery thereof capable of abutting
with the lower periphery of the piston 2. Therefore, when the piston reaches the bottom,
the lower periphery thereof abuts with the abutting member 38 at the bottom 9 of the
vessel 1, and the lower plate 10 is deformed to project downward. Therefore, a gap
is generated between the side wall 11 and the trunk 7 of the vessel 1, and the first
chamber N1 is connected to the second chamber N2. Therefore, this member is also a
forcibly connecting means.
[0064] Hereinafter, referring to Fig.16 through 18, another embodiment of the process for
producing a dispensing device of the present invention will be explained. Those embodiments
have a step S2A for sucking or discharging pressurized gas from the first chamber
N1 after a pressurized-gas-loading step S2 and before a stock-solution-loading step
S3, not similar to the above-mentioned producing process.
[0065] In the process of Fig.16, a dispensing container substantially same as Fig.1 is employed.
Therefore, if the same stock solution and the same pressurized gas are used, the same
dispensing device can be obtained.
[0066] The left end step S1 in Fig.16 is a step for assembling a container in which a piston
2, a tube 4 and a valve 6 are assembled to a vessel 1 substantially same as Fig.1.
Sequentially to the step, pressurized-gas-loading step S2 for loading pressurized
gas into the first chamber N1 through a valve 6 and a tube 4, and further into the
second chamber N2, is performed. In this embodiment, the pressure of the pressurized
gas loaded at the step S2 is higher than the case of Fig.1
[0067] Then, pressurized-gas-discharging step S2A for discharging the pressurized gas from
the first chamber N1 is performed. In this step S2A, the pressurized gas can be collected
in a bomb for example through a valve by lowering the loading pressure than the pressure
in the container. Beside, in a case that the pressurized gas is safe gas such as air,
the pressurized gas can be discharged in the atmosphere. In addition, the first chamber
N1 can be suck with vacuum. In any case, only the pressurized gas in the first chamber
N1 is discharged, and the pressurized gas in the second chamber N2 is not discharged
by virtue of the function of the check valve. Then, the piston 2 goes down by means
of pressure of the pressurized gas remaining in the second chamber N2, and the volume
of the first chamber N1 becomes about O as shown in the step S2A in the drawing.
[0068] Under the situation, a stock-solution-loading step S3 for loading stock solution
through the valve is performed. This step is the same as the case of Fig.1. When the
step is completed, a dispensing device B which is substantially same as the case of
Fig.1 is obtained. Though this embodiment requires an additional pressurized-gas-discharging
step S2A in contrast with the case of Fig.1, there is an advantage that the pressurized
gas is not easily blended in the stock solution. However, merit of the process of
this embodiment is further realized for a piston-type dispensing device having a second
chamber at lower side and a first chamber at upper side as explained hereinafter.
[0069] In the producing process of Fig.17, at first, a container-assembling step S1 is performed
with using the same vessel 1, piston 2 and valve 6 as the producing process shown
in Fig.5. Then, a pressurized-gas-loading step S2 is performed. Though those steps
are the same as the case of Fig.5, pressure of the pressurized gas is higher. Then,
a pressurized-gas-discharging step S2A is performed. By this step, the pressurized
gas in the first chamber N1 is discharged, and the pressurized gas remains only in
the second chamber by means of the check-valve-function of the piston 2. By means
of the pressure of the remaining pressurized gas, the piston is lifted to the upper
end, and the volume of the first chamber N1 becomes about O.
[0070] Then a step S3 for loading stock solution into the first chamber N1 is performed.
It is not necessary to turn the vessel 1 upside down in contrast to the case of Fig.5,
since pressurized gas do not remain in the first chamber. As mentioned above, in the
embodiment, step and apparatus for turning over the vessel during process are not
required, and process control is simplified greatly.
[0071] Fig.18 shows an embodiment of process for producing an inner-bag-type double dispensing
device, to which the process having a pressurized-gas-discharging step S2A is applied.
That is to say, as same as the process of Fig.7, a step S1 for assembling as inner
bag 23 with a check valve at the lower end and a valve 6 to a vessel 1 is performed.
Then, a step S2 for loading pressurized gas into the first chamber N1 in the inner
bag 23 through the valve 6, and for loading the pressurized gas into the second chamber
N2 through the check valve 25 at the same time, is performed.
[0072] Next, a step S2A for discharging the pressurized gas from the first chamber N1 through
the valve 6 is performed. In this situation, the pressurized gas in the second chamber
N2 is not discharged by means of the function of the check valve 25, and the pressurized
gas still remain only in the second chamber N2. Therefore, the inner bag 23 is folded
as same as the initially inserted state (step S1), and volume of the inner bag becomes
about O.
[0073] Next, in the step S3, stock solution is loaded into the inner bag 23 through the
valve 6. In this situation, since no pressurized gas remain in the inner bag 23, it
is not necessary to return the vessel 1 upside down.
[0074] The producing process with pressurized-gas-discharging step can also be applied to
the dispensing device having a check valve 25 at the upper side of the inner bag.
Though the check valve 25 is provided at the upper side of the inner bag 23, the process
is the same as the process of Fig.18 substantially. Therefore, the process is not
shown with drawings.
[0075] The inner bag 23 used in the producing process of Fig.18 has a flange 40 to be engaged
with a bead 20 or curled portion at upper end thereof, which is not similar to the
case of Figs.6 and 7. In addition, the inner bag 31 can shrink along longitudinal
folding lines which project outward and inward alternately as shown by real line,
and the inner bag can be expanded with inner pressure as shown by imaginary lines.
Such inner bag 23 can be produced by blow-moulding, for example. The check valve 25
is the same as the case of Figs.6 and 7 substantially, and can be constructed by a
tubular projection 42 projecting from the bottom of the inner bag 23 and a tube 43
elastically fit around the projection 42.
[0076] The tube 43 is made of rubber or the like and is elastically deformable. The tube
43 is preferably engaged with a step portion 44 formed at the lower portion of the
projection 42. The tubular projection 42 has a side wall formed with a through hole
45.
[0077] In the process for producing a dispensing device of the present invention, steps
for loading pressurized gas and stock solution are easy, and it is not necessary to
provide any excess gas-loading valve.
[0078] By using the dispensing container of the present invention, the above-mentioned process
can be easily performed. The dispensing container has a good sealing function of the
second chamber filled with pressurized gas.
[0079] In addition , in the dispensing device with a forcibly connecting means, inner pressure
can be easily lowered after the container is used up entirely.
1. A process for producing a double dispensing device;
by providing a pressure-transmittable barrier wall to separate an inside of a vessel
into a first chamber and a second chamber, a dispensing valve, a passage to connect
the dispensing valve with the first chamber, and a check valve means capable of flowing
fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber in a pressure vessel;
loading pressurized gas substantially insoluble to stock solution into the first chamber
from the valve through the passage, and further bringing the pressurized gas to the
second chamber through the check valve means; and
loading stock solution into the first chamber through the passage from the valve.
2. The producing process of claim 1, wherein:
at the step of loading stock solution from the valve, the gas remaining in the first
chamber is forcibly brought to the second chamber by means of a stock solution loaded
into the first chamber.
3. The producing process of claim 1, wherein:
the gas remaining in the first chamber is discharged through the valve after the step
of loading the gas; and
thereafter, the first chamber is loaded with the stock solution.
4. The producing process of claim 1, wherein,
in the step of loading stock solution in the first chamber, the stock solution is
loaded so sufficiently that some stock solution overflow the first chamber to the
second chamber.
5. A double dispensing container comprising:
a pressure vessel;
a dispensing valve mounted on a top opening of the vessel;
a pressure-transmittable barrier wall for separating an inside of the vessel into
a first chamber and a second chamber;
a passage for connecting the valve with the first chamber; and
a check valve means for enabling movement of gas from first chamber to the second
changer and for preventing movement in reverse direction.
6. The double dispensing container of claim 5, wherein:
the barrier wall is a piston which separates the inside of the vessel and is slidable
in up-down direction; and
the piston is constructed so as to function as the check valve means for enabling
gas movement from the first chamber to the second chamber and for preventing reverse
movement.
7. The double dispensing container of claim 6, wherein:
the first chamber is placed at lower side of the piston; and
the passage is a tube for connecting the valve with the first chamber.
8. The double dispensing container of claim 6, wherein:
the first chamber is placed at upper side of the piston; and
the valve is directly connected with the first chamber.
9. The double dispensing container of claim 6, wherein:
a periphery of the piston is yieldable elastically toward inside so that the piston
can function as a check valve.
10. The double dispensing container of claim 6, wherein:
a stopper is interposed between the vessel or valve and the piston so as to secure
some space for the second chamber with a predetermined volume when the piston moves
to decrease the volume of the second chamber.
11. The double dispensing container of claim 10, wherein:
the predetermined volume is 30 to 50% of the volume of the vessel.
12. The double dispensing container of claim 10, wherein:
the stopper is obtained by an inner face of the vessel or a lower face of the valve
to be abutted against the piston.
13. The double dispensing container of claim 5, wherein:
the barrier wall is made of a collapsible or deformable inner bag of which inside
becomes the first chamber; and
the inner bag is provided with a check valve.
14. The double dispensing container of claim 13, wherein:
the check valve is placed at the bottom of the inner bag.
15. The double dispensing container of claim 13, wherein:
the check valve is placed at top of the inner bag or at position near the dispensing
valve.
16. The double dispensing container of claim 5, further comprising a means for forcibly
connecting the second chamber with the valve or the first chamber when the barrier
wall moves or is deformed to reduce the volume of the first chamber.
17. The double dispensing container of claim 6, further comprising a means for forcibly
connecting the second chamber with the valve or the first chamber by deforming or
piercing the piston, when the piston moves to reduce the volume of the first chamber.
18. The double dispensing container of claim 13, further comprising a forcibly connecting
means for connecting an out side of the inner bag and an inner side of the inner bag
or the valve by piercing the inner bag when the inner bag shrinks.
19. A process for producing a dispensing device,
by loading pressurized gas substantially insoluble to a stock solution into the first
chamber of the double dispensing container of claim 7 from the valve thereof; and
loading stock solution into the first chamber from the valve through the tube with
keeping the container in a standing posture upside down, to provide motion of the
pressurized gas in the first chamber to the second chamber.
20. A process for producing a dispensing device,
by loading pressurized gas substantially insoluble to stock solution into the inner
bag from a valve of the double dispensing container of claim 14; and loading a stock
solution into the inner bag from the valve with keeping the container in a standing
posture upside down to provide motion of the pressurized gas remaining in the inner
bag toward the second chamber between the pressure vessel and the inner bag.