FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol spray can with unidirectional movement
activation device. More specifically, this finding relates to an aerosol spray can
or pressure can in which two different components, which are kept separate from each
other, are inserted, and these two different components are to be mixed only upon
imminent subsequent use to obtain and dispense the desired substance. The mixing is
activated by means of the rotation of an activation device or a throttle lever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Aerosol spray canisters or cans of this type, which are often defined as two-component
cans or 2K cans. They are known and used for example in the sector of cosmetics, paints,
lubricants, polyurethane foam compositions, and in the industrial sector in general.
[0003] Aerosol cans are usually made of sheet metal and typically have a concave bottom
or back face and a convex head or top face, both of which typically being flanged
on the opposite sides of the cylindrical can body. The bottom or back face of the
can is made concave in order to withstand the pressure inside the can. The concave
bottom also makes it easier to put the can with its back face on a substantially flat
surface, in an upright position. The head is made convex for the same pressure resistance
reason, and typically is provided with a central opening. The opening is for filling
the container, after which the container valve is installed by crimping the valve
cup into the opening, thereby closing off the container or can. Propellants may still
be added subsequently, by pushing them through the valve. The convexity of the head
allows for easy access to the container valve, for instance for installing an adapter.
[0004] The concave bottom brings yet another advantage. If the pressure in the can exceeds
the prescribed level, the bottom concavity is supposed to yield as the weakest part
and reverse into a convex bottom or back face, usually making a clear and loud noise.
This action significantly increases the internal volume of the can, resulting in an
immediate reduction of the pressure inside the expanded can. A further advantage is,
when the can is standing upright on a flat surface, such as on a shop shelf, that
the expanded can itself is lifted up and also cannot anymore maintain its stable upright
position. The expanded and thus failed can may therefore readily be spotted in a group
of similar cans, so that appropriate action may be taken by an operator or guard.
[0005] Characteristic for the 2K type cans is that the second component is kept in a separate
cartridge, inside the larger container containing the first component. Shortly before
its intended first use, the cartridge is to be opened towards the container content,
by an action from outside the container, and the two components are allowed to mix,
usually assisted by the user shaking the container. In many cases a chemical reaction
takes place between particular ingredients in the two components, forming the single
mixed composition which is desired and ready for being dispensed from the container
by again an action by the user on the container valve.
[0006] An example is found in polyurethane foam forming compositions, where the first (or
"A") component is supplied in a first container and usually contains a prepolymer
with remaining isocyanate functionality, while the second (or "B") component is supplied
from a second container and contains a hardener, i.e. a polyfunctional isocyanate
reactive compound, typically a low molecular weight polyol, preferably having primary
alcohol functions. Typically the second component also contains a catalyst for the
reaction between isocyanate and polyol, usually a tertiary amine. At the moment of
application, the two components are mixed and the resulting mixture is applied to
the desired location. The result is a very fast curing mixture forming a high density
product with high mechanical properties, very suitable in the construction industry,
such as for mounting doors and window frames. Optionally some water may be added to
the polyol, which causes CO
2 to form, and in which case propellants may not be essential in order to obtain a
foam.
[0007] For expert professionals and intensive users, usually in a workshop environment,
it is common to supply the two components in two separate pressure containers. The
system of the two pressure containers and the mixing and application equipment is
considered in the industry as being "the pure 2K delivery system".
[0008] For less experienced and/or less intensive users, and in particular for improved
convenience in a construction site environment, a variant of the 2K delivery system
has been developed wherein the second component is contained in a cartridge internal
to the container containing the first component. In order to differentiate this version
from the "pure 2K" system above, such delivery systems are sometimes addressed as
1.5K or 1 ½ K PU cans, e.g. in Fig 1 on page 13 of "The Foam Manual" by A. De Schrijver,
first published in 1986. For sake of simplicity, this document will stick to the term
2K cans or two-component cans for addressing these type of cans comprising an internal
cartridge for the second component.
[0009] The two components contained in the 2K cans are isolated from each other in sealed
independent enclosures; one of them being integrated in an internal cartridge, typically
of cylindrical shape, which, during the assembly of the set, is placed coaxially into
the can with respect to which it is stabilized in any known way. Such 2K cans have
become widely known for several decades now. Suitable cans have for instance been
described in
WO 2006/069458,
EP 0 042 128,
WO 84/01355 and
WO 85/00157.
[0010] The internal cartridge of such cans is provided with an activation device, usually
in the form of a throttle lever, which protrudes from the back face or bottom of the
canister or can. The throttle lever may be operated manually by the user, typically
by rotation, to activate the cartridge valve, which opens the cartridge at the moment
in which it becomes necessary to mix the two components. After the mixing, the operator
may dispense or spray, by pressing any conventional dispensing valve installed as
the container valve, the composition which has formed as a consequence of the mixing,
in the direction of or directly at his target.
[0011] A 2K can is also known, as described in Italian utility model
ITMI2012000421, which published under no.
IT-U-278.593, in which the activation element or device of the cartridge or throttle lever is
arranged in such a way that it fits entirely into the bottom cavity and does not protrude
downwards from the back face of the can body, beyond the rim of the bottom flange.
This prevents involuntary impacts and movements of the device itself which may possibly
lead to damage of the can as a whole. Moreover, this type of can may be placed in
a stable way on any substantially flat surface, because the activation device does
not protrude even by a minimum amount from the lower face of the can. A further advantage
is that the bottom cavity with the throttle lever may be closed off by means of a
simple flat flexible casing, e.g. fitting over the bottom flange of the container,
and leaving in the cavity sufficient extra room for an accessory object, such as a
pair of folded disposable gloves of polymeric material.
[0012] Another 2K can is described in
ITMI2013000396, which published under no.
IT-U-280.846. The document describes 1 K as well as 2K cans. In both cases the can defines also
at the upper end a concave development rather than the conventional convex head, the
development being provided with a central opening. In the 2K can, the opening may
be used for the introduction and the stabilization of the cartridge. Therefore, the
actuating device of the latter is placed at the upper end of the can body, with respect
to which it does not protrude because it is fully housed inside the concavity. The
prime aim of this is to reduce the overall height of the can, in particular when including
the usual plastic protection lid which is typically placed on the convex heads of
pressure cans for protecting the container valve from damage or unintentional opening.
At the same time, the actuating device of the cartridge is conveniently protected
inside the concave head of
ITMI2013000396, because it does not protrude from the body. In addition, a plastic closing lid of
small height is sufficient to create a flat and uniform surface at the upper end,
again offering sufficient room for an accessory object such as a pair of folded plastic
gloves. In all the considered 2K cans, the actuating device of the cartridge advantageously
consists of the throttle lever mentioned before, and which is typically made of plastic
material.
[0013] It was however observed that the movement of the lever or actuating device of the
cartridge has an important drawback, which is related to the direction of the rotation
manually imposed to it.
[0014] In fact, these devices or throttle levers traditionally provide a right-hand or clockwise
rotation for achieving the activation of the cartridge; this movement being the more
spontaneous and intuitive for most people, except for the left-handed, who are led
to automatically try an anti-clockwise rotation. Moreover, also right-handed people
may occasionally rotate involuntarily or unintentionally, at least in an initial phase,
the throttle lever of such conventional aerosol spray cans in the opposite direction
with respect to the one that is traditionally arranged for activating the cartridge.
[0015] In both instances, significant damage may occur to the can as a consequence of such
a rotation in the wrong direction, usually this rotation being performed with appreciable
strength. This may lead to severe damage and may represent a significant safety and/or
industrial hygiene hazard. It may happen, for example, that the actuating stem is
pulled out of its seat, with the consequent possible leakage of liquid under pressure,
which would make the aerosol spray can unusable and could create contact of operator
skin and/or eyes with the container content, the latter usually still being chemically
reactive.
[0016] A further problem with the 2K cans as described above relates to the force that needs
to be exerted in order to open the cartridge and thereby allow a mix of the second
component from the cartridge with the first component present the container and surrounding
the cartridge.
[0017] In many conventional 2K cans, a rod extends axially and concentrically through the
cartridge over its entire length. The rod projects on the one end through a packing
or seal to beyond the cartridge and also beyond the concave surface of the container
bottom, and the rod is adapted at that end to connect the throttle lever. The other
end of the rod cooperates with an inner cover or lid of the cartridge, in a way by
which for instance an axial rotation or axial movement of the rod is able to push
the cover away from the cartridge and open the cartridge to the surrounding container
contents.
[0018] In a fully assembled 2K container in accordance to the present invention, the cover
of the cartridge is subject to significant forces increasing the force which is required
for pushing away the cover or lid, and thus for opening the cartridge.
[0019] One force component is usually due to a pressure difference between the pressure
in the container, where the first component resides, and the pressure in the cartridge,
where the second component resides. The pressure inside the container may for instance
be 6 bar gauge (barg), and may be higher than the pressure inside the cartridge, which
may for instance be only 1 bar or even atmospheric, and the pressure difference may
thus result in a first and important net force component, the advantage being that
this first force component is keeping the cartridge cover in place at the upper end
of the cartridge, the drawback being that this first force component needs to be overcome
to open the cartridge.
[0020] It should further be realized that the pressure inside the cartridge acts on only
a part of the underside surface area of the cartridge cover, i.e. the surface area
excluding the area occupied by the rod where the rod engages with the cover. A net
force on the cover, on top of any pressure difference between the container and the
cartridge, is therefore the force corresponding to the pressure in the container which
acts on this part of the outer surface of the cover which does not have an equivalent
inner surface area of the cover because of the internal rod of the cartridge engaging
with the inside of the cover. In other words, because the rod occupies part of the
inner surface area of the cover, the inner surface of the cover on which the cartridge
pressure acts is lower than the outer surface of the cover, on which the container
pressure acts. This difference in action area results in a second net force component
pushing the cover onto the cartridge, even in case the pressures in container and
cartridge would be equal to each other. The inventors have found that this second
net force component may also be of significance relative to the total force which
has to be overcome to open the cartridge by pushing the cover up.
[0021] In order to keep the two components in the aerosol spray can or pressure can separate,
typically a seal is provided at the place where the cover of the cartridge engages
with the cartridge head or wall. The seal may for instance be a rubber o-ring around
the part of the cover which enters into the cartridge. The applicants have observed,
when filling the cartridge with the second component, that a small amount of this
second component may remain present on the inner surface of the cartridge head or
wall where the cover, upon closing the cartridge, engages with the cartridge wall.
Later, the space in the container surrounding the cartridge is filled with the first
component, and the container is closed off by installing the valve. The first component
may then come into contact with the small amount of second component against the inner
surface of the cartridge wall. The two components readily react with each other, in
many instances forming a cross-linked polymer with strong adhesive power. This adhesive
thus glues the cover and/or the o-ring to its surroundings, in particular to the cartridge
wall. The adhesive force of this small amount of cross-linked polymer in this location
represents a third net force component which has to be overcome to open the cartridge
by pushing the cover up.
[0022] The aim of the present findings is to prevent the above-mentioned drawbacks.
[0023] More specifically, the aim of the present invention is to provide an aerosol spray
can of the two-component type, which is intended to prevent any drawback should the
user impose to the activation device a rotational movement opposite to that which
is intended to achieve the opening of the cartridge and the consequent mixing of the
two substances inside the can itself.
[0024] A further aim of the present invention is to provide an aerosol spray can of the
two-component type in which the opening of the valve of the internal cartridge occurs
only following the rotation in the correct direction, that is to say, clockwise, of
the respective activation device.
[0025] A further aim of the present invention is to provide users with an aerosol spray
can of the two-component type, which is intended to ensure a high level of resistance
and reliability, and which can also be made easily and economically.
[0026] The present invention aims to obviate or at least mitigate the above described problem
or problems and/or to provide improvements generally.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The above aims and other aims are achieved by an aerosol spray can of the two-component
type as defined in independent claim 1. Further preferred embodiments of the invention
are defined in the dependent claims.
[0028] We have found, with the 2K pressure can in accordance with the present invention,
that the opening of the valve or cover of the internal cartridge only occurs as a
result of the rotation of the activation device in the correct direction, i.e. the
clockwise direction.
[0029] When turning the activation device in the correct direction, the protrusions engage
with the complementary shaped recesses thereby causing the torque force to be transferred
from the core of the activation device onto the bush, and thus further onto the shaped
appendix and thus onto the rod. The rotation of the rod then pushes away the cover
from the cartridge. On the contrary, when the activation device is rotated in the
incorrect direction, the core freely rotates around the bush, and is unable to cause
a rotation of the rod.
[0030] We have thus found that a rotational movement imposed on the activation device opposite
to the direction which is intended to achieve the opening of the valve or cover of
the internal cartridge, does not run any risk for damage of the container or for a
safety and/or industrial hygiene hazard, such as pulling the rod or actuating stem
out of its seat, a damage of the cartridge cover, a leakage of liquid under pressure,
as well as a possible contact of user skin and/or eyes with the container content.
[0031] A further advantage is that a rotational movement imposed on the activation device
opposite to the direction which is intended to achieve the opening of the valve or
cover of the cartridge will make some sound, typically a clicking sound. Such a clicking
sound is a clear and intuitive audible sign to the user that the movement he has been
making will be of no effect. The sound will give the user a fast and clear signal
that he should be turning the throttle lever in the opposite direction in order to
activate the container. The present invention therefore brings the advantage that
the user is quickly informed about his unsuccessful attempt to activate the container,
and may thus more quickly make the correct action on the throttle lever and activate
the container. The present invention therefore also represents a time saving for the
user.
[0032] We have further found that the pressure can in accordance to the present invention
provides an even higher level of resistance against damage due to wrong manipulation
and an even higher reliability of good and flawless operations, as compared to the
pressure cans known in the art, and also may be produced easily and economically.
[0033] In an embodiment, the present invention provides for a process for the production
of the can (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps
of
- folding a rectangular metal sheet into a cylinder and welding two sides of the metal
sheet to form the cylindrical part of the can body (12),
- flanging a concave face to one end of the cylindrical part, thereby forming the recessed
portion (18), the face comprising a central opening for receiving a cartridge (14),
- coaxially inserting the cartridge (14) into the opening of the face,
- stabilizing the inserted cartridge to the can body (12), preferably by shrinking a
cup which is comprised as part of the cartridge (14) onto the rims of the opening
in the face, thereby forming a flange between the internal cartridge (14) and the
face of the can body (12), and
- flanging a head to the other end of the cylindrical part, thereby forming the can
body (12), the head comprising a central opening for receiving a valve.
∘ connecting the bush (32) to the shaped appendix (20) of the cartridge (14), and
∘ connecting the circular core (22) of the throttle lever (16) to the bush (32).
[0034] The construction and functional characteristics of the aerosol spray can of this
finding can be better understood from the following detailed description, in which
reference is made to the enclosed drawings which represent a preferred embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035]
Figure 1 schematically shows, in a partial perspective view, the aerosol spray can
or pressure can of this invention in which a throttle lever forming the cartridge
activation device is, by way of example, embedded in a concavity formed on its upper
face.
Figure 2 schematically shows an exploded and partial view of the same aerosol spray
can, to highlight the connection between the throttle lever and the cartridge;
Figure 3 schematically shows, in a partial perspective view, the aerosol spray can
of this finding in which the throttle lever forming the cartridge activation device
is, by way of example, embedded in a concavity formed on its lower face;
Figure 4 schematically shows, in an exploded view, said throttle lever coupled with
a complementary bush of connection to the cartridge;
Figure 5 schematically shows, in a view from the internal face, the throttle lever
and the bush of figure 4 coupled with each other;
Figure 6 schematically shows, in a partially sectioned side view, the throttle lever
and the bush according to the previous figure.
Figure 7 schematically shows, in a partially sectioned side view, an aerosol spray
can in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 8 schematically shows a cross section of detail A of Figure 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The present invention will be described in the following with respect to particular
embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited
thereto but only by the claims. Any drawings described are only schematic and are
non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated
and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative
dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.
[0037] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in
the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily
for describing a sequential or chronological order. The terms are interchangeable
under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention can operate in
other sequences than described or illustrated herein.
[0038] Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and
the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative
positions. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and
the embodiments of the invention described herein can operate in other orientations
than described or illustrated herein.
[0039] As used herein and in the claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" are inclusive
or open-ended and do not exclude additional unrecited elements, compositional components,
or method steps. Accordingly, the terms "comprising" and "including" encompass the
more restrictive terms "consisting essentially of" and "consisting of."
[0040] Unless specified otherwise, all values provided herein include up to and including
the endpoints given, and the values of the constituents or components of the compositions
are expressed in weight percent or % by weight of each ingredient in the composition.
[0041] Additionally, each compound used herein may be discussed interchangeably with respect
to its chemical formula, chemical name, abbreviation, etc.
[0042] In the context of the present invention, the terms "aerosol spray can", "pressure
can" and "pressure container" are used interchangeably, all meaning a metal can which
may be put under internal pressure and which may be used for dispensing a variety
of products.
[0043] Suitable products may have a low viscosity, such as at most 4000 mPa.s at 20°C, preferably
at most 1000 mPa.s, more preferably at most 500 mPa.s, even more preferably at most
100 mPa.s, yet more preferably at most 50 mPa.s, preferably at most 10 mPa.s, more
preferably at most 5.0 mPa.s, even more preferably at most 1.50 mPa.s at 20°C, and
these low viscosity products may often end up being sprayed, such as a personal deodorant,
a perfume, a hair spray, a hair colorant, a water-like or water-based composition,
a household product, a cosmetic product, a food product, a decoration product, or
a technical product, a cleaning liquid, a lubricating oil, a bactericide, a fungicide,
an insecticide, and the like.
[0044] Suitable products may alternatively have a high viscosity, such as at least 5.000
mPa.s at 20°C, preferably at least 10.000 mPa.s, more preferably at least 20.000 mPa.s,
even more preferably at least 40.000 mPa.s, such as a polyurethane (PU) foam forming
composition, a silicone paste, a glue, or combinations thereof.
[0045] The internal cartridge of the pressure can may for instance be stabilized or fixed
inside the container by bolting the cartridge into an opening in the bottom or top
face of the container, such as disclosed in
WO 84/01355, by a nut which is screwed over a screw threaded outwardly projecting socket of the
cartridge, extending through the opening and being sealed by means of a gasket between
the bottom part of the cartridge and the inner surface of the container wall around
the opening where the cartridge is being fixed.
[0046] In another embodiment, similar to what is disclosed in
WO 85/00157 A1, the cartridge comprises a cup which is crimped or shrunk onto the rims of the opening
in the bottom or top surface of the container, suitable provided for forming a flange
similar to when a conventional valve is shrunk onto a container head, typically additionally
sealed with a sealing compound provided as part of the flange.
[0047] In an embodiment of the aerosol spray can or pressure can in accordance with the
present invention, the internal cartridge comprises a longitudinal body which is on
one end closed off with a detachable lid or cover and on the other end is connected
to the upper face or the lower or back face of the can, the cartridge further comprising
a rod positioned inside the longitudinal body and extending through the entire length
of the cartridge, the rod comprising an upper end arranged for being in loose engagement
with an inner surface of the cover and a bottom end projecting beyond the upper face
or the lower or back face of the can body, forming the shaped appendix (20) which
is arranged for coupling with the activation device (16).
[0048] In an embodiment of the can in accordance with the present invention, a first elastic
ring is provided between the cartridge cover and the cartridge body, which elastic
ring is adapted for providing a seal between the content of the cartridge and the
content of the can outside the internal cartridge.
[0049] In the embodiment of the aerosol spray can or pressure can in accordance with the
present invention with the rod in the cartridge, the rod extends through the entire
length of the cartridge axially and concentrically relative to the cartridge body.
[0050] In the embodiment of the aerosol spray can or pressure can in accordance with the
present invention with the rod in the cartridge, the rod is provided with lateral
extensions adapted for maintaining the position of the rod relative to a cross section
of the cartridge which cross section is taken perpendicular to the central axis of
the cartridge body.
[0051] In the embodiment of the aerosol spray can or pressure can in accordance with the
present invention with the rod in the cartridge, the upper end of the rod comprises
an outer screw thread engaging with a corresponding inner screw thread in the cover
of the cartridge.
[0052] In the embodiment of the aerosol spray can or pressure can in accordance with the
present invention with the screw thread engagement between rod and cover, the cartridge
body and the cartridge cover are provided with cooperating means preventing the cover
from rotating relative to the cartridge. Preferably the longitudinal wall of the cartridge
extends for a segment of its circular cross section upward, and the cover has a recess
for accepting the cartridge wall extension. Preferably the segmental extension of
the longitudinal wall of the cartridge is for a longer distance than the axial contact
area between the cover and the cartridge wall. This feature assures that the cover
is prevented from rotating relative to the cartridge wall until the cover is pushed
entirely free from the cartridge body.
[0053] In the embodiment of the aerosol spray can or pressure can in accordance with the
present invention with the screw thread engagement between the rod and the cartridge
cover, the cartridge cover comprises a tube-shaped extension extending axially from
the cover outer surface beyond its inner screw thread, the tube-shaped extension being
open at both ends and arranged for cooperating with the upper end of the rod.
[0054] The inventors have found that the opening in the cartridge cover acts as a sort of
"pressure decompression hole" when the cartridge is being opened. When the rod is
being rotated in the correct direction and the cover of the cartridge is being pushed
up, the cover needs to move only a small distance before the typically much higher
pressure surrounding the cartridge is allowed access to the internals of the cartridge,
through the pressure decompression hole. As of that moment, the first net force component
as described hereinbefore has removed.
[0055] Also the second force component as described hereinbefore has been removed. The opening
in the cartridge cover through which the rod extension comes into contact with the
content of the container outside the cartridge reduces the area of cover outer surface
which is subject to the pressure in the container, where the first component resides.
For that amount of reduced area, the pressure in the container is, thanks to the present
invention of the pressure decompression hole, acting directly on the rod extension
and not on the cartridge cover. This brings the benefit that the force needed to push
away the cover from the rod and from the cartridge, and thus to open the cartridge,
may be further reduced. Preferably the amount of area with which the cover surface
is reduced represents at least 40% of the area of the underside of the cartridge cover
which is occupied by the rod where the rod engages with the inside of the cover, and
where the pressure inside the cartridge cannot act on the inner surface of the cartridge
cover. More preferably the amount of area with which the cover surface is reduced
represents at least 50%, even more preferably at least 55%, yet more preferably at
least 60% of the area of the underside of the cartridge cover which is occupied by
the rod. The applicants have found that this feature is able to bring another significant
reduction in the total force needed for opening the cartridge. The inventors have
further found that this second advantage is already in effect before the rod is rotated,
and hence already applies at the first rotational movement given to the rod in the
cartridge.
[0056] The inventors have found, by providing the pressure decompression hole, that both
the first net force component and the second net force component of the force needed
to open the cartridge have been removed. The only net force component to overcome
in opening the cartridge therefore may be the adhesive power of any cross-linked polymer
that has formed as a premature reaction in between the cover, the cartridge wall,
and the first o-ring which is providing the seal between the cartridge cover and the
wall of the cartridge body.
[0057] The area of the underside of the cartridge cover which is occupied by the rod may
be calculated as the cross sectional area of the rod where the rod is provided with
the external screw thread.
[0058] In the embodiment of the aerosol spray can or pressure can in accordance with the
present invention with the axial extension of the cartridge cover and of the rod,
a recess is provided in at least one axial extension of the cartridge cover and of
the rod, and a second elastic ring is provided in the recess and adapted for providing
a seal between the content of the cartridge and the content of the can outside the
internal cartridge.
[0059] The seal between the extension of the cartridge lid and the extension of the rod
brings the advantage that the snug fitting between the two extensions is made less
critical. This brings the advantage that the two collaborating elements, i.e. the
cartridge cover or lid and the rod end, may be fabricated with more tolerance and
less precision, such that the production of these elements require less skill and
experience. As a result, the elements become more readily available from a higher
number of possible sources, and can be offered under more economical conditions.
[0060] The recess in the extension of the cartridge or of the rod may be circular.
[0061] The second elastic ring may be made of rubber.
[0062] The second elastic ring may be an o-ring.
[0063] In an embodiment of the process according to the present invention, the process further
comprises the step, prior to coaxially inserting the cartridge into the opening of
the face, of filling the cartridge with a second component and closing the cartridge
with a cover.
[0064] In an embodiment of the process according to the present invention, the process further
comprises the step of filling the can with a first component and closing the can with
a valve, preferably by shrinking a cup which is comprised as part of the valve onto
the rim of the opening in the head.
[0065] In an embodiment of the process according to the present invention, the process further
comprises the step of injecting at least one propellant into the can, preferably injecting
the propellant through the valve.
[0066] In this document the following reference numbers are used in association with the
following corresponding elements:
- 10
- aerosol spray can (or pressure can)
- 12
- can body
- 14
- internal cartridge
- 16
- activation device (or throttle lever)
- 18
- recessed portion
- 20
- shaped appendix
- 22
- circular core
- 24
- branch
- 26
- shaped recess (of the core)
- 26'
- internal side surface (of the core)
- 28
- circular crown
- 30
- circular mouth
- 32
- bush
- 34
- upper part (of the bush)
- 36
- protrusion
- 36'
- external side surface (of the bush)
- 37
- lower part (of the bush)
- 38
- axial through-hole (of the bush)
- 40
- cover (or lid) (of the cartridge)
- 42
- rod
- 44
- lateral extensions (of the rod)
- 46
- cartridge body
- 48
- outer screw thread (on the rod)
- 50
- inner screw thread (in the cover)
- 52
- tube-shaped extension (of the cover)
- 54
- recess (in the rod or in the cover)
- 56
- second elastic ring
- 58
- first elastic ring
[0067] With initial reference to figures 1 to 3, the aerosol spray can with unidirectional
movement activation device of this finding, indicated as a whole by 10 in figure 1,
comprises a cylindrical can body 12 in which a cartridge 14, which is cylindrical
too, is coaxially inserted and stabilized in a known way, said cartridge being coupled
with a device for its activation or throttle lever 16. The latter is housed in a recessed
portion 18, which can be obtained along the outer face of the body 12, as in figure
1, or along the opposite lower face, as in figure 3. In both cases, as schematically
shown by way of example in figure 2, the cartridge 14 protrudes from said recessed
portion 18 with a shaped appendix 20, forming the element for its activation and the
tang or shank for the connection to the throttle lever 16.
[0068] According to the invention the throttle lever, which in the central part consists
of the circular core 22 from which the two opposing branches 24 develop, is provided
with a series of shaped recesses 26 having a generally triangular shape, which extend
circumferentially along the internal side surface 26' of said core 22, as in figure
4. The recesses 26 are preferably equidistant and made along the entire development
of the internal side surface of the core 22, which reduces its internal diameter and
forms a circular mouth 30 starting from a circular crown 28; according to the preferred
embodiment as in figure 4, the recesses 26 develop in depth into the core 22 until
reaching the plane defined by said circular crown 28 and alternate in sections of
the side surface 26'.
[0069] The throttle lever 16, advantageously made of plastic material, is coupled with a
bush 32 made of the same material. The bush 32, shown in detail in the same figure
4 and visible also in figure 2 in the assembly position with the lever 14 on one side
and with the appendix 20 of the cartridge 14 on the other side, comprises a substantially
cylindrical body with two diameters; the upper part, indicated by 34, defines the
smaller diameter, which corresponds to the diameter of the circular mouth 30 of the
core 22, except for coupling tolerance. The lower part of the bush 32, indicated by
37, defines a diameter which is appreciably larger with respect to the upper part
34 and is peripherally provided with a plurality of equidistant pointed protrusions
36, shaped in a complementary way and developed in the same direction with respect
to the shaped recesses 26 made on the core 22 of the throttle lever 16. The height
of said upper part 34 substantially corresponds to that of the internal side surface
of the mouth 30 of the core 22, while the diameter of the lower part 32, referred
to the side surface without the protrusions 36 and indicated by 36', is equivalent
to that of the internal side surface 26' of said core 22, except for coupling tolerance.
[0070] The bush 32 is provided with an axial through-hole 38, of quadrangular shape, sized
in such a way as to house and stabilize with negative allowance the tang or shank
coming out of the cartridge 14, formed by the shaped appendix 20.
[0071] As it is disclosed in particular by figure 2, the bush is pressure-fitted onto said
shaped appendix 20, which engages in the hole 38; the throttle lever 16 is in its
turn fitted onto the bush 32, so that the protrusions 36 of the upper part of the
bush 32 arrange themselves in the corresponding shaped recesses 26 of the core 22.
This situation of occurred coupling between the bush 32 and throttle lever 16 is noticeable
in particular from figure 5, while figures 1 and 2 show, on the opposing branches
24 of the throttle lever 16, arrows indicating the rotational movement to be imposed
to the lever to activate the valve of the cartridge 14. Said movement, in this particular
case, is performed clockwise and the arrows indicate it. Therefore, it is a rotation
suitable above all for the people who usually/mainly use their right hand for the
various movements connected with the most variable activities. Any possible accidental
rotation imposed specifically by left-handed people in the opposite direction, that
is to say, counter-clockwise, would not cause damage in any way, because the throttle
lever 16 would rotate in idle state; the pointed protrusions 36 of the bush 32, in
fact, would slide along the internal side surface 26' of the core 22 without ever
engaging in the shaped recesses 26. This idle rotation is made possible thanks to,
and simplified by, the slightest deflection of the plastic material forming said protrusions
36.
[0072] It must be considered that this structural setting, with protrusions 36 and corresponding
shaped recesses 26, can advantageously be used on any type of two-component or even
one-component aerosol spray can of the known type, not only on those which are the
object of the above-mentioned exclusive rights of the applicant.
[0073] As it can be observed from the above, the advantages achieved by the finding are
evident.
[0074] In the aerosol spray can of this finding, the presence of the protrusions 36 of the
bush 32 and of the complementary shaped recesses 26 created on the core 22 of the
throttle lever 16 give rise to an engagement system which allows for the rotation
only when the coupling between said two elements has occurred and which also obliges
to have the rotation in a given direction, namely clockwise, to obtain the mixing
of the two components.
[0075] In fact, the possibility of inadvertently rotating the throttle lever 16 in an opposite
direction with respect to the planned clockwise direction, without this leading to
risks for the integrity or functionality of the aerosol spray can, is particularly
advantageous.
[0076] In Figure 7 is schematically shown, in a partially sectioned side view, an aerosol
spray can 10 in accordance with the present invention. Figure 7 shows how the bottom
or back face of the can body 12 is forming a recessed portion 18 having a central
opening in which an internal cartridge 14 is stabilized. The cartridge 14 has a cartridge
body 46 and is at its upper end closed off by a cover 40. Inside the cartridge 14
is rod 42 extending through the entire length of the cartridge 14. The bottom end
of the rod is projecting beyond the back face of the can body and forming the shaped
appendix 20. To this shaped appendix 20 is connected the activation device 16, which
comprises circular core 22 and opposing branches 24. The activation device and the
stabilizing connection between the cartridge 14 and the recessed portion 18 of the
can body are only partly cross-sectioned in Figure 7. In figure 7 is indicated a detail
A which is shown in Figure 8.
[0077] Figure 8 schematically shows a cross section of detail A of Figure 7. Figure 8 shows
how the cover 40 is closing off the cartridge by fitting partly inside the cartridge
body 46. The cover has a recess in which a first o-ring is provided for forming a
seal preventing the content of the cartridge from leaking in between cartridge body
and cartridge cover, and possibly coming in contact with the surroundings of the cartridge,
as long as the cover is appropriately in place on the cartridge body, as shown in
Figure 8.
[0078] Figure 8 further shows the engagement between the rod 42 and the cartridge cover
40 in accordance with the present invention. The rod 42 comprises an external screw
thread 48 engaging with a corresponding inner screw thread 50 provided as part of
the cover 40. The cover 40 has a tube-shaped extension 52 extending axially from the
cover outer surface beyond its inner screw thread. The tube-shaped extension is open
at both ends, and the upper end of the rod 42 extends into the tube-shaped extension
52 of the cover. The upper end of the rod 42 comprises a circular recess 54 in which
fits a second o-ring 56 for forming a seal which prevents the content of the cartridge
from leaking in between the upper end of the rod and the tube-shaped extension of
the cover, as long as the cover and the rod are appropriately in place, as shown in
Figure 8.
[0079] Also shown in Figure 8 are lateral extensions 44 provided for maintaining the position
of the rod relative to the cartridge body, particularly in the central position of
the cartridge.
[0080] Having now fully described this invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that the invention can be performed within a wide range of parameters within
what is claimed, without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by
the claims.
1. An aerosol spray can or pressure can (10) of the two-component type, having an internal
cartridge (14) and a unidirectional movement activation device of said internal cartridge
(14), said aerosol spray can (10) further comprising a can body (12) in which the
cartridge (14) is coaxially inserted and stabilized, the cartridge being coupled with
the activation device, said activation device comprising a throttle lever (16) housed
in a recessed portion (18) of an upper face or of a lower face of the can body (12)
from which protrudes a shaped appendix (20) of the cartridge (14), said shaped appendix
(20) forming a tang for connection to the throttle lever (16), the throttle lever
having a central part, the central part defining a circular core (22) from which two
opposing branches (24) of the throttle lever (16) extend, the circular core reducing
its internal diameter to form a circular mouth (30) starting from a circular crown
(28), the circular core (22) being provided with a series of shaped recesses (26),
which extend at least partly circumferentially along the internal side surface (26')
of the core, characterised in that said shaped recesses (26) are adapted to cooperate with complementary protrusions
(36) which extend on at least one part of the circumference of a bush (32), said bush
being engaged in the circular mouth (30) of the throttle lever (16) and connected
to the shaped appendix (20) of the cartridge (14), whereby the protrusions (36) of
the bush (32) engage in the shaped recesses (26) and, like the latter, define a clockwise
orientation which imposes to the throttle lever (16) a right-hand rotation for the
activation of the cartridge (14), starting from its shaped appendix (20).
2. The can according to claim 1 characterised in that the bush (32) consists of a substantially cylindrical body with two different diameters
in which the upper part (34) defines the smaller diameter which corresponds to that
of the circular mouth (30) of the core (22), while the lower part (37) defines a larger
diameter and is peripherally provided with said protrusions (36), the height of said
upper part (34) of the bush (32) substantially corresponding to that of the internal
side surface (26') of the core (22).
3. The can according to the preceding claim characterised in that the diameter of the external side surface (36') without the protrusions (36) of the
lower part of the bush (32) is substantially equivalent to that of the internal side
surface (26') of the core (22).
4. The can according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the bush (32) is provided with an axial through-hole (38), sized to house and stabilize
the shaped appendix (20) coming out of the cartridge (14).
5. The can (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the internal cartridge
(14) comprises a longitudinal body (46) which is on one end closed off with a detachable
lid or cover (40) and on the other end is connected to the upper face or the lower
or back face of the can (10), the cartridge (14) further comprising a rod (42) positioned
inside the longitudinal body (46) and extending through the entire length of the cartridge
(14), the rod (42) comprising an upper end arranged for being in loose engagement
with an inner surface of the cover (40) and a bottom end projecting beyond the upper
face or the lower or back face of the can body (12), forming the shaped appendix (20)
which is arranged for coupling with the activation device (16).
6. The can according to claim 5 wherein a first elastic ring (58) is provided between
the cartridge cover (40) and the cartridge body (46), which elastic ring is adapted
for providing a seal between the content of the cartridge (14) and the content of
the can (10) outside the internal cartridge (14).
7. The can according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the rod (42) extends through the entire
length of the cartridge (14) axially and concentrically relative to the cartridge
body (46).
8. The can according to any one of claims 5-7 wherein the rod (42) is provided with lateral
extensions (44) adapted for maintaining the position of the rod relative to a cross
section of the cartridge (14) which cross section is taken perpendicular to the central
axis of the cartridge body (46).
9. The can according to any one of claims 5-8 wherein the upper end of the rod (42) comprises
an outer screw thread (48) engaging with a corresponding inner screw thread (50) in
the cover (40) of the cartridge (14).
10. The can according to any one of claims 5-9 wherein the cartridge body (46) and the
cartridge cover (40) are provided with cooperating means preventing the cover (40)
from rotating relative to the cartridge body (46).
11. The can according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the cartridge cover (40) comprises a tube-shaped
extension (52) extending axially from the cover outer surface beyond its inner screw
thread (50), the tube-shaped extension being open at both ends and arranged for cooperating
with the upper end of the rod (42).
12. The can according to claim 11 wherein a recess (54) is provided in at least one axial
extension (52) of the cartridge cover (40) and of the rod (42), and a second elastic
ring (56) is provided in the recess (54) and adapted for providing a seal between
the content of the cartridge (14) and the content of the can (10) outside the internal
cartridge (14).
13. A process for the production of the can (10) according to any one of the preceding
claims, comprising the steps of
• folding a rectangular metal sheet into a cylinder and welding two sides of the metal
sheet to form the cylindrical part of the can body (12),
• flanging a concave face to one end of the cylindrical part, thereby forming the
recessed portion (18), the face comprising a central opening for receiving a cartridge
(14),
• coaxially inserting the cartridge (14) into the opening of the face,
• stabilizing the inserted cartridge to the can body (12), preferably by shrinking
a cup which is comprised as part of the cartridge (14) onto the rims of the opening
in the face, thereby forming a flange between the internal cartridge (14) and the
face of the can body (12), the cartridge protruding with the shaped appendix (20)
from the concave face, and
• flanging a head to the other end of the cylindrical part, thereby forming the can
body (12), the head comprising a central opening for receiving a valve,
the process further comprising the steps of
• connecting the bush (32) to the shaped appendix (20) of the cartridge (14), and
• connecting the circular core (22) of the throttle lever (16) to the bush (32).
14. The process according to the preceding claim further comprising the step, prior to
coaxially inserting the cartridge into the opening of the face, of filling the cartridge
(14) with a second component and closing the cartridge with a cover (40).
15. The process according to claim 13 or 14 further comprising the step of filling the
can with a first component and closing the can with a valve, preferably by shrinking
a cup which is comprised as part of the valve onto the rim of the opening in the head,
also preferably the process further comprising the step of injecting at least one
propellant into the can, more preferably injecting the propellant through the valve.
1. Eine Aerosoldose oder Druckdose (10) des Zweikomponententyps mit einer inneren Kartusche
(14) und einer unidirektionalen Bewegungsaktivierungsvorrichtung der erwähnten inneren
Kartusche (14), wobei die erwähnte Aerosoldose (10) ferner einen Dosenkörper (12)
umfasst, in dem die Kartusche (14) koaxial eingeführt und stabilisiert ist, wobei
die Kartusche mit der Aktivierungsvorrichtung verbunden ist, wobei die erwähnte Aktivierungsvorrichtung
einen Drosselhebel (16) umfasst, untergebracht in einem vertieften Abschnitt (18)
einer Oberseite oder einer Unterseite des Dosenkörpers (12), von dem ein geformter
Fortsatz (20) der Kartusche (14) hervorragt, wobei der erwähnte geformte Fortsatz
(20) eine Angel zur Verbindung mit dem Drosselhebel (16) bildet, wobei dieser Drosselhebel
einen zentralen Teil hat, wobei dieser zentrale Teil einen kreisförmigen Kern (22)
umschreibt, von dem aus sich zwei gegenüberliegende Arme (24) des Drosselhebels (16)
erstrecken, wobei der kreisförmige Kern seinen Innendurchmesser reduziert, um eine
kreisförmige Öffnung (30) ausgehend von einen kreisförmigen Kranz (28) zu bilden,
wobei der kreisförmige Kern (22) mit einer Reihe von geformten Vertiefungen (26) versehen
ist, welche sich zumindest teilweise umlaufend entlang der inneren Seitenfläche (26')
des Kerns erstrecken, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die erwähnten geformten Vertiefungen (26) angepasst sind, um mit komplementären Überständen
(36) zusammenzuwirken, welche sich auf zumindest einem Teil des Umfangs einer Buchse
(32) erstrecken, wobei die erwähnte Buchse in die kreisförmige Öffnung (30) des Drosselhebels
(16) eingreift und mit dem geformten Fortsatz (20) der Kartusche (14) verbunden ist,
wodurch die Überstände (36) der Buchse (32) in die geformten Vertiefungen (26) eingreifen
und, wie die Letzteren, eine Ausrichtung im Uhrzeigersinn beschreiben, welche dem
Drosselhebel (16) eine Rechtsdrehung für die Aktivierung der Kartusche (14) auferlegt,
beginnend von seinem geformten Fortsatz (20).
2. Die Dose nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Buchse (32) aus einem im Wesentlichen zylindrischen Körper mit zwei unterschiedlichen
Durchmessern besteht, in dem der obere Teil (34) den kleineren Durchmesser umschreibt,
der jenem der kreisförmigen Öffnung (30) des Kerns (22) entspricht, während der untere
Teil (37) einen größeren Durchmesser umschreibt und umlaufend mit den erwähnten Überständen
(36) versehen ist, wobei die Höhe des erwähnten oberen Teils (34) der Buchse im Wesentlichen
jener der inneren Seitenfläche (26') des Kerns (22) entspricht.
3. Die Dose nach dem vorigen Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Durchmesser der äußeren Seitenfläche (36') ohne die Überstände (36) des unteren
Teils der Buchse (32) im Wesentlichen gleich wie jener der inneren Seitenfläche (26')
des Kerns (22) ist.
4. Die Dose nach irgendeinem der vorigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Buchse (32) mit einem axialen Durchgangsloch (38) versehen ist, mit der passenden
Größe, um den geformten Fortsatz (20), der aus der Kartusche (14) kommt, aufzunehmen
und zu stabilisieren.
5. Die Dose (10) nach irgendeinem der vorigen Ansprüche, wobei die innere Kartusche (14)
einen länglichen Körper (46) umfasst, welcher an einem Ende mit einem abnehmbaren
Deckel oder einer abnehmbaren Abdeckung (40) verschlossen ist und am anderen Ende
mit der Oberseite oder der Unter- oder Rückseite der Dose (10) verbunden ist, wobei
die Kartusche (14) ferner eine Stange (42) umfasst, positioniert innerhalb des länglichen
Körpers (46) und sich erstreckend durch die gesamte Länge der Kartusche (14), wobei
diese Stange (42) ein oberes Ende umfasst, angeordnet, um locker in eine innere Oberfläche
der Abdeckung (40) einzugreifen, und ein unteres Ende, welches über die Oberseite
oder die Unter- oder Rückseite des Dosenkörpers (12) hinausragt, und so den geformten
Fortsatz (20) bildet, welcher angeordnet ist, um die Verbindung mit der Aktivierungsvorrichtung
(16) herzustellen.
6. Die Dose nach Anspruch 5, wobei ein erster elastischer Ring (58) zwischen der Kartuschenabdeckung
(40) und dem Kartuschenkörper (46) bereitgestellt ist, wobei dieser elastische Ring
angepasst ist, um eine Dichtung zwischen dem Inhalt der Kartusche (14) und dem Inhalt
der Dose (10) außerhalb der inneren Kartusche (14) bereitzustellen.
7. Die Dose nach Anspruch 5 oder 6, wobei sich die Stange (42) durch die gesamte Länge
der Kartusche (14) axial und konzentrisch in Bezug zum Kartuschenkörper (46) erstreckt.
8. Die Dose nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 5 bis 7, wobei die Stange (42) mit seitlichen
Verlängerungen (44) versehen ist, angepasst, um die Position der Stange in Bezug zu
einem Querschnitt der Kartusche (14) zu halten, wobei dieser Querschnitt senkrecht
zur zentralen Achse des Kartuschenkörpers (46) genommen wird.
9. Die Dose nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 5 bis 8, wobei das obere Ende der Stange (42)
ein äußeres Schraubgewinde (48) umfasst, welches in ein entsprechendes inneres Schraubgewinde
(50) in der Abdeckung (40) der Kartusche (14) eingreift.
10. Die Dose nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 5 bis 9, wobei der Kartuschenkörper (46) und
die Kartuschenabdeckung (40) mit zusammenwirkenden Mitteln versehen sind, welche verhindern,
dass die Abdeckung (40) sich in Bezug zum Kartuschenkörper (46) dreht.
11. Die Dose nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, wobei die Kartuschenabdeckung (40) eine röhrenförmige
Verlängerung (52) umfasst, welche sich axial von der äußeren Oberfläche der Abdeckung
über deren inneres Schraubgewinde (50) hinaus erstreckt, wobei diese röhrenförmige
Verlängerung an beiden Enden offen ist und angeordnet ist, um mit dem oberen Ende
der Stange (42) zusammenzuwirken.
12. Die Dose nach Anspruch 11, wobei eine Vertiefung (54) in zumindest einer axialen Verlängerung
(52) der Kartuschenabdeckung (40) und der Stange (42) bereitgestellt ist, und ein
zweiter elastischer Ring (56) in der Vertiefung (54) bereitgestellt ist und angepasst
ist, um eine Dichtung zwischen dem Inhalt der Kartusche (14) und dem Inhalt der Dose
(10) außerhalb der inneren Kartusche (14) bereitzustellen.
13. Ein Verfahren zur Herstellung der Dose (10) nach irgendeinem der vorigen Ansprüche,
welches folgende Schritte umfasst:
• Falten eines rechteckigen Blechs in einen Zylinder und Schweißen von zwei Seiten
des Blechs, um den zylindrischen Teil des Dosenkörpers (12) zu bilden,
• Flanschen einer konkaven Stirnfläche an ein Ende des zylindrischen Teils, wodurch
der vertiefte Abschnitt (18) geformt wird, wobei die Stirnfläche eine zentrale Öffnung
zur Aufnahme einer Kartusche (14) umfasst,
• koaxiales Einführen der Kartusche (14) in die Öffnung der Stirnfläche,
• Stabilisieren der eingeführten Kartusche am Dosenkörper (12), bevorzugt durch Schrumpfen
einer Kalotte, welche als Teil der Kartusche (14) eingeschlossen ist, auf die Ränder
der Öffnung in der Stirnfläche, wodurch ein Flansch zwischen der inneren Kartusche
(14) und der Stirnfläche des Dosenkörpers (12) gebildet wird, wobei die Kartusche
mit dem geformten Fortsatz (20) aus der konkaven Stirnfläche hervorragt, und
• Flanschen eines Kopfendes an das andere Ende des zylindrischen Teils, wodurch der
Dosenkörper (12) geformt wird, wobei das Kopfende eine zentrale Öffnung umfasst, um
ein Ventil aufzunehmen,
wobei das Verfahren ferner folgende Schritte umfasst:
• Verbinden der Buchse (32) mit dem geformten Fortsatz (20) der Kartusche (14), und
• Verbinden des kreisförmigen Kerns (22) des Drosselhebels (16) mit der Buchse (32).
14. Das Verfahren nach dem vorigen Anspruch, welches ferner, vor dem koaxialen Einführen
der Kartusche in die Öffnung der Stirnfläche, den Schritt des Füllens der Kartusche
(14) mit einer zweiten Komponente und das Verschließen der Kartusche mit einer Abdeckung
(40) umfasst.
15. Das Verfahren nach Anspruch 13 oder 14, welches ferner den Schritt des Füllens der
Dose mit einer ersten Komponente und das Verschließen der Dose mit einem Ventil umfasst,
bevorzugt durch Schrumpfen einer Kalotte, die als Teil des Ventils eingeschlossen
ist, auf den Rand der Öffnung im Kopfende, wobei das Verfahren bevorzugt ferner den
Schritt des Einspritzens von zumindest einem Treibmittel in die Dose umfasst, noch
besser das Einspritzen des Treibmittels durch das Ventil.
1. Boîte de pulvérisation d'aérosol ou boîte de pression (10) du type à deux composants,
ayant une cartouche interne (14) et un dispositif d'activation à mouvement unidirectionnel
de ladite cartouche interne (14), ladite boîte de pulvérisation d'aérosol (10) comprenant
en outre un corps de boîte (12) dans lequel la cartouche (14) est insérée et stabilisée
de manière coaxiale, la cartouche étant couplée au dispositif d'activation, ledit
dispositif d'activation comprenant un levier d'étranglement (16) logé dans une partie
en creux (18) d'une face supérieure ou d'une face inférieure du corps de boîte (12)
à partir de laquelle fait saillie un appendice façonné (20) de la cartouche (14),
ledit appendice façonné (20) formant une languette pour la connexion au levier d'étranglement
(16), le levier d'étranglement ayant une partie centrale, la partie centrale définissant
un noyau circulaire (22) à partir duquel s'étendent deux branches opposées (24) du
levier d'étranglement (16), le noyau circulaire réduisant son diamètre interne pour
former une embouchure circulaire (30) à partir d'une couronne circulaire (28), le
noyau circulaire (22) étant pourvu d'une série de creux façonnés (26), qui s'étendent
au moins en partie circonférentiellement le long de la surface latérale interne (26')
du noyau, caractérisé en ce que lesdits creux façonnés (26) sont adaptés pour coopérer avec des saillies complémentaires
(36) qui s'étendent sur au moins une partie de la circonférence d'une douille (32),
ladite douille étant engagée dans l'embouchure circulaire (30) du levier d'étranglement
(16) et reliée à l'appendice façonné (20) de la cartouche (14), de sorte que les saillies
(36) de la douille (32) s'engagent dans les creux façonnés (26) et, comme ces derniers,
définissent une orientation dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre qui impose au
levier d'étranglement (16) une rotation à droite pour l'activation de la cartouche
(14), à partir de son appendice façonné (20).
2. Boîte selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que la douille (32) est constituée d'un corps sensiblement cylindrique avec deux diamètres
différents dans lequel la partie supérieure (34) définit le plus petit diamètre qui
correspond à celui de l'embouchure circulaire (30) du noyau (22), tandis que la partie
inférieure (37) définit un diamètre plus grand et est pourvue sur sa périphérie desdites
saillies (36), la hauteur de ladite partie supérieure (34) de la douille (32) correspondant
sensiblement à celle de la surface latérale interne (26') du noyau (22).
3. Boîte selon la revendication précédente caractérisée en ce que le diamètre de la surface latérale externe (36') sans les saillies (36) de la partie
inférieure de la douille (32) est sensiblement équivalent à celui de la surface latérale
interne (26') du noyau (22).
4. Boîte selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes caractérisée en ce que la douille (32) est munie d'un trou axial traversant (38), dimensionné pour loger
et stabiliser l'appendice façonné (20) sortant de la cartouche (14).
5. Boîte (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la cartouche
interne (14) comprend un corps longitudinal (46) qui est fermé à une extrémité par
un couvercle ou un bouchon amovible (40) et à l'autre extrémité est relié à la face
supérieure ou à la face inférieure ou à la face arrière de la boîte (10), la cartouche
(14) comprenant en outre une tige (42) positionnée à l'intérieur du corps longitudinal
(46) et s'étendant sur toute la longueur de la cartouche (14), la tige (42) comprenant
une extrémité supérieure agencée pour être en prise libre avec une surface intérieure
du couvercle (40) et une extrémité inférieure faisant saillie au-delà de la face supérieure
ou de la face inférieure ou de la face arrière du corps de boîte (12), formant l'appendice
façonné (20) qui est agencé pour être couplé avec le dispositif d'activation (16).
6. Boîte selon la revendication 5, dans laquelle une première bague élastique (58) est
prévue entre le couvercle de cartouche (40) et le corps de cartouche (46), laquelle
bague élastique est adaptée pour fournir un joint entre le contenu de la cartouche
(14) et le contenu de la boîte (10) à l'extérieur de la cartouche interne (14).
7. Boîte selon la revendication 5 ou 6, dans laquelle la tige (42) s'étend sur toute
la longueur de la cartouche (14), axialement et concentriquement par rapport au corps
de cartouche (46).
8. Boîte selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 7, dans laquelle la tige (42)
est munie de prolongements latéraux (44) adaptés pour maintenir la position de la
tige par rapport à une section transversale de la cartouche (14), laquelle section
transversale est prise perpendiculairement à l'axe central du corps de cartouche (46).
9. Boîte selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 8, dans laquelle l'extrémité supérieure
de la tige (42) comprend un filetage extérieur (48) s'engageant dans un filetage intérieur
correspondant (50) dans le couvercle (40) de la cartouche (14).
10. Boîte selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 9, dans laquelle le corps de cartouche
(46) et le couvercle de cartouche (40) sont munis de moyens coopérants empêchant le
couvercle (40) de tourner par rapport au corps de cartouche (46).
11. Boîte selon la revendication 9 ou 10, dans laquelle le couvercle de cartouche (40)
comprend un prolongement tubulaire (52) s'étendant axialement à partir de la surface
extérieure du couvercle au-delà de son filetage intérieur (50), le prolongement tubulaire
étant ouvert aux deux extrémités et agencé pour coopérer avec l'extrémité supérieure
de la tige (42).
12. Boîte selon la revendication 11, dans lequel un creux (54) est prévu dans au moins
une extension axiale (52) du couvercle de cartouche (40) et de la tige (42), et une
deuxième bague élastique (56) est prévue dans le creux (54) et adaptée pour assurer
l'étanchéité entre le contenu de la cartouche (14) et le contenu de la boîte (10)
à l'extérieur de la cartouche interne (14).
13. Procédé pour la production de la boîte (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
précédentes, comprenant les étapes consistant à
• plier une feuille de métal rectangulaire en un cylindre et soudre deux côtés de
la feuille de métal pour former la partie cylindrique du corps de boîte (12),
• brider une face concave à une extrémité de la partie cylindrique, formant ainsi
la partie en creux (18), la face comportant une ouverture centrale pour recevoir une
cartouche (14),
• insérer coaxialement la cartouche (14) dans l'ouverture de la face,
• stabiliser la cartouche insérée sur le corps de boîte (12), de préférence en rétrécissant
une coupe qui fait partie de la cartouche (14) sur les bords de l'ouverture de la
face, formant ainsi une bride entre la cartouche interne (14) et la face du corps
de boîte (12), la cartouche faisant saillie avec l'appendice façonné (20) de la face
concave, et
• brider une tête à l'autre extrémité de la partie cylindrique, formant ainsi le corps
de boîte (12), la tête comprenant une ouverture centrale pour recevoir une valve,
le procédé comprenant en outre les étapes consistant à
• relier la douille (32) à l'appendice façonné (20) de la cartouche (14), et
• relier le noyau circulaire (22) du levier d'étranglement (16) à la douille (32).
14. Procédé selon la revendication précédente comprenant en outre l'étape, avant d'insérer
coaxialement la cartouche dans l'ouverture de la face, de remplir la cartouche (14)
avec un second composant et de fermer la cartouche avec un couvercle (40).
15. Procédé selon la revendication 13 ou 14, comprenant en outre l'étape de remplissage
de la boîte avec un premier composant et de fermeture de la boîte avec une valve,
de préférence en rétrécissant une coupe qui fait partie de la valve sur le bord de
l'ouverture dans la tête, également de préférence le procédé comprenant en outre l'étape
d'injection d'au moins un propulseur dans la boîte, plus préférablement l'injection
du propulseur à travers la valve.