CA2129240A1 - Aerosol extension - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an aerosol extension for use with a pressurized container (10) in domestic, industrial and general spray applications. The pressurized container (10) includes a cylindrically-shaped body (12), a planar bottom (16) and a convex top (14). The body (12) includes a propellant and a product to be dispensed therefrom. The top (14) has a circular opening (18) for receiving an actuator (24) and a dispensing valve (22). The actuator (24) and dispensing valves (22) define a dispensing system (20) for delivering the product as a spray, a mist, a stream or a powder. The actuator (24), in turn, defines an outlet orifice (32) for delivering the product held within the pressurized container (10). The improvement comprises a clamping means, which is joined and releasably locked to the dispensing system (20). A flexible, elongated, tubular member (23) is provided for accurately delivering products contained in the pressurized container (10) from the dispensing system (20) to intended locations otherwise difficult to reach with said products. The tubular member (23) is adjustably coupled between the clamping means and the dispensing system (20) to effect efficient delivery of the products.

Description

WO 93/14997 212 9 2 4 a P~/US93/00902 erosol Extension T~~
S This invendon rela~les:generally to pressurJzed aerosol-spr~y containers, and more particularly, to extenslons for aerosol spray nozzles ~nd dispensing valves.

:~ Back~round Art ~ :
A sema~able numbcr of domestlc, industrial, pha~naceutical and general activities O ~ utilize products dispensed or sprayed ~rom poessunzed ~ontaine~ commonly hlown as aerosol.
As- us~ he~ein an aerosol involves~ a container and~ a me~od of dispensing. Thus. an aerosol cor~ta1ner concems p~odu~ts m a fo~ of fine solids:or liquid particles packaged in a pressurized-sealed con~ er with a~liq~fied or compr~ssed:gas p~opellant to enable the products;l~o~sel~-dispense:by open~llg ~valve. A limited e~amp5e oî aer~sol produc~ dispensed 15 ~ : ~ : in domestic.~ industlial, genetal and pharmaceutical applica~ions are: toile1ries~ room de~dorar~s and food;pwducts for domestic ~pplications: ~nsecticides~ lubricants. oils. detergent cleaners. paiM fuels. fibe7s and msulation products for industrial and general applic~ions; and chemicals products ~o~ phannaceu~cal applic~tions.
In all~ of the a~ve apQlications, convenience has usually been a prisna3y consider.ltion :20 ; ; ;: to jus~y a high cost of a psessurized gæ delivery~ system of aerosols relative to the p~oduct ingredients. Because o~ convenience. ~erosol have enjoyed universal acceptance and grea~
` ~ : : c~mmercial success. However. one of the problems wi~h aerosol spray sy~ms are an undesirable amount of pr~duct and propell~nt waste when a physical size or geomeuv of ~hc container, or when the spray dispensing and distribution process~ does not allow the product to , 2 1 ~ ~ 2 4 ~3 PCIr/US93/00902 ~r accurately and satisfactorily reach an intended location. ~or example. such waste frequently occurs in spra~r lubrica~ng applications when sen~icing compact, tightly assembled components of automotive systems, marine motor systems. or aircraft engine systems ~nth aerosols.
Well known prior art, aerosol, extension devices and asso~iated product dispens~ng S methods involve Bateste~ U.S. Pa~. Ser. No. ~,510.02B (1970), which discloses a pole handle extension for holding an aerosol container at one end, and controlling a discharge of flui~ from ~he container with an actua~r provided adjacent ~e pole handle. Further, Se~, U.S. Pat. Ser.
~lo. 4,023,711 (1977) discloses a~ extcnsion, which is used for holding p2int spray devices.
Similarly~ ~ U.S. PaL Ser. No. 4,660,745 (1987) discloses a remote actuator for an aer~sol can comprising an :elorl~gæd rod h~Y~g a 3aw stlucture ~t one ~od end for gripping ~
neck of the aerosol can. ~Finally, ~, U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 3.1S4,075 (1964) disclosed a vaginal applica~or ~or mounong on an ex~mal valve stem of a pressurized nuid container.
:: Unfor~nately, there are myor diszld~rantages associa~ed with some of the fosegoing , pn~ ar~ extension devices and~product dispensing methods. One disadYantage is ~at some IS a~e not p~acticaL when dlrect~t~nsfer of the p~oduct from a nozzle or a ~alve orifice of the aerosol container to the~ extenslon is required for precise placement of the dispensed product at :~:: an intended loeation wi~ minima~ product and p~pellant waste. Anolher problem with somc i s th~ ~e exteslsian, which ~ocuses and extends a range of ~he dispensed products. is no~
,~
fl~xib5e. Thus, accurate disp~nsing of: ~ products is often impeded by a physical ~igidity and 20~ geometry of the ex~ension. Olher disadvantages are that some are rela~vely complex and costly to manuf~c~re.~ :
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~ ~ Additional object~ antages and novel features of the a~rosol extension invention , will be set f~h in par~ in descnptions, which follow. and in part wili become apparent to :
those skilled in the art upon examinaion of the foliowing descnptions. or may be le~rned t)~

WO 93/14997 2 :12 ~ 2 4 O P~/USg3/OOgO2 ~actice of the invention. The objects and adv~ntages of the inYention may be realized and attained by means of the ærosol extension components and combina~ions particularly pointed out in ~he appended claims.

S Disclosure of Invention It is a general object of the invention to provide an ae~osol extension for use in indust~ial, domestic and general spray applications that overcomes many of the pr~blems and dis~dvantages of prior ad ae~osol valves, nozzles, atomizers or actuators.
It is another general object ~o provide a reliable, low cost, flexible, lightweigh~, lû durable. a~rosol exten~ion ~at is vir~ally non~e~tive wi~ an aerosol produc~
It is a specific objcct to provide an ae~osol extension for use in indu~y, domestic and gene~al appliea~ons ~at efficieney and precisely delive~ osol pr~duct to desired : ~ loca~ons otherwise diffi~ult to re~ch with the product.
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lt is an~her specific object to provide an: aerosol extension Lhat allows an aerosol 1~5 product to be delivered ~ithrough~ an extension at a satisf~ctory spray rate and in a fonn : :
; ~: exp~cted by an user. ~ ;
It is still a specific object to provlde an aerosol extension thal directly CoMeC~ and releasably locks to the aerosol nozzle~ acnlator or valve sys~em. and that s~ltisfactorily Isansfers an aerosol product ~ere~ugh with substantially no undesired leakage.
t,; ~ 20 It is yet a speci~ic object ~o provlde an: aerosol valve ex~nsion that is compattble with numerous ae~sol nozzles, actuators. or valves having different shapes or geome~ries.
To achieYe ~e fo~egoing and other objec~s and in accordance with the pulpose of ~he i aerosol extension mvention,: as em~odied and broadly described herein~ this invention comprises an extension for use with a pressurized container in domestic~ industrial and ~eneral 21292~0 WO 93/14997 ! - P~r/VS93/009Q2 spray applications. The pressurized con~ner has a cylindrically-shaped body, a pl~nar bonom and a convex top. The body includes a p~opellant and a product ~o be dispensed there~rom.
The top has a ci~ular opening for receiYing an actuator and a dispensing vaJve, which actuator and va3ve defimes a dispensing system for delivering the product as a spray, mist, stream or S powder. The actua~or, in tum, deiines an outlet onfice for delivering the product held within the pressurized container. me improvement comprises a clamping means ~hat is directly joined and releasably locked t~ ~he ~ispens~ng system. The ex~ension fur~er compnses;
~exible, elong~ed tubular member for accurately deliveJing products contained in the pressu ized container from the disp~nsing system t~ intended locations otherwise difficult to ~ach with the pr~ducts. ll~e lubular member is coupled between the claznping means and the , : :
dis~nsing system to :ef~ect efficient delivery of ~product contailled w1thin the pressurized contailler.

Brief Descripti~n of the Drawin~s ~
5 ~ The accompanying~ dr~wings, ~which ~w incosporated in and form a par~ of the specification, illust~e prefelTed embodiment(s) of the aerosoi extension invention ~nd, together with thP descnp~ion, senre: ~o exp1ain the pzinciples of ~he i~vention. In the drawin~s:
Figure I is a parti~l!y~b~ken, partially sechoned~ ~nt view of a prior a~ aerosol.
, : ,:
Figure 2 is an enlarged, p~ally broken, p~rspective view of an aerosol extension 20 ~ constlucted in accordance with the invention.
Figure 3 is an enlar~ed.`fragmentary, par~ially broken, cross~sectional view of ~e :~ ~ ae~sol ex~nsion of Figure 1, illus~a~ing the ærosol exY~ension locked tv a spray system of the , .
~ ~: aerosol of Figure 1.
, ~
~,:
~'. , 2~2!~24~
- ~WO 93/14997 PC~r/US93/00902 Figure 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, panially broken, cross-sectional view of ano~her actuator, in which an outlet onfice thereof has a single un~form size, and in which a cor.nection of a tubular extension member of the aerosol extension to the outle~ orifice is a variant of a connec~on of the tubular extension member of the aerosol extension to the outlet orifice of the ac~ator of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a similar view to Fi~re 4, in which an outle~ orifice thereof has anenlarged cha~nber for receiYing therein a tubular extension member, and in which there i illus~ated another ~ of a conncction of the tub~lar extension member of the aerosol ex~ension to the outlet oril9ce of ~e actua~or of Fl~re 4.
; ~ 10 Figure 6 Is a simila~ view to figure 4 of still a~hor ac~a~r u~lized by the spray SySlC D of ~iguse 1, in which a top portion thereof is generally planar, and in which ~here is illustrated anothcr embodiment of a connection of an aerosol extenslon to the spray system of ~: , Figure 4.
Figure 7 is an:~ènl~rgedi:pardally broken. cross-sectional. front view of the aerosol 5 ~ eXteDsion of Fi~ 5. ~

Refemng now: to ~;igure 1. a prior a~ pressurized container or aerosol 10 is shown for .
pressufe~disper~sing pro~ucts~co~ained therein as a stre~. mist, spray. powder, paste or foam.
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- ~ ~ 20 Nceably, the present invention contemplaIes dispensing-products such as lubricanLs. cleaners and paints for domes~ic, industrial and general applica~ons. Howeve~. other pr~ducts that may : also be dispensed with aerosol 10 include toiletries. food. pharmaceuticals. insec~icides and ~i animal products.

~l2324a WC~ 93/14~97 P~ lS93/0090~

Aerosol 10 in i~s most typical form comprises a pressunzed, can-like package or body 12 for holding the product to be dispensed in a liquid-gas, propellant dispersion or suspension.
Body 12 is usually formed from a metaJ alloy, glass or plastic, and includes a convex or dome ~op 14 and a concave or flat bottom 16. Convex top 14 is provided with an opel~ing 18 for S receiYing a product and a gas propellant, and f~r allowing connection of an atomizer or spray, dispensing system. The dispensing system is gene~lly denoted by the reference numeral 2û, and it caps or closes opening 18, retains a required gas pressure wi~in body container 12, an~l dispenses the product as a spray, a mist, a stream. a foam, a paste or a powder at a designed pressure rate.
: tO ~ the present inst~cc, dispensing system 20 is defined by a dispensin~ valve, gene~ly denoled by reference nwlle~l 22, and an ac~ator, a nozzle. or an a~omizer 24.
Dispensing Yalve 22 includes a plastic dip tube 23 for conveying the product from body con~ainer 12 to ac~ator 24. Tube 23 connects to a mova~le plastic stem 26, which has an openin~ 27 for metenng a flow of the product f~m aerosol ~IO. Stem 26 in c~njunction wilh a : ~15 sp~ing 28 and a n~bber gasket 30 provide a mechanism for opening, closing and sealing ~: :
dispensing system 20.~ ~
Although a geomet~y or configura~on of prior art actNa~o~s is based on charactenstics !
of a desi~ed form of delivery, e.g.~ spray or stream, all a~uators 24 will nonnally contain a ~ ~ ~ final passageway or outlet onfice 32 for producing ar projecting a spray. mist~ stream, foarn.
: ~paste or powder ~or an intended applicalion in a paltem defined by i~s cons~mctioll. Outlet orifice 32 is mcchanically, rem~vably linked wi~ stem 26 to provide ~n off-on con~ol.
De}ivery of an aer~sol product is initiated by tilting acauator 24 îo~ward, or by ver~cally : depr~ssing actuator ~.

, ~

VVO 93/14997 2 1 2 9 2 4 ~3 PC~/USg3/00902 Por the aer~sol 10 illus~ted, orifice outlet 32 is provided wi~ bell-shaped tennin~l end in the form of an enlarged circular recess or hollow cham~r 33. ~xcept for the slot or chamber fonned by interior chamber 33, actuator 24 comprises a generally flat, extern~l face 31. Chamber 33 is of a size or dimension to match with a corresponding component ~ubul~r extension of the invention, as will be more fi~lly explained hereinafter.
Tuming now to Figures 2 and 3, Ihere is shown one preferred embodiment of lhe invention in the fonn of an aerosol extension for use with prior art pressurized aerosols 10 in indust~ial, domestic and general applicabons, which extension is gene~ally deno~ed by the re~erenoe numeral 34. Extension 34 compdses a nng-shaped clamp or coliar 36 ~or releasably, posi~dvely. Iocking extension 34 d recily to dispensing system 20 of aerosol 10, without requiring physical engagem~nt with ae~osol ~p 14, body 12 or bonom 16.
In the illustrated ~olm, clamp 36 prefe~bly comprises a lightweight, durable. rigid, :
plastic ma~erial ~at is substantially resistent to aerosol: produet a~aclc. Clamp 36 inc!udes opposed top and bottom sides 38 and 40, respecdYely. and opposed inner and outer sides 42.
~: 15 44. Clamp 36 f~rther complises a thTeaded ape~ure 46: extellding in a r~dial direction lhrou~h :: inner and outer cl~np ~sides 42, 44, as is best shown in Fig~lre 3.
: ~ :
Pursoant ~o Ihe in~/ention, threadcd aperNre 46 receives an adjusting screw 48 for connec~ing a button or a sleeve member 57 thereto. A head 50 of adjus~ng screw 48 is provided with a knurled colifigu~a~on to facili~ale manually, controllably moYing~ adjusting ~:: 20 screw 48 towards or away ~rom~an imaginary axial!y extending centerline 52 of cl~p 36. ;~s is bes~ shown in Figu~e 2. An end of adjusting screw 48 opposile head 50 is provided with a ~: ball mearls 54, whieh ma~s with a socket 56 provided by sleeve member 57.
: Sleeve 57 is positioned adjacent inner clamp side 42. and is enabled to piVOI in ~
direceions ~ugh the ball 54 and socket 56 connection. Sleeve 57 is in ~he fonn of a bunon.

WO 93/14997 2 1 2 ~ 2 ~ ~ P~/US93/oogo~ ~

as previously men~ioned, or a plate or disk and pre~erably compnses a rectangular ~hin plate, having a concave or curved shape. Sleeve 57 further comprises a lightweight, rigid~ plastic material ~at is substantially resistant to ae~osol product ~ttack.
~n keeping with the invention, clamp 36 fw~er comprises a second apertu~e 58 forS retaining an elongated, flexible~ slender, annular or tubular extension member therein, generally denoted by refe~ence numeral 60. Tubular member 60 preferably comp~ises an aerosol~
product- resistent, plastic material, such as, polyethylene or polypropylene. nlbular member 6û ex~ends through iMer and outer clamp sides 42, 44 so as to define an inlet or intake te~inal cnd poltion 59, an in~en~ediate por~ion 61, and an outlet temlhlal end portion 63 Tulbular member 60 is provided with a diame~r suita~le far insertion within outlet orifice 32 , of di~ing system 2~ ~o~allow r~osol p~ducts to be tlansfersed by dispensing syste~ 20 the~ethrou~h Tubula~ mem~er 60 is also compnses a length suitable ~or allow~ng aet~sol ~:; products to ~be trans~erred thereby to loca~ons othelwise diffcult to ~each with said producls.
:`
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A prefened leng~h of tubular mem~er 60 is around about two feet.
~5 ~ ~ It will be ~ppreciated~tha~ apertu~e 58 may be p~vided wi~h a loclcing bushing, retainer ring, or sleeve 62 ~or~reducing ~e diameter o~ aperture 58, as illustfated in Figure 3.
,, .
The reduced diameter effects positi~,rely se~uring n~bular member 6Q at aperture 58 with rcspect to pleventing movement thereof. and assists in coup~ing teTmin~l inlet portion 59 of tubular : :: memb~r 60 to outlet onfice 32. Incidentally, bushing 62 comprises a m~terial suitable for ~mlnimizing dama~e to tubularmember60.
In acco~dance wi~ the inverltion, ~bular member 60 has disposed thereon an inner, Z ~ r~ng-shaped gasket 64 for fonning a connection at a tem}inaJ inlet end 59 and outlet orifice 3~.
, It will be noted that this connection is resistant to an unwanted leakage of propellants ~n(l ( ~ :
::

o 93/14997 2 ~ ~ 9 2 ~ ~ P~T/US93/00902 produets transferred from aerosol 10 to tubular extension member 60. when tenninal tube inlet 59 is locked into abutting engagement at orifice 32. To provide ~ leak-resistant se~l, gasket 64 comprises a resilientJy compressible, material and preferably is made of rubber. Gasket 64 is mounted over tubular end 59 and secured thereto in a manner to prevent movement thereof, as S well as being mounted to engage inner clamp su~face 42. More specifieally. gasket 64 is retained by tubular end S9 between inner clamp surface 42 and an adjacent confron~ng surface defined by ou~let orifice 32. So positioned, gasket 64 is permitted to abufflngly engagement outlet or;ifice 32. æ will be more fuliy explained hereinafter.
In opera~iun, collar 36 of extension 34 is ilutially posi~on o~er the dispensing system 20 of a pnor art ae~osol container lO to enable the aer~sol product to be transferred t}~ugh tubular member 60 to a nonnally har~ to reach loca~on ~ a satisfactory ~e and in the fonn desired by t~e user. For example, aerosol products conveyed by tu~ular member 60 may be in thc fonn of a spray, mist. st~eam or powder.
Thereafter,~ adjusting serew head 50 is manually tigh~ened or torqued to exert a~ squeezmg or compression force or pressure on opposed front and back regions 67. 6S, : r~spectively, of ac~ato~ 24 and on confronting regions of sleeve member 57 and inner surf~ce 42. More ~ciheally,~ a pressure is exerled on slee~re 57 as adjustin~ sclew 48 is ~dvanced in a ~ial direction ~rough ~aded apernlre 46. The thrust of the pressure is talcen up by : ~ : ' : : :
sleeve 57 and is t~nsmitted to ~ront and back regions 67. 65 of dispensing system 20 at 20~: actuator 24. The~ball 54 arld socket 56 connection allows the force absorbed by sleeve 57 to ransmitted thereby in all direchons to ~)M and back actu~or regions 67. 65. Moreover, thc abso~bed force is transmitted to inner clamp surface 42 around a region defined by clamp ~: aperw~e 58~ as well as transsnitted to tenninal inlet tubular end 59 and to opposed sidc surf~ces of gaskee 64, while gaskes 64 is sealed within chamber 33 of orifice 32.
, ~

WO 93/14997 2 1 2 9 2 4 ~ l'CI /US93/00902 ~r Next. before positively lo~king aerosol extension 34 and tubular member 60 ~o dispensing system 20, tubular end 59 is inserted within orifice chamber 33. lnciden~ally. it is to be no~ed that gasket 64 is positioned on tubular member 60, such th~, upon insertion of tu~ular end 59 wi~in o~ifice chamber 33, gasket 64 is also seated therein. A final adjus~nent of tightening screw 48 lockingly ma~ntains hlbular member 60 in alignment with orifice 32. It will be further noted tha~ the final adjus~nent also causes inner surface 42 at aperhlre region 58 to bear against gasket 64. in a manner to compress gaske~ 64 within onfice chamber 33.
So complessed, gasket 64 assists l~g screw 48 in mamtaining tubular member 60 in line with o~ifioe 32, and fonns a joint that is ~esis~ant to liquîd, gas or p~wder leaks, while leavin~
~: 10 a~ tor 24 ~ree ~or star~ng ~ and stopping product dispens~ng or spray opera~ons.
: :
i"uming now to Figur~ 4, the~e is shoum ano~er~comeritional actua~or, generally ;denot~d by the reference n~L~eral 68, whch is used by ae~sol 10 and which has an outlet : : orifice geome~ 70 ~that is a:variaJIt of orifice 32 of Figure 1. It will ~ appreciated. however.
Ihat ~e config~ on of:ou~let o~ifice 70:comprises a common and well known desigTI used hy IS ~ a:number of different:aerosol mallufactures. The only dii~ference bef~veen ou~let orifices 32 and 70 is ~t outlet~ onfice 70 does not; ~erminate in an enlarged hollow chamber. Instead, 1:
~: ~ outlet orifice 70 ~enerally eomprises a single unifonn diasneter so as to provide ~he front or i ~,~; , , , .; 1 , ! , ! ' ' fa~e 67 of actuator 6B. f~m which ~he product is delivered. with a non-slotted or generally n~t geomet~y. It will als~ be appreclated ~that tbe~ n~bular extension member 60 of Flgures 1 ~d 4 20 ~ ~ ~ comprise substantially the same structu~, and that the mans-er in which tu~ular extension mem~er 60 of Figllre 4 connests with actuator 68 to fonn a leak-proof joint is the only , ~ :
difference with respect to tubular extension member 60 of Flgule 1.
., .
To form a leak resistant joint at Ihe generally, flat actuator face 67. nlbular memt7er h( IS preferably provided wid~ another inner. ring-shaped gasket 72. Notably, gasket 72 is . -WO 93/14997 212 9 2 4 ~ PCI/US93/00902 11 .
manufactured from substantially the same m~terial as gasket 64 of Figures 3 and 4. Also, gasket 72 is provided with an aper~ure 61 in which ~bular member 6Q partially extends as is clearly illustrated at Figure 4. Gasket 72 is rigidly retained at a tubular inlet end 59 adjacent fixed gasket 64 through a press fit at gas~et aperture 61 in a manner to prevent movement S thereof and to be contiguous with gasket 64.
In ope~ion, tightening adjusting screw 48 permits por~ions of disk 57 to cooperate with confron~ng por~ions of imler sufface 42 at apertuP 58 to effect squeezing;y anaching :collar 36 and ~lar extension member 60 to actuator 68 and orifice 70, respectively. The ~: advancement sf adjusting screw 48 exerts a squee~ing force on disk 57 which is absorbed by gasket 64 ~rough ~er surface 42. Gasket 64 and hlbular extension inlet por~ion 51 under the ir~ ce of the squeezing force b~ar agains~ gaske~ 72, and act as a stay for preven~ing ~mo~ement of gasket 72. ~Gasket ?~ is compressed between gasket 64 and actuator ~ace 67.
such that. a ~ickness~ OI gaske~ 64 is reduced. By this :comp~ession and associaled reduction , : ~ in thickness. the hlbular extension inlet end pr~jects or protrudes beyond gaske~ 64 Thus, openillgs defined by tubular extension in}et end and outlet orifice S9 and 70, respectively, ~re pennittcd to be precisely ali~ned with one another and matingly coupled. $o joined. outlet .
orifice 70 and tubul~r memb~r 60 ~onn a leak resistant joint ~hat sa~isfactonly transfers aerosol prDduc~s t~ desioed ha~d to reach loca~ions. It will now be evideM ~at reveTsibly moYing or re~racting tightening scoew 48 oelcases the squeezing force and allows coliar 36 and nlbul~r : ex2ension membcr 60 to: be dis-att~chcd from actuator 68 ~nd onfice 70. respectively.
; ~ Turning again to Figures 3 and 4, and especially Figure 5. ~lere is shown ~ par~icularly preferred variant of the connection of tubular extensioll member 60 of Figure 4 to outlet .! ~ , orifice 32 of actuator 24, previously illustsated at Fi~ure 3. It will be appreciated that the onl ~ difference between outlet orifice 32 of Figures 3 and 5 is that enlarged orifice ch~nber 62 of WO 93/1'1997 ~12 9 2 4 a PCI/US93/00902 , ., !

FIG. S is of a size, to only snugly male with or receive therein tubular inlet end 59.
Moreover, the oslly difference between tubular extension mem~er 60 of Figures 4 and 5 is that tubular extension member 60 of Figure S includes only orle gasket. In the illustrated ~olm, tubular member 60 of Figure S preferably includes only gasket 64.
Porming leak resistant joints with tubular extension mcn~ber 60 of Figures 4 and 5 to outle~ orifices 70. 32~ respectively. is substantially Ihe same. The primary difference in fonning *e le~k resistant joint with respect to outlet orifiees 70, 32 is ~ gasket 64 of Figure S is not received within ~he enla~ged chamber 62 of Flgure 5. In Figure S, chamber 62 ~: only receives tubular inlet end S9, while gæket 64 under the compression of the squeezing 10 ~ force derived from sc~w 48~acts as a stay for pleventin:g movement of hlbular extension member, and creates~the~leak oesistantJoint thereof. ~
Turr~ng now to Figu~es~6 and~7, and p~ticularly ~ Figure 6, shere is shown stillanother well-known actuator~76, which is commonly used by~aerosol m~nufacturers. It wil~ bc appalent opon ~n inspection of hguoe 4 t~ ~he: or.ly differencc ~ween acnla~or 68 of 15 ~ ~ ~ hgu~e ~4 and~actuator 76 of hgule 6 is th~ actua~or 76 compnses a gener~lly fl~t ~op por~ion ~ ~ ~ 78.~: l'here ~s also shown another:embodiment of the aer~sol extension of Figure 2, which :: ~ embodimenI is genera51y donaled by the re~erence n~neral 80.
~: :Aerosol extension 8û is in the fonn of ~ U-shaped plastic or metal clamp or clip - : : ~
member 82 for remoYably a~hing to an actuator vaiYe or nozzle 7~ of aerosol 10. Clip 20 ~ ~ member 82 is prefelably made~ ~rom plastic and comprises an upper intermediate section 84 and first and second side parallel sections 86. 88. respectively. First ~nd second p~rallcl sections 86. 88 extend ~om upper intermedi~e:section 84 in a given lon~itudina} direction.
Fir~ and second~ sections 86.~ 88 are ~Iso uansversely spaced apart to foml a ~ap 92 ~, ~
:
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- ~VO 93/14~97 212 9 2 4 ~ PCI'/US93/00~02 therebetween of sufficient size to ma~ingly receive fherein actuator 76, in a manner illustr~ed in Figure 6.
Upper section 84 forms an intermediate bridge between first and second sections ~6, 88~ which extends transversely between first and second sections 86, 88 and is unitary S therewith. First section 86 is provided with an aperture 94 ~or receiving therein tubul~r extension member 60. which member 60 is retained at aperture 94 by gasket 58 to prevent m~vement ~ereof. It will now be appreciated that tubular extension member 6û and gasket 64 are substantially constmcted in the s~ne manner and subs~antially perform the snme fwlction as prevlously fully descnbed for valve extension 34 of Figure 3.
~10 In ~eeping witl~ the imention, second section X8 fi~nc~ions as a locking means for ; releasably, snap-loclcing, ~aemsol cxtension 80 to actuaIor~ 76, and for locking tubular member 60, through its inlet cnd~ 59, In mating engagement wlth oude~ ori~lce 70 to effect ~ leak-proof joiM ther~at~ To permit lochng,~second section 88 comprises an elongated~nlbular membcr.
which when v~ewed~ ~om a front ~hereol h~s a gener~lly horseshoe-shaped, bar confl~ur~on~
15~ and when~vlewed ~m~ a side thereof has a concaye configllration~ Second section 88 is pteferably made fmm pluoc and is plvotally connec~ed to upper section 84 at spaced ~p~n ends 96 thereofi In the illustr~ted at~ent, upper section 84 compnses a de~enl in the fonn of .~
transversely extending recess or caYity 98. Cavi~y 98 is configured ~nd dimensioned to allow ' 20 sesond section 88 to sn~pingly bear against back side 65 of a~tuator 76. when rotated in a cottnterclockwise dlreciion fmm a generaily honzontal position to a generally vertical position relative to top ponion 78 and back side 65. When snapped in position ~o bear against bac~
actu~tor side 65. second section 88 and first section 86 cooperate to apply a squeezin~ or clamplng pressure to opposed front and back actuator faces 67. 65 in a manner shown in ' ... ..

~12~
WO 93/149g7 . PCr/1~93/0~90 1~ .

Figure 6. Moreover, detent cavity 98 mechar~ically holds second sec~ion 88 in abu~ng engagement with actuator back side 65, such that, the locking member or second section 88 can normally only be released ~ierefrom through an application of manual force by rotating the locking member ir a clockwise direction.
In operAtion. snapping second section 88 against actuator side 65 locks aerosol extension 80 to actuator 76 and applies a squeezing force to gasket 64 and tubular member ~().
The squeezing force is ~ansferred to front actuator surface 67 and an inner confronting surfacc of extension 80 defined by gap 92 so as to compress gasket 64. The application of pressurc ~rom second section 88 and the associæd compression of gasket 64 enables tubular member 60 to be accurately ma~e~ to odfice 70, and enables gasket 64 to effect the leal~ resistant joint ~ic2eat.
It will now be appreci~ that the present invention is nQt li~nited to locking aerosoi extensioll 80 to`actua~or:70 thr~ugh second section 88 and:cavity de~ent 98. Other suitable locks as will occur tG those skilled in ~he ~ may be~utilized. ~or example, aerosol extension XO could be locked to ac*uator 76 with a control or retainer belt or band m~de from ~n el~stic matenal. ~such as mbber. It will be~furlher apprecia~ed tha~ the present invention provides a low ~coa. reliable, simply constlucted. easy to use. ex~ion for spray applications with aer~sol containe~s. Mooeover, the presen~invention p~vides a simple. ~dius~able lock th~t is :
compatible wlth a number of aerQsol containers havulg different spray system geometries or configuratlons, while allowing~ normai o~f-on con~ol of the aerosol actuator. Lastly, ~e 20 ~ ~ ~ prosent inven~on~ through its~ posihve ~leak-proof coupling at ~e tub~ar extension membcr, aerosol onfice inter~ace. ~varltageously allows a satisfactory ~ransfer rate of product throu~h the orifice and tubular extension member.
e ~ore~oing descnption of a preferred embodiment of ~he ~erosol exlension in~en~ion has been presented for pulposes of illustration and description. It is not intended tO

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~VO 93/1'1997 PCr/US93/~0902 be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obviously~ many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. For example, ~e instas~t embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the imrention and its prac~cal application to thereby enable others skilled in llhe art to best utilize the invention in va~ious embodimen~s and with vanous modifica~ons, as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended ~at the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.

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Claims (18)

2. PCT/US93/0090
3. Claims
4. 4. An aerosol extension for use with a pressurized container in domestic, industrial and general spray applications; said pressurized container having a cylindrically-shaped body with propellants and products for dispensing therewith, a planar bottom and a convex top; said convex top having a circular opening for receiving an actuator and a dispensing valve; said actuator and dispensing valve defining a dispensing system for delivering the products as a spray, a mist, a powder or a stream; said actuator defining an outlet orifice for delivering said products contained within said pressurized container; wherein the improvement comprises:
   a. a clamping means for releasably locking said aerosol extension to the dispensing system; said clamping means being directly joined to said dispensing system; and b. a flexible elongated tubular member for accurately delivering products contained in said pressurized container from said dispensing system to intended locations otherwise difficult to reach with said products; said tubular member being coupled between said clamping means and said dispensing system to effect efficient delivery of said products; and wherein said clamping means is directly joined to said dispensing system without requiring physical engagement with the convex top, body, or bottom of said pressurized container; said clamping means further comprising a ring-shape and defines opposed inner and outer surfaces; said clamping means including a first aperture for receiving said tubular member and retaining said tubular member relative to the outlet orifice of said actuator, and wherein said clamping means further includes an inner button member for assisting in positively, releasably locking said extension to said dispensing system: said button member being adapted for adjustably exerting pressure on a first region of said dispensing system; said button member also being adopted to adjustably exert a pressure against a terminal end portion of said tubular member, when said tubular member is located at said outlet orifice, to effect locking said tubular member to said orifice; said clamping means and said button member enabling said tubular member to be locked to said orifice, while permitting said dispensing system to be actuated and said product to be transferred from said orifice through said tubular member.
5. 5. The invention of claim 4, wherein said clamping means includes a locking member for adjustably locking and maintaining said tubular member in alignment with said orifice;
   said locking member comprising an adjusting screw; said adjusting screw being threadally connected to said clamping means in a manner to extend through said opposed inner and outer sides of said clamping means and to engage said button member; and said adjustable screw being enabled to advance radially inwardly to allow said button member to lock said tubular member at said orifice when said adjustable screw is tightened.
6. 6. The invention of claim 5, wherein said button member includes a socket for receiving a ball disposed at an end of said adjusting screw; the ball and socket connection of said button member and said adjusting screw allowing pressure to be exerted on said button member in any direction; said button member after taken up said pressure applied by said adjusting screw being enabled to transmit a clamping force to said first region of said dispensing system and an opposed second region of said dispensing system; to effect locking said extension to said dispensing system and said locking tubular means to said orifice.
7. 7. The invention of claim 6, wherein said tubular member extends through a second aperture defined by said clamping means said tubular member being disposed in said second aperture to allow an inlet portion of a terminal end of said tubular means to engage said orifice of said dispensing system; said tubular member being removably retained within said second aperture with a retainer ring at a portion thereof intermediate said inlet portion and an outlet terminal end portion.
8. 8. The invention of claim 7, wherein said tubular member includes a first resiliently, flexible and compressible gasket for forming a connection at said terminal end of said tubular member and said orifice; said connection being resistant to undesirable leaking from said products and propellants, when said tubular member is locked in engagement with said orifice; said first gasket being retained on said tubular member to prevent movement thereof, and to bear against a portion of said inner surface of said clamping means.
9. 9. The invention of claim 8, wherein said first gasket is compressed between said inner surface of said clamping means and said orifice by said clamping pressure exerted by said button member, said clamping pressure being transferred from said button member to confronting regions defined by said orifice and portions of said inner surface of the clamping means bearing on said gasket to enable said first gasket to be compressed; said compressed first gasket assisting in maintaining said inlet terminal portion of said tubular member in mating alignment with said orifice, and assisting in effecting a leak-proof seal at said connection between said terminal inlet end of said tubular member and said orifice.
10. 10. The invention of claim 9, wherein said pressurized container is an aerosol container.
11. 11. The invention of claim 10, wherein said inlet terminal end of said tubular member and said first gasket are both sized to be inserted and seat within internal confines defined by said orifice.
12. 12. The invention of claim 11, wherein said first gasket comprises a rubber material.
13. 13. The invention of claim 12, wherein said clamping member comprises plastic material.
14. 14. The invention of claim 13, wherein said tubular member comprises polyethylene or polypropylene material.
15. 15. A nozzle extension for use with a pressurized aerosol package; said package comprising: dispensable products therein, a propellant system, and a nozzle for delivering products as a stream, a mist, a powder or a spray; said nozzle defining an outlet passageway for producing a desired flow pattern; said passageway having auniform diameter so as to define a generally, flat, nozzle face free of an enlarged chamber at an terminal end thereof; wherein the improvement comprises:
    a. a nozzle fastener member for removably attaching said extension unto thenozzle; said fastener member comprising: first and second parallel sections extending in a given longitudinal direction; said first and second parallel sections being spaced apart transversely to form a gap therebetween for receiving said nozzle therein; and an upper intermediate bridge section extending transverse to said first and second parallel sections and being unitary therewith;
    b. one of said first and second parallel sections of said fastener member comprising an aperture for receiving and retaining therein an elongated, flexible, tubular member; said retained tubular member being enable to engage said nozzle member, when said extension is attached to said nozzle so as to permit the product to be received therein and transferred through said extension to a desired location otherwise difficult to reach with said product;
    c. said tubular member including a seal member reposed thereon adjacent the one parallel section retaining said tubular member; said seal member being compressed between said one parallel section retaining said tubular member and said nozzle face, when said nozzle fastener is attached to said nozzle; saidcompressed seal member forming a leak-resistant joint at the engagement of said extension member with said passageway with respect to propellants and said products being transferred through said extension member; and d. a remaining one of said first and second parallel sections of said fastenercomprising a releasable, adjustable, locking means for said attaching said nozzle extension onto said nozzle; said locking means permitting a squeezing pressure to be applied to said nozzle through said first and second parallel sections, when said nozzle is received in the gap therebetween, to effect said attaching said nozzle extension unto said nozzle; and an application of said squeezing pressure to said first and second parallel section through said locking means enabling said retained tubular member to be accurately mated to said passageway, and allowing said seal member to said compress and effect said leak-resistant joint.
16. 16. A valve extension for use with a device for dispensing products as a stream, a powder, a mist or a spray; said device including: a pressurized receptacle, a dispensable product with a compressed gas propellant; and a valve system for producing and dispensing the products form said device; said valve system defining an orifice for said dispensing said products; the orifice being free of chambers, chamfers and recesses so as to provide the valve system with a generally, planar face; wherein the improvement comprises:
    a. an elongated, flexible, annular, extension member, said extension member having intake and outlet end portions for transferring said products from said valve system through said extension member to a desired location otherwise difficult to reach with minimal loss of said products and propellants during said dispensing of said product; said annular extension being mounted at said valve extension to permit alignment with and connection to said orifice of said valve system;
    b. said valve extension including first and second sleeve members positioned intermediate inner confronting surfaces of said orifice and said valve extensionfor maintaining said annular member and said outlet orifice in alignment, and for forming a joint substantially resistant to a non-desired leakage of productsand compressed fluid, while said products are being said dispensed; the first sleeve member being hard and being rigidly secured around said annular extension member in a manner to be contiguous with said second sleeve member; said first sleeve being flexibly resilient and being disposed around said annular member; said first sleeve including an aperture therein for communicating with said outlet orifice, and for receiving said intake portion ofsaid annular extension member therein;
    c. a locking member for adjustably locking said valve extension onto said valve system; said locking member comprising a collar; said collar including an aperture for allowing said annular extension member to extend therethrough;
    said collar member securing said annular extension member at said aperture to prevent movement thereof, and permitting said intake portion of said tubular member to be in line with said orifice, when said collar is locked to said valvesystem;
    d. an adjusting means movably connected to said collar to effect attaching said collar to said valve system, and attaching said annular extension member in mating engagement with said orifice; said adjusting means being controllably movable to enable said collar to be releasably clamped around valve system to effect attaching said valve extension and said annular member to said valve system and said orifice, respectively; and e. a disk member connected to said adjusting means to enable confronting portions of said collar and said disk member to effect squeezingly attaching said collar and said annular extension member to said valve system and said orifice, respectively.
17. 17. The invention of claim 16, wherein said adjusting means when advanced in a first direction exerts a squeezing force to said valve system and said orifice through said confronting portions of said collar and said disk member; said squeezing force acting on said second sleeve, wherein said second sleeve under an influence of said squeezing force bears against said first sleeve to cause said first sleeve to compress; such that, said orifice and said annular extension member are permitted to be positioned in line with one another and mating engaged to form said leak-proof joint.
18. 18. The invention of claim 17, wherein said adjusting means, when moved in a second reverse direction, releases said squeezing force to allow said collar and said annular extension member to be dis-attached from said valve system and said orifice, respectively.