US3542254A - Variable spray apparatus - Google Patents

Description

United States Patent Leon C. Samuelson;

Richard L. Davenport; Philip L. Crowell, Racine, Wisconsin [21] Appl. No. 772,208

[22] Filed Oct. 31,1968

[45] Patented Nov. 24, 1970 [73] Assignee S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.

Racine, Wisconsin [72] Inventors [54] VARIABLE SPRAY APPARATUS 19 Claims, 12 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. Cl... ZZZ/402.19 [51] Int. Cl B65d 83/00 [50] Field ofSearch ..222/402,l7, 402.l9,402.1402.25

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,209,960 10/1965 Green 3,447,551 6/1969 Braun Primary Examiner-Samuel F. Coleman A ttorney.loseph T. Kivlin, Jr.

ABSTRACT: Regulators and adaptors for pressurized dispensing containers which permit the discharge of product in any position of the container and in a plurality of different discharge characteristics.

04 7o 0 Q g Patented Nov. 24, 1970 Sheet INVENTORS I 460v C. \Skwaasov Patented Nov. 24, 1970 Sheet Patented Nov. 24, 1970 3,542,254

Sheet 4 014 Flea 4190 Z. Osvcwpoer PH L/P I Gee 54 L VARIABLE SPRAY APPARATUS This invention relates to improvements in aerosol and like pressurized containers for dispensing product and, more particularly, to regulators and adaptors for said containers which permit the discharge of product an any position of the container and in a plurality of different discharge characteristics.

While the several aspects of the present invention are subject to a wide range of applications, they are especially suited for dispensing insecticides, or the like, and will be particularly described in that connection.

The various types of insects encountered about the home or the like and their habitat pose many difficult and sometimes opposing packaging and dispensing requirements in the use of insecticides. Some types of insects are best controlled by applying the insecticide to surfaces in the vicinity of the insects habitat or in other places where insects alight or congregate. This type of insect control relies in the main on the penetrating vapors and residual action of the insecticide; and thus, in order to obtain optimum insect control, the surfaces must be substantially wetted with the insecticide. Thus, for example, in order to control ants, roaches, silverfish, centipedes, spiders and the like, the infested'areas, usually near baseboards and floors, are wetted with the insecticide. Typically, this is done by utilizing a spray device, such as an aerosol dispenser, having a relatively coarse or wet spray discharge characteristic whereby the insecticide spray remains on the surface to be wetted rather than bounces off, as would be the case if a relatively fine spray discharge characteristic is used.

Other types of insects, such as garden pests and flying insects are best and safely controlled by filling the surrounding air or vicinity where the insects are or will be present with insecticide. This type ofinsect control'relies in the main on the direct contact action of the insecticide. In order, however, to avoid any harmful effects of the insecticide to persons or things, such as plants, in the vicinity and in order to properly fill the air, the insecticide must be dispensed in a very fine particle size. Typically, this is done by utilizing a spray device, such as an aerosol dispenser, having a fine spray discharge characteristic rather than a wet spray characteristic as is necessary for wetting surfaces. i

Thus, as evident from the above, the use of insecticide to control the various types of insects encountered about the home requires the dispensing of insectide in a plurality of distinctly different discharge characteristics. While the advent of the aerosol dispenser has greatly simplified the dispensing of insecticide about the home, known aerosol dispensers are adapted to dispense insecticide in only one discharge spray characteristic. Thus, to date, in order to adequately control the various insects encountered about the home, separate aerosols, each having a different discharge spray characteristic, are needed. Moreover, for reasons known to those skilled in the art, most known aerosol dispensers must be maintained as upright as possible when in use. This latter requirement is a severe limitation inthe useofknown aerosols in dispensing of insecticides, particularly when wetting low surfaces such as baseboards and the like.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a pressurized dispensing container, such as an aerosol, which permits discharge of product, for example insecticide, in any position of the container and in a plurality of different discharge characteristics.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pressurized container for dispensing product in a plurality of distinct predetermined discharge characteristics. The container includes a product discharge valve mounted thereon and regulating meanscooperating with the valve for regulating the passage of product through the valve such that in various predetermined positions of the container, product is discharged from the valve in a plurality of different predetermined discharge characteristics. Preferably,

. the regulating means cooperates with the valveto discharge product in a first predetermined discharge spray characteristic, such as for example fine spray, when thecontainer is inthe upright position and in a second distinct discharge spray characteristic, such as a coarse or wet spray, when the container is in the inverted position.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the regulating means is constructed to define a product eduction passageway to the discharge valve from the container. Preferably, the passageway has two openings which communicate with the interior of the container, a first one of the two openings providing product communication between the container and the passageway when the container is in the upright position, the second of the two openings providing like product communication when the container is in the inverted position. The two openings are constructed relative to one another such that product is discharged in a first predetermined rate when the container is substantially in the upright position and in a second predetermined rate when the container is in the inverted position.

' In another aspect of the present invention, the regulating means includes closing means constructed to close the first of the two openings into the passageway when the container is in the inverted position. This aspect helps to obtain proper regulation between the various discharge rates of the product. In one embodiment the closing means is additionally constructed to close the secondof said two openings when the container is in the upright position. In another embodiment, the second of the two openings is maintained open when the container is in the upright position. In this arrangement the second of the two openings functions as a vapor tap while the container is upright, which, of course, is highly desirable if a line spray is desired.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the regulator may comprise an ordinary discharge valve body having a side opening defined therein and a special adapter. The adapter is constructed to define a product passageway from the container to the body of the discharge valve. The

adapter is also constructed to house a passage closing means and is arranged such that the closing means closes the passageway when the container is in the inverted position. 'With this arrangement, product is discharged from the con tainer through the product passageway of the adapterwhen the container is in the upright position and through the side opening'of the valve body when the container is in the inverted position.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the regulators and adapters disclosed may be utilized to provide a pressurized dispenser which dispenses product in a single discharge characteristic in any position of the container.

Thus, continuous product discharge may be achieved regardlessof the position of the container.

There has thus been outlined rather broadly the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There .are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures for carrying out the several purposes of the invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions as do not depart'frorn the spirit and scope of the invention.

Specific embodiments of the invention have been chosen for purposes of illustration and description, and are shown in the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification wherein:

FIG. lis a perspective view of a pressurized container constructed in accordance with the presentinvention and utilizing a dischargevalveand regulator to discharge product in a first predetermined discharge characteristic when the container is in the upright position and in a second distinct discharge "characteristicwhen inverted;

.present invention, and

FIG. 2 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section,

showing the regulator ofthe container illustrated in FIG. 1

when the container is in the upright position;

FIG. 3 is an oblique sectional view of part of the regulator shown in H0. 2',

FIG. 4 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section, showing the regulator of the container of FIG. 1 when the container is in the inverted position;

HO. 5 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section, showing another regulator constructed in accordance with the especially suitable for use with discharge valves not provided with a side opening;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section. showing another regulator constructed in accordance with the present invention;

HO. 7 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section, of still another regulator constructed in accordance with the present invention, and utilizing a passage closing means which is moved by product flow;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section, of still another regulator constructed in accordance with the present invention, and utilizing a portion of a dip tube to define the housing thereof;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section, of stillanother regulator constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section, of still another regulator constructed in accordance with the present invention and utilizing a perforated passage closing means;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section, of still another regulator constructed in accordance with the present invention, and

H0. 12 is an enlarged elevational view, mostly in section of still another regulator constructed in accordance with the present invention, and utilizing a central bore to house the passage closing means.

Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like reference numerals indicate like structure, and more specifically to the embodiment shown in FlGS. l4, there is illustrated a pressurized aerosol container indicated generally at which is constructed in accordance with the present invention. While the container 20 may be of any desired shape, it is shown as the ordinary aerosol type made from sheet metal and having substantially cylindrical sidewalls 22, a domed upper wall 24 constituting a neck, an external rim or shoulder 26 disposed at the juncture of the neck 24 and the sidewalls 22. Secured to the neck 24 and spanning the opening thereof is a manually operable discharge valve assembly 28. The valve assembly 28 includes a cup 30, such as commonly used on aerosol dispensers. The cup 30 is made of metal, the upper edge of which is adapted to be rolled to form a hermetic seal with the upper portion of the neck 24 of the container. The cup 30 includes a reentrant neck 32 coaxial with the outer walls of the cup and having a central opening 34 provided therein. The reentrant neck 32 serves to support a manually operable discharge valve shown generally at 36.

The valve 36 may be any one of a number which are commercially available and commonly used with pressurized dispensers. For purposes of illustration one such valve is shown inFlG. 2, and comprises a valve body reentrant sized to fit within and under the reentrant neck 32 of the cup 30. The valve body 38 extends from the reentrant neck 32 into the container and terminates at its lower end in a tubular chamber section 40 having a flow opening 42 therein. A product chamber 44 extends from the top of the valve body 38 to the flow opening 42. In addition, an opening 46 is provided in the valve body 38 to provide product communication between the container and the product chamber 44. The discharge valve 36 also includes a valve cup 48 sized to fit loosely within the valve body 38. a boss 50, provided on the bottom of the valve cup 48, is embraced by one end ofa coiled spring 52 the other end of which sits on the horizontal seat 54 of the tubular section 40. The coiled spring 52 normally urges the valve cup 48 into sealing engagement with the interior of the reentrant portion 32 of the cup 30.

A valve stem 56 extends up from the valve cup 48 through the opening 34 in the reentrant neck 32 of the cup. To operate the discharge valve 36, the user merely depresses the valve stem 56, in the usual fashion, to cause an orifice (not shown) provided therein to communicate with the product chamber 44 of the valve 36. This action causes product maintained under pressure by propellant to be discharged from the valve 36.

An adapters shown generally at 58 is attached to the tubular section 40 of the valve body 38 by any known retaining means such as the-retaining ring 60 shown in FIG. 2. The adapter 58 and the valve body 38 cooperate to define a product regulator shown generally at 59 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The adapter 58 includes a substantially hollow cylindrical housing 62 which defines a product passageway 64 between the flow opening 42 of the valve body 38 at one end, and a dip tube 66 communicating with the interior of the container at the other end. The adapter 58 also includes an upwardly extending'wall 68 preferably integrally formed with the housing 62.

As shown in FIG. 3, an upper part of the wall 68 is stepped to provide a cupshaped housing 70 for a steel ball 72. It will be noted that the upper rim of the cup 70 extends a short distance further axially than the steel ball 72. This dimensional difference has been found beneficial to prevent any Venturi effects caused by the product passing through the passageway 64. A guide fin 74 is integrally formed between the cup 70 of the wall 68 and the inner wall of the housing 62. The guide fin functions to facilitate the movement of the ball to and from the upper section 70 of the wall in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 3, the wall 68 cooperates with the housing 62 to define a bypass 76 for the passageway 64. In the preferred embodiment, the effective opening of the bypass 76 is made of a size so that its effect on the product flow rate is equal to or greater than the flow opening 42. In addition, the orifice sizes of the opening 46 and the flow opening 42 are constructed relative to one another such that the product is discharged from the container 20 in a first flow rate when the container is in the upright position, and in a second flow rate when the container is in the inverted position.

The regulator 59 defined by the adapter 58 and the valve body 38 operates as follows. When the container 20 is in the upright position as shown in FIG. 2, and the stem 56 is manually depressed in the usual fashion, product maintained under pressure within the container is forced up through the dip tube 66 through the bypass 76 and the passageway 64 and into the product chamber 44 via the flow opening 42. As product passes through the product chamber 44, it is mixed in a well known manner with propellant introduced through the opening 46 acting as a vapor tap. The product then passes through the orifice (not shown) provided in the valve stem 56 and up through the valve stem 56 to the atmosphere. The discharge characteristics of the product dispensed from the stem 56 is determined in the main by the effective orifice sizes of the flow opening 42, bypass 76, and the inner diameter of the dip tube 66.

It will be noted that during the operation of the regulator when the container 20 is in the upright position, the steel ball 72 remains positioned within the cup 70 of the wall 68, and thus does not affect the flow of product through the passageway 64. As pointed out above, by establishing the upper rim of the cup 70 a little higher axially than that of the steel ball 72, product is unable to pick up the steel ball by a Venturi effect.

When container 20 is in the inverted position, the regulator 59 defined by the adapter 58 and the valve body 38 assumes the condition substantially shown in FIG. 4. As shown therein, the steel ball 72 is displaced by gravity from the cup 70 and is seated by the help of guide fin 74 over the flow opening 42 in such a manner as to substantially close product communication between the passageway 64 and the product chamber 44. When the container is in the inverted position, however, the opening 46, which functions as a vapor tap when the container is in the upright position, is placed in communication with the product of the container 20. Thus, product flows through opening 46 into the chamber 44. Product then flows through the valve stem 56 to the atmosphere in the usual manner. The product discharged from the valve stem 56, when the container is in the inverted position, is discharged in a second discharge characteristic determined by the effective orifice sizes of the opening 46, the orifices of the valve stem, and inner diameter of the valve stem 56 as well as the discharge orifice (not shown).

If it is desired to obtain vapor tap action while the container is in the inverted position, the flow opening 42 may be shaped such that the steel ball 72 only partially closes the same. Thus, when the container is inverted and product flows through the opening 46 to the valve stem 56, propellant leaks through the flow opening 42 into the product chamber 44 to mix with the product therein contained.

It will be appreciated from the above that the regulator 59 defined by the adapter 58 and the valve body 38 is especially suitable for dispensing insecticide spray and the like since it adapts a single pressurized container to discharge insecticide in a plurality of different discharge characteristics. Thus, for example, when the discharge characteristics of the container are adjusted to provide a fine spray when the container is in the upright position, flying insects and the like may be controlled; and when the discharge characteristics of the container are also adjusted to provide a wet'spray when the container is in the inverted position, an adequate wet spray may be obtained for wetting surfaces to control roaches and the like. It will be noted that these discharge characteristics have been chosen so that when it is desired to wet baseboards, floors and the like, the container is ideally in the inverted position. By way of example, the following orifice sizes have been found satisfactory in adapting the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 to provide a fine spray when the container is upright and a relatively coarse or wet spray when the container is inverted:

Flow Opening 42 -060 Opening 16-.012".

Bypass section 7 6.080

Dip Tube 66 (internal diameter).080.

An alternate form of a regulator for providing a plurality of distinct spray characteristics constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 5 wherein like reference numerals indicate like structures described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4. This regulator is especially suited for use with a manual discharge valve not having an opening or vapor tap 46 defined therein. As shown in FIG. 5, regulator 80 comprises a hollow cylindrical housing 82 having a depending nipple 84 and an opening 86 providing communication between the interior and the exterior of the housing 82. In addition, regulator 80 includes a core coupler 88 which engages the interior of the housing 82 and couples it to the valve body 38 of a discharge valve 36. The coupler 88 has an opening 90 providing product communication between the flow opening 42 of the valve 36 and a chamber 92 defined by the cooperation of the coupler 88 and the housing 82. A slide 94 having a product channel 96 extending therethrough, is positioned within the product chamber 92 and is constructed to rest on a shoulder 98 of the housing 82 and to close the opening 86 thereof. In addition, the slide 94 is constructed to cooperate with the near end of the coupler 88 to define a valve seat therebetween. such that when the regulator 80 is inverted, the slide 94 engages the end of the coupler 88 to close product communication between the product channel 96 of the slid 94 and the product chamber 92. I

The regulator 80 operates in accordance with substantially the same principle as that described in connection with FIGS.

1-4. When the container incorporating the regulator 80 is in the upright position, and the discharge valve 36 is actuated, product flows up through the dip tube 66, through the product channel 96 of the slide 94 and into the product chamber 92. Then, product passes through the opening 90 of the coupler 88 and into the flow opening 42 of the valve 36. By properly sizing the flow orifices along the product passage from the container through the valve 36, product may be discharged in accordance with any predetermined discharge characteristics as in the embodiment described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4. When the container is inverted, the opening 86 is placed in communication with the product of the container and the slide 94 engages the coupler 88 such that the product channel 96 of the slide 94 is substantially closed. Simultane ously with the above, the opening 86 of the housing 82 is placed in communication with the product chamber 92. Thus, product flows from the container through the opening 86 into the product chamber 92, then through the opening 90 of the coupler 88 to the flow opening 42 of the valve 36.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown another embodiment of the present invention especially suited for use with a manual discharge valve having a vapor tap or opening 46 defined therein. As shown, a regulator 100 comprises an adapter 102 and the valve body 38 of the valve 36. The adapter 102 includes a housing 104 constructed to define a product passageway 64 having a bypass 76 communicating with the dip tube 66. The housing 104 also includes an upstanding wall 106 integrally formed therewith to define a recess 108 therebetween and the inner wall of the housing 104. A stopper slug 110 having a cupped-shaped recess 112 provided therein is inserted in the recess I08.

When a container utilizing the regulator 100 is in an upright position, the adapter 102 is positioned as shown in-FIG. 6. Thus, product flows through the dip tube 66 and the bypass channel 76 into the product passageway 64. Product then flows through the flow opening 42 into the valve 36. Simultaneously, during this operation the opening or vapor tap 46 provides propellant to the valve 36 to be mixed with the product as it passes through the valve. When the container is in the inverted position, the vapor tap or opening 46 is placed in communication with the product within the container and the slug slides to close the flow opening 42 of the valve body 38. Thus, in the inverted position, product flows through the vapor tap or opening 46 into the valve stem 56 throughthe valve 36. Like the other embodiments heretofore described, by properly sizing the relative orifices in which the product flows during the various positions of the container, product may be discharged in accordance with a plurality of discharge characteristics.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a regulator 116 also constructed in accordance with the present invention. Regulator 116 differs from those regulators discussed above substantially only in the manner in which the body orifice of the valve body is closed. As shown in FIG. 7, the regulator 116 comprises a valve body 118 and a coupler 120 secured thereto by rim 122. The valve body 118 is provided with a plurality of communicating passageways 124, 126, and 128 concentricallydisposed relative to one another. The coupler 120 includes communicating passageways 130 and 132, passageway 130 cooperating with the passageway 126 of the valve body to define a product chamber 134 and passageway 132 providing product communication from the container via the dip tube 66 to product chamber 134. The valve body 118 also includes a bypass 136 providing product communication between the product chamber 134 and the passageway 128. In addition, the valve body 118 is provided with an opening 138 communicating with the interior of the container and the product chamber 134. A stopper, such as the ball 140, is provided within the product chamber 134. The ball 140 is constructed so that it is moved by the propellant driven product passing through the product chamber 134 and it is of a greater diameter than the passageways 128, 132 and the opening 138.

In operation, when a container embodying the regulator 116 is in the upright position and the manual discharge valve 36 is depressed, product flows through the dip tube 66 through the passageway 132 of the coupler 120 and into the product chamber 134. Since theball 140 is constructed to be moved by the product in the product chamber 134, the ball is forced by the product up against the opening 138 of the valve body, thus closing this opening as well as closing direct product flow between passageways 126 and 128. It will be appreciated, then, that product in the product chamber 134 will still be in communication with the valve 36 via the bypass 136. When the container is in the inverted position, the ball 140 momentarily falls to close the opening 138, but since the opening is then placed in communication with the product of the container, product forces the ball 140 away from the opening 138 and against the passageway 132 closing the same. Thus, when the container is in the inverted position, product flows through the opening 138 into the product chamber 134. and through the passageway 128 into the valve 36. Like the other embodiments heretofore discussed, by regulating the orifices in which the product flows in both the inverted and upright positions of the container, different discharge characteristics may be obtained.

It will be appreciated that vapor tap action may be obtained in utilizing the regulator 116. Thus, when the container is in the upright position and the ball 140 is forced against the opening 138, means may be provided to allow propellant leakage from the container into the product chamber 134 from the opening 138. Also, when the container is in the inverted position and the ball 140 is forced by the product against the passageway 132, means may be provided within the passageway to provide propellant leakage from the passageway 132 into the chamber 13 4.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a regulator 142 useful for a discharge valve 36 having a side opening 46 defined therein. As shown therein, the regulator 142 comprises the valve body 38 of a discharge valve 36 and an upper portion 144 of the dip tube 66. An insert 146 having bypass channels 148 defined about its periphery, is placed within the portion 1440f the dip tube 66 to define a seat for the ball 150. The ball 150 is designed to cooperate with the flow opening 42 of the valve body 38 to close same. Thus, when a container embodying the regulator 142 is in the upright position, product flows through the dip tube 66 in the usual manner, through the bypass channels 148 of the insert 146 and into the valve 36 through the flow opening 42. When the container is in the inverted position, the vapor tap 46 of the discharge valve 36 is placed in communication with the product of the container and the ball 150, under the influence of gravity, seats on and closes the flow opening 42. Thus, under these stated conditions, product flows through the vapor tap 46 into the valve 36. By properly adjusting the effective orifices in which the product flows during the various positions of the container, various predetermined and different discharge characteristics may be obtained.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown another regulator I52 constructed in accordance with the present invention. It will be noted that this regulator is substantially of the same construction as that shown in FIG. 6, except for the provision of a coupler 154. Coupler 154 is utilized to secure the housing 104 to the valve body 38 of the discharge valve 36 instead of securing the housing 104 directly to the valve body 38 as in FIG. 6. This arrangement is especially useful when the valve housing 104 is constructed of metal or like material, since the coupler 154 may be adapted to provide a snug engagement between the metal housing 104 and the valve body 38 which is usually constructed of plastic.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown a regulator 156 comprising a valve body 38 and an adapter 158. The adapter 158 is constructed to engage the outer periphery of the valve body 38 substantially as shown, and also includes a nipple 160 having a channel 162 for providing product communication between the dip tube 66 and a product chamber 164 defined between the valve body 38 and the adapter 158. A shoulder 166 is provided within the adapter 158 and is constructed to hold stopper 168. The stopper 168 is constructed to snugly fit and close the flow opening 42 of the valve body 38, as well as to provide product communication between the chamber 164 and the flow opening 42 by means of bypass channels 170 provided about the stopper 168.

In operation, when the container embodying the regulator 156 is in the upright position, product flows through the dip tube 66 and the channel 162 into the product chamber 164 through the bypass channels 170 of the stopper 168. From the product chamber 164, product flows into the discharge valve 36 through the flow opening 42. When the container is in the inverted position, the stopper element 168, under the influence of gravity, engages and closes the flow opening 42 of the valve body 38. Simultaneously, the opening 46 is placed in communication with the product of the container. Thus. in this position, product flows through the opening 46 and into the manual discharge valve 36.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown a regulator 172 having many similarities with regulator 59 illustrated in FIGS. 14 above. Thus, it will be seen that the regulator comprises the valve body 38 ofa discharge valve 36 and an adapter housing 174 constructed to provide product communication between the dip tube 66 and the flow opening 42 of the valve body 38. The main differences between the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is that the housing 174 has a large opening at the end 175 so as to accommodate dip tube 66 of larger diameter. in addition, a cup 176 is connected to the housing 174 so as to define a narrower bypass 76. Otherwise the valve regulator 172 operates substantially the same as that illustrated and described in connection with FIGS. 1--4.

Lastly, referring to FIG. 12 there is shown another regulator 178 constructed in accordance with the present invention. Regulator 178 is also especially useful in conjunction with a discharge valve having a side opening defined therein. As shown in FIG. 12, regulator 178 comprises a valve body 38 of the discharge valve 36, and a housing 180 constructed to define a fluid communication between the flow opening 42 of the valve body 38 and the dip tube 66. It will be noted that the housing 181) is similar to a substantially hollow cylinder and includes a product passageway 182 extending from the top of the dip tube 66 to the flow opening 42 of valve body 38. A stopper housing 184 is centrally located within the product passageway 182 to house a slide 186. The slide 186 is constructed to cooperate with recess in flow opening 42 and to close same when the container utilizing the regulator 178 is in the inverted position. It will be noted that through the use of this embodiment, a dip tube having a substantially large inner diameter may be used. In operation, as in the other embodiments, product flows through the dip tube 66 into the product passageway 182 and into the flow opening 42. When the container utilizing the regulator 178 is in the inverted position, however, the vapor tap 46 is placed in communication with the product of the container and the slide 186 closes the flow opening 42, thus product flows into the valve 36 through the opening 46. As stated throughout this specification, the relative sizes of the orifices in product path, both when the container is in the upright position, and in the inverted position, are sized so as to provide discharge of the product in accordance with a plurality of discharge characteristics.

it should also be appreciated that, while all the regulators and the adapters hereinabove described, are especially suitable for providing product discharge from a pressurized container in a plurality of different predetermined discharge characteristics, the particular structure of the regulators and the adapters may also be utilized to dispense product in a single discharge characteristic in any position of the container. This may be obtained by merely sizing the relative orifices in which the product passes in the respective positions of the container so that equal discharge characteristics are produced regardless of position of the container.

Thus it will be appreciated from the above that in accordance with 'the present invention, novel'adapters and regulators for pressurized containers are disclosed which permit the discharge of product in any position of the container and, also, in a plurality ofdifferent discharge characteristics.

Having thus described the invention with particular references to the preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, after understanding the invention, that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

We claim:

1. An adapterfor pressurized containers having a product discharge valve with a side opening defined therein, said adapter comprising a housing constructed to define a product passageway from the container to the discharge valve and first means constructed in said housing for holding a passage closing means, said first means being constructed such that said closing means substantially blocks said passageway when the side opening of the discharge valve is placed in substantial communication with the product whereby said adapter permits continuous product discharge from said valve regardless of the position of the container. I

2. An adapter as in claim 1 wherein said first means includes wall means maintained in closed proximity to said passageway, said wall means being constructed to hold said closing means when the side opening of the discharge valve is not in substantial communication with the product.

3. An adapter as in claim 2 wherein said housing includes a dip tube and said wall means includes a perforated insert mounted in said dip tube.

4. An adapter as in claim 2 wherein said wall means is defined by a cylindrical chamber communicating with said passageway, said chamber being constructed to hold a cylindrical closing means.

5. An adapter as in claim 2 wherein said wall means is substantially cup-shaped and is constructed to hold a round closing means.

6. An adapter as'in claim 5 further including a ball constructed to sit in said cup-shaped wall.

7. A regulator for pressurized containers having an upright discharge valve mounted thereon, said regulator comprising a housing constructed to define a product chamber, said housing having two openings communicating with the interior of the container, one of said two openings constructed to provide product communication between the container and said product chamber when the container is in the upright position, closing means positioned within said product chamber and adapted to selectively close said two openings, said closing means being constructed to be moved by said product whereby said closing means is forced by said product to close said other of said two openings when said container is in the upright position and to close said one of said two openings when said container is in the inverted position.

8. A pressurized container for dispensing product in a plurality of discharge characteristics, said container comprising product discharge valve means and regulating means defining a product eduction passageway from the interior of the container to said discharge valve means, said passageway having openings communicating with the interior of said container for providing in various predetermined positions of said container, product communication between said container and said passageway, said openings being constructed relative to one another such that, in said various predetermined positions, product is discharged from said container in different discharge characteristics, said regulating means further including closing means operable partially to close, in said various positions, those of said openings which do not simultaneously function to provide product communication between said container and said discharge valve means.

9. In a container for a product to be dispensed and a fluid propellant for driving product from the container, valve means operable to establish communication between the product and atmosphere, said valve means including a chamber having an opening, an adapter normally effecting communication between said chamber and said container interior through eduction means, means in said adapter closing said opening in said chamber when said container is inverted, and means defining an opening effecting communication between said valve chamber and the interior of said container when said container is in upright and inverted position.

10. A container according to claim 9, wherein said means in said adapter closing said opening in said chamber when said container is inverted is a free member movable by gravity to close said opening when the container is inverted and to unclose same when said container is upright.

11. In a container for a product to be dispensed in upright and inverted positions and a fluid propellant to drive the product from the container, valve means operable to establish communication between the product and atmosphere. said valve means including a chamber having an opening, an adapter, two passageway means formed in said adapter for effecting communication between said container interior and said chamber, means in said adapter closing one of said passageway means in one of said positions and unclosing said passageway, means in the other of said positions to permit the flow of product from said container interior to said chamber in either of said positions, means permitting the flow of propellant into said chamber in at least one of said positions, said means in said adapter comprising a free member movable by the product to uncover the respective passageway means when the valve means is open.

12. A container for dispensing product under the influence of a pressure medium in a plurality of different predetermined discharge characteristics, said container comprising product discharge valve means mounted thereon and regulating means defining a product education passageway to said discharge valve means from said container, said passageway having means defining two openings communicating with the interior of said container, one of said two openings providing product communication between said container and said passageway when said container is substantially in its upright position, the other of said two openings providing product communication between said container and said passageway when saidcontainer is substantially in its inverted position, said two openings being constructed relative to one another such that product is discharged from said container in a first predetermined discharge characteristic when said container is substantially in the upright position and in a second predetermined discharge characteristic when said container is substantially in the inverted position, said other of said openings being maintained continuously open so as to effect communication between said passageway and the pressure medium in said container when the latter is in upright position to permit mixing of product and pressure medium in said passageway when the container is discharged in upright position.

13. A pressurized container for dispensing product as in claim 12 wherein said regulating means further includes closing means operable to close said one of said two openings when said container is substantially in the inverted position.

14. A pressurized container for dispensing product as in claim 13 wherein said closing means is defined by material more dense than said product and is operable by gravitational forces to close said one of said two openings.

15. A container for dispensing product under the influence of a pressure medium in a plurality of different predetermined discharge characteristics, said container comprising product discharge valve means mounted thereon and regulating means defining a product eduction passageway to said discharge valve means from I said container, said passageway having means defining two openings communicating with the interior of said container, one of said two openings providing product communication between said container and said passageway when said container is substantially in its upright position, the other of said two openings providing product communication between said container and said passageway when said container is substantially in its inverted position, said two openings being constructed relative to one another such that product is discharged from said container in a first predetermined discharge characteristic when said container is substantially in the inverted position, said other of said openings being maintained continuously open so as to effect communication between said passageway and the pressure medium in said container when the latter is in upright position to permit mixing of product and pressure medium in said passageway when the container is discharged in upright position, said regulating means further including closing means operable to close said one of said two openings when said container is substantially in inverted position and to close said other of said two openings when said container is substantially in upright position.

16. A pressurized container for dispensing product as in claim 15 wherein said closing means is constructed to only partially close said two openings wherein said partially closed openings function to vaporize said product discharged from said'container.

17. A pressurized container for dispensing product as in claim 15 wherein said closing means is defined by material more dense than said product and is operable by gravitational forces to close said two openings 18 A pressurized container for dispensing product as in claim 17 wherein said housing includes a wall for holding said closing means, said wall being constructed to hold said closing means when said container is in the upright position and release same when said container is in the inverted position.

19. A pressurized container for dispensing product as in claim 15 wherein said closing means is constructed to be moved by said product at said two openings

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