Dispenser and method for dispensing a product under pressure

Abstract

A dispenser comprises a reservoir containing a pressurized product and the reservoir has an opening in which a valve is mounted. The valve comprises an closure element disposed within the reservoir. In response to an actuation of the dispenser, the closure element moves to an open position and allows the product to be dispensed under pressure from the reservoir through at least one outlet of the dispenser. When actuation of the dispenser ceases, the closure element returns to a closed position preventing flow communication between the outlet and the reservoir. The closure element moves to the closed position substantially by the pressure inside the reservoir acting on the closure element. The closure element is integral with a valve stem of the valve.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A dispenser for dispensing a product, comprising: 
 a reservoir for containing a product under pressure, said reservoir defining an opening;    a sealing member positioned on the reservoir; and    a valve mounted in the opening, said valve including a closure element disposed within the reservoir, said closure element being configured to move between a closed position wherein the closure element engages the sealing member to prevent flow communication between an outlet of the dispenser and the reservoir and an open position wherein the outlet is in flow communication with the reservoir,    wherein the closure element is moved to the closed position substantially by pressure inside the reservoir and is moved to the open position in response to an actuation of the dispenser.    
     
     
         2 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the valve includes a valve stem and the closure element is integral with the valve stem.  
     
     
         3 . The dispenser of  claim 2 , wherein the closure element is integral only with the valve stem.  
     
     
         4 . The dispenser of  claim 2 , wherein the valve stem is slidably disposed within a passage defined by the sealing member.  
     
     
         5 . The dispenser of  claim 4 , wherein the valve stem is slidably disposed within the passage in a leaktight manner.  
     
     
         6 . The dispenser of  claim 4 , wherein at least a portion of the sealing member defining the passage includes a coating to facilitate the sliding of the valve stem through the passage.  
     
     
         7 . The dispenser of  claim 6 , wherein the coating is silicone.  
     
     
         8 . The dispenser of  claim 2 , wherein the valve stem defines at least one axial channel configured for flowing a product therethrough.  
     
     
         9 . The dispenser of  claim 8 , wherein the axial channel is in flow communication with the outlet of the dispenser.  
     
     
         10 . The dispenser of  claim 8 , wherein the valve stem further defines at least one radial channel in flow communication with the at least one axial channel.  
     
     
         11 . The dispenser of  claim 10 , wherein the radial channel is placed in flow communication with the reservoir when the closure element is in the open position.  
     
     
         12 . The dispenser of  claim 10 , wherein the valve stem is slidably disposed within a passage defined by the sealing member, the sealing member sealing the radial channel from flow communication with the reservoir when the closure element is in the closed position.  
     
     
         13 . The dispenser of  claim 12 , wherein the radial channel moves axially relative to the sealing member, placing the radial channel in flow communication with the reservoir when the closure element is in the open position.  
     
     
         14 . The dispenser of  claim 2 , wherein the valve stem is configured to be one of depressed axially and tilted in response to the actuation of the dispenser.  
     
     
         15 . The dispenser of  claim 14 , wherein the valve stem is configured to be depressed axially and the valve stem comprises a stop mechanism configured to limit axial movement of the valve stem toward a bottom of the dispenser.  
     
     
         16 . The dispenser of  claim 10 , wherein the closure element includes a base member extending around a bottom portion of the valve stem.  
     
     
         17 . The dispenser of  claim 16 , wherein the base member is in the form of an annulus having an annular ring extending vertically from the edge of the annulus toward the opening of the reservoir.  
     
     
         18 . The dispenser of  claim 17 , wherein the annular ring engages with the sealing member when the closure element is in the closed position, preventing flow communication between the outlet and the reservoir.  
     
     
         19 . The dispenser of  claim 18 , wherein at least a portion of the annular ring disengages with the sealing member when the closure element is in the open position, allowing flow communication between the outlet and the reservoir.  
     
     
         20 . The dispenser of  claim 19 , wherein the valve is configured to be one of tilted and depressed axially for actuating the dispenser and disengaging the annular ring of the closure element from the sealing member.  
     
     
         21 . The dispenser of  claim 17 , wherein the radial channel opens into an annular zone bounded by the annular ring and the annulus.  
     
     
         22 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , further comprising an actuating mechanism for moving the closure element to the open position.  
     
     
         23 . The dispenser of  claim 22 , wherein the actuating mechanism includes a push-button mounted on a valve stem of the valve.  
     
     
         24 . The dispenser of  claim 23 , wherein the pushbutton defines the outlet of the dispenser.  
     
     
         25 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the reservoir contains a cosmetic product and a pressurized propellant.  
     
     
         26 . The dispenser of  claim 25 , wherein the cosmetic product is chosen from a hair care product, a personal hygiene product, and a make-up product.  
     
     
         27 . A dispenser for dispensing a product, comprising: 
 a reservoir configured to contain a product under pressure; and    a valve mounted on the reservoir, said valve having a valve stem and a closure element disposed within the reservoir and integrally formed with the valve stem, said closure element being configured to be moved between a closed position wherein flow communication between an outlet of the dispenser and the reservoir is prevented and an open position wherein the outlet is in flow communication with the reservoir,    wherein the valve is configured such that the closure element is moved to the closed position substantially by the pressure in the reservoir.    
     
     
         28 . The dispenser of  claim 27 , wherein the valve stem defines at least one channel in flow communication with the reservoir when the closure element is in the open position.  
     
     
         29 . The dispenser of  claim 27 , further comprising a sealing member disposed in an upper portion of the reservoir.  
     
     
         30 . The dispenser of  claim 29 , wherein the sealing member defines a passage in which the valve stem is slidably disposed.  
     
     
         31 . The dispenser of  claim 27 , wherein the valve stem defines at least one axial channel configured to allow a flow of product therethrough.  
     
     
         32 . The dispenser of  claim 31 , wherein the valve stem defines at least one radial channel in flow communication with the axial channel.  
     
     
         33 . The dispenser of  claim 32 , wherein the radial channel is in flow communication with the reservoir when the closure element is in the open position.  
     
     
         34 . The dispenser of  claim 27 , wherein the closure element includes an annulus surrounding a bottom portion of the valve stem.  
     
     
         35 . The dispenser of  claim 34 , wherein an annular ring extends vertically from the edge of the annulus toward a top of the dispenser.  
     
     
         36 . The dispenser of  claim 35 , wherein the annular ring engages with a sealing member disposed in a top portion of the reservoir when the closure element is in the closed position.  
     
     
         37 . The dispenser of  claim 36 , wherein the valve stem includes a radial channel, the radial channel opening into an annular zone defined by the annulus and the annular ring.  
     
     
         38 . The dispenser of  claim 36 , wherein at least a portion of the annular ring disengages with the sealing member when the closure element is in the open position.  
     
     
         39 . The dispenser of  claim 27 , wherein the valve stem is configured to be one of axially depressed and tilted for moving the closure member to the open position.  
     
     
         40 . The dispenser of  claim 27 , wherein the closure element includes a plurality of radially extending leg members disposed around a bottom portion of the valve stem.  
     
     
         41 . The dispenser of  claim 40 , wherein the valve stem defines a radial channel in a bottom portion of the valve stem.  
     
     
         42 . The dispenser of  claim 41 , wherein the radial channel is in flow communication with the reservoir when the closure element is in the open position.  
     
     
         43 . The dispenser of  claim 42 , wherein the radial channel is sealed from flow communication with the reservoir by a sealing member when the closure element is in the closed position.  
     
     
         44 . The dispenser of  claim 43 , wherein the sealing member defines a passage in which the valve stem is slidably disposed.  
     
     
         45 . The dispenser of  claim 44 , wherein the valve stem is configured to be axially depressed for moving the closure element to the open position.  
     
     
         46 . The dispenser of  claim 45 , wherein the radial channel is displaced axially relative to the sealing member when the valve stem is axially depressed.  
     
     
         47 . The dispenser of  claim 27 , wherein the closure element is configured to be inscribed in a circle having a cross-sectional surface area that is greater than a cross-sectional area of the valve stem.  
     
     
         48 . The dispenser of  claim 27 , wherein the pressure inside the reservoir decreases from a bottom of the reservoir toward the opening of the reservoir when the dispenser is in an upright position.  
     
     
         49 . The dispenser of  claim 27 , further comprising an actuating mechanism for moving the closure element to the open position.  
     
     
         50 . The dispenser of  claim 49 , wherein the actuating mechanism comprises a push-button mounted on the valve stem.  
     
     
         51 . The dispenser of  claim 50 , wherein the push-button is configured to be axially depressed.  
     
     
         52 . The dispenser of  claim 50 , wherein the push-button defines the outlet of the dispenser.  
     
     
         53 . The dispenser of  claim 27 , wherein the closure element includes a first face facing a bottom of the reservoir and a second face facing a top of the reservoir, the pressure at the first face being greater than the pressure at the second face.  
     
     
         54 . The dispenser of  claim 27 , wherein the pressure moving the closure element to the closed position includes a pressure acting on a face of the closure element facing the bottom of the reservoir and a pressure acting on an end of the valve stem disposed within the reservoir.  
     
     
         55 . The dispenser of  claim 27 , wherein the pressure within the reservoir is greater than atmospheric pressure.  
     
     
         56 . The dispenser of  claim 27 , wherein the pressure within the reservoir moving the closure element to the closed position exceeds counterbalancing forces acting on the closure element.  
     
     
         57 . The dispenser of  claim 56 , wherein the counterbalancing forces include the weight of various structural components of the dispenser.  
     
     
         58 . The dispenser of  claim 27 , wherein the reservoir contains a cosmetic product and a propellant.  
     
     
         59 . The dispenser of  claim 58 , wherein the cosmetic product is chosen from a hair care product, a make-up product, and a personal hygiene product.  
     
     
         60 . The dispenser of  claim 27 , wherein the reservoir defines an opening in a top portion of the reservoir and the valve is mounted in the opening.  
     
     
         61 . A dispenser for dispensing a product, comprising: 
 a reservoir for containing a product under pressure; and    a valve mounted on the reservoir, said valve having a valve stem and a closure element disposed within the reservoir and fixed to the valve stem so as to prevent relative motion between the closure element and the valve stem, said closure element being configured to move between a closed position wherein flow communication between an outlet of the dispenser and the reservoir is prevented and an open position wherein the outlet is in flow communication with the reservoir,    wherein the valve is configured such that the closure element is moved to the closed position substantially by the pressure in the reservoir.    
     
     
         62 . The dispenser of  claim 61 , wherein the valve stem defines at least one channel in flow communication with the reservoir when the closure element is in the open position.  
     
     
         63 . The dispenser of  claim 61 , further comprising a sealing member disposed in an upper portion of the reservoir.  
     
     
         64 . The dispenser of  claim 63 , wherein the sealing member defines a passage in which the valve stem is slidably disposed.  
     
     
         65 . The dispenser of  claim 61 , wherein the valve stem defines at least one axial channel configured to allow a flow of product therethrough.  
     
     
         66 . The dispenser of  claim 65 , wherein the axial channel is in flow communication with the outlet of the dispenser.  
     
     
         67 . The dispenser of  claim 66 , wherein the valve stem defines at least one radial channel in flow communication with the axial channel.  
     
     
         68 . The dispenser of  claim 67 , wherein the radial channel is in flow communication with the reservoir when the closure element is in the open position.  
     
     
         69 . The dispenser of  claim 61 , wherein the closure element includes an annulus surrounding a bottom portion of the valve stem.  
     
     
         70 . The dispenser of  claim 69 , wherein an annular ring extends vertically from an edge of the annulus toward a top of the dispenser.  
     
     
         71 . The dispenser of  claim 70 , wherein the annular ring engages with a sealing member when the closure element is in the closed position.  
     
     
         72 . The dispenser of  claim 71 , wherein the valve stem includes a radial channel which opens into an annular zone defined by the annulus and the annular ring.  
     
     
         73 . The dispenser of  claim 71 , wherein at least a portion of the annular ring disengages with the sealing member when the closure element is in the open position.  
     
     
         74 . The dispenser of  claim 61 , wherein the valve stem is configured to be one of axially depressed and tilted for moving the closure member to the open position.  
     
     
         75 . The dispenser of  claim 61 , wherein the closure element includes a plurality of radially extending leg members disposed around a bottom portion of the valve stem.  
     
     
         76 . The dispenser of  claim 75 , wherein the valve stem defines a radial channel in a bottom portion of the valve stem.  
     
     
         77 . The dispenser of  claim 76 , wherein the radial channel is in from flow communication with the reservoir when the closure element is in the open position.  
     
     
         78 . The dispenser of  claim 77 , wherein the radial channel is sealed from flow communication with the reservoir by a sealing member when the closure element is in the closed position.  
     
     
         79 . The dispenser of  claim 78 , wherein the sealing member defines a passage in which the valve stem is slidably disposed.  
     
     
         80 . The dispenser of  claim 79 , wherein the valve stem is configured to be axially depressed for moving the closure element to the open position.  
     
     
         81 . The dispenser of  claim 80 , wherein the radial channel is displaced axially relative to the sealing member when the valve stem is axially depressed.  
     
     
         82 . The dispenser of  claim 61 , wherein the closure element is configured to be inscribed in a circle having a cross-sectional surface area that is greater than a cross-sectional area of the valve stem.  
     
     
         83 . The dispenser of  claim 61 , wherein the pressure inside the reservoir decreases from a bottom of the reservoir toward a top of the reservoir when the dispenser is in an upright position.  
     
     
         84 . The dispenser of  claim 61 , further comprising an actuating mechanism for moving the closure element to the open position.  
     
     
         85 . The dispenser of  claim 84 , wherein the actuating mechanism comprises a push-button mounted on the valve stem.  
     
     
         86 . The dispenser of  claim 85 , wherein the push-button is configured to be axially depressed.  
     
     
         87 . The dispenser of  claim 61 , wherein the closure element includes a first face facing a bottom of the reservoir and a second face facing a top of the reservoir, the pressure on the first face being greater than the pressure on the second face.  
     
     
         88 . The dispenser of  claim 61 , wherein the pressure moving the closure element to the closed position includes a pressure acting on a face of the closure element facing a bottom of the reservoir and a pressure acting on an end of the valve stem disposed within the reservoir.  
     
     
         89 . The dispenser of  claim 61 , wherein the pressure within the reservoir is greater than atmospheric pressure.  
     
     
         90 . The dispenser of  claim 61 , wherein the pressure within the reservoir moving the closure element to the closed position exceeds counterbalancing forces acting on the closure element.  
     
     
         91 . The dispenser of  claim 90 , wherein the counterbalancing forces include the weight of various structural components of the dispenser.  
     
     
         92 . The dispenser of  claim 61 , wherein the reservoir contains a cosmetic product and a propellant.  
     
     
         93 . The dispenser of  claim 92 , wherein the cosmetic product is chosen from a hair care product, a make-up product, and a personal hygiene product.  
     
     
         94 . The dispenser of  claim 61 , wherein the reservoir defines an opening in a top portion of the reservoir and the valve is mounted in the opening.  
     
     
         95 . A method of dispensing a product, comprising: 
 providing the dispenser of  claim 1;     actuating the dispenser to move the closure element to the open position;    dispensing a product under pressure from the dispenser in response to the actuating;    ceasing the actuating; and    moving the closure element to the closed position substantially by the pressure in the reservoir.    
     
     
         96 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the pressure contributes by more than approximately 50 percent to the moving of the closure element to the closed position.  
     
     
         97 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the pressure contributes by more than approximately 75 percent to the moving of the closure element to the closed position.  
     
     
         98 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the pressure contributes by more than approximately 90 percent to the moving of the closure element to the closed position.  
     
     
         99 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the pressure in the reservoir is greater than atmospheric pressure.  
     
     
         100 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the pressure within the reservoir at a first face of the closure element facing a bottom of the reservoir is greater than the pressure at a second face of the closure element facing a top of the reservoir.  
     
     
         101 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the moving the closure element to the closed position includes moving the closure element by the pressure on a face of the closure element facing a bottom of the reservoir.  
     
     
         102 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the actuating includes one of axially depressing and tilting a valve stem of the valve.  
     
     
         103 . The method of  claim 102 , wherein the one of axially depressing and tilting the valve stem causes immediate movement of the closure element to the open position.  
     
     
         104 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the actuating includes inverting the dispenser.  
     
     
         105 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the dispensing includes flowing the product through the outlet of the dispenser.  
     
     
         106 . The method of  claim 105 , wherein the dispensing further includes flowing the product through at least one channel defined by the valve, the channel being in flow communication with the outlet.  
     
     
         107 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the dispensing the product includes dispensing a cosmetic product and a pressurized propellant.  
     
     
         108 . The method of  claim 107 , wherein the cosmetic product is chosen from a hair care product, a personal hygiene product, and a make-up product.  
     
     
         109 . The method of  claim 95 , further comprising engaging the closure element with the sealing member.  
     
     
         110 . A method of dispensing a product, comprising: 
 providing the dispenser of claim  27 ;    actuating the dispenser to move the closure element to the open position;    dispensing a product under pressure from the dispenser in response to the actuating;    ceasing the actuating; and    moving the closure element to the closed position substantially by the pressure in the reservoir.    
     
     
         111 . The method of  claim 110 , wherein the pressure contributes by more than approximately 50 percent to the moving of the closure element to the closed position.  
     
     
         112 . The method of  claim 110 , wherein the pressure contributes by more than approximately 75 percent to the moving of the closure element to the closed position.  
     
     
         113 . The method of  claim 110 , wherein the pressure contributes by more than approximately 90 percent to the moving of the closure element to the closed position.  
     
     
         114 . The method of  claim 110 , wherein the pressure in the reservoir is greater than atmospheric pressure.  
     
     
         115 . The method of  claim 110 , wherein the pressure within the reservoir at a first face of the closure element facing a bottom of the reservoir is greater than the pressure at a second face of the closure element facing a top of the reservoir.  
     
     
         116 . The method of  claim 110 , wherein the moving the closure element to the closed position includes moving the closure element by the pressure on a face of the closure element facing a bottom of the reservoir and by the pressure on an end of the valve stem disposed within the reservoir.  
     
     
         117 . The method of  claim 110 , wherein the actuating includes one of axially depressing and tilting the valve stem.  
     
     
         118 . The method of  claim 117 , wherein the one of axially depressing and tilting the valve stem causes immediate movement of the closure element to the open position.  
     
     
         119 . The method of  claim 110 , wherein the actuating includes inverting the dispenser.  
     
     
         120 . The method of  claim 110 , wherein the dispensing includes flowing the product through the outlet of the dispenser.  
     
     
         121 . The method of  claim 120 , wherein the dispensing further includes flowing the product through at least one channel defined by the valve stem, the channel being in flow communication with the outlet.  
     
     
         122 . The method of  claim 110 , wherein the dispensing the product includes dispensing a cosmetic product and a pressurized propellant.  
     
     
         123 . The method of  claim 122 , wherein the cosmetic product is chosen from a hair care product, a personal hygiene product, and a make-up product.  
     
     
         124 . The method of  claim 110 , further comprising engaging the closure element with a sealing member.  
     
     
         125 . A method of dispensing a product, comprising: 
 providing the dispenser of claim  61 ;    actuating the dispenser to move the closure element to the open position;    dispensing a product under pressure from the dispenser in response to the actuating;    ceasing the actuating; and    moving the closure element to the closed position substantially by the pressure in the reservoir.    
     
     
         126 . The method of  claim 125 , wherein the pressure contributes by more than approximately 50 percent to the moving of the closure element to the closed position.  
     
     
         127 . The method of  claim 125 , wherein the pressure contributes by more than approximately 75 percent to the moving of the closure element to the closed position.  
     
     
         128 . The method of  claim 125 , wherein the pressure contributes by more than approximately 90 percent to the moving of the closure element to the closed position.  
     
     
         129 . The method of  claim 125 , wherein the pressure in the reservoir is greater than atmospheric pressure.  
     
     
         130 . The method of  claim 125 , wherein the pressure within the reservoir at a first face of the closure element facing a bottom of the reservoir is greater than the pressure at a second face of the closure element facing a top of the reservoir.  
     
     
         131 . The method of  claim 125 , wherein the moving the closure element to the closed position includes moving the closure element by the pressure acting on a face of the closure element facing a bottom of the reservoir and by the pressure acting on an end of the valve stem disposed within the reservoir.  
     
     
         132 . The method of  claim 125 , wherein the actuating includes one of axially depressing and tilting the valve stem.  
     
     
         133 . The method of  claim 132 , wherein the one of axially depressing and tilting the valve stem causes immediate movement of the closure element to the open position.  
     
     
         134 . The method of  claim 125 , wherein the actuating includes inverting the dispenser.  
     
     
         135 . The method of  claim 125 , wherein the dispensing includes flowing the product through the outlet of the dispenser.  
     
     
         136 . The method of  claim 135 , wherein the dispensing further includes flowing the product through at least one channel defined by the valve stem, the channel being in flow communication with the outlet.  
     
     
         137 . The method of  claim 125 , wherein the dispensing the product includes dispensing a cosmetic product and a pressurized propellant.  
     
     
         138 . The method of  claim 137 , wherein the cosmetic product is chosen from a hair care product, a personal hygiene product, and a make-up product.  
     
     
         139 . The method of  claim 125 , further comprising engaging the closure element with a sealing member.