US3680605A

US3680605A - Package for dispensing pressurized materials

Info

Publication number: US3680605A
Application number: US120468A
Authority: US
Inventors: Louis V Nigro
Original assignee: Gillette Co LLC
Current assignee: Gillette Co LLC
Priority date: 1971-03-03
Filing date: 1971-03-03
Publication date: 1972-08-01
Anticipated expiration: 1989-08-01
Also published as: FR2128612A1; DE2210520A1; CA978160A

Abstract

A pressurized dispensing package system includes two dispensing packages, each package including a projecting discharge passage structure. One of the packages includes an actuator assembly that includes two structures that are movable relative to each other. One of the structures defines a refill passage and an intersecting dispensing passage. In a first position of the structure a continuous material flow path that includes a discharge passage structure and the dispensing passage is defined and at least one port of the refill passage is closed by a surface of the other structure. In a second position the refill passage is aligned with the discharge passage structure and a continuous material flow path through the refill passage is defined whereby a transfer tube may be introduced into the refill passage to block the dispensing passage at the intersection thereof.

Description

[451 Aug. 1, 1972 Primary Examiner-Robert B. Reeves Assistant Examiner-John P. Shannon, Jr. Attorney-Willis M. Ertman [57] ABSTRACT A pressurized dispensing package system includes two dispensing packages, each package including a projecting discharge passage structure. One of the packages includes an actuator assembly that includes two structures that are movable relative to each other. One of the structures defines a refill passage and an intersecting dispensing passage. In a first position of the structure a continuous material flow path that includes a discharge passage structure and the dispensing passage is defined and at least one port of the refill passage is closed by a surface of the other structure. In a second position the refill passage is aligned with the discharge passage structure and a PACKAGE FOR DISPENSING PRESSURIZED MATERIALS Louis V. Nigro, Saugus, Mass.

Gillette Company, Boston, Mass.

March 3, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 120,468

.141/20, 222/402.l6, 141/348 ..B65b 3/10 .222/402.l 1, 402.16; 141/20, 141/3, 348, 349

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS United States Patent Nigro [72] Inventor:

[73] Assignee: The

[22] Filed:

[52] US. Cl.

[51] Int. Cl. [58] Field of Search waldllell'.................222/402. l 6 continuous material flow path through the refill 132 3/1964 Lyon et al.....................222/355 'troduced i the refill passage to block the dispensing s57 3/1967 McGhie ....................222/1s2 x passage at the intersection h f I68 12/1967 Bret.....................222/402.l6 X

32 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures sum 1 or 3 PATENTEDAuc 1 m2 PAIENTEDAus 1 1912 sum 2 0F 5 PACKAGE FOR DISPENSING PRESSURIZED MATERIALS SUMMARY OF INVENTION This invention relates to pressurized dispensing packages and more particularly to systems that permit the refilling of such pressurized dispensing packages.

Pressurized containers are used for dispensing a wide variety of products including insecticides, deodorants, antiperspirants, shaving preparations, dessert toppings, etc. Conventional pressurized dispensing packages are filled by the manufacturer and are discarded by the consumer after those contents have been dispensed. A relatively large size pressurized dispensing package reduces the cost to the user but such large containers are cumbersome and inconvenient and small size pressurized dispensing packages, while convenient to store and use, are relatively expensive in terms of material dispensed. It has been proposed that the use of pressurized dispensing packages of relatively small size might be extended by arrangements that permit the user to easily and safely refill one relatively small container refilled from a larger sized pressurized dispensing package, thus providing the consumer with greater convenience and reducing his overall cost. Such a system, in addition to making more economical the use of small pressurized dispensing packages, would also increase the flexibility and convenience with which various products packaged in this manner can be used.

It is an object of this invention to provide novel and improved systems permitting the transfer of material from a pressurized dispensing package to a smaller dispensing package in a refilling operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide an actuator assembly for pressurized dispensing package that is adjustable between a normal configuration in which the dispenser valve assembly and discharge port are connected so that the contents of the container may be discharged through the port in response to operation of the valve assembly, and a refill configuration in which the discharge port is disconnected from the valve assembly and a passage is provided through which a transfer tube from a larger supply pressurized package may be connected through the actuator assembly for refilling the smaller container from the larger container.

Other objects of the invention include the provision of actuator assemblies for such systems which are simple and inexpensive in an arrangement which clogging is minimized, arrangements to prevent inadvertent dispensing during the refilling operation, and arrangements which provide positive separation of the dispensing and refilling passages.

In accordance with the invention there is provided a pressurized dispensing package including a container for storing a material to be dispensed under pressure, a discharge passage structure and a valve assembly for controlling the discharge of the material from said container through the discharge passage structure, and an actuator assembly mounted on the discharge passage structure. The actuator assembly includes first structure defining a refill passage extending therethrough with a port at each end and a dispensing passage intersecting the refill passage and extending from said intersection with said refill passage to an exterior surface of the first structure; and a cooperating second structure. The first and second structures are movable relative to each other between a first position in which a continuous material flow path from the discharge passage structure to the discharge port of the actuator assembly including the dispensing passage is defined and at least one port of the refill passage is closed by a surface of the second structure to prevent material flow through that refill passage port, and a second position in which a continuous material flow path through the refill passage is defined, the refill passage being aligned with the discharge passage structure and the ports of the refill passage being open whereby a transfer tube may be introduced into the refill passage to block the intersection of the dispensing and refill passages so that a direct path is defined for material to flow through the transfer tube, the refill passage and the discharge passage structure into the container in a refilling operation.

In preferred embodiments, the second structure is mounted on the discharge passage structure and the first structure is movable relative thereto; the first structure defines a valving surface that engages a valving surface defined by the second structure, and the refill and dispensing passages each terminate in a port at the valving surface of the first structure, and the refill passage port is sealed by the valving surface of the second structure when the structures are in their first (dispensing) position.

In a particular embodiment, the first structure is a molded organic plastic member that includes a cylindrical knuckle portion mounted within a recess defined by the second structure and a spout portion extending outwardly from the knuckle portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis thereof. The spout portion includes a wiper surface adjacent an end of the refill passage that engages and wipes a surface of the discharge port structure when said assembly is moved between said first and second position. Also in that embodiment, latch means are provided for latching said twoactuator members in the dispensing actuator is disposed within the support means.

The support and actuator means further include cooperating portions that are placed in a position preventing movement of the actuator means relative to the support means in a valve operating direction, and in response to placing the support and actuator means in that movement preventing position the latch means is released to permit said actuator members to be moved to the refill position.

The invention thus provides a convenient, reliable and economical system enabling the user to refill a small (daughter) pressurized dispensing package from a larger (mother) dispensing package. The daughter package may be of a size suitable for carrying in a purse, for example, and need not be discarded when the material initially loaded into it has been dispensed. Rather, the daughter container may be readily refilled from the mother package simply through shifting the actuator assembly from dispensing position to refill position and inserting in transfer tube of the mother package into the refill passage and concurrently actuating the valve assemblies of both mother and daughter packages.

embodiments of the invention, taken together with the 1 I its dispensing configuration;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of portions of the package of FIG. 2 in an intermediate position;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the package of FIG. 2 in its refilling configuration and of a cooperating refilling P ge; w

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a second embodiment, together with a cooperating refilling dispenser;

FIG. 7' is a sectional view of portions of the device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of the present invention; and

1 FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of components of the device of FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIGS. l5 a pressurized dispensing package of the user or daughtertype, generally designated 10, comprising a cylindrical container 12 having a top portion 14, the central opening of which is closed by a valve assembly 15 including a tubular valve stem 16 extending upwardly from a closure '18 having an annular rim 20 crimped over the edge of the container opening. Circumferentially spaced serrations (not shown) project radially outwardly from rim 20. v

.An actuator assembly, generally designated 30 and including a transfer button 32, hinge spout 34, actuator 36 and collar38, is mounted on container 10 with collar 38 engaging valve closure 18 and container 12 and transfer button 32 engaging stem 16. As shown, collar 38 includes a stepped-cylindrical outer wall having a lower portion 40 seated on container top portion 18, latch rib projection 41 which engages rim 20, and an upper portion 42v of smaller diameter which defines at its lower edge an interior annular stop surface 43 facing and spaced from closure 18. The serrations on rim 20 tightly engage projection 41 and prevent relative rotation of collar 38 and container 12. Collar 38 also includes an interior, axially extending cylindrical wall 44 when axially-facing end surface 45 engages the top of closure 18.

At the top of collar 38 is an annular inwardly extending rim 46 the inner cylindrical surface 47 of which defines a circular opening 46. Three cam guide slots 48 are circumferentially-spaced around the inner edge of rim 46 and through the thickness thereof. Each guide slot 48 includes a vertical stop surface 50 'at one end thereof and a sloped downwardly curved cam surface 52 at the other end thereof, the stop and cam surfaces of each guide aperture being correspondingly placed. Three vertical key ways 54, each including at its lower end an offset locking recess 56, extend downwardly from the top of collar 38 and are equally circumferentially spaced around upper wall portion 42.

Actuator 36 is mounted partially within collar 38 and has a substantially cylindrical outer wall .60. The actuator is vertically movable relative to collar 38 and includes an outwardly extending annular collar or flange 62 at the base of wall 60. Three cams 64, shaped to fit within cam guides 48, are spaced around and project outwardly from wall 60. A concave discharge recess 66 including a central orifice 68 is provided in the upper portion of wall 60. On either side of the nozzle, are vertical slots 70 through wall 60 that extend downwardly from the top of the wall to approximately midway the wall height.

A recess 72 for receiving spout. 34 extends downwardly from the top wall 74 of actuator 36. The base, and most of the side opposite nozzle 66, of recess 72 are defined by substantially cylindrical surface 76 extending perpendicularly between a pair of spaced vertical side walls 78. The fourth side wall of the recess is defined by the portion of the inner surface 80 of wall 60 between cuts 70. An inclined planar transition surface portion 82 extends between

surfaces

80 and 78. Formed in each side wall 78 adjacent top wall 74 is a rectangular notch 84 that includes projecting retaining lugs 86.

A cylindrical transfer button member receiving projectionv 88 (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) extends downwardly from the center of the portion of actuator 36 that defines the base of recess 72, coaxially with stem 16. Projection 88 defines a circular-in-cross-section duct 90, of diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of stem 16, that extends from port 92 in the base of recess 72. The annular lower end 94 of pro-, jection 88 is V-shaped in radial cross-section. I

Transfer member 32'includes a lower tubular portion 96 mounted coaxially on stem 16 and an upper tubular portion 98 slip-fitted within duct of actuator members 36. The inner diameter of portion 98 is the same as that of stem 16. Anupwardly facing, annular, V-sh'aped in cross-section recess 100 is provided at the junction of

tubular portions

96 and 98 in position for mating with end 94 of projection 88. The top of portion 98 terminates in an annular V-shaped rib 102.

Member 34 is an integral piece of molded plastic in cluding a spout part 104 extending outwardly from a cylindrical knuckle part 106 congruent with and having the same radius and axial length as cylindrical segment 78 of recess 72. A pair of stub shafts 108, which snap into notches 84, extend coaxially outwardly from the opposite planar sides 110 of knuckle 106. A circular in cross-section main duct 112, of diameter equal to the outside diameter of transfer button portion 98, extends through spout part 104 and knuckle 106 midway between sides 110 and perpendicular to the axis of knuckle 106. A circular-in-crosssection secondary duct 114; of diameter equal to the inside diameter of transfer button spout 98, extends from main duct. 1 l2 to the cylindrical wall 1 16 of knuckle 106, with the axis of secondary duct 1 14 intersecting the axes of duct 1 12 and knuckle 106. The portion of the peripheral wall of knuckle 106 surrounding duct 114 defines an annular ble portion of wall 60 that includes nozzle recess 66. As shown, hinge spout 34 is fitted within recess 72 of actuator 36 aith cylindrical surface of knuckle 106 rotatably engaging surface 76 so that the spout 34 is movable between a dispensing position (FIG. 3) in which main duct 112 and secondary duct 114 are axially aligned with nozzle recess 66 and stem 16, respectively, and a refill position (FIG. 5) in which main duct 112 is axially aligned with stem 16.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown at the bottom thereof a refill or mother package 130 comprising a cylindrical container 132 having a reduced neck portion 134, the central opening of which is closed by a valve assembly including a tubular valve stem 136 extending upwardly from a valve cap 138. A tubular transfer member 140 includes a coaxial mounting portion 142 and cylindrical spout portion 144 and is mounted on stem 136 with the interior duct 146 of member 140 coaxial with the stern 136. The inside and outside diameters of spout portion 144 are substantially equal to, respectively, the inside diameters of stem 16 and main duct 112. An annular retaining collar 148 extends radially outwardly from the base of mounting portion 142.

A housing 150 having a stepped-cylindrical inner wall 152 is mounted on dispenser 130 with the base of wall 152 engaging and an inwardly extending rib 154 on wall 152 snapped over the bead of valve cap 138. The inclined base portion 156 of housing 150 engages the top of container 132 and an outer wall 158 extends from the top of wall 154 to the outer circumferential edge of wall 154. An annular flange 160 extends inwardly from wall 152 to capture collar 148 of member 140. The inside diameter of the portion 162 of wall 152 above flange 160 is substantially equal to the outer diameter of upper wall portion 42 of collar 38. Three circumferentially-spaced studs or keys 164 project inwardly from wall 152 in position for engaging keyways 54 when housing 150 is fitted over collar 38.

As previously indicated, actuator assembly 30 of package is operable either to discharge the contents of the package through nozzle 66, or to permit refilling of the package, from refill package 130, through stem 16. In its discharging configuration, shown in FIG. 3, hinge spout 34 of assembly 30 is positioned with lip 124 engaging actuator wall 60 and actuator cams 64 fitted within collar cam guide slots 48 so that V-shaped lower end 94 of actuator projection 88 seats within transfer button recess 100 and rib 102 engages recessed surface portion 118 in a positive latching position. The end of main duct 112 in knuckle 106 is closed by cylindrical recess wall 76. The nib end 102 of transfer button 94 sealingly engages flat 118 surrounding the port to secondary duct 114. When the top of hinge spout 34 is pressed down, valve stem 16 is depressed and material is discharged from within container 12 and passed through valve stem 16, transfer button 32 and ducts 1 12 and 1 14, to and through nozzle orifice 68.

For refilling package 10, actuator 36 (carrying hinge spout 34) is rotated relative collar 38 and transfer button 32, the interaction between cams 64 and cam guide surfaces 52 moving the actuator upward so that the cams 64 ride on the upper surface of rim 46 and collar 62 engages stop surface 43, thereby separating end 94 of projection 88 from groove 100 of transfer button 32 as shown in FIG. 4 and moving surface 118 upward away from rib 102. Surface 94 of member 36 is also separated from surface of member 32, thus preventing further accidental depression of valve stem 16.

The released hinge spout 34 is then rotated (clockwise as viewed in FIGS. 3 through 5) from its dispensing position until the flat top surface 109 of the spout engages the rear upper edge 79 of surface 76, in which position (shown in FIG. 5) main duct 1 12 is coaxially aligned with spout 98 and stem 16. During rotation, the lower edge of the forward end of spout part 104 wipes the interior surface of nozzle member 66.

Keys 164 and keyways 54 are engaged and spout portion 144 of refill dispenser is introduced into main duct 112 of hinge spout 34 and duct 90 until the axial end of the spout portion engages nib 102. Further movement of

dispensers

10 and 130 toward each other opens the valves of each package (by depressing valve stems 16 and 136) permitting flow of material from refill dispenser 130 through refill stem and transfer button 32 into package 10. The cylindrical wall of refill stem 140 overlies and thereby seals the end of duct 114 intersecting main duct 112 and prevents material from being discharged through duct 1 14. The two containers may be locked together during the transfer by moving keys 164 to the bottom of keyways 54 and then rotating one package relative to the other to move the keys into recesses 56.

After refilling the two containers are separated, spout 34 is snapped back in position as shown in FIG. 3, actuator 36 is rotated relative to collar 38 so that cams 64 engage stop surfaces 50 and the actuator is freed for axial movement. Upon downward movement of actuator 36, rib 102 engages flat 1 l8 and the cooperating V- shaped

surfaces

94 and 100 are engaged. In this position the daughter package 10 is ready for normal dispensing operation.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6 and 7, wherein is illustrated a push-pull actuator assembly 36' mounted on the valve stem 16' of an aerosol dispenser 12. As shown, actuator assembly 36 comprises a ported plug 200 mounted for reciprocal movement in an actuator member 202. A nozzle 204 having a central spray aperture 205 is fixed in one end of plug 200.

Plug 200 is substantially cylindrical and includes a refill duct 201 of diameter equal to that of stem 140' extending diametrically through plug 200 approximately midway the length thereof, and a dispensing passage including a first portion 206 extending coaxially from nozzle 204 to duct 201 and a second, L-shaped portion 208 extending, first, from duct 201 coaxially with portion 206 and then radially to the periphery 210 of the plug. A radially-extending flange 212 is provided at the end of plug 200 most distant from nozzle 204. Keyway 214 extends axially inwardly from flange 212.

Actuator member 202 includes two cylindrical passages extending therethrough, transverse passage 216 in which plug 200 is slip-fitted and vertical passage 218 whose axis perpendicularly intersects the axis of passage 216. Annular recesses 220, 222 are provided at each end of duct 216 for receiving, respectively, nozzle 204 and flange 212. A key 224 for fitting keyway 212 is provided at the top of passage 216 adjacent recess 222.

As shown, valve stem 16' fits snugly within the lower portion of passage 218, with the top of the stem engaging a stop 219 projecting inwardly into passage 218 slightly below passage 216.

For discharging material from dispenser 10', plug 200 is positioned within actuator button 202 with the radially extending part of dispensing passage portion 208 communicating with the lower portion of passage 218. The upper periphery of plug 200 overlies and seals the port 217 where the upper portion of passage 218 intersects passage 216, and flange 212 is disposed in recess 222. Theaxial' ends of duct 201 are sealed by overlying portions of the inner cylindrical wall of passage 216. If actuator button 202 is depressed, opening valve 18', material will be dispensed from valve stem 16 and will flow from the valve stem to nozzle 204 through ducts208 and 206 and the portion of duct 201 therebetween.

For refilling, plug 200 is moved axially relative to button 202 into the position shown in FIG. 6, with duct 201 axially aligned with passage 218 and the inner cylindrical wall of passage 216 sealing the adjacent end of duct 208. The valve stem 140' of refilling dispenser 130' may now be introduced into passage 218 until theend of stem 140' abuts the upper edge of stop 219. In this position, the outer cylindrical wall of the refill spout will overlie and seal the ports at which dispensing passage portions204 and 206 intersect'duct 201, and further movement of dispenser l and the refill dispenser toward each other will open the valves of the respective dispensers, permitting material to flow from the refill dispenser into dispenser Structure (not shown)similarto that shown in FIGS. 1-5 may be employed to facilitate the proper alignment and latching of the two containers in refilling configuration.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 includes a rotary actuator assembly 36" mounted on the valve stem 16" of a pressurized dispensing package 10"; Actuator assembly 36" comprises a cylindrical collar 250 including a cylindrical wall 251, an inwardlyextending, annular rib 252 snapped over and engaging the rim 20" of dispenser 10" so that intermediate annular flange 253rests on-rim 20"; actuator 254 having a vertical cylindricalwall 256 slip-fitted within collar 250 for axial movement relative thereto; and a closurenozzle member 258 rotatably mounted on the top wall 260 of actuator 254.

A semi-eliptical opening 262 is wall 251 extends downwardly from the top of collar 250. Three vertically extending circumferentially-spaced guide slot 264 are provided in the inner surface 266 of the cylindrical wall 251 of collar 250. Corresponding ribs 268 are pro vided on the outer surface of wall 256 of actuator 254, wall 256 including a vertical slot270 on each side of each of ribs 268,permitting the rib-carrying wall portion to flex inwardly when actuator 254 is inserted into collar 250.

.The top wall 260 of actuator 254 includes a cylindri cal duct 272, of diameter equal to the outer diameter of stem 16/ extending coaxially therethrough and a smaller diameter duct 274 extending radially from the upper portion ofduct 272 to actuator periphery wall 256. A nozzle insert 276 having a nozzle orifice 278 is mounted in a recess in wall 256 that surrounds the end of duct 274. Actuator 254 and collar 250 are assembled with spray button 276 disposed within the bounds of opening 262. As shown, annular flange 280 having I an inside diameter equal to that of stem 16' is provided midway the length of duct 272 and stem 16' is snugly fitted within the lower portion of duct 272 with the top of the stem abutting flange 280.

Closure 258 comprises a circular disc 259 fitted for rotation within a recess 282 in top wall 260 of actuator 254 and secured to the actuator by an integral slotted shaft 284, having a lip 286 atits lower end, extending downwardly through an opening 288 in wall 260. A tapering handle 290'extends upwardly from the top of the disc. A refill opening 292extends through disc 259 on one side of handle 290. As shown, closure 258 is rotatable on shaft 284 between-a dispensing position (FIG. 8) in which a solid portion of disc 259 overlies and seals the top of duct 272, and a refill position (not shown) in which opening 292 is coaxially aligned with and 274, to and through nozzle orifice 278. When closure 258 is in its refill position, therefill spout of a refill dispenser, such as dispenser maybe introduced through port 292 into the upper portion of duct272 until the end of the refill spout engages the upper surface of flange 280. When so introduced, the cylindrical wall of the refill spout will overlie and seal the port at which duct 274 intersects duct 242,1and further movement of the refill dispenser and dispenser 10", toward each other will cause material to be discharged from the refill dispenser into dispenser 10". Other embodiments within the scope of the following claims will occur to those skilled in the art;

What is claimed is: v 1. In a pressurized dispensing package including a container for storing a material to be dispensed under pressure, a discharge passage structure andv a valve as sembly for'controlling the discharge of said material from said container through said discharge passage structure, an actuator assembly mounted on said discharge passage structure,said actuator-assembly in-. cluding discharge nozzle structure, first structure defining a refill passage extending through said first structure with a port at each end of said refill passage and a dispensing passage intersecting said refill passage and extending from said intersection with said refill passage to an exterior surface of said first structure; and second structure, said first and second structures being movable relative to each other between a first position in which a continuous material flow path including-said dispensing passage is defined from said discharge passage structure to said nozzle structure and at least one port of said refill passage is closed by a surface of said second structure to prevent material flow through said one refill passage port, and a second position in which a continuous material flow path through said refill passage is defined, said refill passage is aligned with said discharge passage structure and said one port of said refill passage is open wherebya transfer tube may be introduced into said refill passage to block said intersection of said dispensing passage and said refill passage so that a direct path is defined for material to flow through said transfer tube, said refill passage and said discharge passage structure into said container in a refilling operation.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said assembly is mounted so that said refill passage extends generally parallel to the discharge passage structure and said dispensing passage extends from said refill passage to said nozzle in a direction generally perpendicular to said refill passage.

3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein said second structure is mounted on said discharge passage structure and said first structure is movable relative thereto in a direction generally perpendicular to said refill passage.

4. The assembly of claim 2 wherein said first structure is mounted on said discharge passage structure and said second structure is rotatable relative to said first structure about an axis generally parallel to said refill passage.

5. The assembly of claim 4 wherein said second structure includes a refill port portion extending therethrough parallel to said axis, said refill port portion being in communication with said refill passage when said structures are in said second position and being spaced from said refill passage when said structures are in said first position.

6. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said first structure defines a valving surface engaging a valving surface defined by said second structure, each of said refill and dispensing passages terminates in a port at said first structure valving surface said ports being spaced from one another and said second structure defines an opening communicating with said discharge passage structure, and said first structure is movable relative to said second structure between said second position wherein said refill passage port communicates with said second structure opening and said first position wherein said dispensing passage port communicates with said second structure opening and refill passage port is sealed by said valving surface ofsaid second structure.

7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein said first structure is mounted on said second structure for movement relative thereto in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of said second structure passage port.

8. The assembly of claim 7 wherein a first portion of said discharge passage extends from said refill passage to said nozzle in a direction generally parallel to said direction of relative movement and a second portion of said discharge passage extends from said refill passage to said first structure valving surface.

9. The assembly of claim 7 wherein said second structure defines a channel extending therethrough parallel to said direction of relative movement, said first structure is mounted within said channel, and surfaces of said channel overlie and close bothends of said refill passage when said structures are in said first position.

10. The assembly of claim 6 wherein said valving surfaces comprise portions of coaxial cylinders.

1 1. The assembly of claim 10 wherein said first structure is rotatable relative to said second structure about the axis of said cylinders and said axis is generally perpendicular to the axis of said second structure passage port.

12. The assembly of claim 10 wherein said first structure includes a substantially planar surface portion perpendicular to the axis of and surrounding said dispensing passage port, and further including means for sealingly engaging said surface portion when said structuresare in said first position.

13. Theassembly of claim 6 wherein said first structure includes a wiper surface adjacent an end of said refill passage, said wiper surface engagingand wiping a surface of said nozzle structure when said assembly is moved between said first and second positions.

14, The Assembly of claim 6 wherein said second structure has an upstanding wall'portion including said nozzle structure and said first structure engages a free edge of said wall portion when said structures are in said first position.

'15. The assembly of claim-6 wherein said first structure comprises a memberof molded organic plastic including a cylindrical knuckle portion mounted within a recess defined by said second structure and a spout 'portionextending outwardly from said knuckle portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis thereof.

16. The assembly'of claim 15 wherein said member includesa first duct-extending through said knuckle and said spout portion and a second duct extending from an interior portion of said first duct to the cylindrical surface of said knuckle portion.

17. The assembly of claim 1 and further includinga supporting member fixedly mounted on said container, said first and second structures being movable as aunit relative to said supporting member in a direction generally parallel to the axis of said discharge passage structure when said structures are in said first position andsaid structures .and supporting member defining cooperating portions for preventing movement of said structures relative to said supporting member in said direction when said structures arein said second position.

18. The assembly of claim 17 wherein said supporting member includes an exterior surface defining therein a plurality of guides for engaging cooperating guides of a refilling container.

19. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said first structure defines a valving surface engaging a valving surface defined by said second structure, each of said refill and dispensing passages terminates ina port at said first structure valving surface, said .ports being spaced from one another and said second structure defines an opening communicating with-said discharge passage structure, said first structure is movable relative to said second structure between said second position wherein said refill passage port communicates with said second structure openingand said first position wherein said dispensing passage port communicates with said second structure opening and refill passage port is sealed by said valving surface of said second structure, said first structure further includes a latch surface portion adjacent said dispensing passage port, and further including transfer structure mounted on said discharge passage structure and extending through said second structure opening, said transfer structure engaging said latch surface portion when said structures are in said first position.

20. The assembly of claim 19 wherein said refill passage and said opening of said second structure are of substantially the same diameter, and said transfer structure defines a passage of diameter substantially equal to the diameters of said discharge passage and said dispensing passage. I

21. A pressurized dispensing package adapted to be refilled from a second pressurized dispensing package comprising:

a container adapted to hold a material to be dispensed under pressure, a structure defining a discharge passage for flow of material from said container, a valveassembly for controlling the flow of material through said discharge passage, and an actuator assembly mounted on said container in communication with said discharge passage structure including discharge nozzle structure, first structure defining a refill passage extending through said first structure with a port at each end of said refill passage and a dispensing passage intersecting said refill passage and extending from said intersection with said refill passage to an exterior surface of said first structure; and second structure, said first and secondstructures being movable relative to each other between a first position in which a continuous material flow path from said discharge passage structure to said nozzle structure including said dispensingpassage is defined and at least one port of saidrefill passage is closed by a surface of said second structure to prevent material flow through said one refillpassage port, and a second position in which a continuous material flow path through said refill passage is defined, said refill passage is aligned with said discharge passage structure and said one port of said refill passage isopen whereby a transfer tube coupled to said second pressurized dispensing package may be introduced into said refill passage to block said intersection of said ----dispensing passage and said refill passage so that a direct path is defined for material to flow from said second package through said transfer tube, said refill passage and said dischargepassage structure into said container in a refilling operation.

22. A pressurized dispensing package adapted to be refilled from a second pressurized dispensing package comprising:

a container adapted to hold a material to be dispensed under pressure,

a structure defining a discharge passage for flow of material from said container,

a valve assembly for controlling the flow of material through said discharge passage,

support means mounted on said container and actuator means disposed within said support means and mounted on said container in communication with said discharge passage structure for operation of said valve assembly in a material dispensing operation,

' said actuator means including two members movable relative to one another between first and second positions, said members in said first position defining a dispensing passage from said discharge passage to a nozzle and in said second position defining a refill passage in communicating alignment with said discharge passage, and latch means for latching said members in said first position,

tive to said support means in a valve assembly operating direction,

and means responsive to placing said support and ac- I tuator means in said movement preventing position for releasing said latch means to permit said members to be moved tosaid second position. 23. The package of claim 22 wherein said actuator means further includes a transfer member mounted on said discharge passage structure, one of said members is mounted on said transfer member defining a surface for receiving the other member, and said dispensing passage is of smaller dimension than said refill passage and extends from an intersection with said refill passage to an exterior surface of said other member.

24. The package as claimed in claim22 wherein said actuator means includes discharge nozzle structure, one of said members defines a refill passage extending through said one member with a port at each end of said refill passage and a dispensing passage intersecting said refill passage and extending from said intersection with said refill passage to an exterior surface of said one member; and a second member, said first and second members being movable relative to each other between a first position in which a continuous material flow path including said dispensing passage is defined from said discharge passage structure to said nozzle structure and at least one port of said refill passage is closed by a surface of said second member to prevent material flow through said one refill passage port, and a second position in which a continuous material flow path through said refill passage is defined, refill passage is aligned with said discharge passagestructure and said one port of said refill passage is open whereby a and said'refill passage so that a direct path is defined.

for material to flow through said transfer tube, said refill passage and said discharge passage structure into I said container in a refilling operation.

25. The package of claim24 wherein said actuator means is mounted so that said refill' passage extends generally parallel to the discharge passage structure and said dispensing passage extends from said refill passage to saidnozzle in a direction generally perpendicular to said refill passage.

26. The package of claim 25 wherein said second member is mounted on said discharge passage structure and said one member is movable relative thereto in a direction generally perpendicular to said refill passage.

27. The package of claim 25 wherein said one member is mounted on said discharge passage structure and said second member is rotatable relative to said first structure about an axis generally parallel to said refill passage.

. 28. The package of claim 27 wherein said second &member includes a refill port portion extending 29. The package of claim 24 wherein said one member defines a valving surface engaging a valving surface defined by said second member, each of said refill and dispensing passages terminates in a port at said one member valving surface said ports being spaced from one another and said second structure defines an opening communicating with said discharge passage structure, and said one member is movable relative to said second member between said second position wherein said refill passage port communicates with said second member opening and said first position wherein said dispensing passage port communicates with said second member opening and refill passage port is sealed by said valving surface of said second member.

30. The package of claim 29 wherein said valving surfaces comprise portions of coaxial cylinders, said .one member is rotatable relative to said second member about the axis of said cylinders and said axis is generally perpendicular to the axis of said second member passage port, and said one member includes a substantially planar surface portion perpendicular to the axis of and surrounding said dispensing passage port, and further including means for sealingly engaging said surface portion when said members are in said first position.

31. The package of claim 28 wherein said one member includes a wiper surface adjacent an end of said refill passage, said wiper surface engaging and wiping a surface of said nozzle structure when said assembly is moved between said first and second positions and said second member has an upstanding wall portion including said nozzle structure and said one member engages a free edge of said wall portion when said members are in said first position.

32. The package of claim 22 wherein said support means includes an exterior surface defining therein a plurality of guides for engaging cooperating guides of a refilling container.

v UNITED'STATES; PATENT OFFICE v I Y (1E RTIFICATE ()F CORRECTION Patent No, 3 .68o .'6 05 v 1 n Dated August -.1, 1972 s g v I .It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patentare hereby'corrected as shownbelow:

Column 2, line 43, after "dispensing" insert -position, and support means mounted on the container. The--.

Column 7'; line 50, change "is'l t o --in---..

Column 8, line 31, change' "2 l2' to --272 Signed and sealed this Znd day of January 1973.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETC IHER,-JR. ROBERT GOTTSCIQLALK Attestlng OfflCGI Commissioner of Patents FORM PO-105O (1069) USCOMM-DC eosle-pe fl U,S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: I969 O366-3.

Claims

1. In a pressurized dispensing package including a container for storing a material to be dispensed under pressure, a discharge passage structure and a valve assembly for controlling the discharge of said material from said container through said discharge passage structure, an actuator assembly mounted on said discharge passage structure, said actuator assembly including discharge nozzle structure, first structure defining a refill passage extending through said first structure with a port at each end of said refill passage and a dispensing passage intersecting said refill passage and extending from said intersection with said refill passage to an exterior surface of said first structure; and second structure, said first and second structures being movable relative to each other between a first position in which a continuous material flow path including said dispensing passage is defined from said discharge passage structure to said nozzle structure and at least one port of said refill passage is closed by a surface of said second structure to prevent material flow through said one refill passage port, and a second position in which a continuous material flow path through said refill passage is defined, said refill passage is aligned with said discharge passage structUre and said one port of said refill passage is open whereby a transfer tube may be introduced into said refill passage to block said intersection of said dispensing passage and said refill passage so that a direct path is defined for material to flow through said transfer tube, said refill passage and said discharge passage structure into said container in a refilling operation.

6. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said first structure defines a valving surface engaging a valving surface defined by said second structure, each of said refill and dispensing passages terminates in a port at said first structure valving surface said ports being spaced from one another and said second structure defines an opening communicating with said discharge passage structure, and said first structure is movable relative to said second structure between said second position wherein said refill passage port communicates with said second structure opening and said first position wherein said dispensing passage port communicates with said second structure opening and refill passage port is sealed by said valving surface of said second structure.

9. The assembly of claim 7 wherein said second structure defines a channel extending therethrough parallel to said direction of relative movement, said first structure is mounted within said channel, and surfaces of said channel overlie and close both ends of said refill passage when said structures are in said first position.

11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein said first structure is rotatable relative to said second structure about the axis of said cylinders and said axis is generally perpendicular to the axis of said second structure passage port.

12. The assembly of claim 10 wherein said first structure includes a substantially planar surface portion perpendicular to the axis of and surrounding said dispensing passage port, and further including means for sealingly engaging said surface portion when said structures are in said first position.

13. The assembly of claim 6 wherein said first structure includes a wiper surface adjacent an end of said refill passage, said wiper surface engaging and wiping a surface of said nozzle structure when said assembly is moved between said first and second positions.

14. The Assembly of clAim 6 wherein said second structure has an upstanding wall portion including said nozzle structure and said first structure engages a free edge of said wall portion when said structures are in said first position.

15. The assembly of claim 6 wherein said first structure comprises a member of molded organic plastic including a cylindrical knuckle portion mounted within a recess defined by said second structure and a spout portion extending outwardly from said knuckle portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis thereof.

16. The assembly of claim 15 wherein said member includes a first duct extending through said knuckle and said spout portion and a second duct extending from an interior portion of said first duct to the cylindrical surface of said knuckle portion.

17. The assembly of claim 1 and further including a supporting member fixedly mounted on said container, said first and second structures being movable as a unit relative to said supporting member in a direction generally parallel to the axis of said discharge passage structure when said structures are in said first position and said structures and supporting member defining cooperating portions for preventing movement of said structures relative to said supporting member in said direction when said structures are in said second position.

19. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said first structure defines a valving surface engaging a valving surface defined by said second structure, each of said refill and dispensing passages terminates in a port at said first structure valving surface, said ports being spaced from one another and said second structure defines an opening communicating with said discharge passage structure, said first structure is movable relative to said second structure between said second position wherein said refill passage port communicates with said second structure opening and said first position wherein said dispensing passage port communicates with said second structure opening and refill passage port is sealed by said valving surface of said second structure, said first structure further includes a latch surface portion adjacent said dispensing passage port, and further including transfer structure mounted on said discharge passage structure and extending through said second structure opening, said transfer structure engaging said latch surface portion when said structures are in said first position.

20. The assembly of claim 19 wherein said refill passage and said opening of said second structure are of substantially the same diameter, and said transfer structure defines a passage of diameter substantially equal to the diameters of said discharge passage and said dispensing passage.

21. A pressurized dispensing package adapted to be refilled from a second pressurized dispensing package comprising: a container adapted to hold a material to be dispensed under pressure, a structure defining a discharge passage for flow of material from said container, a valve assembly for controlling the flow of material through said discharge passage, and an actuator assembly mounted on said container in communication with said discharge passage structure including discharge nozzle structure, first structure defining a refill passage extending through said first structure with a port at each end of said refill passage and a dispensing passage intersecting said refill passage and extending from said intersection with said refill passage to an exterior surface of said first structure; and second structure, said first and second structures being movable relative to each other between a first position in which a continuous material flow path from said discharge passage structure to said nozzle structure including said dispensing passage is defined and at least one port of said refill passage is closed by a surface of said second structure to prevent material flow through said one refill passage port, and a second position in which a continuous material flow path through said refill passage is defined, said refill passage is aligned with said discharge passage structure and said one port of said refill passage is open whereby a transfer tube coupled to said second pressurized dispensing package may be introduced into said refill passage to block said intersection of said dispensing passage and said refill passage so that a direct path is defined for material to flow from said second package through said transfer tube, said refill passage and said discharge passage structure into said container in a refilling operation.

22. A pressurized dispensing package adapted to be refilled from a second pressurized dispensing package comprising: a container adapted to hold a material to be dispensed under pressure, a structure defining a discharge passage for flow of material from said container, a valve assembly for controlling the flow of material through said discharge passage, support means mounted on said container and actuator means disposed within said support means and mounted on said container in communication with said discharge passage structure for operation of said valve assembly in a material dispensing operation, said actuator means including two members movable relative to one another between first and second positions, said members in said first position defining a dispensing passage from said discharge passage to a nozzle and in said second position defining a refill passage in communicating alignment with said discharge passage, and latch means for latching said members in said first position, said support and actuator means further including cooperating portions movable to a position preventing movement of said actuator means relative to said support means in a valve assembly operating direction, and means responsive to placing said support and actuator means in said movement preventing position for releasing said latch means to permit said members to be moved to said second position.

23. The package of claim 22 wherein said actuator means further includes a transfer member mounted on said discharge passage structure, one of said members is mounted on said transfer member defining a surface for receiving the other member, and said dispensing passage is of smaller dimension than said refill passage and extends from an intersection with said refill passage to an exterior surface of said other member.

24. The package as claimed in claim 22 wherein said actuator means includes discharge nozzle structure, one of said members defines a refill passage extending through said one member with a port at each end of said refill passage and a dispensing passage intersecting said refill passage and extending from said intersection with said refill passage to an exterior surface of said one member; and a second member, said first and second members being movable relative to each other between a first position in which a continuous material flow path including said dispensing passage is defined from said discharge passage structure to said nozzle structure and at least one port of said refill passage is closed by a surface of said second member to prevent material flow through said one refill passage port, and a second position in which a continuous material flow path through said refill passage is defined, said refill passage is aligned with said discharge passage structure and said one port of said refill passage is open whereby a transfer tube may be introduced into said refill passage to block said intersection of said dispensing passage and said refill passage so that a direct path is defined for material to flow through said transfer tube, said refill passage and said discharge passage structure into said container in a refilling operation.

25. The package of claim 24 wherein said actuator means is mounted so That said refill passage extends generally parallel to the discharge passage structure and said dispensing passage extends from said refill passage to said nozzle in a direction generally perpendicular to said refill passage.

28. The package of claim 27 wherein said second member includes a refill port portion extending therethrough parallel to said axis, said refill port portion being in communication with said refill passage when said members are in said second position and being spaced from said refill passage when said members are in said first position.

29. The package of claim 24 wherein said one member defines a valving surface engaging a valving surface defined by said second member, each of said refill and dispensing passages terminates in a port at said one member valving surface said ports being spaced from one another and said second structure defines an opening communicating with said discharge passage structure, and said one member is movable relative to said second member between said second position wherein said refill passage port communicates with said second member opening and said first position wherein said dispensing passage port communicates with said second member opening and refill passage port is sealed by said valving surface of said second member.

30. The package of claim 29 wherein said valving surfaces comprise portions of coaxial cylinders, said one member is rotatable relative to said second member about the axis of said cylinders and said axis is generally perpendicular to the axis of said second member passage port, and said one member includes a substantially planar surface portion perpendicular to the axis of and surrounding said dispensing passage port, and further including means for sealingly engaging said surface portion when said members are in said first position.