Dispensing – With filter – Associated with vent passage
Patent
1995-07-07
1998-03-17
Huson, Gregory L.
Dispensing
With filter
Associated with vent passage
2223219, B67D 558
Patent
active
057277150
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to an atomiser and in particular an atomiser for producing a fine spray mist of water. It is known to provide a spring water atomiser comprising a pressurised container of water which can be discharged in a fine spray via gas driven aerosol. Until recently a CFC gas was used for propulsion but now more environmentally acceptable gases are used in the aerosol. A pressurized aerosol is not, however, suitable for all ages and for all environments.
The present invention is directed towards the provision of a liquid spray device which overcomes this problem.
According to the invention there is provided an atomiser comprising a container for liquid, means for dispensing liquid from the container as an atomised spray, a vent passage communicating between an interior and exterior of the container, and means to purify air drawn into the container through the vent passage when liquid is discharged from the container.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the means to purify air is a filter mounted across the vent passage. Thus, advantageously as vent air is drawn into the container, it is purified to prevent contamination of the liquid within the container.
In another embodiment the filter has openings for through passage of air, said openings being sized to block harmful bacteria. Typically the openings are of a size no greater than 0.2 microns. Thus, advantageously the filter will trap any harmful bacteria in the vent air drawn into the container. At the same time there is sufficient air movement through the filter so that the spray remains effective and fine. The filter should preferably be of a material which is resistant to the liquid in the container so it will not disintegrate or lose its effectiveness after contact with the liquid in the container.
In one embodiment the filter is mounted at an inner end of the vent passage within the container. Alternatively, the filter may be mounted at an outer end of the vent passage.
In a particularly preferred embodiment the filter is supported on a holder mounted across the vent passage. Preferably the holder has a number of through holes across which the filter is supported.
In a further embodiment the dispensing means is a pump. Ideally the pump has a housing through which the vent passage passes, the holder being mounted on the pump housing across the vent passage.
In a particularly preferred embodiment the pump has an inlet for communication with an interior of the container and an outlet with a spray nozzle for discharging liquid from the container in an atomised spray, a spring-loaded plunger slidably mounted within the housing and projecting outwardly therefrom, operable to deliver liquid between the inlet and the outlet, a mounting flange projecting outwardly of the housing for engagement with a periphery of an opening in the container to mount the pump on the container, the filter holder being mounted between the housing and the flange across the vent passage.
In another embodiment the filter holder has a tubular body which is a sleeved fit on an exterior of the housing beneath the flange, the body having a flanged upper end with a number of spaced-apart vent holes across which the filter is mounted, an upstanding peripheral rim on the flanged end engaging the pump mounting flange.
In a further embodiment the filter holder has a ring-shaped body with a central through hole for engagement around the pump housing, an air-tight seal being provided between the pump housing and the body, the filter being mounted on the body across a number of vent holes passing through the body, an upper face of the body engaging an underside of the pump mounting flange.
In another embodiment the housing and the flange are of plastics material, the holder being ultrasonically welded to the housing and the flange. This greatly facilitates manufacture enabling the holder to be quickly mounted on the housing in an efficient and economic manner.
In a further embodiment the filter holder has a tubular body engagable with an upper end of the pump
REFERENCES:
patent: 4694976 (1987-09-01), Schuetz
patent: 4917271 (1990-04-01), Kanner et al.
patent: 4930667 (1990-06-01), Holzner, Sr.
patent: 5074440 (1991-12-01), Clements et al.
patent: 5082149 (1992-01-01), Cross
patent: 5154325 (1992-10-01), Ryder et al.
Clear Aidan
McGlynn Angus
McKenna Maurice
Huson Gregory L.
TEE Enterprises Limited
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