US3876115A - Double expansible bladder container - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid container especially adapted for the fluid storage and dispensing of a fluid without the use of a propellant or the like. The container utilizes a first expansible bladder which is substantially compatible with the material or fluid to be stored therein and which in most instances, is fluid impervious or material impermeable. The first bladder does not materially contribute to exerting an expelling force on the material stored within and consequently, a second expansible bladder substantially coextensive with the first one is provided wherein the material from which the second bladder is constructed has a high-elastic memory so that upon the filling of a first bladder with a stored fluid, the expansion of the first bladder causes equal expansion of the second bladder to thereby exert a dispensing force upon the material or fluid stored within the first expansible bladder. A novel container utilizing the double bladder concept is also disclosed. Applications of the invention other than containers are also disclosed.

Description

United States Patent n 1 Venus, Jr. et al.

[ 1 DOUBLE EXPANSIBLE BLADDER CONTAINER [75] Inventors: Frank Venus, .Ir., Watertown.

Conn; Richard E. Ruhe, Bedford. NH.

[73} Assignee: Plant Industries. Inc., Anaheim.

Calif.

[22] Filed: Apr. 27, 1972 [21] App]. No.: 248.212

[52] US. Cl. 222/183; 222/212; ZZZ/386.5 [51] lnt. Cl 367d 5/06 [58] Field of Search 222/92. 94. 95. 105. 212.

[561 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2.109.549 3/1938 Piquercz 222/95 3.067.810 12/1962 Mozic 222/95 3.225.967 12/1965 Heimgartner... 222/95 X 3.240.399 3/1966 Frandeen 222/212 X 3.361.303 1/1968 \"ucuzzi 222/212 3.672.543 6/1972 Roper et al. ZZZ/386.5 X 3.738.538 6/1973 Roper et al..... ZZZ/386.5 3.791.537 3/1974 Venus 222/105 Apr. s, 1975 Primary E.\'amiuerStanley H. Tollberg Assistant Examiner-Larry H. Martin Attorney. Agent, or FirmMahoney. Schick & Cislo ABSTRACT A fluid container especially adapted for the fluid storage and dispensing of a fluid without the use of a propellant or the like. The container utilizes a first expansible bladder which is substantially compatible with the material or fluid to be stored therein and which in most instances. is fluid impervious or material impermeable. The first bladder does not materially contribute to exerting an expelling force on the material stored within and consequently. a second expansible bladder substantially coextensive with the first one is provided wherein the material from which the second bladder is constructed has a high-elastic memory so that upon the filling of a first bladder with a stored fluid. the expansion of the first bladder causes equal expansion of the second bladder to thereby exert a dispensing force upon the material or fluid stored within the first expansible bladder. A novel container utilizing the double bladder concept is also disclosed. Applications of the invention other than containers are also disclosed.

DOUBLE EXPANSIBLE BLADDER CONTAINER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The use of expansible membranesor bladders for the storage and dispensing of fluids. especially viscous ones. has been suggested hereinbefore in order to replace the ubiquitous aerosol container. The reason for wanting to replace the aerosol-type dispenser is because of the health hazard that these containers present. Firstly. there is some medical evidence to indicate that a number of people are afflicted with serious asthmatic or other traumatic attacks from the inhalation of the fluoro hydrocarbons normally utilized as propellants.

Secondly. the high pressures under which the aerosol containers are put present safety hazards. especially once the consumer product contained within the containers has been expelled. Thus. heating or incineration of the aerosol containers have resulted in mishaps due to the resultant explosions.

However. in some of the containers that have been proposed that obviate the use of a propellant such as the fluorinated hydrocarbons, it has not always been possible to store a fluid for a prolonged period of time without the deleterious results to the effective functioning of the dispenser. It has been difficult to match the material or fluid to be contained with the particular bladder or expansible membrane which was to contain the fluid or material. In many instances, it was possible to obtain compatibility with the product to be stored but the compatibility was short-lived or did not provide the necessary expelling force to the fluid or material contained in the dispenser.

In the storage of fluids. it is necessary for obtaining an effective dispenser to not only provide an impermeable boundary or barriers for the fluid to be stored. but also to provide a force acting upon the fluid which will effectively dispense it from the container over the life of the product.

Hence. in dealing with containers of the expansible bladder type. the most important parameters to be considered are permeability of the product and elasticity or elastic memory of the bladder sufficient to be able to provide an expelling or dispensing force even after the expansible bladder has contained the fluid to be stored over a prolonged period of time. In most instances. where the bladder would satisfactorily retain the fluid therein. it was found that after a short period of time. the bladder took a set and could no longer exert the necessary force upon the stored fluid to exert a dispensing force thereon. In other instances. where the bladder had high-elastic memory and thus would not take an undue set. it was found that its resistance to permeability was not effective for many products or components thereof.

With the herein-disclosed dispensers of this invention. many of the above-described shortcomings have been overcome and there is provided a dispensing container wherein a double bladder combination is utilized wherein the first bladder to contain the fluid is highly compatible with and is substantially impervious to the material or fluid to be stored and the second bladder substantially coextensive with the first bladder, has high-elastic memory not subject to taking a physical set which would impair its ability to exert a dispensing force on the fluid stored within the first expansible bladder.

Additionally, a container is provided which is easily assembled and which utilizes a valve and a container construction which permits sub-assembly of many of the components of the containers of this invention, prior to the complete assemblage of the total dispenser.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE lNVENTlON It is an object of this invention to provide a fluid dispenser of the expansible member type.

It is another object of this invention to provide a fluid dispenser of the expansible member type wherein substantially long shelf life is given to the product to be stored.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a fluid dispenser of the expansible member type utilizing an unique assemblage of valve components.

It is still a further more specific object of the invention to provide a fluid dispenser of the expansible member type utilizing a first expansible member of substantially impermeable character and a second expansible member having a high degree of elastic memory.

It is still another and further specific object of the invention to provide a fluid dispenser of the expansible member type utilizing a double bladder construction wherein a first bladder. within which the fluid or mate rial is to be stored has high compatibility therewith.

It is still another and further more specific object of the invention to provide a fluid dispenser of the expansible member type wherein a double bladder or expansible membrane construction is utilized. the second membrane being substantially coextensive with the first membrance and having a high degree of elastic memory but a high permeability to most fluids and materials It is still a further and specific object of the invention to provide a fluid dispenser of the expansible member type utilizing a double bladder construction wherein the first bladder. which stores the fluid. is of a butyltype clastomer and the second member which exerts dispelling forces upon the stored fluid in the first bladder. is of a latex type clastomer.

It is still an even further more specific object of the invention to provide a container to store fluids utilizing a double bladder construction wherein the bladders are chosen for specific end functions and cooperation with one another to effectively store and dispense fluids having a myriad of properties.

It is still another and even further specific object of the invention to provide a container to store fluids which permits sub-assembly of several of the major components thereof to be readied for complete assembly into an assembled container.

These and further objects of the invention will be come apparent from the disclosure and the drawings contained herein.

Generally. in an exemplary embodiment. the dispenser of this invention pertains to a container to store fluids having a first conformable member adapted to hold fluids therein and having the ability to resist molecular or other fluid migration therethrough. A second conformable member is juxtapositioned to and substantially co-extensive with said first member and has an elasticity thereof sufficient to exert an expelling force on the stored fluid and to drive same from said first member.

In a more specific exemplary embodiment. a fluid dispenser is contemplated comprising the combination of a container body and cover therefor including a fluid passageway communicating the exterior thereof to a valve member supported within said container body. A valve member; a first expansible member of fluid impermeable character having an open end and a closed end. the diameter approximate said open end being larger than the diameter of said closed end with said first expansible member being adapted to be retained within said container body and store fluid therein. A second expansible member, coextensive with and exteriorly disposed to said first member in juxta relationship, is also provided. A valve seating member is disposed in axially shiftable relationship within said valve member and is adapted to open and close the communication between said fluid passageway and the interior of said first expansible member. A mandrel is provided within said first expansible member forming dispensing flow paths for fluid to be stored within said first expansible member and exerting pretensioning upon said first and second expansible members. The second expansible member overlying said first expansible member has a high elastic memory and is conformable with said first expansible member when same is filled with a fluid and exerts a dispensing force thereon to expel said fluid when said valve seating member is unseated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

mandrel member that may be utilized in lieu of that shown in FIGS. I and 3 and as would be taken along the line 3-3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmented view. in cross-section. of another embodiment ofa container of this invention; and

FIG. 6 is a fragmented.cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of a container of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST EMBODIMENTS CONTEMPLATED:

Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals of reference designate like elements throughout and referring specifically to FIG. 1, adispenser 2, one of the several embodiments of the invention. is shown as comprising acontainer body 4 in the preferred form of moldable plastic wherein the walls thereof form aneck portion 6 and an interior cavity orchamber 8 with the bottom interior wall thereof being formed by abase 10 thereby forming an enclosed physical barrier or container I2 for purposes which will become apparent as the description proceeds herein.

Supported onneck 6 iscollar member 14 integrally molded and connected as byconnection ribs 16 and forming amouth opening 18 which receives a valve assembly as will be described in nestled relationship as shown in FIG. 1.

Cover member 22 is of the usual type having afluid passageway 24 formed by thewalls 26 thereof. communicating the exterior 28 to theinlet 30 which is in communication with the valve assemblage received within themouth 18 as will be described.

Thecover 22 is of molded plastic and fits onto thecollar 16 and is rotatable with respect thereto into a locked position and oppositely rotatable to an open position. Suffiee to say that in order to obtain operability of thedispenser 2, and more specifically actuation of the valve mechanism, the locked position prevents depression of thecap 22 and more specifically the communication of inlet with the valve assembly received in nestled relationship within themouth 18. Other forms of cover members are also contemplated.

Thevalve assembly 32 received within themouth 18 of thedispenser 2 comprises, (in the order of assembly shown in FIG.2)ferrule member 34 of thin wall deformable metal. aluminum for example, of generally cylindrical design having anorifice portion 36 communicating to theinlet 30 ofpassage 24 ofcover member 22.Ferrule member 34 may be within the thickness of about 0.020 of an inch so that the lower portion thereof may be crimped or bent as shown at 38 (FIG. 1) after assemblage of thevalve assembly 32 as will become ap parent.

Anupper portion 40 of cylindrical configuration provides an interior recess to receive thevalve seat 42 in this instance. an annular disc of conformable rubber. having acentral aperture 44 to accommodateinlet 30 ofpassage 24.Ferrule 34 has a depending exterior wall which as indicated earlier. becomes crimped as at 38 in later assembly. The interior configuration offerrule 34 is adapted to receive in nestled. substantially tight relationship. the remaining components of the assemblage as can be seen in FIG. I and as will now be described.

Avalve seating member 46 having anannular portion 48 with spacedprotuberances 50 provides the manipulable component of thevalve assemblage 32 to allow dispensing of flowable substances contained within thedispenser 2 as will become apparent. Theupper surface 52 ofmember 46, which member is axially shiftable as will become apparent. into and out of fluid-tight relationship with theunder surface 54 ofvalve seat 42 permits fluid or flowable substances, to flow between the spaced protuberances orprojections 50 peripherally spaced on the exterior surface ofannular portion 48.

The under surface ofannular portion 48 and dependingportion 56 are adapted to receive in cooperation.coil spring 58 which coil spring acts against theupper surface 60 of themandrel 62 having upstanding opposedprojections 64 at the upper portion thereof to captively holdcoil spring 58.

To effect proper positioning ofcoil spring 58, abutton protuberance 66 may be provided on thesurface 60 ofmandrel 62. It should be obvious that thecoil spring 58 normally positions andbiases seating member 46 into the seating or closed position with respect tovalve seat 42 thereby effectively blocking fluid flow topassageway 30.

Mandrel member 62, in this instance. may be of molded plastic and is cruciform in cross-section (FIG. 3) having theribs 68 symmetrically arranged thereby formingflow paths 70 therebetween to allow for fluid or material flow into (during the filling operation) and from within the expansible member through thevalve assemblage 32 into theinlet 30 and ultimately through theoutlet 24 formed bycap member 22. Themandrel 62 is just slightly longer than the expansible members making up the containers of this invention. but not so long as to extend the entire length of thechamber 8 formed bybody 4 and base I0 of thedispenser 2. Other lengths may be useful.

The next componentvalve body member 72 is of general cylindrical configuration having a firstannular portion 74 providing an abutment or stop upon whichvalve seat member 42 is supported. A next cylindrical butlarger portion 76 is of depending skirt configuration having atubular depending extension 78 with atapered end portion 80. It will be noted that thevalve body member 72 is of a size to be received within the interior offerrule member 34 and forms with the dependingcollar portion 76, a means to receive the open upper ends of the expansible members in fluid-tight relationship as shown in FIG. l.

The first expansible bladder ormembrane 82 is of a material which is compatible with the fluid or material to be stored therein and generally will be of butyl-like elastomer which is highly impervious to the materials to be stored therein. It will be noted that theupper flange portion 84 is substantially square in crosssection and is tightly received within the dependingcollar 76 ofvalve body member 72. The second expansible bladder ormembrane 86 is generally slightly larger than the firstexpansible member 82 and has an upperflanged portion 88 which is slightly larger than theflanged portion 84 and is of a different shape. That is. theupper flange 88 is of frusto-conical configuration so as to be received within the sinuosity formed between thevalve body member 72 and the lockingring 90. Other fluid-tight arrangements are possible.

The lockingring 90 also of molded plastic, is generally collar-like in configuration having afirst collar portion 92 adapted to be received in snug. nestled relationship within thecollar 14 ofdispenser 2 in a snap-action fitting manner. It will be noted that theupper portion 92 ofsnap ring member 90 is adapted to retain theflanged portions 88 and 84 ofexpansible membranes 86 and 82 respectively and to do so while being received in snug engagement withinferrule member 34 and more particularly the depending walls of which are eventually crimped to form a rigid assemblage as shown in FIG. 1.

Snap or lockingring 90 has a plurality of spaced lockinglegs 94 on thelower collar portion 96 which member is formed of a deformable plastic and which is received as earlier indicated, within thecollar 14 in friction-fit. snug relationship.

There are other embodiments of the invention which will now be described which provide for an effective fluid dispenser as functional as the one just described. For example, the mandrel member previously described need not be cruci-form in crosssection but may be oval in cross-section as illustrated in FIG. 4. It has been found that ribs or grooves or other such means, are not necessary to form fluid paths for the materials to be dispensed within the confines of thefirst bladder 82. Thus. the elasticity or resilience of thesecond bladder 86 substantially coextensive with thefirst expandible bladder 82, will create a dispensing force tending to drive the fluid along the extent of the oval mandrel.

Another embodiment is as illustrated in FIGS. 5, and 6 utilizing slightly different construction. For example, referring now to FIG. 5 it will be seen that asecondary ferrule member 102 is utilized in the structure wherein there is permitted the assemblage of sub-assemblies prior to assembly into the final assembly of the dispenser. In this instance. the order of assembly, as for example shown in FIG. 2, is somewhat different. The outer orsecond bladder 86 is assembled with the snap ring to comprise one sub-assembly and thefirst bladder 82 is combined with thevalve body member 72. The snap ring with the positioned second or outer bladder is then joined in cooperative relationship with thevalve body member 72 by means of secondary ferrule l02 which is crimped at thelower portion 104 thereof to provide the sub-assembly. Thereafter, when complete assembly is contemplated. themandrel 62 is driven into the bore of the valve member and assumes the locked relationship shown thereby pretensioning and extending the first andsecond bladders 82 and 86 respectively, and thereafter thecoil spring 58,valve actuator 46 andvalve seat 42 are positioned within theferrule 34 and the outer ferrule crimped over at the lower portion thereof as shown in FIG. 5 to securely position and join all of the elements in cooperative relationship.

Referring now to H6. 6 there is shown a construction which does not utilize a secondary ferrule member but instead a ferrule member 112 is utilized which has an open upper portion 114 shown in dotted line with a lower portion configured substantially as earlier described forferrule 34. In this instance, however. the order of assembly is that themandrel 62 is snapped into a temporary locked position after the first and second bladders. locking ring and valve body are assembled and held together with the ferrule 112 being thereafter crimped as at 116. Thevalve spring 58.valve actuator 46 andvalve seat 42 are thereafter positioned in place along with a plastic annular cap member US which forms the upper abutment surface forvalve seat 42 and thereafter the upper portions of ferrule 112 are bent over and crimped as shown in full line of FIG. 6.

it should be understood that the specific structures described hereinabove, may be varied considerably with respect to individual components utilized and their specific design and configuration modified as those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize without departing from the spirit of the invention. Thus many alternatives and modifications will suggest themselves and indeed all are contemplated so long as the essence of the invention is adhered to. The particularly important aspects of the invention will now be considered in some detail.

THE FIRST OR INNER BLADDER While there are a great many chemical formulations from which this member may be made, it is not only important to consider the impermeability of the material with respect to fluids or other substances which it will eventually contain. but also its overall compatability. By compatability is meant the ability of the formed membrane or bladder to store fluid for an acceptable shelf-life period without permitting migration or permeation of the fluid therethrough and to remain inert and substantially unaffected by the contained fluid. Additionally. it is important that the end material be capable of functioning in a manner to produce an effective overall container.

For example, the first or inner membrane must not only be impermeable. it must also meet certain other criteria for effective use in a container of the type embraced by this invention. The material must be able to have a substantial ability to expand and contract without bursting; must be able to have some degree of elasticity and generally must meet the criteria necessary to satisfactorily perform in the manner as disclosed herein.

While a butyl-type elastomer, polymer or copolymer has the lowest permeability, it may not always be the most satisfactory when considering other factors. For example, butyl has a low permeability to most prod ucts, but is not necessarily compatible with some as for example. alcohol and oil. For example, chloro-butyl. while not as satisfactory as butyl with regard to permeability, is easier to use and in some instances, much more desirable than the butyl polymer without the chloro radical. Permeability to fluids may be determined by acceptable test procedures sch as ASTM D814-55.

in any event, notwithstanding some of these properties. it is important that the inner bladder, which contains the fluid or material to be stored, meet certain minimum criteria so as to be able to function satisfactorily in containers of the type herein under discussion.

For example, it has been found that the wall thickness of the formed bladder may be within the range of about 0.040 to 0.060 inch and that the material used should also be capable of producing a bladder that is compatible with the material to be stored and should have a modulus of about 300 at 500 percent elongalion. Additionally, it should have an ultimate tensile of about 2000 psi plus or minus 200 with an elongation factor of at least 850 percent which includes a satisfactory safety factor. The set that the material takes after standing. should not be more than about 20 percent although this of course, will vary depending upon the ultimate elasticity or elastic memory of the butyl-like material used and to some degree is influenced by the material used for the second or primary power bladder which furnishes the majority of the force used to dispense the stored product. These parameters may be easily determined utilizing accepted ASTM procedures, modified where necessary to meet the circumstances.

lf undue set occurs, folds and/or wrinkles will form in the inner membrane making it difficult, if not impossible. to dispense the fluids contained within these folds. This undesirability is manifest. Volume expansion of the formed bladder should be at least 800cc and the /8 should be at least 22. (S /S refers to the thin film or bubble burst test that is applied to a section of the membrane. The so-called 5 /8,, for the mebrane it self varies over the entire surface area of the expanded membrane. Values may range from 0.8/1 to 15.0/1. The relationship is determined by gridding" or stamping the unexpanded membrane surface with squares 0.1 in width X 0.1 in length and measuring the sidth and lengths in various sections at different degrees of inflation. The primary objective of this type of test is to determine uniformity of expansion over the entire area and also the shape or profile for various volumes). All of the foregoing parameters are applicable for an ultimate container of the 8 ounce size variety. Obviously, some of the foregoing parameters will change depending upon the ultimate size of the container desired and are merely given for guide purposes.

The foregoing physical constants are determined for the most part, as previously indicated, according to accepted testing procedures utilizing for example, the Scott Test Procedures in order to determine the modulus, tensile and elongation factors, whereas the 8 /8,, and volume test are determined by the thin-film burst tests as outlined in High Polymer Latices, D.C. Blackley, Palmerton Publishing Co., New York,Vol 2. Chapter V111, Section 17.3.2.

Other types of butyl-like elastomers will also suggest themselves with respect to the ultimate end uses to which they are to be put. For example, where a food product, or the like, is intended to be the material or fluid to be contained in the first bladder, FDA approval must be available and where other products are contemplated that have a deteriorating effect upon the more commonplace butyl-elastomers, other compounds such as nitrile rubber, neoprene and the Vitons" may be resorted to. In each of these instances, however, the basic physical properties as outlined hereinbefore, should be followed in order to have the most satisfactory container combination possible. In most instances, the butyl-like bladder or membrane will be molded as opposed to dip formed, but obviously where the materials from which the first or inner membrane is made, can meet the afore-described criteria, it matters not what manufacturing procedure or processes are employed. Additionally, while a specific polygonal configuration for the membrane has been illustrated, other shapes are indeed possible.

THE SECOND OR LATEX-TYPE MEMBRANE The materials that are most suitable for the manufacture of the second or outer membrane, are the latextype compounds. Undue regard need not be made with respect to permeability. However, the selected material should be of the type that closely approximates the basic physical consideration and parameters outlined above for the inner membrane or bladder, and in addition, one important criterion. This salient factor is that of elasticity or elastic momery. Elasticity must be such that the second member or membrane will always retain a sufficient tendency to return to its original, natural or unfilled state, so as to be capable of exerting dispensing forces upon the material contained within the first or inner membrane. For an 8 ounce size container, it is most desirable that the initial force exerted by the outer bladder or membrane, be in the area of about 15 psi with a final force factor of about 9 to 10 psi. It is, of course, obvious that at the initial period of shelf life of a recently-filled container, the inner membrane will help contribute some of the dispensing force which, depending upon the material utilized, will dissipate over a period of time because of the poor elastic memory of some of the butyl-like elastomers.

The second or outer membrane should have a modulus of about 500 or more at 500 percent, and a tensile strength of roughly 3000 to 5000 with an elongation factor within the range, of avout 750-1000. The volume test should be at least not below 600cc and preferably about 800cc at a 14 psi pressure. The 52/8,, ratio should desirably be in the 25-35 range at a stress factor of about 7000 to 14000.

It has been found that most materials of the natural latextypc, natural or otherwise, will give the characteristics outlined above, wherein the wall thickness of the bladder lies within the range of about 0030-0090 inch. In most instances, an improved performance bladder is obtained by double or even triple dipping allowing the individual coats of material to dry or cure between dippings. That is not to say, however, that other materials that are moldable and still meet the foregoing criteria, will not suffice as indeed many other such materials will perform satisfactorily.

COOPERATIVE PARAMATERS With respect to the first or inner bladder and the second or outer bladder. it is important that the physical relationship be maimamedg while Specific P 5 Using the criteria for the containers of this invention 0113 Configurations of the ladders have been and specifically the disclosure directed to the FIG. I "med! other Configurations are indeed Possible j embodiment. a plurality of containers were fabricated long as thfi members substanhihly coexlensivh and satisfactorily tested with various products from and Preferably congruent m Configuration and the u water to heavy viscous fluids such as hand creams. One lo ng rBlat On p be fl l e such container is described below.

The outside diameter of the first or inner bladder should be such as to combine with the second bladder in nesting relationship so that sufficient contact at the EXAMPLE l interface therof is obtained in order to ensure simulta- A butynypa elastomer fro WARCQ a f b i neous distention and extension of the bladders during f clastgmefic cl r and specifically designated the filling process. Relative movement between the wARCQ 5P-3A, w tili d to fabricate a first or or phy y assembled first and Second bladders at the inner bladder using conventional molding techniques. interface thereof. should be curtailed and avoided if Th thickngss f thi member was 0.038 inch. possible. to eliminate the possibility of rupturing or lo- 70 A Second bl dder or member was fabricated using a calizcd overstressing of one bladder with respect to the m-di ro from a latex-type elastomer from Ot er. Uniroyal Co. product designated Nat. 5085.

It is also important that the respective dimensions of These materials produced bladders having the folthc bladders be such that there is no excess or surpluslowing characteristics:

VOLUME TEST Modulus Tensile Elong. Membrane Bubble 500% PS1 PS1 it PS] Vo=5ml 54s., Stress V ml BUTYL 307 2123 937 7.0 745 23.2 3940 LATEX 41s 4370 843 14.0 H60 27.9 12.630

age of material at the interface formed by the exterior These bladders Performed h." or the first bladder and the interior of the second or Productslested having acceptable-51181006 and Mel outer bladder. The avoidance of the excess or surplusof pcrformuhce' I age prevents wrinkling of the bladder at the interface there has been d'$cl0d umque conmmers and eliminates the possibility of entrapment of fluid or mynad products Wherem the Products are material which is to be stored in the container in the Pchshd the use of Pmpehflms of the comm voids and cavities of the wrinkles which would be proa h duced by having oversized bladders and which forma- 40 1 a I h b I tion would occur during the filling process. In order to i hag 5 g g y :1 aid in the correct interface condition formation. a fric- F y Hg] f to 810mb m tion-reducing material is preferably placed on either con e er a c 0 0 fluid therein and having the ability to resist molecular the cXtLtlDt surface of the first or Inner membrane or th fl the hr u h, a Second cum, on the inside surface ofthc second or outer membrane. or 0 er m o g conformable member in the unstressed. unfilled state Such materials may comprise cornstarch. calcium car- I bonam finely round com cob )r a V of th m being substantially congruentin configurat|ont0.]uxtay e 0 er positioned and contacting said first inner member at known such desiccant-type materials.

Th: 5 gcific Confi unmon onhe u er Onion or ex the interface formed by the exterior walls of each of tremitie s of the bl'iflders is importa h t wi fh respect to a s Second members and fi elasticity t ereo su icient to exert an ex e in orce on t e the prevention of relative movement and displacement Stored fluid and to drive Same g g first member thereof with respect to one another, and with respect each of Said first and Second members having an open to the valve assembly with which they are assembled. end and a closed end Said first member being nested For example. it will be noted that the first or inner bladwithin Said Second member mclhhmhm is Prm'idcd h uhupstanding flange 2. The container in accordance with claim l wherein pf rclgtltigejly square egoss-sectron wgcge s h f said first memberis fabricated ofa material that is comype a er of mem rane ls provi e Wlt a rustopatible with the fluid to be Stored which upper extremity ah of which ensuresh 3. The container in accordance withclaim 2 wherein g h r g h the :Ouhle bladder f fi of said first member is inert to the stored material and I er m0 G5 are wmemp ate comprises a butyl-type elastomer and said second dswl r zliifq w z j s le rii i fygspggfigf yrs i t t ia hmembpr is fabricated of a latex-type elastomer having o t .0 me 1S igh e astic memory. course obvious that the basic idea of containing a sub- 4 The container in agcg dance i l i 2 h i smnce m "'"P member and having a the force exerted by said second member is sufficient ond member coextensive therewith to exert dispensing forces on the stored material for one reason or another. has broader application as might be found in pressure to expel substantially all of stored fluid.

S. The container in accordance withclaim 4 wherein the wall construction of said second member is of multi-layered construction and the wall construction of said first member is of integrally molded construction.

6. The container in accordance with claim wherein in the normal unfilled state said first member is of smaller size to nest within said second member.

7. The container in accordance withclaim 6 wherein the wall thickness of said first member lies within the range of about 0.040 to 0.060 inch.

8. The container in accordance with claim 7 wherein the wall thickness of said second member lies within the range of about 0.030 to 0.070 inch.

9. The container in accordance withclaim 6 wherein a layer of friction reducing material is positioned at said interface to facilitate nesting of said first and second members.

10. The container in accordance with claim 9 wherein the upper portion of said first member is provided with a flange of relatively square cross-section.

11. The container in accordance withclaim 10 wherein the upper portion of said second member is provided with a frusto-conical configuration.

12. The container in accordance with claim ll wherein said first and second members are prestressed prior to filling with said fluid to be stored.

U. The container in accordance with claim [2 wherein said first and second members are longitudinally and radially stressed.

14. A non-aerosol fluid dispenser comprising the combination of: a substantially rigid container body and cover therefor. including a fluid passageway communicating the exterior thereof to a valve member supported within said container body; a valve member; a first inner resilient expansible member of fluid impermeable character having an open end and a closed end. the diameter proximate said open end being larger than the diameter of said closed end. said first expansible member being adapted to be retained within said container body and store fluid therein; a second outer expansible member in the unstressed. unfilled state being substantially congruent to. coextensive with and com tacting said first member in juxtarelationship and having an open end and a closed end. said exterior walls of said first and second members being in substantial contact and forming an interface substantially coincident with said first and second members; a valve seating member disposed in axially shiftable relationship within said valve member and adapted to open and close the communication between said fluid passageway and the interior of said first expansible member. a mandrel within said first expansible member forming a dispensing flow path for fluid to be stored within said first expansible member and pretensioning said first and second expansible members and said second ex pansible member overlying said first expansible member having high elastic memory and being conformable with said first expansible member when same is filled with a fluid exerting a dispensing force thereon to expel said fluid when said valve seating member is unseated.

15. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim l4 wherein said mandrel and said first and second expansible members are about coextensive in the unfilled state.

[6. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim wherein said first expansibie member is compatible with and substantially impermeable to said fluids to be stored therein for a sufficient time to provide an acceptable shelf life.

17. The fluid dispenser in accordance withclaim 16 wherein said first and second expansible members are retained in secured relationship proximate their upper portions.

18. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 17 wherein the upper portion of said second member terminates in a frusto-conical configuration.

19. The fluid dispenser in accordance withclaim 18 wherein the upper portion of said first expansible member terminates in a flange of substantially square crosssection.

20. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 19 wherein said first and second expansible members form a substantially smooth interface therebetween.

21. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 20 wherein said first expansible member comprises a butyl-like material.

22. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 21 wherein said second expansible member comprises a latex-like material of relatively high elastic memory.

23. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 19 wherein said mandrel is cruci-form in cross-section.

24. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 19 wherein said mandrel is oval in cross-section.

25. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 19 wherein said valve member includes a valve body member having a valve seat and said valve seating member acts thereagainst to close said communication between said fluid passageway and the interior of said first expansible member.

26. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 25 wherein said valve seating member is normally spring biased into the closed position.

27. The fluid dispenser in accordance withclaim 26 wherein said mandrel has a plurality of spaced grooves extending substantially the length thereof and the upper portion is adapted to form fluid paths for the fluid stored in said first expansible member to said fluid passageway.

28. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 27 wherein said valve seating member comprises an annular head with spaced peripheral protuberances thereabout. and a depending spring centering portion limits the downward movement thereof by abutting an upper surface of said mandrel.

29. The fluid dispenser in accordance withclaim 28 wherein said spring is coil-shaped and is positioned to react against the under surface of said annular head and the upper surface of said mandrel.

30. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 29 wherein the upper surface of said head forms a sealing lip to engage the under surface of said valve seat in fluid-tight relationship.

3!. The fluid dispenser in accordance withclaim 30 wherein said valve seat and valve body member are received in nestled relationship by a ferrule member of deformable character and said valve seat is a disc of conformable material having an annular passageway of the same size as said fluid passageway and communicating thereto.

32. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 31 wherein said disc is retained in position with said valve body member by said overlying ferrule member and said ferrule member has an aligned aperture accommodating said fluid passageway and said annular passageway.

33. The fluid dispenser in accordance withclaim 32 wherein the open ends of said first and second expansible members are retained in fluid-tight relationship in the assembly and a locking collar member received within said ferrule member is adapted to engage the interior wall of said container body and position the assembly within the neck of said container body with the coaction of said ferrule member.

34. The fluid dispenser in accordance withclaim 30 wherein the open ends of said first and second expansible members are received by the lower portion of said valve body member and said valve seat and valve body member are received in nestled relationship by a ferrule member of deformable character to form an assembly and said valve seat is a disc of conformable material having an annular passageway of the same size as said fluid passageway and communicating thereto and the neck of said container body is adapted to support said assembly and expansible members in retained, fluid-tight relationship.

35. The fluid dispenser in accordance withclaim 34 which includes a snap ring member received within said ferrule member with said open ends of said expansible members being retained in fluid-tight relationship therebetween and is adapted to engage the interior wall of said container body and position the assembly within the neck of said container body with the cooperation of said ferrule member in locked relationship.

36. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 35 wherein the depending wall portion of said valve body member and the opposed exterior surface of said snap ring member forms a sinuousity within which the open end of said second expansible member is received in retained relationship.

37. The fluid dispenser in accordance withclaim 36 wherein a secondary ferrule is disposed within said ferrule member and engages the upper portion of said mandrel member and lateral contiguous portions of said valve body member and the lower portion of said snap ring member to form an initial sub-assembly prior to insertion into nested relationship with said ferrule member.

38. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 35 wherein the upper surface of said mandrel forms a receiving recess for said valve seat and is retained therein by an annular retaining member disposed between it and an upper crimped over portion of said ferrule member.

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Claims (38)

1. A non-aerosol container having an outer, substantially rigid exterior body to store fluids having a first inner conformable resilient member adapted to hold fluid therein and having the ability to resist molecular or other fluid migration therethrough; a second outer conformable member in the unstressed, unfilled state being substantially congruent in configuration to, juxtapositioned and contacting said first inner member at the interface formed by the exterior walls of each of said first and second members and having an elasticity thereof sufficient to exert an expelling force on the stored fluid and to drive same from said first member, each of said first and second members having an open end and a closed end, said first member being nested within said second member.

2. The container in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first member is fabricated of a material that is compatible with the fluid to be stored.

3. The container in accordance with claim 2 wherein said first member is inert to the stored material and comprises a butyl-type elastomer and said second member is fabricated of a latex-type elastomer having high elastic memory.

4. The container in accordance with claim 2 wherein the force exerted by said second member is sufficient to expel substantially all of stored fluid.

5. The container in accordance with claim 4 wherein the wall construction of said second member is of multi-layered construction and the wall construction of said first member is of integrally molded construction.

6. The container in accordance with claim 5 wherein in the normal unfilled state said first member is of smaller size to nest within said second member.

7. The container in accordance with claim 6 wherein the wall thickness of said first member lies within the range of about 0.040 to 0.060 inch.

8. The container in accordance with claim 7 wherein the wall thickness of said second member lies within the range of about 0.030 to 0.070 inch.

9. The container in accordance with claim 6 wherein a layer of friction reducing material is positioned at said interface to facilitate nesting of said first and second members.

10. The container in accordance with claim 9 wherein the upper portion of said first member is provided with a flange of relatively square cross-section.

11. The container in accordance with claim 10 wherein the upper portion of said second member is provided with a frusto-conical configuration.

12. The container in accordance with claim 11 wherein said first and second members are prestressed prior to filling with said fluid to be stored.

13. The container in accordance with claim 12 wherein said first and second members are longitudinally and radially stressed.

14. A non-aerosol fluid dispenser comprising the combination of: a substantially rigid container body and cover therefor, including a fluid passageway communicating the exterior thereof to a valve member supported within said container body; a valve member; a first inner resilient expansible member of fluid impermeable character having an open end and a closed end, the diameter proximate said open end being larger than the diameter of said closed end, said first expansible member being adapted to be retained within said container body and store fluid therein; a second outer expansible member in the unstressed, unfilled state being substantially congruent to, coextensive with and contacting said first member in juxtarelationship and having an open end and a closed end, said exterior walls of said first and second members being in substantial contact and forming an interface substantially coincident with said first and second members; a valve seating member disposed in axially shiftable relationship within said valve member and adapted to open and close the communication between said fluid passageway and the interior of said first expansible member; a mandrel within said first expansible member forming a dispensing flow path for fluid to be stored within said first expansible member and pretensioning said first and second expansible members and said second expansible member overlying said first expansible member having high elastic memory and being conformable with said first expansible member when same is filled with a fluid exerting a dispensing force thereon to expel said fluid when said valve seating member is unseated.

15. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 14 wherein said mandrel and said first and second expansible members are about coextensive in the unfilled state.

16. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 15 wherein said first expansible member is compatible with and substantially impermeable to said fluids to be stored therein for a sufficient time to provide an acceptable shelf life.

17. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 16 wherein said first and second expansible members are retained in secured relationship proximate their upper portions.

18. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 17 wherein the upper portion of said second member terminates in a frusto-conical configuration.

19. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 18 wherein the upper portion of said first expansible member terminates in a flange of substantially square cross-section.

20. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 19 wherein said first and second expansible members form a substantially smooth interface therebetween.

21. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 20 wherein said first expansible member comprises a butyl-like material.

22. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 21 wherein said second expansible member comprises a latex-like material of relatively high elastic memory.

23. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 19 wherein said mandrel is cruci-form in cross-section.

24. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 19 wherein said mandrel is oval in cross-section.

25. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 19 wherein said valve member includes a valve body member having a valve seat and said valve seating member acts thereagainst to close said communication between said fluid passageway and the interior of said first expansible member.

26. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 25 wherein said valve seating member is normally spring biased into the closed position.

27. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 26 wherein said mandrel has a plurality of spaced grooves extending substantially the length thereof and the upper portion is adapted to form fluid paths for the fluid stored in said first expansible member to said fluid passageway.

28. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 27 wherein said valve seating member comprises an annular head with spaced peripheral protuberances thereabout, and a depending spring centering portion limits the downward movement thereof by abutting an upper surface of said mandrel.

29. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 28 wherein said spring is coil-shaped and is positioned to react against the under surface of said annular head and the upper surface of said mandrel.

30. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 29 wherein the upper surface of said head forms a sealing lip to engage the under surface of said valve seat in fluid-tight relationship.

31. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 30 wherein said valve seat and valve body member are received in nestled relationship by a ferrule member of deformable character and said valve seat is a disc of conformable material having an annular passageway of the same size as said fluid passageway and communicating thereto.

32. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 31 wherein said disc is retained in position with said valve body member by said overlying ferrule member and said ferrule member has an aligned aperture accommodating said fluid passageway and said annular passageway.

33. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 32 wherein the open ends of said first and second expansible members are retained in fluid-tight relationship in the assembly and a locking collar member received within said ferrule member is adapted to engage the interior wall of said container body and position the assembly within the neck of said container body with the coaction of said ferrule member.

34. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 30 wherein the open ends of said first and second expansible members are received by the lower portion of said valve body member and said valve seat and valve body member are received in nestled relationship by a ferrule member of deformable character to form an assembly and said valve seat is a disc of conformable material having an annular passageway of the same size as said fluid passageway and communicating thereto and the neck of said container body is adapted to support said assembly and expansible members in retained, fluid-tight relationship.

35. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 34 which includes a snap ring member received within said ferrule member with said open ends of said expansible members being retained in fluid-tight relationship therebetween and is adapted to engage the interior wall of said container body and position the assembly within the neck of said container body with the cooperation of said ferrule member in locked relationship.

36. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 35 wherein the depending wall portion of said valve body member and the opposed exterior surface of said snap ring member forms a sinuousity within which the open end of said second expansible member is received in retained relationship.

37. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 36 wherein a secondary ferrule is disposed within said ferrule member and engages the upper portion of said mandrel member and lateral contiguous portions of said valve body member and the lower portion of said snap ring member to form an initial sub-assembly prior to insertion into nested relationship with said ferrule member.

38. The fluid dispenser in accordance with claim 35 wherein the upper surface of said mandrel forms a receiving recess for said valve seat and is retained therein by an annular retaining member disposed between it and an upper crimped over portion of said ferrule member.

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