EP1976775B1

EP1976775B1 - Method for dispensing content from an aerosol container and operating device for carrying out such a method, an assembly, an aerosol container and a dispensing cap

Info

Publication number: EP1976775B1
Application number: EP05822969A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Werner Marie Camie Clauwaert; Annick Dumon; Thomas Van Der Schoor
Original assignee: Friesland Brands BV
Current assignee: FrieslandCampina Nederland BV
Priority date: 2005-12-21
Filing date: 2005-12-21
Publication date: 2010-07-21
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-21
Also published as: DE602005022509D1; DK1976775T3; PL1976775T3; ES2349473T3; EP1976775A1; ATE474797T1; WO2007073148A1

Abstract

Method for dispensing content from an aerosol container, the container having a container knob which in a depressed state opens a valve of the container for dispensing the content of the container and in a non-depressed state releases said valve into a closed condition, the container knob being biased in the non-depressed state, wherein for dispensing a fixed amount of food ingredient from the container each time, the container is connected with an operating device comprising a user interface, a knob actuator and an intermediate mechanism arranged for keeping the knob in a depressed state for a fixed time after actuating the user interface. The invention further relates to an operating device for carrying out such a method, an assembly, an aerosol container and a dispensing cap.

Description

The invention relates to a method for dispensing a food ingredient from an aerosol container, the container having a container knob which in a depressed state opens a valve of the container for dispensing the content of the container and in a non-depressed state releases said valve into a closed condition, the container knob being biased in the non-depressed state.
The aerosol containers, which can be standard aerosol containers, are used for dispensing various food content, for example food like whipped cream. Such commonly known standard aerosol containers normally comprise a container knob, which opens a valve when being depressed by a user of the container. In that depressed state, the content of the container can be released from the container for using it.
A disadvantage of a method like this for dispensing the content from the aerosol container is that the user is free to decide on the amount of the content, which is dispensed from the container. The container will become empty relatively quickly when users dispense large amounts of content, which consequently is relatively expensive. Furthermore, some container knobs are hard to depress and therefore ask a lot of force from the user, which makes it relatively difficult to operate the standard aerosol container.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method that enables the user to dispense a defined amount of content from an aerosol container, which at the same time enables easy operating and dispensing content from said aerosol container.
In order to achieve this object, the method according to the invention is characterized in that for dispensing a fixed amount of food ingredient from the container each time, the container is connected with an operating device comprising a user interface arranged for being brought from a first position to an actuated position by manual force, a knob actuator for actuating the container knob upon actuation of the user interface and an intermediate mechanism comprising force and movement transmitting elements and energy-storing elements of a mechanical nature only, operatively arranged between the user interface and the container knob actuator for controlling the knob actuator and for keeping the knob in a depressed state for a fixed time after actuating the user interface.
When the knob is in a depressed state for a fixed time, the valve of the aerosol container is open for a fixed time to release food ingredient. Consequently, a fixed amount of content is dispensed. When the user interface is actuated, the intermediate mechanism controls the knob actuator that actuates the knob. For this method, to dispense equal amounts every time the user interface is operated, it is irrelevant how long it takes for the user to completely operate the user interface. The hand force the user uses to operate the user interface does not influence the time period that the knob is in a depressed state. The mechanism is adapted to overcome user influences on the depressed state of the container knob.
A further advantage of the method according to the invention is that the user of the method for dispensing content from the aerosol container is not likely to get in contact with the food ingredient due to the position of the user interface in relation to the position of the nozzle, which is favourable in terms of hygienic standards. Furthermore, the food ingredient is not likely to soil the user interface because it preferably is situated at a distance from the nozzle and container knob. Consequently, the user interface does not experience any operating difficulties because of dirt.
The mechanical nature of the intermediate mechanism enables that the method for dispensing content from a standard aerosol container can be carried out on many different places, also places where no electricity is available. The operating device can be placed on the most convenient operating place for the user, where the user can easily reach it and pick it up when necessary.
It is noted that JP 2001287782 discloses a method and a device for dispensing aerosol products such as a fumigant, a deodorizer, an aromatic etc. The device can be positioned on top of a known aerosol container comprising a fluid. The device comprises a time setting ring for setting a predetermined time for dispensing the contents of the container, thereby winding a spiral spring. To dispense the content, a user can push the button of the container in a substantially downward direction until a locked position is obtained. During displacement of the button in the downward direction, a first spring is compressed to store energy. A second spring is compressed as well, thereby opening a valve enabling release of the contents of the aerosol container. During rotation of the time setting ring, due to the spiral spring, the container button will stay in the compressed position, until an unlocking position is reached. Then, due to the stored energy in the first spring, the valve is closed such that the dispensing of the aerosol content is stopped.
Furthermore it is noted that US-A-4,570,824 discloses a doorbell actuated air freshener comprising an air freshener disperser that is connected to a doorbell transformer via a control wiring. The doorbell pushbutton is also connected to the doorbell transformer via a control wiring. The air freshener disperser comprises a means for holding and actuating an air freshener aerosol can. The can has centred at its top an aerosol push button. To provide aerosol spray, the aerosol can is actuated by actuation means that provides a downward mechanical force upon the aerosol pushbutton for a period of time while the doorbell is being pressed and releases the pushbutton after the doorbell is released. The actuation means comprises an electric motor, which in turn actuates a cam pusher that in fact actuates the pushbutton. The cam pusher comprises a rotating cam that is driven by the motor. A cam follower means translates the movement of the rotating cam into a push action directly contactingly driving the pushbutton in a periodically depressed direction.
In further elaboration of the invention, said container knob is brought into said depressed state by transmitting a first force to the knob actuator which transmits said first force to the container knob in a direction substantially parallel to a depressing direction, wherein the first force is transmitted in one go. If the first force is transmitted in one go, a large amount of energy is released at once thereby depressing the container knob entirely. This prevents the container knob from being only semi-depressed and therefore dispensing too little amount of content.
Preferably, the first force is created by operating the user interface thereby storing energy in an energy-storing element and releasing the energy when a locking mechanism is released. The locking mechanism preferably comprises an aperture, for instance a tapered aperture and a locking element, for instance a locking pin or a locking ball, wherein the locking element is engaging the aperture with a locking force. When the first force exceeds the locking force the locking mechanism releases enabling the first force to be transmitted in one go. This kind of locking mechanism is a simple mechanism with little parts to release the first force and is therefore reliable.
According to a further elaboration of the invention, the container knob is brought back in the non-depressed state by transmitting a second force to release the knob actuator from the first force and thereby releasing the container knob from the first force, the container knob moving in a direction substantially opposite to the depressing direction of said container knob.
It is also possible that the container knob is brought back in the non-depressed state by transmitting a second force to the knob actuator, creating a resultant force on the container knob in a direction substantially opposite to the depressing direction of said container knob. Whether the knob actuator is released from the first force or a second force is applied to the knob actuator to create a resultant force, the knob actuator moves away from the container knob bringing the container knob in a non-depressed state. In both ways this is an automatic operation and a consequence of operating the user interface.
According to a further elaboration of the invention, the second force is created by operating the user interface thereby storing energy in a second energy-storing element and thereafter releasing the energy in a dampened way. By releasing the energy in a dampened way, the fixed time is created. The second force is transmitted a little while after the first force, thereby defining the dispensing period and consequently the dispensing amount. It is clear that when the damping time is adjusted, the time of dispensing can be adjusted as well and consequently the dispensing amount is adjustable. Preferably, a timer device is provided in the mechanism and can be controlled by a user, for instance by a user control, to regulate said dampened way. The user can set a desired fixed amount for example taking cake size or mug or cup size into account.
In further elaboration of the invention, energy is stored in the first energy-storing element substantially at the same time as energy is stored in the second energy-storing element. This is very favourable because it only takes the user one operation to dispense the content from the aerosol container. This makes the method easy to carry out, and saves the aerosol container user time.
The invention also provides an operating device for an aerosol container, for use in a above described method, the container, containing a food ingredient, having a container knob which in a depressed state opens a valve of the container for dispensing the content of the container and in a non-depressed state releases said valve into a closed condition, the container knob being biased in the non-depressed state, the operating device comprising:

connection elements for releaseably connecting said container to the operating device;
a user interface arranged for being brought from a first position to an actuated position by manual force,
a container knob actuator for actuating the container knob upon actuation of the user interface;
an intermediate mechanism comprising force and movement transmitting elements and energy-storing elements of a mechanical nature only, the mechanism being operatively arranged between the user interface and the container knob actuator for controlling the knob actuator and for depressing the container knob and for keeping the container knob in a depressed state for a fixed period of time.

This operating device provides similar advantages as mentioned with the above-described method.
According to a further aspect of the invention, said user interface can comprise at least one of a handle, a knob and/or a button.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the operating device can further comprise positioning means, for adequately positioning said standard aerosol container in the operating device, the container knob being opposed to the knob actuator.
According to a further aspect of the invention, said positioning means can comprise at least one of a male part and a female part, said parts adapted to interlock with the container knob.
The invention further relates to an aerosol container operating device assembly, comprising an aerosol container connected to an above mentioned operating device, wherein the assembly is adapted for dispensing a fixed amount of food content from said aerosol container.
Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.
The invention will be further elucidated by means of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figs.1a-1c show a schematic view of a first embodiment;
fig. 2a shows a perspective view of a second embodiment;
figs. 2b-2f show additional views of the second embodiment;
fig. 3a shows schematic view of a third embodiment;
fig. 3b shows a cross sectional view of the third embodiment;
fig. 4a shows a schematic view of fourth embodiment;
fig. 4b shows a cross sectional view of the fourth embodiment;
fig. 5 shows a schematic view of fifth embodiment;
fig. 6 shows a schematic view of a sixth embodiment;
fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the aerosol container;
fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a dispensing cap;
fig. 9 shows a further perspective view of the dispensing cap.

Figures 1a-1c show an operating device 1 with thereto connected an aerosol container 2. The aerosol container 2, which can be a standard aerosol container, has a container knob 4 which in depressed state opens a valve of the container 2 for dispensing the content of the container 2 and in a non depressed state releases said valve into a closed condition. The container knob 4 is being biased in the non-depressed state. The aerosol container 2 further has a nozzle 3a through which the content leaves the container 2. The operating device 1 comprises a user interface 6, in this case a handle, a knob actuator 7 and an intermediate mechanism 8 arranged for keeping the knob in a depressed state for a fixed time after actuating the user interface 6. The user interface 6 can also be a button, a knob or the like.
The operating device 1 further comprises a frame 5 to releaseably mount the aerosol container 2 in a fixed position, thereby situating the container knob 4 opposite the knob actuator 7. A support 23, in this embodiment designed as a strip provided with Velcro, is wrapped around the standard aerosol container 2 to fix it to the frame 5. The support 23 can also be a different kind of support like metal strips, rubbers, belts or the like.
The intermediate mechanism 8 mechanically connects the handle 6 to the knob actuator 7. Therefore, the mechanism 8 is provided with force and movement transmitting elements like slides, levers, rack and pinions, gears, friction couplings, dampers, air pumps, and air cylinders. The mechanism 8 further comprises energy-storing elements, like mechanical springs, gas springs and hydraulic springs.
In fig 1a the operating device is in a non-operated state, the knob actuator 7 is in a rest position and the container knob 4 is in a non-depressed state. The container knob 4 can be brought into a depressed state by transmitting a first force F₁ to the knob actuator 7. The first force F₁ is then transmitted to the container knob 4 in a direction substantially parallel to a depressing direction (indicate by arrow D). The first force F₁ is preferably transmitted in one go, thereby depressing the container knob 4 also in one go.
Figure 1b shows the operating device 1 being operated and the container knob 4 being in a depressed state. The first force F₁ is created by operating the handle 6 in the O-direction (see fig. 1a), the handle 6 thereby pivoting about pivot axis 6a. During the movement of the handle 6 in the O-direction, a handle part 6b moves a first slide 24 in direction A (indicated by arrow A). A projection 24a of the first slide 24 hooks behind a first projection 25a of a second slide 25. The second slide 25 consequently moves along with the first slide 24 in substantially the same direction A. The second slide 25 is connected with a first energy-storing element, in this embodiment a spring 9. During the movement of the second slide 25, the spring 9 will depress, thereby storing energy of the user force Fu that is transmitted by the user. Between the first slide 24 and the second slide 25 a locking mechanism 12 is provided. The locking mechanism comprises an aperture 13 and a locking element 14, in this embodiment the same element as projection 25a.
The second slide 25 has a projection 25b that hooks behind projection 26b of the third slide 26. The third slide 26 therefore moves substantially in direction A as well, thereby depressing a second energy-storing element, a spring 10. When the spring 9 is depressed and the first slide 24 is moved further in direction A the locking mechanism 12 releases. The first force F₁ will become larger than the locking force F_L of locking element 14 in aperture 13, therefore releasing locking element 14 from the element 13. The locking force F_L decreases because projection 24b abuts with frame part 5a, the frame part 5a pushing the first slide away from the second slide. Consequently, the spring 9 relaxes and pushes the second slide 25 in direction B (indicated by arrow B). The second slide abuts with the knob actuator 7 thereby transmitting the first force F₁ to the knob actuator 7. The knob actuator 7 is hingedly connected to the frame 5. The knob actuator 7 hinges around hinge 7a and transmits the first force F₁ to the container knob 4, which depresses in one go. The valve is opened and the container content is able to leave the container.
As mentioned before, the third slide 26 depresses spring 10 during operation of the handle 6. Connected to the third slide 26, a rack 11b is provided that engages with a pinion 11a that is provided on a timer device 11, in this embodiment a damper, more specifically a rotation brake. A rotation brake comprises rotating blades in a housing filled with a viscous fluid, which viscous fluid is pressed through a groove between the rotating blades and a housing. The configuration is such that the damper only brakes in one direction of rotation. The characteristics of damper 11 are that it easily rotates clockwise, but dampens the rotation anti-clockwise.
During the movement of the slide 26 in direction A and the depression of the spring 10, the rack 11b slides in direction A as well, rotating the pinion 11a and the damper 11 clockwise. When the locking mechanism 12 of the first slide 24 releases, also the hooked connection between the second slide 25 and the third slide 26 releases, thereby releasing the energy from the second spring 10 in a dampened way. The third slide 26 substantially moves in direction B and after a time period the third slide 26, more specific the projection 26a facing the second slide 25, abuts projection 25c of the second slide 25, thereby removing the second slide 25 from the knob actuator 7 (see fig. 1c). The second force F₂ overcomes the force from the leaf spring 27. The first force F₁ is removed from the knob actuator 7, which can return in the non-depressed state, thereby removing force F₁ from the container knob 4. It is also possible that instead of removing the second slide 25 from the knob actuator 7, the second force F₂ is supplied to the knob actuator 7 as well, creating a resultant force F_R in the direction opposite the depressing direction D. In this way, the knob actuator 7 moves away from the container knob 4, bringing said knob 4 back in the non-depressed state. The dispensing of the content from the container 2 stops. It is clear that this mechanism 8 is not influenced by the speed or the force the user pulls the handle with or the time that the user takes to operate the handle. With every operation of the handle a same amount of content is dispensed. Thus, when more than one portion of food ingredient is needed, the handle has to be operated several times.
In fig. 2a a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the operating device 1 and an aerosol container 2 is shown. The operating device 1 comprises a frame 5 holding the aerosol container 2. The container 2 is fixed in the frame 5 with aid of a support 23, in this embodiment comprising a top part 23a and a bottom part 23b for clamping the container there between. The top part 23a is adapted to receive the semi-spherical top part 2c of the container 2. The operating device 1 further comprises a grip G with a handle 6 for operating the device 1. The grip G is positioned in an angle α to the container 2, the angle α between the nozzle 3a and the end of the grip G preferably being smaller than 90° to obtain an ergonomic grip G for the user. This construction of the grip G enables an easy way of holding the operating device 1 and consequently the container 2 is always in the right dispensing position, i.e., the nozzle pointing downward. A user can hold the container and operate it with one hand.
Figs. 2b-2d show cross-sections of fig 2a, clarifying the method for dispensing content from the standard aerosol container 2.
The operating device 1 comprises a frame 5 with a grip G comprising a handle 6 (see fig. 2c) that is pivotally connected to grip G and can pivot around a pivot axis 6a. In the frame 5 a container 2 is releaseably connected between the top part 23a and the bottom part 23b of the support 23. As can be seen, the bottom part 23 b comprises a projection 23c that engages in the recess 2b of the container 2a. The bottom part 23b of the support 23 is hingedly connected to the frame 5. After placing the container 2 with the container top part 2c into the top part 23a of the support 23, the bottom part 23b of the support 23 is hinged towards the recess 2b of the container, wherein the bottom part 23b clicks to a locked position. To remove the bottom part 23 b from the container recess 2b, a button 23b' has to be pushed to unlock it.
To dispense content from the aerosol container 2, the handle 6 has to be operated. When the handle 6 is operated, handle part 6b moves in direction A towards the end of grip G. The handle part 6b is connected to a first slide 24 and moves this slide 24 along direction A as well. A projection 24a hooks behind projection 25a of a second slide 25. The second slide 25 is connected to a first energy-storing element, spring 9, which absorbs energy while the second slide 25 moves in direction A. The second slide 25 has projections 25a and 25c perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. Projection 25c is stuck between rails (not shown), forcing second slide 25 to be close to the first slide 24 until handle 6 is fully operated into operation direction O. Then second slide 25 is forced away from first slide 24 in order to disconnect projection 24a from projection 25a. Consequently, second slide 25 is free to move in direction B, forced by spring 9. Projection 25c of the second slide 25 is forced through rails (not shown), thereby pushing a first part of an actuating element 29 into direction C pivoting around pivot axis 29a. A second part of the actuating element 29 consequently hooks behind a projection 7a of the knob actuator, transmitting force F1 to the knob actuator 7, moving the knob actuator 7 in direction D, a depressing direction. The knob actuator 7 transmits force F₁ to the container knob 4 thereby depressing the knob 4, which opens a container valve (not shown) to dispense food ingredient from the container 2.
While the handle 6 is operated in operating direction O, a projection 25b of the second slide 25 hooks behind a projection 26a of a third slide 26. Slide 26 moves in direction A as well, extending a second energy-storing element, spring 10. A rack 11b is connected to the third slide 26 and a cooperating pinion 11a is connected to a damper 11. Third slide 26 comprises a projection 26a to disconnect second slide 25 from the actuating element 29 and hence moving the actuating element 29 from the actuated position to the rest position.
When the second slide 25 is disconnected from the first slide 24, no force is transmitted to the damper 11 anymore, since projection 25b and 26a are disconnected. Consequently, third slide 26 moves in direction B thereby transmitting a second force F₂ to second slide 25 in a dampened way, because of the damper 11. When spring 10 has almost fully relaxed, projection 26a of the third slide 26 abuts projection 25b of the second slide 25 and pushes projection 25c of the second slide 25 to the left part of the rail (not shown), removing second slide 25 from the actuating element 29. When the handle 6 is released remote from first slide 24, first slide 24 moves in direction B bringing projection 24a back to hook behind projection 25a of the second slide 25 again, bringing the operating device 1 back in its initial position. In the grip G a user control 15 is provided to set the distance of the damper relative to the pinion rack. The dampened time can be set by moving the damper 11 towards the end of the grip G in direction A or by moving the damper in direction.B. When the damper 11 is moved in direction B, the distance that the rack 11b and pinion 11a are connected in operation is larger therefore elongating the dispensing time and thus the dispensing amount. Consequently, when the damper 11 is moved in direction A, the damping time will be shorter, therefore dispensing a smaller amount of food ingredient.
Figs. 2e and 2f show a damper 11 displaced in direction A and a damper displaced in direction B, respectively. As can be seen, the user control 15 can be set by, for example, a screwdriver. This way of setting the user control 15 discourages users to set the user control themselves. Setting the user control 15 can be reserved for certain users.
Fig. 3a shows a schematic view of a third embodiment and fig. 3b shows a cross sectional view of said third embodiment. An operating device 1 comprises a frame 5 holding a container 2 with aid of connection elements 23. The frame 5 further comprises a handle 6, a knob actuator 7 and an intermediate mechanism 8 arranged for keeping the knob 4 in a depressed state for a fixed time after actuating the user interface, i.e. the handle 6.
In order to release content such as food ingredient, from the container 2, the container knob 4 has to be depressed to open a valve (not shown) of the container 2. The container knob 4 is biased in the non-depressed state and has to be actuated to depress. The container knob 4 is brought into said depressed state by transmitting a first force F₁ to the container knob 4 in a direction substantially parallel to a depressing direction D, wherein the first force F₁ is transmitted in one go. The first force F₁ is created by operating the handle 6, thereby storing energy in an energy-storing element, spring 9. When handle 6 is moved into the operating direction O, handle part 6b moves an air pump part, plunger 16a of the air pump 16 into direction A (indicated by arrow A). The air that is situated in the air pump room 16b is pushed out of the air pump room 16b through a line 30 into air cylinder room 11c of the air cylinder 11. Plunger 17 that is connected to the spring 9 consequently moves in direction A pulling the spring 9, therefore storing energy in said spring 9. The other end of spring 9 is connected to an end part 7a of the knob actuator 7. The knob actuator 7 stays in place because of the locking mechanism 12. The locking mechanism 12 comprises an aperture 13, for instance a tapered aperture and a locking element 14, for instance a locking pin or a locking ball. In non-operated state, the locking pin 14 is engaging the aperture 13 with a locking force F_L. When the first force F1 exceeds the locking force F_L, the locking mechanism 12 is released and then the spring 9 releases its stored energy. Consequently, the knob actuator 7 moves in direction A, thereby actuating the container knob 4 in one go, the container knob 4 opens a valve (not shown) and the content of the container 2 leaves the container 2 via nozzle 3a.
During the release of energy of the spring 9, energy is stored in a second energy-storing element, spring 10. Spring 10 is provided around knob actuator 7 and is connected to the knob actuator 7 near the locking mechanism 14. The other end of the spring 10 rests against a frame part 5a, the frame part 5a slidably receiving the end of knob actuator 7a. The container knob 4 is brought back in the non-depressed state by transmitting a second force F₂ to the knob actuator, creating a resultant force F_R on the container knob 4 in a direction substantially opposite to the depressing direction (arrow D) of said container knob 4. The second force F₂ is created by storing energy in spring 10 and thereafter releasing that energy in a dampened way with aid of a timer device 11, the air cylinder. The air that is pumped into air cylinder room 11c slowly leaks out of the room again thereby enabling spring 10 to move plunger 17 in direction B and consequently moving knob actuator 7 in direction B. The operating device 1 can provide a user control to regulate the dampened way. The control is able to lengthen the damping time so that a larger fixed amount of food ingredient will be dispensed every time the handle is actuated. But the control can also shorten the damping time to dispense a smaller amount of food ingredient. The user control can for instance be arranged as a device to vary the length of the air cylinder 11. The user control can also be a device to slide the end of the handle part 6b that is connected to handle 6 along the handle 6 to vary the stroke of the air pump 16. The mechanism 8 of the operating device container assembly as shown in figure 3b is adapted tot actuate the container knob 4 when the user interface 6 is operated, thereby always dispensing a fixed amount, regardless the user interface 6 is kept in operating position or released after operating. Consequently, for dispensing more food ingredient than the fixed amount, it is necessary to operate the handle 6 again.
Fig. 4a shows a schematic view of a fourth embodiment and fig 4b shows a cross sectional view of said fourth embodiment. An operating device 1 comprises a frame 5 holding a container 2 with aid of connection elements 23. The frame 5 further comprises a handle 6, a knob actuator 7 and an intermediate mechanism 8 arranged for keeping the knob 4 in a depressed state for a fixed time after actuating the user interface, i.e. the handle 6 that is provided on a grip G. The grip G enables the user to hold the operating device 1 with the nozzle 3a pointing downwards, already in stand-by for releasing content.
To actuate the container knob 4, the handle 6 is moved in operating direction O (indicated by arrow O) with a user force Fu. Handle part 6b is on one end connected to handle 6 and with the other end to the knob actuator 7. The handle part 6b moves the knob actuator 7 in direction A due to the operated handle 6. Consequently, plunger 16a of air pump 16 will move in direction O as well thereby depressing the first energy-storing element, spring 9 that stores energy. When the handle 6 is in operated state, a locking mechanism 12 locks the handle 6 so that the container 2 keeps on dispensing content. This means that the user has to push the handle 6 far enough to enable the locking mechanism 12 to lock.
The locking mechanism 12 comprises an aperture 13, for instance a tapered aperture like a V-groove and a locking element 14, for instance a locking ball. The locking element 14 is engaging the aperture 13 with a locking force F_L. When the plunger 16a moves in direction O, air from the air pump room 16b moves via line 30 to the air cylinder room 11c of the timer device 11. The plunger 11d of the air cylinder moves towards a part 14a of the locking mechanism, thereby storing energy in a second spring 10 and pushing locking element 14 with force F_L in the aperture 13. Air cylinder room 11c comprises a little aperture 11e, which enables the air to leave the room 11c. When air is leaving the room 11c, the force F_L slowly decreases because the plunger 11d is moving from the locking mechanism part 14a, thereby loosening the connection of the locking element 14 and the locking aperture 13. When the first force F₁ exceeds the locking force F_L, the locking mechanism 12 releases and the handle 6 will return to its initial position due to force F₁. The container knob 4 is then brought back to a non-depressed state, closing the valve and stopping the release of content from the container 2. In this embodiment of the invention, the mechanism 8 is adapted to actuate the container knob 4 when the handle 6 is operated, thereby dispensing a fixed amount when the handle 6 is released after operating or continuing to dispense when the handle 6 is kept in operating position, wherein the dispensing stops when the handle 6 is released. If a desired amount to be dispensed is larger than the fixed amount that is set, the user can keep the handle 6 in operating position. The dispensing continues until the user releases the handle 6, releasing the spring 9 removing the knob actuator 7 from the container knob 4, the container knob 4 moving in a direction opposite the depressing direction D.
Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of fifth embodiment that is based on the same mechanism as the fourth embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the timer device 11 is a damper like the one that is provided in the first embodiment and spring 9 is connected to a rack 11b that engages to pinion 11a that is connected tot the damper. It is clear that a timer device 11 can be constructed in different ways obtaining similar mechanical effects, for example shown in fig. 6.
Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of a sixth embodiment that is based on the same mechanism as the fourth embodiment as well. This mechanism is provided with a mill timer device 11. During actuating the handle 6, the mill winds up. When the handle 6 is released the mill 11 starts turning and due to the resistance a certain time passes before the mechanism 8 brings the container knob 4 back in the non-depressed state, therefore defining the fixed amount of released food content.
Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the aerosol container according to the invention. The aerosol container 2 comprises a container housing 2a and a semi-spherical top part 2c. In this top part 2c a valve is provided to release the content of the container 2. This valve can have a depressible plunger (not shown) to engage on the valve. Container 2 comprises a ring member (not shown) extending around said valve, on which a dispensing cap 3, preferably a plastic cap is mountable. Dispensing cap 3 is integrally formed for example by injection moulding. The dispensing cap 3 comprises a base part 18a and an upper part 18b. Upper part 18b is pivotable about pivot point 19. The upper part can also be hingedly connected to the base part for instance with a film hinge. The container 2 further comprises a dispensing cap 3 with a container knob 4 and a nozzle 3a. The dispensing cap 3 is further provided with positioning means 20 for removably interlocking the aerosol container 2 to an operating device 1. The positioning means 20 comprise at least one of a male 21' and a female part 22' for connecting to a counterpart provided on the operating device (not shown fig. 6). The male part 21' preferably is provided on the nozzle 3a of the dispensing cap 3 and the female part 22' is provided in the container knob 4, the male part 21' and the female part 22' being arranged on opposite sides of the dispensing cap 3.
In fig. 8 a perspective view of a dispensing cap 3 is shown. The dispensing cap 3 is adapted to be used on an aerosol container, the dispensing cap 3 having a base part 18a for being mountable on a container 2 and an upper part 18b comprising a knob 4 and a nozzle 3a. Upper part 18b is pivotable about pivot point 19. The upper part can also be hingedly connected to the base part for instance with a film hinge. The dispensing cap 3 further comprises positioning means 20 for removably interlocking an aerosol container to an operating device. The positioning means 20 are provided with at least one of a male 21' and female part 22' for connecting to a counterpart 21, 22 provided on said operating device (not shown).
Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a detail of a dispensing cap 3 connected to an operating device. It is shown that the positioning means 20 of the dispensing cap 3 interlock with the male 21 and female 22 part of the positioning means 20 of the operating device. The male part 21 provided on the knob actuator 7 and the female part 22 provided in the top part 23a of the support 23.
Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various changes or modifications may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

Method for dispensing a food ingredient from an aerosol container (2), the container (2) having a container knob (4) which in a depressed state opens a valve of the container (2) for dispensing the content of the container (2) and in a non-depressed state releases said valve into a closed condition, the container knob (4) being biased in the non-depressed state, wherein for dispensing a fixed amount of food ingredient from the container (2) each time, the container (2) is connected with an operating device (1), wherein the method is characterized in that the operating device comprises a user interface (6) arranged for being brought from a first position to an actuated position by manual force, a knob actuator (7) for actuating the container knob (4) upon actuation of the user interface (6) and an intermediate mechanism (8) comprising force and movement transmitting elements and energy-storing elements of a mechanical nature only, operatively arranged between the user interface (6) and the container knob actuator (7) for controlling the knob actuator (7) and for keeping the knob (4) in a depressed state for a fixed time after actuating the user interface (6).
Method according to claim 1, wherein said force and movement transmitting elements are chosen from the group consisting of slides, levers rack and pinions, gears, friction couplings, dampers, air pumps and air cylinders.
Method according to any of claims 1-2, wherein said energy-storing elements are chosen from the group consisting of mechanical springs, gas springs and hydraulic springs.
Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said container knob (4) is brought into said depressed state by transmitting a first force (F₁) to the knob actuator (7) which transmits said first force (F₁) to the container knob (4) in a direction substantially parallel to a depressing direction (D), wherein the first force (F₁) is transmitted in one go.
Method according to claim 4, wherein the first force (F₁) is created by operating the user interface (6) thereby storing energy in an energy-storing element (9) and releasing the energy when a locking mechanism (12) is released.
Method according to claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism (12) comprises an aperture (13), for instance a tapered aperture and a locking element (14), for instance a locking pin or a locking ball, wherein the locking element (14) is engaging the aperture (13) with a locking force (F_L).
Method according to at least claim 6, wherein the locking mechanism (12) is released when the first force (F₁) exceeds the locking force (F_L).
Method according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the container knob (4) is brought back in the non-depressed state by transmitting a second force (F₂) to release the knob actuator (7) from the first force (F₁) and thereby releasing the container knob (4) from the first force (F₁), the container knob moving in a direction substantially opposite to the depressing direction of said container knob (4).
Method according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the container knob (4) is brought back in the non-depressed state by transmitting a second force (F₂) to the knob actuator (7), creating a resultant force (F_R) on the container knob (4) in a direction substantially opposite to the depressing direction of said container knob (4).
Method according to claim 9, wherein the second force (F₂) is created by operating the user interface (6) thereby storing energy in a second energy-storing element (10) and thereafter releasing the energy in a dampened way.
Method according to any of claims 5-10, wherein the energy is stored in the first energy-storing element (9) substantially at the same time as the energy is stored in the second energy-storing element (10).
Method according to at least claim 10, wherein a timer device (11) that is provided in the mechanism (8) is controlled by a user to regulate said dampened way.
Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanism (8) is adapted to actuate the container knob (4) when the user interface (6) is operated, thereby always dispensing a fixed amount, regardless the user interface (6) is kept in operating position or released after operating.
Method according to any of claims 1-13, wherein the mechanism (8) is adapted to actuate the container knob (4) when the user interface (6) is operated, thereby dispensing a fixed amount when the user interface (6) is released after operating or continuing to dispense when the user interface (6) is kept in operating position, wherein the dispensing stops when the user interface (6) is released.
Operating device for an aerosol container, for use in a method according to any of claims 1-14, the container (2), containing a food ingredient, having a container knob (4) which in a depressed state opens a valve of the container (2) for dispensing the content of the container (2) and in a non-depressed state releases said valve into a closed condition, the container knob (4) being biased in the non-depressed state, the operating device comprising:
- connection elements (23) for releaseably connecting said container (2) to the operating device (1); the device characterized in that is further comprises:

- a user interface (6) arranged for being brought from a first position to an actuated position by manual force,

- a container knob actuator (7) for actuating the container knob (4) upon actuation of the user interface (6);

- an intermediate mechanism (8) comprising force and movement transmitting elements and energy-storing elements of a mechanical nature only, the mechanism being operatively arranged between the user interface (6) and the container knob actuator (7) for controlling the knob actuator and for depressing the container knob (4) and for keeping the container knob (4) in a depressed state for a fixed period of time.
An operating device according to claim 15, wherein the force and movement transmitting elements are chosen from the group consisting of slides, levers, rack and pinions, gears, friction couplings, dampers, air pumps and air cylinders.
An operating device according to any of claims 15-16, wherein the energy-storing elements are chosen from the group consisting of mechanical springs, gas springs and hydraulic springs.
An operating device according to any of claims 15-17, wherein the mechanism (8) comprises an energy-storing element (9) for storing energy when the user interface (6) is operated and releasing energy.
An operating device according to at least claim 18, wherein the mechanism (8) comprises a locking mechanism (12) adapted for releasing energy from the energy-storing element (9) in one go.
An operating device according to claim 19, wherein the locking mechanism (12) comprises an aperture (13), for instance a tapered aperture and a locking element (14), for instance a locking pin of a locking ball, adapted to engage in the aperture (13) with a locking force (F_L).
An operating device according to any of claims 15-20, wherein the mechanism (12) further comprises a second energy-storing element (10) which is adapted to store and release energy and create a second force (F₂) to obtain a resultant force (F_R) on the container knob (4) in a substantially opposite depressing direction.
An operating device according to any of claims 15-21, wherein the mechanism (8) further comprises a timer device (11) to release the energy from the second energy-storing element (10) in a dampened way.
An operating device according to claim 22, wherein the timer device (11) comprises a user control (15) to regulate said dampened way.
An aerosol container operating device assembly, comprising an aerosol container (2) connected to an operating device (1) according to any of the claims 15-23, wherein the assembly is adapted for dispensing a fixed amount of food content from said aerosol container (2).