Description

The present invention relates to an adaptor for spray cans .

Precision instruments and in particular those used for medical applications need continuous and careful maintenance. Of these, dental instruments such as, merely by way of example, turbines and contra-angles, require lubrication of all the moving parts at least daily and in any case, always before sterilisation. Such instruments are generally provided with a special aperture which the nozzle of a spray can of appropriate lubricant can be inserted in.

Bearing in mind that the lubrication aperture of such instruments differs in size depending on the type and brand of the instrument, various adaptors for the dispenser nozzle of the lubricant spray must be provided so as to permit its sealed insertion in such lubrication aperture.

In the current state of things, it is common practice to use just one can of liquid spray to which the relative adaptor is attached each time or to use a number of cans, each of which is coupled to a different adaptor. Both approaches have disadvantages.

First of all, given that the adaptors are a relatively small size it is not infrequent for them to be accidentally mislaid.

They are also subject to precocious wear, inasmuch as generally made from non durable material. For the same reason, the repeated daily manoeuvres of attachment/detachment to/from the same spray can, may cause them to break.

Lastly, in the case of using multiple spray cans, the problem arises of the increased costs of purchasing several cans, one for each adaptor.

The problem which the present invention sets out to resolve is that of making a system available which overcomes the drawbacks spoken of above.

Such problem is resolved by an adaptor as defined in the appended claims, the definitions of which are an integral part of the present invention.

One object of the invention is therefore an adaptor for spray cans which has a plurality of dispenser nozzles, each suitable for application to various mechanical instruments .

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly comprehensible from the description below of a preferred embodiment, made by way of a non-limiting example, with reference to the following figures wherein:

Figure 1 shows an exploded axonometric view of the adaptor according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a side view of a detail of the adaptor in figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a view from above of a different detail of the adaptor in figure 1 ;

Figures 4 and 5 respectively show a rear and side view of a different detail of the adaptor in figure 1 ;

Figure 6 shows a side view of a different detail of the adaptor in figure 1 ;

Figure 7 shows a view from below of the detail in figure 3;

Figure 8 shows a view of a spray can with the adaptor according to the invention, to which various types of nozzle have been attached,

Figure 9 shows an exploded side view of some details of the adaptor according to the invention, according to a different embodiment;

Figure 10 shows a perspective view from below of a detail in figure 9;

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the details in figure 9;

Figure 12 shows a side view of the detail in figure 5 according to a different embodiment.

With reference to figures 1-7, the adaptor according to the invention, globally denoted by reference numeral 1, comprises a body 2 to which a plurality of nozzle-holders 3 may be joined, an actuator 4 for operating the dispenser of a spray can (indicted by B in figure 8) and a closure cap 5.

The body 2 can be inscribed in a cylinder or in a truncated cone and is hollow so as to form a cylindrical channel 8 which runs longitudinally all along the body 2.

The body 2 comprises a base portion 6 and an upper cylindrical portion 7 having a diameter less than that of the base portion 6 so as to form a shoulder 6a with it. A plurality of parallel pairs of fins spread out in a fan shape from the cylindrical portion 7. The fins 9 extend in height all along the cylindrical portion 7 and in depth as far as connecting to the rim of the base 6, so as to define one or more sectors 11, each positioned between a pair of parallel fins 9, alternated with two or more V-shaped sectors 10.

The sectors 11 positioned between the pairs of parallel fins 9 each form a seat for housing a nozzle- holder 3. To such purpose, the lower portion of each sector 11 comprises, along the fins 9, two hook elements 9a. It also has, along the rim of the shoulder 6a, a notch 14, the function of which will be clear from the rest of the description.

The lower portion of each sector 11 further comprises, on the surface of the cylindrical portion 7 of the body 2, a hole 12 which places the outside in communication with the cylindrical channel 8 inside the body 2. Around the hole 12 an annular seat 13 is placed for a gasket 13', generally an O-ring in elastomeric material .

At the rim of each V-shape sector 10, the surface of the shoulder 6a, comprises a notch 14', the function of which will be clear from the rest of the description.

The base portion of the body 2 further comprises, along the lower rim of the cylindrical channel 8, coupling means 32 to the neck of a spray can B.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, such coupling means 32 are composed of a plurality of teeth suitable for snap-catching to the rim of the neck of a can. In different embodiments, however, these may consist of a magnetic ring suitable for magnetically coupling to said rim of the can, generally made in ferrous material.

The nozzle-holder 3 comprises a coupling portion 15 to the hook elements 9a joined to the parallel fins 9 and a connector portion 16.

The coupling portion 15 is a substantially cylindrical shape and comprises, at the two sides, two pins 17 destined to couple to the hook elements 9a.

The coupling portion 15 further comprises a tooth 18, which extends from the cylindrical surface of the coupling portion 15, such tooth 18 being destined to facilitate the lowering of the nozzle-holder 3 from the closed to the operating position - constituting a gripping surface for the finger of a user - and to sustain and stop the nozzle-holder 3 at 90° from the vertical when in the operating position.

The connector portion 16 is a substantially cylindrical shape and extends starting from the cylindrical surface of the coupling portion 15, in an adjacent position to the tooth 18.

In one embodiment, shown in figure 12, the connector portion 16 comprises a threading 50 for a stable coupling with a nozzle U, in turn fitted with a complementary threading on its inner surface.

The nozzle-holder 3 is hollow and comprises internally a channel which connects the aperture 19 of the connector portion 16 to a hole 20 positioned on the coupling portion in alignment with said aperture 19.

When the nozzle-holder 3 is fitted inside a respective seat between two parallel fins 9, in a condition in which the pins 17 couple to the coupling elements 9a and the tooth 18 rests on the shoulder 6a, the hole 20 of the nozzle-holder - and therefore also the respective inner channel communicating with the aperture 19 facing outwards- aligns with the hole 12 present on the cylindrical portion 7 of the body 2 so as to seal it. This way the cylindrical channel 8 of the body 2 is in flow communication with the outside and the adaptor 1 according to the invention is placed in an operating condition .

Vice versa, if the nozzle-holder 3 is made to rotate so that the connector portion 16 is facing upwards, the hole 12 of the body 2 and the hole 20 of the nozzle- holder become misaligned, interrupting the flow communication between the inside and the outside of the body 2. In this rest condition, the gasket 13' ensures a seal against the cylindrical surface of the coupling portion 15 of the nozzle-holder 3 at all times, while the connector portion 16 is enclosed between the fins 9, minimising obstruction. In this condition, the notch 14 acts as a drainage channel and ensures the outflow of the residual lubricant oil inside the nozzle-holder 3 and in the nozzle U (lubricant oil which remains inside the nozzle-holder after dispensing) downwards. Preferably, the lower side of the base portion 6, that is the side opposite the shoulder 6a, can house a ring of absorbent material (not shown) , such as a ring of foam rubber, felt or other material, having the function of absorbing the lubricant oil dripping from the nozzle-holder 3 after each use.

This way a single nozzle-holder 3 or more than one can be set in an operating condition, leaving the others in the rest position.

The actuator 4 has an outer diameter such as to be inserted so as to slide inside the cylindrical channel 8 of the body 2.

The actuator 4 comprises a central portion 21, which in turn comprises a button portion 22 at one end and a distal portion 23 at the opposite end.

The central portion 21 is substantially inscribable in a cylinder and comprises two end discs 21a, 21b connected by a central stem 24 and by ribs 25 (four in the drawing) which extend from the stem 24 as far as the perimeter of the two end discs 21a, 21b. This structure makes it possible to lighten the central portion 21, saving material, without however jeopardising the rigidity of the structure.

The button portion 22, also a substantially cylindrical shape, has a smaller diameter than that of the end disc 21a it is joined to, so as to form a recessed rim 26.

The distal portion 23 extends from the lower terminal disc 21b with a slightly smaller diameter than that of the disc 21b and ends in a beak 27. The distal portion 23 comprises a duct 28 which ends underneath in the beak 27 with an engagement aperture 29 with the nozzle of the can B. The duct 28 ends at the opposite end with an orifice 30 positioned on the cylindrical surface of the distal portion 23.

On the cylindrical surface of the distal portion 23 two gaskets 31 ' , 31 " are also positioned, longitudinally distanced so as to enclose between them the orifice 30 and such as to interfere with the surface of the cylindrical channel 8 so as to seal it .An annular channel 33 is thereby formed between the two gaskets 31', 31". The gaskets 31', 31" may typically be O-rings in elastomeric material.

The orifice 30 is positioned at a distance from the aperture 29 such that, when the actuator 4 is inserted in the cylindrical channel 8 of the body 2 and is pressed to operate the spray can, the annular channel 33 will be level with the apertures 12 of the various sectors 11.

A spring 40, preferably a helical spring, which presses on one side on the lower surface of the distal portion 23 and on the other on the upper surface of the inner rim 166 of the body 2 is positioned around the beak 27.

According to the embodiment shown in figures 9, 10 and 11, the actuator 104 comprises two separate parts, that is a mobile pusher 151 and a fixed dispenser connector 152. Both have an outer diameter such as to be inserted so as to slide inside the cylindrical channel 8 of the body 2.

The pusher 151 is substantially inscribable in a cylinder and comprises two end discs 121a, 121b connected by a central stem 124 and by ribs 125 (four in the drawing) which extend from the stem 124 as far as the perimeter of the two end discs 121a, 121b.

A button portion 122 is positioned above the upper end disc 121a. The button portion 122, also a substantially cylindrical shape, has a smaller diameter than that of the end disc 121a it is joined to, so as to form a recessed rim 126.

The central stem 124 extends, under the lower end disc 121b, to form a thrust finger 153, the lower end 154 of which is a convex shape.

The dispenser connector 152 is slightly smaller in diameter than the end disc 121b and is a cylindrical shape with an inner cavity 155, open at both ends.

A connector element 156 destined to engage with the nozzle of the can B is positioned in a central position inside the cavity 155. To such purpose, the connector element 156 comprises an aperture 157 on the side facing downwards, which the nozzle of the can B is inserted in. The aperture 157 is surrounded by a flared rim 158.

On the opposite side, facing upwards, the connector element 156 has a closed surface 159. The pusher 151 presses on such closed surface 159. To such purpose, the surface 159 is preferably concave, so as to achieve a shaped coupling with the convex surface of the lower end 154 of the pusher 151.

In other embodiments it will however be possible to configure both the lower end 154 of the pusher 151 and the closed surface 159 of the connector element 156 differently, for example envisaging flat surfaces.

The connector element 156 is connected to the inner cylindrical surface 160 of the dispenser connector 152 by means of a peduncle 161.

Inside the peduncle 161 a duct 128 which originates from the aperture 157 of the connector element 156 and ends at the opposite end with an orifice 130 positioned on the outer cylindrical surface of the dispenser connector 152 is housed.

Annular grooves 162', 162" are also positioned on the cylindrical outer surface of the dispenser connector 152, the grooves being destined to house two gaskets (not shown) , longitudinally distanced so as to enclose between them the orifice 130 and such as to interfere with the surface of the cylindrical channel 8 so as to seal it. The gaskets may typically be O-rings in elastomeric material. The orifice 130 is in turn positioned on the bottom of an annular groove 133.

The annular groove 133 which houses the orifice 130 is positioned level with the apertures 12 of the various sectors 11, so that, when the device is actuated, the lubricant liquid vaporised by the can B passes through the duct 128 and to the orifice 130 and can be dispensed through the selected nozzle-holder 3.

The upper rim 163 of the dispenser connector 152 is configured in such a way as to act as an abutment surface for the pusher 151, thereby limiting its downward stroke. Excessive pressure could in fact damage or break the peduncle 161.

The dispenser connector 152 or at least the peduncle 161 is made in a sufficiently flexible material as to permit the flexion of the peduncle when the pressure of a finger is applied to the button portion 122 of the pusher 151. For example, the dispenser connector 152 may be made in a plastic material such as polypropylene.

Elastic means 164, typically a spiral spring, are positioned between the pusher 151 and the dispenser connector 152 to permit the upward return of the pusher 151. The elastic means 164 press on a shoulder 165 positioned at the bottom of the upper rim 163 of the dispenser connector 152 and on the lower surface of the pusher 151.

The closure cap 5 comprises an upper portion 34, from the perimeter of which a plurality of tabs 36 extend downwards. Each tab 36 terminates at the bottom with a tooth 37 of a size and shape as to be inserted in a notch 14' present in each of the V-shaped sectors 10 of the body 2. The space separating one tab 36 from that adjacent to it corresponds rather to the extension in width of a sector 11 of the body 2.

The upper portion 34 of the closure cap 5 has a central hole 35 of such diameter as to permit the introduction of the button portion 22, 122 of the actuator 4 and such as to constitute a stop for the recessed rim 26, 126.

The adaptor 1 according to the invention is assembled by introducing the actuator 4 inside the cylindrical channel 8 of the body 2 and positioning above it the closure cap 5 until the teeth 37 snap into the respective notches 14'. In the embodiment in figures 9- 11, the actuator 4 is in turn assembled by first introducing the dispenser connector 152 in the cylindrical channel 8 until it abuts with the inner rim 166 (see figure 3) of the body 2; the elastic means 164 are then positioned and lastly the pusher 151 is introduced .

The cap 5 may be attached to the body 2 by chemical (glues) or mechanical means (such as ultrasound soldering for example) . This way, the closure cap 5 presses upwards against the recessed rim 26, 126 of the actuator 4, preventing it from being extracted from above. Before or after such operation, the nozzle-holder 3 can be fitted in the respective seats of the sector 11 as described above .

The adaptor 1 functions as follows:

The adaptor 1 is fitted onto a can B (Figure 8) in such a way that the coupling means 32 block it to the neck of the can. In this position the beak 27 or, in the embodiment shown in figures 9-11, the connector element 156 of the actuator 4 will be joined to the dispenser nozzle of the can (not shown) without however exerting a dispensing pressure on it. To achieve dispensing of the spray, the button portion 22, 122 of the actuator 4 must be pressed. The return of the actuator 4 to the rest position is ensured by the same dispenser nozzle of the can and by the spring 40 or by the elastic means 164.

To achieve the dispensing of the spray from one of the nozzle-holders, the nozzle-holder 3 must however be placed in the operating condition, that is to say in a position in which the connector portion 16 is horizontal and the hole 20 of the coupling portion 15 is aligned with the hole 12 of the body 2. In this condition, when the actuator 4 is pressed to dispense the spray, the fluid passes through the duct 28, 128 and the orifice 30, 130 until it reaches the annular channel 33,133, from which it passes into the nozzle-holder 3 which is positioned in an operative condition. The gaskets 31', 31" or, in the embodiment in figures 9-11, the gaskets housed in the annular grooves 162', 162", prevent the exit of the fluid from the annular channel 33, 133 while the gaskets 13 of the other non-selected holes 12 prevent the exit of fluid outwards.

As shown in figure 8, on each nozzle-holder 3 a nozzle U may be fitted suitable for the various devices to be serviced.

In one embodiment, the various nozzles U may be different colours, so as to facilitate the selection of the nozzle U suitable for the specific instrument to be lubricated .

The advantages of the invention are evident.

With a single adaptor positioned on a single spray can it is in fact possible to select the various types of nozzle for dispensing the fluid, typically a lubricant, in different models and brands of instrument. Such nozzles may be pre-fitted to respective nozzle-holders 3, thereby saving time and cost to the user. The latter in fact will not need to have a number of cans available, each with a different nozzle, or instead have to attach and detach different nozzles to the same can as required.

The adaptor according to the invention may be made in plastic with a consequent low production cost.

The need to detach the adaptor only when the can is empty also reduces the risk of accidental breakage of the device .

In the embodiment shown in figures 9-11, the fact that the dispenser connector 152 is fixed and only the pusher 151 is mobile considerably reduces the pressure to apply to the button portion 122 to dispense the lubricant. In fact, the gaskets present on the outer surface of the dispenser connector 152 would make it difficult for it to slide.

The description refers to only one particular embodiment of the present invention, to which a person skilled in the art may make all the necessary modifications for its adaptation to particular conditions while remaining within the sphere of protection claimed.

Although the adaptor according to the invention has been designed in particular for use in lubricating dental instruments, it is clear that it may also be applied to all those mechanical instruments which require this type of maintenance, as indeed to any other use in which the introduction of a vaporised fluid from a spray can by means of a predefined connector is required.