Low pressure non-barrier type, valved dispensing can

Abstract

A low pressure aerosol dispensing can which is distinguished from existing high pressure aerosol dispensing cans. The generally cylindrical can has a thin wall thickness, like that of a carbonated beverage can, which can be distorted by finger pressure but whose shape is maintained by internal gas pressure. The liquid contents to be dispensed and the propellant gas are mixed in the can. The dispensing valve at the top of the can dispenses the liquid contents and propellant in a controlled manner. The valve may include an additional narrow bore vapor tap between the gaseous propellant head space in the can and the valve chamber for delivering extra gas for atomizing the liquid and propelling it from the nozzle. The gas pressure in the can is coordinated with the can wall and bottom thickness so that the can will have sufficient distortion resistance and burst resistance at elevated temperature. Yet the can has side walls of a thickness low enough to permit the can to be easily crushed by hand pressure when the can is empty.