Pressurizing aerosol cans
A system and corresponding method for charging an aerosol can with a compressed gas charge includes a base that is adapted for receiving a can that (i) houses a product and (ii) includes a means for injecting gas, such as a grommet or valve on the bottom of the container, and includes a compressed gas source, such as a pre-charged canister of compressed air, and air compressor, and/or an automatic or manual air pump. The can may be filled with at atmospheric pressure and then shipped while the can contains approximately atmospheric pressure. Upon receipt of the can, a user may charge the can with a compressed gas and repeat charging if needed after some of the product has been dispensed.
1. A method for filling and using a product in an aerosol can, comprising the steps of:
a. filling a product into a container positioned within a can at atmospheric pressure;
b. shipping the can after the filling step (a) while the can contains approximately atmospheric pressure;
c. interlocking the can to a compressed gas delivery system such that an interlock condition is satisfied;
d. charging a compartment within the can with a compressed gas from the gas delivery system after the shipping step (b) and after the interlock condition is satisfied, the compartment being a space outside of the container; and
e. charging the can after a portion of the product has been dispensed after the charging step (d).
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the can includes a bottom, a sidewall, a top, and a dispensing valve affixed to the top.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the bottom includes a reusable grommet or a filling valve.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the can is any one of a drawn and ironed metal can, an impact extruded metal can, a metal can having a longitudinal welded seam and a seamed-on bottom, and a plastic container.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the metal can comprises aluminum or steel.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the can is pressurized to less than 6 bar.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the can is pressurized to between 2 and 5 bar.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the can is pressurized to approximately 3 bar.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the can is configured such that during shipping DOT-2P and DOT-2Q shipping regulations do not apply.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compressed gas comprises a propellant gas.
11. A method for delivering product in an aerosol can, comprising the steps of:
a. filling a product into a container positioned within a can at atmospheric pressure;
b. shipping the can after the filling step (a) while the can contains approximately atmospheric pressure; wherein a compartment within the can is adapted for being charged with a compressed gas after the shipping step (b) and after the can is interlocked with a compressed gas delivery system such that an interlock condition is satisfied, wherein the compartment is a space outside of the container; and the compartment within the can is adapted for being recharged after a portion of the product has been dispensed after a first charge.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the can includes a bottom, a sidewall, a top, and a dispensing valve affixed to the top.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the bottom includes a reusable grommet or a filling valve.
14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the can is any one of a drawn and ironed metal can, an impact extruded metal can, a metal can having a longitudinal welded seam and a seamed-on bottom, and a plastic container.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the metal can comprises aluminum or steel.
16. The method of claim 11 , wherein the can is pressurized to less than 6 bar.
17. The method of claim 11 , wherein the can is pressurized to between 2 and 5 bar.
18. The method of claim 11 , wherein the can is pressurized to approximately 3 bar.
19. The method of claim 11 , wherein the can is configured such that during shipping DOT-2P and DOT-2Q shipping regulations do not apply.