Container

In a container (1) with a reservoir (2), a product dispensing opening (3), and a device (4) for discharging the product contained in the reservoir (2) out through the product dispensing opening (3), a sound generator (5) or a noise damper (13) is provided on the container (1) and the sound generator (5) or the noise damper (13) is functionally connected to the discharge device (4) in order to generate a desired sound for a product discharge when dispensing the product. The desired sound is one that a consumer experiences as a positive sound.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a container with a reservoir, a product dispensing opening, and a device for discharging the product contained in the reservoir out through the product dispensing opening.

2. Related Art

Containers of this kind are sufficiently well-known. Squeeze containers, aerosol containers, and containers with spray pumps have a discharge device. The discharge device has a deformable container wall in squeeze containers, a valve in aerosol containers, and a spray pump in spray pump containers. The product travels either directly from the reservoir to an open product dispensing opening or through a conduit and a stem to a product dispensing opening embodied as a nozzle. In the vicinity of the product dispensing opening of an aerosol container or a spray pump container, a foam generator can also be provided in order to deliver the product in the form of a foam. Whereas with squeeze containers, hardly any perceptible noise is produced when the product, e.g. hair shampoo, is being dispensed, aerosol containers and spray pump containers generate a typical noise. This is particularly true for an aerosol container with a foam generator.

The known containers have the disadvantage that the noise generated by them while the product is being dispensed depends solely on the technical embodiment of the container, e.g. its product dispensing opening, its discharge device, its dimensions (resonances), and its materials. This noise can be subjectively experienced as good or as less than good. If the noise does not sound good to the user, he may draw incorrect and negative conclusions about the technical design of the container and its contents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to prevent, suppress, or mask the noise of the container when dispensing the product, which is subjectively found to be unpleasant.

According to the invention the container has

a reservoir for a product;

a discharge device with a product dispensing opening, which comprises means for discharging the product from the reservoir through the product dispensing opening; and

means (5,13) for preventing, suppressing or masking noise produced by a product discharge when dispensing the product by means of the discharge device.

The invention has the advantage that during a product discharge, a sound is produced that is appealing to the user. This sound can initially be empirically determined through customer surveys and then technically implemented. Either the container is provided with a sound generator, which masks the natural discharge noise with a special sound, or else the natural dispensing noise, i.e. the noise produced when there is no sound generator or noise damper, is entirely or selectively dampened so that its unpleasant frequencies are reduced with regard to their sound intensity or so that these frequencies are eliminated.

If the container is an aerosol container or a spray pump container in which a spray conduit leading to a nozzle is provided on the container and the spray conduit has a mathematically continuous course with regard to its inner wall, particularly a continuously curved section of the spray conduit, i.e. a section without any corners, then there is only a low probability of eddies being produced in the emerging product. Since eddies generate undesirable noises, this results in a more pleasant sound when the product is being dispensed.

At least one sounding rib in the spray conduit, which points in a particular direction radially away from the spray conduit, advantageously generates tones in accordance with its dimensions. It is also possible to provide a number of sounding ribs, whose tones heterodyne with one another. Due to resonance and stationary sound waves, particular pleasant sounds can thus be generated in a cap that encompasses the spray conduit and the sounding ribs.

A spray conduit can be encompassed by a sound absorbing material in order to thus reduce the intrinsic sound level but also to damp certain frequency ranges to a particularly strong degree. In the vicinity of the valve stem of a spray pump container or an aerosol container, a measure of this kind is particularly useful because a relatively large amount of turbulence occurs in them and a corresponding noise generation consequently occurs.

If the spray conduit is encompassed by several layers of sound absorbing material, in particular selectively sound absorbing material, and includes at least one layer of a foamed or unfoamed material, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or a thermoplastic polyurethane, then an existing noise produced by the product discharge can be effectively damped or can be damped selectively. Very favorable results can be achieved with TPE plastics, such as Evoprene®, Santoprene®, Vyram®, and Hyrtel®. These plastics can be used to produce relatively pleasant sounds for hair spray and hair foam. Hydrocerol® is suitable as a foaming agent for the TPE plastic.

When there are several layers of sound absorbing material, several layer combinations are suitable for laying an inner layer against another layer. The inner layer adjoins the product dispensing conduit, e.g. the spray conduit or the foam circuit. The additional layer rests directly against the outside of the inner layer. Favorable acoustic results are achieved with the following inner layer/other layer pairings: 0.5 to 1 mm unfoamed material/1 to 5 mm foam; 1 mm unfoamed/1 to 3 unfoamed; 0.5 to 5 mm foam/1 to 3 mm unfoamed; 1 mm unfoamed PP (polypropylene)/5 mm foam; 1 mm unfoamed PP/1 mm unfoamed, as well as with analogous combinations of analogous materials. If a number of frequency ranges are to be influenced, then a number of layers with corresponding properties can be combined with one another.

Favorable results are also achieved if the outer layer is sealed in relation to the outside by means of a film. This then corresponds to a closed-cell foam. The function of the film can also be performed by a film-like, smooth, and unfoamed boundary layer produced on a mold wall. In TPU foam parts, boundary layers are produced against the mold wall automatically during forming and are between 0.2 and 1.0 mm thick.

If the noise damper is a spiral disposed around a spray conduit, then this damper produces a selective, pleasant change in the spraying sound. Suitable materials for the spiral are those, which have a relatively high mechanical inherent loss factor and a relatively low flexural strength, e.g. corrugated paper and tissue paper. These materials are also very inexpensive.

If a button on a cap that can be slid onto the container is provided as a discharge device, the button acts mechanically on the wall of the spray conduit, and the wall acts mechanically on a stem of the container, then when the button is depressed to dispense the product, the wall and the stem are also depressed so that the container valve disposed underneath the stem opens and the product flows out. The valve can be an aerosol valve. However, it can also be part of a spray pump so that depressing the button produces a spray burst.

If this material of the spray conduit is harder or softer than the material of a sounding rib, then a sound can be changed solely by means of this difference in hardness.

If a stiffening rib is provided on the spray conduit, then the oscillation frequency of the spray conduit is decreased as a result.

The harder and more rigid the spray conduit is designed to be, the more difficult it can be to set it into oscillation by means of mechanical excitation. It is immaterial whether the excitation is permanent or singular. The stiffening by means of additional ribs also produces a greater component surface area. If the surface area of a component is greater, then the oscillation energy is distributed over this area. The overall oscillatory area is reduced by stiffening and the frequency of the oscillation is increased. Consequently, the sound pressure level of a component with this increased surface area is less than one without the stiffening rib. Furthermore, a stiffening rib also represents a reflector against which oscillations are reflected.

Relatively hard stiffening ribs are used to generate sound in the frequency range from approx. 4 to 15 KHZ. By contrast, relatively soft stiffening ribs are used for sound emissions in the frequency range from 1 to approx. 4 KHZ. Consequently, a sounding rib, which is comprised of a material of a different hardness compared to the hardness of the spray conduit wall is used to emit amplified sound in a different frequency range in order to thus change the sound when the product is being dispensed. A normally hard wall of the spray conduit in connection with relatively soft sounding ribs or stiffening ribs provided on the spray conduit therefore produces a sound in which the deeper tones are amplified in comparison to a conventional spray conduit noise. A sound of this kind seems “richer”.

If the acoustic rib is connected to the inner surface of a cap that can be slid onto the container, in particular is injection molded onto it, then a different sound can be produced than if the acoustic rib does not have this connection. The sonic frequencies emitted by the spray conduit or any component of the container cause resonance oscillations of the acoustic rib and because of the connection, the acoustic rib deflects the cap at the connection, causing it to execute an analogous oscillation. If the acoustic rib is embodied in a closed meandering form and is only connected to the cap, then the acoustic rib defines a resonance chamber, which particularly absorbs sound waves of the wall of the flow conduit. Certain frequencies are damped in accordance with the dimensions of the sinuous acoustic rib. This produces a particular sound.

To the human ear, frequencies around 4 KHZ are relatively unpleasant. These frequencies can be significantly reduced in a spray jet if, according to a preferred embodiment, the container is an aerosol container or a spray pump container, a spray conduit leading to a nozzle is provided on the container, and either the spray conduit has a conduit insert extending inside it or the spray conduit is comprised of a number of conduit arms that in particular extend parallel to one another. The discharged product consequently flows through relatively narrow conduit parts or conduit arms in order to travel through the flow conduit to the nozzle. As a result, the flow is laminar. The flow noise is selectively damped, namely in the vicinity of 4 KHZ. The modified flow conduit, however, also functions as a sound generator, namely for frequencies that are higher than 4 KHZ. These are amplified. Therefore a higher tone is produced.

Sufficiently deep frequencies are also positively accepted by consumers, e.g. in an aerosol container with a foaming device. A positive product discharge sound is achieved if, according to another preferred embodiment, the container is an aerosol container or a spray pump container, a spray conduit leading to a nozzle is provided on the container, and the spray conduit has an extension that functions as a sound generator for one frequency range and as a noise damper for a higher frequency range.

If the container is an aerosol container or a spray pump container, a spray conduit leading to a nozzle is provided in the container, and the spray conduit is encompassed by a honeycomb formation that has a number of honeycombs and, in the direction oriented away from the spray conduit, the honeycombs are in particular aligned radial to the spray conduit, then a selective alteration of the spray conduit sound occurs in the spray conduit. The honeycomb structure can, for example, be rectangular, hexagonal, or round. The honeycombs are open at their ends and are contiguous with one another. The acoustic oscillations that emanate from the spray conduit heterodyne with one another in the honeycombs and in the honeycomb walls. Consequently, the energy and loudness of the sound waves are reduced. The honeycombs can be comprised of cellulose material. Nomex® honeycombs are particularly suitable for this purpose. Their relatively rigid material increases the frequency of the spray conduit sound.

If a sound chip is provided as a sound generator, then it can generate a sound that is favorable for a product discharge. This sound can also be one whose frequency spectrum, when added to the frequency spectrum of the technically induced discharge noise, produces the frequency spectrum and therefore the tone of a desired sound.

If the sound chip is programmable, then one or more programmed sounds can be input to the sound chip, which are then available for acoustic output. Several programs that can be selected can be called up through corresponding use of the discharge device. For example, two actuating buttons, which can start two different programs, can be provided as the device. If the selection depends on the position of the device, then in one position, the one program can be called up and in the other position, the other program can be called up. If a low or higher spray rate is produced depending on the actuating distance of a button or actuating knob, then each spray rate can be associated with a correspondingly pleasant, programmed spray sound of the sound chip. The same is true for two separate buttons or actuating knobs on a container for producing a fine or powerful spray. The sound chip can also be used to amplify intrinsically pleasant sounds of the container by causing them to heterodyne with an identical frequency spectrum.

If the sound chip contains at least one speech program, in particular an advice program, then while the product is being dispensed, advice can be offered to the customer with regard to the product being used. Advice of this kind is particularly appropriate when the use of the product is complicated. In this connection, each time the discharge device is actuated, a piece of advisory information is output so that the use is supported by a number of individual pieces of information.

If the container is an aerosol container or a spray pump container, in a preferred embodiment a spray conduit leading to a nozzle is provided in the container, and the spray conduit has a number of individual conduits that function as a sound generator for one frequency range and as a noise damper for another frequency range, then this multiplicity of conduits produces a relatively favorable dispensing of the product. Certain turbulences that occur in a single spray conduit and frequencies that correspond to them are attenuated, which achieves a selective noise damping for this frequency range. Sounds that are typical for a multiplicity of relatively narrow individual conduits are amplified. Consequently, this produces an altered, relatively pleasant sound when the product disposed in the container is dispensed.

If the container is an aerosol container or a spray pump container, in a preferred embodiment a spray conduit leading to a nozzle is provided in the container, and the spray conduit has a labium that functions as a sound generator for one frequency range and as a noise damper for another frequency range, then an altered, relatively pleasant sound can be generated when the product disposed in the container is dispensed.

A selective noise damping or a selective alteration of the spray noise can be achieved through adaptation of heterodyne frequencies. Individual regions of the frequency spectrum can be singled out and obliterated or influenced by one or more sound sources.

This can be achieved by means of a vibrating inner wall (labium) directly in the spray conduit. The spray noise can be influenced by the size and material of the oscillating wall. The required mechanical energy is supplied in the same way as with a “labium” (specialized term denoting an oscillation exciter in wind instruments), which is set into oscillation by an aerosol flowing past it or in the same way as with an “overblow conduit”, which has a separation edge at its end. Stiffening is provided by the inner wall itself. Narrower conduits can also achieve an increase in the frequency.

As in an organ pipe or a recorder, the aerosol flow strikes the very sharp edge of the labium. Intense eddies are thereby produced, which excite the labium to oscillate. Consequently, a certain note is produced. This note can be changed by varying the length of the double tube that encompasses the labium (short length produces a higher note, long length, a lower note).

Since the double tube is also better at absorbing the oscillations that occur, the following phenomena occur: noise reduction, frequency alteration, and reduction of the flow resistance and therefore of the turbulence that occurs, which leads to a further noise reduction.

If the container is an aerosol container and a valve plate of the aerosol container is provided with valve plate insulation as the noise damper, then a pleasant discharge sound for the aerosol container can be achieved.

Valve plates are primarily made of aluminum. A layer of a sound absorbing material, in particular polyurethane lacquer or polyurethane foam applied to the valve plate is suitable for insulating the valve plate.

The following foamed TPE plastics are particularly suited for insulating the valve plate: Evoprene®, Santoprene®, Vyram®, and Hyrtel®. The foaming agent Hydrocerol® is suitable for these plastics.

Suitable composites and composite materials are characterized in that they appropriately combine the sometimes conflicting properties of individual components, even for extreme intended uses. A composite, which in addition to minimizing the oscillation transmission, also has high oscillation-absorbing properties in a broad frequency range, changes the oscillation emission to an extreme degree. This large surface area composite, which is highly effective acoustically, should have a lower mass than conventional materials while simultaneously having good mechanical properties.

Chief among these properties is the greatest possible damping and insulation of mechanical oscillations of the aerosol spray system. Two layers that behave in physically different ways are combined into one composite.

A high degree of oscillation damping (high oscillation absorption) is achieved with porous, i.e. specially foamed and/or elastomer materials, which must have an opened-pored structure oriented toward the oscillation source (pore size approx. 0.2 mm). This function is performed, for example, by thermoplastic foam, which is produced through injection molding and simultaneous foaming of the above-mentioned materials, and has a high degree of porosity (up to 95%).

As a variation, it is also conceivable for the outer layer to be additionally sealed toward the outside by a film. This then corresponds to a closed-celled foam.

In order for the absorber to be able to dissipate a large amount of oscillation energy, the oscillation must first penetrate into the absorber in a reflection-free manner. This is achieved with an open-pored thermoplastic elastomer foam or an easily excitable material. As it transitions into the absorber, the oscillation resistance should not change very much at the boundary surface in order to minimize oscillation reflection. By means of a gradually increasing inner friction resistance of the absorber, due to its numerous narrow conduits, energy is withdrawn from the back-and-forth flow of air in the form of heat and is transmitted to the skeletal material of the absorber. As a result, the amplitude of the oscillation pressure decreases. The oscillation damped by the absorber strikes the insulating layer, where on the one hand, it is reflected back into the absorber and on the other hand, it is converted into a structure-borne oscillation. In order to minimize the radiation of oscillation into the space to be protected, the flexural wave in the insulation material is damped to the greatest extent possible. A high mechanical inherent loss factor and a low flexural strength facilitate the damping of flexural waves. These mechanical properties can be achieved with thermoplastic elastomers. The more complete the oscillation absorption of the incident and reflected oscillation is, the less oscillation energy travels into the insulation layer. The damping properties of the elastomer insulation layer further minimize the oscillation radiation into the space to be protected. The lower the density of the damping material (foam or lacquer), the higher the frequency that is influenced.

If the container is an aerosol container with an insert on the outlet end of a spray conduit, where the insert includes a nozzle, and as a noise damper, the insert is either comprised of an elastic plastic or is attached to the spray conduit by means of an elastic adhesive, then a pleasant sound is thus produced during a spraying process. The elastic material in the vicinity of the nozzle absorbs unpleasant frequencies.

The insert is excited causing it to oscillate by the expansion of the aerosol that takes place at the insert. An elastic insert hardly transmits any of this oscillation to the flow conduit.

This function can also be performed by a commercially available insert if this insert is glued into the flow conduit with an elastic adhesive. However, the layer thickness of the adhesive material must be great enough so that hardly any oscillations are transmitted. In general, a wall thickness of approx. 4 mm for the adhesive can serve as a starting point.

Pulsating pressure fluctuations occur in the flow conduit due to the partial expansion of the aerosol in the flow conduit. An elastic insert or an elastic adhesive does not transmit these pressure fluctuations.

If a sound generator is provided in the form of a resonance surface inside a cap of the container, then when excited, this resonance surface produces a sound that corresponds to its dimensions. The resonance surface can be a sounding board that divides the cap into two spaces. The resonance surface can contain one or more openings. Both the position and the material selection influence the sound. It is also possible to provide more than two spaces or to provide only dividing walls in order to separate spatial regions. Between one resonance surface and the inner wall of the cap, it is also possible to provide a silicone seal in order to provide resonance noise from being transmitted to the cap. However, if cap resonance is sought in order to produce a desired sound, then instead of a silicone seal, it is necessary to provide the best possible rigid contact between the resonance surface and the inner wall of the cap, e.g. by means of a plastic welding.

If the container is an aerosol container, which has a valve, a valve plate, a valve housing, and a stem and if an acoustic barrier layer is provided as a noise damper between the valve and the valve plate, then this achieves an acoustic decoupling of the valve as a noise source from the valve plate as a resonance body. This decoupling prevents the valve plate and the components connected to the valve plate, e.g. the container casing, from resonating with the valve. A measure of this kind is very effective since it acts directly on the noise source of the valve. The valve itself can remain unchanged. A barrier layer can be suitably comprised of a very elastic plastic, such as Evoprene®, whose thickness is preferably between 0.5 and 8 mm.

If a part of the barrier layer is provided as a seal between the valve housing and the stem, then this part fulfills the function, which is otherwise performed by a separate seal, of producing a seal between the valve housing and the stem. The use of this part is less expensive than the use of a separate seal and also acoustically decouples the valve housing from the actual valve.

If the container is an aerosol container or a spray pump container, a button on a cap that can be slid onto the container is provided as a discharge device, and an acoustic seal is provided between the button and the cap, then this produces a noise damping by means of an acoustic sealing of the cap. The seal can be produced by two sealing lips, where the one sealing lip is provided on the cap and the other sealing lip is provided on the button, or the seal is produced by means of an elastic connection between the button and the edge region of the cap adjoining the edge region of the button.

In the prior art, it is customary in a cap to actuate the valve stem by means of a button in order to dispense the product. The known buttons, however, also have a more or less large gap in relation to the cap encompassing them. If this gap is then closed, this causes the oscillating air mass in the cap and the oscillation of the cap to change. This thereby produces an altered spray noise. However, the cap must still remain mobile.

There are a number of possibilities for achieving this, for example:Possibility 1:The actuator button is connected to the spray cap by means of a very flexible plastic through the use of the two-component injection molding method. The spray cap is thus comprised of one piece and has no gap between the button and the spray cap. An extremely flexible plastic takes the place of this gap.Possibility 2:Tapering sealing lips that curve downward are affixed to the transition surfaces between the cap and the button, e.g. through the use of the two-component injection molding method. When they are not actuated, the two sealing lips are situated next to each other and seal completely. If the button is depressed, then the sealing lip of the button slides downward and the valve opens. At the same time, during the downward travel, more space is produced for the tip of the button sealing lip, which strives to move outward. As a result, the gap between the cap and the button is always closed and the inner space of the cap is acoustically sealed.

In a preferred embodiment a perforated disk is inserted into a valve stem and provides a sound generator for one frequency range and a noise damper for another frequency range. This perforated disk has a number of conduits and is preferably snapped into the stem by means of a detent element. This stabilizes the flow and produces a local laminar flow. Both of these results produce sound amplification in the one frequency range and attenuation in the other frequency range. On the whole an acoustic change occurs, which is found to be pleasant.

If the perforated disk has the conduits on only one side and a cover, which is preferably semicircular and partially covers the perforated disk, and if the cover can rotate in relation to the perforated disk by means of a tubular piece, which is inserted into the stem, which preferably has a cover rotation stop, and is connected to a product dispensing opening of the container, then by rotating the part that contains the product dispensing opening, the consumer himself can determine whether he would like to have the product discharge behavior and the attendant sound that are produced with a certain rotation situation. Thus the user can choose, for example, between using the conduits and using an opening contained in the other half of the perforated disk. The rotation stop serves as an orienting mechanism for a particular rotation position of the cover in relation to the perforated disk.

If a sounding lip inserted into a flow conduit of an aerosol container is provided as a sound generator and is connected to the lower part of a valve housing, then a particular tone can be generated by dispensing the product. The sounding lip is set into an oscillation by the outflowing product. Because it is connected to the valve housing, the sounding lip can easily be produced together with the valve housing. In the proposed disposition of the sounding lip on the bottom part of the valve housing, the product is fluid so that adhesion is not possible and therefore the operation of the sounding lip is not impaired there. A spray head of the aerosol container, which is depressed to open a valve, serves as a discharge device. The product flows around the sounding lip and out through the valve, producing a pleasant sound against the sounding lip while the product is being dispensed.

The sounding lip can be aligned in the direction of the flow conduit. This provides a relatively large flow cross section for the product being discharged so that almost no influence is exerted on the discharge. By contrast, if two sounding lips are provided, which are aligned perpendicular to the direction of the flow conduit and are aligned in relation to each other in such a way that a gap is formed between them, then a relatively intense sound can be generated. In this connection, the sounding lips can also overlap, which can produce an even greater sound intensity.

When dispensing the product from a spray pump container or an aerosol container, a very special whistling tone can be produced if, analogous to the foregoing embodiment, an opening of a separating element is provided upstream of the sounding lip and one edge of the sounding lip forms a labial whistle with the opening. This whistle is embodied so that the edge is disposed relatively close to the opening. The frequency of the tone produced can be changed by altering the gap width of the opening or the distance of the edge from the opening. The tone is adjusted so as to make it pleasant for the user when dispensing the product.

If a number of grooves extending in the flow direction and adjoining the flow conduit are provided as a noise damper and as a sound generator, which grooves are preferably comprised of recesses in an attachment of a valve housing of a valve, then the turbulence in this region of the flow conduit can be reduced. Eliminating this turbulence damps the frequencies that are produced by this turbulence of the product being discharged. At the same time, the grooves generate a different tone. This frequency change is found to be relatively pleasant. The corresponding sound is influenced by the length, width, and depth of the grooves, as well as by the number of grooves.

If a funnel-shaped speaker is provided both as a sound generator and as a noise damper, which speaker adjoins the product dispensing opening of the container embodied in the form of a nozzle and has a diameter that increases as it extends away from the nozzle, then in the same way as in a megaphone, the sound while dispensing the product is altered and simultaneously amplified. The spray cone coming out of the nozzle has a sufficient amount of clearance in the funnel.

If a sounding rib is provided as a sound generator, which is connected to a top that is slid onto a stem of a container filled with aerosol and rests against a rim of the container, then a sound can be produced, which depends on the width and the length of the sounding rib. The vibrations of the top are transmitted to the sounding rib, which transmits these vibrations to the edge at its end. The sounding rib produces a pleasant sound. If the container is also provided with a tear-off ring, which engages underneath the rim and is connected to the sounding rib by means of a weakened line, then the top can be attached to the container very securely at first. Before it is used, the tear-off ring is removed in order to thus release the sounding rib.

If a flow loop embodied as a conduit in a valve body of a valve of the container is provided as a sound generator, then an additional sound is generated directly in the valve. This sound is relatively intense since the valve is one of the loudest noise generators, particularly in an aerosol container. A relatively small portion of the product being dispensed flows through the conduit.

If the container is an aerosol container, which has an ascending tube leading to a valve, in which the ascending tube has an extension that functions as a sound generator and the extension adjoins the bottom wall or side wall of the container, then on the one hand, the flow sound of the aerosol in the ascending tube is amplified in the extension. On the other hand, this amplified sound is transmitted to a container wall so that the container wall serves as a resonator. The sound generated consequently depends on the dimensions of the walls. A relatively pleasant sound is produced, while the product is being dispensed, particularly in aluminum containers.

If the container is an aerosol container whose side wall or bottom wall is provided with a sound generator in the form of an alternating wall thickness that is sometimes thicker and sometimes thinner, then this wall produces a different acoustic pattern when the product is being dispensed. An aerosol discharge sound that is found to be pleasant can be produced, depending on the intensity difference and the dimensions of the greater wall thickness.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A first embodiment of a container1according to the invention includes a reservoir2, a product dispensing opening3, and a device4for discharging the product contained in the reservoir2out through the product dispensing opening3, a sound generator5and a noise damper13(FIGS. 1 and 2). The sound generator5and the noise damper13are functionally connected to the discharge device4in order to generate a desired sound when a product discharge occurs or while the product is being dispensed.

A button6in a cap7of the container1serves as part of the discharge device4. The cap7can be slid onto a rim8of the container1. A recess9at the bottom end of a spray conduit10receives a stem11of the container1. The container1is an aerosol container. The spray conduit10that leads to a nozzle12is provided in the cap7of the container. As a noise damper13, or more clearly stated, as a technique for preventing an excessive noise generation, the spray conduit10, in particular in a curved section14of the spray conduit10, has a mathematically continuous surface on its inner wall15.

The spray conduit10is provided with four sounding ribs16extending radially out from the spray conduit10. The sounding ribs16form respective 90 degree angles in relation to one another. If the button6is actuated, then the spray conduit10and the stem11are pressed downward and a valve (not shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) in the container1is actuated. The aerosol emerging through the stem11flows through the spray conduit10and is sprayed out through the nozzle12. Through the action of the noise damper13and the sound generator5, a sound is produced when the device4is actuated that is relatively quiet and is also found to be very pleasant due to the resonances in the cap7.

In the exemplary embodiment inFIGS. 3 and 4, a cap7is provided to be slid onto a container that contains an aerosol. The cap7has a spray conduit10, which is designed to receive a stem of the container in a recess9. The spray conduit10is encompassed by a foamed material17and is therefore selectively sound insulated. The material17is comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer based on polypropylene. The spray conduit10can be pivoted downward by means of a button6so that it opens a valve of the container disposed on the stem and the product is discharged from the nozzle12.

In the exemplary embodiment inFIG. 5, a spray conduit10provided with a nozzle12is encompassed with three layers19of a selectively sound absorbing material. The inner layer19adjoining the spray conduit10is comprised of an unfoamed material18. This is adjoined by a foamed material17. The latter is encompassed on the outside by an unfoamed material18, a film19. All of the materials17,18are comprised of plastic. The selective sound absorption is improved by means of the layer transitions. In particular, unpleasant frequencies in the vicinity of 1 KHZ and 5 KHZ are damped in this way. The material17,18can be polypropylene.

In the exemplary embodiment inFIGS. 6 and 7, a button6of a cap7that can be slid onto a container1is provided as part of the discharge device4. The button6acts mechanically on the wall15of the spray conduit10. The wall15in turn acts mechanically on a stem11of the container1. When the button6is depressed, a valve (not shown) disposed underneath the stem11is opened so that the product is sprayed out through the spray conduit10and a nozzle12. A spiral20that is disposed around the spray conduit is provided as a noise damper13. The spiral20is comprised of corrugated paper. The spiral20damps the spray noise selectively so that it is found to be comparatively pleasant.

In the exemplary embodiment according toFIGS. 8 and 9, a spray conduit10is used to dispense the product from an aerosol container. The spraying process is started by exerting manual pressure on a button6of the container. A nozzle12provides a product dispensing opening3. Four ribs are provided on the spray conduit10as sound generators5, which simultaneously serve both as sounding ribs16and as stiffening ribs21. The wall15of the spray conduit10is thus stiffened. The wall15is comprised of a relatively hard unfoamed material18, whereas the ribs are comprised of a relatively soft foamed material17. The material is polypropylene. The ribs amplify the deeper tones of the product discharge sound, which is found to be relatively pleasant.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 10 and 11, a spray conduit10is used to dispense the product from an aerosol container. The spraying process is started by manually pressing an actuating button7of the container1. A nozzle12provides a product dispensing opening3. A meander-shaped rib, which serves as a sounding rib16and as a resonator, is provided on the spray conduit10as both a sound generator5and a selective noise damper13. The wall15of the spray conduit10is comprised of a relatively hard, unfoamed material18, whereas the ribs are comprised of a relatively soft unfoamed material17. The material is polypropylene. In accordance with their dimensions, the ribs amplify some tones of the product dispensing sound, which is therefore found to be relatively pleasant. The cap7of the container1also contributes to the acoustic pattern because the connections22cause the sound oscillations of the sounding ribs16to be transmitted to the cap7. The sound is determined by half the length of the part23of the sounding rib16disposed between two adjacent connections.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 12 and 13, the spray conduit10is provided with a conduit insert24extending inside the spray conduit. If the button6, as part of the discharge device4, is depressed, then the wall15of the spray conduit10in the recess9presses with its wall15against the stem11. The product that then flows out of the reservoir2travels along the conduit insert24to the product dispensing opening3. Since the conduit insert24narrows the flow conduit10, the flow acts in a laminar fashion and a frequency increase occurs in the acoustic pattern of the product dispensing noise. For frequencies around 4 KHZ, the conduit insert24acts as a noise damper13, but for higher frequencies, it acts as a sound generator5. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 14, this is also true. In this instance, the spray conduit10is comprised of two parallel conduit arms25. The two relatively small cross sections of the conduit arms25reduce turbulences that emit frequencies around 4 KHZ.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 15, a button6of a cap7that can be slid onto a container1is provided as part of the discharge device4. The button6acts mechanically on the wall15of the spray conduit10. The wall15in turn acts mechanically on a stem11of the container1. When the button6is depressed, a valve (not shown) disposed underneath the stem11is opened so that the product is sprayed out through the spray conduit10and a nozzle12. An extension26for the spray conduit10functions as a noise damper13for higher frequencies and as a sound generator5for lower frequencies. The wall15of the spray conduit10, together with the extension26, is relatively long, which is why low frequencies with correspondingly long wavelengths are preferable. A frequency shift occurs, compared to a spray conduit10of normal length, i.e. without an extension26. Analogously, a shortening of the spray conduit10could achieve a frequency shift toward higher frequencies.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 16 and 17, the spray conduit10is encompassed by a honeycomb formation29, which has a number of honeycombs27; in the direction oriented away from the spray conduit10, the honeycombs27are aligned radially in relation to the spray conduit10. The honeycomb structure is rectangular. The honeycombs27are open and increase the frequencies of the spray conduit noise due to the relatively high rigidity of the honeycomb walls28. Consequently, the honeycomb formation29acts as a sound generator5for higher frequencies and as a noise damper13for lower frequencies.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 18, a button6in a cap7for a container is provided as part of the discharge device4. The cap7can be slid onto an upper rim of the container1. A recess9at the lower end of a spray conduit10receives a stem of the container1. The container1is an aerosol container. The spray conduit10leading to a nozzle is provided in the cap7. Two switch elements31,32are attached to the spray conduit10. In the initial position of the button6shown inFIG. 18, a rounded element24of the button6is disposed above the one switch element31. If the button6is pressed down a little, then only the switch element31is actuated, as a result of which a particular programmed sound is generated by a sound chip30. The sound chip30is supplied with current from a battery33. With further depression of the button6, the rounded element34travels off the switch element31and onto the second switch element32, as a result of which the first sound is switched off and the second sound is switched on. Instead of the second sound, a piece of product information can also be triggered, which plays after the first sound is switched off.

In a container1with a reservoir2, a product dispensing opening3, and a discharge device4for dispensing the product contained in the reservoir2out of the product dispensing opening3, a sound generator5and a noise damper13are provided on the container1(FIGS. 19,20). The sound generator5and the noise damper13are functionally connected to the device4in order to generate a desired sound for a product discharge while the product is being dispensed.

A button6in a cap7of the container1serves as part of the discharge device4. The cap7can be slid onto a rim8of the container1. The cap7can be slid onto a rim8of a container1. A recess9at the bottom end of a spray conduit10receives a stem11of the container1. The container1is an aerosol container. The spray conduit leading to a nozzle12is provided in the cap7of the container. A large number of individual conduits35are provided as a noise damper13and a sound generator5.

This decreases certain turbulences and corresponding frequencies that occur in a single spray conduit, as a result of which a selective noise damping is achieved for this frequency range. Consequently, the individual conduits35function as a noise damper13. Sounds that are typical for a large number of individual conduits35are amplified. In this connection, the individual conduits35function as a noise damper13. Consequently an altered, relatively pleasant sound is generated when the product in the container1is dispensed.

A known spray conduit has a diameter of 2 mm with a length of 20 mm, which results in a cross sectional surface area of 3.141 mm2. However, if six individual conduits35(FIG. 20) are combined into a bundle in which each individual conduit35has a diameter of 0.8 mm, then this results in a combined flow cross sectiona of 3.141 mm2. Since the tubular bundle is also better able to absorb the oscillations that occur, the following effects are produced: noise reduction, frequency change, and reduction of the flow resistance and therefore of the eddies that occur, which results in a further noise reduction.

In another exemplary embodiment (FIGS. 21,22,23), in a container1with a reservoir2, a product dispensing opening3, and a discharge device4for discharging the product contained in the reservoir2out through the product dispensing opening3, a sound generator5and a noise damper13are provided on the container1. The sound generator5and the noise damper13are functionally connected to the device4in order to generate a desired sound for a product discharge while the product is being dispensed.

A button6in a cap7of the container1serves as part of the discharge device4. The cap7can be slid onto a rim8of the container1. A recess9at the bottom end of the spray conduit10receives a stem11of the container1. The container1is an aerosol container. A spray conduit leading to a nozzle12is provided in the cap7of the container. A labium36in the spray conduit10is provided as a noise damper13and a sound generator5. The labium36is a sound generator5and functions together with the vertically aligned part of the spray conduit10in a fashion similar to an organ pipe when the aerosol from the container1flows past it. It simultaneously functions as a noise damper13since its presence causes other frequencies that are otherwise present to be suppressed or prevented.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 24 and 25, a valve plate insulation38is provided as a noise damper13on a valve plate37of an aerosol container. The valve plate insulation38is a layer of a sound absorbing material that is applied to the valve plate37. In the one instance, this material is a polyurethane lacquer39(FIG. 24) and in the other instance, it is a polyurethane foam40(FIG. 25).

The valve plate37is sealed in relation to an upper rim of an aerosol container by means of a circumferential seal41. When the product is being dispensed from the aerosol container, e.g. by manual actuation of a spray head, the frequencies emitted by the valve plate37are damped by the valve plate insulation38. In this manner, for example, a relatively pleasant spraying sound is achieved. A foam dispensing sound can also be altered in an analogous manner. The aerosol container then has a foam generator at its product dispensing opening.

A product dispensing opening3and a device4for discharging the product from the product dispensing opening3are provided in a cap7for a container (FIG. 26). A noise damper13is functionally connected to the discharge device4in order to generate a desired sound for a product discharge while the product is being dispensed.

A button6in a cap7of the container serves as part of the discharge device4. The cap7can be slid onto a rim of the container. A recess9at the bottom end of a spray conduit10receives a stem of the container. The container is an aerosol container. The spray conduit10leading to a nozzle12is provided in the cap7of the container. As a noise damper13, or more clearly stated, as a technique for preventing an excessive noise generation, the outlet end of the spray conduit10is provided with an insert42, which contains the nozzle12, is comprised of an elastic plastic, and therefore functions as a noise damper13.

The emerging aerosol flows through the spray conduit10and is sprayed out40through the nozzle12. The action of the noise damper13generates a sound that is relatively quiet and, due to the selective damping in the plastic, is also found to be very pleasant when the device4is actuated.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 27, in a container1with a reservoir2, a product dispensing opening3, and a device4for discharging the product contained in the reservoir2out through the product dispensing opening3, a sound generator5is provided. The sound generator5is functionally connected to the device4in order to generate a desired sound for a product discharge while the product is being dispensed.

A button6in a cap7of the container1serves as part of the discharge device4. The cap7can be slid onto a rim8of the container1. A recess9at the bottom end of a spray conduit10receives a stem11of the container1. The container1is an aerosol container. The spray conduit10leading to a nozzle12is provided in the cap7of the container.

A horizontal, disk-shaped resonance surface43that extends radially away from the spray conduit10is provided on the spray conduit10as a sound generator5. If the button6is actuated, then the spray conduit10is pressed downward with the stem11and a valve (not shown) in the container1is actuated. The aerosol emerging through the stem11flows through the spray conduit10and is sprayed out the nozzle12. The action of the sound generator5when the device4is actuated produces a sound that is found to be very pleasant, which is predetermined by the resonances of the resonance surface43. The resonance surface43is rigidly connected to the inner wall of the cap7. The resonance surface43is a disk made of plastic.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 28 and 29, as well as in the exemplary embodiment of theFIGS. 30 and 31, a technique for sound alteration is used that corresponds to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 27. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 28 and 29, two parallel vertical resonance surfaces43are provided inside a cap7, whereas in the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 30 and 31, an annular, circumferential resonance surface43is provided in a cap7. Depending on the arrangement in the cap7, the number of resonance surfaces43, the material selection, the surface area dimensions, and a possibly existing connection to the cap7, a corresponding sound can be produced when dispensing the product.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 32, a container (not shown) is an aerosol container, which has a valve44, a valve plate37, a valve housing45, and a stem11. An acoustic barrier layer46is provided as a noise damper13between the valve44and the valve plate37. A part of the barrier layer46acts as a seal between the valve housing45and the stem11. In this way, the valve plate37and the valve housing45are acoustically decoupled from the valve44, which causes a damping of the oscillations that would otherwise be transmitted from the valve44to the valve plate37and therefore to the container. A product discharge is quieter and more pleasant sounding.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 33, this is analogously the case, but in contrast to the subject ofFIG. 32, in this instance, a separate seal48is provided between the stem11and the valve housing45in order to produce an optimal seal there.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 34,35, and36, in a container1with a reservoir2, a product dispensing opening3, and a device4for discharging the product contained in the reservoir2out through the product dispensing opening3, a noise damper13is provided. The noise damper13is functionally connected to the device4in order to generate a desired sound for a product discharge while the product is being dispensed.

A button6in a cap7of the container1serves as part of the discharge device4. The cap7can be slid onto a rim8of the container1. A recess9at the bottom end of a spray conduit10receives a stem11of the container. The container1is an aerosol container. The spray conduit10leading to a nozzle12is provided in the cap7of the container. An acoustic seal49between the button6and the cap7serves as a noise damper13. Two sealing lips50,51produce the seal49; one sealing lip51is provided on the cap7and another sealing lip50is provided on the button6(FIGS34and35). Even when the button6is depressed (FIG. 6), the sealing lips remain in contact with each other and thus seal the interior of the cap7in relation to the outside.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 37,38, and39, the seal49is produced by an elastic connection52between the button6and the edge region54of the cap7adjoining the edge53of the button6. The seal is maintained even after the button6is depressed (FIG. 39) due to an expansion of the elastic connection52. If the button6is actuated, then a spray conduit is pressed downward along with a stem (not shown) and a valve (not shown) in the container is actuated. The aerosol emerging from the stem flows through the spray conduit and is sprayed out through a nozzle. The action of the noise damper13produces a sound that is relatively quiet and, due to the resonances in the cap7, is also found to be very pleasant when the device4is actuated.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 40, a perforated disk55, which is inserted into a stem11, is provided as a sound generator5for one frequency range and as a noise damper13for another frequency range; this perforated disk has a number of conduits57and is preferably snapped into the stem by means of a detent element56. When an aerosol is dispensed, it flows through the conduits57. A laminar flow takes place in the conduits57, and is still partially present downstream of the perforated disk55. This reduction in turbulence results in the fact that individual frequencies are reduced in sound intensity and other frequencies are amplified. By and large, a frequency change is produced, which results in a new sound being produced. This sound is a function of the number and length of the conduits57and is generally found to be relatively pleasant.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 41 to 43, the perforated disk55only has conduits57on one half of its disk; a semicircular cover58covers the perforated disk55that has a reverse-lock61, and this cover58can be rotated in relation to the perforated disk55by means of a tubular piece59, which is inserted into the stem11, has a stop60, and is connected to a product dispensing opening, not shown, of the container. In the position that is shown inFIGS. 41 and 42, the cover58covers an opening62while the conduits57are unblocked. An aerosol product consequently flows through the conduits57and generates a particular sound, causing the perforated disk55to function as a sound generator5. A different noise, which arises from diverse turbulences, is reduced due to the laminar flow that occurs in the conduits57. Consequently, the perforated disk55also functions as a noise damper13. By rotating the tubular section59by 180 degrees, the cover58moves over the conduits58(FIG. 43). This unblocks the opening62. In this rotation position, a different sound is produced when the aerosol flows out, which is connected with a different, more powerful outflow. In a particular rotation position, the stop60becomes functional and is correlated with a particular swivel position of a product dispensing opening provided at the upper end of the tubular piece59in such a way that the user is informed about a particular outflow behavior depending on the swivel position. Instead of an opening62, the perforated disk55could also have an uninterrupted disk material there. Then the number of conduits57that are used would be determined by rotating the tubular piece59.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 44 and 45, a sounding lip64inserted into a flow conduit63of an aerosol container is provided as a sound generator5. This sounding lip64is of one piece with the lower part of the valve housing45. Thus a particular tone can be generated by dispensing the product. The sounding lip64is set into an oscillation by the outflowing product. Due to the connection to the valve housing45, the sounding lip64can easily be produced along with the valve housing45. With the proposed disposition of the sounding lip on the bottom part of the valve housing45, the product is fluid so that an adhesion and therefore a limitation of the function of the sounding lip64cannot occur there. A spray head (not shown) of the aerosol container20serves as a discharge device and, when pressed downward, causes a valve44to open. The product flows around the sounding lip64and up through the valve44and produces a pleasant sound against the sounding lip64while the product is being dispensed. The sounding lip64is aligned in the direction of the flow conduit63. As a result, a relatively large flow cross section is available for the outflowing product so that virtually no influence is exerted on the outflow. The length of the sounding lip64is designed for a resonance of a particular frequency and its overtones. Instead of pointing downward, the sounding lip64can also point upward (FIGS. 46 and 47).

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 48,49, and50, two sounding lips64are provided, which are aligned perpendicular to the direction of the flow conduit63and are aligned in relation to each other in such a way that a gap65is formed between them. As a result, a relatively intense tone can be generated. Alternatively, the sounding lips65can also overlap (FIGS. 51,52, and53), which can produce an even greater sound intensity. In these two exemplary embodiments, a relatively narrow opening, through which the product must flow, is produced in the flow conduit63. On the one hand, the opening is produced by the gap65(FIG. 49) and on the other hand, the opening is produced by the fact that the overlapping sounding lips are pivoted upward and therefore pressed away from each other (FIG. 52). Recesses67at the edge of the sounding lips65(FIG. 53) permit the sounding lips65to pivot in the flow conduit63. The portion of the product flowing through the recesses67produces a different tone there. Therefore a sound is produced which on the one hand, depends on the vibration of the sounding lips65and their distance from each other and on the other hand, depends on the size of the recesses67. This sound is also found to be relatively pleasant.

A vertical sounding lip64can be used as a sound generator5(FIG. 44), for example for hairspray that produces a normal hold of the hair. By contrast, sounding lips64inFIGS. 49 and 52can be used as sound generators5in hairspray for extra hold and super hold. The user is therefore signaled as to which kind hairspray is being sprayed by the tone of the product dispensing sound.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 54 to 57, when dispensing the product from an aerosol container, a very special whistling tone is produced. An opening68of a separating element69is provided upstream of the sounding lip64and one edge70of the sounding lip64forms a labial whistle71with the opening68. The labial whistle71is embodied so that the edge70is disposed relatively close to the opening68. The frequency of the tone produced can be changed by altering the gap width of the opening68or the distance of the edge70from the opening68. The tone is adjusted so that it is found to be pleasant by the user when dispensing the product. The conditions shown inFIGS. 54 to 57produce a relatively rich tone in the mid frequency range. The sounding lip64could also have a gap that divides it completely from top to bottom. Then the first tone would sound along with a second tone, which would produce a different, relatively pleasant acoustic pattern.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 58 and 59, a number of grooves73extending in the flow direction and adjoining the flow conduit63are provided simultaneously as noise dampers13and as sound generators5. The flow conduit63is used for a discharge of the aerosol product through the flow conduit63when the stem11of the valve44of the container1is tilted. These grooves73are preferably embodied as recesses in an attachment72of a valve housing45of a valve44. The turbulences in this region of the flow conduit63can therefore be reduced. Eliminating these turbulences damps the frequencies that are produced by these turbulences of the outflowing aerosol product. At the same time, the grooves73generate a different tone. This frequency change is found to be relatively pleasant. The corresponding sound is influenced by the length, width, and depth of the grooves73, as well as by the number of grooves73. The grooves73could also be disposed somewhat higher and could be provided inside the ascending tube66or inside the stem11. They always perform the same function, but have a different effect on the product dispensing sound depending on their precise location.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 60, a funnel-shaped speaker74is provided both as a sound generator5and as a noise damper13, which speaker adjoins a product dispensing opening3of the container1embodied in the form of a nozzle12. The speaker74has a diameter that increases as it extends away from the nozzle12. In the same way as in a megaphone, the sound while dispensing the product is altered and simultaneously amplified. The spray cone emerging from the nozzle12has a sufficient amount of clearance in the speaker74. The top75is slid with its recess9onto the stem11of the container11. If the top75is pressed downward, then an aerosol flows out through the stem11, the spray conduit10, the nozzle12, and the speaker74and, through frequency shifting and sound amplification, produces a pleasant sound in the speaker74. The top75in this instance is used as a discharge device4.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 61, a button6of a cap7that can be slid5onto a container1is provided as part of the discharge device4. The button6acts mechanically on the wall15of the spray conduit10. The wall15in turn acts mechanically on a stem11of the container1. When the button6is depressed, a valve (not shown) disposed underneath the stem11is opened so that the product is sprayed out through the spray conduit10and a nozzle12. In the same way as in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 60, a speaker74functions both as a noise damper13and as a sound generator5.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 65 to 67, a sounding rib16is provided as a sound generator5, which is connected on the one hand to a top75slid onto a stem11of a container1filled with aerosol and on the other hand, rests against a rim of the container1. The sounding rib16engages underneath the rim8by means of a bead76and is therefore relatively rigidly affixed. A tear-off element78can be bent at a weakened line79and thus removed from the top75. A user can alternatively produce a simple or a modified sound with or without the tear-off element.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 65 to 67, a tear-off ring77, which engages underneath the rim8of the container and is connected to two sounding ribs16by means of a weakened line79, is provided on the container1in a modified manner. First, the tear-off ring77that is provided for transport purposes, is removed, by breaking along the weakened line79. Then the top75, which functions as a discharge device4, is depressed. The product flowing out through the stem11, the spray conduit10, and the nozzle12generates a tone, which excites the two unevenly sized sounding ribs16to oscillate (FIG. 66). This produces a dual tone, which is found to be pleasant.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 68 to 70, a flow loop, which is embodied as a conduit, is provided as a sound generator5for an aerosol container. The flow loop80is disposed in the valve body81of the valve44. By tilting the stem11, the valve44is opened and an aerosol product flows out through the flow conduit63. Due to flow turbulences before entry into the stem11, a relatively small portion of the product flow travels into the flow loop80and generates a resonance oscillation there. The expansion of the fluid propellant into its gaseous phase that occurs at the entry into the flow loop80is converted to pressure in the flow loop80and thus produces an additional should while the product is being dispensed.

In the exemplary embodiments ofFIGS. 71 and 72, the container1is an aerosol container, which has an ascending tube66leading to a valve44. The ascending tube66has an extension82that functions as a sound generator5. The extension82rests either against only the bottom wall83(FIG. 72) or against both the bottom wall83and the side wall84of the container (FIG. 71). The flow sound of the aerosol in the ascending tube45is amplified on the one hand in the extension82. On the other hand, this amplified sound is transmitted to a container wall so that the container wall serves as a resonator. The sound generated consequently depends on the dimensions of the walls and produces a slightly deeper, relatively pleasant sound while the product is being dispensed, particularly in aluminum containers. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 71, because of the two transmission points for the ascending tube66, an amplitude shift occurs between a stationary wave in the side wall on the one hand and a stationary wave in the bottom wall on the other. This also advantageously changes the acoustic pattern.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 73, the container1is an aerosol container10whose bottom wall83is provided with a sound generator5in the form of an alternating wall thickness that is sometimes thicker86and sometimes thinner85. The bottom wall83thus produces an altered acoustic pattern when the product is being dispensed. An aerosol dispensing sound that is found to be pleasant can be achieved depending on the intensity difference and the dimensions of the greater wall thickness86. Alternatively, the side wall84can be embodied analogously to the bottom wall83or a wall could be embodied in a wave form with a constant wall thickness.