The present invention relates generally to aerosol compositions and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides a tire sealer and inflator.
It has become increasingly desirable to modify aerosol compositions so that they are nonflammable, and so that they have a reduced potential for harm to the earth""s ozone layer. In the art of producing tire sealer and inflator products, the propellant known as R-134a has been substituted for prior potentially flammable and/or more ozone depleting propellants. However, these attempts at the use of R-134a have not been entirely satisfactory.
For example, prior attempts at the use of R-134a in tire sealers and inflators have utilized vapor pressure depressants in a tire sealant composition to reduce the vapor pressure of the R-134a in the composition. If this use of vapor pressure depressants in the composition could be eliminated, production of the tire sealant composition could be more efficient, and compensation for the addition of the vapor pressure depressant would not have to be made in the composition.
Prior attempts at the use of R-134a in tire sealers and inflators have utilized sealers which were compatible with the specific tire sealant composition. These sealers were, for example, latex, vinyl acetate and polyvinyl acetate. A more desirable sealer may be used if a different composition for a tire sealer and inflator utilizing R-134a is available.
From the foregoing, it can be seen that it would be quite desirable to provide a new tire sealer and inflator which uses R-134a as a propellant, and which utilizes a new sealant composition. In addition, it would be beneficial to provide a new sealant composition which does not require the use of a vapor pressure depressant. Further, it would be beneficial to provide a new sealant composition which permits use of alternate sealers.
In carrying out the principles of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment thereof, a tire sealer and inflator is provided which reduces or eliminates the above problems in the art. The new tire sealer and inflator advances the art by permitting the use of R-134a propellant with a new, more desirable, sealant composition.
In one aspect of the invention, a tire sealer and inflator is provided which includes R-134a propellant, and a sealant composition consisting essentially of, by weight, water approximately 77%, acrylic resin emulsion approximately 22%, sodium nitrite approximately 0.75%, oleic acid approximately 0.01%, and ammonium hydroxide approximately 0.01%.
In another aspect of the invention, a tire sealer and inflator is provided which includes R-134a propellant and a sealant composition free of any vapor pressure depressant. The tire sealer and inflator includes no glycol, glycol ether, alkyl acetate or 2-butoxyethanol.
In yet another aspect of the invention, a tire sealer and inflator is provided which includes R-134a propellant, and a sealant composition including a sealer. The sealer is preferably an acrylic resin emulsion, instead of a latex, polyvinyl acetate or vinyl acetate sealer.
In a further aspect of the invention, a tire sealer and inflator is provided which includes R-134a propellant and a sealant composition, and wherein the tire sealer and inflator has a vapor pressure at 130xc2x0 F. of greater than 180 psig. Preferably, 111 grams of the R-134a propellant and 258 grams of the sealant composition are combined in an aerosol can.
These and other features, advantages, benefits and objects of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon careful consideration of the detailed description of a representative embodiment of the invention hereinbelow.