Pressure relief device and method.

摘要

A pressure relief device for aerosol containers that may be subject to high internal pressures comprises a small plug (10) formed of a rubber material and having first and second bores (30,32) extending inwardly from opposite ends (20,22) and defining between them a thin integral diaphragm (34) separating the bores. A groove (28) extends circumferentially around the device, and one end (22) of the device is tapered (26) so that it can be forced into a hole (12) in the bottom (14) of an aerosol container. The area and thickness of the diaphragm (34) can be varied to control the pressure at which the diaphragm will rupture to relieve excess pressures in the container. The rupturable diaphragm is protected from damage during the insertion process, and when the container is on store shelves, by being located near the center of the device, protected by the bores on each side of the diaphragm. <IMAGE>