U.S. patent application number 10/625421 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-27 for locking aerosol dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to Seaquist Perfect Dispensing Foreign, Inc.. Invention is credited to Braun, Craig A., Walters, Peter J., Yerby, Patrick Timothy.
Application Number | 20050017026 10/625421 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30772543 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050017026 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yerby, Patrick Timothy ; et
al. |
January 27, 2005 |
Locking aerosol dispenser
Abstract
A locking aerosol dispenser is disclosed having an actuator
rotatably secured to the aerosol container. The actuator is
rotatable into a first rotational position for enabling an actuator
to discharge an aerosol product from the aerosol container. The
actuator is rotatable into a second rotational position for
inhibiting the actuator from discharging the aerosol product from
the aerosol container. The actuator may be incorporated into an
aerosol overcap or an aerosol undercap.
Inventors: |
Yerby, Patrick Timothy;
(Woodstock, IL) ; Walters, Peter J.; (Barrington,
IL) ; Braun, Craig A.; (Elgin, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert F. Frijouf
Frijouf, Rust & Pyle, P.A.
201 East Davis Boulevard
Tampa
FL
33606
US
|
Assignee: |
Seaquist Perfect Dispensing
Foreign, Inc.
Cary
IL
|
Family ID: |
30772543 |
Appl. No.: |
10/625421 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/402.13 ;
222/153.14 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2215/04 20130101;
B65D 83/22 20130101; B65D 83/46 20130101; B65D 83/75 20130101; B65D
83/20 20130101; B65D 83/206 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/402.13 ;
222/153.14 |
International
Class: |
B65D 083/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A locking aerosol dispenser for an aerosol dispensing device
having an aerosol valve for controlling the flow of an aerosol
product from an aerosol container, comprising: an actuator secured
to the aerosol valve for displacing the aerosol valve from a biased
closed position to an open position to discharge the aerosol
product; said actuator being rotatable into a first rotational
position relative to the aerosol container for enabling said
actuator to open said aerosol valve upon movement of said actuator
for discharging the aerosol product; and said actuator being
rotatable into a second rotational position relative to the aerosol
container for inhibiting said actuator from opening said aerosol
valve.
2. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, including a
key aperture cooperating with a key for enabling movement of said
actuator to open said aerosol valve for discharging the aerosol
product.
3. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, including a
key defined by one of the aerosol container and said actuator; and
a key aperture defined by the other of the aerosol container and
said actuator for cooperating with said key aperture for enabling
movement of said actuator to open the aerosol valve for discharging
the aerosol product.
4. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein
said actuator extends from a valve button secured to said aerosol
valve.
5. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein
said actuator is integral with an aerosol overcap.
6. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein
said actuator is integral with an aerosol undercap.
7. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, including a
container locator for locating said actuator in said first
rotational position relative to the aerosol container.
8. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, including a
container locator for providing an audible sound upon said actuator
being located in said first rotational position relative to the
aerosol container.
9. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 11, including
a container locator for providing a rotational stop upon said
actuator being located in said first rotational position relative
to the aerosol container.
10. A lock for an aerosol dispensing device, comprising: an aerosol
container for containing an aerosol product and an aerosol
propellant therein; an aerosol valve mounted to said aerosol
container; a key aperture defined by said aerosol container; an
actuator for displacing said aerosol valve from a biased closed
position to an open position to discharge the aerosol product; a
key defined by the actuator; said actuator being rotatable into a
first rotational position relative to said aerosol container
whereat said key is aligned with said key aperture for enabling
movement of said actuator to open said aerosol valve for
discharging the aerosol product; and said actuator being rotatable
into a second rotational position relative to said aerosol
container whereat said key is misaligned with said key aperture for
inhibiting said actuator from opening said aerosol valve.
11. A lock for an aerosol dispensing device, comprising: an aerosol
container for containing an aerosol product and an aerosol
propellant therein; an aerosol valve mounted to said aerosol
container; an aerosol cap; a mounting for rotatably securing said
aerosol cap to said aerosol container; an actuator movably mounted
relative to said aerosol cap for displacing said aerosol valve from
a biased closed position to an open position to discharge the
aerosol product; a key aperture defined by one of said aerosol
container and said aerosol cap; a key defined by the other of said
aerosol container and said aerosol cap; said actuator being
rotatable into a first rotational position relative to said aerosol
container whereat said key is aligned with said key aperture for
enabling movement of said actuator to open said aerosol valve for
discharging the aerosol product; and said actuator being rotatable
into a second rotational position relative to said aerosol
container whereat said key is misaligned with said key aperture for
inhibiting said actuator from opening said aerosol valve.
12. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 11, including
a container locator defined by said aerosol container; and an
aerosol cap locator defined by said aerosol cap for cooperating
with said container locator for locating said aerosol cap in said
first rotational position relative to said aerosol container.
13. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 11, including
a container locator defined by said aerosol container; and an
aerosol cap locator defined by said aerosol cap for cooperating
with said container locator for providing an audible sound upon
said aerosol cap being located in said first rotational position
relative to said aerosol container.
14. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 11, including
a container locator defined by said aerosol container; and an
aerosol cap locator defined by said aerosol cap for cooperating
with said container locator for providing a rotational stop upon
said aerosol cap being located in said first rotational position
relative to said aerosol container.
15. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 11, wherein
said aerosol container comprises a container neck terminating in an
annular rim; said aerosol valve including a mounting cup secured to
said annular rim of said aerosol container; and a container locator
defined by said container neck of said aerosol container for
locating said aerosol cap in said first rotational position
relative to said aerosol container.
16. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 11, including
a container locator extending radially outwardly from said aerosol
container; and said aerosol cap locator extending radially inwardly
from said aerosol cap.
17. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 11, including
a first and a second container locator for cooperating with an
aerosol cap locator for locating said first and second rotational
positions of said aerosol cap relative to said aerosol
container.
18. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 11, wherein
said aerosol cap is an undercap located at a bottom end of said
aerosol container.
19. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 11, wherein
said aerosol cap is an overcap located at a top end of said aerosol
container.
20. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 11, wherein
one of said aerosol cap and said actuator engaging is non-symmetric
for enabling said actuator to displace said aerosol valve into an
open position when said aerosol cap is rotated into said first
rotational position relative to said aerosol container and for
failing to displace said aerosol valve into said open position when
said aerosol cap is rotated into said second rotational position
relative to said aerosol container.
21. An aerosol dispensing device, comprising: an aerosol container
for containing an aerosol product and an aerosol propellant
therein; aerosol valve having a valve stem secured to said aerosol
container; an aerosol cap having a resilient cap mounting; said
aerosol cap including an actuator movably mounted relative to said
aerosol cap; a valve button having a button socket for frictionally
receiving said valve stem therein; said button socket communicating
with a terminal orifice of said valve button; a frangible bridge
interconnecting said valve button to said aerosol cap; said aerosol
cap and said valve button being initially simultaneously mounted
relative to said aerosol container with said aerosol cap being
resiliently mounted to said aerosol container concomitantly with
said button socket of said valve button frictionally receiving said
valve stem; said frangible bridge being severed upon said aerosol
cap being completely resiliently mounted to said aerosol container
concomitantly with said button socket of said valve button
frictionally completely receiving said valve stem for separating
said valve button from said aerosol cap; said aerosol cap being
rotatable into a first rotational position relative to said aerosol
container for enabling said actuator to move said valve button for
displacing said aerosol valve into an open position upon movement
of said actuator for discharging the aerosol product from said
terminal orifice of said valve button; and said aerosol cap being
rotatable into a second rotational position relative to said
aerosol container for inhibiting said actuator from moving said
valve button.
22. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 21, wherein
said aerosol cap is an undercap located at a bottom end of said
aerosol container.
23. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 21, wherein
said aerosol cap is an overcap located at a top end of said aerosol
container.
24. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 21, wherein
said actuator is integrally formed with aerosol cap; and said valve
button being integrally formed with aerosol cap by said frangible
bridge.
25. A locking aerosol dispenser for an inverted aerosol dispensing
device, comprising: an aerosol container containing an aerosol
product and an aerosol propellant with said aerosol container
defining a container axis extending between a top portion and a
bottom portion of said aerosol container; an aerosol valve having a
valve stem secured to said aerosol container; a valve button
defining a terminal orifice secured to said valve stem of said
aerosol valve; said valve button displacing said aerosol valve from
a biased closed position to an open position to discharge the
aerosol product from said terminal orifice of said valve button; an
aerosol cap rotatably secured to said aerosol container with said
the bottom portion of said aerosol cap supporting the aerosol
container on a supporting surface in an inverted position; an
actuator movably mounted relative to said aerosol cap; said aerosol
cap being rotatable between a first and a second rotational
position relative to said aerosol container. one of said valve
button and said aerosol cap being non-symmetric about said
container axis for enabling said actuator to move said valve button
when said aerosol cap is rotated into said first rotational
position for displacing said aerosol valve into an open position to
discharge the aerosol product from the valve stem; and said aerosol
cap being rotatable into a second rotational position relative to
said aerosol container for inhibiting said actuator from moving
said valve button.
26. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 25, wherein
said valve button includes a valve button flange extending from
said valve button for enabling said actuator to move said valve
button flange when said aerosol cap is rotated into said first
rotational position and for inhibiting said actuator from moving
said valve button flange when said aerosol cap is rotated into said
second rotational position.
27. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 25, wherein
said valve button includes a valve button flange extending from
said valve button; and said valve button flange being non-symmetric
about said container axis for enabling said actuator to move said
valve button flange when said aerosol cap is rotated into said
first rotational position and for inhibiting said actuator from
moving said valve button flange when said aerosol cap is rotated
into said second rotational position.
28. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 25, wherein
said valve button includes a valve button flange extending from
said valve button; and said valve button flange being non-symmetric
about said terminal orifice for enabling said actuator to move said
valve button flange when said aerosol cap is rotated into said
first rotational position and for inhibiting said actuator from
moving said valve button flange when said aerosol cap is rotated
into said second rotational position.
29. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 25, wherein
said valve button includes a valve button flange extending from
said valve button; said actuator engaging with said valve button
flange for displacing said aerosol valve into an open position when
said aerosol cap is rotated into said first rotational position
relative to said aerosol container; and said actuator failing to
engage with said valve button flange when said aerosol cap is
rotated into said second rotational position relative to said
aerosol container.
30. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 25, wherein
said valve button includes a valve button flange extending from
said valve button; said valve button flange being non-symmetric
about said container axis; said actuator engaging with said valve
button flange for displacing said aerosol valve into an open
position when said aerosol cap is rotated into said first
rotational position relative to said aerosol container; and said
actuator failing to engage with said valve button flange when said
aerosol cap is rotated into said second rotational position
relative to said aerosol container.
31. A locking aerosol dispenser for an inverted aerosol dispensing
device, comprising: an aerosol container extending between a top
portion and a bottom portion for containing an aerosol product and
an aerosol propellant therein; an aerosol valve located at said
bottom portion of said aerosol container; said aerosol valve having
a valve stem for displacing said aerosol valve from a biased closed
position to an open position upon a movement of said valve stem to
discharge the aerosol product from the valve stem; an undercap
having a sidewall extending between a top portion and a bottom
portion; a mounting for rotatably securing said undercap to said
aerosol container with said top portion of said undercap being
adjacent to said bottom portion of said aerosol container; said
bottom portion of said undercap terminating in a base surface for
supporting said aerosol container on a supporting surface to store
the aerosol dispensing device in an inverted position; an actuator
located in said sidewall of said undercap and being movably mounted
relative to said undercap; said undercap being rotatable into a
first rotational position relative to said aerosol container for
enabling said actuator to move said valve stem upon movement of
said actuator for discharging the aerosol product from the valve
stem in a generally downwardly direction; and said undercap being
rotatable into a second rotational position relative to said
aerosol container for inhibiting said actuator from moving said
valve stem.
32. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 31, including
a container locator defined by said aerosol container; and an
aerosol cap locator defined by said aerosol cap for cooperating
with said container locator for locating said aerosol cap in said
first rotational position relative to said aerosol container.
33. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 31, including
a container locator defined by said aerosol container; and an
aerosol cap locator defined by said aerosol cap for cooperating
with said container locator for providing an audible sound upon
said aerosol cap being located in said first rotational position
relative to said aerosol container.
34. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 31, including
a container locator defined by said aerosol container; and an
aerosol cap locator defined by said aerosol cap for cooperating
with said container locator for providing a rotational stop upon
said aerosol cap being located in said first rotational position
relative to said aerosol container.
35. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 31, wherein
said aerosol container comprises a container neck terminating in an
annular rim; said aerosol valve including a mounting cup secured to
said annular rim of said aerosol container; and a container locator
defined by said container neck of said aerosol container for
locating said aerosol cap in said first rotational position
relative to said aerosol container.
36. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 31, including
a container locator extending radially outwardly from said aerosol
container; and said aerosol cap locator extending radially inwardly
from said aerosol cap.
37. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 31, including
a first and a second container locator for cooperating with an
aerosol cap locator for locating said first and second rotational
positions of said aerosol cap relative to said aerosol
container.
38. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 31, wherein
said aerosol cap is an undercap located at a bottom end of said
aerosol container.
39. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 31, wherein
said aerosol cap is an overcap located at a top end of said aerosol
container.
40. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 31, wherein
one of said aerosol cap and said actuator engaging is non-symmetric
for enabling said actuator to displace said aerosol valve into an
open position when said aerosol cap is rotated into said first
rotational position relative to said aerosol container and for
failing to displace said aerosol valve into said open position when
said aerosol cap is rotated into said second rotational position
relative to said aerosol container.
41. A locking aerosol dispenser for an aerosol dispensing device,
comprising: an aerosol container extending between a top portion
and a bottom portion for containing an aerosol product and an
aerosol propellant therein; an aerosol valve located at said top
portion of said aerosol container; said aerosol valve having a
valve stem for displacing said aerosol valve from a biased closed
position to an open position upon a movement of said valve stem to
discharge the aerosol product from the valve stem; an overcap; a
mounting for rotatably securing said overcap to said top portion of
said aerosol container; an actuator located in said overcap and
being movably mounted relative to said overcap; said overcap being
rotatable into a first rotational position relative to said aerosol
container for enabling said actuator to move said valve stem upon
movement of said actuator for discharging the aerosol product from
the valve stem; and said overcap being rotatable into a second
rotational position relative to said aerosol container for
inhibiting said actuator from moving said valve stem.
42. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 41, including
a container locator defined by said aerosol container; and an
aerosol cap locator defined by said aerosol cap for cooperating
with said container locator for locating said aerosol cap in said
first rotational position relative to said aerosol container.
43. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 41, including
a container locator defined by said aerosol container; and an
aerosol cap locator defined by said aerosol cap for cooperating
with said container locator for providing an audible sound upon
said aerosol cap being located in said first rotational position
relative to said aerosol container.
44. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 41, including
a container locator defined by said aerosol container; and an
aerosol cap locator defined by said aerosol cap for cooperating
with said container locator for providing a rotational stop upon
said aerosol cap being located in said first rotational position
relative to said aerosol container.
45. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 41, wherein
said aerosol container comprises a container neck terminating in an
annular rim; said aerosol valve including a mounting cup secured to
said annular rim of said aerosol container; and a container locator
defined by said container neck of said aerosol container for
locating said aerosol cap in said first rotational position
relative to said aerosol container.
46. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 41, including
a container locator extending radially outwardly from said aerosol
container; and said aerosol cap locator extending radially inwardly
from said aerosol cap.
47. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 41, including
a first and a second container locator for cooperating with an
aerosol cap locator for locating said first and second rotational
positions of said aerosol cap relative to said aerosol
container.
48. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 41, wherein
said aerosol cap is an undercap located at a bottom end of said
aerosol container.
49. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 41, wherein
said aerosol cap is an overcap located at a top end of said aerosol
container.
50. A locking aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 41, wherein
one of said aerosol cap and said actuator engaging is non-symmetric
for enabling said actuator to displace said aerosol valve into an
open position when said aerosol cap is rotated into said first
rotational position relative to said aerosol container and for
failing to displace said aerosol valve into said open position when
said aerosol cap is rotated into said second rotational position
relative to said aerosol container.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. utility application
Ser. No. 10/201,703 filed Jul. 22, 2002 and U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 60/397,938 filed Jul. 22, 2002. All subject
matter set forth in application Ser. No. 10/201,703 and application
Ser. No. 60/397,938 are hereby incorporated by reference into the
present application as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to dispensers and more particularly
to an improved locking aerosol dispensers for permitting and
inhibiting the discharge of an aerosol product from an aerosol
container.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] An aerosol dispensing device comprises an aerosol valve
located internal an aerosol container. The aerosol valve is biased
into a closed position. A valve stem cooperates with the aerosol
valve for opening the aerosol valve. An actuator engages with the
valve stem to open the aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol
product from the aerosol container. The aerosol product is
dispensed from the aerosol valve through a spray nozzle.
[0006] Various types of actuators have been utilized by the prior
art for actuating an aerosol dispensing device. The first and the
most basic type of actuator for an aerosol dispensing device is an
actuator button that is affixed to the valve stem. A depression of
the actuator button depresses the valve stem to open the aerosol
valve for dispensing the aerosol product from the aerosol
container. A protective cap is utilized for engaging with a rim of
the aerosol container for inhibiting accidental actuating of the
aerosol button.
[0007] The second type of actuator for an aerosol dispensing device
is an aerosol overcap. The aerosol overcap replaces the
conventional protective cap and includes an actuator for actuating
the aerosol valve of the aerosol dispensing device. The aerosol
overcap comprises a base engagable with the rim of the aerosol
container for mounting the overcap to the aerosol container. The
aerosol overcap includes an actuator pivotably mounted to the
overcap base and engaging with the valve stem. The movement of the
actuator of the aerosol overcap causes a depression of the valve
stem to open the aerosol valve for dispensing the aerosol product
from the aerosol container.
[0008] The third type of actuator for an aerosol dispensing device
is an aerosol undercap. The aerosol undercap is used with an
inverted aerosol container. The aerosol undercap is located at the
base of the inverted aerosol container for supporting and storing
the aerosol container in an inverted position. The aerosol undercap
includes an actuator for actuating the aerosol valve of the aerosol
dispensing device. The aerosol undercap comprises a base engagable
with the rim of the aerosol container for mounting the undercap to
the aerosol container. The aerosol undercap includes an actuator
pivotably mounted to engage with the valve stem. The movement of
the actuator of the aerosol undercap causes a depression of the
valve stem to open the aerosol valve for dispensing the aerosol
product from the aerosol container.
[0009] A fourth type of actuator for actuating an aerosol
dispensing device is a trigger device. In this fourth type of
actuator, a base is mounted either to the container rim or the
mounting cup rim for supporting a trigger. The trigger is engagable
with the valve stem. A movement of the trigger from an extended
position to a protracted position depresses the valve stem to open
the aerosol valve for dispensing the aerosol product from the
aerosol container.
[0010] Aerosol dispenser devices traditionally dispense lower
viscosity aerosol products such as hair spray, paint, deodorant,
and the like in a spray form. The spray nozzle and aerosol valve is
traditionally located on the top of the aerosol container for
dispensing the aerosol products through the spray nozzle in an
upright position.
[0011] Typically, high viscosity aerosol products like shaving gels
as well as foaming aerosol products such as shave cream are stored
in an upright position and are dispensed in an upright to
horizontal position. Other high viscosity foaming aerosol products
such as hair mousse and rug cleaner are stored in an upright
position but are dispensed in an inverted position.
[0012] The high viscosity foaming aerosol products that are
dispensed in an inverted position are not designed to dispense in
an upright position. If these foaming aerosol products are actuated
in an upright oriented position, only the aerosol propellant would
escape from the aerosol container and the aerosol product would
remain in the aerosol container. This loss of the aerosol
propellant may deplete the aerosol propellant prior to the complete
dispensing of the aerosol product from the aerosol container.
[0013] Some in the prior art have incorporated a restricting device
into an aerosol overcap for restricting the actuation of the
aerosol dispensing device. Many of these prior art devices were
used as child resistant safety devices and the like. The following
United States patents are representative of some of the
developments of the prior art to incorporate a restrictive device
into an aerosol over-cap for restricting the actuation of the
aerosol dispensing device.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. D293,213 discloses a design patent for an
aerosol overcap physically located on a top portion of the aerosol
container for discharging an aerosol product in a conventional
upright manner.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 1,265,177 to Coleman discloses a receptacle
including a cylindrical body having an outwardly flaring supporting
flange fixed to its lower end. A bottom wall is secured in the
cylindrical body above the point of connection of the flange. The
flange is provided with an observation opening in one side thereof.
A valve casing is connected to the bottom wall and depending
therefrom. A rotary valve member is mounted in the casing to
control the discharge of the contents of the receptacle. The valve
has a stem rotatably supported in the flange.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 2,765,959 to Elliott discloses a dispensing
receptacle for cans of pressurized material of the type having a
tiltable valve controlling spout. The can containing receptacle has
an open bottom and an open top and a closure for the top. Means
hold a can in the container with the dispensing spout extending
through the open bottom. The means includes shoulders in the
receptacle and a spring between the closure and the bottom of the
can biasing the can against the shoulders. The can is telescoped
within the receptacle. Laterally movable means extends through the
side wall of the receptacle for engaging and tilting the tiltable
valve controlling spout. The last mentioned means comprises a stem
removably abutting the spout. Spring means biases the stem
outwardly of the receptacle. A push bottom on the outer end of the
stem moves the stem inwardly to tilt the spout.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 3,272,392 discloses a dispensing package for
materials under pressure comprising a container having a material
under pressure therein. Valve means is mounted on the container for
dispensing said material on the operation thereof. The valve means
includes a projecting stem portion movable relative to said
container for operating said valve means and having a passage
therein for passing said material. Actuating means is operable to
move said stem portion relative to said container for operating
said valve means. The actuating means comprises a part connected to
said stem portion. The part has means therein cooperating with the
passage in said stem portion for communicating the latter outwardly
of said dispensing package. The part is movable relative to said
container on the application thereagainst of pressure applied from
a position predeterminately located relative to said container in a
direction substantially transverse to the axis of said stem portion
for operating said valve means.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 3,759,431 to Vos discloses a pressurized
package of the class that includes a container for receiving a
product. Propellant means in the container discharges the product
from the container. A dispensing assembly is mounted on the
container characterized by an actuating lever. The actuating lever
shifts to displace a flexible resilient valve body member from a
position in which its discharge orifice-containing surface is in
scaled engagement at least partially effected by the internal
container pressure with a valve cap to a position in which it is
aligned with an exit opening of the overcap.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 3,979,163 discloses a cleaning and scrubbing
tool having a cleaning head and aerosol can handle in which a
suitably operational scrub pad is supported by head bracket
extension in free cleaning liquid passing relation, interlocked
with portions of the pad by localized deflection of the extension,
suitably by locally heating or solvating the extension to
deflectable condition within the pad interior.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,899 to Klaas J. van Lit discloses a
self-aligning overcap and button for aerosol containers including a
button having a side surface terminating upwardly in a cylindrical
wall surrounding a recessed upper surface which includes two
helical ramps extending in opposite directions from a well adjacent
to the wall to meet in a substantially radial edge diametrically
opposite the well, and an overcap for engagement with the button,
the overcap having a pointed alignment pin extending from the
underside of an actuator tab and in position for engagement with
the ramps and dimensioned for free insertion into the well in the
button. Rotational alignment of the overcap and the button are
accomplished under the force of gravity. In preferred embodiments
the cylindrical wall of the button has an upper edge defining a
plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the button. In
other preferred embodiments the actuator tab includes a cylindrical
guide-sleeve dimensioned to receive the button.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,911 to Michael G. Knickerbocker
discloses a child resistant assembly comprising an actuator button
having a terminal orifice connected through a valve stem to a valve
for enabling discharge of the aerosol product from the terminal
orifice upon opening the valve. An overcap is rotatably secured to
the aerosol container and includes a finger actuator movably
mounted relative to the overcap. A non-symmetrical surface is
disposed on either the actuator button or the finger actuator for
cooperation with an engaging surface on the other of the actuator
button and the finger actuator. The engaging surface engages the
non-symmetrical surface for transferring the finger movement of the
operator to open the valve only upon a selected orientation of the
finger actuator relative to the actuator button. The engaging
surface fails to contact the non-symmetrical surface upon finger
movement of the operator when the finger actuator is in a
non-selected orientation relative to the actuator button.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 4,354,621 to Michael G. Knickerbocker
discloses a child resistant assembly for use with an aerosol
container having a valve. The assembly comprises an actuator button
having a terminal orifice connected through a valve stem to the
valve for enabling discharge of the aerosol product from the
terminal orifice upon opening the valve. An overcap is rotatably
secured to the aerosol container and includes a finger actuator
movably mounted relative to the overcap. A non-symmetrical aperture
is disposed in either the actuator button or the finger actuator
for cooperation with a non-symmetrical member in the other of the
actuator button and the finger actuator. The non-symmetrical member
enters the non-symmetrical aperture for transferring the finger
movement of the operator to open the valve only upon a selected
orientation of the finger actuator relative to the actuator
button.
[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 4,416,398 to Michael G. Knickerbocker
discloses a plural spray rate aerosol assembly for use with an
aerosol container having a plural spray rate valve. The assembly
comprises an actuator button having a terminal orifice connected
through a valve stem to the plural spray rate valve for enabling a
first discharge rate of the aerosol product from the terminal
orifice upon opening the valve in a first position and for enabling
a second discharge rate of the aerosol product from the terminal
orifice upon opening the valve in a second position. An overcap is
rotatably secured to the aerosol container and includes a finger
actuator movably mounted relative to the overcap. A non-symmetrical
aperture is disposed in either the actuator button or the finger
actuator for cooperation with a non-symmetrical element in the
other of the actuator button and the finger actuator. The
non-symmetrical element is inhibited from entering the
non-symmetrical aperture for transferring the finger movement of
the operator to open the valve in the first position upon a first
selected orientation of the finger actuator relative to the
actuator button. The non-symmetrical element enters the
non-symmetrical aperture for transferring the finger movement of
the operator to open the valve in the second position upon a second
selected orientation of the finger actuator relative to the
actuator button.
[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 4,426,026 to Michael G. Knickerbocker
discloses an aerosol assembly for use with an aerosol container
having a valve for discharging product and propellant through a
terminal orifice. The invention comprises an actuator button in
fluid communication with the terminal orifice. The actuator button
is connected to the aerosol valve through a valve stem for opening
the aerosol valve upon movement of the actuator button. The
actuator button is substantially the shape of a truncated cone
having a larger cross-section at the base with respect to the
cross-section at the top of the button. A one-piece overcap having
an integral finger actuator is secured to the aerosol container for
covering the actuator button. Engaging surfaces preferably having
plural projections are disposed on the underside of the finger
actuator for contacting the actuator button upon movement due to
the finger pressure of the operator to open the valve and initiate
fluid flow from the terminal orifice.
[0025] U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,272 to Aoun discloses a hand held, free
standing, bottom dispensing dispenser, generally made of plastic,
for the dispensing of thick liquids such as lotions, shampoos. and
processed foodstuff, having a resiliently walled reservoir that
sits atop a stand that offers fulcrum for a mechanical linkage. The
linkage has a top portion engaged to the reservoir side wall
allowing the user's hand to grasp and manipulate the linkage while
grasping and manipulating the reservoir. A bottom portion is
coupled to dispensing valve disposed and adapted to open and close
a discharge element affixed to an outlet in the bottom end of the
reservoir. Thus, when hand pressure is applied to the linkage top
portion at the same time the reservoir is squeezed and the motion
transmitted by the linkage to the dispensing valve opens the latter
to dispense a portion of the content. When pressure is relieved,
the resilient reservoir side wall rebounds back to its initial
shape and, the reservoir side wall being engaged to the linkage
moves the latter back to its initial position. Thus while causing
the dispensing valve to gradually close, the reservoir side wall
outward movement induces in the reservoir an air flow that draws
the fluid in the discharge element in therewith. The dispenser
content is always located in the lower part of the reservoir near
its aperture, ready to be dispensed therefore making possible the
dispensing of virtually all the content.
[0026] U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,336 to Radassao et al. discloses a
viscous fluid dispenser including an upper extent constructed from
a flexible material and having a top face and a peripheral side
wall with an inverted frustoconical configuration defining a lower
peripheral edge. Further provided is a lower extent constructed
from a rigid material and having a planar bottom face coupled with
respect to the lower peripheral edge of the upper extent. The
bottom face of the lower extent has at least one bore formed
therein. Next provided is a lid hingably coupled to the lower
extent for selectively closing the bore.
[0027] U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,042 to Boucher et al. discloses a base
end dispensing container, especially suitable for dispensing
viscous flowable liquid consumable products. The container includes
an elongated, squeezable, container having an inner chamber for
holding the viscous flowable liquid consumable products. A base
dispensing valve, a top end valve operating mechanism and an
attached support structure support the container in an upright
position a distance front a surface upon which the container is
placed. The base end dispensing valve includes a sloping container
floor terminating at a substantially flat section, upon which a
rotationally operable valve gate rests. The substantially flat
floor section of the container includes at least one dispensing
opening intermediate the interior chamber of the container and the
outside of the container. The valve gate is selectively operated
between an open and shut position by the top end valve operating
mechanism via a valve driven shaft which connects the valve
operating mechanism with the rotationally operable valve gate.
[0028] U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,187 to Walters disclosed a novel
inverted aerosol dispensing device comprising an undercap secured
to a bottom portion of an aerosol container for supporting the
aerosol container on a supporting surface. The novel inverted
aerosol dispensing device included an actuator movably mounted
relative to the undercap for moving the valve stem upon
displacement of the actuator for discharging the aerosol product
from the valve stem in a generally downwardly direction through the
undercap.
[0029] Therefore it is an object of the present invention to
provide a locking dispenser actuator for locking an actuator of an
aerosol valve for inhibiting actuation thereof.
[0030] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
locking dispenser actuator which incorporates an actuator rotatably
mounted to an aerosol container for enabling discharge of the
aerosol product in a first rotational position and for inhibiting
discharge of the aerosol product in a second rotational
position.
[0031] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
locking dispenser actuator incorporated into an undercap mounted to
a bottom portion of the aerosol container.
[0032] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
locking dispenser actuator incorporated into an overcap mounted to
a top portion of the aerosol container.
[0033] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
locking dispenser actuator incorporated into an undercap rotatably
mounted to a bottom portion of the aerosol container for enabling
discharge of the aerosol product in a first rotational position and
for inhibiting discharge of the aerosol product in a second
rotational position.
[0034] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
locking dispenser actuator incorporated into an overcap rotatably
mounted to a top portion of the aerosol container for enabling
discharge of the aerosol product in a first rotational position and
for inhibiting discharge of the aerosol product in a second
rotational position.
[0035] Another object of the present invention is to provide
locking dispenser actuator which is suitable for use with plastic
containers.
[0036] Another object of the present invention is to provide
locking dispenser actuator which is economical to manufacture and
is economical to install on the aerosol dispensing device.
[0037] The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent
objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed
as being merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features
and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results
can be obtained by applying using the disclosed invention in a
different manner or modifying the invention. Accordingly other
objects in a full understanding of the invention may be had by
referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed
description describing the preferred embodiment of the
invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0038] A specific embodiment of the present invention is shown in
the attached drawings. For the purpose of summarizing the
invention, the invention relates to a locking aerosol dispenser for
an aerosol dispensing device having an aerosol valve for
controlling the flow of an aerosol product from an aerosol
container. The locking aerosol dispenser comprises an actuator
secured to the aerosol valve for displacing the aerosol valve from
a biased closed position to an open position to discharge the
aerosol product. The actuator is rotatable into a first rotational
position relative to the aerosol container for enabling the
actuator to open the aerosol valve upon movement of the actuator
for discharging the aerosol product. The actuator is rotatable into
a second rotational position relative to the aerosol container for
inhibiting the actuator from opening the aerosol valve.
[0039] In another example of the invention, the lock for an aerosol
dispensing device comprises an aerosol cap being rotatably securing
the aerosol cap to the aerosol container. The aerosol container and
the aerosol cap define cooperating key and key aperture. The
actuator is rotatable into a first rotational position relative to
the aerosol container whereat the key is aligned with the key
aperture for enabling movement of the actuator to open the aerosol
valve for discharging the aerosol product. The actuator is
rotatable into a second rotational position relative to the aerosol
container whereat the key is misaligned with the key aperture for
inhibiting the actuator from opening the aerosol valve.
[0040] In still another example of the invention, the lock for an
aerosol dispensing device comprises an aerosol cap having a
resilient cap mounting. A valve button has a button socket for
frictionally receiving said valve stem with the button socket
communicating with a terminal orifice. A frangible bridge
interconnects the valve button to the aerosol cap. The aerosol cap
and the valve button are initially simultaneously mounted relative
to the aerosol container with the aerosol cap being resiliently
mounted to the aerosol container concomitantly with the button
socket of the valve button frictionally receiving the valve stem.
The frangible bridge is severed upon the aerosol cap being
completely resiliently mounted to the aerosol container
concomitantly with the button socket of the valve button
frictionally completely receiving the valve stem for separating the
valve button from the aerosol cap.
[0041] In a further another example of the invention, the lock for
an aerosol dispensing device the aerosol container defining a
container axis extending between a top portion and a bottom portion
of the aerosol container. The aerosol valve has a valve button
defining a terminal orifice secured to the valve stem of the
aerosol valve. The valve button displaces the aerosol valve from a
biased closed position to an open position to discharge the aerosol
product from the terminal orifice of the valve button. One of the
valve button and the aerosol cap is non-symmetric about the
container axis for enabling the actuator to move the valve button
when the aerosol cap is rotated into the first rotational position
for displacing the aerosol valve into an open position to discharge
the aerosol product from the valve stem.
[0042] The lock for an aerosol dispensing device of the present
invention may be incorporated into an aerosol button actuator or
may be incorporated into an aerosol overcap secured to the top of
the aerosol container or may be incorporated into an aerosol
undercap secured to the bottom of an inverted aerosol container
[0043] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent
and important features of the present invention in order that the
detailed description that follows may be better understood so that
the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated.
Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter
which form the subject matter of the invention. It should be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the
specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis
for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the
same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized
by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do
not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the
invention, reference should be made to the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0045] FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a locking
aerosol dispenser with an undercap being rotated into a first
rotational position relative to the aerosol container;
[0046] FIG. 2 is a similar view of the undercap to FIG. 1 with the
undercap being rotated into second rotational position relative to
the aerosol container;
[0047] FIG. 3 is a sectional view along line 3-3 in FIG. 1;
[0048] FIG. 4 is a sectional view along line 4-4 in FIG. 2;
[0049] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3;
[0050] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 4;
[0051] FIG. 7 is a magnified view of a portion of FIG. 5;
[0052] FIG. 8 is a view along line 8-8 in FIG. 7;
[0053] FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the undercap removed from
the aerosol container;
[0054] FIG. 10 is a view along line 10-10 in FIG. 9;
[0055] FIG. 11 is a further magnified view of a portion of FIG.
7;
[0056] FIG. 12 is a sectional view along line 12-12 in FIG. 11;
[0057] FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 11 illustrating a
different rotational position of the undercap;
[0058] FIG. 14 is a sectional view along line 14-14 in FIG. 13;
[0059] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the aerosol container;
[0060] FIG. 16 is a left side view of FIG. 15;
[0061] FIG. 17 is a right side view of FIG. 15;
[0062] FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of the locking aerosol
dispenser with the undercap disposed in the first or open
rotational position;
[0063] FIG. 19 is a side view of FIG. 18;
[0064] FIG. 20 is a sectional view along line 20-20 in FIG. 19;
[0065] FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the undercap shown in FIG.
19;
[0066] FIG. 22 is a sectional view along line 22-22 in FIG. 18 with
the actuator being located in an unattended condition;
[0067] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of FIG. 22;
[0068] FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 22 with the actuator being
located in a depressed condition;
[0069] FIG. 25 is a bottom view of FIG. 24;
[0070] FIG. 26 is a front elevational view of the locking aerosol
dispenser with the undercap disposed in the second or locked
rotational position;
[0071] FIG. 27 is a side view of FIG. 26;
[0072] FIG. 28 is a sectional view along line 28-28 in FIG. 27;
[0073] FIG. 29 is a sectional view of the undercap shown in FIG.
27;
[0074] FIG. 30 is a sectional view along line 30-30 in FIG. 26 with
the actuator being located in an unattended condition;
[0075] FIG. 31 is a bottom view of FIG. 30;
[0076] FIG. 32 is a view similar to FIG. 30 with the actuator being
located in a depressed condition;
[0077] FIG. 33 is a bottom view of FIG. 32;
[0078] FIG. 34 is a side view of a second embodiment of the locking
aerosol dispenser with an overcap being rotated into a first or
open rotational position relative to the aerosol container;
[0079] FIG. 35 is a top view of FIG. 34;
[0080] FIG. 36 is a front view of FIG. 34;
[0081] FIG. 37 is a top view of FIG. 36;
[0082] FIG. 38 is an enlarged sectional view along line 38-38 in
FIG. 35;
[0083] FIG. 39 is a magnified sectional view along line 39-39 in
FIG. 38;
[0084] FIG. 40 is an enlarged sectional view along line 40-40 in
FIG. 37;
[0085] FIG. 41 is a magnified view of a portion of FIG. 40;
[0086] FIG. 42 is a top view of the aerosol container;
[0087] FIG. 43 is a left side view of FIG. 42;
[0088] FIG. 44 is a right side view of FIG. 42;
[0089] FIG. 45 is a sectional view along line 45-45 in FIG. 36 with
the actuator being shown in an unattended condition;
[0090] FIG. 46 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 45;
[0091] FIG. 47 is view similar to FIG. 45 with the actuator being
shown in a depressed condition;
[0092] FIG. 48 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 47;
[0093] FIG. 49 is a rear view similar to FIG. 34 with the overcap
being rotated into a second or locked rotational position relative
to the aerosol container;
[0094] FIG. 50 is a top view of FIG. 49;
[0095] FIG. 51 is a side view of FIG. 49;
[0096] FIG. 52 is a top view of FIG. 51;
[0097] FIG. 53 is a sectional view along line 53-53 in FIG. 51 with
the actuator being shown in an unattended condition;
[0098] FIG. 54 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 53;
[0099] FIG. 55 is a rear view of a third embodiment the locking
aerosol dispenser with an actuator being rotated into a first
rotational or open position relative to the aerosol container;
[0100] FIG. 56 is a top view of FIG. 55;
[0101] FIG. 57 is a side view of the locking aerosol dispenser
shown in FIG. 55;
[0102] FIG. 58 is a top view of FIG. 57;
[0103] FIG. 59 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 55 with the
actuator being shown in an unattended condition;
[0104] FIG. 60 is a sectional view along line 60-60 in FIG. 59;
[0105] FIG. 61 is a view similar to FIG. 59 with the actuator being
shown in a depressed condition;
[0106] FIG. 62 is a sectional view along line 62-62 in FIG. 61;
[0107] FIG. 63 is a front view of the locking aerosol dispenser
shown in FIG. 55 with the actuator being rotated into a second or
locked rotational position relative to the aerosol container;
[0108] FIG. 64 is a top view of FIG. 63;
[0109] FIG. 65 is a side view of FIG. 63;
[0110] FIG. 66 is a top view of FIG. 65;
[0111] FIG. 67 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 63 with the
actuator being shown in an unattended condition; and
[0112] FIG. 68 is a sectional view along line 68-68 in FIG. 67.
[0113] Similar reference characters refer to similar parts
throughout the several Figures of the drawings.
DETAILED DISCUSSION
[0114] FIGS. 1 and 2 are isometric views of a first embodiment of a
locking aerosol dispenser 10A. The locking aerosol dispenser 10A
dispenses an aerosol product 14 by an aerosol propellant 16 from an
aerosol container 20A. In this first embodiment of the present
invention, the locking aerosol dispenser 10A enables the aerosol
container 20A to be stored in an inverted position. The locking
aerosol dispenser 10A dispenses the aerosol product 14 under the
pressure of the aerosol propellant 16 in a generally downward
direction through an undercap 30A. The invention is particularly
useful in dispensing viscous aerosol products 14.
[0115] FIGS. 3 and 4 are sectional views of FIGS. 1 and 2
illustrating the undercap 30A for supporting the aerosol container
20A in the inverted position. The undercap 30A is rotationally
secured to the aerosol container 20A by the mounting 40A. The
undercap 30A includes an actuator 50A pivotably connected to the
undercap 30A by a hinge 60A. The actuator 50A is shown in an
unattended condition.
[0116] A valve button 70A is connected to an aerosol valve 80A
mounted to the aerosol container 20A by an aerosol mounting cup
90A. Preferably, the aerosol valve 80A is a tilt valve but it
should be understood that the invention may be modified to function
with a vertical action valve.
[0117] FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate the undercap 30A in a first or open
rotational position relative to the aerosol container 20A. When the
undercap 30A is located in the first or open rotational position,
the actuator 50A is positioned for engaging the valve button 70A to
actuate the aerosol valve 80A. The actuation of the aerosol valve
80A enables the aerosol product 14 to be dispensed under the
pressure of the aerosol propellant 16 from the aerosol container
20A and to be discharged from the valve button 70A.
[0118] FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate the undercap 30A in a second or
locked rotational position relative to the aerosol container 20A.
When the undercap 30A is located in the second or locked rotational
position, the actuator 50A is inhibited from engaging the valve
button 70A to prevent the aerosol product 14 from being dispensed
from the aerosol container 20A.
[0119] The container 20A is shown as a cylindrical container
disposed in an inverted orientation. The aerosol container 20A
extends between a top portion 21A and a bottom portion 22A. The top
portion 21A of the aerosol container 20A is closed by an endwall.
The aerosol container 20A defines a cylindrical sidewall 23A
defining a container rim 24A extending about an outer diameter of
the aerosol container 20A.
[0120] The aerosol product 14 is contained near the bottom portion
22A of the aerosol container 20A whereas the aerosol propellant 16
is contained near the top portion 21A of the aerosol container 20A.
The locking aerosol dispenser 10A is especially suited for
dispensing viscous products like shampoo, hair conditioner, hair
gel, hair mousse or non-foaming soap. In addition, the locking
aerosol dispenser 10A is especially suited for dispensing viscous
food products such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and the like.
The locking aerosol dispenser 10A is adapted for dispensing
products such as furniture polish in a downward direction through
the use of an appropriate valve button 70A. The aerosol propellant
16 may be compressed gas, carbon dioxide or any other suitable
propellant.
[0121] FIGS. 5 and 6 are enlarged views of portions of FIGS. 3 and
4 respectively. The bottom portion 22A of the aerosol container 20A
tapers radially inwardly into a neck 25A terminating in a bead 26A.
The aerosol container 20A defines an axis of symmetry 29A. The
aerosol container 20A may be made of a metallic material or a
non-metallic material. In this example, the aerosol container 20A
is shown as a plastic bottle.
[0122] The aerosol valve 80A is secured to the aerosol mounting cup
90A in a conventional fashion. A peripheral rim 92A of the aerosol
mounting cup 90A is sealed to the bead 26A of the aerosol container
20A. A valve stem 82A extends from the aerosol valve 80A in
alignment with an axis of symmetry 29A of the aerosol container
20A. A valve stem 82A is adapted to be received by a socket 73A of
the valve button 70A.
[0123] FIGS. 7-10 are various views of the undercap 30A and the
valve button 70A. The undercap 30A has a top portion 31A and a
bottom portion 32A with a sidewall 33A extending therebetween. The
undercap 30A includes a base 34A for supporting the aerosol
container 20A on a supporting surface in an inverted position.
[0124] The top portion 31A of the undercap 30A has a generally
circular cross-section for mating with the bottom portion 22A of
the aerosol container 20A. When the undercap 30A is secured to the
aerosol container 20A the generally circular cross-section of the
top portion 31A is aligned with the axis of symmetry 29A of the
aerosol container 20A.
[0125] The bottom portion 32A of the undercap 30A includes a
gripping area 36A having an elliptically-shaped cross-section. The
elliptically-shaped cross-section is offset from the axis of
symmetry 29A of the aerosol container 20A.
[0126] The elliptical bottom portion 32A of the undercap 30A
defines a first sidewall portion 37A and a second sidewall portion
39A. The first sidewall portion 37A is located closer to the axis
of symmetry 29A of the aerosol container 20A than the second
sidewall portion 39A of the undercap 30A.
[0127] The undercap 30A comprises a plastic shell defining an
undercap aperture 38A. The undercap aperture 38A provides a passage
for dispensing the aerosol product 14 in a generally downward
direction through the undercap 30A. A sidewall orifice 39A is
defined in the sidewall 33A of the undercap 30A. Preferably, the
undercap 30A is formed from a unitary and resilient polymeric
material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyolyfin or any
other suitable polymeric material.
[0128] FIGS. 8-10 further illustrate the undercap 30A of the
locking aerosol dispenser 10A. The rotational mounting 40A
comprises a plurality of minor ribs 41A and a plurality of major
ribs 42A extending inwardly from the sidewall 33A of the undercap
30A.
[0129] The plurality of minor ribs 41A extend inwardly from the
first sidewall portion 37A of the sidewall 33A of the undercap 30A
adjacent to the actuator 50A. Each of the plurality of minor ribs
41A terminates in a tapered end 43A adjacent to the top portion 31A
of the undercap 30A. Each of the plurality of minor ribs 41A has an
inwardly extending minor tab 45A.
[0130] The plurality of major ribs 42A extend inwardly from the
second sidewall portion 39A of the sidewall 33A of the undercap 30A
opposite from the actuator 50A. Each of the plurality of major ribs
42A terminates in a tapered end 44A adjacent to the top portion 31A
of the undercap 30A. Each of the plurality of major ribs 42A has an
inwardly extending major tab 46A. Preferably, the undercap 30A and
the plurality of minor and major tabs 45A and 46A are integrally
formed from a deformable and resilient polymeric material. The
deformable and resilient material enables the undercap 30A to be
resiliently mounted to the aerosol container 20A.
[0131] As best shown in FIGS. 5-8, the plurality of minor and major
tabs 45A and 46A engage with the peripheral rim 92A of the aerosol
mounting cup 90A. Simultaneously therewith, the top portion 31A of
the undercap 30A engages with the aerosol container 20A. The
simultaneous engagement of the plurality of minor and major tabs
45A and 46A and the top portion 31A of the undercap 30A with the
aerosol container 20A forms the rotational mounting 40A to secure
the undercap 30A to the aerosol container 20A. Preferably, the
undercap 30A is snapped over the peripheral rim 92A of the aerosol
mounting cup 90A to form a rotational snap locking engagement.
[0132] The actuator 50A is movably mounted relative to the undercap
30A. In this example of the invention, the actuator 50A is
pivotably mounted relative to undercap 30A for moving the valve
button 70A and the valve stem 82A upon pivoting of the actuator
50A. The actuator 50A is shown integrally connected to the undercap
30A through the hinge 60A integrally molded as a one-piece plastic
unit with the undercap 30A. In this example, the hinge 60A pivots
the actuator 50A about a hinge pivot axis generally perpendicular
to the axis of symmetry 29A of the aerosol container 20A. However,
it should be understood that the hinge 60A may pivot the actuator
50A about a hinge pivot axis having various angular or parallel
relationships with the axis of symmetry 29A of the aerosol
container 20A.
[0133] The actuator 50A includes an actuator surface 52A extending
radially inwardly from the actuator 50A. The actuator surface 52A
engages the valve button 70A upon an inward movement of the
actuator 50A. The displacement of the actuator 50A moves the
actuator surface 52A into engagement with the valve button 70A to
displace the aerosol valve 80A into the open position to dispense
the aerosol product 14 under the pressure of the aerosol propellant
16.
[0134] The valve button 70A extends between a top portion 71A and a
bottom portion 72A. The top portion 71A of the valve button 70A is
provided with a socket 73A for frictionally receiving the valve
stem 82A of the aerosol valve 80A. A channel 76A extends through
the valve button 70A to provide fluid communication between the
valve stem 82A of the aerosol valve 80A and a terminal orifice 78A
of the valve button 70A. In this embodiment of the invention, the
valve button 70A comprises a generally tubular member 74A extending
between the top portion 71A and the bottom portion 72A. The channel
76A extends through the tubular member 74A in alignment with the
axis of symmetry 29A of the aerosol container 20A.
[0135] An enlarged flange 75A extends radially outwardly from the
generally tubular member 74A. The enlarged flange 75A extends
generally perpendicular to the tubular member 74A of the valve
button 70A. The enlarged flange 75A extends non-symmetrically about
the tubular member 74A. In this example, the enlarged flange 75A is
shown as a generally elliptical flange 75A. The generally
elliptical flange 75A is offset from the tubular member 74A and the
channel 76A extending through the valve button 70A.
[0136] The enlarged flange 75A defines a first projecting surface
77A and a second projecting surface 79A. The first projecting
surface 77A extends further from the tubular member 74A of the
valve button 70A than the second projecting surface 79A.
[0137] FIGS. 11-17 are various views illustrating a locator 100A of
the locking aerosol dispenser 10A. The locator 100A locates the
undercap 30A in the first and second first rotational positions
relative to the aerosol container 20A. The locator 100A comprises a
container locator 110A defined by the aerosol container 20A. The
locator 100A comprises an undercap locator 120A defined by the
undercap 30A. The container locator 110A cooperates with the
undercap locator 120A for locating the undercap 30A in the first
rotational position relative to the aerosol container 20A.
[0138] The container locator 100A extends radially outwardly from
the neck 25A of the aerosol container 20A. In this example, the
container locator 100A comprises an open container locator 111A and
a locked container locator 112A. The open container locator 111A
and the locked container locator 112A extend radially outwardly
from the neck 25A of the aerosol container 20A. Preferably, the
container locators 111A and 112A are integrally molded with the
aerosol container 20A.
[0139] The open and locked container locators 111A and 112A extend
longitudinally along the neck 25A of the aerosol container 20A. The
open and locked container locators 111A and 112A extend only
partially along the neck 25A to define a void 28A between the
termination of each of the open and locked container locators 111A
and 112A and the container bead 26A of the aerosol container 20A.
The voids 28A provide a space for enabling the major and minor tabs
41 and 42 to pass therethrough. Preferably, the open and locked
container locators 111A and 112A are integrally molded with the
aerosol container 20A.
[0140] The undercap locator 120A extends radially inwardly from the
undercap. The undercap locator 120A extends a longitudinal distance
along the undercap 30A greater than the longitudinal distance of
the major and minor tabs 45A and 46A. The greater longitudinal
distance of the undercap locator 120A provides an interference
cooperation between each of the open and locked container locators
111A and 112A and the undercap locator 120A.
[0141] The locking aerosol dispenser 10A may optionally include an
indicator 130A for indicating the position of the undercap 30A
relative to the aerosol container 20A. The indicator 130A comprises
container indicators 131A and 132A cooperating with an undercap
indicator 133A for indicating the first and second first rotational
positions of the undercap 30A relative to the aerosol container
20AE.
[0142] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the open container locator 11A
engaging with the undercap locator 120A for locating the undercap
30A in the first rotational position of the relative to the aerosol
container 20A. The open container locator 111A comprises a minor
and a major projection 113A and 114A. The minor projection 113A
extends radially outwardly a minor distance from the neck 25A of
the aerosol container 20A. The major projection 114A extends
radially outwardly a major distance from the neck 25A of the
aerosol container 20A. The minor distance of the minor projection
113A is substantially less than the major distance of the major
projection 114A.
[0143] The minor distance of the minor projection 113A enables the
undercap locator 120 to pass over the minor projection 113A during
rotation of the undercap locator 30A relative to the aerosol
container 20A. Preferably, the minor distance of the minor
projection 113A is selected to produce a tactile and/or audible
click as the undercap locator 120A passes over the minor projection
113A. Preferably, the minor distance of the minor projection 113A
produces both a tactile and an audible sound to indicate the
undercap 30A has been rotated into the first rotational position
relative to the aerosol container 20A.
[0144] The major distance of the major projection 114A provides a
rotational stop upon the undercap locator 120A engaging with the
major projection 114A. The engagement of the undercap locator 120A
with the major projection 114A locates the undercap 30A in the
first rotational position relative to the aerosol container
20A.
[0145] The minor and major projections 113A and 114A provides a
slot therebetween. The slot between the minor and major projections
113A and 114A retains the undercap locator 120A therein. The slot
between the minor and major projections 113A and 114A maintains the
undercap 30A in the first rotational position relative to the
aerosol container 20A.
[0146] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a different rotational position
of the undercap 30A relative to the aerosol container 20A. The void
28A between the termination of the open container locator 111A and
the container bead 26A of the aerosol container 20A provides a
space for enabling the major and minor tabs 41A and 42A to pass
through the void 28A.
[0147] FIGS. 15-17 illustrate various views of the aerosol
container 20A without the undercap 30A. The locked container
locator 112A is substantially similar to the open container locator
111A. The locked container locator 112A comprises a minor and a
major projection 115A and 116A extending radially outwardly a minor
and major distance from the neck 25A of the aerosol container 20A.
The minor projection 115A produces a tactile and/or audible click
as the undercap locator 120A passes over the minor projection
115A.
[0148] The major projection 116A provides a rotational stop upon
the undercap locator 120A engaging with the major projection 114A
to locate the undercap 30A in the second rotational position
relative to the aerosol container 20A. The slot between the minor
and major projections 115A and 116A maintains the undercap 30A in
the second rotational position relative to the aerosol container
20A.
[0149] FIGS. 15-17 further illustrate the spatial relationship
between the open container locator 111A and the container
indicators 131A and the spatial relationship between the open
container locator 112A and the container indicators 132A.
Preferably, the container locator 110A and the container indicators
130A are integrally molded with the aerosol container 20A.
[0150] FIGS. 18-23 illustrate the locking aerosol dispenser 10A
with the undercap 30A disposed in the first rotational position and
with the actuator 50A being located in an unattended condition. In
the first rotational position, the container indicator 131A is
aligned with the undercap indicator 133A.
[0151] When the undercap 30A is disposed in the first rotational
position, the first sidewall portion 37A of the sidewall 33A of the
undercap 30A is located adjacent to the first projecting surface
77A of the valve button 70A. The first projecting surface 77A of
the valve button 70A is in close proximity to the first sidewall
portion 37A of the sidewall 33A of the undercap 30A. The second
projecting surface 79A of the valve button 70A is spaced apart from
the major ribs 42A of the second sidewall portion 37A of the
sidewall 33A of the undercap 30A.
[0152] FIGS. 24 and 25 are views similar to FIGS. 22 and 23
illustrating the actuator 50A in a depressed condition. When the
actuator 50A is in the depressed condition, the first sidewall
portion 37A of the sidewall 33A engages with the first projecting
surface 77A of the valve button 70A to move the valve button 70A
and the valve stem 82A. The movement of the valve button 70A and
the valve stem 82A moves the aerosol valve 80A into the open
position to dispense the aerosol product 14. The spacing between
the second projecting surface 79A and the second sidewall portion
39A of the undercap 30A allows the valve button 70A to move for
opening the aerosol valve 80A.
[0153] FIGS. 26-31 illustrate the locking aerosol dispenser 10A
with the undercap 30A disposed in the second rotational position
and with the actuator 50A being located in an unattended condition.
In the second rotational position, the container indicator 132A is
aligned with the undercap indicator 133A.
[0154] When the undercap 30A is disposed in the second rotational
position, the first sidewall portion 37A of the sidewall 33A of the
undercap 30A is located adjacent to the second projecting surface
79A of the valve button 70A. The second projecting surface 79A of
the valve button 70A is spaced apart from the first sidewall
portion 37A of the sidewall 33A of the undercap 30A. The first
projecting surface 79A of the valve button 70A is in close
proximity to the major ribs 42A of the second sidewall portion 39A
of the sidewall 33A of the undercap 30A.
[0155] FIGS. 32 and 33 are views similar to FIGS. 30 and 31
illustrating the actuator 50A in a depressed condition. When the
actuator 50A is in the depressed condition, the first sidewall
portion 37A of the sidewall 33A fails to engage with the second
projecting surface 79A of the valve button 70A. The spacing between
the second projecting surface 79A and the first sidewall portion
37A of the undercap 30A inhibits the depressed actuator 50A from
moving the valve button 70A to open the aerosol valve 80A. In
addition, the first projecting surface 79A of the valve button 70A
is in close proximity to the major ribs 42A of the second sidewall
portion 39A of the sidewall 33A of the undercap 30A to prevent
movement of the valve button 70A.
[0156] The undercap 30A and the valve buttom 70A may be molded as a
single part with the valve button 70A being connected to the
undercap 30A by a frangible bridge (not shown). In one example, the
first projecting surface 79A of the valve button 70A is connected
by a frangible bridge (not shown) to the major ribs 42A of the
second sidewall portion 39A of the sidewall 33A of the undercap
30A.
[0157] After the filling of the aerosol container 20A with the
aerosol product 14 and the aerosol propellant 16, the undercap 30A
and the valve button 70A connected by the frangible bridge (not
shown) is simultaneously moved toward the aerosol container 20A.
The movement caused the undercap 30A to be snapped over the
peripheral rim 92A of the aerosol mounting cup 90A simultaneously
with the socket 73A of the valve button 70A frictionally receiving
the valve stem 82A.
[0158] After the installation of the undercap 30A upon the aerosol
container 20A and upon complete installation of the valve button
70A upon the valve stem 82A of the aerosol valve 80A, a continued
movement fractures the frangible bridge (not shown) to separate the
valve button 70A from the undercap 40A.
[0159] FIGS. 34-37 are various views of a second embodiment of the
locking aerosol dispenser 10B of the present invention. The locking
aerosol dispenser 10B dispenses an aerosol product 14 by an aerosol
propellant 16 from an aerosol container 20B. The locking aerosol
dispenser 10B is shown with an overcap 30B being rotated into a
first or open rotational position relative to the aerosol container
20B.
[0160] The overcap 30B is rotationally secured to the aerosol
container 20B by the mounting 40B. The overcap 30B includes an
actuator 50B pivotably connected to the overcap 30B by a hinge 60B.
The actuator 50B is shown in an unattended condition.
[0161] An aerosol valve 80B is mounted to the aerosol container 20B
by an aerosol mounting cup 90B. Preferably, the aerosol valve 80B
is a tilt valve but it should be understood that the invention may
be modified to function with a vertical action valve.
[0162] FIGS. 34-36 illustrate the overcap 30B in a first or open
rotational position relative to the aerosol container 20B. When the
overcap 30B is located in the first or open rotational position,
the actuator 50B is positioned for actuating the aerosol valve 80B
to dispense the aerosol product 14 under the pressure of the
aerosol propellant 16 from the aerosol container 20B and to be
discharged from a terminal orifice 78B.
[0163] FIGS. 49-52 illustrate the overcap 30B in a second or locked
rotational position relative to the aerosol container 20B. When the
overcap 30B is located in the second or locked rotational position,
the actuator 50B is inhibited from actuating the aerosol valve 80B
to prevent the aerosol product 14 from being dispensed from the
aerosol container 20B.
[0164] The container 20B is shown as a cylindrical container
extending between a top portion 21B and a bottom portion 22B. The
bottom portion 21B of the aerosol container 20B is closed by an
endwall. The aerosol container 20B defines a cylindrical sidewall
23B defining a container rim 24A extending about an outer diameter
of the aerosol container 20B.
[0165] FIGS. 38-41 are enlarged views of portions of FIGS. 35 and
37 respectively. The top portion 21B of the aerosol container 20B
tapers radially inwardly into a neck 25B terminating in a bead 26B.
A flange 27B extends radially outward about the neck 25B of the
aerosol container 20B. A key aperture 28B is defined in the flange
27B. In this example, the key aperture 28B is shown as a slot. The
aerosol container 20B defines an axis of symmetry 29B. The aerosol
container 20B may be made of a metallic material or a non-metallic
material. In this example, the aerosol container 20B is shown as a
plastic bottle.
[0166] The aerosol valve 80B is secured to the aerosol mounting cup
90B in a conventional fashion. A peripheral rim 92A of the aerosol
mounting cup 90B is sealed to the bead 26B of the aerosol container
20B. A valve stem 82B extends from the aerosol valve 80B in
alignment with an axis of symmetry 29B of the aerosol container
20B. The valve stem 82B is adapted to be received by a socket 73B
defined in the overcap 30B.
[0167] The overcap 30B has a top portion 31B and a bottom portion
32B with a sidewall 33B extending therebetween. The bottom portion
32B of the overcap 30B has a generally circular cross-section for
mating with the top portion 21B of the aerosol container 20B. The
overcap 30B is aligned with the axis of symmetry 29B of the aerosol
container 20B. The overcap 30B defines an overcap orifice 39B
provided for accommodating the actuator 50B. The overcap 30B
comprises a plastic shell formed from a unitary and resilient
polymeric material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyolyfin
or any other suitable polymeric material.
[0168] The rotational mounting 40B comprises a plurality of ribs
41B extending inwardly from the sidewall 33B of the overcap 30B.
Each of the plurality of ribs 41B terminates in a tapered end 43B
adjacent to the bottom portion 32B of the overcap 30B. Each of the
plurality of ribs 41B has an inwardly extending tab 46B.
Preferably, the overcap 30B and the plurality of tabs 46B are
integrally formed from a deformable and resilient polymeric
material. The deformable and resilient material enables the overcap
30B to be resiliently mounted to the aerosol container 20B.
[0169] The plurality of tabs 45B engage with the peripheral rim 92B
of the aerosol mounting cup 90B. Simultaneously therewith, the
bottom portion 32B of the overcap 30B engages with the aerosol
container 20B. The simultaneous engagement of the plurality of tabs
45B and the bottom portion 32B of the overcap 30B with the aerosol
container 20B forms the rotational mounting 40B to secure the
overcap 30B to the aerosol container 20B. Preferably, the overcap
30B is snapped over the peripheral rim 92B of the aerosol mounting
cup 90B to form a rotational snap locking engagement.
[0170] The actuator 50B is movably mounted relative to the overcap
30B within the overcap orifice 39B. In this example of the
invention, the actuator 50B is pivotably mounted relative to
overcap 30B for moving the valve stem 82B upon pivoting of the
actuator 50B. The actuator 50B is shown integrally connected to the
overcap 30B through the hinge 60B integrally molded as a one-piece
plastic unit with the overcap 30B. In this example, the hinge 60B
pivots the actuator 50B about a hinge pivot axis generally
perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 29B of the aerosol container
20B. However, it should be understood that the hinge 60B may pivot
the actuator 50B about a hinge pivot axis having various angular or
parallel relationships with the axis of symmetry 29B of the aerosol
container 20B.
[0171] The actuator 50B includes an actuator surface 52B extending
from the overcap orifice 39B defined in the overcap 30B. The
actuator surface 52B enables an operator to pivot the actuator 50B
for moving the valve stem 82B to displace the aerosol valve 80B
into the open position to dispense the aerosol product 14 under the
pressure of the aerosol propellant 16.
[0172] The actuator 50B defines a socket 53B for frictionally
receiving the valve stem 82B of the aerosol valve 80B. A channel
56B extends through the actuator 50B to provide fluid communication
between the valve stem 82B of the aerosol valve 80B and a terminal
orifice 78B. A key 58B extends from the actuator 50B for
cooperating with the key aperture 28B defined in the flange
27B.
[0173] FIGS. 42-44 are various views similar to FIGS. 15-17
illustrating a locator 100B of the locking aerosol dispenser 110B.
The locator 100B operates in a similar fashion to the locator 100B
referred to in FIGS. 1-33 with similar parts referred to with
similar reference characters. The locator 100B locates the overcap
30B in the first and second first rotational positions relative to
the aerosol container 20B. The locator 100B comprises a container
locator 100B defined by the aerosol container 20B. The locator 100B
comprises an overcap locator 120B defined by the overcap 30B. The
container locator 110B cooperates with the overcap locator 120B for
locating the overcap 30B in the first rotational position relative
to the aerosol container 20B.
[0174] The container locator 10B comprises an open container
locator 111B and a locked container locator 112B. The overcap
locator 120B extends radially inwardly from the overcap. The
overcap locator 120B provides an interference cooperation between
each of the open and locked container locators 111B and 112B and
the overcap locator 120B.
[0175] The locking aerosol dispenser 10B may optionally include an
indicator 130B for indicating the position of the overcap 30B
relative to the aerosol container 20B. The indicator 130B comprises
container indicators 131B and 132B cooperating with an overcap
indicator 133B for indicating the first and second first rotational
positions of the overcap 30B relative to the aerosol container
20B.
[0176] FIGS. 45 and 46 illustrate the locking aerosol dispenser 10B
with the overcap 30B disposed in the first rotational position and
with the actuator 50B being located in an unattended condition. In
the first rotational position, the container indicator 131B is
aligned with the overcap indicator 133B. When the overcap 30B is
disposed in the first rotational position, the key 58B extending
from the actuator 50B is aligned with the key aperture 28B defined
in the flange 27B.
[0177] FIGS. 47 and 48 are views similar to FIGS. 45 and 46
illustrating the actuator 50B in a depressed condition. When the
actuator 50B is in the depressed condition, the key 58B extending
from the actuator 50B moves within the key aperture 28B defined in
the flange 27B. The movement of the actuator 50B moves the valve
stem 82B to open the aerosol valve 80B to dispense the aerosol
product 14.
[0178] FIGS. 49-52 are views similar to FIGS. 34-37 illustrating
the locking aerosol dispenser 10B with the overcap 30B disposed in
the second rotational position and with the actuator 50B being
located in an unattended condition. In the second rotational
position, the container indicator 132B is aligned with the overcap
indicator 133B.
[0179] FIGS. 53 and 54 illustrate the locking aerosol dispenser 10B
with the overcap 30B disposed in the second rotational position.
When the overcap 30B is disposed in the second rotational position,
the key 58B extending from the actuator 50B is misaligned with the
key aperture 28B defined in the flange 27B. The key 58B extending
from the actuator 50B engages with the flange 27B to prevent
depression of the actuator 50B and the opening of the aerosol valve
80B.
[0180] FIGS. 55-68 are various views of a third embodiment of the
locking aerosol dispenser 10C of the present invention. The locking
aerosol dispenser 10C is shown with an actuator 50C being rotated
into a first or open rotational position relative to the aerosol
container 20C. The actuator 50C is rotationally secured to the
aerosol container 20C by the mounting 40C. The actuator 50C is
shown in an unattended condition.
[0181] An aerosol valve 80C is mounted to the aerosol container 20C
by an aerosol mounting cup 90C. Preferably, the aerosol valve 80C
is a tilt valve but it should be understood that the invention may
be modified to function with a vertical action valve.
[0182] FIGS. 55-58 illustrate the actuator 50C in a first or open
rotational position relative to the aerosol container 20C. When the
actuator 50C is located in the first or open rotational position,
the actuator 50C is positioned for actuating the aerosol valve 80C
to dispense the aerosol product 14 under the pressure of the
aerosol propellant 16 from the aerosol container 20C and to be
discharged from a terminal orifice 78C.
[0183] FIGS. 63-66 illustrate the actuator 50C in a second or
locked rotational position relative to the aerosol container 20C.
When the actuator 50C is located in the second or locked rotational
position, the actuator 50C is inhibited from actuating the aerosol
valve 80C to prevent the aerosol product 14 from being dispensed
from the aerosol container 20C.
[0184] The container 20C is shown as a cylindrical container
extending between a top portion 21C and a bottom portion 22C. The
bottom portion 22C of the aerosol container 20C is closed by an
endwall. The aerosol container 20C defines a cylindrical sidewall
23C defining a container rim 24A extending about an outer diameter
of the aerosol container 20B.
[0185] FIGS. 59 and 60 are enlarged views of portions of FIGS.
55-57. The top portion 21C of the aerosol container 20C tapers
radially inwardly into a neck 25C terminating in a bead 26C. A
flange 27C extends radially outward about the neck 25C of the
aerosol container 20C. A key aperture 28 is defined in the flange
27C. In this example, the key aperture 28C is shown as a slot. The
aerosol container 20C defines an axis of symmetry 29C. The aerosol
container 20C may be made of a metallic material or a non-metallic
material. In this example, the aerosol container 20C is shown as a
plastic bottle.
[0186] The aerosol valve 80C is secured to the aerosol mounting cup
90C in a conventional fashion. A peripheral rim 92C of the aerosol
mounting cup 90C is sealed to the bead 26C of the aerosol container
20C. A valve stem 82C extends from the aerosol valve 80C in
alignment with an axis of symmetry 29C of the aerosol container
20C. A valve stem 82C is adapted to be received by a socket 53C
defined in the actuator 50C.
[0187] The actuator 50C is rotationally secured to the aerosol
container 20C by the mounting 40C. The actuator 50C is mounted on
the valve stem 82C by the valve stem 82C being received within the
socket 53C defined in the actuator 50C. The rotational mounting 40C
comprises the rotation of the actuator 50C relative to the valve
stem 82C and/or the rotation of the valve stem 82C within the
aerosol valve 80C.
[0188] The socket 53C frictionally receives the valve stem 82C of
the aerosol valve 80C. A channel 56C extends through the actuator
50C to provide fluid communication between the valve stem 82C of
the aerosol valve 80C and a terminal orifice 78C. A key 58C extends
from the actuator 50C for cooperating with the key aperture 28
defined in the flange 27B.
[0189] The actuator 50C is mounted relative to aerosol mounting cup
90C for moving the valve stem 82C upon pivoting of the actuator
50C. The actuator 50C includes an actuator surface 52C for enabling
an operator to pivot the actuator 50C for moving the valve stem 82C
to displace the aerosol valve 80C into the open position to
dispense the aerosol product 14 under the pressure of the aerosol
propellant 16.
[0190] A locator 100C locates the actuator 50C in the first and
second first rotational positions relative to the aerosol container
20C. The locator 100C comprises a container locator 110C defined by
the aerosol container 20C. The locator 100C comprises an actuator
locator 120C defined by the actuator 50C. The container locator
110C cooperates with the actuator locator 120C for locating the
actuator 50C in the first rotational position relative to the
aerosol container 20C.
[0191] The container locator 110C comprises the flange 27C having a
first and a second flange 111C and 112C. The first flange portion
111C is greater than the second flange portion 112C of the flange
27C. In this example, the first flange portion 111C is elevated
relative to the second flange portion 112C of the flange 27C. The
elevated first flange portion 111C creates stops 114C and 116C.
[0192] The locking aerosol dispenser 10C may optionally include an
indicator 130C for indicating the position of the actuator 50C
relative to the aerosol container 20C. The indicator 130C comprises
container indicators 131C and 132C cooperating with the actuator
for indicating the first and second first rotational positions of
the actuator 50C relative to the aerosol container 20C.
[0193] FIGS. 59 and 60 illustrate the locking aerosol dispenser 10C
with the actuator 50C disposed in the first rotational position and
with the actuator 50C being located in an unattended condition. In
the first rotational position, the container indicator 131C is
aligned with the actuator 50C. When the actuator 50C is disposed in
the first rotational position, the key 58C extending from the
actuator 50C is aligned with the key aperture 28C defined in the
flange 27C.
[0194] FIGS. 61 and 62 are views similar to FIGS. 59 and 60
illustrating the actuator 50C in a depressed condition. When the
actuator 50C is in the depressed condition, the key 58C extending
from the actuator 50C moves within the key aperture 28C defined in
the flange 27C. The movement of the actuator 50C moves the valve
stem 82C to open the aerosol valve 80C to dispense the aerosol
product 14.
[0195] FIGS. 63-66 are views similar to FIGS. 49-52 illustrating
the locking aerosol dispenser 10C with the actuator 50C disposed in
the second rotational position and with the actuator 50C being
located in an unattended condition. In the second rotational
position, the container indicator 132C is aligned with the actuator
50C.
[0196] FIGS. 67 and 68 illustrate the locking aerosol dispenser 10C
with the actuator 50C disposed in the second rotational position
and with the actuator 50C. When the actuator 50C is disposed in the
second rotational position, the key 58C extending from the actuator
50C is misaligned with the key aperture 28C defined in the flange
27C. The key 58C extending from the actuator 50C engages with the
flange 27C to prevent depression of the actuator 50C and the
opening of the aerosol valve 80C.
[0197] Although the invention has been described in its preferred
form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that
the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by
way of example and that numerous changes in the details of
construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be
resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *