U.S. patent application number 11/222415 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-08 for button actuated mechanism for a dispensing canister.
Invention is credited to Julie Steele, Toralf H. Strand.
Application Number | 20070051754 11/222415 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37829123 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070051754 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Strand; Toralf H. ; et
al. |
March 8, 2007 |
Button actuated mechanism for a dispensing canister
Abstract
An actuating mechanism for aerosol product dispensing
containers, and more particularly to a button actuated aerosol
spray valve actuating mechanism for actuating an aerosol spray
valve and dispensing the aerosol product from the dispensing
container.
Inventors: |
Strand; Toralf H.; (Exeter,
NH) ; Steele; Julie; (Manchester, NH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVIS & BUJOLD, P.L.L.C.
112 PLEASANT STREET
CONCORD
NH
03301
US
|
Family ID: |
37829123 |
Appl. No.: |
11/222415 |
Filed: |
September 8, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/402.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/46 20130101;
B65D 83/206 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/402.13 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/00 20060101
B65D083/00 |
Claims
1. A spray actuator for an aerosol container comprising: a body
having an inner wall including an engagement collar for attachment
to an aerosol container, a bottom edge for smoothly transitioning
to and substantially contacting a sidewall of the aerosol container
and, a top edge for supporting an actuator cap; a button
integrally, hingedly attached to the actuator cap about a living
hinge positioned between a static portion of the actuator cap and a
moveable portion of the actuator cap defining the button; and
wherein the static portion of the actuator cap is fixedly,
immovably supported on the body, and the button is free to move
relative to the static portion and the body, and the actuator cap
pushes a product passageway integrally connected to one of the
actuator cap and the body against a valve stem to actuate a valve
of the aerosol container.
2. The spray actuator as set forth in claim 1 wherein the product
passageway defines a dispensing orifice in an outlet end of the
product passageway integrally formed with one of the button and the
body which communicates with a valve stem in the aerosol
container.
3. The spray actuator as set forth in claim 1 wherein the body
further comprises at least an attachment point for fixedly engaging
a mating point formed on the static portion of the actuator
cap.
4. The spray actuator as set forth in claim 3 wherein the static
portion of the actuator cap extends circumferentially around the
button.
5. The spray actuator as set forth in claim 3 wherein the actuator
cap further comprises a first channel and a separate second channel
extending from an edge of the actuator button to respective first
and second end points separated by an amount of material defining a
living hinge between the button and the static portion of the
actuator cap.
6. The spray actuator as set forth in claim 5 wherein the button
comprises an appendage depending from an underside of the button to
contact and move a product passageway connected to the valve stem
of the spray container.
7. The spray actuator as set forth in claim 4 wherein the button
further comprises an integral product passageway formed therewith
which communicates between the valve stem and a product dispensing
orifice.
8. A spray actuator for an aerosol container consisting of 3
separate parts, a body, a nozzle, and an actuator cap comprising an
integral button contiguously attached via a living hinge to a
static portion of the actuating cap.
9. The spray actuator as set forth in claim 8 wherein one of the
actuator cap and the body further comprises an integrally formed
product passageway communicating between a valve stem of the
aerosol container and the nozzle.
10. The spray actuator as set forth in claim 9 wherein at least a
portion of the product passageway is aligned along a central
vertical axis defined by the valve stem and the actuator cap and
the body are axially fixed with respect to one another about the
central vertical axis.
11. The spray actuator as set forth in claim 3 wherein a bottom
edge of the static portion of the actuator cap is supported
directly on a top edge of the body so as to form a contiguous outer
wall of the spray actuator.
12. A method of making an actuator for dispensing an aerosol
product from an aerosol container, the method comprising the steps
of: forming a body having an inner wall including an engagement
collar for attachment to an aerosol container, a bottom edge for
smoothly transitioning to and substantially contacting a sidewall
of the aerosol container and, a top edge for supporting an actuator
cap; hinging a button integrally attached to the actuator cap about
a living hinge positioned between a static portion of the actuator
cap and a moveable portion of the actuator cap defining the button;
and affixing the static portion of the actuator cap immovably
supported on the body, and the button is free to move relative to
the static portion and the body, and the actuator cap pushes a
product passageway integrally connected to one of the actuator cap
and the body against a valve stem to actuate a valve of the aerosol
container.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an actuating mechanism for aerosol
product dispensing containers, and more particularly to a button
actuated aerosol spray valve actuating mechanism for actuating an
aerosol spray valve and dispensing the aerosol product from the
dispensing container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Aerosol dispensing containers generally comprise a
pressurized canister within which is stored a product to be
dispensed as an aerosol. The canister is pressurized, for example,
by a propellant which is generally dissolved within the product.
The product is released from the canister upon opening of, for
example, a pressure actuated valve mechanism located in the top of
the canister.
[0003] The valve mechanism generally comprises a valve stem
defining a passage therethrough which communicates with the
interior of the canister, and through which product may flow out of
the canister when the valve is appropriately actuated. An orifice
is often provided in the wall of the valve stem to provide access
from the interior of the container to the passage. The valve stem
is normally spring biased to a position in which the orifice is
blocked or sealed so the product cannot enter the passage in the
valve stem. A valve actuation assembly is generally mounted to the
top of a canister to over lie, engage with and actuate the valve
stem. When the actuation assembly is appropriately triggered, the
valve actuation assembly depresses or tilts the valve stem against
the biasing force to unblock the orifice and allow the pressurized
aerosol product within the canister to enter the passage in the
valve stem.
[0004] Typically, the actuator assembly includes a body or housing
which is affixed to the top of the canister and an actuator plunger
or button is fitted within the housing. The plunger or button
generally fits over or within the body in some manner and connects
with or at least indirectly engages or actuates the valve stem. A
product passage is generally provided for guiding the released
aerosol spray out of the spray can and through the valve actuation
assembly to the environment. The product passage can be integral
with either the body or the button or even be a separate structure
which communicates between the valve stem and a product dispensing
orifice formed in the actuator.
[0005] When the button is depressed by a user, the valve stem is
depressed or tilted and as the valve stem is depressed or tilted,
the orifice within the valve stem is moved away from the seal and
the pressure within the dispensing canister pushes the aerosol
product up through the orifice into the valve stem and hence into
the passage and then into the product passage. Finally, the product
is dispensed via a nozzle out the dispensing orifice.
[0006] After dispensing the desired amount of product, the button
is released. The spring bias within the valve mechanism provides
the restoring or biasing force to return the valve stem to the
closed position in which the orifice in the valve stem is sealed
and aerosol product is no longer permitted to be dispensed.
Currently, known actuators of this type include many small parts
which must be separately molded and then assembled. Obviously, the
more parts which must be molded the more expensive the manufacture
and assembly of such actuators becomes. Actuators are also known
which attempt to reduce the number of separate parts which must be
molded and assembled, however, such actuators tend to be intricate,
complicated moldings and are particularly difficult and expensive
to mold.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a spray actuator for a
pressurized aerosol canister that overcomes certain shortcomings of
prior art actuators and, in particular, button actuated spray
actuators. Because of their functionality, button actuated spray
actuators are composed of numerous parts which are, firstly, very
difficult to mold and, secondly, and perhaps more importantly,
difficult to assemble. The present invention simplifies the
mechanical moving parts of a spray actuator to a body and a button
and finally a third nozzle piece being inserted at the very end of
the product dispensing passage either in the body or the button.
Thus, there are only three separately molded parts to the present
invention one of which includes the moveable button portion.
[0008] The moveable button rotates about a pivot or hinge point and
is biased by engagement with the valve stem into a neutral
unactuated position where the product is not dispensed. When
dispensing of the product is desired, the user grasps the actuator
and presses the button overcoming the bias of the valve stem and
the valve is actuated as discussed above to dispense the
pressurized aerosol product.
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
economical and easy to manufacture and assemble spray actuator with
a minimum number of parts and simple functionality.
[0010] It is a further object of the invention to provide a spray
actuator which can be ergonomically actuated by one hand.
[0011] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide a spray actuator which requires minimal assembly and only
three (3) separate molded parts.
[0012] The present invention relates to a spray actuator for an
aerosol container comprising a body having an inner wall including
an engagement collar for attachment to an aerosol container, a
bottom edge for smoothly transitioning to and substantially
contacting a sidewall of the aerosol container and, a top edge for
supporting an actuator cap, a button integrally, hingedly attached
to the actuator cap about a living hinge positioned between a
static portion of the actuator cap and a moveable portion of the
actuator cap defining the button, and wherein the static portion of
the actuator cap is fixedly, immovably supported on the body, and
the button is free to move relative to the static portion and the
body, and the actuator cap pushes a product passageway integrally
connected to one of the actuator cap and the body against a valve
stem to actuate a valve of the aerosol container.
[0013] The invention also relates to a method of making an actuator
for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container, the
method comprising the steps of forming a body having an inner wall
including an engagement collar for attachment to an aerosol
container, a bottom edge for smoothly transitioning to and
substantially contacting a sidewall of the aerosol container and, a
top edge for supporting an actuator cap, hinging a button
integrally attached to the actuator cap about a living hinge
positioned between a static portion of the actuator cap and a
moveable portion of the actuator cap defining the button, and
affixing the static portion of the actuator cap immovably supported
on the body, and the button is free to move relative to the static
portion and the body, and the actuator cap pushes a product
passageway integrally connected to one of the actuator cap and the
body against a valve stem to actuate a valve of the aerosol
container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is an elevational perspective view of a spray can
having the spray actuator affixed to the top of the spray can;
[0015] FIG. 2 is an elevational cross-section of the top of the
spray can and supported spray actuator;
[0016] FIG. 3 is an further elevational cross-section of the top of
the spray can and supported spray actuator;;
[0017] FIG. 4A, 4B are rear and side perspective views respectively
of the body of the spray actuator;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the actuator body;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of and undersurface of the
button cap;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a side and top surface of
the button cap;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of
the spray actuator;
[0022] FIG. 9 is an elevational perspective view of the actuator
body of the second embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a rear cross-sectional view of the actuator
body;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the actuator
body;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective top view detailing the interior of
the actuator body;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the second
embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the second
embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the button cap of the
second embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the button cap;
[0030] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of the button cap;
and
[0031] FIG. 18 is a rear cross sectional view of the button
cap.
[0032] FIG. 19 is a perspective side view of a third embodiment of
the actuator and spray can;
[0033] FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the third embodiment
of the actuator and spray can;
[0034] FIG. 21 is a cross sectional side view of the actuator of
the third embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the body of the
actuator;
[0036] FIG. 23 is a cross sectional side view of the body of the
actuator;
[0037] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the actuator cap according
to the third embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 25 is a perspective bottom view of the actuator cap of
the third embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 26 is a bottom plane view of the actuator cap;
[0040] FIG. 27 is a cross sectional side view of the actuator cap
of the third embodiment;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] An embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1
to 7 as an aerosol spray actuator mechanism 1 for use in
conjunction with a pressurized aerosol spray can C. The actuator
mechanism 1 is comprised of three separately molded elements, a
main body 3, a button cap 5, and a nozzle 7 as described in further
detail below.
[0042] The main body 3 shown separately in FIGS. 4A-B and 5, is a
hollow, substantially cylindrical, or conical shell having a
sidewall 8 which slightly tapers from a bottom end 9 for engaging
the aerosol can C to a top end 11 for supporting the button cap 5.
The sidewall 8 is defined about a longitudinal axis A passing
through the approximate center of the actuator 1 and the valve stem
of the pressurized canister. The taper may include a waist portion
10 which has a smaller diameter than the remainder of the main body
3 relative to the axis A to provide ergonomic grasping of the
actuator 1.
[0043] As seen in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5, the top edge 15 of the body 3
is formed having a semi-circular rear notch 16 in a rear portion of
the side wall 8 to allow for the actuation of the button cap 5 as
will be discussed in further detail below. Between the top edge 15
and the bottom edge 13, the sidewall 8 varies in radial dimensions
to facilitate ergonomic grippability and actuation of the button
cap 5. It is to be appreciated that a moderately tapered
hourglass-shape defining a waist portion 10 in the sidewall 8
between the top and bottom edges 15, 13 may facilitate a user's
grasping the body 3 to actuate the spray mechanism 1, but that the
body 3 could also be more or less cylindrical, i.e., having a
generally constant radius about a vertical axis, depending upon
desired ergonomic and aesthetic design characteristics.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 4A-B, at least two pins 31 project
vertically upwards from a sloping inner wall of the top end 11 of
the body 3. The pair of front pins 31 protrude from an inside
surface of the body 3 on opposing sides of the integral product
passageway 21 formed with the body 3. The pins 31 extend relatively
vertically upwards and slightly above the top edge 15 of the body 3
and are formed to receive corresponding engagement holes or posts
45 formed in the button cap 5 which, as will be explained in
further detail below, detachably lock into the pins 31. The pins
31, as shown, have a generally uniform crossed cross-sectional
shape, however, the pins 31 may take any shape necessary to
facilitate the engagement of the pins 31 with the corresponding
engagement holes in the button cap 5.
[0045] Further down and closer to the bottom end 9 on the inner
surface of the body 3, as seen in FIG. 5, a circumferential
retention lip 18 or axially adjacent retention lips are located
near the bottom end 9 of the inner surface of the body 3. The
retention lip 18 is generally a slight, substantially horizontal
protrusion extending radially inwardly from the inner wall of the
body 3 towards the center of the body 3. The retention lip 18 is
sized so as to be slightly smaller in diameter and demountably
engagable, i.e., snap-fit, with a rim or mounting cup M (shown in
FIG. 3) of the aerosol can C to hold the body 3 and necessarily the
actuator 1 in place and/or to prevent the aerosol can C from being
inserted too far into the body 3. The retention lip 18 may be
rounded projections, a ledge or some combination of the such
elements capable of retaining the actuator 1 on the rim or mounting
cup M of the spray can C.
[0046] Observing FIGS. 2 and 3, a product passageway 21 through
which the aerosol can C disperses its contents is integrally molded
into the body 3. The passageway 21 consists of a vertical inlet
passage 23 and an outlet passage 25. The inlet passage 23 is
substantially cylindrical and extends from a mating engagement with
a valve stem S of the aerosol can C to an intersection with the
outlet passage 25. A receiving portion 27 in the free end of the
inlet passage 23 generally has a larger inner diameter than the
remaining inlet passage so as to accept the valve stem S of the
aerosol can C and define a downward facing ledge to provide the
contact force on the valve stem S necessary for the aerosol can C
to disperse its contents.
[0047] Observing FIGS. 4A-B and 5, on the outer surface of the
inlet passage 23, an actuating element is defined, in the present
embodiment, by two cam followers 35 or protrusions located on
opposite sides of the inlet passage 23 from one another. The
actuating element is generally acted upon by the button cap 5 or
some appendage of the button cap 5 so as to force the inlet passage
23 downwards onto the valve stem S. In the present embodiment, a
pair of appendages 46 (as seen in FIG. 6) having a cam surface 39
on a free end thereof depend downwards from the button cap 5 to
engage the cam followers 35 and provide for a compressive force to
be transferred from the button cap 5 to the inlet passage 23 to the
valve stem S, thus causing the receiving portion 27 to depress the
valve stem S of the aerosol can C which, in turn, dispenses the
contents of the aerosol can C.
[0048] The outlet passage 25 of the product passageway 21 leads
from the connection with the inlet passage 23 to a dispensing
orifice 41 best seen in FIG. 5, usually having a mechanical breakup
formed therein to assist in the aerosolizing of the dispensed
product. The dispensing orifice 41 is sized to receive the third
separate element of the actuator 1, the nozzle 7, which disperses
the contents of the aerosol can C to the local environment. The
dispensing orifice 41 is integrally connected with the sidewall of
the body so that the integral connection between these two element
flexes to permit the product passageway 21 to be rotated or bent
relative to the body 3. The flex, rotation or bending provides for
the product passageway 21 to actuate the valve V in the spray can C
and dispense pressurized product from the spray can C into the
product passageway 21.
[0049] The dispensing orifice 41 has a larger inner diameter than
the outlet passage 25 so as to accept the nozzle 7, i.e., the third
separate piece of the actuator construction. The nozzle 7 is, of
course, inserted into the dispensing orifice 41 at the end of the
outlet passage 25 after the body 3 is molded. The nozzle 7 may be a
press fit circular piece having an outer diameter substantially the
same as an inner diameter of the dispensing orifice 41 so as to be
fixedly supported within this orifice when pressed in. The nozzle 7
generally has some type of narrowing aperture to cause acceleration
and define a particular desired outward spray of the aerosol
product from the dispensing spray can C.
[0050] Observing FIGS. 6 and 7, the button cap 5 is the element of
the actuator 1 which provides for direct actuation, for example, by
a finger or a thumb of the actuator 1. The button cap 5 is a single
molded piece that secures over the top edge 15 and onto the main
body 3. A front portion 42 of the button cap 5 is secured to the
main body 3, and a rear portion 44 of the button cap 5 is not
secured directly to the main body 3 but is, in fact, connected to
the front portion 42 by a living hinge 48 and is moveable or
rotatable relative to both the front portion 42 and the main body
3.
[0051] An underside surface of the front portion 42 of the button
cap 5 includes two engagement holes or posts 45 having cavities 47
which engage the two pins 31 extending from the body 3. As best
seen in FIG. 7, The rear portion 44 of the button cap 5 defines a
relatively moveable top button surface 43 which has an underside
surface from which depend the appendages 46 and cam surfaces 39 on
the free ends of the appendages 46. The appendages 46 depend
downward from the underside of the button surface 43 and are
positioned in such a manner as to contact the cam followers 35 or
protrusions on the inlet passage 23 of the product passageway
21.
[0052] The rear portion 44 of the button cap 5 which defines the
button surface 43 is integrally attached to the front portion 42 of
the button cap 5 by the living hinge 48 defined by a series of
intermediately positioned channels 49 in the button cap 5. The
channels 49 extend inwards from an outer edge of the button cap 5
to partially separate the front portion 42 of the button cap 5 from
the rear portion 44 and define, by the material between the ends of
the channels 49, the living hinge 48. When the pins 31 on the body
3 are inserted into the posts on the underside of the front portion
42, the button cap 5 is held in place on the top edge 15 of the
body 3, i.e. the bottom outside edge of the button cap 5 is abutted
against the top edge 15 of the body so that the body and the button
cap form a substantially contiguous unbroken outer surface of the
actuator. As this occurs, the cam surfaces 39 on the free ends of
the appendages 46 are positioned against the cam followers 35 on
the inlet passage 23 as previously described.
[0053] Observing FIG. 7, the outer edge of the rear portion of the
button cap 5 is contoured so as to generally conform to, although
it is slightly separated therefrom, the notch 16 formed in the rear
portion 44 of the sidewall 8 of the body 3 as best seen in FIGS. 1,
2 and 3. This permits sufficient freedom of movement for the rear
portion 44 of the button cap 5 to be depressed relative to the body
3.
[0054] The appendages 46 are shown as substantially rectangular
parallel protrusions depending from the underside of the button cap
5. The appendages 46 extend to contact the cam followers 35 on the
inlet passage 23 of the product passageway 21. It is to be
appreciated that the appendages 46 may be of any form or shape
which depend generally downward to engage some portion of the
product passageway 21 and transfer force from the button surface 43
of the button cap 5 to actuate the valve V in the spray can C.
[0055] In the present embodiment, the appendages 46 are spaced
apart so that there is sufficient space between them for the
product passage 21, yet the appendages 46 must engage the cam
followers 35 which extend only slightly from the vertical passage.
The cam surfaces 39 are angled such that when the button cap 5 is
affixed to the body 3 by inserting the pins 31 into the posts, the
cam surfaces 39 on the appendages 46 are positioned substantially
normal to the cam followers 35 on the product passage 21. Thus, the
appendages 46 depress the product passageway 21 down onto the valve
stem S. It is also possible to angle the cam surfaces 39 so that
the inlet passage 23 is pushed in a desired direction, e.g.,
downward, or to the side to effect a tilting of the valve stem S
and valve V.
[0056] When a force is placed on the button surface 43 of the
button cap 5, a substantially downward or alternatively tilting
force is thus placed on the cam followers 35, thus placing a
relative downward or tilting force on the valve stem S of the
aerosol can C to actuate the valve and dispense the pressurized
product.
[0057] Turning to FIG. 7, the rear portion 44 of the button cap 5
is connected to the front portion by the living hinge 48 or a small
section of material contiguous with the front and rear portions of
the button cap 5. Therefore, when the front portion of the button
cap 5 is held in place by the intersecting pins 31 and posts 45 and
a downward force, such as a person depressing the button surface
43, is placed on the back portion, the living hinge 48 allows the
back portion to rotate slightly, sufficient enough to cause the
valve stem S of the aerosol can C to be depressed or tilted and
disperse its contents.
[0058] FIGS. 8-18 relate to another embodiment of an actuator 51
also having three separate parts, a main body 53, a button cap 55
and a nozzle 57. The body 53, shown separately in FIGS. 9-12, is a
hollow plastic substantially cylindrical or conical shell having a
sidewall, which slightly tapers from a bottom end 59 for engaging
the aerosol can C through a narrower intermediate waist portion 79,
to a top end 61. The top end 61 is defined by a top edge 65
defining a top opening 67 and the bottom end 59 is similarly
defined by a bottom edge 63 defining a bottom opening 69.
[0059] As seen in FIG. 12, the top edge 65 of the body 53 is formed
having a semi-circular notch 77 in a front side wall to allow for a
nozzle 57 and product passageway 71, which will be discussed in
further detail below. From the top edge 65, the sidewall necks
radially inwardly and downwards to define the radially narrower,
intermediate waist portion 79. The waist portion 79 has a smaller
diameter than the rest of the sidewall 8 relative to axis A through
the actuator 51 to facilitate grasping of the actuator 51. The
sidewall 8 then expands radially outwardly again continuing
downwards to form the bottom end 59 of the body 53 thus defining
the substantially hourglass-shape of the body 53. It is to be
appreciated that the hourglass-shape may facilitate a user's
grasping the body 53 to actuate the spray mechanism but that the
body 53 could also be more or less cylindrical depending upon
desired ergonomic and aesthetic design characteristics.
[0060] Four pins 81 project vertically upwards from a sloping inner
wall of the top end 61 of the body 53. A pair of front pins 81
protrude from the inside surface of the skirt on opposing sides of
the semi-circular notch and a pair of opposing rear pins also
extend from a rear portion of the top end 61. The pins 81 extend
upwards and slightly above the top edge 65 of the body 53 and are
formed to receive an engagement hole or post 89 formed in the
button cap 55 which, as will be explained in further detail below,
detachably locks into the pins 81 to secure the button to the body
53. There may be any number of pins 81 to adequately secure the
button cap 55 to the body 53. Also, the pins 81 are shown having a
uniform cross-sectional shape, however, the pins 81 may take any
shape necessary to facilitate the engagement of the pins 81 with
the corresponding engagement holes in the button cap 55.
[0061] In FIGS. 10 and 11 a retention collar 78 for engaging the
spray can C is shown on the inner sidewall of the body 53. The
retention collar 78 is shown located substantially axially
corresponding in relation with the intermediate waist portion 79 of
the body 53, and comprises a lip or series of lips 83, and ledges
91. The retention lips 83 are slight substantially horizontal
protrusions extending circumferentially about the vertical axis A
of the actuator 51 from the inner wall of the body 53 towards the
center of the body 53. The retention lips 83 are sized so as to
"snap-fit" with, i.e., below, a rim 56 or mounting cup M of the
aerosol can C to hold the body 53, and thereby actuator 51, in
place. The ledge 91 positioned axially above the retention lips 83
is radially sized to rest on a top edge of the mounting cup M (as
seen in FIG. 14) to prevent the aerosol can C from being inserted
too far into the skirt. The retention lips 83 and ledge 91 may be
rounded projections or a sharp edge, or any desired shape capable
of retaining the actuator 51 on the mounting cup M and which are in
relative proximity to one another to snugly grasp the edge of the
mounting cup M.
[0062] The button cap 55 of the present embodiment shown in FIGS.
14-18 is an integrally molded structure comprising a
circumferential cap rim 85 supporting an actuator button 58 and an
integrally molded product passageway. On an undersurface of the cap
rim 85 are provided four posts 89 defining engagement holes or
cavities for engaging the pins 81 extending vertically from the
body 53 as described above. The button cap 55 is positioned over
the top edge 65 of the body 53 and the corresponding four post 89
and cavities are aligned and engaged to support or affix the cap
rim 85 to the top end 61 of the body 53 as seen in FIG. 14.
[0063] Turning to FIG. 15, the actuator button 58 includes the
integrally molded product passageway 71 therewith so that when a
user presses down on the actuator button 58 which is substantially
surrounded by and moveable relative to the cap rim 85, the product
passageway 71 presses down on the valve stem S to the valve V and
dispense the pressurized product from the aerosol spray can C. The
actuator button 58 is connected to the cap rim 85, via a living
actuator hinge 60, which allows the actuator button 58 and the
integral product passageway 71 to move relative to the cap rim 85
to depress the valve stem S.
[0064] The product passageway 71 comprises an inlet passage 73 and
an outlet passage 75, the outlet passage 75 further comprises a
dispensing orifice 79 which communicates with the outlet passage 75
of the product passageway 71 and is sized to engage and support a
separate nozzle piece. The inlet passage 73 communicates at a
connection point with the outlet passage 75 and includes at a free
end of the inlet passage 73 a slightly larger diameter passage
designed to snugly engage the valve stem S and provide sufficient
seal to depress the valve stem S when the actuator button 58 is
actuated by a user. In the present embodiment, the button 58 is
substantially completely surrounded by the cap rim 85 and connected
to the cap rim 85 by the actuator hinge 60 generally located at a
front portion of the button cap 55.
[0065] The cap rim 85 has an outer edge 93 which is contoured and
sized to sleekly engage the top edge 65 of the main body 53 so as
to present a substantially contiguous outer surface of the actuator
51 despite the separate parts. An inner edge 95 of the cap rim 85
is separate from, but generally aligned with an outer edge 97 of
the actuator button 58, as seen in FIG. 18, except at the point of
the actuator hinge 60. The actuator button outer rim 97 is spaced
at a distance from the inner rim 95 where the button is close
enough to present a substantially contiguous appearance while
providing the necessary spacing to permit full actuation and
movement of the actuator button 58 relative to the cap rim 85 and
main body 53.
[0066] As seen in FIGS. 14-15 the dispensing orifice 79 is integral
with the cap rim 85, i.e., the cap rim 85 also includes at least a
portion of the dispensing orifice and a surrounding wall structure
which is contiguous with the outlet passage 75. The surrounding
wall structure is formed having an outer wall dimensions to fit
within the front notch of the sidewall of the body 53.
[0067] It is to be appreciated that an integrally molded, return
spring, e.g., a leaf spring (not shown) may also be integrally
formed in the body 53 or on the button cap 55 or one of the parts
thereof to assist in biasing the actuator button 58 into a
non-actuated position. In other words, such a spring would ensure
that after release of the actuator button after being depressed the
button 58 is returned to a neutral position wherein the valve V is
not actuated.
[0068] In a further embodiment of the present invention shown in
FIGS. 19-27, another actuator 101 is shown in conjunction with a
spray can C. As seen in FIGS. 19 and 20 similar to the previous
embodiments, the actuator 101 comprises a body 103, an actuator cap
105 and a nozzle 107.
[0069] Observing FIG. 21 a product passageway 121 is formed
integrally with the actuator cap 105, the product passageway 121
comprising a product inlet passage 123 and an outlet passage 125.
The actuator cap 105 may be joined in a manner to the body 103 for
instance by the respective posts and receiving holes as discussed
with the previous embodiments, and not shown in the FIGS. 19-27 for
purposes of clarity of the embodiment. In addition, the dispensing
orifice 141 for receiving the nozzle 107 is shown formed integrally
with the actuator cap 105 at the end of the outlet passage 125 of
the product passageway 121.
[0070] As seen in FIGS. 22 and 23, tapered body 103 of the actuator
101 defines a waist portion 129 to facilitate the grippability of
the actuator 101. A front notch 114 for receiving the dispensing
orifice of the actuator cap a top edge 115 for supporting the
actuator cap 105 and a rear notch 116 formed in the body 103 to
provide clearance for relative movement of a button 158 of the
actuator cap 105. Also on the inside surface of the body 103 is
provided an engaging collar 178 for engagement with a mounting cup
of the spray can C.
[0071] FIGS. 24 through 27 show the actuator cap 105 structure
having a dispensing orifice 141 formed for receiving the nozzle
107. The actuator cap 105 having a static portion 142 and a
relatively moveable portion 144 defining the button 158 for
actuation of the valve in the spray can C. The relatively movable
button 158 is defined by a first and a second channel 149 which
each extend separately from the outer edge of the actuator cap 105
inwards to a respective first and second endpoints which are
relatively spaced apart so as to define an amount of material
therebetween defining a living hinge 148. Basically, the hinge 148
provides for flex or bending movement of the button relative to the
static portion of the actuator cap 105.
[0072] Observing FIGS. 25-27 it is readily apparent that the
product passageway 121 is substantially integrally molded on an
underside of the moveable portion 144 defining the button 158 of
the actuator cap 105. The downwardly depending portion of the
product passageway 121 forming the inlet passage 123 engages with
the valve stem (not shown) such that when a user depresses the
button 158 the product passageway 121 presses on the valve stem and
thus opens the valve and the actuator 101 dispenses product.
[0073] It should be appreciated that the outlet passage 125 of the
product passageway 121 extends from the underside of the button,
across the living hinge 148, and also connects with and forms the
dispensing orifice 141 in the static portion of the actuator cap
105. The product passageway 121 is provided with sufficient
sidewall material and flexibility so as to be able to withstand the
flexing and moving of the product outlet 125 formed across the
living hinge 148 during actuation of the button.
[0074] As seen in FIG. 27 the button is provided with a finger
engaging surface 143 which is formed by a depression in the button
158. The button 158 also includes sidewalls 159 which depend
downwards to substantially conform to the rear notch 116 formed in
the body 103. The lower edge 160 defined by the sidewalls 159 is
spaced from the top edge of the notch 116 in the body 103 a
sufficient distance so as to not interfere when the button 158 is
moved relative to the body 103 and the static portion 142 of the
actuator cap 105.
[0075] Since certain changes may be made in the above described
improvement, without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention herein involved, it is intended that all of the subject
matter of the above description or shown in the accompanying
drawings shall be interpreted merely as examples illustrating the
inventive concept herein and shall not be construed as limiting the
invention.
* * * * *