U.S. patent application number 12/804849 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-02 for dispenser.
Invention is credited to Nathan R. Westphal.
Application Number | 20120024894 12/804849 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46690810 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120024894 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Westphal; Nathan R. |
February 2, 2012 |
Dispenser
Abstract
A dispenser includes a housing having sides, a top end, and a
bottom end. A portion between the top end and the bottom end
extends outwardly from an axis of the housing. A bore extends
through the housing, which is adapted to receive a container. The
container is adapted to dispense a volatile material through a
first aperture of the housing. Fluid is dispensed from the
container through the first aperture in a direction substantially
parallel to the axis of the housing, wherein one face of the sides
is shaped to appear like a naturally occurring object.
Inventors: |
Westphal; Nathan R.; (Union
Grove, WI) |
Family ID: |
46690810 |
Appl. No.: |
12/804849 |
Filed: |
July 30, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/78 ; 222/162;
222/183 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 2209/111 20130101;
A61M 2205/3386 20130101; A61M 2205/59 20130101; B65D 83/386
20130101; A61L 9/14 20130101; A61L 2209/11 20130101; A61M 15/009
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/78 ; 222/162;
222/183 |
International
Class: |
B05B 11/00 20060101
B05B011/00; B67D 7/06 20100101 B67D007/06; B67D 7/84 20100101
B67D007/84 |
Claims
1. A dispenser, comprising: a housing having sides, a top end, and
a bottom end, wherein a portion between the top end and the bottom
end extends outwardly from an axis of the housing to a greater
extent than portions at the top end; and a bore extending through
the housing, which is adapted to receive a container, wherein the
container is adapted to dispense a fluid through a first aperture
of the housing and the fluid is dispensed from the container
through the first aperture upon moving the housing by exerting a
force against at least one face of the sides in a direction
substantially parallel to the axis of the housing, and wherein one
face of the sides is shaped to appear like at least one of a
pebble, a stone, a fossilized article, and a wood article.
2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the container is placed within
the bore through a second aperture at the bottom end thereof.
3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the container is an aerosol
container.
4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the sides of the housing are
curvilinear.
5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the at least one face of the
curvilinear sides is adapted to fit the contour of a user's palm
and provides an ergonomic gripping surface.
6. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the curvilinear sides comprise
a first face, a second face, a third face, and a fourth face.
7. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein a medial portion of the at
least one face of the curvilinear sides extends radially outwardly
from the longitudinal axis of the housing to a greater extent than
portions of the at least one face adjacent the top end and the
bottom end.
8. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein at least one of the faces
extends radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the
housing the entire length of the housing between the top end and
the bottom end.
9. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein fluid is dispensed upon
telescopically moving the housing in relation to a shroud.
10. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the fluid is dispensed upon
exerting a force against the one face of the sides that is shaped
to appear like at least one of a pebble, a stone, a fossilized
article, and a wood article.
11. A dispenser, comprising: a housing having sides, a top end, and
a bottom end, wherein a portion between the top end and the bottom
end extends outwardly from an axis of the housing; and a bore
extending through the housing, which is adapted to receive a
container, wherein the container is adapted to dispense a fluid
through a first aperture of the housing and the fluid is dispensed
from the container through the first aperture in a direction
substantially parallel to the axis of the housing, and wherein one
face of the sides includes a naturally occurring object.
12. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein the naturally occurring
object is at least one of a pebble, a stone, a fossilized article,
and a wood article.
13. A dispenser, comprising: a housing having sides, a top end, and
a bottom end, wherein a portion between the top end and the bottom
end extends outwardly from an axis of the housing; and a bore
extending through the housing, which is adapted to receive a
container, wherein the container is adapted to dispense a fluid
through a first aperture of the housing and the fluid is dispensed
from the container through the first aperture in a direction
substantially parallel to the axis of the housing, and wherein one
face of the sides is shaped to appear like a naturally occurring
object.
14. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the naturally occurring
object is at least one of a pebble, a stone, a fossilized article,
and a wood article.
15. A dispenser, comprising: a housing having sides, a top end, and
a bottom end, wherein at least one of the sides, the top end, and
the bottom end includes a naturally occurring object; and a bore
within the housing adapted to receive a container.
16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein all of the sides, the top
end, and the bottom end include a naturally occurring object.
17. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the naturally occurring
object is at least one of a pebble, a stone, a fossilized article,
and a wood article.
18. A dispenser, comprising: a housing having sides, a top end, and
a bottom end, wherein at least one of the sides, the top end, and
the bottom end includes a naturally occurring object.
19. The dispenser of claim 18, wherein the naturally occurring
object is at least one of a pebble, a stone, a fossilized article,
and a wood article.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable
REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable
SEQUENTIAL LISTING
[0003] Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present disclosure relates generally to a dispenser for
the release of a volatile material from a container, and more
particularly, to an ergonomic dispenser for the release of an
aerosolized fluid from a container.
[0006] 2. Description of the Background of the Invention
[0007] Aerosol containers are commonly used to store and dispense a
variety of possible volatile materials such as air fresheners,
deodorants, insecticides, germicides, decongestants, perfumes, and
the like. The volatile material is stored under compression and a
release valve on the aerosol container controls release of the
volatile material. The release valve is activated by actuation of a
valve stem through which the volatile material flows. However,
aerosol containers typically include unwieldy canisters that are
not ergonomically fashioned for ease of use and that appear
intrusive in many home or work environments. The present disclosure
provides an aerosol dispenser for housing an aerosol container in
an ergonomically actuable housing, which appears like a naturally
occurring object or includes naturally occurring elements in its
construction. Further, such ergonomically actuable housings may be
used in conjunction with any type of container having a compressed
or compressible fluid, e.g., containers having a pump-type sprayer
or containers that include a compressed or LPG, to name a few. It
is contemplated that the present disclosure in connection with
aerosol containers may be modified as known to one of skill in the
art to be inclusive of these other types of containers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a dispenser
comprises a housing having sides, a top end, and a bottom end. A
portion between the top end and the bottom end extends outwardly
from an axis of the housing to a greater extent than portions at
the top end. A bore extends through the housing, which is adapted
to receive a container. The container is adapted to dispense a
volatile material through a first aperture of the housing. Fluid is
dispensed from the container through the first aperture upon moving
the housing by exerting a force against at least one face of the
sides in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the
housing, wherein one face of the sides is shaped to appear like at
least one of a pebble, a stone, a fossilized article, and a wood
article.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, a dispenser
includes a housing having sides, a top end, and a bottom end. A
portion between the top end and the bottom end extends outwardly
from an axis of the housing. A bore extends through the housing,
which is adapted to receive a container. The container is adapted
to dispense a volatile material through a first aperture of the
housing. Fluid is dispensed from the container through the first
aperture in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the
housing, wherein one face of the sides includes a naturally
occurring object.
[0010] According to a different aspect of the invention, a
dispenser comprises a housing having sides, a top end, and a bottom
end. A portion between the top end and the bottom end extends
outwardly from an axis of the housing. A bore extends through the
housing, which is adapted to receive a container. The container is
adapted to dispense a volatile material through a first aperture of
the housing. Fluid is dispensed from the container through the
first aperture in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of
the housing, wherein one face of the sides is shaped to appear like
a naturally occurring object.
[0011] According to a further aspect of the invention, a dispenser
comprises a housing having sides, a top end, and a bottom end. At
least one of the sides, the top end, and the bottom end includes a
naturally occurring object. A bore is provided within the housing,
which is adapted to receive a container.
[0012] According to yet a different aspect of the invention, a
dispenser comprises a housing having sides, a top end, and a bottom
end. At least one of the sides, the top end, and the bottom end
includes a naturally occurring object.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a top, front, and left side isometric view of a
first embodiment of an aerosol dispenser;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the aerosol dispenser of FIG.
1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the aerosol dispenser
of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a bottom elevational view of the aerosol dispenser
of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a top, front, and left side isometric view of a
second embodiment of an aerosol dispenser;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a bottom elevational view of the aerosol dispenser
of FIG. 5;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the aerosol dispenser of FIG.
5 taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the aerosol dispenser of FIG.
5 taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 6;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of an aerosol container,
with alternative embodiments of the aerosol container shown in
dashed lines;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of
a shroud for use with the aerosol dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 11 is another side elevational view of the shroud of
FIG. 10;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the shroud of FIG. 10;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the shroud of FIG. 10 taken
along the line 13-13 of FIG. 12;
[0026] FIG. 14 is an enlarged, partial sectional view of the
aerosol dispenser of FIG. 1 in combination with the shroud of FIG.
10 and the aerosol container of FIG. 9;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of
a shroud;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of an actuator
socket;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the actuator socket of FIG.
16;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a side elevational, partial sectional view of the
actuator socket of FIG. 16 taken along the line 18-18 of FIG.
17;
[0031] FIG. 19 is an enlarged, partial sectional view of the
aerosol dispenser of FIG. 1 in combination with the shroud of FIG.
15 and the aerosol container of FIG. 9;
[0032] FIG. 20 is an enlarged, partial sectional view of the
aerosol dispenser of FIG. 1 in combination with the actuator socket
of FIG. 16, the shroud of FIG. 10, and the aerosol container of
FIG. 9;
[0033] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of a
shroud;
[0034] FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the shroud of FIG. 21
in combination with the aerosol container of FIG. 9 in a
pre-operative state;
[0035] FIG. 22A is view of the shroud and the container of FIG. 22
in an operative state;
[0036] FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of an adapter;
[0037] FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the adapter of FIG. 23;
[0038] FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the adapter taken along the
line 25-25 of FIG. 24;
[0039] FIG. 26 is a top isometric view of a second embodiment of an
adapter;
[0040] FIG. 27 is a bottom isometric view of the adapter of FIG.
26;
[0041] FIG. 28 is a sectional view of the adapter of FIG. 26 taken
along the line 28-28 of FIG. 26;
[0042] FIG. 29 is a sectional view of the adapter of FIG. 26 taken
along the line 29-29 of FIG. 26;
[0043] FIG. 30 is a partial sectional view of the aerosol dispenser
of FIG. 1 in combination with the shroud of FIG. 10 and the aerosol
container of FIG. 9;
[0044] FIG. 31 is an isometric view of the aerosol dispenser of
FIG. 5 in combination with the shroud of FIG. 21 and the adapter of
FIG. 26, wherein a portion of the dispenser has been cutaway for
clarity;
[0045] FIG. 31A is a view similar to the one depicted in FIG. 31
showing a modification to the adapter;
[0046] FIG. 32 is a partial sectional view of the aerosol dispenser
of FIG. 5 in combination with the shroud of FIG. 21 and the adapter
of FIG. 26 taken along the line 32-32 shown in FIG. 31;
[0047] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a housing
with a natural looking appearance;
[0048] FIG. 34 is a front elevational view of the housing of FIG.
33;
[0049] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
housing with a natural looking appearance;
[0050] FIG. 36 is a front elevational view of the housing of FIG.
35;
[0051] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a different embodiment of a
housing with a natural looking appearance;
[0052] FIG. 38 is a front elevational view of the housing of FIG.
37;
[0053] FIG. 39 is an isometric view of an alternative aerosol
dispenser utilizing an electro-mechanical drive unit, which is
provided with a natural looking pattern;
[0054] FIG. 39A is a rear elevational view of the dispenser of FIG.
39 with a rear panel removed to shown the electro-mechanical drive
unit;
[0055] FIGS. 40-44 are perspective views other dispensers similar
to the ones depicted in FIGS. 1-8, which are formed from naturally
occurring objects;
[0056] FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative
dispenser utilizing an electro-mechanical drive unit, which is
partially formed from a naturally occurring object;
[0057] FIG. 46 is an exploded, partial sectional, isometric view of
a first embodiment of an engagement mechanism including a container
adapted to be inserted into a shroud and receive an adapter
thereon;
[0058] FIG. 47 is a front elevational view of the engagement
mechanism of FIG. 46;
[0059] FIG. 48 is a partial sectional view of the engagement
mechanism of FIG. 46 in combination with the housing of FIG. 1;
[0060] FIG. 49 is a partial sectional view of a different
embodiment of an engagement mechanism including a shroud having a
protrusion and a container with a recess;
[0061] FIG. 50 is a partial sectional view of another embodiment of
an engagement mechanism including a shroud and a container disposed
therein with an electrical system;
[0062] FIG. 51 is an enlarged sectional view of the electrical
system of FIG. 50;
[0063] FIG. 52 is a partial sectional view of yet another
embodiment of an engagement mechanism including a shroud and a
container disposed therein with a different embodiment of an
electrical system;
[0064] FIG. 53 is an enlarged sectional view of the electrical
system of FIG. 52;
[0065] FIG. 54 is a partial sectional view of a different
embodiment of an engagement mechanism including a housing having a
container with a shroud disposed therein and another embodiment of
an electrical system;
[0066] FIG. 55 is an enlarged sectional view of the electrical
system of FIG. 54;
[0067] FIG. 56 is a partial sectional view of another embodiment of
an engagement mechanism including a shroud and a container disposed
therein;
[0068] FIG. 57 is a partial sectional view of a different
embodiment of an engagement mechanism including a shroud and a
container having an insulator strip disposed thereon;
[0069] FIG. 58 is a partial sectional view of a different
embodiment of an engagement mechanism including a housing having a
blocker, wherein the blocker is in a first position;
[0070] FIG. 59 is a partial sectional view of the embodiment of
FIG. 58 including a housing having a blocker and a container with
an adapter inserted therein, wherein the blocker is in a second
position;
[0071] FIG. 60 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the
embodiment of FIG. 59;
[0072] FIG. 61 is an enlarged isometric view of a valve stem;
[0073] FIG. 62 is a view similar to FIG. 61 of another embodiment
of an actuating element adjacent a valve element;
[0074] FIG. 63 is a sectional view taken generally along the lines
63-63 of FIG. 62 with the actuating element in engagement with the
valve element; and
[0075] FIGS. 64-74 are enlarged isometric views of alternative
valve stems that may be used in conjunction with the embodiments
described herein.
[0076] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed
description, wherein similar structures have similar reference
numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0077] A first embodiment of an aerosol dispenser 70 is depicted in
FIGS. 1-4. The aerosol dispenser 70 includes a housing 72 having
smooth or textured curvilinear sides 74 between a top end 76 and a
bottom end 78. A bore 80 extends longitudinally through the housing
72 and includes a first aperture 82 at the top end 76 thereof and a
second aperture 84 at the bottom end 78 thereof. The first and
second apertures 82, 84 are each centered along a longitudinal axis
86 of the housing 72. As shown in FIG. 4, a groove 88 extends
around a periphery of the second aperture 84. Two opposing lips 90
extend interiorly from a surface 92 of the housing 72 adjacent the
groove 88.
[0078] A second embodiment of an aerosol dispenser 71 is shown in
FIGS. 5-8. The aerosol dispenser 71 is similar to the first
embodiment of the aerosol dispenser 70, except for the differences
noted herein. A plurality of vertical elongate ribs 73 is disposed
on an interior surface 75 of a housing 77. The housing 77 further
includes two curvilinear protrusions 79 that circumscribe a portion
of the inner surface 75 of the housing 77 and extend outwardly
therefrom adjacent the second aperture 84. Opposing grooves 83
circumscribe a portion of the second aperture 84 beneath the two
curvilinear protrusions 79.
[0079] Aerosol containers, such as the aerosol container 100
depicted in FIG. 9, are well known to those skilled in the art. The
aerosol container 100 comprises a body 102 with a top end 104 and a
bottom end 106. A mounting cup 108 is disposed above a neck 110 of
the aerosol container 100. The body 102 is generally cylindrical in
geometry and includes a wall 112. A valve assembly (not shown)
within an upper portion of the aerosol container 100 includes a
valve stem 114 that extends through the mounting cup 108. The valve
stem 114 is a cylindrical tube having a passage 115 (see FIG. 14)
disposed longitudinally therethrough. A distal end 116 of the valve
stem 114 extends upwardly and away from the mounting cup 108 and a
proximal end (not shown) is disposed within the valve assembly. The
mounting cup 108 may optionally include a peripheral flange (not
shown) that extends radially outwardly from a periphery of the
mounting cup 108. The peripheral flange may be a part of the
mounting cup 108 or may be an annular cap (not shown), which
attaches over the mounting cup 108 such that the flange extends
radially outwardly therefrom.
[0080] Axial compression, i.e., downward movement, of the valve
stem 114 opens the valve assembly, which allows a pressure
difference between an interior of the aerosol container 100 and the
atmosphere to force the contents of the aerosol container 100 out
through the distal end 116 of the valve stem 114. It is also
contemplated that the aerosol container 100 could utilize a tilt
activated valve stem with minimal or no modifications to the
structure disclosed hereinafter. Further, in other embodiments a
container 100 having a metered valve pump sprayer is used in lieu
of an aerosol container to hold and dispense the volatile material.
Indeed, it is contemplated that any type of non-aerosol container
may be used in conjunction with the dispensers disclosed herein.
For example, other containers may include a differing pump-type
sprayer, a compressed gas, LPG, or any other compressible or
compressed fluid, as would be known to one of skill in the art. The
present disclosure with respect to aerosol containers should
therefore be considered inclusive of these other types of
non-aerosol containers.
[0081] Referring again to FIG. 9, the aerosol container 100 may
have one of a multiplicity of diameters and/or lengths. For
example, using the solid lines in FIG. 9 as a basis for comparison,
the aerosol container 100 may have a length that is shorter or
longer than the basis as illustrated by the dashed lines 118 and
120, respectively. Similarly, the aerosol container 100 may have a
width that is narrower or wider than the basis as illustrated by
the dashed lines 122 and 124, respectively. The aerosol container
100 having the narrower width 122 would also have a correspondingly
narrower neck 126 and mounting cup 128. Similarly, the container
100 having the wider width 124 would also have a correspondingly
wider neck 130 and mounting cup 132.
[0082] The aerosol dispenser 70 includes structure that can
accommodate aerosol containers having a multiplicity of widths and
lengths. An element of this structure is a first embodiment of a
shroud 200, illustrated in FIGS. 10-13. The shroud 200 includes a
body portion 202 flexibly attached to an actuator socket 204. The
actuator socket 204 includes a passage 206 extending therethrough.
The actuator socket 204 is attached to the body portion 202 by
flexible members 208. The flexible members 208 allow one or both of
the actuator socket 204 and the body portion 202 to be displaced
toward one another. A bottom end of the shroud 200 includes
shoulders 210 extending from an exterior surface 212 of the shroud
200. Each shoulder 210 includes a flexible arm 214 that has at
least one tapered protrusion 216 extending outwardly therefrom. The
protrusions 216 are adapted to engage a support member on an
interior surface of an adapter, as discussed in greater detail
below.
[0083] The shroud 200 is adapted to receive the aerosol container
100 therein such that the valve stem 114 of the aerosol container
100 is disposed within the actuator socket 204, as illustrated in
FIG. 14. Referring to FIGS. 10-13, the shroud 200 includes flexible
internal shoulders 218 that snap over the mounting cup 108 on the
aerosol container 100. In use, the internal shoulders 218 fixedly
hold the aerosol container 100 with respect to the body portion 202
of the shroud 200. An inlet 220 of the actuator socket 204 is sized
to accommodate the valve stem 114 of the aerosol container 100.
With the aerosol container 100 thus installed within the shroud
200, the valve stem 114 is in contact with the actuator socket 204.
However, in the present rest state the valve stem 114 is not
contacted to a degree sufficient to open the valve assembly within
the aerosol container 100.
[0084] Turning to FIGS. 15-19, a second embodiment of an aerosol
dispenser 230 (see FIG. 19) is shown. The aerosol dispenser 230
includes a shroud 250 (see FIG. 15). The shroud 250 is
substantially similar to the shroud 200 discussed hereinabove with
respect to FIGS. 10-13, except that the shroud 250 lacks the
actuator socket 204 and the flexible members 208. In addition, the
shroud 250 may have one or more support elements (not shown)
running vertically, i.e., parallel to a longitudinal axis of the
shroud 250, on the exterior surface 212 thereof, wherein each
support element extends from one of the internal shoulders 218
toward the shoulders 210 or bottom end of the shroud 250. The
support elements are sized to provide clearance within the bore 80
to allow for easy insertion therein and removal therefrom and to
provide support to the internal shoulders 218 of the shroud 250,
which abut the mounting cup 108 or collar of the container 100.
Further, the support elements may be any shape, e.g., circular,
triangular, etc.
[0085] The shroud 250 is utilized in conjunction with an actuator
socket 300, which is illustrated in FIGS. 16-18. The actuator
socket 300 includes a frusto-conical inlet portion 302 and a
passage 304 extending therethrough. The frusto-conical inlet
portion 302 is adapted to receive any of a plurality of valve stems
of an aerosol container having a uniformly cylindrical
cross-section or a non-uniform cylindrical cross-section. The
actuator socket 300 fits within the first aperture 82 of the
housing 72 and is held therein by, for example, a press fit, a snap
fit, an adhesive, or any other securing means. In a different
embodiment, the actuator socket 300 is integral with a portion of
the housing 72. Once thus disposed in the first aperture 82, the
actuator socket 300 and the shroud 250 hold the aerosol container
100 therebetween with the valve stem 114 in contact with the
actuator socket 300.
[0086] It is also contemplated that the shroud 200 could be
utilized in conjunction with the actuator socket 300. In such an
embodiment, illustrated as aerosol dispenser 230' in FIG. 20,
passages 206 and 304, which extend through the actuator sockets 204
and 300, respectively, are guided into alignment and fluid
communication by the frusto-conical inlet portion 302. This is made
possible by the ability of the inlet portion 302 to receive the
bulbous end of the actuator socket 204, which has a non-uniform
cylindrical cross-section. An intermediate chamber 306 is formed
between the passages 206 and 304. The intermediate chamber 306 may
provide a disruption to a flow of the fluid dispensed from the
aerosol container 100 to promote mixing and atomization thereof
before release to the environment.
[0087] FIGS. 21, 22, and 22A depict a third embodiment of a shroud
322 adapted to be used with any of the aerosol dispensers as
discussed previously herein. For purposes of the present
discussion, the shroud 322 will be described in connection with the
housing 77 depicted in FIGS. 5-8 and the container 100 shown in
FIG. 9. The shroud 322 includes a cylindrical body portion 324
having a racetrack shaped skirt 326 that extends downwardly and
outwardly therefrom. The skirt 326 is defined by a sidewall 328
having a bottom edge 330. A plurality of oval-shaped tabs 332
extend outwardly from the bottom edge 330. The tabs 332 are
disposed adjacent corners of the skirt 326 and extend outwardly at
an angle with respect to the bottom edge 330. The tabs 332 are
adapted to catch on a bottom edge of an adapter 400 as discussed in
more detail hereinbelow to prevent over insertion of the shroud 322
into the housing 72, 77. Although four tabs 332 are shown, any
number of tabs having a variety of shapes may be used.
[0088] The sidewall 328 of the skirt 326 includes opposing first
and second ends 334a, 334b connected to one another by opposing
first and second medial portions 336a, 336b. The first end 334a is
truncated by two elongate vertical openings 338a, 338b and the
second end is similarly truncated by elongate vertical openings
338c, 338d (338d not shown). The elongate vertical openings 338a-d
extend upwardly from the bottom edge 330 toward a top ridge 340 of
the sidewall 328. A flat surface 342 extends inwardly from the top
ridge 340 toward the cylindrical body 324.
[0089] Still referring to FIGS. 21, 22, and 22A, first and second
ridges 350a, 350b, extend outwardly from the bottom edge 330 of
opposing first and second finger tabs 352a, 352b. The first and
second ridges 350a, 350b provide a gripping surface to assist a
user in grasping and squeezing the resilient first and second
finger tabs 352a, 352b. The shroud 322 further includes a plurality
of tapered protrusions 354a, 354b, 354c, 354d (354d not shown)
extending outwardly from the first and second finger tabs 352a,
352b. The protrusions 354a-d are similar to the protrusions 216
discussed above in connection with FIGS. 10-15.
[0090] Now turning to the top portion of the shroud 322, two
opposing elongate support elements 360a, 360b extend upwardly from
opposing sides of the flat surface 342 along the cylindrical body
324. The support elements 360a, 360b extend the length of the body
324 until terminating at an area adjacent a top edge 364 of the
body 324. In other embodiments, one or more of the support elements
could be imparted with a different shape, such as a curved or
triangular arrangement. Indeed, the exact shape of the support
elements is not essential to the present disclosure of any of the
embodiments herein and may be readily modified. A top portion 366
of the body 324 is divided into four towers 368a, 368b, 368c, 368d
by way of v-shaped notches 370a, 370b, 370c, 370d. The towers
368a-d surround a central opening 372 that extends though the
cylindrical body 324 and the skirt 326. The second and fourth
towers 368b, 368d are disposed on opposing sides of the opening 372
and are shorter in height than the first and third towers 368a,
368c. Each tower 368a-d includes an angled portion 374a, 374b,
374c, 374d disposed below substantially flat terminal portions
376a, 376b, 376c, 376d, respectively.
[0091] The shroud 322 may be used with a variety of containers,
including containers that include caps, collars, peripheral
flanges, etc., disposed over the mounting cup 108 of the container
100. For example, a cap similar to the cap 502 depicted in FIGS. 33
and 34 could be used in connection with the shroud 322. The
versatility of the present shroud 322 allows for various container
refill streams to be used with a single shroud. For example, a cap
may or may not be included based on economic considerations,
specific structural and space considerations, or regional market
considerations that may make a cap desirable or undesirable. In
use, peripheral portions of the cap may rest on the substantially
flat terminal portions 376a, 376c in addition to or in lieu of the
portions 376a-d and angled portions 374a-d interacting with
portions of the mounting cup 108. Further, a cap may be provided to
act as a stopping mechanism to prevent over insertion of the
container 100 and/or shroud 322 within the housing 77 by allowing
peripheral portions of the cap to interact with tapered portions
and/or angled portions of the inner surface 75 of the housing 77,
such as those shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Similarly, a container 100
provided within the shroud 250 (see FIG. 15) may be used with or
without a cap to realize the above-noted benefits.
[0092] Referring to FIGS. 23-25, a first embodiment of the adapter
400 is illustrated and includes a generally elliptical wall 402
extending upwardly from a similarly shaped base 404. An aperture
406 is disposed through the base 404 and includes four curvilinear
sides that are generally similar to the size of a lower portion of
the shroud 200, 250. Two support members 408 are disposed on
opposing sides of an interior surface 410 of the wall 402. One or
more protrusions 412 extend from an external surface 414 of the
wall 402. The adapter 400 may optionally include one or more
tapered vertical ribs (not shown), which taper downwardly from the
interior surface 410 of the wall 402 toward an interior lip of the
base 404 adjacent the aperture 406.
[0093] Now turning to FIGS. 26-29, a second embodiment of an
adapter 401 is depicted, which is particularly adapted to be used
with the dispenser 71 of FIGS. 5-8 and the shroud of FIGS. 21 and
22. The adapter 401 is similar to the first embodiment of the
adapter 400 previously discussed except for the differences noted
herein. The adapter 401 includes a plurality of cylindrical
extension members 403 disposed on, and extending upwardly from, the
support members 408. The support members 408 further include
depressed portions 405 on exterior bottom sides 407 thereof, which
are adapted to provide a contoured support surface for a user's
thumb during assembly of the dispenser 71. As best seen in FIG. 28,
a sidewall external surface 414 of the adapter 401 includes two
opposing ridges 417 disposed along, and extending outwardly from, a
lower portion thereof. During assembly of the dispenser 71, the
opposing ridges 417 are adapted to interact with the opposing
grooves 83 of the housing 77 to prevent the adapter 401 from being
inserted too far into the housing 77. Two elongate ribs 419 are
disposed adjacent the ridges 417 and also extend outwardly from the
external surface 414 of the adapter 401. Further, a plurality of
outwardly protruding stop members 421 are disposed on the external
surface 414 above the elongate ribs 419 and the ridges 417. Still
further, two outwardly protruding rectilinear extension members 423
are disposed at opposing ends of the adapter 401. The area between
the protruding rectilinear extension members 423, the protruding
stop members 421, and the outwardly extending elongate ribs 419 is
substantially flat by comparison and is generally denoted by
reference numerals 425a and 425b.
[0094] Having described the component parts of the aerosol
dispenser 70 hereinabove, the inter-relation of all of the parts
will now be described. It should be understood that while specific
housings are discussed with respect to specific shrouds and/or
adapters, that any of the housings, shrouds, adapters, and
containers discussed herein may be utilized in connection with any
embodiment. Referring to FIG. 30, the aerosol dispenser 70 is shown
in cross-section fully assembled. Assembly of the aerosol dispenser
70 may be described sequentially. First, the aerosol container 100
is placed within the shroud 200 such that the flexible internal
shoulders 218 snap over the mounting cup 108 on the aerosol
container 100 to fixedly hold the aerosol container 100 with
respect to the body portion 202 of the shroud 200. The neck 110 of
the aerosol container 100 provides a recess into which the
shoulders 218 extend to hold the aerosol container 100. The valve
stem 114 of the aerosol container 100 is accommodated by and in
contact with the actuator socket 204. As indicated by the dashed
lines 118, 120 in FIG. 30, the aerosol container 100 may have any
number of different lengths. The aerosol container 100 may also
have any number of different widths (not shown in FIG. 30), which
may be accommodated by the shroud 200 and the internal shoulders
218.
[0095] The adapter 400 is placed into the second aperture 84 so
that the one or more protrusions 412 thereon snap over the lips 90
extending from the interior surface 92 of the housing 72. The base
404 of the adapter 400 is accommodated by the groove 88 around the
periphery of the second aperture 84 such that a bottom surface of
the adapter 400 is flush with the bottom end 78 of the housing 72.
A user may remove the adapter 400 from the second aperture 84 by
simply reversing this process and pulling the adapter 400 out of
the second aperture 84.
[0096] The shroud 200 with the aerosol container 100 held within is
inserted into the housing 72 through the aperture 406 of the
adapter 400 until the tapered protrusions 216 snap over the support
members 408. The aerosol dispenser 70 is in a rest state when a top
end of the shroud 200, i.e., the actuator socket 204, is in
physical communication with a portion of the housing 72 defining
the first aperture 82 and the tapered protrusions 216 are in
physical communication with the support members 408. As illustrated
in FIG. 30, in the rest state, the lower edge of the shroud 200
extends from the second aperture 84 and is held adjacent a support
surface (not shown). The container 100 is prevented from further
inward movement within the shroud 200 through the interaction of
the valve stem 114 exerting a force against the actuator socket 204
and the interaction of the internal shoulders 218 with the mounting
cup 108. Only exertion of a downward force component onto the
housing 72 causes same to move axially downward, i.e., in a
direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 86, in relation to the
shroud 200, thereby causing compression of the valve stem 114 and
the resultant release of the contents of the aerosol container
100.
[0097] Turning again to the aerosol dispenser 230 depicted in FIG.
19, the operation of the dispenser 230 is substantially similar to
the aerosol dispenser 70 described hereinabove with regard to FIG.
30. The aerosol container 100 is placed into the shroud 250 and
inserted into the housing 72 in a similar manner as described in
connection with FIG. 30. The aerosol dispenser 230 is in a rest
state with the distal end 116 of the valve stem 114 exerting a
force against the actuator socket 300 and the tapered protrusions
216 in physical communication with the support members 408 (see
FIG. 30). In the rest state, a lower portion of the shroud 250
extends from the second aperture 84. Only exertion of a downward
force component onto the housing 72 causes same to move axially
downward in relation to the shroud 250, thereby causing compression
of the valve stem 114 and the resultant release of the contents of
the aerosol container 100. The optional flange extending radially
outwardly from the periphery of the mounting cup 108 may provide
additional surface area against which upper ends of the internal
shoulders 218 may push. In addition, the support elements
associated with the internal shoulders 218 add strength to same to
inhibit collapse of the internal shoulders 218 by the exertion of a
downward force component onto the housing 72 (not shown).
[0098] The distal end 116 of the valve stem 114 may tend to press
fit into the actuator socket 300 upon use and resist removal when
the aerosol container 100 is desired to be replaced. When removing
the shroud 250 from the housing 72, the tapering neck 110 may cause
the internal shoulders 218 to be pushed radially outwardly and to
slip past the neck 110 and over the body 102, thereby leaving the
aerosol container 100 within the bore 80. The optional support
elements add strength to the internal shoulders 218 to inhibit
separation thereof during removal of the shroud 250. Indeed, the
shroud 322 depicted in FIGS. 21 and 22 include two opposing
elongate support elements 360a, 360b that provide for a similar
functionality. Additionally, the optional tapered vertical ribs
that taper downwardly from the interior surface 410 of the wall 402
of the adaptor 400 inhibit the mounting cup 108, or the peripheral
flange optionally associated therewith, from catching on the base
404 when removing the aerosol container 100 from the housing
72.
[0099] As noted above, another embodiment of an aerosol dispenser
230' is illustrated in FIG. 20. The aerosol dispenser 230' is
substantially similar to the aerosol dispenser 70 described
hereinabove with regard to FIG. 30 except for the following
difference. The actuator socket 204 is retained within the inlet
portion 302 of the actuator socket 300 and the actuator socket 300
is disposed adjacent surfaces of the housing 72 defining the first
aperture 82. The aerosol dispenser 230' otherwise operates in an
identical fashion as the aerosol dispensers 70, 230 described
hereinabove and includes a rest state wherein a lower portion of
the shroud 200 extends from the second aperture 84.
[0100] Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, the aerosol dispenser is
substantially similar to the aerosol dispenser 70 described
hereinabove with regard to FIG. 30 except for the following
differences. The container (not shown) is inserted into the central
opening 372 through the top portion 366 of the cylindrical body
324. Insertion of the container 100 causes the towers 368a-d to
flex outwardly to accommodate the container 100. Once the container
100 is disposed fully therein, the towers 368a-d flex inwardly
toward the mounting cup 128 of the container 100. The mounting cup
128 interacts with the angled portions 374a-d- of the towers 368a-d
to hold the container 100 inside of the shroud 322. Alternatively,
the dispenser may be inserted into the opening 84 disposed at the
bottom edge 330 of the shroud 322 and is locked into place in a
similar manner as described previously herein.
[0101] As best seen in FIG. 31, the adapter 401 is placed into the
second aperture 84 so that the plurality of outwardly protruding
stop members 421 are forced past the two curvilinear protrusions 79
that circumscribe a portion of the inner surface 75 of the housing
77. Thereafter, the two curvilinear protrusions 79 are seated in
the areas denoted by 425a and 425b between the stop members 421 and
the elongate ribs 419 of the adapter 401. FIG. 31A depicts an
alternative embodiment, which omits the elongate ribs 419 and
provides for the receipt of the two curvilinear protrusions 79
between the stop members 421 and the ridges 417. With respect to
both embodiments, the ridges 417 of the adapter 401 are
accommodated within the groove 83 around the periphery of the
second aperture 84 such that a bottom surface of the adapter 401 is
flush with the bottom end 78 of the housing 77. A user may remove
the adapter 401 from the second aperture 84 by simply reversing
this process and pulling the adapter 401 out of the second aperture
84.
[0102] The shroud 322 with the aerosol container 100 held within is
inserted into the housing 77 through the aperture 406 of the
adapter 401 until the tapered protrusions 354a-d snap over the
support members 408. The aerosol dispenser 71 is in a rest state
when a top end of the shroud 322 is in physical communication with
a portion of the housing 72 defining the first aperture 82 and the
tapered protrusions 354a-d are in resilient physical communication
with the support members 408. Similar to the shrouds 200, 250, the
shroud 322 may also utilize the actuator socket 300. The aerosol
dispenser 71 otherwise operates in an identical fashion as the
dispensers 70, 230, 230' described hereinabove and includes a rest
state wherein a lower portion of the shroud 200 extends from the
second aperture 84.
[0103] It is contemplated that any of the aerosol dispensers 70,
71, 230, 230' described hereinabove could be utilized, for example,
by placing the aerosol dispenser 70, 71, 230, 230' on a support
surface with the first aperture 82 facing away from the support
surface and the second aperture 84 facing downwardly toward the
support surface. Subsequent downward force applied to the housing
72, 77 results in same telescopically sliding about the
longitudinal axis 86, or substantially parallel thereto, in
relation to the shroud 200, 270, 320, 322. Displacement of the
housing 72, 77 results in axial compression of the valve stem 114,
which opens the valve assembly within the aerosol container 100.
Fluid emitted from the aerosol container 100 passes through the
passage 115 of the valve stem 114, out the distal end 116 thereof,
through the respective actuator socket 204, 300, out the first
aperture 82, and into the ambient environment. In one embodiment,
the fluid is dispensed from the aerosol container 100 through the
first aperture 82 in a direction substantially parallel to the axis
86 of the housing 72, 77. In other embodiments, the fluid is
dispensed at an angle from the axis 86 of the housings 72, 77
through the first aperture 82. In yet other embodiments, fluid from
the aerosol container 100 may be directed via tubing (not shown) or
other means to the aperture 82, which may or may not be aligned
with the axis 86 of the housing 72, 77.
[0104] A user's grip on the housing during axial movement thereof
is important to effective dispensing. Turning to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5
the housing 72, 77 is provided with smooth or textured curvilinear
sides 74, wherein the curvilinear sides 74 lack any
discontinuities, straight lines, or right angles. The curvilinear
sides 74 comprise first and second faces 450, 452, respectively,
having width dimensions substantially greater than third and fourth
faces 454, 456, respectively. See, generally, FIGS. 1-8. A medial
portion 458 of the faces 450-456 extends radially outwardly from
the longitudinal axis 86 of the housing 72, 77 to a greater extent
than portions of the faces 450-456 adjacent the top end 76 and the
bottom end 78. However, it is anticipated that one or more other
and/or different portions of the housing 72, 77 may extend radially
outwardly from the longitudinal axis 86 to a greater extent.
Alternatively, the faces 450-456 may extend radially outwardly from
the longitudinal axis 86 of the housing 72, 77 the entire length of
the housing 72, 77 between the top end 76 and the bottom end
78.
[0105] The tapering cross-sectional width of the housing 72, 77
provides an ergonomic gripping surface that conforms to the contour
of a user's palm and/or fingers when gripping the housing 72, 77.
Indeed, it has been found that the varying cross-sectional width
affords any shape of hand a comfortable resting place to
effectively grip the housing 72, 77, i.e., smaller hands may find
it more comfortable to grip the housing 72, 77 to a greater extent
above the medial portion 458 than a user with a larger hand.
Further, a user may grip the housing 72, 77 so as to place their
palm adjacent the faces 450, 452 with a greater width, the faces
454, 456 with a smaller width, or any combination thereof. It is
anticipated that the slope and degree to which the faces 450-456
taper outwardly from the top end 76 toward the medial portion 458
and inwardly from the medial portion 458 to the bottom end 78, may
be varied. It is also anticipated that the widths of any of the
faces 450-456 may be varied. However, keeping a natural contour to
the faces 450-456 without any apparent discontinuities is important
to ensure varying sized hands may grip the container and to
providing an ergonomic gripping surface.
[0106] Another consideration for the consumer is the appearance of
the housing 72, 77, which preferably has a natural look, such as a
smooth or textured pebble. With this consideration in mind, the
housing 72, 77 has been provided with the smooth or textured
curvilinear sides 74 that give the impression of lacking any
man-made features. The curvilinear sides 74 may also be provided
with a natural looking pattern, such as a wood grain, a stone
pattern with or without inclusions, a fossil pattern, etc. For
example, FIGS. 33-38 depict several embodiments of housings
imparted with a natural looking rock pattern. It has been found
that shaping the housing 72, 77 to mimic the shape of a naturally
occurring object and/or such that the housing 72, 77 comprises a
naturally occurring object, provides the above-noted benefits to
gripping the surface of the housing 72, 77. It has also been found
that shaping the housing 72, 77 like a naturally occurring object
and/or forming the housing 72, 77 from a natural object has the
added aesthetic benefit of blending into surroundings in a home,
work, or other environment more easily, i.e., the aerosol dispenser
70, 71 does not intrusively stand in the user's environment and
appear as a man-made aerosol dispenser. Other shapes presently
contemplated include stones, shells, or any other natural occurring
object, insofar as the shape lacks any discontinuities, straight
lines, or right angles over the faces 450-456.
[0107] It is also contemplated that other types of housings, e.g.,
telescopic housings or housings utilizing electronic elements, can
similarly encompass the above-noted characteristics. For example,
the electro-mechanical dispensing systems disclosed in U.S. patent
application Ser. Nos. 11/725,402 and 11/893,532, which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, may be modified
to include a natural look to give the impression that the dispenser
does not fully or partially include any man-made features as noted
above. For example, the dispenser could be fully or partially
imparted with a natural looking pattern (see FIGS. 39 and 39A for
an example of a cover that could be imparted with a natural looking
pattern), mimic the shape of a naturally occurring object (see
housings 72 and 77 of the previously disclosed embodiments), or be
formed from a naturally occurring object (see FIGS. 40-44 depicting
several housings similar to the ones noted herein formed from wood
and FIG. 45 showing a different housing that is partially made from
wood). However, it is also contemplated that other housings could
be made from different materials such as pebbles, stones,
fossilized articles, etc. Further, other mechanically operable
dispensing systems such as the one described in U.S. Prov. App. No.
61/347,285, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety, may be similarly modified.
[0108] A further consideration for the consumer is the use of
engagement mechanisms to ensure the proper operation of the
dispenser. Various engagement mechanisms in the form of control
mechanisms shown in FIGS. 46-74 may be used with any of the aerosol
dispensers described hereinabove. Engagement mechanisms are helpful
in ensuring that an improper container is not inserted into the
dispenser. For example, if the dispenser is placed in a living room
of a user's home he or she may inadvertently place a container of
an aerosolized insecticide within the dispenser if a proper
engagement mechanism is not provided. An engagement mechanism can
also assist in preventing the mixture of different aerosolized
products. For example, if a first aerosol is inadvertently replaced
by a different second aerosol, residual components of the first
aerosol still within the dispenser will mix with the components of
the second aerosol. While various engagement mechanisms are known
to those skilled in the art, the engagement mechanisms described in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,830,164 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,914, which are
herein incorporated by reference in their entirety, are of
particular interest.
[0109] Referring to FIGS. 46-48, a control mechanism 500 includes a
generally annular cap 502 having an upper portion 504 and a lower
portion 506. The upper and lower portions 504, 506 are adapted to
be fixedly connected to the neck 110 of the aerosol container 100
previously disclosed herein. The container 100 with the cap 502 is
thereafter inserted into the housing 72 as previously disclosed
herein.
[0110] The lower portion 506 of the cap 502 includes a collar 508
having an inwardly extending ledge 510, which is shaped to conform
to a space 512 between the neck 110 and the mounting cup 128 of the
aerosol container 100. As shown in FIG. 46, the ledge 510 tapers to
a point 514 at an end thereof that includes a substantially flat
top wall 516 adapted to interact with a lower surface 518 of the
mounting cup 128. A rim 519 extends from an outside portion of the
collar 508, which, in one embodiment, is adapted to interact with a
corresponding groove 520 formed in the housing 72, shown in FIG.
48. A substantially vertical wall 521 joins the upper portion 504
and the lower portion 506 of the cap 502. The vertical wall 521
terminates at a substantially flat upper wall 522, which extends
inwardly toward an aperture 524 provided in a central portion
thereof. An upwardly extending wall 528 circumscribes the aperture
524. The aperture 524 is shaped to allow the valve stem 114 of the
container 100 to extend therethrough. The actuator socket 300
discussed previously herein may or may not be used in conjunction
with the cap 502. It is contemplated that the actuator socket 300
may include an interaction mechanism (not shown) to secure the
actuator socket 300 to the cap 502 such that the container 100 is
capable of being actuated.
[0111] Still referring to FIGS. 46-48, the cap 502 is adapted to be
used with the container 100 and a shroud 529. The shroud 529 is
substantially similar to the shroud 250 described hereinabove with
respect to FIG. 15, except that the shroud 529 does not include
internal shoulders 218 (as shown in FIG. 15, for example), but
rather has a substantially flat exterior surface 212. The internal
shoulders 218 discussed with respect to previous embodiments allow
the aerosol container 100 to snap into and be retained by the
shroud 250. In contrast, the cap 502 is adapted to supply a surface
that extends outwardly from the container 100 and physically
interacts with the shroud 529. Without the shoulders 218, an
aerosol container 100 without the cap 502 will not be retained by
the shroud 529 and will slide downwardly out of the bottom of the
shroud 529. The cap 502 may include a rim 519 having a length that
extends any distance outwardly so long as the rim 519 is long
enough to keep the container 100 retained within the shroud 529 as
discussed further hereinbelow. The cap 502 may further include any
type of protrusions and/or projections to matingly receive
corresponding protrusions or projections from the container
100.
[0112] In use, the cap 502 is supplied with the aerosol container
100 and/or may be provided separately. If supplied separately, a
user may slide the cap 502 onto the container 100 and secure the
cap 502 thereto in any manner known in the art. As shown in FIG.
46, once the cap 502 is attached to the container 100, the
container 100 is inserted downwardly from a top portion 530 of the
shroud 529 into a central channel 531 thereof. The collar 508
interacts with an upper edge 534 of the shroud 529 to support the
container 100 thereon. Thereafter, the actuator socket 300 may be
attached (not shown) to the cap 502 to facilitate actuation.
Referring to FIG. 48, the shroud 529 with the container 100
disposed therein is inserted upwardly through a bottom end 531 into
a bore 533 of the housing 72. In one embodiment, at least a portion
of the cap 502 is made of a somewhat flexible material to allow the
cap 502 to flex as the container 100 and cap 502 traverse the bore
533. Once the cap 502 reaches the top of the housing 52, the rim
519 of the cap 502 extends outwardly into the groove 520 to secure
the container 100 in the housing 52. At the same time, the shroud
529 attaches to the housing 52 in any manner previously disclosed
herein.
[0113] In a different embodiment (not shown), a shorter length rim
519 is utilized that does not lock into the housing 72. In this
embodiment, the rim 519 protrudes outwardly a sufficient distance
to interact with the upper edge 534 of the shroud 529. However, the
rim 519 does not lock into a groove in the housing 72. The
container 100 and the shroud 529 of this embodiment are secured to
the housing 72 using other methods described previously herein,
e.g., the tapered protrusion 216, which could extend from the
shroud 529.
[0114] Turning to FIG. 49, a second embodiment of a control
mechanism 600 includes an aerosol container 602 with a curved
recess 604 formed in a bottom surface 606 thereof. The recess 604
forms a curved depression that is adapted to interact with a
corresponding curved protrusion 608 on a shroud 610. Alternatively,
the recess 604 may be other shapes and sizes as known to one of
skill in the art. The shroud 610 is substantially similar to the
shroud 250 discussed hereinabove with respect to FIG. 15, except
that the shroud 610 includes a bottom wall 612 that extends across
the surface area defined by a bottom end 613 of the shroud 610. The
protrusion 608 extends from a central portion of the bottom wall
612. The protrusion 608 is complementary to and is sized to extend
into the recess 604 of the container 602. Although the protrusion
608 is depicted in a central location of the bottom wall 612, the
protrusion 608 can be placed anywhere on the bottom wall 612 and
may comprise any shape and size, e.g., the protrusion 608 could
take the form of a rectangular ridge, an elongate flange, a
triangular protuberance, etc. Further, in a different embodiment, a
plurality of protrusions is used with a plurality of corresponding
recesses. Still further, in a different embodiment, a protrusion
extends outwardly from a bottom wall of the container 602 and
interacts with a corresponding recess located in the bottom wall
612 of the shroud 610.
[0115] In use, the container 602 is inserted into a channel 618
formed in a top portion 620 of the shroud 610. As the container 602
slides downwardly through the channel 618 and reaches the bottom
end 613 of the shroud 610, the recess 604 cooperates with the
complementary protrusion 608 of the shroud 610. The shroud 610 and
the container 602 are thereafter inserted into and secured to the
housing 72 in a manner previously described herein. If a container
without a recess 604 is inserted into the shroud 610, a bottom
surface of the container will rest on a pinnacle 624 of the curved
protrusion 608. Unauthorized containers without a recess will
extend too far out of the shroud 610 and will be too large to fit
into the housing (not shown).
[0116] Referring to FIGS. 50 and 51, a third embodiment of a
control mechanism 700 includes a container 702 and a shroud 703
with an electrical control system 704. The electrical control
system 704 comprises a first component 705 and a second component
707 adapted to interact with each other and facilitate the
operation of the dispenser. In one embodiment, the first component
705 is attached to the container 702 and the second component 707
is attached to the shroud 703. Alternatively, in a different
embodiment, the first component 705 is attached to the container
702 and the second component 707 is attached to a housing (not
shown). Any number of other combinations could be utilized as well.
The shroud 703 and the housing may take the form of any of the
embodiments disclosed herein. It is contemplated that the dispenser
will only operate if the first and second components 705, 707 are
compatible with one another.
[0117] In one embodiment, the first component 705 is supplied in
the form of a magnet 706 and the second component 707 is supplied
in the form of a micro reed switch 708. The magnet 706 is applied
to the container 702 as a strip, a coating, an inlaid member, etc.,
in a position such as that shown in FIGS. 50 and 51. Alternatively,
in a different embodiment, the magnet 706 is supplied in a bottom
portion 712 of the container 702 (not shown). The magnet 706 is
preferably supplied with the container 702 during the manufacturing
and distribution process. In this embodiment, the micro reed switch
708 is attached to the shroud 703 or housing. The micro reed switch
708 is preferably attached to the shroud 703 or housing in a
location that corresponds to the positioning of the magnet 706 in
the container 702 such that the switch 708 is able to detect the
presence of the magnet 706. The micro reed switch 708 is of the
conventional kind known to one of skill in the art that is
responsive to alternatively open and close when in the presence of
a magnetic field. The micro reed switch 708 can be electrically
connected to any conventional operating system known to one of
skill in the art, e.g., a microcontroller, to facilitate the
activation and deactivation thereof. For example, automated
dispensers such as the ones disclosed in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/725,402, which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety, could utilize any of the control mechanism
embodiments disclosed herein. The positioning of the first
component 705 in relation to the second component 707 depends on a
number of factors including materials used, thickness of the walls
of the individual components, strength properties of the
components, and the like. Therefore, one having ordinary skill in
the art can adjust the placement of the first and second components
705, 707, as desired.
[0118] In a different embodiment, the first component 705 may be
any one of an optical light emitter, magnet, and the like, and the
second component 707 is in the form of a sensor that is adapted to
correspond and operate in response to the first component 705. For
example, if a container 702 without an LED is inserted into the
shroud 703 and/or housing that includes a light sensor, the
dispenser will not activate. Alternatively, if the container 702
that includes the LED is inserted into the shroud 703 and/or
housing that includes the sensor, the dispenser will activate.
[0119] In a different embodiment shown in FIGS. 52 and 53, the
electrical system 704 utilizes a conventional radio-frequency
identification ("RFID") tag 720 in combination with an interrogator
722, such as those known by one of ordinary skill in the art. The
RFID tag 720 and the interrogator 722 operate in a similar manner
to the magnet 706 and reed switch 708 of the previous embodiment in
that the dispenser will not operate if the interrogator 722 does
not receive the appropriate signal from the RFID tag 720.
Specifically, the RFID tag 720 is programmed to contain dispensing
information, which is used to determine whether the dispenser
should be activated. In other embodiments, the RFID tag 720 could
contain information related to a specific dispensing sequence or to
identify the source of fluid in the container to affect an
appropriate dispensing response from the dispenser. It is also
anticipated that other electrical control mechanisms disclosed
herein may similarly control operative aspects of the
dispenser.
[0120] In yet a different embodiment depicted in FIGS. 54 and 55,
the first component 705 is disposed in the collar 508 of the
annular adapter 502, which is discussed in connection with FIGS.
46-48. In one embodiment, the first component 705 is the magnet
described in connection with FIGS. 50 and 51 and the second
component 707 is a reed switch. The second component 707 is
disposed within a wall 727 of the housing 72. Indeed, any of the
control mechanisms discussed herein may be utilized in connection
with this embodiment.
[0121] In yet a different embodiment shown in FIG. 56, a sensor 730
is disposed in the bottom wall 612 of the shroud 610. The sensor
730 is adapted to respond to the presence or absence of a component
within the container. For example, if the container depresses or
otherwise deactivates the sensor 730, the sensor will not allow the
operation of the container. Alternatively, if a container with a
depression is inserted into the shroud 610, the sensor, which is
electrically attached to a controller, will allow the operation
thereof.
[0122] Turning to FIG. 57, a fourth embodiment of a control
mechanism 800 includes an insulator 802 disposed on a bottom wall
804 of a container 806. The insulator 802 is in the form of a strip
or sticker 808 that is applied to the wall 804. The sticker 808 can
be applied using any method such as, for example, an adhesive. The
insulator 802 is adapted to prevent electrical contacts 810 from
touching the container 806. The electrical contacts 810 are
disposed, for example, in a bottom wall 812 of shroud 814. The
shroud 814 is similar to the shroud 610 discussed with respect to
FIG. 49. Similar to other embodiments, the insulator 802 and
corresponding contacts 810 may be disposed on any portion of the
container 806 and shroud 814. In use, a forward or reverse sensing
circuit (not shown) is associated with and electrically connected
to the contacts 810. Thereafter, the presence or absence of a
conductive material (such as the container wall) or insulative
strip 802 will allow for the activation or deactivation of the
circuit, which in turn allows for the operation of the
dispenser.
[0123] Referring to FIGS. 58-60, a fifth embodiment of a control
mechanism 900 includes a blocker 902 that is attached to an inner
wall 904 of a housing 906. The blocker 902 is adapted to be used in
conjunction with the container 100, which includes a collar 908
similar to the collar 508 discussed in connection with FIGS. 46-48.
The blocker 902 includes a connector section 910 disposed at a
first end 913 thereof. The connector section 910 is adapted to be
attached to the inner wall 904 of the housing 906. The connector
section 910 may be attached in any manner, e.g., by using a pin 912
that extends through a void in the connector section 910. The pin
912 fits into catches that are attached to the inner wall 904 of
the housing 906 on opposing sides of the connector section 910.
Using a pin 912 and catches allows the blocker 902 to rotate from a
first position to a second position. The blocker 902 further
includes an upwardly extending wall 920 that terminates at a
substantially flat wall 922, which extends outwardly away from the
inner wall 904 of the housing 906. As best seen in FIG. 58, a
spring 924 is disposed on the inner wall 904 of the housing 906 and
is connected to the blocker 902. The spring 924 pushes the blocker
902 into the first, locked position (shown in FIG. 58) when a
container 100 without a collar 908 or no container is disposed
within the housing 906. The blocker 902 is adapted to cover the
valve stem of the container and prevent insertion thereof if an
unauthorized container is inserted into the housing 906.
[0124] In use, the approved container 100 is attached to a shroud
926 that is similar to the shroud 250 discussed with respect to
previous embodiments. The container 100 and shroud 926 are inserted
upwardly through a channel 929 in the housing 906. As the collar
908 makes contact with the blocker 902, the blocker 902 rotates
about the pin 912 toward the inner wall 904 of the housing 906.
Once the container 100 and the shroud 926 are fully inserted, the
blocker 902 rests in the second, or unlocked position, which is
depicted in FIGS. 59 and 60. Thereafter, the container 100 can be
actuated in a similar manner as described hereinabove.
[0125] Other engagement mechanisms may be utilized that are
specific to any of the valve stems and/or actuator sockets 204,
300, as discussed herein. For example, FIG. 61 depicts the valve
stem 1114 having a square axial passage 1012. An actuating element
1016 is provided that includes a spherical spring-biased ball 1020.
When the ball 1020 and the valve stem 1114 are engaged during a
dispensing sequence, the ball 1020 is at least partially disposed
within the axial passage 1012. Fluid ejected through the valve stem
1114 may pass through one or more clearances 1024 provided about
the periphery of the axial passage 1012. If a conventional
cylindrical valve stem were to be engaged with the ball 1020, there
would be no (or substantially no) clearance for the emission of the
fluid. The square axial passage 1012 may be modified to take on any
shape and/or size so long as the corresponding actuating element
1016 has a different shape and/or size to allow for clearance to
exist therebetween.
[0126] FIGS. 62 and 63 depict yet another embodiment of the valve
element 1114 that includes an interior surface 1024 defining a
first channel 1028 and an exterior surface 1036 that includes a
second channel 1040 disposed therein. An actuating element 1044
includes a hollow engagement member 1048, which has a generally
inverted frustoconical shape for sealing engagement with a
peripheral surface 1052 of the valve stem 1114. When the valve
element 1114 and the engagement member 1048 are engaged during a
dispensing sequence, the fluid first flows in the direction of the
arrow upwardly through the first channel 1028 and thereafter
downwardly through the second channel 1040. If a conventional
cylindrical valve stem is utilized with the present embodiment the
fluid will be trapped within the engagement member 1048 and no (or
substantially no) fluid will be discharged from the valve element
1114.
[0127] In a different embodiment, the valve element 1114 is
modified to include the structure shown in any of FIGS. 64-74. All
of the modified valve elements include exterior ends 1056a-k having
reduced diameters and at least one side opening 1060a-k,
respectively. The side openings 1060a-k extend from an interior
axial chamber 1064 of the valve stem 1114 through an outer wall
1068 thereof. The various arrangements described above will prevent
emission of the contents of a container, which does not include a
valve stem with at least one side opening and a reduced diameter at
an upper end thereof.
[0128] Any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to
include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in
connection with different embodiments. Further, the present
disclosure is not limited to the housings 72, 77 as specifically
shown.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0129] An aerosol dispenser may commonly be used to dispense a
volatile material stored within an aerosol container. Commonly sold
aerosol containers can include volatile materials such as air
fresheners, deodorants, insecticides, germicides, decongestants,
perfumes, and the like and can have a variety of lengths and/or
widths. An aerosol dispenser is presented that can accommodate
aerosol containers of different lengths and/or widths. Further, a
dispenser is presented that has a variety of control mechanisms
that prevent the use of unauthorized refills from being used
therein.
[0130] Numerous modifications to the present invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing
description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as
illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling
those skilled in the art to make and use the invention and to teach
the best mode of carrying out same. The exclusive rights to all
modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims
are reserved.
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