Spray-valve-actuating Device

Abstract

The present device is a novel spray-valve-actuating device for aerosol spray product containers which includes a split annular wirelike base element or clamp for mounting on the neck of a container and a compact valve actuating lever pivotally operatively connected to the base element and removably securing it in mounted position when the device is on a container.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the spraying art, and more particularly to a novel spray-valve-actuating device for aerosol spray product containers.

2. Description of the Prior Art

A variety of snap-on caps with built-in buttons providing a comfortable grip and reducing soiling are in the prior art, but none provide a lever ratio which is important in industrial products used for long periods of time, and are deficient in other respects. Various snap-on handles and trigger assemblies are available, but those known to applicant require a relation of container and hand, resulting in overhang fatigue in use. Many of these cannot be detached for reuse, once mounted, and include other disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In brief, the present novel spray-valve-actuating device includes a split annular wirelike base element or clamp for mounting on the neck of an aerosol spray container, and the like, and a compact valve-actuating lever pivotally operatively connected to the base element and removably securing it in mounted position when the device is on a container.

Hence, objects of the present invention are to provide a novel spray-valve-actuating device which satisfies the long existing need for such an item overcoming the deficiencies of devices in the art; which reduces the fatigue of forefinger pressure that develops in use of present such items; which eliminates overspray onto the forefinger that occurs in use of present structures; which is easy to attach to and remove from a container without the use of tools; which is of low cost, permitting a user to discard the item with an empty container or remove and reuse; which permits convenient holding of a container for operation, right-handed or left-handed, with forefinger or thumb; which is a positive identification of direction of spray without examining the valve, once selectively mounted right or left handed; which is space saving in storage in that the lever does not project beyond the upward projection of the container perimeter; and which otherwise fulfills the objects and advantages sought.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary isometric view of a spray valve actuating device incorporating the teachings of the present invention being mounted on or removed from the neck of an aerosol container;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary isometric view of the device of FIG. 1 mounted on the container and being actuated by a forefinger;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the base element or clamp;

FIG. 4 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of the actuating lever;

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view on substantially the line 6--6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a transverse vertical cross-sectional view on substantially the line 7--7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a modified actuating lever;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of another modified actuating lever; and

FIG. 10 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view on substantially the line 10--10 of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numerals, 20 indicates generally a spray-valve-actuating device constructed to include the principles of the present invention. The device 20 includes broadly a base element or clamp 22 and an actuating lever 24.

The base element 22 is shown of split annular wirelike form and includes an annular body portion 26, and integral spaced opposed extensions 28 and return extensions 30, the extensions 30 being above the extensions 28. Opposed V-notches 32 are formed at the ends of the extensions 30. The extensions 28 and 30 are of resilient material permitting a clamping action of the base element 22 on a container neck, and the like, upon a closing force being applied at the V-notches 32. Notches 34 are formed in the body portion 26, providing residual elongation of the annular body portion 26 for tight fits.

The actuating lever 24 is illustrated as of bridging or wide V-configuration and comprises a finger or thumb portion 36, a valve engaging and actuating portion 38, a vertical portion 40, a horizontal portion 42, and a depending mounting portion 44 including opposed notches 46 and an opening 48. The actuating lever 24 is short, so that the portion 36 does not extend through the vertically projected plane of the maximum external diameter of the container to which it is attached to conserve storage space. The actuating lever 24 is also of light weight to obviate any opening effect on the valve of an aerosol container.

Referring to FIG. 1, the base element 22 is shown about the neck 50 of an aerosol spray product container 52 having a plunger-type valve actuated by depressing the plunger 54. The actuating lever 24 has one notch 46 engaging one V-notch 32 preparatory to engaging the other notch 46 with the other V-notch 32. This is accomplished by squeezing the extensions 30 together and rotating the actuating lever 24 into position so that the opening 48 passes about the other V-notch 32, permitting the latter to engage the other notch 46. To remove the device 20, it is but necessary to squeeze the extensions 30 together, lift the lever 24, and then lift the base element 22.

In FIG. 2, the present device 20 is shown operatively mounted on the container 52, a forefinger 56 of a hand 58 depressing the lever 24 through engagement with the portion 36 to produce spray 60 from the container 52. Upon release of the actuating lever 24, the valve of the aerosol container 52 automatically closes and lifts the actuating lever 24 by the usual spring pressure. Average size aerosol containers 52 can be grasped by the four fingers of the hand 58 and the lever 24 actuated by depressing the portion 38 with the thumb 62, the relationship of fingers and container 52 being substantially the same as in FIG. 2, or the container 52 can be rotated 180.degree. for application of the thumb 62 to the portion 36 to spray in the opposite direction. Manifestly, if it is desired to use the thumb 62 on the portion 36 and spray in the direction if FIG. 2, the device 20 can be positioned on the neck 50 for regular left-hand use. This can be accomplished without removal of the device 20 simply by pushing in the leading extensions 28, 30 to rotate the device 180.degree..

In FIG. 8 is shown a modified actuating lever 24' which is like actuating lever 24, except for a reduced portion 38'.

In FIGS. 9 and 10 is illustrated a further modified actuating lever 24" which differs from actuating lever 24' only in having a longitudinally reinforcing crimp 64.

It is clear that a spray-valve-actuating device has been provided which fulfills the objects and advantages sought therefor.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings have been given by way of illustration and example. It is also to be understood that changes in form of the elements, rearrangement of parts, and substitution of equivalent elements, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A spray-valve-actuating device comprising a base element of a configuration for mounting about a top portion of an aerosol spray product container and the like, said base element being a resilient annular split clamping member including a resilient extension at each free end, said extensions being spaced-apart and substantially parallel, and an actuating lever removably movably connected to said base element for disposition in respect to the plunger element of an aerosol spray product container for selective operative depression thereof, said actuating lever including a terminal-mounting portion including opposed notches spaced apart a distance less tan the spacing of said resilient extensions, said notches removably receiving and holding said resilient extensions in compressed relation to maintain the said clamping member operatively in selected position on an aerosol container.

2. The spray-valve-actuating device of claim 1 in which said extensions include opposed outward extensions and return extensions, said return extensions having opposed outwardly faced notches, said outwardly faced notches disposed in said opposed notches of said actuating lever when said device is on an aerosol container to maintain said clamping member in clamped relation on the aerosol container and to provide a pivotal mounting for said actuating lever for operative movement.