Spray container storage and retrieval system

Abstract

A spray container storage and retrieval system including a holster for receiving a sleeve therein. The sleeve is designed so as to provide an efficient vertically-oriented channel guard for protecting against accidental discharge of spray containers receivable within the sleeve. In certain embodiments, an optional spring may be provided in a lower portion of the sleeve in order to bias the spray container upwardly therefrom when the holster is opened.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to an apparatus for enabling an individual to carry a spray container. More particularly, this invention relates to a system and method for carrying a container of spray, such as a self-defense pepper spray or make which enables easy and safe access thereof.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART[0002]Systems for carrying spray containers are old and well known in the art. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,654; U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,975; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,999, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.[0003]The system of U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,975 includes a holster which receives a sleeve therein. The sleeve is elongated and includes a flange extending laterally outward from its upper end to aid in the formation of a trigger guard. Unfortunately, the upper end flange / trigger guard of the '975 patent is undesirable for a number of reasons. For example, the trigger guard is sometimes ineffective in that once the spr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]It is an object of this invention to provide a spray container storage and retrieval apparatus / system which enables a user to easily and efficiently access a spray canister housed therein.

[0007]Another object of this invention is to provide a spray container storage and retrieval system including a holster for receiving a sleeve therein, wherein the sleeve includes structure which functions as an efficient trigger guard to prevent accidental or incidental discharge of spray from a container disposed in the sleeve.

[0008]Another object of this invention is to provide a spray container storage and retrieval system including a holster and corresponding sleeve for receiving a spray canister, wherein the sleeve includes structure for preventing accidental spray discharge therefrom even if the spring forces the spray container upward a small amount.

[0010]Generally speaking, this invention fulfills any or all of the above listed objects and / or needs in the art by providing a spray container storage and retrieval apparatus for storing and allowing retrieval of a spray canister including a trigger and spray nozzle, the storage and retrieval apparatus comprising: a holster defining a cavity therein, the holster including a flap that may be selectively moved between opened and closed positions; an elongated sleeve including an approximately cylindrical elongated base portion receivable in the cavity of said holster, the sleeve including an upper opening proximate a top end thereof of sufficient size to receive the spray canister, and the top end defining a top edge partially circumscribing said upper opening; and the elongated sleeve further including a channel guard extending vertically from the top edge formed by two ears separated by a trigger receiving gap therebetween and adapted to fit underneath said trigger to prevent accidental discharge of the spray canister.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, the upper end flange / trigger guard of the '975 patent is undesirable for a number of reasons.

For example, the trigger guard is sometimes ineffective in that once the spring within the sleeve forces the spray canister even slightly upwardly, the trigger guard is no longer effective and spray may be accidentally discharged.

Additionally, with the can sitting down in the sleeve, it is difficult for the user to draw in a smooth forward motion as required for effective safety.

Images