Handheld spray receptor

Abstract

The handheld spray receptor provides an apparatus which, when used with a supply of a liquid under pressure, dispenses a liquid material in a pattern that is controlled by an inexpensive and disposable actuator. Such actuators are employed as an industry standard part that would be found on any aerosol spray can, and feature small cylindrical actuators that may be easily interchanged, so as to provide varied spray patterns. A purging model provides for a quick and convenient method of purging liquid from the actuator, so as to prevent hardening of liquid material exposed to the atmosphere, and a subsequent clogging of the receptor. When used with a supply of liquid under pressure and access to a propellant, the handheld spray receptor significantly reduces the amount of hazardous waste, in the form of partially consumed aerosol cans, that would otherwise enter landfills or hazardous waste recycling facilities.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a divisional application from application Ser. No. 10 / 179,088 filed 25 Jun. 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. x,xxx,xxx, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The handheld spray receptor provides an alternative method of dispensing liquids under pressure, as might be alternatively accomplished with an aerosol container, or a traditional spray gun. Traditional aerosol cans often dispense hazardous materials, and when the actuator or vertical valve on an aerosol can becomes clogged, the entire can becomes useless, and is often discarded improperly, creating a hazard. Cleaning out the actuator and vertical valve of an aerosol can is difficult and often ineffective. A purging capability can be approximated with an aerosol can, but requires expensive equipment specially designed, in most instances.[0004]2. Description of Prior Art[0005]The mo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]The invention features a handheld body incorporating an actuator that would be found on any aerosol spray can. By utilizing a standard part incorporated in aerosol spray cans, maintenance costs and manufacturing costs are minimized. In one embodiment, a purge capability is provided so as to preserve the usefulness of the actuator by blasting out any material that might harden when contact is made with the atmosphere, such as when paint is dispensed. Different spray patterns are easily achieved by replacing the cylindrical actuator button component of the spray actuator.

[0016]One of the main advantages of the invention is the reduction of discarded standard aerosol cans, and the hazardous material they often contain. When traditional aerosol cans clog, either due to the actuator clogging with dirt or dried liquid, such as paint, or due to the vertical valve clogging—the consumer often discards the can and whatever contents remain in the can.

Problems solved by technology

When traditional aerosol cans clog, either due to the actuator clogging with dirt or dried liquid, such as paint, or due to the vertical valve clogging—the consumer often discards the can and whatever contents remain in the can.

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