Aerosol safety actuator

Abstract

An actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container is disclosed. The actuator includes an actuator button rotatable relative to the base for movement between the locked rotational position stop and the unlocked rotational position stop. When the actuator button is rotated to the unlocked rotational position, the actuator button is movable relative to the base for actuating the aerosol valve to dispense the aerosol product. The actuator button is prevented from actuating the aerosol valve when the actuator button is moved to the locked rotational position. In one embodiment, the arcuate projection prevents accidental movement of the actuator button between the unlocked rotational position and the locked rotational position. In another embodiment, the linear projection prevents accidental movement of the actuator button between the unlocked rotational position and the locked rotational position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to dispensing of aerosol products and more particularly to an improved aerosol actuator having an actuator button rotatable relative to a base for enabling and preventing dispensing of an aerosol product from an aerosol container and incorporating a safety actuator. Background Art

[0002] An aerosol dispenser includes an aerosol product and an aerosol propellant contained in an aerosol container. An aerosol valve is provided to control the discharge of the aerosol product from the aerosol container by fluid pressure provided by the aerosol propellant.

[0003] The aerosol valve is biased to a closed position. A valve stem cooperates with the aerosol valve for opening the aerosol valve. An actuator engages the valve stem to open the aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product and an aerosol propellant from the aerosol container. The aerosol product and the aerosol propellant are dispensed from the aerosol valve through a spray nozzle. Typically, the aerosol product and the aerosol propellant are contained in a common portion of the aerosol container.

[0004] In some cases, inventions produce products with desirable properties that lead to widespread use and general acceptance in the marketplace. These elusive desirable properties are the result of a combination of elements that work together to produce the product as a whole. Like all successful products, successful products can be further improved in one or more aspects of the product.

[0005] One specific example of an aerosol product that has gained wide use and general acceptance in the marketplace is the aerosol actuator sold under the trademark Moritz by Aptargroup, Inc. This aerosol actuator is the subject of US Patent 7,487,891.

[0006] The Moritz aerosol actuator includes an actuator button orifice defined in the side wall of the actuator button. The actuator button can be rotated relative to the base for moving between a locked rotational position and an unlocked rotational position. When the actuator button is rotated to the unlocked rotational position, the actuator button can be tilted relative to the base for actuating the aerosol valve to dispense an aerosol product from the terminal orifice and through the actuator button orifice. When the actuator button moves to the locked rotational position where the actuator button orifice moves away from the terminal orifice, the actuator button is blocked from actuating the aerosol valve.

[0007] Although the Moritz aerosol actuator has gained widespread use and general acceptance in the marketplace, further improvements can be made to this successful product.

[0008] First, in some cases, the actuator button aperture may be slightly misaligned with the terminal aperture in the unlocked rotational position by accidental movement of the actuator button. This slight defect is only related to the appearance of the actuator and does not affect the function of the Moritz aerosol actuator.

[0009] Secondly, many retail home delivery suppliers require strict no-spill requirements for all liquid products. In many cases, such no-spill requirements for liquid products are met by wrapping the product with a plastic covering. Such plastic coverings significantly increase the overall cost of the product.

[0010] Third, many manufacturers of aerosol products desire to ship aerosol products in stacked shipping containers. Such stacking of aerosol products in shipping containers raises concerns about accidental activation of the aerosol products during shipping and delivery.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve upon prior art aerosol actuators by providing an aerosol safety actuator which overcomes the difficulties set forth above and provides an advancement in aerosol dispensing technology.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol safety actuator that resists accidental misalignment between the actuator button aperture and the terminal aperture in the unlocked rotational position.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol safety actuator that provides a secondary arcuate projection co-acting between the base and the actuator button for resisting inadvertent movement of the actuator button from a locked rotational position.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol safety actuator that provides a co-acting arcuate protrusion between the base and the actuator button for preventing accidental actuation of the aerosol valve.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol safety actuator which does not change the appearance of the original aerosol actuator.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol safety actuator that can be implemented by simple modification of existing manufacturing tools.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol safety actuator which can be implemented without any substantial increase in material manufacturing costs.

[0018] Some of the more pertinent objects of the present invention have been outlined above. These objects should be construed as merely illustrating some of the more prominent features and applications of the present invention. Many other beneficial results may be obtained by modifying the present invention within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, in addition to the scope of the present invention being limited by the claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other objects for a comprehensive understanding of the present invention may be obtained by referring to the detailed description describing the preferred embodiments of the present invention in addition to the scope of the present invention being limited by the claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Summary of the invention

[0019] The present invention is defined by the appended claims, with specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of summarizing the present invention, the present invention relates to an improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container. The improved safety actuator includes a base and a mounting member having an axis of symmetry of the base, the mounting member being used to fix the base to the aerosol container. A nozzle defining a nozzle channel extends between the aerosol valve and a terminal orifice. The nozzle is flexibly mounted to the base for enabling the nozzle to pivot for actuating the aerosol valve. An integrated actuator button includes a rigid sidewall supporting a rigid top actuation surface having an actuator button orifice defined in the sidewall of the actuator button. The actuator button is rotatably mounted to the base to cover the nozzle. The actuator button is rotatable around the axis of symmetry of the base between a locked rotational position and an unlocked rotational position. When the actuator button is rotated to the unlocked rotational position, the actuator button orifice of the actuator button is aligned with the terminal orifice of the nozzle. When the actuator button is in the unlocked rotational position, the integrated actuator button is movable relative to the base for engaging and pivoting the nozzle button to actuate the aerosol valve for dispensing the aerosol product from the terminal orifice and through the actuator button orifice defined in the side wall of the actuator button. When the actuator button is rotated to the locked rotational position, the integrated actuator button is prevented from pivoting the nozzle button. An arc-shaped protrusion having an unlocking cam-shaped edge and a locking cam-shaped edge acts together between the base and the actuator button to prevent accidental movement of the actuator button between the unlocked rotational position and the locked rotational position.

[0020] In a more specific example, the arcuate protrusion is integral with the base and extends radially outward relative to the axis of symmetry of the base. The arcuate protrusion has an arc angle substantially similar to the rotation angle of the actuator button relative to the base. The unlocking cam-shaped edge and the locking cam-shaped edge engage with a rib extending from the underside of the actuator button to prevent accidental movement of the actuator button between the unlocked rotational position and the locked rotational position. Preferably, the rib is integral with the actuator button.

[0021] In another more specific example, the improved safety actuator includes an unlocked rotational position stopper and a locked rotational position stopper for limiting the rotational movement of the actuator button relative to the base. The unlocking cam-shaped edge engages with a rib extending from the underside of the actuator button and cooperating with the unlocked rotational position stopper to fix the actuator button in the unlocked rotational position. The locking cam-shaped edge engages with a rib extending from the underside of the actuator button and cooperating with the locked rotational position stopper to fix the actuator button in the locked rotational position.

[0022] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container. The improved safety actuator includes a base and a mounting member having a symmetric axis of the base, the mounting member being used to fix the base to the aerosol container. A nozzle defining a nozzle channel extends between the aerosol valve and a terminal orifice. The nozzle is flexibly mounted to the base for enabling the nozzle to pivot for actuating the aerosol valve. An integrated actuator button includes a rigid sidewall supporting a rigid top actuation surface having an actuator button orifice defined in the sidewall of the actuator button. The actuator button is rotatably mounted to the base to cover the nozzle. The actuator button is rotatable around the symmetric axis of the base between a locked rotational position and an unlocked rotational position. When the actuator button is rotated to the unlocked rotational position, the actuator button orifice of the actuator button is aligned with the terminal orifice of the nozzle. When the actuator button is in the unlocked rotational position, the integral actuator button is movable relative to the base for engaging and pivoting the nozzle button to actuate the aerosol valve for dispensing the aerosol product from the terminal orifice and through the actuator button orifice defined in the side wall of the actuator button. When the actuator button is rotated to the locked rotational position, the integral actuator button is prevented from pivoting the nozzle button. The linear protrusion cooperates between the base and the actuator button for preventing accidental movement of the actuator button between the unlocked rotational position and the locked rotational position.

[0023] In a more specific example, the linear protrusion may be integral with the actuator button, or in an alternative, may be integral with the base. In either case, the actuator button is substantially parallel to the axis of symmetry of the base. When the linear protrusion is integral with the actuator button, the linear protrusion extends radially inward from the inner surface of the actuator button. When the linear protrusion is integral with the base, the linear protrusion extends radially outward relative to the axis of symmetry of the base. The linear protrusion engages with a portion of the base to prevent the actuator button from accidentally moving between the unlocked rotational position and the locked rotational position. The linear protrusion may include a plurality of spaced linear protrusions extending radially inward from the inner surface of the actuator button and substantially parallel to the axis of symmetry of the base, for engaging with a portion of the base to prevent the actuator button from accidentally moving between the unlocked rotational position and the locked rotational position. A plurality of spaced linear protrusions have an arc spacing commensurate with the rotation angle between the unlocked rotational position and the locked rotational position.

[0024] The linear protrusion cooperates with the unlocked rotational position stop and the locked rotational position stop to limit the rotational movement of the actuator button relative to the base. The linear protrusion cooperates with the gap in the base and the unlocked rotational position stop to secure the actuator button in the unlocked rotational position. The linear protrusion cooperates with the gap in the base and the locked rotational position stop to secure the actuator button in the locked rotational position.

[0025] The more relevant and important features of the present invention have been summarized quite extensively above so that the following detailed description can be better understood, so that the contribution of the present invention to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the present invention will be described below, which form the subject matter of the claims of the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosed concepts and specific embodiments can be easily used as the basis for modifying or designing other structures for achieving the same purpose of the present invention. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] For a more complete understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top isometric view of a prior art actuator of the present invention positioned on an aerosol container; Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 An enlarged partial cross-sectional view of line 2-2 in FIG. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An enlarged front view of a prior art actuator; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Bottom view of Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5; Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6; Figure 7 yes Figures 1 to 6 A top isometric view of a base portion of a prior art actuator; Figure 8 yes Figures 1 to 6 A top view of the base shown in ; Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A left side view of the base; Fig.10 yes Figure 7 Right side view of the base; Fig.11 yes Figure 8 Bottom view of Fig.12 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12; Fig.13 yes Figures 1 to 6 A top isometric view of an actuator button; Fig.14 yes Figures 1 to 6 A bottom isometric view of an actuator button; Fig.15 yes Figure 13 to Figure 14 A top view of an actuator button; Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A side view of an actuator button; Fig.17 yes Fig.16 Bottom view of Fig.18 It is along Fig.15 A cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 in FIG. Fig.19 is similar to Figure 1 A top isometric view of the actuator button in a locked rotational position; Fig. 20 It is along Fig.19 An enlarged partial cross-sectional view of line 20-20 in FIG. Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 An enlarged front view of a prior art actuator; Fig. 22 yes Fig.21 Bottom view of Fig.23 It is along Fig.21 A cross-sectional view taken along line 23-23 in FIG. Fig.24 It is along Fig.21 A cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24; Fig.25 is similar to Figure 1 A top isometric view of the actuator button in an unlocked rotational position and an actuated position; Fig.26 It is along Fig.25 An enlarged partial cross-sectional view of line 26-26 in FIG. Fig. 27 yes Fig.25 An enlarged front view of a prior art actuator; Fig.28 yes Fig. 27 Bottom view of Fig.29 It is along Fig. 27 A cross-sectional view taken along line 29-29; Fig.30 is similar to Fig.29 A cross-sectional view of the nozzle in which a portion of the nozzle is removed for illustration purposes; Fig.31 is similar to Fig. 27 , showing a prior art aerosol actuator in an unlocked operable position and illustrating the misalignment of the terminal orifice with the actuator button orifice; Fig.32 It is along Fig.31 A cross-sectional view taken along line 32-32 in FIG. Fig.33 is similar to Fig.31 , with the actuator button in a locked rotational position; Fig.34 It is along Fig.33 A cross-sectional view taken along line 34-34; Fig.35 is a front view of a first embodiment of an aerosol safety actuator of the present invention in an unlocked operable position; Fig.36 It is along Fig.35 A cross-sectional view taken along line 36-36 in FIG. Fig.37 is a first embodiment of the aerosol safety actuator of the present invention in a locked inoperable position similar to Fig.35 Front view of Fig.38 It is along Fig.37 A cross-sectional view taken along line 38-38; Fig.39 yes Figures 1 to 6An isometric view of a base portion of a prior art actuator; Fig.40 yes Fig.39 A front view of a base portion; Fig.41 is a bottom isometric view of an actuator button of a second embodiment of an aerosol safety actuator of the present invention; Fig.42 is a side cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the aerosol safety actuator of the present invention; Fig.43 is an exploded view of the actuator button of the present invention in an unlocked operable position, the button being displaced from the base portion of the prior art actuator; Fig.44 is a cross-sectional view of the actuator button of the present invention and the base portion of the prior art actuator in an unlocked operable position; Fig.45 is an exploded view of the actuator button of the present invention in a locked inoperable position, the button being displaced from the base portion of the prior art actuator; and Fig.46 is a cross-sectional view of the actuator button of the present invention and the base portion of the prior art actuator in a locked inoperable position; Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A prior art actuator 10 of the present invention is shown for dispensing an aerosol product 11 having an aerosol propellant 12. The prior art aerosol actuator 10 is representative of the prior art aerosol actuator 10 shown in U.S. Patent No. 7,487,891. Figures 1 to 30 A complete explanation of the prior art aerosol actuator 10 shown in U.S. Patent No. 7,487,891 is set forth in and the associated specification.

[0028] The prior art actuator 10 defines an axis of symmetry 13. The aerosol valve 20 controls the flow of the aerosol product 11 through the valve stem 30. The aerosol product 11 and the aerosol propellant 12 are stored in the aerosol container 40. The aerosol propellant 12 can be any propellant used in an aerosol actuator, including any of liquefied propellants (such as hydrocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons) and compressed gases such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen or any other suitable compressed gas.

[0029] The aerosol container 40 is shown as a small aluminum cylindrical container of conventional design and materials. Although the aerosol container 40 has been shown as a small aluminum cylindrical container of conventional design, it should be understood that the prior art actuator 10 of the present invention may be used with aerosol containers of various designs.

[0030] The aerosol container 40 extends between a top portion 41 and a bottom portion 42, with a cylindrical sidewall 43 located between the top portion 41 and the bottom portion 42. The bottom portion 42 of the aerosol container 40 is closed by an end wall 44. The top portion 41 of the aerosol container 40 tapers radially inwardly into a neck 45 that terminates in a bead 46. The bead 46 defines an opening 47 in the aerosol container 40 for receiving a mounting cup 50.

[0031] The mounting cup 50 includes a peripheral rim 52 for sealing to the bead 46 of the aerosol container 40 in a conventional manner. The mounting cup 50 includes a turret 54 for receiving the aerosol valve 20.

[0032] The aerosol valve 20 includes a valve body 22 secured in a conventional manner to an annular seat 54 of a mounting cup 50. The valve body 22 defines an internal valve cavity 24 in fluid communication with an aerosol container 40 via a dip tube 26. The aerosol valve 20 includes a valve element 28 positioned within the internal valve cavity 24. A biasing spring 29 biases the valve element 28 to a closed position to prevent the aerosol product 11 from flowing through the valve stem 30.

[0033] The valve stem 30 extends between a first end 31 and a second end 32. The valve stem 30 defines an outer surface 33 having a stem passage 34 extending therein. The stem passage 34 provides fluid communication from the aerosol valve 20 to the second end 32 of the valve stem 30. The first end 31 of the valve stem 30 interacts with the valve element 28 in a conventional manner. Depression of the valve stem 30 moves the valve element 28 to an open position against the urging of the biasing spring 29 to allow flow of the aerosol product 11 from the second end 32 of the valve stem 30.

[0034] Figures 3 to 6 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 1 is an enlarged view of a prior art actuator 10. The prior art actuator 10 includes a base 60 and an actuator button 70. As will be described in more detail below, the actuator button 70 can be positioned relative to the base 60 in a manner such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The unlocked rotational position shown in FIG. Fig.19 and Fig. 20 When the actuator button 70 is rotated to the locked rotational position shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2When in the unlocked rotational position shown in FIG. , the actuator button 70 can be moved or tilted relative to the base 60, such as Fig.26 , for actuating the aerosol valve 20 for dispensing the aerosol product 11 from the aerosol container 40. When the actuator button 70 is moved to Fig.19 and Fig. 20 In the locked rotational position shown in FIG. , the actuator button 70 is prevented from moving or tilting relative to the base 60, such as Fig. 20 As shown in .

[0035] The base 60 extends between a top portion 61 and a bottom portion 62, with a cylindrical sidewall 63 located between the top portion 61 and the bottom portion 62. The sidewall 63 of the base 60 defines an outer surface 64 and an inner side surface 65 that are coaxial with the axis of symmetry 13 of the actuator 10. The base 60 includes a base mount 66 for securing the base 60 to the aerosol container 40. The base mount 66 is shown as a generally annular base protrusion 66 extending radially inward from the inner side surface 65 of the base 60 for securing the base 60 to the aerosol container 40. In this example, the base protrusion 66 engages with the peripheral rim 52 of the mounting cup 50 and / or the bead 46 of the aerosol container 40 via a snap-lock engagement. However, it should be understood that the base protrusion 66 may engage with an annular seam of a conventional larger diameter aerosol container, such as Figure 30 to Figure 6 As shown in 0.

[0036] The base 60 comprises a base retainer 67 for rotationally fixing the actuator button 70 to the base 60. The base retainer 67 comprises a plurality of annular projections 67 extending radially outwardly from the base 60. The plurality of annular projections 67 are distributed around the axis of symmetry 13 of the aerosol actuator 10.

[0037] The actuator button 70 is shown as an integral actuator button 70 extending between a top portion 71 and a bottom portion 72 with a cylindrical sidewall 73 located between the top portion 71 and the bottom portion 72. The sidewall 73 of the actuator button 70 is a substantially rigid sidewall 73 defining an outer surface 74 and an inner surface 75 coaxial with the axis of symmetry 13 of the actuator 10. The substantially rigid sidewall 73 of the actuator button 70 supports a rigid top actuation surface 76.

[0038] The actuator button 70 includes a button retainer 77 for cooperating with the base retainer 67 to rotationally secure the actuator button 70 to the base 60. The button retainer 77 is shown as a plurality of annular projections 77 extending radially inwardly from the inside surface 75 of the side wall 73 of the actuator button 70. The radially inwardly extending button retainers 77 cooperate with the radially outwardly extending button retainers 67 for rotationally securing the actuator button 70 to the base 60.

[0039] The actuator button 70 includes an actuator surface 79 extending from a rigid top actuation surface 76. Preferably, the actuator button 70 is formed of a unitary substantially rigid material for enabling the entire actuator button 70 to be tilted relative to the base 60 as a unit.

[0040] Figures 7 to 12 Graphics Figures 3 to 6 6. The first end 61 of the base 60 defines an outer ring 80. The outer ring 80 is a substantially cylindrical upper portion of the cylindrical sidewall 63. A plurality of radial ribs 82 extend radially inward from the inner side surface 65 of the cylindrical sidewall 63. The plurality of radial ribs 82 support a base ring 84. The base ring 84 is coaxial with the axis of symmetry 13 of the actuator 10.

[0041] A plurality of axial ribs 86 extend axially upward from the base ring 84. The plurality of axial ribs 86 extend substantially parallel to and are spaced about the axis of symmetry 13 of the actuator 10. The plurality of axial ribs 86 support an inner ring 90. The inner ring 90 is coaxial with the outer ring 80, forming an annular gap 92 therebetween. A plurality of triangular support ribs 94 provide additional support from the base ring 84 to the inner ring 90.

[0042] The inner ring 90 includes a base retainer 67 for cooperating with the button retainer 77 to rotationally secure the actuator button 70 to the base 60. The base retainer 67 is shown as a generally annular protrusion 67 extending radially outward from the inner ring 90 of the base 60. Preferably, the inner ring 90 of the base 60 is deformable for enabling the button retainer 77 to pass over the base retainer 67. After the button retainer 77 passes over the base retainer 67, the base retainer 67 engages with the button retainer 77 to retain the actuator button 70 on the base 60. The button retainer 77 of the actuator button 70 interlocks with the base retainer 67 for rotationally securing the actuator button 70 to the base 60.

[0043] The bridge 98 extends across the gap 92 between the outer ring 80 and the inner ring 90 of the base 60. The bridge 98 extends across a first portion of the inner ring 90 that is horizontal and proximate to the first end 61 of the base 60. The bridge 98 occupies a small portion of the circumference of the inner ring 90. In this example, the bridge 98 occupies a five to ten degree arc portion of the circumference of the inner ring 90 around the axis of symmetry 13 of the actuator 10.

[0044] The flexible wall 100 extends upwardly from the inner ring 90 of the base 60. Preferably, the flexible wall 100 is integrally formed with the inner ring 90 of the base 60. The flexible wall 100 comprises a flexible part cylindrical wall 100 extending around the axis of symmetry 13 of the actuator 10. The flexible part cylindrical wall 100 is defined by first and second edges 101, 102 and a top surface 103.

[0045] The nozzle 110 defines a nozzle passage 112 extending between a socket 114 and a terminal orifice 116. The socket 114 is adapted to partially receive the second end 32 of the valve stem 30. The nozzle 110 includes a nozzle actuation surface 118 located above the socket 114. The terminal orifice 116 may optionally receive a terminal orifice insert (not shown) for controlling a spray pattern and / or spray characteristics of the aerosol product 11 discharged from the actuator 10.

[0046] The nozzle 110 is secured to the flexible wall 100 for enabling the nozzle 110 to pivot about the flexible wall 100 when the flexible wall 100 flexes or deforms. Preferably, the nozzle 110 is positioned directly adjacent to a bridge 98 extending across the gap 92 between the outer ring 80 and the inner ring 90 of the base 60.

[0047] Depression of the nozzle actuation surface 118 enables the nozzle 110 to pivot about the flexible wall 100 to depress the valve stem 30. Depression of the valve stem 30 moves the valve element 28 to the open position to allow the aerosol product 11 to flow through the valve stem passage 34 of the valve stem 30 and through the nozzle channel 112 of the nozzle 110 for discharge from the terminal orifice 116.

[0048] The secondary wall 120 extends upward from the inner ring 90 of the base 60. Preferably, the secondary wall 120 is integrally formed with the inner ring 90 of the base 60. The flexible wall 120 is defined by a first edge 121 and a second edge 122 and a top surface 123. In this example, the top surface 103 of the flexible wall 100 extends upward a greater distance than the top surface 123 of the secondary wall 120.

[0049] The base 60 includes a base stopper 130 for cooperating with the actuator button 70 to establish an unlocked position and a locked rotational position of the actuator button 70 relative to the base 60. More specifically, the base stopper 130 includes an unlocked position stopper 131 for establishing an unlocked rotational position of the actuator button relative to the base 60, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The base stop 130 includes a locking position stop 132 for establishing a locked rotational position of the actuator button relative to the base 60, such as Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown in .

[0050] The base 60 includes an audible rib 140 for cooperating with the actuator button 70 to audibly indicate an unlocked rotational position and a locked rotational position of the actuator button 70 relative to the base 60. More specifically, the audible rib 140 includes an unlocking audible rib 141 for audibly indicating an unlocked rotational position of the actuator button 70 relative to the base 60, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2The audible rib 140 includes a locking audible rib 142 for audibly indicating a locked rotational position of the actuator button relative to the base 60, such as Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown in .

[0051] A groove 150 is defined in the inner ring 90 of the base 60. The groove 150 is located on the second portion of the inner ring 90, opposite the location of the bridge 98 extending across the first portion of the inner ring 90. Preferably, the groove 150 has a V-shape formed by tapered sides 151 and 152 terminating in a groove bottom 154.

[0052] Figures 13 to 18 Graphics Figures 1 to 6 . Preferably, the cylindrical sidewall 73 includes a knurl 160 for assisting in the rotation of the actuator button 70 relative to the base 60. The top actuation surface 76 of the actuator button 70 may include a rotation indicator 162 for indicating the direction of rotation of the actuator button 70 relative to the base 60 between the unlocked rotational position and the locked rotational position. The actuator surface 79 extends from the rigid top actuation surface 76 of the actuator button 70.

[0053] The actuator button 70 includes a button stopper 170 for cooperating with the base stopper 130 to establish an unlocked position and a locked rotational position of the actuator button 70 relative to the base 60. In this example, the button stopper 170 includes a button position stopper 171 and a button position stopper 172.

[0054] The button position stopper 172 is provided with a recess 174 and an extension protrusion 176. The recess 174 increases the flexibility of the extension protrusion 176. The extension protrusion 176 cooperates with the unlocking audible rib 141 and the locking audible rib 142 for audibly indicating the rotational position of the actuator button relative to the base 60.

[0055] The actuator button 70 includes a groove rib 180 extending from the inside surface 75 and the rigid top actuation surface 76 of the actuator button 70. Preferably, the groove rib 180 is formed as a one-piece unit of the actuator button 70. As will be described below, the groove rib 180 is sized to be inserted into the groove 150 as defined in the inner ring 90 of the base 60.

[0056] Figures 19 to 24 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2Various views of the prior art actuator 10 of the present invention, wherein the actuator button 70 is in the locked rotational position. The actuator button 70 has been rotated clockwise relative to the base 60 until the button position stop 172 of the actuator button 70 engages the locked position stop 132 of the base 60. During the clockwise rotation of the actuator button 70 to the locked rotational position, the extended protrusion 176 of the button position stop 172 passes over the unlocking audible rib 141 and the locking audible rib 142 to provide two independent audible clicks. The extended protrusion 176 of the button position stop 172 is maintained in the locked rotational position by the locking audible rib 142.

[0057] When the actuator button 70 is in the locked rotational position, the terminal orifice 116 of the nozzle is covered by the side wall 73 of the actuator button orifice 78 of the actuator button 70. The groove rib 180 engages with the inner ring 90 to prevent the actuator surface 79 of the actuator button 70 from depressing the nozzle actuation surface 118. When the actuator button 70 is moved to the locked rotational position, the actuator button 70 is prevented from tilting relative to the base 60 and is also prevented from actuating the aerosol valve 20.

[0058] Figures 25 to 30 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 Various views of the prior art actuator 10 with the actuator button 70 in the unlocked rotational position and with the actuator button 70 in the actuated position.

[0059] The actuator button 70 has been rotated counterclockwise relative to the base 60 until the button position stopper 171 of the actuator button 70 engages the unlock position stopper 131 of the base 60. During the counterclockwise rotation of the actuator button 70 to the unlock rotation position, the extended protrusion 176 of the button position stopper 172 passes over the unlock audible rib 141 and the lock audible rib 142 to provide two independent audible clicks. The extended protrusion 176 of the button position stopper 172 is maintained in the unlock rotation position by the unlock audible rib 141.

[0060] When the actuator button 70 is in the unlocked rotational position, the terminal orifice 116 of the nozzle is aligned with the actuator button orifice 78 of the actuator button 70. The groove rib 180 is aligned with the groove 150 defined in the inner ring 90 of the base 60.

[0061] Depression of the top actuation surface 76 by the operator causes the entire actuator button 70 to tilt about the bridge 98 extending across the first portion of the inner ring 90. When the groove rib 180 enters the groove 150 defined in the inner ring 90 of the base 60, the actuator button 70 as a whole tilts as a unit relative to the base 60. A portion of the side wall 73 of the actuator button 70 enters the gap 92 between the outer ring 80 and the inner ring 90.

[0062] The tilting of the actuator button 70 causes the actuator surface 79 to depress the nozzle actuation surface 118 to actuate the aerosol valve 20. When the actuator button 70 is rotated to the unlocked rotational position, the actuator button 70 can be tilted relative to the base 60 for actuating the aerosol valve 20 to dispense the aerosol product 11 from the aerosol container 40 for discharge through the terminal orifice 116.

[0063] Fig.31 is similar to Fig. 27 , which shows a prior art aerosol actuator in an unlocked operable position, wherein Fig.32 It is along Fig.31 32-32 in cross-sectional view. In some cases, the actuator button 70 will be moved by severe vibration, etc. to a position where the actuator button aperture 78 is not concentric with the terminal aperture 116. This misalignment of the button aperture 78 and the terminal aperture 116 is a defect in some products produced according to U.S. Patent No. 7,487,891.

[0064] Fig.33 and Fig.34 is similar to Fig.31 and Fig.32 , in which the actuator button 70 is in the locked rotational position. Fig.32 and Fig.34 A pre-existing first button stop or rib 171 is shown depending from the inside surface 75 of the actuator button 70 .

[0065] One challenge of the present invention is to correct the defect of misalignment of the button aperture 78 and the terminal aperture 116 without changing the overall appearance of the prior art actuator 10. A second challenge is to overcome this defect with minimal changes to the interior of the actuator 10.

[0066] Another desire of the present invention is to make the aerosol safety actuator 10A suitable for e-commerce shipping and distribution without the need for external packaging of the actuator button 70 including the actuator button aperture 78 and the terminal aperture 116 .

[0067] Fig.35 is a front view of a first embodiment of an aerosol safety actuator 10A of the present invention in an unlocked operable position, Fig.36 It is along Fig.35 A cross-sectional view along line 36-36 in FIG.

[0068] The arcuate protrusion 200 has an unlocking cam-shaped edge 201 and a locking cam-shaped edge 202, which cooperate between the base 60A and the actuator button 70 to prevent accidental movement of the actuator button 70 between the unlocked rotational position and the locked rotational position. The arcuate protrusion 200 is integral with the base 60A. The arcuate protrusion 200 extends radially outward from the nozzle 110 of the base 60A relative to the symmetry axis 13 of the base 60A. The arcuate protrusion 200 has an arc angle that is substantially similar to the rotational angle of the actuator button 70 relative to the base 60A.

[0069] The unlocking cam-shaped edge 201 and the locking cam-shaped edge 202 engage with the rib 171 extending from the underside 75 of the actuator button 70 to prevent accidental movement of the actuator button 70 between the unlocked rotational position and the locked rotational position. The rib 171 extending from the underside 75 of the actuator button 70 is integral with the actuator button 70 of the prior art.

[0070] The unlocking cam-shaped edge 201 engaged with the rib 171 extending from the lower side of the actuator button 70 pushes the actuator button 70 toward the unlocking rotational position. Similarly, the locking cam-shaped edge 202 engaged with the rib 171 extending from the lower side of the actuator button 70 pushes the actuator button 70 toward the locking rotational position.

[0071] Fig.37 is a first embodiment of the aerosol safety actuator of the present invention in a locked inoperable position similar to Fig.35 front view, and Fig.38 It is along Fig.37 A cross-sectional view along line 38-38 in FIG.

[0072] Figures 31 to 41 The first embodiment of the present invention shown in has solved the problem of misalignment of the actuator button aperture 78 and the terminal aperture 116 without changing the overall appearance of the prior art actuator 10. Secondly, Figures 31 to 41 The first embodiment of the present invention shown in has solved this problem by simply modifying only the base 60A of the aerosol safety actuator 10A. Third, the arcuate protrusion 200 provides a continuous drag or frictional resistance between the unlocked rotational position and the locked rotational position. This continuous drag or frictional resistance enhances the performance of e-commerce applications.

[0073] Fig.39 and Fig.40 yes Figures 1 to 660. The base portion 60 defines a base holder 67 for rotatably mounting the actuator button. The base holder 67 includes a first gap 211, a second gap 212, and a third gap 213 in the base holder 67. A first friction area 221 and a second friction area 222 are defined by the base holder 67. These features of the prior art base 60 portion will be utilized by the second embodiment of the present invention, as will be described in more detail below.

[0074] Fig.41 is a bottom isometric view of an actuator button 70B of a second embodiment of an aerosol safety actuator 10B of the present invention, and Fig.42 2 is a side cross-sectional view thereof. The linear protrusion 230 extends substantially parallel to the symmetry axis 13 of the base 60 and extends radially inward from the inner side surface 75B of the actuator button 70B toward the symmetry axis 13. Although only one linear protrusion 230 may be used in the present invention, in this example, the first linear protrusion 231 and the second linear protrusion 232 are arranged as shown in FIG. Figure 41 to Figure 46 The spaced apart relationship shown in .

[0075] Fig.43 and Fig.44 The actuator button 70B is shown in the unlocked operable position. The first linear protrusion 231 and the second linear protrusion 232 work together between the prior art base 60 and the actuator button 70B to prevent accidental movement of the actuator button 70B between the unlocked rotational position and the locked rotational position. The first linear protrusion 231 and the second linear protrusion 232 are integral with the actuator button 70B.

[0076] The first linear protrusion 231 and the second linear protrusion 232 cooperate with the first gap 221 and the second gap 222 in the prior art base 60 to align the actuator button aperture 78 with the terminal aperture 116 and to prevent the actuator button 70B from accidentally moving from the unlocked rotational position to the locked rotational position. Fig.43 and Fig.44 When rotating from the unlocked open position shown in FIG. 7B toward the locked closed position, the first linear protrusion 231 and the second linear protrusion 232 ride on the first friction area 221 and the second friction area 222 to increase friction resistance during rotation of the actuator button 70B.

[0077] Fig.45 and Fig.46The actuator button 70B is shown in a locked, inoperable position. The first linear protrusion 231 frictionally engages the friction area 222, while the second linear protrusion 232 is captured by the gap 213 in the prior art base 60. The first linear protrusion 231 engages the second friction area 222, while the second linear protrusion 232 is captured by the third gap 213 to secure the actuator button 70B in the locked rotational position.

[0078] The first linear protrusion 231 and the second linear protrusion 232 are captured in the first gap 221 and the second gap 222 in the prior art base 60 for aligning the actuator button aperture 78 with the terminal aperture 116 and for preventing the actuator button 70B from accidentally moving from the unlocked rotational position to the locked rotational position. The first linear protrusion 231 engages the second friction area 222, while the second linear protrusion 232 is captured in the third gap 223 in the prior art base 60 for preventing the actuator button 70B from accidentally moving from the locked rotational position.

[0079] This continuous drag or frictional resistance enhances performance in e-commerce applications. The linear protrusions 231 and 232 in combination with the gaps 211-213 and the friction areas 221 and 222 increase the torque required to rotate the actuator button 70 during the opening and closing functions of the improved safety actuator 10B from 0.0-0.5 inch-pounds (in-lbs) to 1.5-5.0 inch-pounds (in-lbs). Typically, 2.0 to 2.5 (in-lbs) is the minimum required for e-commerce and consumer convenience.

[0080] Figure 42 to Figure 46 The second embodiment of the present invention shown in has solved the problem of misalignment of the actuator button aperture 78 with the terminal aperture 116 without changing the overall appearance of the prior art actuator 10. Figure 42 to Figure 46 The second embodiment of the invention shown in has solved this problem by simply modifying only the actuator button 70B of the aerosol safety actuator 10B. Third, the linear protrusions 231 and 232 provide drag or friction resistance between the unlocked rotational position and the locked rotational position. This continuous drag or friction resistance enhances the performance of e-commerce applications.

[0081] Figures 31 to 41 The first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 6 has solved the above-mentioned problem by simply modifying only the base 60A. Figure 42 to Figure 46 The second embodiment of the invention shown in has solved the above problems by simply modifying the actuator button 70B. In some extreme applications, it may be desirable to provide a third embodiment of the invention, which includes a combination of modifications to the base 60A and modifications to the actuator button 70B.

[0082] The present disclosure includes the contents contained in the appended claims and the contents of the foregoing description. Although the present invention has been described in some detail in its preferred form, it should be understood that the disclosure of the preferred form is made by way of example only, and many changes may be made to the details of the structure and the combination and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container, comprising: a base having an axis of symmetry of the base; a mounting member for fixing the base to the aerosol container; a nozzle defining a nozzle passage extending between the aerosol valve and a terminal orifice; the nozzle being flexibly mounted to the base for enabling the nozzle to be pivoted for actuating the aerosol valve; an integral actuator button including a rigid sidewall supporting a rigid top actuation surface having an actuator button aperture defined in the sidewall of the actuator button; The actuator button is rotatably mounted to the base to cover the nozzle; The actuator button is rotatable about the axis of symmetry of the base between a locked rotational position and an unlocked rotational position; the actuator button orifice of the actuator button being aligned with the terminal orifice of the nozzle when the actuator button is rotated to the unlocked rotational position; the integral actuator button being movable relative to the base for engaging and pivoting the nozzle button to actuate the aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from the terminal orifice and through the actuator button orifice defined in the side wall of the actuator button when the actuator button is in the unlocked rotational position; the integral actuator button being prevented from pivoting the nozzle button when the actuator button is rotated to the locked rotational position; as well as An arcuate protrusion having an unlocking cam-shaped edge and a locking cam-shaped edge cooperates between the base and the actuator button to prevent accidental movement of the actuator button between the unlocking rotational position and the locking rotational position.

2. An improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container according to claim 1, wherein: The arc-shaped protrusion is integral with the base.

3. The improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container according to claim 1, wherein: The arcuate protrusion extends radially outward relative to the axis of symmetry of the base.

4. The improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container according to claim 1, wherein: The unlocking cam-shaped edge and the locking cam-shaped edge engage a rib extending from an underside of the actuator button for preventing unintentional movement of the actuator button between the unlocking rotational position and the locking rotational position.

5. The improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container according to claim 1, wherein: The unlocking cam-shaped edge and the locking cam-shaped edge engage a rib extending from an underside of the actuator button for preventing unintentional movement of the actuator button between the unlocking rotational position and the locking rotational position; and The rib extending from an underside of the actuator button is integral with the actuator button.

6. The improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container according to claim 1, wherein: The arcuate protrusion extends radially outward relative to the axis of symmetry of the base; and The arcuate protrusion has an arc angle substantially similar to a rotational angle of the actuator button relative to the base.

7. An improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container according to claim 1, comprising an unlocking rotational position stop and a locking rotational position stop for limiting rotational movement of the actuator button relative to the base; and The unlocking cam-shaped edge and the locking cam-shaped edge engage a rib extending from an underside of the actuator button for preventing unintentional movement of the actuator button between the unlocking rotational position and the locking rotational position.

8. An improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container according to claim 1, comprising an unlocking rotational position stop and a locking rotational position stop for limiting rotational movement of the actuator button relative to the base; the unlocking cam shaped edge engages a rib extending from an underside of the actuator button and cooperating with the unlocked rotational position stop to secure the actuator button in the unlocked rotational position; and The locking cam shaped edge engages a rib extending from an underside of the actuator button and cooperating with the locked rotational position stop to secure the actuator button in the locked rotational position.

9. An improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container, comprising: a base having an axis of symmetry of the base; a mounting member for fixing the base to the aerosol container; a nozzle defining a nozzle passage extending between the aerosol valve and a terminal orifice; the nozzle being flexibly mounted to the base for enabling the nozzle to be pivoted for actuating the aerosol valve; an integral actuator button including a rigid sidewall supporting a rigid top actuation surface having an actuator button aperture defined in the sidewall of the actuator button; The actuator button is rotatably mounted to the base to cover the nozzle; The actuator button is rotatable about the axis of symmetry of the base between a locked rotational position and an unlocked rotational position; the actuator button orifice of the actuator button being aligned with the terminal orifice of the nozzle when the actuator button is rotated to the unlocked rotational position; the integral actuator button being movable relative to the base for engaging and pivoting the nozzle button to actuate an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from the terminal orifice and through the actuator button orifice defined in the side wall of the actuator button when the actuator button is in the unlocked rotational position; the integral actuator button being prevented from pivoting the nozzle button when the actuator button is rotated to the locked rotational position; as well as A linear projection cooperates between the base and the actuator button to prevent unintentional movement of the actuator button between the unlocked rotational position and the locked rotational position.

10. The improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container according to claim 10, wherein: The linear protrusion is integral with the actuator button.

11. An improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container according to claim 10, wherein: The linear protrusion is integral with the base.

12. The improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container according to claim 10, wherein: The linear protrusion is integral with the actuator button, the actuator button being substantially parallel to the axis of symmetry of the base; 13. The improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container according to claim 10, wherein: The linear protrusion extends radially inwardly relative to the axis of symmetry of the base.

14. The improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container according to claim 10, wherein: The linear protrusion extends radially inwardly from an inner side surface of the actuator button and is substantially parallel to the symmetry axis of the base for engaging with a portion of the base to prevent unintentional movement of the actuator button between the unlocked rotational position and the locked rotational position.

15. The improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container according to claim 10, wherein: The linear protrusions include a plurality of spaced-apart linear protrusions extending radially inward from an inner surface of the actuator button and substantially parallel to the axis of symmetry of the base, for engaging with a portion of the base to prevent accidental movement of the actuator button between the unlocked rotational position and the locked rotational position.

16. The improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container according to claim 10, wherein: The linear protrusion extends radially inwardly from an inner side surface of the actuator button and is substantially parallel to the symmetry axis of the base for cooperating with a gap in the base for preventing inadvertent movement of the actuator button between the unlocked rotational position and the locked rotational position.

17. An improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container according to claim 10, comprising an unlocking rotational position stop and a locking rotational position stop for limiting rotational movement of the actuator button relative to the base; The linear projection extends radially inwardly from an inside surface of the actuator button and is substantially parallel to the axis of symmetry of the base for cooperating with a gap in the base and with the unlocked rotational position stop to secure the actuator button in the unlocked rotational position; and The linear protrusion extends radially inward from the inner surface of the actuator button and is substantially parallel to the symmetry axis of the base for cooperating with a gap in the base and with the locked rotational position stop to secure the actuator button in the locked rotational position.

18. The improved safety actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container according to claim 10, wherein: The linear protrusions include a plurality of spaced-apart linear protrusions extending radially inwardly from an inside surface of the actuator button and substantially parallel to the axis of symmetry of the base; and The plurality of spaced apart linear projections have an arcuate spacing commensurate with the rotational angle between the unlocked rotational position and the locked rotational position.

Images