Aerosol actuator, cap and tamper-proof system

Abstract

An aerosol actuator includes: a button having a tamper-resistant tear strip that prevents actuation of the button until it is removed; a button, the button having a retaining seat, the retaining seat preventing actuation of the button until disengagement from the retaining seat; a cap and a button are combined, where the button is disengageable from the cap and engageable with a valve of an aerosol container automatically or by further assembly by a user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an aerosol spraying system and an aerosol cap, actuator, and a combination of cap and actuator, as well as a method of using the same, which can provide evidence of tampering or prevent unauthorized use of the aerosol system. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol dispensers are well-known and commonly used in a variety of applications. For example, aerosol dispensers are used in spray painting applications. A typical spray painting aerosol dispenser includes a can or container holding the paint product and propellant, an aerosol valve attached to the can or container, and an aerosol actuator, in the form of a push-button or other dispensing system, that can be actuated to dispense paint from the can or container. Many such aerosol spray painting systems also include a cap or cover positioned above the aerosol dispenser and attached to the can or container, part of the valve or valve cup, or the aerosol dispenser itself. Such caps or covers can help prevent accidental actuation of the aerosol dispenser, facilitate the transport of the aerosol product, help prevent child use of the product, or are included for aesthetic reasons.

[0003] Like paint spraying aerosol systems, many other aerosol dispensers or products employ or use caps or lids to prevent accidental actuation of the dispenser, provide support for the dispensing packaging, or prevent access by children. For example, aerosol dispensers used in the beauty or hair care market typically include caps or lids. Similarly, aerosol dispensers used in air care or other fields may also employ caps or lids.

[0004] Sometimes, it is advantageous for aerosol caps or lids to be difficult to remove or for them to indicate or reveal that an aerosol cap has been removed or that the aerosol product has been used. This is especially true in the realm of aerosol spray paint products. As many consumers know, aerosol spray paint products are typically placed on shelves and are within consumer reach. While caps or lids with child-proof features or opening requirements prevent some opening and use at the point of retail, many stores experience consumer “testing” or use at the point of retail. It is also disadvantageous that existing caps or lids can be removed and reattached to products without indicating that the product has been used. For example, in some stores, consumers will remove the cap, test the product on a piece of paper, the floor, or other surface near the product display, and then put it back on the shelf if the product does not meet their requirements or is not the color or gloss they expected. The fact that they can conduct such tests and replace products without anyone knowing that use has occurred does not prevent such behavior. This results in “used” products being put back on the shelves. Removing “test” products from store surfaces or putting new products back on the shelves can result in lost revenue for stores that sell such products.

[0005] Furthermore, testing and in-store use could potentially create fire hazards and other safety issues within the store. Because many products dispersed by aerosol paint systems are flammable, spraying or testing aerosol paint products in a store poses a fire hazard or exposure risk, which may violate local laws. To avoid such violations and potential fines, stores are beginning to limit access to spray-painted products by locking them up and requiring store staff to assist with handling them. This results in increased costs, as stores must incur additional expenses for labor, storage, and display.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved aerosol cap, actuator, or combination of cap and actuator system that can prevent use in stores, prove product tampering, or both. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, an aerosol dispensing system includes an aerosol container having a valve and a product stored in the aerosol container. An actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention is attached to the aerosol container and can be manipulated to allow a push-button associated with the actuator to engage the valve and dispense product from the aerosol container.

[0008] According to certain embodiments of the invention, an actuator for an aerosol dispensing system includes an actuation button that can be assembled to an aerosol container having a valve cup and a valve. The actuator may include one or more connecting flanges configured to interact with and engage portions of the valve cup to hold the actuator to the aerosol container. The button associated with the actuator may include a valve connection and an orifice in fluid communication with the valve connection. An orifice cup may be inserted into the orifice to provide a desired spray pattern for any product dispensed by the actuator. A tab and tab connection may be attached to the button or connecting flange. The tab may include surfaces, such as a tab stop surface, configured to rest on a portion of the valve cup when the actuator is assembled to the aerosol container. The interaction between the tab stop surface and the valve cup prevents the button of the actuator from moving in a direction that allows actuation of the aerosol dispensing device. The tab must first be removed by the user to actuate the actuator. To remove the tab, the user can pull or twist it off the button or connecting flange, thus disconnecting the tab from the rest of the actuator. Once the tab is removed, the button can move freely in the direction that allows the actuator to be actuated.

[0009] According to other embodiments of the invention, an actuator for an aerosol dispensing system includes an actuation button connected to a button holder. The button holder may be attached to an aerosol container such that it is secured to the aerosol container. The button may be attached to the button holder via one or more button connections. The button holder may be configured such that once attached to the aerosol container, the button cannot be pressed, thereby preventing button actuation until the button is separated from the button holder. To separate the button from the button holder, a user may twist the button or the button holder, causing the button connection to disengage. In some embodiments of the invention, the button holder may include one or more torsion protrusions that a user may grasp or apply leverage to move the button holder clockwise or counterclockwise to disengage the button connection. Once the button connection is disengaged, the user may press the button to dispense product from the aerosol container.

[0010] Actuators according to other embodiments of the invention include a cap and button assembly. The cap and button may be molded and assembled together to be included on an aerosol container. According to embodiments of the invention, the button may be inserted into a button opening in the cap and secured to the cap, or held by the cap until manually removed from the cap by a user. In some embodiments, the button includes one or more button latches that may engage with one or more guide rails or cap latches to hold the button within the button opening in the cap. The cap and button assembly may be attached to and dispensed from the aerosol container. To use an aerosol dispensing system including such a cap and button assembly, the user removes the cap and button assembly from the aerosol container and then removes the button from the cap. For example, the user may push the underside of the button to disengage the button latches and cap latches to release the button. In other embodiments, the button may be rotated out from a guide rail and detached from the cap. Once detached, the user applies the button to a valve and actuates the aerosol dispensing system using the button. The cap may then be used to cover the button for storage or to prevent accidental actuation when not needed.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the invention, the actuator includes a button and a cap assembly, wherein the button can be engaged by the cap to assemble an aerosol dispensing system. In this embodiment, the cap may be molded and the button may be molded. The cap may include a button opening into which the button can be inserted. The cap may include an edge of the button opening that prevents the button from being pushed past the cap during assembly and ensures that the button is in the correct position after assembly. The button is inserted into the button opening until the button latch engages the cap latch, thereby securing the button in the cap. The cap and button actuator are assembled with an aerosol container filled with product and having a valve. A user can engage the button with the valve of the aerosol container by pushing the upper surface of the button through the button opening in the cap. Sufficient force is applied to disengage the button from the cap and position the button on the valve. The user can then remove the cap and use the button to dispense product as needed. The cap can be reattached for storage or to prevent accidental actuation of the button when not in use. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Although the specification concludes with claims that specifically point out and clearly claim protection for particular embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will more readily understand and appreciate the various embodiments of the invention from the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 The illustration shows perspective views of aerosol actuators according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 The diagram shows... Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of an aerosol actuator; Figure 3 The illustration shows perspective views of aerosol actuators according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 4 The illustration shows a front view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 5 The illustration shows a side view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 6 The illustration shows a side view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 7 The illustration shows a top view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 8 The illustration shows a bottom view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 9 The illustration shows a rear view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 10 The illustration shows perspective views of aerosol actuators according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 11 The diagram shows... Figure 10 A bottom perspective view of an aerosol actuator; Figure 12 The illustration shows perspective views of aerosol actuators according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 13 The illustration shows a front view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 14 The illustration shows a side view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 15 The illustration shows a side view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 16 The illustration shows a top view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 17 The illustration shows a rear view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 18 The illustration shows a bottom view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 19 The illustrations depict aerosol caps and actuators according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 20 The illustrations depict aerosol caps and actuators according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 21 The illustration shows a top view of an aerosol cap and actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 22 The illustration shows a bottom view of an aerosol cap and actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 23 The illustration shows a side view of an aerosol cap and actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 24 The illustration shows perspective views of aerosol caps and actuators according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 25 The illustration shows perspective views of aerosol caps and actuators according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 26 The illustration shows a bottom perspective view of an aerosol cap and actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 27 The illustration shows a top view of an aerosol cap and actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 28 The illustration shows a bottom view of an aerosol cap and actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 29 The illustration shows a side view of an aerosol cap and actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 30 The illustration shows a rear view of an aerosol cap and actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 31 The diagram shows... Figure 19 The cross-sectional view of the aerosol cap and actuator shown; and Figure 32 The diagram shows... Figure 25 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol cap and actuator. Detailed Implementation

[0013] According to embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol distribution system may include, for example: Figures 1 to 9 The actuator 100 is illustrated in the figure. An actuator 100 according to an embodiment of the invention may include a button 102 having an orifice 104 opening therein. An orifice cup 105 may be fitted into the orifice 104, and the orifice 104 (and, if used, includes the orifice cup 105) may be in fluid communication with a valve connection 140. One or more connecting flanges 120 may extend from the button 102. Each of the one or more connecting flanges 120 may include an edge 122 extending or protruding outwardly from the connecting flange 120. One or more flange openings 128 may be included between or spaced apart from the one or more connecting flanges 120. The top surface of the button 102 may include markings 130 indicating to a user where and how to actuate the actuator 100 or how to press the button 102. One or more tabs 110 may be attached to the button 102 or one or more connecting flanges 120 via one or more tab connections 112. The tab 110 may include a tab stop surface 114 on its bottom portion.

[0014] According to various embodiments of the invention, actuator 100 may be mounted on or connected to an aerosol container having a valve assembled thereto. Actuator 100 may be pushed onto the top of the aerosol container and the valve, such that the valve mates with or is located in a valve connection portion 140 of actuator 100. Furthermore, when actuator 100 is pushed onto or assembled to the aerosol container, one or more connecting flanges 120 deflect inward as they engage portions of valve cups or aerosol containers. A plurality of valve cups include a valve cup rim having an inner diameter smaller than the portion of the aerosol container or the valve cup directly below the valve cup rim. During the assembly of the actuator 100 to the aerosol container, one or more flanges 120 flex inward as they pass the edge of the valve cup and then spring back outward, such that the edges 122 of one or more connecting flanges 120 are positioned below the edge of the valve cup, thereby locking or securing the actuator 100 to the aerosol container. Simultaneously, a tab stop surface 114 on the lower portion of the tab 110 engages the upper surface of the valve cup or the edge of the valve cup. This engagement prevents further movement of the actuator 100 toward the aerosol container. This prevention of further movement toward the aerosol container prevents actuation of the actuator 100 and operation of the aerosol dispenser.

[0015] According to various embodiments of the invention, the operation of the aerosol dispenser, including the aerosol container and actuator 100, is not completed until the user removes the tab 110. Once the tab 110 is removed, the actuator 100 is able to move freely downwards, further engaging the valve of the aerosol container to allow product to flow through the valve and out of orifice 104 or a combination of orifice 104 and orifice cup 105.

[0016] To remove the tab 110 from the actuator 100, the user can grasp the tab 110 and pull or tear it off the actuator 100. When the user applies a pulling or tearing force to the tab 110, one or more tab connections 112 disengage between the tab 110 and the button 102, between the tab 110 and one or more of the connecting flanges 120, or between the tab 110 and another part of the actuator 100, thereby allowing the tab 110 to be released or removed from the actuator 100. Once the tab 110 has been removed and the tab stop surface 114 no longer engages with the valve cup, valve cup rim, or other part of the aerosol container, the button 102 can be pressed in such a way that it opens the valve, thereby allowing the actuator 100 to be used to dispense product from an aerosol dispensing device using the actuator 100.

[0017] The use of the actuator 100 according to an embodiment of the invention may be advantageous because the aerosol dispensing device cannot be used or actuated until the tab 110 is removed. Since the tab 110 is visible to the user, the user can inspect the dispensing device and the actuator 100 to visually see if the actuator 100 has been tampered with or used, as a missing or partially removed tab 110 will visually indicate such use. Furthermore, the tab 110 helps prevent people who have not purchased the product from testing or using it. While testing a pressable button in a store is one thing, requiring the tab 110 to be removed and then operating the aerosol dispensing system is quite another, and many users are unlikely to remove the tab 110 or tamper with an aerosol dispensing device having such a tab 110.

[0018] When removing the tab 110, the user can operate the aerosol dispensing device and actuator 100 in the same manner as with many aerosol actuators and dispensing systems. The presence of one or more connecting flanges 120 does not impede the operation of actuator 100; however, it helps to hold actuator 100 to the aerosol container so that button 102 and actuator 100 will not be accidentally detached from the aerosol container.

[0019] According to various embodiments of the invention, actuator 100 may include three connecting flanges 120. In other embodiments, any number of connecting flanges 120 may be used. In some embodiments, one or more connecting flanges 120 may include a large connecting flange 120 and two smaller connecting flanges 120. The two smaller connecting flanges 120 may be adjacent to either side of tab 110. In some embodiments, the size of one or more connecting flanges 120 may be selected to limit the travel of button 102 during operation. For example, connecting flanges 120 may have a fixed length or depth from the bottom of button 102 and be selected based on the aerosol container being used, such that when the desired travel length of button 102 has been reached, the bottom of connecting flange 120 engages a portion of the aerosol container. This can serve to prevent damage to the valves of the aerosol dispensing system. Furthermore, an edge 122 extending from one or more container flanges 120 may extend outward from the bottom of container flange 120, or it may extend outward from the sidewall of container flange 120.

[0020] Various views of the actuator 100 for the aerosol distribution system Figures 3 to 9 The diagram shows various views of the actuator 100. It should be understood that parts of the actuator 100 may vary, and different shapes, configurations, and designs of the actuator 100 may be incorporated into various embodiments of the invention.

[0021] According to other embodiments of the invention, actuator 300 may include button 302 connected to button holder 307. Actuator 300 may be connected to an aerosol dispensing device or aerosol container to facilitate dispensing of product from it.

[0022] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As illustrated, actuator 300 may include a button 302 connected to button holder 307 via one or more button connections 312. Button holder 307 may include a holding platform 325 having one or more connecting flanges 320 extending from the holding platform 325 in a direction opposite to that of button 302. One or more torsion protrusions 335 may extend from the holding platform 325 in a direction opposite to that of the one or more connecting flanges 320. The one or more torsion protrusions 335 may surround at least a portion of button 302. One or more button connections 312 may extend inwardly from the inner surface of button holder 307 to connect to button 302. For example, as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As illustrated, one or more button connectors 312 may extend from the inner surface of the holding platform 325 to connect to the outer surface of the button 302. The connection between the button 302 and the button holder 307 prevents the button 302 from moving relative to the button holder 307.

[0023] An actuator 300 according to various embodiments of the invention is attached to an aerosol container with a valve cup having a supporting valve. When attached or assembled to the aerosol container, one or more connecting flanges 320 flex inward to allow the actuator 300 to snap onto the valve cup, such that the edges 322 of the one or more connecting flanges 320 help to hold the actuator 300 to the aerosol container. When attached, a valve connection 340 associated with a button 302 mates with a valve associated with the valve cup. Once attached to the aerosol container, the button 302 is inoperable because a button retainer 307 prevents movement of the button 302. If force is applied to the button 302, the bottom surfaces of the one or more connecting flanges 320 interact with the aerosol container, thereby preventing movement of the button 302 or actuation of the actuator 300.

[0024] In order to allow button 302 to move freely, button 302 must first disengage from button holder 307. To do this, the user must twist button 302 or button holder 307 with sufficient force to disconnect one or more button connections 312. According to some embodiments of the invention, when actuator 300 is assembled or connected to the aerosol container and valve, button 302 engages the valve, making button 302 difficult to twist, or holding button 302 in a substantially fixed position when button holder 307 is twisted. In such embodiments, the user may grasp or engage one or more twisting protrusions 335 to twist button holder 307 with sufficient force in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to disconnect button connections 312. Once one or more button connections 312 are disconnected, button 302 can be actuated to dispense product from the aerosol container.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the upper surface of the holding platform 335 may include one or more markings 330 informing the user how to use or engage the actuator 300. For example... Figure 10 As illustrated, the phrase "TWIST TO BREAK" is included as a label 330 to inform the user how to use the actuator 300.

[0026] According to various embodiments of the invention, button 302 may include valve connection 340 in fluid communication with orifice 304. Orifice cup 305 may be disposed in orifice 304 and in fluid communication with valve connection 340, such that product flowing through actuator 300 is dispersed in a pattern produced by orifice cup 305.

[0027] Various views of the actuator 300 for the aerosol distribution system Figures 12 to 18 The diagram shows various views of the actuator 300. It should be understood that portions of the actuator 300 are variable, and different shapes, configurations, and designs of the actuator 300 can be incorporated into various embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the designation 330 is not required, or any other designation 330 may be used with respect to various embodiments of the invention.

[0028] According to other embodiments of the invention, actuator 500 may include cap 550 and button 502. Figures 19 to 24 and Figure 31 The illustration shows the actuator 500 and cap 550 assembly, which will be used with aerosol containers and valves or as part of an aerosol dispensing system.

[0029] like Figure 19As illustrated, the button 502 and cap 550 assembly appear to be a single piece. However, in some embodiments, button 502 and cap 550 are separate pieces molded and assembled to attach to an aerosol container with a valve. Once assembled with cap 550, button 502 remains attached to cap 550 until released by the user, at which point button 502 can be attached to the valve of the aerosol container. Cap 550 can then be used as a conventional cap 550 for aerosol dispensing systems.

[0030] Figure 31 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of actuator 500. (See diagram below.) Figure 31 As illustrated, button 502 is a separate component from cap 550, but is attached to cap 550. Similar to other embodiments of the invention, button 502 may include a valve connection 540 in fluid communication with orifice 504. Orifice cup 505 may be inserted into orifice 504 as needed, depending on the desired spray pattern of the dispensing system utilizing button 502 and actuator 500. Button 502 may also include a button latch 517 defining a latch opening 519. Button latch 517 and latch opening 519 may engage with cap 550 to hold button 502 on or attached to cap 550 until the user applies force to disengage button 502 from cap 550. For example, as... Figure 31 As illustrated, the button latch 517 may include a protrusion extending outward and then downward away from the button 502, having an edge or lip surrounding the outer surface of the protrusion. The protrusion, together with the outer wall of the button 502, defines a latch opening 519.

[0031] In some embodiments of the invention, the end of the button latch 517 may be open, allowing the button 502 to be positioned next to a guide rail and rotated such that the guide rail engages with the latch opening 519 and holds the button 502 until the guide rail is no longer in the latch opening 519. In this way, the cap 550 may include one or more guide rails configured to mate with the latch opening 519 to hold the button 502 to the cap 550. In other embodiments of the invention, the cap 550 may include a cap latch 577 to which the button latch 517 may mate to form a connection between the cap 550 and the button 502.

[0032] For example, such as Figure 20 and Figure 31As illustrated, cap 550 may include a button opening 554 defined by a button opening wall 556 extending from the upper platform of cap 550 into the interior of cap 550. Button opening wall 556 may include a cap latch 577 extending from a bottom portion of button opening wall 556 toward the central axis of cap 550. Cap latch 577 may include a vertical portion extending back toward the opening of button opening 554, and it may include a lip or edge. As illustrated, button 502 may snap onto cap 550 by pushing button 502 downward through button opening 554 of cap 550, causing button latch 517 to engage cap latch 577, and the two interlock, wherein cap latch 577 is disposed in latch opening 519 of button 502.

[0033] To disengage button 502 from cap 550, button 502 can be pushed from inside cap 550 to force button latch 517 and cap latch 577 to disengage, thereby releasing button 502 from cap 550. For example, as Figure 20 As shown in the diagram, the user can push the bottom surface of the button 502 from inside the cap 550 to detach the button 502 from the cap 550.

[0034] The cap 550 may also include a cap flange wall 558 extending from the bottom surface of the top platform of the cap 550. The cap flange wall 558 may be located outside the button opening wall 556 or may surround the button opening wall 556. The cap flange wall 558 may be configured with a cap flange lip 527 that engages with a flange of the aerosol container to hold the cap 550 on the aerosol container until the cap 550 is squeezed and removed from the aerosol container. In some embodiments, the cap 550 may include one or more squeeze pads 552 configured to assist a user in selecting the position to squeeze the cap 550 to release the cap 550 from the aerosol container. In operation, the cap 550 snaps onto the aerosol container such that the cap flange lip 527 engages with a portion of the flange of the aerosol container, thereby holding the cap 550 thereon. When a compressive force is applied to the cap 550 at one or more compression pads 552, the cap 550 partially deforms, thereby causing the cap flange lip 527 to detach from the flange of the aerosol container and allowing the cap 550 to be released therefrom.

[0035] The actuator 500 according to an embodiment of the invention can be manufactured and used in the following manner. A cap 550 can be molded, and a button 502 can be molded having the various features described. The button 502 can be inserted into the button opening 554 of the cap 550 and actuated such that a button latch 517 engages a cap latch 577 to secure or attach the button 502 to the cap 550, thereby forming the actuator 500. The actuator 500 can be secured to the aerosol container by snapping the cap 550 onto the aerosol container such that a cap flange lip 527 engages a flange of the aerosol container, or a cap lip 507 engages the aerosol container, or both. The cap 550 is deformed by pressing it against one or more pressure pads 552, thereby allowing its removal. The button 502 can then be detached from the cap 550 by applying force to the bottom of the button 502. The button 502 can then be attached to a valve of the aerosol container. After button 502 is engaged with valve, cap 550 can continue to be used as cap 550 of aerosol dispensing device.

[0036] In some embodiments of the invention, the cap 550 may also include features that support or stop the movement of the button 502 after it has been removed and engaged with the valve. In such embodiments, when the cap 550 is reapplied to and secured to the aerosol container, a stop or protrusion may engage the button 502 to prevent the button 502 from being pressed or actuated through the cap 550 while it is on the aerosol container.

[0037] While the actuator 500 has been described in various ways of engaging or attaching the button 502 to the cap 550 before using the button 502 with the aerosol dispensing system, it should be understood that embodiments of the invention also contemplate other ways of attaching the button 502 to the cap 550, such that a combination of the cap 550 and the button 502 can be assembled and dispensed with an aerosol container and a valve, allowing a user to detach the cap 550 from the aerosol container, detach the button 502 from the cap 550, assemble the button onto the valve, and use the aerosol dispensing system.

[0038] Figures 21 to 24 Various views of an actuator 500 having a cap 550 and a button 502 according to various embodiments of the present invention are illustrated.

[0039] Figures 25 to 30 and Figure 32 The figure illustrates an actuator 700 according to another embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the actuator 700 includes a cap 750 and a button 702. The button 702 is attached to the cap 750 in an initial state or in a configuration prior to use with an aerosol container.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the invention, the actuator 700 includes a cap 750 having an upper platform and an outer cap wall. A button opening 754 extends downward from the top platform of the cap 750 into the interior portion of the cap 750. The button opening 754 is defined by a button opening wall 756. Figure 32 As illustrated, the button opening edge 759 may also surround or extend partially inward from a portion of the button opening wall 756 near the top platform of the cap 750. The button opening wall 756 may terminate at the cap latch 777. In some embodiments, the cap latch 777 may include one or more protrusions or latches extending from the button opening wall 756. For example, as shown... Figure 26 As illustrated in the figure, some embodiments of the present invention may include two cap latches 777.

[0041] The cap 750 may also include a cap side wall 758 extending from the top platform of the cap 750 into the interior of the cap 750. The cap side wall 758 may include one or more cap side lips 727 configured to mate with the aerosol container or secure the cap 750 to the aerosol container when engaged or snapped onto the rim of the aerosol container.

[0042] One or more squeeze pads 752 may be formed in the outer wall of the cap 750. The one or more squeeze pads 752 may include markings informing the user how to remove the cap 750 from the aerosol container, such as by squeezing the squeeze pads 752. Applying force to the squeeze pads 752 attached to the cap 750 of the aerosol container releases one or more cap flange lips 727 from the flange of the aerosol container, thereby allowing the cap 750 to be removed therefrom.

[0043] As illustrated, the button 702 of the actuator 700 is housed in the cap 750. According to an embodiment of the invention, the button 702 is molded, the cap 750 is molded, and the button 702 is then assembled to the cap 750 by snapping the button from inside the cap 750 into the cap 750. Figure 32 As illustrated, button 702 is pushed into button opening 754 until the lower portion of button 702 or one or more button latches 717 engage with one or more cap latches 777. The upper surface of button 702 is prevented from traveling too far into button opening 754 by the edge 759 of the button opening. Once assembled, actuator 700 with button 702 and cap 750 can be assembled into an aerosol container.

[0044] Similar to other embodiments of the invention, the button 702 may include a valve connection portion 740 and an orifice 704 in fluid communication with the valve connection portion 740. An orifice cup 705 may be disposed in the orifice 704 as needed.

[0045] In operation, actuator 700 is applied to an aerosol container containing a valve and the product therein. To actuate the valve with button 702, the user must engage button 702 through cap 750 to position button 702 onto the valve. For example, when actuator 700 is attached to the aerosol container, button 702 is visually visible to the user through the top of cap 750, as... Figure 25 As illustrated in the diagram. The user can use their finger or other tool to push button 702 downwards, causing button 702 to disengage from cap 750 and engage with the valve. In practice, sufficient force needs to be applied to overcome cap latch 77 to allow button latch 717 to disengage from cap latch 77 and move downwards to engage the valve. Once engaged, button 702 is ready for dispensing product from the aerosol container. In practice, the user pushes button 702 downwards, engages the valve, removes cap 750, and then engages button 702 to dispense product from button 702.

[0046] Figures 27 to 30 Various views of an actuator 700 having a cap 750 and a button 702 according to various embodiments of the present invention are illustrated.

[0047] A dispensing system according to various embodiments of the present invention includes an aerosol container having a product therein, a valve, and an actuator according to embodiments of the present invention. The actuator may be attached to the aerosol container such that a button is positioned in communication with the valve, or such that it may engage with the valve prior to the first use of the dispensing system. A user may engage the actuator to engage the button with the valve to allow product to be dispensed from the dispensing system.

[0048] In the context of the description of certain specific embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that the invention as defined by the appended claims should not be limited to the specific details set forth in the foregoing description, as many obvious variations are conceivable. Rather, the invention is limited only by the appended claims, which, within their scope, include all equivalent means or methods operating in accordance with the principles of the invention as described.

Claims

1. An aerosol actuator, comprising: The button includes a valve connection. The orifice is in fluid communication with the valve connection portion; At least one connecting flange extends from the button; Edges that extend outward from each of the at least one connecting flange; A tab, including a tab stop surface; as well as At least one tabular connection portion.

2. The aerosol actuator according to claim 1 further includes an orifice cup disposed in the orifice.

3. The aerosol actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one tab connector connects the tab to the button.

4. The aerosol actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one tab connection portion connects the tab to the at least one connection flange.

5. The aerosol actuator according to claim 1, further comprising: Aerosol containers; An aerosol valve, which is connected to the valve connection and the interior of the aerosol container; An aerosol valve cup includes a valve cup edge, wherein the edge of each of the at least one connecting flange is disposed below the valve cup edge; and The tab stop surface is positioned on the edge of the valve cup to prevent the button from being actuated.

6. An aerosol actuator, comprising: The button includes a valve connection. The orifice is in fluid communication with the valve connection portion; Hold the seat; as well as At least one button connector secures the button to the holder.

7. The aerosol actuator of claim 6 further includes at least one torsion protrusion extending from the retainer.

8. The aerosol actuator according to claim 6, further comprising: Aerosol containers; An aerosol valve, which is connected to the valve connection and the interior of the aerosol container; An aerosol valve cup, including a valve cup edge, wherein the retainer is attached to the aerosol valve cup; and At least one button connection portion prevents the button from moving relative to the retaining base.

9. The aerosol actuator according to claim 6, wherein, The holder is rotatably movable relative to the button.

10. An aerosol actuator, comprising: Hats, including: Top platform; A button opening is located within the top platform; Button opening wall; and A cap latch extends on the wall of the button opening; A button, disposed in the button opening, includes: Valve connection part; An orifice, which is in fluid communication with the valve connection; and Button lock; The button latch engages with the cap latch to hold the button in the cap.

11. The aerosol actuator according to claim 10, wherein, The button can be detached from the cap by pressing the bottom surface of the button located inside the cap.

12. The aerosol actuator according to claim 10, wherein, The button can be detached from the cap by pressing the top surface of the button located on the outside of the cap.

13. The aerosol actuator according to claim 10, further comprising: Aerosol containers; An aerosol valve, which is connected to the aerosol container; and The button can be detached from the cap and engaged with the aerosol valve by pressing the top surface of the button located on the outside of the cap.

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