Nozzle assembly for limiting movement of a nozzle body relative to an aerosol can

Abstract

A nozzle assembly that may include a nozzle body configured to be coupled to an aerosol can and an alignment cap configured to be coupled to the aerosol can and disposed over the nozzle body. The nozzle body may include flanges that align with a pair of sheaths disposed on the alignment cap. The pair of sheaths may be configured to accommodate the pair of flanges and restrict lateral and rotational movement of the nozzle body relative to the aerosol can. The pair of flanges may extend from the nozzle body in a perpendicular direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle body, while the pair of sheaths may extend towards a central axis of the alignment cap. The nozzle body may include an orifice, a spray adjustment component adjustably inserted into the orifice, and a nozzle cap engaged with the threaded surface and the spray adjustment component.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 736,398, filed on Dec. 19, 2024, which is incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The current disclosure is related to aerosol nozzles, and more specifically to a winged nozzle for use with aerosol cans or sprays.BACKGROUND

[0003] Aerosol cans or sprays typically employ a nozzle which is coupled to a valve that is disposed in a top portion of the can. A tube is in turn coupled to an opposing end of the valve. When a push button head or other actuator disposed on the nozzle is depressed, pressurized propellent within the can ejects paint or other liquid or semi-liquid material upwards through the tube and out of the nozzle via an orifice or other opening. To cease spraying, the user removes any downward pressure on the push button head, closing the valve.

[0004] While nozzles are simple and easy to use, many nozzles are coupled to the valve through a narrow and therefore relatively weak valve stem. Users who press hard downwards on the nozzle may also inadvertently push the nozzle in a forward direction, thereby applying a shear force on the valve stem which can cause the valve stem to bend or ultimately break. Additionally, because the connection between the nozzle and the valve is relatively weak, individuals may quickly and easily remove the nozzle by pulling the nozzle upwards relative to the can, thereby either breaking the valve and / or stealing and removing the nozzle.

[0005] What is a needed a nozzle body which not only prevents unwanted removal of the nozzle body from the spray can, but which also ensures that the nozzle is only actuated in a downward direction, thereby preventing unintentional bending or possible breaking of the nozzle body.SUMMARY

[0006] A nozzle assembly is provided. The nozzle assembly may include a nozzle body configured to be coupled to an aerosol can. The nozzle body may include a pair of flanges. The nozzle assembly may also include an alignment cap configured to be coupled to the aerosol can and disposed over the nozzle body. The alignment cap may include a pair of sheaths. The pair of sheaths may be configured to accommodate the pair of flanges and restrict lateral and rotational movement of the nozzle body relative to the aerosol can.

[0007] According to certain embodiments, the nozzle assembly may further include an over cap removably coupled to the alignment cap.

[0008] According to certain embodiments, the pair of flanges may extend from the nozzle body in a perpendicular direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle body.

[0009] According to certain embodiments, the pair of sheaths may be disposed on an inner surface of the alignment cap and extend towards a central axis of the alignment cap.

[0010] According to certain embodiments, each of the pair of sheaths may include a slot defined across a bottom edge of the sheath and at least a portion of a lateral edge of the sheath, wherein the slot is configured to receive at least one of the pair of flanges therein.

[0011] According to certain embodiments, each slot may include a stop configured to limit a vertical movement of the nozzle body relative to the aerosol can.

[0012] According to certain embodiments, the alignment cap may include a plurality of feet configured to engage with the over cap.

[0013] According to certain embodiments, the alignment cap may include a front edge and a top edge configured to form an opening for an orifice of the nozzle and a trigger of the nozzle.

[0014] According to certain embodiments, the nozzle body may include a cone shaped orifice, a fan shaped orifice, or an elongated orifice.

[0015] According to certain embodiments, the nozzle body may also include an orifice extending perpendicularly relative to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle body, a threaded surface disposed circumferentially on an outer surface of the orifice, a spray adjustment component adjustably inserted into the orifice, and a nozzle cap engaged with the threaded surface and the spray adjustment component.

[0016] According to certain embodiments, actuation of the nozzle cap relative to the threaded surface may adjust a position of the spray adjustment component relative to the orifice.

[0017] According to certain embodiments, the position of the spray adjustment component relative to the orifice may determine a spray pattern emitted by the orifice.

[0018] According to certain embodiments, the nozzle body may include an orifice base extending perpendicularly relative to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle body and an orifice insert adjustably inserted into the orifice base.

[0019] According to certain embodiments, the position of the orifice insert relative to the orifice base may determine a spray pattern emitted by the orifice insert.

[0020] According to certain embodiments, the alignment cap may include a plurality of feet extending perpendicular relative to a vertical surface of the alignment cap, wherein the each of the plurality of feet are configured to engage the over cap.

[0021] An aerosol can may also be provided. The aerosol can may include a nozzle body coupled to a valve of the aerosol can. The nozzle body may include a pair of flanges. The aerosol can may also include an adjustable orifice coupled to the nozzle body, an alignment cap coupled to the aerosol can and accommodating the pair of flanges of the nozzle body, and an over cap removably coupled to the alignment cap. The alignment cap may restrict lateral and rotational movement of the nozzle body relative to the aerosol can.

[0022] According to certain embodiments, the alignment cap may include a pair of sheaths configured to accommodate the pair of flanges of the nozzle body.

[0023] According to certain embodiments, the adjustable orifice may include a threaded surface disposed circumferentially on an outer surface of the adjustable orifice, a spray adjustment component adjustably inserted into the adjustable orifice, and a nozzle cap engaged with the threaded surface and the spray adjustment component.

[0024] According to certain embodiments, the adjustable orifice may include an orifice insert adjustably inserted into an orifice base in fluid communication with the valve of the aerosol can.

[0025] According to certain embodiments, the orifice insert may be adjustably and threadedly coupled to the orifice base.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a nozzle assembly and an aerosol can, according to an embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly and aerosol can seen in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 2B is a magnified view of the cross-sectional view seen in FIG. 2A, according to an embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly having an adjustable orifice, according to an embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly having a cone orifice, according to an embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly having a fan orifice, according to an embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly having an elongated orifice, according to an embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 3E is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly having an orifice insert and an orifice base, according to an embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the alignment cap portion of the nozzle assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the nozzle assembly seen in FIG. 3A, according to an embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional frontal view of the nozzle assembly seen in FIG. 5, according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Greater understanding of the current disclosure may be had by turning to the figures where a nozzle assembly may be seen in FIGS. 1-2B and is denoted generally by reference numeral 10. The nozzle assembly 10 may be coupled to a spray can 1 or other pressurized container containing an aerosol or other propellent-fluid combination. According to certain embodiments, the nozzle assembly 10 comprises a nozzle 12 configured to be inserted into a valve 2 disposed in a top portion of the spray can 1, an alignment cap 14 configured to accommodate the nozzle 12, and an over cap 16 which in turn may accommodate both the nozzle 12 and the alignment cap 14 and which may further engage with the alignment cap 14.

[0038] According to certain embodiments as seen in the magnified cross sectional view of FIG. 2B, the nozzle 12 includes a valve stem 18 which may be inserted into the valve 2 of the spray can 1 via a friction or snap fit as is known in the art. The alignment cap 14 is disposed over and engaged with the nozzle 12 as is further detailed below. In certain embodiments, the alignment cap 14 may be coupled to a rim 3 of the spray can 1 via an appropriate friction or snap fit between the rim 3 and a lower inner surface 20 of the alignment cap 14. The over cap 16 is in turn removably coupled to the alignment cap 14. In certain embodiments, the over cap 16 is coupled to the alignment cap 14 through a plurality of feet 22 disposed on the alignment cap 14. Each of the plurality of feet 22 may extend perpendicular relative to a substantially vertical surface of the alignment cap 14. Additionally, each of the feet 22 may be further configured to engage with a feature or contour defined on the inside surface of the over cap 16 so that when the over cap 16 is pressed downward over the alignment cap 14, each of the feet 22 actively engage with the over cap 16 to hold it in place on top of the spray can 1.

[0039] Greater detail of the nozzle 12 may be had by turning to FIG. 3A. According to certain embodiments, the nozzle 12 comprises a nozzle body 24 which serves a platform for the valve stem 18 and an orifice 26. The valve stem 18 may be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle body 24 while the orifice 26 in turn may be disposed perpendicular relative to the valve stem 18. In certain embodiments, a threaded surface 28 may be disposed circumferentially around the orifice 26 which may be configured to interact with a nozzle cap 30 and a spray adjustment component 32 as seen in FIG. 2B. In certain embodiments, the spray adjustment component 32 may be seated on or within a surface of the orifice 26 and may be actuated via the rotation of the nozzle cap 30 relative to the threaded surface 28.

[0040] A top portion of the nozzle body 24 includes a trigger 34 which may serve as a surface for a user to interact with or actuate the nozzle body 24. According to certain embodiments, a plurality of flanges 36 may be disposed on opposing lateral sides of the nozzle body 24. Each flange 36 may be disposed on a lower portion of the nozzle body 24 and may extend outward in a perpendicular direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body 24. In certain embodiments, each flange 36 may be substantially rectangular in shape and have a relatively thin or narrow width or cross section relative to the nozzle body 24. As seen in FIG. 3A, the nozzle body 24 may include two flanges 36 that are disposed on opposing lateral sides of the nozzle body 24, however in alternative embodiments, the nozzle body 24 may include fewer or additional flanges 36 disposed at different positions around the nozzle body 24 other from what is explicitly seen.

[0041] According to certain embodiments, the nozzle body 24 may include a substantially cone shaped orifice 60 as seen in FIG. 3B. The cone orifice 60 in turn may be disposed perpendicular relative to the valve stem 18. The cone orifice 60 may include a substantially tapered shape, namely with an opening that is narrow next to the nozzle body 24 which gradually widens along its longitudinal length. The cone orifice 60 may be configured to allow the contents of the spray can 1 to be spread or dispersed over a wider area as compared to the orifice 26 of FIG. 3A when the nozzle body 24 is actuated via the trigger 34.

[0042] According to certain embodiments, the nozzle body 24 may include a substantially fan shaped orifice 62 as seen in FIG. 3C. The fan orifice 62 in turn may be disposed perpendicular relative to the valve stem 18. The fan orifice 62 includes a substantially vertical oval or oblong shape, namely with an opening that is narrow at the top and bottom of the fan orifice 62 which gradually widens along its lateral height. The fan orifice 62 may be configured to allow the contents of the spray can 1 to be flow or expand over a wider vertical area as compared to the orifice 26 of FIG. 3A when the nozzle body 24 is actuated via the trigger 34.

[0043] According to certain embodiments, the nozzle body 24 may include a substantially horizontally elongated orifice 64 as seen in FIG. 3D. The elongated orifice 64 in turn may be disposed perpendicular relative to the valve stem 18. The elongated orifice 64 includes a substantially horizontal oval or oblong shape, namely with an opening that is narrow at either lateral end of the elongated orifice 64 which gradually widens along its longitudinal length. The elongated orifice 64 may be configured to allow the contents of the spray can 1 to flow or expand over a wider horizontal area as compared to the orifice 26 of FIG. 3A when the nozzle body 24 is actuated via the trigger 34.

[0044] According to certain embodiments, the nozzle body 24 may include a universal orifice 66 having an orifice base 68 and an orifice insert 72 as seen in FIG. 3E. The universal orifice 66 in turn may be disposed perpendicular relative to the valve stem 18. The orifice base 68 may function as a substantially horizontal platform for accommodating or coupling to the orifice insert 72. In certain embodiments, the orifice base 68 includes a threaded internal surface 70 which may engage with a corresponding threaded external surface 74 disposed on the orifice insert 72. To couple the orifice insert 72 to the orifice base 68, the threaded external surface 74 of the orifice insert 72 is engaged with the threaded internal surface 70 of the orifice base 68. The orifice insert 72 may then be rotated so that the orifice insert 72 is drawn further into the orifice base 68. When the orifice insert 72 is disposed at the desired position within the orifice base 68, rotation of the orifice insert 72 may be stopped and the trigger 34 may be actuated so as to dispense the contents for the spray can 1 from an opening 76 defined in the orifice insert 72. To remove or replace the orifice insert 72, the orifice insert 72 may rotated in an opposing direction thereby disengaging the threaded external surface 74 from the threaded internal surface 70 of the orifice base 68. A new or different orifice insert 72 may then be coupled to the orifice base 68 as discussed above. As seen in FIG. 3E, the orifice insert 72 is substantially diamond shaped, however alternative or different shapes may be used other than what is explicitly shown. In certain embodiments, a first orifice insert 72 may be configured to allow the contents of the spray can 1 to be flow or expand in a first pattern or flow rate, while a second or alternative orifice insert 72 may be configured to provide a second pattern or flow rate, thereby allowing a user to selectively adjust the universal orifice 66 according to their needs when the nozzle body 24 is actuated via the trigger 34. In certain embodiments, the pattern or flow rate of the spray being emitted from the spray can 1 may vary or be dependent upon the relative horizontal displacement of the orifice insert 72 with respect to the orifice base 68.

[0045] Greater detail of the alignment cap 14 may be had by turning to FIG. 4. According to certain embodiments, the alignment cap 14 may include a substantially round or circular base 38, wherein the feet 22 are disposed on the base 38 and extend therefrom in a radial direction. The alignment cap 14 may also include a rounded or curved shell 40 extending upwards from the base 38. The shell 40 may be defined by a front edge 42 which in turn defines an opening sufficient for the nozzle 12 to be accommodated therein and emit a spray from the orifice 26. The shell 40 may also include a top edge 44 which defines an opening or aperture in a top portion of the shell 40 which permits a user to access the trigger 34 of the nozzle 12 when it is disposed therein.

[0046] According to certain embodiments, an inside surface 46 of the shell 40 may include a substantially identical pair of sheaths 48. Each sheath 48 may extend from the inside surface 46 disposed around an outer circumference of the shell 40 towards a center or central axis 52 defined through the shell 40. In certain embodiments, each sheath 48 has a shape which is substantially similar to the corresponding flanges 36 of the nozzle 12. For example, if the flanges 36 are substantially flat with a rectangular cross section, each sheath 48 will likewise include a generally flat shape with a rectangular cross section so as to closely match each flange 36. However, each sheath 48 will be slightly larger relative to the flanges 36 so as to include an internal volume that may accommodate a substantial portion of a flange 36 therein. In certain embodiments, each sheath 48 includes a slot 50 that may be defined across both a bottom edge 54 and a lateral edge 56 of the sheath 48. The slot 50 is wide or large enough to fit or accommodate a cross sectional area of the flange 36 as is further detailed below. In certain embodiments, the alignment cap 14 may be comprised a single molded piece of plastic or plastic composite.

[0047] During the manufacturing process of the nozzle assembly 10, the valve stem 18 extending downward from the nozzle body may be inserted into the valve 2 of the spray can. Next, according to certain embodiments, the alignment cap 14 may be brought down over the nozzle 12, specifically with the nozzle 12 being disposed through a center portion of the circular shaped base 38. As seen in the cross sectional views of FIGS. 5 and 6, the lower inner surface 20 of the alignment cap 14 frictionally engages or couples to the rim 3 of the spray can 1.

[0048] As the alignment cap 14 is being brought down over the nozzle 12 so that it may engage with the rim 3 of the spray can 1, the shell 40 may be orientated or aligned with the nozzle 12 so that the sheaths 48 extending from the inside surface 46 of the shell 40 are disposed directly over the corresponding flanges 36 extending from the nozzle body 24. Each of the flanges 36 may enter each respective sheath 48 through the corresponding slot 50 defined therein. Each sheath 48 may continue to move downward over each flange 36 until contact is made between a top portion of the flange 36 and a stop 58 which defines a top portion of each sheath 48. With the flange 36 firmly in place against the stop 58, each flange 36 may be substantially encased, enclosed, or otherwise accommodated within a respective sheath 48.

[0049] According to certain embodiments, when the nozzle 12 is in active use, namely when a user presses down on the trigger 34 portion of the nozzle body 24, the nozzle body 24 is pushed downward towards the valve 2 of the spray can 1. As the nozzle body 24 is pushed downward, the flanges 36 in turn move downward within the respective sheaths 48. If the user intentionally or unintentionally applies a forward directed force to the nozzle body 24, the sheathes 48 of the alignment cap 14 prevent relative forward movement of the nozzle body 24 by applying a corresponding reactive force to the flanges 36, according to an embodiment. In turn, this prevents the nozzle body 24 and valve stem 18 from bending or twisting relative to the valve 2 of the spray can 1 and possibly breaking or otherwise malfunctioning. Additionally, because the flanges 36 are disposed within each of the sheathes 48, should the nozzle body 24 be lifted in an upward vertical direction relative to the valve 2 of the spray can 1, the stop 58 disposed within each sheath 48 limits the amount of vertical displacement possible for each flange 36, according to an embodiment. In other words, if the user pulls upward on the nozzle body 24, the alignment cap 14 prevents removal of the nozzle 12 from the spray can 1 by stopping any vertical movement of the flanges 36 past the position of the stop 58 disposed in each sheath 48, thereby preventing possible theft of the nozzle 12. In certain embodiments, the alignment cap 14 therefore serves as a frame or scaffold which may lock, maintain, or otherwise hold the nozzle 12 in place and inserted into the valve 2 of the spray can 1.

[0050] As further seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the nozzle 12 is inserted into the valve 2, the alignment cap 14 may be coupled to the rim 3 of the spray can 1 with the feet 22 of the alignment cap 14 engaging with the over cap 16. In other words, the alignment cap 14 does not couple directly to the nozzle 12 but instead couples directly to the spray can 1, thereby holding the nozzle 12 in position within the sheaths 48 and substantially sandwiched in between the alignment cap 14 and the spray can 1 as discussed above.

[0051] Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following invention and its various embodiments.

[0052] The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its, various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use in must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word itself.

[0053] The definitions of the words or elements of the following invention and its various embodiments are, therefore, defined in this specification to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the invention and its various embodiments below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim.

[0054] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the invention and its various embodiments. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.

[0055] The invention and its various embodiments are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptionally equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the invention.

Claims

1. A nozzle assembly comprising:a nozzle body configured to be coupled to an aerosol can, wherein the nozzle body comprises a pair of flanges; andan alignment cap configured to be coupled to the aerosol can and disposed over the nozzle body, wherein the alignment cap comprises a pair of sheaths,wherein the pair of sheaths are configured to accommodate the pair of flanges and restrict lateral and rotational movement of the nozzle body relative to the aerosol can.

2. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, further comprising an over cap removably coupled to the alignment cap.

3. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of flanges extend from the nozzle body in a perpendicular direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle body.

4. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of sheaths are disposed on an inner surface of the alignment cap and extend towards a central axis of the alignment cap.

5. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of sheaths comprises a slot defined across a bottom edge of the sheath and at least a portion of a lateral edge of the sheath, wherein the slot is configured to receive at least one of the pair of flanges therein.

6. The nozzle assembly of claim 5, wherein each slot comprises a stop configured to limit a vertical movement of the nozzle body relative to the aerosol can.

7. The nozzle assembly of claim 2, wherein the alignment cap comprises a plurality of feet configured to engage with the over cap.

8. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the alignment cap comprises a front edge and a top edge configured to form an opening for an orifice of the nozzle and a trigger of the nozzle.

9. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the nozzle body comprises a cone shaped orifice, a fan shaped orifice, or an elongated orifice.

10. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the nozzle body comprises:an orifice extending perpendicularly relative to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle body;a threaded surface disposed circumferentially on an outer surface of the orifice;a spray adjustment component adjustably inserted into the orifice; anda nozzle cap engaged with the threaded surface and the spray adjustment component.

11. The nozzle assembly of claim 10, wherein actuation of the nozzle cap relative to the threaded surface adjusts a position of the spray adjustment component relative to the orifice.

12. The nozzle assembly of claim 11, wherein the position of the spray adjustment component relative to the orifice determines a spray pattern emitted by the orifice.

13. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the nozzle body comprises:an orifice base extending perpendicularly relative to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle body; andan orifice insert adjustably inserted into the orifice base.

14. The nozzle assembly of claim 13, wherein the position of the orifice insert relative to the orifice base determines a spray pattern emitted by the orifice insert.

15. The nozzle assembly of claim 2, wherein the alignment cap comprises a plurality of feet extending perpendicular relative to a vertical surface of the alignment cap, wherein the each of the plurality of feet are configured to engage the over cap.

16. An aerosol can comprising:a nozzle body coupled to a valve of the aerosol can, wherein the nozzle body comprises a pair of flanges;an adjustable orifice coupled to the nozzle body;an alignment cap coupled to the aerosol can and accommodating the pair of flanges of the nozzle body; andan over cap removably coupled to the alignment cap,wherein the alignment cap restricts lateral and rotational movement of the nozzle body relative to the aerosol can.

17. The aerosol can of claim 16, wherein the alignment cap comprises a pair of sheaths configured to accommodate the pair of flanges of the nozzle body.

18. The aerosol can of claim 16, wherein the adjustable orifice comprises:a threaded surface disposed circumferentially on an outer surface of the adjustable orifice;a spray adjustment component adjustably inserted into the adjustable orifice; anda nozzle cap engaged with the threaded surface and the spray adjustment component.

19. The aerosol can of claim 16, wherein the adjustable orifice comprises an orifice insert adjustably inserted into an orifice base in fluid communication with the valve of the aerosol can.

20. The aerosol can of claim 19, wherein the orifice insert is adjustably and threadedly coupled to the orifice base.

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