Multi-port aerosol spray actuator

Abstract

A multi-port aerosol spray actuator enables convenient change of an aerosol spray direction. An actuator body comprises: a first portion that is connectable to an aerosol container, wherein the aerosol container includes an aerosol stem; and a second portion that defines a primary aperture. A selector switch is connected to the second portion of the actuator body, and comprises: a first port having an inlet and an outlet; and a second port having an inlet and an outlet. The selector switch is movable across the primary aperture and relative to the actuator body between a first position and a second position. In use when the selector switch is in the first position the inlet of the first port is adjacent the aerosol stem, and depression of the selector switch presses the inlet of the first port against the aerosol stem, causing aerosol to flow through the first port and out of the outlet of the first port. In use when the selector switch is in the second position the inlet of the second port is adjacent the aerosol stem, and depression of the selector switch presses the inlet of the second port against the aerosol stem, causing aerosol to flow through the second port and out of the outlet of the second port.

Description

TITLEMulti-port Aerosol Spray ActuatorFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to aerosol spray systems. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a multi-port aerosol spray actuator that is connected to an an aerosol container.BACKGROUND

[0002] The aerosol industry typically utilises two types of spray actuators: horizontal spray button actuators and vertical spray-through actuators. During use the actuators are generally attached to an aerosol container, such as a spray paint can, in the form of a plastic cap.

[0003] Horizontal spray button actuators are commonly sold with spray paint cans in commercial paint stores, and have a wide range of well-known applications in various industries, including use in decorating, construction, maintenance and art.

[0004] Vertical spray-through actuators generally are used in niche applications, such as in the mining industry, where they are often used to mark ceilings and floors. However, opportunities exist for wider use of vertical spray- through actuators, including use in many applications where horizontal spray button actuators are used.

[0005] Generally, if a user wants to change from one type of actuator to the other, a first actuator needs to be removed and a second one installed on the container. Enabling such a change can be inconvenient, as a second actuator needs to be stored and readily available, which also adds cost and decreases efficiency. Furthermore, using two separate actuators is generally less environmentally sustainable due to the increased use of plastic materials and greater energy consumption required during manufacturing.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved multi-port aerosol spray actuator.OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to overcome and / or alleviate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In one aspect, although it need not be the only or the broadest aspect, the invention resides in a multi-port aerosol spray actuator, comprising: an actuator body, comprising: a first portion that is connectable to an aerosol container, wherein the aerosol container includes an aerosol stem; and a second portion that defines a primary aperture; and a selector switch connected to the second portion of the actuator body, the selector switch comprising: a first port having an inlet and an outlet; and a second port having an inlet and an outlet; wherein the selector switch is movable across the primary aperture and relative to the actuator body between a first position and a second position; and wherein in use when the selector switch is in the first position the inlet of the first port is adjacent the aerosol stem, and depression of the selector switch presses the inlet of the first port against the aerosol stem, causing aerosol to flow through the first port and out of the outlet of the first port; and wherein in use when the selector switch is in the second position the inlet of the second port is adjacent the aerosol stem, and depression of the selector switch presses the inlet of the second port against the aerosol stem, causing aerosol to flow through the second port and out of the outlet of the second port.

[0009] Optionally, the outlet of the first port is positioned on a top of the selector switch.

[0010] Optionally, the outlet of the second port is positioned on a side of the selector switch.

[0011] Optionally, the selector switch is slidable transversely to an axis of the aerosol stem.

[0012] Optionally, the actuator body defines a linear track on each side of the primary aperture, and the selector switch engages each linear track and is slidable along each linear track.

[0013] Optionally, the selector switch is rotatable about an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol container.

[0014] Optionally, the selector switch is further moveable to a locked position that prevents depression of the selector switch against the aerosol stem.

[0015] Optionally, the spray actuator further comprises a third port having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the selector switch is movable relative to the actuator body between the first position, the second position, and a third position to enable dispensing aerosol from the third port.

[0016] Optionally, the aerosol container is a spray paint can.

[0017] Optionally, the actuator body and selector switch are manufactured from plastic or metal.

[0018] Optionally, the selector switch comprises a finger pad.

[0019] Optionally, the actuator body and the selector switch each comprise position indicators, for indicating whether the selector switch is in the first position or the second position.

[0020] Optionally, inter-engaging detent elements are provided on the actuator body and the selector switch, the detent elements providing audible or haptic feedback to a user when the selector switch is moved from the first position to the second position, or from the second position to the first position.

[0021] Optionally, the outlet of the first port defines a first aerosol spray pattern, and the outlet of the second port defines a second aerosol spray pattern that is different from the first aerosol spray pattern.

[0022] Optionally, the first spray pattern is wider than the second spray pattern.

[0023] Optionally, the selector switch is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the aerosol stem.

[0024] Optionally, the spray actuator further comprises a sealing gasket positioned between the actuator body and the selector switch.

[0025] Optionally, the spray actuator further comprises an insert connected to the outlet of the first port or the second port for modifying an aerosol spray pattern.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 is an exploded, top perspective view of a multi-port aerosol spray actuator and an aerosol container, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a front view of the multi-port aerosol spray actuator of FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a top view of the multi-port aerosol spray actuator of FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 4 is an underside view of the multi-port aerosol spray actuator of FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the multi-port aerosol spray actuator of FIG. 1 .

[0032] FIG. 6 is a further top view of the multi-port aerosol spray actuator of FIG. 1 , showing the spray actuator 100 located in a front spray position.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a further top view of the multi-port aerosol spray actuator of FIG. 1 , showing the spray actuator located in a top spray position.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a top view of a multi-port aerosol spray actuator, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a multi-port aerosol spray actuator, according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0036] The present invention relates to a multi-port aerosol spray actuator. Elements of the invention are illustrated in concise outline form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary to understanding the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to clutter the disclosure with excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present description.

[0037] In this patent specification, adjectives such as first and second, horizontal and vertical, above and below, top and bottom, front and back, etc., are used solely to define one element or method step from another element or method step without necessarily requiring a specific relative position or sequence that is described by the adjectives. Words such as “comprises” or “includes” are not used to define an exclusive set of elements or method steps. Rather, such words merely define a minimum set of elements or method steps included in a particular embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] According to one aspect, the present invention is a multi-port aerosol spray actuator, comprising: an actuator body, comprising: a first portion that is connectable to an aerosol container, wherein the aerosol container includes an aerosol stem; and a second portion that defines a primary aperture; and a selector switch connected to the second portion of the actuator body, the selector switch comprising:a first port having an inlet and an outlet; and a second port having an inlet and an outlet; wherein the selector switch is movable across the primary aperture and relative to the actuator body between a first position and a second position; and wherein in use when the selector switch is in the first position the inlet of the first port is adjacent the aerosol stem, and depression of the selector switch presses the inlet of the first port against the aerosol stem, causing aerosol to flow through the first port and out of the outlet of the first port; and wherein in use when the selector switch is in the second position the inlet of the second port is adjacent the aerosol stem, and depression of the selector switch presses the inlet of the second port against the aerosol stem, causing aerosol to flow through the second port and out of the outlet of the second port.

[0039] Advantages of some embodiments of the present invention include greatly enhanced convenience, by enabling an aerosol spray direction to be changed by simply moving a selector switch rather than requiring removal and replacement of one spray cap for another.

[0040] Also, according to some embodiments, movement of a selector switch enables changing an aerosol spray pattern, such as from a wide spray pattern to a narrow spray pattern.

[0041] Also, according to some embodiments, a selector switch enables selection of three or more directions or spray patterns.

[0042] Further, according to some embodiments, an ergonomic design enables a user, by movement of only a single finger, to both change a position of the selector switch to a desired port and depress the selector switch to initiate spraying of aerosol from a connected aerosol container and through the selected port.

[0043] Further, according to some embodiments, a single multi-port aerosol spray actuator can replace two or more single port aerosol sprayactuators, resulting in cost savings, improved efficiency, and a reduced environmental impact.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all of the above advantages are necessarily included in all embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 1 is an exploded, top perspective view of a multi-port aerosol spray actuator 100 and an aerosol container 105, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The spray actuator 100 includes an actuator body 110 and a selector switch 115. When assembled together, the selector switch 115 is received in a primary aperture 120 of the actuator body 110. A linear track 125 on each side of the primary aperture 120 engages with lower edges 130 of the selector switch 115, enabling the selector switch 115 to slide forward and backward relative to the actuator body 110 and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol container 105.

[0046] The aerosol container 105, which can be for example a standard spray paint can as is well known in the art, includes an aerosol stem 135. A circular ridge 140 is positioned around an upper circumference of the container 105. The circular ridge 140 can engage with a corresponding circular ridge 400 (see FIGs. 4 and 5) positioned on an internal circumference of a lower end of the actuator body 110 in order to lock the spray actuator 100 to the aerosol container 105. Such a locking mechanism can be identical to the mechanism for locking a typical plastic cap to a typical spray paint can, as is well known in the art. Further, depression of the aerosol stem 135 opens a valve positioned below the stem 135 and causes aerosol to be released under pressure from the aerosol container 105, as is well known in the art.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a front view of the multi-port aerosol spray actuator 100. An outlet 200 of a front (or horizontal) port 205 is shown facing out of the page.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a top view of the multi-port aerosol spray actuator 100. An outlet 300 of a top (or vertical) port 305 is shown facing out of the page. A finger pad 310 enables a user to control movement of the selector switch 115relative to the actuator body 110 and the aerosol container 105. Pushing forward on the finger pad 310 causes the selector switch 115 to slide along the linear tracks 125 and change a selected position of the selector switch 115. Accordingly, a position indicator 315 on the selector switch 115 can be slid adjacent to any one of a locked indicator 320, a front spray indicator 325, or a top spray indicator 330.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the locked position is selected, and accordingly depression (i.e., movement into the page of FIG. 3) of the finger pad 310 is blocked or otherwise does not activate the aerosol stem 135, which prevents inadvertent dispensing of aerosol from the aerosol container 105. However, if the selector switch 115 is moved so that the position indicator 315 aligns with the front spray indicator 325, then depression of the finger pad 310 causes the selector switch 115 to depress the aerosol stem 135 and initiate flow of aerosol from the front port 200. Similarly, if the selector switch 115 is moved so that the position indicator 315 aligns with the top spray indicator 330, then depression of the finger pad 310 causes the selector switch 115 to depress the aerosol stem 135 and initiate flow of aerosol from the top port 305.

[0050] FIG. 4 is an underside view of the multi-port aerosol spray actuator 100. An inlet 405 of the front port 205 is shown adjacent an inlet 410 of the top port 305. As shown, the selector switch 115 is in the locked position, and thus neither inlet 405 nor inlet 410 is positioned over the center of the actuator 100 where if depressed they would be able to contact the aerosol stem 135 of an aerosol container 105. FIG. 4 also illustrates the oval shape of the primary aperture 120 through with the inlets 405, 410 protrude.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the multi-port aerosol spray actuator 100. As shown, the front port 205 includes vertical and horizontal passages through the selector switch 115 between the inlet 405 and the outlet 200. The top port 305 includes only a single vertical passage between the inlet 410 and the outlet 300.

[0052] A circular flange 500 is also shown circumscribing the internal circumference of the lower end of the actuator body 110. When the sprayactuator 100 is locked to an aerosol container 105, the circular ridge 140 of the container 105 is captured between the circular flange 500 and the circular ridge 400 of the actuator body 110.

[0053] Further, FIG. 5 illustrates inter-engaging detent elements 505 that are provided on the actuator body 110 and the selector switch 115. The detent elements 505 provide audible or haptic feedback to a user when the selector switch 115 is moved from one position to another, such as from the top spray position to the front spray position.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a further top view of the multi-port aerosol spray actuator 100, showing the spray actuator 100 located in a front spray position. In this location the position indicator 315 aligns with the front spray indicator 325, and the inlet 405 of the front port 205 is positioned in the center of the actuator 100.

[0055] In the front spray position, when the actuator 100 is installed on an aerosol container 105, the inlet 405 is thus positioned directly over the aerosol stem 135. If a user then depresses the finger pad 310, the inlet 405 contacts the aerosol stem 135 and aerosol is sprayed through the front port 205 and out the outlet 200.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a further top view of the multi-port aerosol spray actuator 100, showing the spray actuator 100 located in a top spray position. In this location the position indicator 315 aligns with the top spray indicator 330, and the inlet 410 of the top port 305 is positioned in the center of the actuator 100.

[0057] In the top spray position, when the actuator 100 is installed on an aerosol container 105, the inlet 410 is thus positioned directly over the aerosol stem 135. If a user then depresses the finger pad 310, the inlet 410 contacts the aerosol stem 135 and aerosol is sprayed through the top port 305 and out the outlet 300.

[0058] In light of the detailed present disclosure and drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various alternative embodiments of a multi-port aerosol spray actuator can be readily designed.

[0059] For example, FIG. 8 is a top view of a multi-port aerosol spray actuator 800, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Instead of including a selector switch 115 that slides linearly across a top of an aerosol container 105 (such in the actuator 100 described above), the spray actuator 800 includes a selector switch 805 that is rotatable about an axis that is parallel to and offset from a longitudinal axis of a connected aerosol container 105.

[0060] Thus, a finger pad 810 can be rotated clockwise from a locked position to a top spray position, or can be rotated counterclockwise from the locked position to a front spray position. And accordingly, an inlet (not shown) of a top port 815 and an inlet (not shown) of a front port 820 are each pivotable over a center point of the actuator 800 and the location of an aerosol stem 135 of a connected aerosol container 105.

[0061] As another example, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a multi-port aerosol spray actuator 900, according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The actuator 900 functions similar to actuator 100 described in detail above, however the actuator 900 includes only a single inlet 905. Moveable portions of a selector switch 910, including a top port 915 and a front port 920, are positioned above the single inlet 905. As shown, the front port 920 is aligned with the inlet 905, as the spray actuator 900 is in a front spray position. However, a user can push forward on a finger pad 925 to move the selector switch 910 to the right and align the top port 915 with the inlet 905. The spray actuator 900 then will be in a top spray position. Also shown is a sealing gasket 930 positioned between the inlet 905 and the selector switch 910.

[0062] Still other examples of additional or alternative features of alternative embodiments of the present invention include embodiments having three or more ports, all of which are individually selectable by moving a finger pad. Other alternative embodiments include the use of a gasket positioned between a non-selected port inlet and an aerosol stem 135 to ensure that all aerosol spray is directed into a selected port.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention can be manufactured from a wide range of materials, including various plastics, including plastic composites, as well as metals and metal alloys.

[0064] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0065] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. Numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this patent specification is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above-described invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:1 . A multi-port aerosol spray actuator, comprising: an actuator body, comprising: a first portion that is connectable to an aerosol container, wherein the aerosol container includes an aerosol stem; and a second portion that defines a primary aperture; and a selector switch connected to the second portion of the actuator body, the selector switch comprising: a first port having an inlet and an outlet; and a second port having an inlet and an outlet; wherein the selector switch is movable across the primary aperture and relative to the actuator body between a first position and a second position; and wherein in use when the selector switch is in the first position the inlet of the first port is adjacent the aerosol stem, and depression of the selector switch presses the inlet of the first port against the aerosol stem, causing aerosol to flow through the first port and out of the outlet of the first port; and wherein in use when the selector switch is in the second position the inlet of the second port is adjacent the aerosol stem, and depression of the selector switch presses the inlet of the second port against the aerosol stem, causing aerosol to flow through the second port and out of the outlet of the second port.

2. The multi-port aerosol spray actuator of claim 1 , wherein the outlet of the first port is positioned on a top of the selector switch.

3. The multi-port aerosol spray actuator of claim 1 , wherein the outlet of the second port is positioned on a side of the selector switch.

4. The multi-port aerosol spray actuator of claim 1 , wherein the selector switch is slidable transversely to an axis of the aerosol stem.

5. The multi-port aerosol spray actuator of claim 4, wherein the actuator body defines a linear track on each side of the primary aperture, and the selector switch engages each linear track and is slidable along each linear track.

6. The multi-port aerosol spray actuator of claim 1 , wherein the selector switch is rotatable about an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol container.

7. The multi-port aerosol spray actuator of claim 1 , wherein the selector switch is further moveable to a locked position that prevents depression of the selector switch against the aerosol stem.

8. The multi-port aerosol spray actuator of claim 1 , further comprising a third port having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the selector switch is movable relative to the actuator body between the first position, the second position, and a third position to enable dispensing aerosol from the third port.

9. The multi-port aerosol spray actuator of claim 1 , wherein the aerosol container is suitable for use with spray paint, lubricants, cleaners, pharmaceutical formulations, agricultural products, or metal protection coatings.

10. The multi-port aerosol spray actuator of claim 1 , wherein the actuator body and selector switch are manufactured from plastic or metal.11 . The multi-port aerosol spray actuator of claim 1 , wherein the selector switch comprises a finger pad.

12. The multi-port aerosol spray actuator of claim 1 , wherein the actuator body and the selector switch each comprise position indicators, for indicating whether the selector switch is in the first position or the second position.

13. The multi-port aerosol spray actuator of claim 1 , wherein inter-engaging detent elements are provided on the actuator body and the selector switch, the detent elements providing audible or haptic feedback to a user when theselector switch is moved from the first position to the second position, or from the second position to the first position.

14. The multi-port aerosol spray actuator of claim 1 , wherein the outlet of the first port defines a first aerosol spray pattern, and the outlet of the second port defines a second aerosol spray pattern that is different from the first aerosol spray pattern.

15. The multi-port aerosol spray actuator of claim 14, wherein the first spray pattern is wider than the second spray pattern.

16. The multi-port aerosol spray actuator of claim 1 , wherein the selector switch is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the aerosol stem.

17. The multi-port aerosol spray actuator of claim 1 , further comprising a sealing gasket positioned between the actuator body and the selector switch.

18. The multi-port aerosol spray actuator of claim 1 , further comprising an insert connected to the outlet of the first port or the second port for modifying an aerosol spray pattern.

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