Locking actuator for dispensing a fluent product

Abstract

An actuator (20) for actuating a (28) on a container (24) of a fluent product includes a body (56) having a press portion (60), that is movable relative to a skirt (64), wherein the press portion (60) has a dispensing flow path (76) to direct a fluent product from the container to an exterior of the actuator (20) via an exit orifice (80) located at an end of the flow path (76). The body (56) further includes a latch (100) connected to the skirt (64) by a hinge (104) whereby the latch (100) is movable between i) a locked configuration inhibiting movement of the press portion (60), and ii) an unlocked configuration permitting movement of the press portion (60) to permit dispensing of a fluent product through the dispensing flow path (76). The actuator (20) may be formed as a unitary thermoplastic structure without the need for any secondary components such as a spray insert.

Description

SEA04401P00251PC-1-LOCKING ACTUATOR FOR DISPENSING A FLUENT PRODUCTPRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority of U. S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 749,146, filed January 24, 2025, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to hand-held dispensing packages for dispensing fluent material, typically in the form of a spray, from a container, which can be pressurized or non-pressurized. A finger-operable actuator is used in such dispensing packages to actuate a valve to dispense the fluent product from the container. The invention more particularly relates to an actuator that provides a locking mechanism.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS POSED BY THE PRIOR ART

[0003] Finger-operable actuators are typically adapted to be incorporated in dispensing systems mounted on hand-held containers that are commonly used for fluent products. Some actuators are designed for use with a valve assembly and have a suitable discharge structure to produce a foam, mousse, or atomized spray. A dispensing system comprising such a valve assembly and cooperating actuator is typically used for dispensing household products, such as cleaning products, deodorizers, insecticide; and other fluent products, such as cosmetic products or other personal care products such shaving cream or shaving foam, hair mousse, sun care products, etc., as well as other institutional and industrial products.SEA04401P00251PC-2-

[0004] Dispensing systems comprising a valve assembly and cooperating actuator are typically mounted at the top or opening of a container, such as a metal can containing a pressurized product. The container, the product and any propellant in the container, the valve assembly, and the actuator all together make up a dispensing package. The actuator typically includes a component that is connected to the valve assembly external of the container and that provides a dispensing flow path or passage from the valve assembly and through which the product can be dispensed to a target area.

[0005] For some types of fluent products, the dispensing system may be provided with a structure in the actuator to direct or shape the spray pattern of the fluent product as it is dispensed from the actuator. In current systems, this structure is provided in the form of a mechanical breakup unit insert or nozzle insert having special configurations in the orifice or orifices of the insert that provide the spray pattern. U. S. Patent Publication No. 2007 / 0090208 A1 shows some examples of such nozzle inserts and PCT Publication No. WO 2013 / 055323 A1 illustrates generally such actuators, each reference being incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

[0006] While current actuators may work well for their intended purpose of facilitating the movement of a fluent product, such as a sunscreen, from the container to the exterior of the actuator, such current actuators incorporate expensive locking mechanisms in order to prevent or inhibit inadvertent actuation during shipping, handling, or use of the actuator. Such actuators require multi-component locking mechanisms that further decrease their recyclability.

[0007] There exists a need for a cost-effective, simple locking solution for a single component, more easily recyclable actuator.

[0008] The inventors of the present invention have discovered that, in at least some applications, it would be desirable to provide an actuator with novel locking features that are robust and may be employed for repeated uses when installed on a package containing the actuator.SEA04401P00251PC-3-

[0009] The inventors of the present invention have further determined that, for at least some applications, it may be desirable to provide such an actuator that can be easily assembled, disassembled, and / or cleaned.

[0010] The inventors of the present invention have also determined that it would be desirable to provide, at least for some applications, an actuator that can exhibit cleanliness across a wide variety of fluent substances having different formulations.

[0001] The inventors of the present invention have also discovered that it would be desirable to provide, at least for some applications, an actuator that can be manufactured and / or assembled at a relatively low cost with fewer components than those of prior art actuators, and can accommodate manufacture of the actuator by means of efficient, high-quality, large-volume techniques, and that can facilitate the minimization of plastic and part weight.

[0012] The inventors of the present invention have determined that, in at least some applications, it would be desirable to provide an actuator with locking features, particularly suitable for withstanding the forces and impacts of e-commerce shipping and storage.

[0013] The inventors of the present invention have discovered how to provide such an actuator that includes novel, advantageous features not heretofore taught or contemplated by the prior art, and which can accommodate designs having one or more of the above-discussed benefits or features.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In accordance with one broad form of the invention, an actuator is provided for actuating a valve on a container of a fluent product. The actuator has a body having a downwardly extending skirt for surrounding at least a portion of the container. The body includes a press portion that is movable relative to the skirt andSEA04401P00251PCthat has a dispensing flow path to direct a fluent product from the container to an exterior of the actuator by way of an exit orifice located at an end of the flow path. The body includes a latch connected to the skirt by a hinge. The latch is movable between i) a locked configuration inhibiting movement of the press portion, and ii) an unlocked configuration permitting movement of the press portion to permit dispensing of a fluent product through the dispensing flow path.

[0015] In one feature of the invention, the actuator is formed as a unitary construction. Preferably, the actuator is formed from a single polymer. More preferably, the actuator is unitarily molded from a single polymer selected from a single recycling identification number.

[0016] According to one feature, the flow path is sized and shaped to dispense a predetermined fluent product without being able to accommodate a mechanical breakup unit connected to the flow path.

[0017] In one form of the invention, the press portion includes a slot located on a rear surface opposite the exit orifice. Preferably, the latch includes a projection on a radially inward surface for being received within the slot in the locked configuration.

[0018] According to one preferred form of the invention, the slot has the form of an inverted U-shape with an open bottom end, and the projection) has the form of an inverted U-shape with an open bottom end.

[0019] According to yet another preferred form of the invention, the body defines a central vertical axis extending between its top and bottom ends, and the hinge extends generally within a horizontal plane that is normal (i.e., perpendicular) to the central vertical axis.

[0020] In yet another feature of the present invention, the latch extends within a window defined by opposing, raised walls in the skirt.SEA04401P00251PC-5-

[0021] In yet another form of the present invention, the skirt includes an angled stop surface located beneath the hinge, wherein the angled stop surface is configured to abut a radially outwardly surface of the latch in an unlocked configuration (e.g., fully unlocked).

[0022] According to one feature, the latch defines a first wall extending from the hinge and a second wall extending radially inwardly from an end of the first wall. The second wall extends radially over a portion of a projection extending from the first wall in the locked configuration.

[0023] In one form of the present invention, the conical surface surrounding the exit orifice and the press portion is cantilevered from a connection to a front portion of the skirt located opposite the hinge. The connection extends partially around a perimeter of the conical surface.

[0024] In another preferred form of the present invention, the latch includes at least one projection, preferably a pair of lateral projections, extending therefrom for being received in at least one recess, preferably a pair of opposing recesses, located in the body when the latch in is in a fully unlocked, secured configuration or position.

[0025] According to another feature of the invention, the actuator is assembled in combination with a valve and a container of a fluent product-all together defining a package.

[0026] In accordance with another broad form of the invention, an actuator is provided for actuating a valve on a container of a fluent product. The actuator has a unitarily molded body having a downwardly extending skirt for surrounding at least a portion of the container. The body has a press portion that is movable relative to the skirt and that has a dispensing flow path to direct a fluent product from the container to an exterior of the actuator via an exit orifice located at an end of the flow path. The body has a latch connected to the skirt by a hinge and is movable between i) a locked configuration inhibiting movement of the press portion, and ii) an unlocked configurationSEA04401P00251PC-6-permitting movement of the press portion to permit dispensing of a fluent product through the dispensing flow path. The dispensing flow path is sized and shaped to dispense a predetermined fluent product without a mechanical breakup unit connected to the dispensing flow path.

[0027] In accordance with another broad form of the invention, a method of manufacturing an actuator for actuating a valve on a container of a fluent product includes the step of molding an actuator having a unitary body with a downwardly extending skirt for surrounding at least a portion of the container. The body has a press portion that is movable relative to the skirt and that has a dispensing flow path to direct a fluent product from the container to an exterior of the actuator via an exit orifice located at an end of the dispensing flow path. The body includes a latch connected to the skirt by a hinge such that the latch is movable between i) a locked configuration inhibiting movement of the press portion, and ii) an as-molded, unlocked configuration permitting movement of the press portion to permit dispensing of a fluent product through the dispensing flow path. The dispensing flow path is sized and shaped to dispense a predetermined fluent product without (and cannot accommodate) a mechanical breakup (e.g., insert) unit connected to the dispensing flow path. The method includes the further step of rotating the latch about the hinge from the as- molded, unlocked configuration into the locked configuration for subsequent installation on a valve of a container of a pressurized fluent substance. Preferably, the unitary body is formed from a single polymer selected from a single recycling identification number.

[0028] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a review of the entire specification, including the appended claims and drawings.SEA04401P00251PC-7-BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 is an exploded, isometric view from above and the front of a preferred embodiment of a hand-held, finger-operable actuator according to the invention, an aerosol valve, and a container for being filled with a pressurized product;

[0030] FIG. 2 is an isometric view from above and the rear of only the actuator of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2 shows the actuator in a locked configuration;

[0031] FIG. 3 is an isometric view from above and the rear of only the actuator of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows the actuator in an as-molded, unlocked configuration;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the locked actuator of FIG. 2;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the locked actuator of FIG. 2;

[0034] FIG. 6 is a right side elevation view of the locked actuator of FIG. 2;

[0035] FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the locked actuator of FIG. 2;

[0036] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the actuator of FIG. 1 shown mounted upon a valve, and a container of a pressurized fluent product, taken in a vertical cross-sectional plane along line 8-8 in FIG. 5;

[0037] FIG. 9 is a right side elevation view of the unlocked actuator of FIG. 3;

[0038] FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of the unlocked actuator of FIG. 3;

[0039] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the unlocked actuator of FIG. 3;

[0040] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the unlocked actuator of FIG. 1 shown mounted upon a valve, and a container of a pressurized fluent product, taken in a vertical cross-sectional plane along line 12-12 in FIG. 11;

[0041] FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the actuator of FIG. 3, and FIG. 13 shows the actuator in the unlocked configuration;

[0042] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the unlocked actuator of FIG. 1 shown mounted upon a valve, and a container of a pressurized fluent product, taken in a vertical cross-sectional plane along line 12-12 in FIG. 11, and FIG. 14 shows the latch in a fully rotated, secured position during use of the actuator; andSEA04401P00251PC-8-

[0043] FIG. 15 is an isometric view from above and the rear of the actuator of FIG. 14.DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0044] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings disclose only some specific forms as examples of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments so described, however. The scope of the invention is pointed out in the appended claims.

[0045] For ease of description, the components of this invention are described in a typical (upright) position, and terms such as upper, lower, radial, axial, above, below, etc., are used with reference to this position that the actuator would have when installed upon an upright container of a fluent product (only the upper portion of the container in the form of a mounting cup is illustrated). It will be understood, however, that the components embodying this invention may be manufactured, stored, transported, used, and sold in an orientation other than the position described.

[0046] Some figures illustrating the components of this invention omit the valve and the container (with the exception of FIGS. 1, 8, 12, and 14, which show the valve and mounting cup for being installed at the open end of a container or can), which are conventional mechanical elements that are known and that will be recognized by one skilled in the art. The detailed descriptions of such cooperating elements are not necessary to an understanding of the invention, and accordingly, are herein presented only to the degree necessary to facilitate an understanding of the novel features of the present invention.

[0047] As will be further described in detail, the present invention is directed to an actuator for dispensing fluent material or product (and is especially suitable for dispensing spray in the form of a sunscreen). The inventive actuator can dispense types of fluent materials or substances in an efficient manner that minimizes the numberSEA04401P00251PC-9-of components, enhances recyclability, and / or provides a locking mechanism for robust shipping or handling.

[0048] FIGS. 1-15 illustrate a preferred embodiment of an actuator 20 according to the present invention, and such an actuator is suitable for use in a hand-held dispensing package including a pressurized container (e.g., 24 in FIG. 1) containing a fluent product, and a dispensing valve in the form of an aerosol dispensing valve (e.g., 28 in FIG. 1) or other conventional valve.

[0049] It should be understood that the container 24 and the valve 28 can be of any conventional, known construction, and accordingly will only be briefly described herein. The container 24 is typically a metal can having an upper edge rolled into a mounting bead surrounding a container opening (not visible). The container 24 could be a plastic or composite container. The container 24 is adapted to hold the fluent product (e.g., a liquid) and pressurized gas below the dispensing valve 28.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 1, the dispensing valve 28 may be of any suitable conventional or special type. The dispensing valve 28 will typically include a body, and the valve body contains the working components of the valve, with the bottom end of the body being attached to a conventional dip tube (not visible) that directs the fluent product from the container 24 and into the valve body to be dispensed from the container 24. The upper end of the valve body typically has a valve stem 40 that projects above the top of the container 24 to be actuated from a closed position (wherein fluent product is not dispensed through the valve 28) to an open position (wherein the fluent product is dispensed through the valve 28 via the valve stem 40). Typically, the valve stem 40 is biased to the closed position, such as by a spring (not visible) contained in the valve body, so that the valve 28 is normally closed unless forced to the open position by the actuator 20 as it is actuated by a user. After the dispensing valve 28 is actuated to dispense product, such as an atomized spray or a foaming liquid, the user terminates the actuation operation so that the valve stem 40 is returned by the spring to the closed position condition wherein the valve 28 is closed.SEA04401P00251PC-IQ-10051] The dispensing valve 28 may be mounted to the container 24 by any suitable means, one such suitable means being a conventional valve mounting cup which has a mounting flange with an outer peripheral portion that can be crimped about the container mounting bead to provide a secure and sealed attachment of the mounting cup to the container at the container opening. The mounting cup includes an annular inner wall which defines an opening through which a portion of the valve body projects, with a portion of the annular inner wall crimped to the exterior of the valve body to provide a secure and sealed attachment of the valve body to the mounting cup. U. S. Patent Nos. 8,100,298; 7,249,692; and 7,861,894 each show and describe in further detail other suitable forms of dispensing valves that can be employed in connection with the present invention.

[0052] It will be appreciated that the particular type of the dispensing valve 28 may be of any suitable design for dispensing a product from the container 24 (with or without a dip tube) out through the valve stem 40. The detailed design and construction of the dispensing valve 28 per se forms no part of the present invention. It should further be understood that while the preferred embodiments of the actuator 20 are shown herein in connection with a dispensing valve 28, in some applications it may be desirable to utilize an actuator according to the invention with other types of dispensing devices, such as a hand-powered or finger-operated pump or other dispensing systems or devices.

[0053] As best seen in FIG. 8, the actuator 20 includes a base or body 56 that defines a movable or deflectable actuator button or press portion 60. The body 56 includes a downwardly extending skirt 64 defining a bottom or lower end 66 and a having one or more laterally inwardly extending beads 68 and an axially spaced, laterally inwardly extending abutment or flange 70 that cooperates with the bead or beads 68 to secure the actuator 20 atop the valve 28 and the container 24. Specifically, the beads 68 and the flange 70 hold captive a portion of the container and / or valve. It should be appreciated that there are many possible forms for the body 56 and the pressSEA04401P00251PC-11-portion 60 depending on the intended application of the actuator 20. The press portion 60 includes a downwardly extending, internal stem pocket 72 to securely receive the valve stem 40. A flow passage or dispensing flow path 76 extends through the body 56 to direct a fluent product from the valve stem 40 to the exterior of the actuator 20. In this regard, in the illustrated preferred embodiment of the actuator 20 of the present invention, the flow path 76 extends to an outlet, port, or exit orifice 80. As will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, the dispensing flow path is sized and shaped for use in dispensing a fluent substance without the use of any secondary component in the form of an insert or mechanical breakup unit (“MBU”) installed in the body 64 of the actuator 20. The dispensing flow path is preferably sized and shaped to accommodate the flow of a predetermined fluent substance without the need for an MBU, which reduces the number of components, in addition to the cost and weight of the actuator 20 and improves the recyclability of the actuator 20. Specifically, the actuator 20 is preferably configured to be formed as a unitary construction of a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene, and may be more preferably formed from a single polymer categorized in a single recycling identification number (“RIN”) for single stream recycling capability.

[0054] With reference to FIG. 1, the press portion 60 is cantilevered laterally rearwardly from a connection to a recessed region 82 in a front portion of the skirt 64. The connection of the press portion 60 to the skirt 64 partially surrounds the exit orifice 80, which has an oval or frustoconical shape. The press portion 60 is deflectable or movable between (i) a neutral, non-actuating position wherein the stem pocket 72 (visible in FIG. 8) is located so as not to actuate the valve 28, and (ii) an actuating position (not illustrated) wherein the stem pocket 72 is located to move the valve stem 40 to actuate the valve 28 to dispense a fluent product. The press portion 60 is biased to the neutral position, which in the illustrated embodiment is the as-molded condition or as-formed condition of the body 56. In some embodiments of the invention, the body 56 may be attached only to the valve, or to an aluminum can shoulder. The press portionSEA04401P00251PC-12-60 is generally oblong or oval shaped, with a major axis 84 extending transverse or normal to a longitudinal axis 92 (visible in FIG. 8) defined by or centered on the orifice 80 of the dispensing flow path 76. The press portion 60 is recessed or nested below a top end 94 of the skirt 64 in its non-actuating position.

[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the press portion 60 further includes a rear surface 95 located opposite the exit orifice 80 (visible in FIG. 1 ), which defines an inverted, U-shaped slot 96 (visible in FIG. 3). The slot 96 defines an open bottom end 98 (visible in FIG. 3) for receiving a mating structure in a movable latch 100 on the skirt 64, which will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. The latch 100 is connected to a rear portion of the skirt 64 in a window 102 defined between two spaced portions of the skirt 64. The latch 100 is connected to the skirt 64 by a hinge 104 (visible in FIG. 2) that extends generally in a horizontal plane that extends normal or perpendicular to a central vertical axis 106 (i.e., extending between the top end to the bottom end, visible in FIG.8) of the actuator 20. The latch 100 is movable about the hinge 104 between i) a locked configuration (FIG. 2) inhibiting movement of the press portion 60 to prevent actuation of the valve 28, and ii) an unlocked configuration (FIG. 3 or FIG. 15) permitting downward movement of the press portion 60 to permit actuation of the valve 28 to dispense a fluent product through the dispensing flow path 76.

[0056] With reference to FIG. 3, the latch 100 includes a first wall 108 extending from the hinge 104 and a transverse, second wall 112 extending radially inwardly from an end of the first wall 108. The second wall 112 extends radially over a portion of a projection 116 that extends from the inside of the first wall 108, when the latch 100 is in its locked configuration. The second wall 112 further extends axially above the rear of the press portion 60 for easy engagement by a finger of the user of the actuator 20. The projection 116 functions to be received within the slot 96 in the press portion 60 in the locked configuration to prevent movement of the press portion 60 downward into the interior of the skirt 64. The projection 116 has an inverted U-shape with an open bottom end and is configured such that the finger of a user of the actuator 20 does not contact,SEA04401P00251PC-13-or minimally contacts, the projection 116 with the latch 100 in its unlocked configuration, as shown in FIG. 3. As can be seen in FIG. 12, the distalmost end of the projection 116 is chamfered to avoid contact with the user’s finger. The skirt 64 includes an angled stop surface 120 located beneath the hinge 104. The angled stop surface 120 configured to abut a radially outwardly surface of the first wall 108 of the latch 100 in a fully, downwardly unlocked configuration.

[0057] With reference to FIG. 2, the first wall 108 of the latch 100 is advantageously formed to occlude or conceal the window 102 defined between the two spaced portions of the skirt 64 when the latch 100 is located in its locked configuration. In this manner, the latch 100 is nested within the actuator 20 to prevent inadvertent contact that may pull the projection 116 from within the aperture 96.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 15, the latch 100 is provided with a pair of laterally-extending projections 121 on the oppositely, facing left and right sides of the latch 100. Each projection 121 is generally wedge-shaped when viewed from the side and functions to be received within two shallow recesses 122 located on opposing sides of the skirt 64 proximate the window 112. The engagement of the projections 121 in the recesses 122 function to maintain the latch 100 in a fully or maximally unlocked and secured configuration or position to against the stop surface 120 during operation of the actuator 20. This arrangement has been found by the inventors to maintain the projection 116 of the latch 100 away from the finger of the user during actuation of the press portion 60.

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 8, the dispensing flow path 76 is angled between about 5-15 degrees, and more preferably about 8 degrees, relative to the horizontal plane extending perpendicularly to the central vertical axis 106. Furthermore, the actuator 20 includes an annular raised lip 123 surrounding the orifice 80. An elliptical conical surface 124 extends laterally beyond and around the orifice 80 and terminates at the recessed region 82. In one presently preferred form of the present invention, the orifice 80 is about 0.6 mm in diameter and the annular raised lip 122 extends betweenSEA04401P00251PC-14-about 0.2 and 0.4 mm from the flat face surrounding the termination of the dispensing flow path 76. The elliptical cone sweeps an angle of about 30 degrees total — an angle of about 12 degrees above the central longitudinal axis 92 and an angle of about 28 degrees below the central longitudinal axis 92 (as viewed in FIG. 8). The elliptical conical surface 124 defines a major diameter of between about 6 mm – 9 mm, preferably about 7.4 mm, and a minor diameter of between about 5 mm and 7 mm, preferably about 6.2 mm, when viewed in a vertical plane normal to the dispensing orifice 80 (as shown in FIG. 4). The inventors have found that the elliptical cone and angling of the dispensing flow path prevents or inhibits spray impingement during dispensing.

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 13, the actuator 20 further includes a pair of diverging ribs 130 extending between the stem pocket 72 toward the rear surface interface with the latch 100. The inventors have found that the ribs 130 function to avoid the concentration of stress in the press portion 60 to prevent or inhibit slipping onto the container 24. The ribs 130 further function to inhibit warping of the press portion 60.

[0061] Still referring to FIG. 13, the underside of the top portion of the actuator 20 is further provided with a plurality of smaller, peripheral ribs 140 to prevent or inhibit top shearing from impacts to the actuator 20.

[0062] The recessed front surface 82 defines an arc 150, when viewed in the side elevation as in FIG. 6, which is believed to function as a spring-like resistance with the perimeter shroud to avoid or mitigate damage from blunt impacts during shipping or handling.

[0063] The ribs 130 and 140 and the spring-like function of the arc 150 are especially suitable for improved eCommerce resilience and robustness of the actuator 20 compared to the prior art.SEA04401P00251PC-15-

[0064] While the illustrated preferred embodiment of the actuator 20 arranges the latch 100 in a rear portion of the skirt 64, it will be understood that in some nonpreferred embodiments the latch 100 and the slot 96 may be arranged to engage on a left side or right side surface of the press portion 60. Alternatively, the latch 100 may engage in the front of the press portion 60 if the cantilevered connection of the press portion 60 were to be moved to the rear. However, it will be understood that such rearrangements would require additional, undesirable movements and finger manipulations of the user, or require two-hand operation of the actuator 20 in order to rotate the latch 100 between locked and unlocked positions and depress the press portion 60 to spray a fluent substance through the actuator 20.

[0065] Furthermore, while the illustrated preferred embodiment of the actuator 20 arranges the hinge 104 of the latch 100 in a generally horizontal plane, the hinge 104 may be oriented vertically, or at other transverse angles relative to the horizontal plane, for some applications.

[0066] It will further be understood that the latch 100 may include alternative means of engaging, other than a projection and slot. Furthermore, one or more projections may be formed on a surface of the press portion 60 while one or more slots or recesses may be formed on the latch 100 (not illustrated).

[0067] The inventors have discovered that the actuator 20 functions to permit a lower cost, easier to manufacturer, locking spray actuator 20 having a unitary body 56, and more preferably having a unitary body 56 that may be formed from a single thermoplastic resin that is defined within a single recycling identification number for improved recyclability. The actuator 20 eliminates the need for additional components found in prior art actuators, such as locking rings, spray inserts, removable films or seals, etc., which are common in locking type spray actuators. Additionally, the latch 100 may be locked just subsequent to the molding process thus eliminating the need for additional assembly equipment, which is required for conventional multi-component locking actuators of the prior art.SEA04401P00251PC-16-

[0068] The arrangement and location of the latch 100 and hinge 104 relative to the press portion 60 permits a user to easily unlock and relock the actuator 20 to prevent inadvertent actuation after use. The arrangement is intuitive, and further does not require any special or unexpected manipulation by the user to move the latch 100 between locked and unlocked configurations. The actuator 20 may advantageously be unlocked, actuated to dispense a fluent substance, and re-locked with a one-handed operation. The hinge 104 is configured for robust locking and unlocking usage, and further may withstand the common forces, accelerations, and / or temperatures experienced during shipping, handling, and storage. The latch 100 and hinge 104 are particularly suitable for e-commerce distribution.

[0069] It will be understood that the body 56 may be provided with one or more flow passages 76 and the exit orifices 80 (not illustrated) depending on the desired spray pattern or profile.

[0070] One method of manufacturing the actuator 20 of the present invention will now be discussed. Initially, the body 56 of the actuator 20 is molded or otherwise provided as a unitary structure of a thermoplastic polymer with the latch 100 molded in the unlocked configuration (such as is shown in FIG. 3). Subsequently, in a preferred process, the manufacturer rotates the latch 100 about the hinge 104 to engage the projection 116 in the aperture or slot 96 in the press portion 60. In this configuration, the actuator 20 is locked such that downward forces on the press portion 60 are unable to move the stem pocket 72 downward. The actuator 20 may be mated with the spray valve 28 such that the valve stem 40 is received within the pocket 72. The bead 68 will engage the body of the valve 28 to retain the actuator 20 atop the valve 28. The valve 28 may then be assembled with the container 24 of a fluent product in the form of a package.

[0071] The actuator 20 of the present invention, when assembled on a container 24 of a fluent substance in the form of a package, may be operated by a user rotating the latch 100 with a finger or thumb to move it relative to the skirt 64 to withdraw theSEA04401P00251PC-17-projection 116 from within the slot 96 of the push portion 60. The latch 100 rotates downward against the abutment surface 120 such that the projection 116 does not obstruct the finger of the user when depressing the push portion 60 downward into the interior of the body 56 of the actuator 20 permitting dispensing through the flow passage 76 and through the orifice 80. The chamfered shape of the projection 116 and the orientation of the hinge 104 in the window 102 assist in locating the opened latch 100 away from the user’s fingers when operating the actuator 20 to dispense a fluent substance. The opened latch 100 extends radially outwardly of the skirt 64 to provide clear evidence of the unlocked configuration of the actuator 20 to the user. The user may then rotate the latch 100 about the hinge to re-engage the projection 116 within the slot 96 to re-lock the actuator 20. Advantageously, this may be accomplished with a single finger or one-handed operation by the user. In this locked configuration, the press portion 60 cannot be inadvertently depressed to dispense a fluent substance under normal conditions in shipping, handling, or storage.

[0072] It should be understood that while some preferred embodiments are shown or discussed, these embodiments are illustrative of the concepts of the invention and that there are many possible forms for the actuator, post, flow channels, and exit orifice that are within the scope of the invention. For example, the size of flow channel and the exit orifice can be modified from those illustrated to achieve different fan spray patterns and / or to accommodate different fluent products and / or different dispensing pressures. As a further example, while many of the features have annular or cylindrical geometries, other geometries may be desirable depending upon the particular requirements of each application.

[0073] As yet a further example, while much of the flow path extends transverse to a long axis of the container, any other orientation is possible within the scope of the invention and other orientations may be more desirable depending upon the requirements of each application. As an even further example, while the flow channels and orifices in the illustrated embodiments are shown centered on the longitudinal axis,SEA04401P00251PC-18-it may be desirable in some applications for the flow channel and / or orifice to be angled or offset relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0074] Various modifications and alterations to this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. Illustrative embodiments and examples are provided as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Claims

SEA04401P00251PC-19-WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An actuator (20) for actuating a valve (28) on a container (24) of a fluent product, the actuator (20) comprising:a body (56) having a downwardly extending skirt (64) for surrounding at least a portion of the container (24), said body (56) including a press portion (60) that is movable relative to said skirt (64) and that has a dispensing flow path (76) to direct a fluent product from the container (24) to an exterior of said actuator (20) via an exit orifice (80) located at an end of said flow path (76), said body (56) further including a latch (100) connected to said skirt (64) by a hinge (104), said latch (100) movable between i) a locked configuration inhibiting movement of said press portion (60), and ii) an unlocked configuration permitting movement of said press portion (60) to permit dispensing of a fluent product through said dispensing flow path (76).

2. The actuator (20) according to claim 1 wherein said actuator (20) is formed as a unitary construction.

3. The actuator (20) according to any of claims 1-2 wherein said actuator (20) is formed from a single polymer.

4. The actuator (20) according to any of claims 1-3 wherein said dispensing flow path (76) is sized and shaped to dispense a predetermined fluent product without a mechanical breakup unit connected to said flow path (76).

5. The actuator (20) according to any of claims 1-4 wherein said press portion (60) includes a slot (96) located on a rear surface (95) opposite said exit orificeSEA04401P00251PC-20-(80), and said latch (100) includes a projection (116) on a radially inward surface for being received within said slot (96) in said locked configuration.

6. The actuator (20) according to claim 5 wherein said slot (96) has the form of an inverted U-shape with an open bottom end, and said projection (116) has the form of an inverted U-shape with an open bottom end.

7. The actuator (20) according to any of claims 1-6 wherein said body (56) defines a central vertical axis and said hinge (104) extends generally within a horizontal plane that is normal to said central vertical axis.

8. The actuator (20) according to any of claims 1-7 wherein said latch (100) extends within a window (102) defined by opposing raised walls in said skirt (64).

9. The actuator (20) according to any of claims 1-8 wherein said skirt (64) includes an angled stop surface (120) located beneath said hinge (104), said angled stop surface (120) configured to abut a radially outwardly surface of said latch (100) in said unlocked configuration.

10. The actuator (20) according to any of claims 1-9 wherein said latch (100) defines a first wall (108) extending from said hinge (104) and a second wall (112) extending radially inwardly from an end of said first wall (108), wherein said second wall (112) extends radially over a portion of a projection (116) extending from said first wall (108) in said locked configuration.

11. The actuator (20) according to any of claims 1-10 wherein said press portion (60) includes a conical surface (124) surrounding said exit orifice (80), and said press portion (60) is cantilevered from a connection to a front portion of said skirt (64)SEA04401P00251PC-21-located opposite said hinge (104), and said connection extends partially around a perimeter of said conical surface (124).

12. The actuator (20) according to any of claims 1-11 wherein said latch (100) further comprises a pair of lateral projections (121) extending therefrom for being received in a pair of opposing recesses (122) in said a body (56) with latch (100) in a fully unlocked, secured configuration.

13. The actuator (20) according to any of claims 1-12 in combination with a valve (28), and a container (24) of a pressurized fluent product, said actuator (20), said valve (28), and said container (24) of a pressurized fluent product together defining a package.

14. An actuator (20) for actuating a valve (28) on a container (24) of a fluent product, the actuator (20) comprising:a unitarily molded body (56), said body (56) having a downwardly extending skirt (64) for surrounding at least a portion of the container (24), said body (56) further having a press portion (60) that is movable relative to said skirt (64) and that has a dispensing flow path (76) to direct a fluent product from the container (24) to an exterior of said actuator (20) via an exit orifice (80) located at an end of said flow path (76), said body (56) further having a latch (100) connected to said skirt (64) by a hinge (104), said latch (100) movable between i) a locked configuration inhibiting movement of said press portion (60), and ii) an unlocked configuration permitting movement of said press portion (60) to permit dispensing of a fluent product through said dispensing flow path (76); wherein said dispensing flow path (76) is sized and shaped to dispense a predetermined fluent product without a mechanical breakup unit connected to said dispensing flow path (76).SEA04401P00251PC-22-15. A method of manufacturing an actuator (20) for actuating a valve (28) on a container (24) of a fluent product, the method comprising the steps of:molding an actuator (20) having a unitary body (56), said body (56) having a downwardly extending skirt (64) for surrounding at least a portion of the container (24), said body (56) further having a press portion (60) that is movable relative to said skirt (64) and that has a dispensing flow path (76) to direct a fluent product from the container (24) to an exterior of said actuator (20) via an exit orifice (80) located at an end of said dispensing flow path (76), said body (56) further having a latch (100) connected to said skirt (64) by a hinge (104), said latch (100) movable between i) a locked configuration inhibiting movement of said press portion (60), and ii) an as-molded, unlocked configuration permitting movement of said press portion (60) to permit dispensing of a fluent product through said dispensing flow path (76); wherein said dispensing flow path (76) is sized and shaped to dispense a predetermined fluent product without a mechanical breakup unit connected to said dispensing flow path (76); androtating said latch (100) about said hinge (104) from said as-molded, unlocked configuration into said locked configuration for subsequent installation on a valve (28) of a container (24) of a pressurized fluent substance.

16. The method of manufacturing an actuator (20) according to claim 15 wherein said unitary body (56) is formed from a single polymer selected from a single recycling identification number.

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