Aerosol spout dispenser

An aerosol spout dispenser is disclosed for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container through an aerosol valve. The aerosol spout dispenser comprises a base secured to the aerosol container with a dispensing head mounted to the base. A dispensing spout extends outwardly from the dispensing head beyond the mounting cup of the aerosol container. A depression of the dispensing head actuates the aerosol valve to dispense the aerosol product from a terminal orifice. A dispensing head retainer cooperates with a base retainer for inhibiting separation of the dispensing head from the base when a separating force is applied between the dispensing head and the base. An auxiliary latching mechanism inhibits separation of the dispensing head from the base when a separating force is applied between the dispensing spout and the base.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to dispensing and more particularly to an improved aerosol spout dispenser.

Description of the Related Art

An aerosol dispenser comprises an aerosol product and an aerosol propellant contained within an aerosol container. An aerosol valve is provided to control the discharge of the aerosol product from the aerosol container through the fluid pressure provided by the aerosol propellant. The aerosol valve is biased into a closed position. A valve stem cooperates with the aerosol valve for opening the aerosol valve. An actuator engages with the valve stem to open the aerosol valve for dispensing the aerosol product from the aerosol container. The following US patents are examples of the aerosol devices of the prior art.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,995,308 to Ashkenaz discloses a jet stream dispenser which may serve as a closure for a container of volatile refrigerant used for inducing local anesthesia or analgesia in minor surgery.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,138,331 to Kutik discloses a spraying device adapted to be fitted upon the top of a pressurized or spray can to spray the contents thereof.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,189,232 to Joffe discloses a dispenser for an aerosol container of the type having a dispensing valve that is adapted to dispense upon depression thereof. The proposed device provides a dispensing attachment that may be applied readily to a container after which the operation of some manual device such as a trigger, will effect the dispensing of the contents of the container in a controlled and effective manner.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,429,484 to Baldwin discloses an attachment for an aerosol container of the type having an annular shoulder encompassing a spray head. An inverted U-shaped jaw clamp has side legs with inturned flanges at lower ends underposed with respect to the shoulder. An actuator includes a portion extending transversely of the legs through apertures therein and is pivoted at one end to one leg and a superposed with respect to the spray head. A hand operated handle extends from said portion downwardly along side the container.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,648,905 to Kauder discloses a pressure container having an outlet valve actuated by tilting the outlet nozzle with a lever arm extending from the nozzle downwardly and outwardly in proximity to the container to facilitate one-hand operation. Also provided is a releasable locking member cooperating with the lever arm construction to prevent premature or accidental operation.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,987,942 to Morane, et al. discloses a dispensing cap for pressurized containers comprising a wall adapted to snap onto the top of the container. A movable member defines a duct adapted to seat on the outlet tube of the container valve and through which its contents may be ejected. A separable actuating member projects through the wall to actuate the movable member.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,054 to Frutin discloses the valve of an aerosol can actuated by a lever having a handle portion and an intermediate portion bearing on a lock member. The lever is pivotably mounted in a clip. The lock member is in screw-threaded engagement with the valve for movement therealong between closed and open positions. The lock member can be placed in any intermediate position to set a desired flow rate through the valve when the lever is depressed by the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,705 to Snell discloses a flow control apparatus for controlling the flow of a material from a container valve comprising a flow control member adapted to be mounted on the valve for rotation relative to the valve for adjustably positioning the flow control member relative to the valve and container and thereby adjustably setting a maximum permissible flow rate of material which can be dispensed from the container through the valve. A trigger is mounted on the container and pressed for moving the flow control member and valve stem to dispense material from the container. A ring is rotatably mounted on an annular rim of the container. The rim mounts the trigger so that it can rotate the flow control member. Rotation of the ring rotates the trigger, and in turn, the flow control member in an easy, safe manner without risk of possible injury to the fingers from contact with a stationary trigger support. The container is preferably necked at its upper end such that the annular diameter of the mounting ring on the annular rim of the container does not protrude outwardly of the cylindrical side wall of the container for safety and compactness in use.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,340,103 to Scheindel, et al. discloses a dispensing mechanism for a pressurized container employing a platform which sits on and engages the valve cap. A lever pivoted on the platform extends from its pivot point up and around the nozzle to terminate in the handle that is adjacent to the sidewall of the pressurized container. The upper portion of the lever engages the shoulder on the nozzle so that when the handle is manually squeezed against the sidewall of the container. The lever pushes down on the nozzle thus pushing the nozzle and valve in a downward axially direction thereby dispensing the pressurized contents of the container. It is when the nozzle is screwed into a dispensing state that the handle or the lever is pivoted away from the sidewall of the can so that it can be squeezed against the can to effect the dispensing of the contents.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,494,349 to Thompson, et al. discloses a hand-held pressurized product dispenser that includes a container with a hand-engageable body portion. A valve mechanism at the top of the container is movable with respect to the container to cause pressurized discharge of the product. A valve actuation lever is connected to the valve mechanism and extends along the container body such that a larger displacement of the end of the lever causes a controlled, relatively smaller displacement of the valve mechanism permitting adjustable “throttled” delivery of the product. Also disclosed are a product delivery member that is attached to the top of container and has a product holding structure that is positioned with respect to the valve mechanism to receive product and to hold the product in position for application. Cam members are oriented to cause the valve actuating lever to move downward as it is moved toward the container body. A movable stop member is carried on the container and faces the hand-engageable portion so as to limit travel of the hand-engageable portion toward the container.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,685,064 to Frutin discloses a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a product from a container including a product chamber within the container and a valve adjacent to the product chamber. A hinge assembly is secured to the opening of the container and to which is connected a nozzle assembly. A lever is attached by means of the hinge assembly. The nozzle assembly is rotatable between open and closed positions and includes an actuator portion provided with a cam surface which co-operates with a bearing portion on the lever such that, when the nozzle assembly is in the open position, operation of the lever causes movement of the actuator portion to open the valve and permit flow of the product out of the container.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,532 to Lasserre, et al. discloses a dispenser unit comprising a housing and an actuator movable relative to the housing to cause the contents of two containers to be dispensed simultaneously in mixed or separate state. Each container includes a hollow stem through which the substance is dispensed when the stem is depressed. The dispenser unit includes a fluid-conducting member distinct from the actuator and including two hoods for engaging the two stems of the containers. Depressing the actuator causes the fluid-conducting member to actuate the stems and initiate dispensing of the contents into a single passage or two separate passages of the fluid-conducting member. The fluid-conducting member is movable within the housing for accommodating mismatch in heights of the stems. The actuator includes a single internal channel or two separate channels for receiving the container contents from the fluid-conducting member.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,777 to Frutin discloses a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a product from a container including a product chamber within the container and a valve adjacent to the product chamber. A hinge assembly is secured to the opening of the container and to which is connected a nozzle assembly and a lever attached by a hinge assembly. The nozzle assembly is rotatable between open and closed positions. An actuator portion is provided with a cam surface which co-operates with a bearing portion on the lever such that, when the nozzle assembly is in the open position, operation of the lever causes movement of the actuator portion to open the valve and permit flow of the product out of the container.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,124,916 to Groh, et al. discloses a hand-held pressurized product dispenser including a container containing a product under pressure and a valve mechanism and base structure at the top of the container. A nozzle moves between an unactuated position and a discharge position. A side lever extends along the can and is movable to move the nozzle from the unactuated position to the discharge position. The dispenser has a dome rotatably connected to the base structure and surrounds the nozzle and interacts with the nozzle to cause rotation of the nozzle between a locked position and an unlocked position. The nozzle has one or more downwardly directed feet that align with solid areas of an upwardly directed surface in the locked position and that align with open areas of the base structure in the unlocked position such that the nozzle is free to move into the discharge position.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,631,785 to Paas et al. discloses a dispensing spout for a container including a recess defined by one or more walls that protrude downwardly surrounding an actuating button of an overcap of the container. The dispensing spout is attached to the actuating button. The dispensing spout further includes an aperture disposed in the recess above an outlet in the actuating button and a lever disposed on a side of the dispensing spout. Pressing the lever towards the container forces the walls defining the recess downward displacing the actuating button.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,641,079 to Lott, et al. discloses a cover and trigger assembly that includes having a valve that can be actuated for dispensing the contents of the can through an outlet of the valve. The assembly includes an annular component having a helical surface secured to the can. A cover is coupled to the annular component. The cover has an opening through which a trigger extends. The cover is rotatable relative to the helical surface on the annular component for rotatably raising or lowering the cover relative to the annular component. The raising or lowering of the cover respectively prohibits or permits movement of the trigger member to actuate the valve, thereby controlling dispensing operation of the valve.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,891,529 to Paas et al. discloses a dispensing spout for a container including a recess defined by one or more walls that protrude downwardly surrounding an actuating button of an overcap of the container wherein the dispensing spout is attached to the actuating button. The dispensing spout further includes an aperture disposed in the recess above an outlet in the actuating button and a lever disposed on a side of the dispensing spout. Pressing the lever towards the container forces the walls defining the recess downward displacing the actuating button.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,959,040 to Heirman discloses a dispensing device for dispensing a product. The dispensing device comprises: a container containing the product under pressure. The container has a top, bottom and body portion. An axial direction is defined between the bottom and top. A valve mechanism is mounted at the top of the container. The valve mechanism is movable with respect to the container for pressurized discharge of the product out of the container. A dispensing cap is mounted on the top of the container. The dispensing cap carries a nozzle debouching outside the cap for spraying the product. The nozzle is connected to the valve mechanism by a conduit. An actuating member has a horizontal arm and a vertical arm. The horizontal arm is hingedly suspended in the cap and engages the valve mechanism to actuate the valve mechanism upon pulling the vertical arm towards the container portion. The body portion of the container has a lower portion and an upper portion providing a one-hand grip. The vertical arm engages at least one finger of a hand gripping the one-hand grip. The one-hand grip is constricted in its circumference with respect to the lower portion.

United States Patent Application No. 2003/0075571 to Thompson, et al. discloses a hand-held pressurized product dispenser that includes a container with a hand-engageable body portion. A valve mechanism at the top of the container is movable with respect to the container to cause pressurized discharge of the product. A valve actuation lever is connected to the valve mechanism and extends along the container body such that a larger displacement of the end of the lever causes a controlled, relatively smaller displacement of the valve mechanism, permitting adjustable “throttled” delivery of the product. A product delivery member is attached to the top of container and has a product holding structure that is positioned with respect to the valve mechanism to receive product and to hold the product in position for application. Cam members are oriented to cause the valve actuating lever to move downward as it is moved toward the container body. A movable stop member is carried on the container and faces the hand-engagable portion so as to limit travel of the hand-engageable portion toward the container.

United States Patent Application 2004/0256418 to Scheindel discloses an axially actuated valve assembly for use in a pressurized container that is easily actuated and controlled by a user to dispense the amount of product desired. The valve stem is moved in an up and down direction so that when dispensing, the user can control amount of the valve openings that are in communication with the material to be dispensed. The flexible boot surrounds the valve stem by having an upper edge that engages the valve actuating ledge and a lower edge that engages the button when in the non-dispensing state. The boot has a squared off lower interior edge engaging the stem and the button of the valve member when in the non-dispensing state. The button of valve is small in diameter and less than the surface of the boot that the button engages. The boot has a substantially straight thin wall neck below the upper edge. Two slits in the neck reduce hoop strength to facilitate outward bowing of the mark when the valve is depressed. The upper edge extends radially inward of the thin wall neck sufficiently to further assure outward bowing of the thin wall as the valve is depressed into the dispensing state.

Others have incorporated a locking feature for inhibiting the dispensing of the aerosol product from the aerosol container. The following U.S. patents disclose novel inventions incorporating a locking feature for inhibiting the dispensing of the aerosol product from the aerosol container

U.S. Pat. No. 7,487,891 to Yerby et al. discloses an actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container. The actuator comprises an actuator button being rotatable relative to a base for movement between a locked rotational position and an unlocked rotational position. The actuator button has a rigid sidewall supporting a rigid top actuating surface with an actuator button orifice defined in the sidewall of the actuator button. The actuator button is movable relative to the base for actuating the aerosol valve to dispense the aerosol product when the actuator button is rotated into the unlocked rotational position. The actuator button is inhibited from actuating the aerosol valve when the actuator button is moved into the locked rotational position.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,100,298 to Marquardt et al. discloses an actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container. The improved actuator comprises a base for mounting to the aerosol container. A unitary actuator button supports a nozzle extending between the aerosol valve and a terminal orifice. The actuator button is rotatable about the base between a locked rotational position and an unlocked rotational position. The unitary actuator button is movable for pivoting the nozzle button to actuate the aerosol valve for dispensing aerosol product from the terminal orifice when the actuator button is in the unlocked rotational position. The unitary actuator button is inhibited from pivoting the nozzle button when the actuator button is rotated into the locked rotational position.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,127,968 to Yerby et al. discloses an actuator for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container. The actuator comprises an actuator button being rotatable relative to a base for movement between a locked rotational position and an unlocked rotational position. The actuator button is tiltable relative to the base for actuating the aerosol valve to dispense the aerosol product when the actuator button is rotated into the unlocked rotational position. The actuator button is inhibited from tilting relative to the base when the actuator button is moved into the locked rotational position. The rotational movement of the actuator between the locked rotational position and the unlocked rotational position is accompanied by a double click.

It is an object of the present invention to improve upon the above art to provide an aerosol spout dispenser that provides a significant advancement to the aerosol dispensing art.

Another object of this invention is to provide an aerosol spout dispenser including a dispensing spout.

Another object of this invention is to provide an aerosol spout dispenser including a dispensing spout extending outwardly from a dispensing head beyond a mounting cup of an aerosol container.

Another object of this invention is to provide an aerosol spout dispenser having a retainer for inhibiting separation of the dispensing head from the base when a separating force is applied between the dispensing head and the base.

Another object of this invention is to provide an aerosol spout dispenser having an auxiliary latching mechanism for inhibiting separation of the dispensing head from the base when a separating force is applied between the dispensing spout and the base.

Another object of this invention is to provide an aerosol spout dispenser that may be actuated either by a dispensing spout or alternately be actuated by a depression of a dispenser head.

Another object of this invention is to provide an aerosol spout dispenser having a reduced number of parts.

Another object of this invention is to provide an aerosol spout dispenser that includes a lock for inhibiting actuation of the aerosol spout dispenser.

The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed as being merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention with in the scope of the invention. Accordingly other objects in a full understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description describing the preferred embodiment of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A specific embodiment of the present invention is shown in the attached drawings. For the purpose of summarizing the invention, the invention relates to a two-piece aerosol spout dispenser for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container having a mounting cup for supporting an aerosol valve. The aerosol spout dispenser has a first piece comprising a base having a mounting unitary with the base for securing the base to the mounting cup of the aerosol container. A base retainer is unitary with the base. A second piece comprises a dispensing head having a sidewall supporting a top surface. A dispensing spout defining a terminal orifice extends from the dispensing head and defines a nozzle channel communicating the terminal orifice with the aerosol valve. The dispensing spout extends beyond the mounting cup of the aerosol container. The dispensing head is tiltable relative to the base upon depression of the dispensing head for opening the aerosol valve to dispense the aerosol product from the terminal orifice. A dispensing head retainer cooperates with a base retainer for inhibiting separation of the dispensing head from the base when a separating force is applied between the dispensing head and the base. An auxiliary latching mechanism inhibits separation of the dispensing head from the base when a separating force is applied between the dispensing spout and the base.

In a more specific embodiment of the invention, the base has an outer ring and an inner ring defining an annular void between the outer ring and the inner ring of the base. A portion of the dispensing head extends into the annular void between the outer ring and the inner ring of the base. The dispensing head is tiltable within the annular void of the base upon depression of the dispensing spout for opening the aerosol valve to dispense the aerosol product from the terminal orifice.

In another specific embodiment of the invention, a lock interacts between the base and the dispensing head to inhibit the dispensing head from actuating the aerosol valve. In one specific example, the dispensing head is rotatably mounted to the base for rotation between a locked rotational position and an unlocked rotational position. The dispensing head actuates the aerosol valve upon depression of the dispensing head when the dispensing head is rotated into the unlocked rotational position. The dispensing head is inhibited from actuating the aerosol valve when the dispensing head is rotated into the locked rotational position.

In still another specific embodiment of the invention, the dispensing head has a first actuator surface defined by a top surface of the dispensing spout and a second actuator surface defined by a surface of the dispensing head actuator below the dispensing spout. Each of the first and second actuation surfaces is capable of actuating the aerosol valve for dispensing the aerosol product from the terminal orifice when the lock is in the unlocked position. Each of the first and second actuation surfaces is inhibited from actuating the aerosol valve when the lock is in the locked position.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several Figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

FIGS.1and2illustrate a first embodiment of the improved aerosol spout dispenser10of the present invention for dispensing an aerosol product11with an aerosol propellant12. The terms aerosol product11and aerosol propellant12as used herein includes all types of pressurized package dispenser including pressurized gases or bag on valve dispensers.

The aerosol spout dispenser10defines an axis of symmetry13of the aerosol spout dispenser10. An aerosol valve20having a valve stem30cooperates with the aerosol spout dispenser10to control the flow of the aerosol product11from an aerosol container40.

The aerosol container40is shown as a cylindrical container of conventional design and material. The aerosol container40extends between a top portion41and a bottom portion42with a cylindrical sidewall43located therebetween. The bottom portion42of the aerosol container40is closed by an endwall44. Although the aerosol container40has been shown as a conventional design, it should be understood that the aerosol spout dispenser10of the present invention may be used with aerosol containers of various designs.

As best shown inFIG.2, the aerosol container40terminates in a bead46defining an opening47in the aerosol container40for receiving a mounting cup50. The mounting cup50includes a peripheral rim52for sealing to the bead46of the aerosol container40. The mounting cup50further comprises a turret54for receiving the aerosol valve20.

The aerosol valve20includes a valve body22secured to the turret54of the mounting cup50by a conventional crimping process. The valve body22defines an internal valve cavity24in fluid communication with the aerosol container40through a dip tube26. The aerosol valve20includes a valve element28positioned within the internal valve cavity24. A bias spring29biases the valve element28into a closed position to inhibit the flow of the aerosol product11through the valve stem30.

The valve stem30extends between a first end31and a second end32and defines an outer surface33with a stem passageway34extending therein. The stem passageway34provides fluid communication from the internal valve cavity24of the valve body22to the second end32of the valve stem30. A depression of the valve stem30moves the valve element28into an open position against the urging of the bias spring29to permit the flow of the aerosol product11from the second end32of the valve stem30.

FIGS.3-6are various enlarged views of the aerosol spout dispenser10of the present invention. The aerosol spout dispenser10comprises a base60extending between a top portion61and a bottom portion62with a cylindrical sidewall63located therebetween. The sidewall63of the base60defines an outer surface64and an inner surface65coaxial with the axis of symmetry13of the aerosol spout dispenser10.

The base60includes a base mounting66for securing the base60to the aerosol container40. The base mounting66is shown as annular base projections66extending radially inwardly for securing the base60to the aerosol container40. In this example, the annular base projection66engages with the bead46of the aerosol container40. However, it should be understood that various conventional structures may be used for securing the base60to the aerosol container40.

The base60includes a base retainer67for rotationally securing a dispensing head70to the base60. The base retainer67comprises a plurality of annular projections67extending radially outwardly from the base60. The plurality of annular projections67are distributed about the axis of symmetry13of the aerosol spout dispenser10.

The dispensing head70is shown as unitary member extending between a top portion71and a bottom portion72with a cylindrical sidewall73located therebetween. The sidewall73of the dispensing head70is a substantially rigid sidewall73defining an outer surface74and an inner surface75coaxial with the axis of symmetry13of the aerosol spout dispenser10. The substantially rigid sidewall73of the dispensing head70supports a rigid top surface76.

The dispensing head70includes a dispensing head retainer77for cooperating with the base retainer67for rotationally securing the dispensing head70to the base60. The dispensing head retainer77is shown as a plurality of annular projections77extending radially inwardly from the inner surface75of the sidewall73of the dispensing head70. The radially inwardly extending dispensing head retainers77cooperate with the radially outwardly extending base retainers67for rotationally securing the dispensing head70to the base60for inhibiting separation of the dispensing head from the base when a separating force is applied between the dispensing head and the base.

A dispensing spout80is formed as a one-piece unit with the dispensing head70. The dispensing spout80extends between a first end81and a second end82. A nozzle passageway83is defined within the dispensing head70and the dispensing spout80. An inner end of the nozzle passageway83defines a socket84for frictionally receiving the first end31of the valve stem30of the aerosol valve20. An outer end of the nozzle passageway83defines a terminal orifice86.

The dispensing spout80has a portion thereof extending normal to the axis of symmetry13of the base60beyond the mounting cup50of the aerosol container40. More specifically, the second end82of the dispensing spout80extends radially outwardly beyond the peripheral rim52of the mounting cup50. The dispensing spout80provides an unobstructed view of the delivery of the aerosol product11from the terminal orifice86.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the dispensing head70is tiltable relative to the base60for actuating the aerosol valve20to dispense the aerosol product11from the aerosol container40through a dispensing spout80of the dispensing head70. The aerosol spout dispenser10includes two independent surfaces for actuating the aerosol valve20. A first actuating surface91is formed on an upper surface of the dispensing spout80for receiving a finger of a user. A depression of the first actuating surface91of the dispensing spout80actuates the aerosol valve20for discharging aerosol product from the terminal orifice86as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. A second actuating surface92is formed on a surface of the dispensing head70for receiving a finger of a user.

The dispensing head70is rotatable relative to the base60between an unlocked rotational position as shown inFIGS.19-24to a locked rotational position as shown inFIGS.25-30. The dispensing head70is tiltable relative to the base60to dispense the aerosol product11from the aerosol container40when the dispensing head70is rotated into the unlocked rotational position as shown inFIGS.19-24. The dispensing head70is inhibited from tilting relative to the base60when the dispensing head70is moved into the locked rotational position as shown inFIGS.25-30.

FIGS.7-12are various views further illustrating the base60shown inFIGS.3-6. The first end61of the base60defines an outer ring100. The outer ring100is a substantially cylindrical upper portion of the cylindrical sidewall63. A plurality of radial ribs102extend inwardly from the inner surface65of the cylindrical sidewall63. The plurality of radial ribs102supports an inner ring110. The outer ring100and the inner ring110are coaxial with the axis of symmetry13of the aerosol spout dispenser10.

An inner base platform112extends radially inwardly from the inner ring110and defines a central platform aperture114coaxial with the outer ring100and the inner ring110. Preferably, the plurality of radial ribs102and the inner ring110and the inner base platform112are integrally formed with the base60. As best shown inFIGS.11and12, an array of base platform ribs116extend from the inner ring110to support the underside of the inner base platform112. The inner base platform112defines the central platform aperture114.

The inner ring110supports the base retainer67for cooperating with the dispensing head retainer77for rotationally securing the dispensing head70to the base60. The base retainer67is shown as a plurality of annular projections67extending radially outwardly from the inner ring110of the base60. The plurality of annular projections67are distributed about the axis of symmetry13of the aerosol spout dispenser10.

Preferably, the inner ring110of the base60is deformable for enabling the dispensing head retainer77to pass over the base retainer67. After the dispensing head retainer77passes over the base retainer67, the base retainer67engages with the dispensing head retainer77to retain the dispensing head70on the base60. The dispensing head retainer77of the dispensing head70interlocks with the base retainer67for rotationally securing the dispensing head70to the base60.

The dispensing head retainer77of the dispensing head70interlocks with the base retainer67for inhibiting separation of the dispensing head from the base when a separating force is applied between the dispensing head and the base. The dispensing head retainers77and the base retainers67inhibits a user from grasping the aerosol container40or the base60with one user hand and grasps the dispensing head70with a second user hand and attempts to remove the dispensing head70from the base60.

A void120is defined between the outer ring100and the inner ring110of the base60. A bridge125extends across the void120between the outer ring100and the inner ring110of the base60. Preferably, the bridge125extends across a portion of the void120and is located at a level below the first end61of the base60. The bridge125occupies a minor portion of the circumference of the inner ring110. In this example, the bridge125occupies a five to ten degree arc portion of the circumference of the inner ring110about the axis of symmetry13of the aerosol spout dispenser10.

The base60includes a base stop130for cooperating with the dispensing head70for establishing an unlocked rotational position and a locked rotational position of the dispensing head70relative to the base60. More specifically, the base stop130extends upwardly from the inner base platform112and extends inwardly from the inner ring110to selectively interfere with the rotation of the dispensing head70. The base stop130includes a locked position stop131and an unlocked position stop132defined by circumferentially spaced apart lateral surfaces131and132of the base stop130. Preferably, the base stop130is integrally formed with the inner ring110and the inner base platform112. The locked position stop131establishes a locked rotational position of the dispensing head relative to the base60as shown inFIGS.25-30. The unlocked position stop132establishes an unlocked rotational position of the dispensing head relative to the base60as shown inFIGS.19-24.

The base60includes audible actuator rib140for cooperating with the dispensing head70for audibly indicating the rotational position of the dispensing head70relative to the base60. In this example, the audible actuator rib140comprises plural audible actuator ribs141and142. Each of the plural audible actuator ribs141and142extends upwardly from the inner base platform112and extends inwardly from the inner ring110.

The aerosol spout dispenser10comprises a lock145for locking the tilting of the dispensing head70relative to the base60. The lock145includes grooves150defined on the base60cooperating with groove ribs180extending from the dispensing head70. The groove150defined in the base60receives the groove ribs180extending from the dispensing head70for enabling the dispensing head70to the tilted relative to the base60as shown inFIGS.19-24.

More specifically, the groove150includes a plurality of inner grooves151-153formed within the inner ring110of the base60. Each of the plurality of inner grooves151-153extends through the inner ring110to a level in proximity to the inner base platform114of the base60. A base notch155is defined in the outer ring100of the base60. The base notch155extends through the outer ring100to a level commensurate with the level of the plurality of inner grooves151-153.

Referring toFIGS.5,9and10, the aerosol spout dispenser10may include a rotation indicator160for indicating the rotational position of the dispensing head70relative to the base60. Preferably, the rotation indicator160includes a locked rotational position indicator161and an unlocked rotational position indicator162. A rotation marker164on the dispensing head70functions as an alignment indicator for the locked and unlocked rotational position indicators161and162. In this example, the locked and unlocked rotational position indicators161and162are located on the outer surface64of the base60, but it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that numerous variations in the arrangement of the rotation indicator160may be incorporated within the present invention.

FIGS.13-18are various views further illustrating the dispensing head70shown inFIGS.3-6. The first actuating surface91is formed on the top surface76of the dispensing head70. The interior of the dispensing head70includes an audible emitting rib170shown as an extending projection extending from the rigid top surface76of the dispensing head70. The audible emitting rib170interacts with the plural audible actuator ribs141and142of the base60. The audible emitting rib170sequentially contacts the plural audible actuator ribs141and142to produce an audible double click upon rotation of the dispensing head70relative to the base60when the dispensing head is moved between the locked and unlocked rotational position. The dispensing head70includes the groove ribs180extending from the inner surface75and the rigid top surface76of the dispensing head70. Preferably, the groove ribs180are formed as a one-piece unit of the actuator button70. More specifically, the groove ribs180includes inner grooves181-183equally spaced about the axis of symmetry13of the aerosol spout dispenser10. A dispensing head boss185is formed on the outer surface76of the dispensing head70.

The plurality of groove ribs181-184of the dispensing head70are misaligned with the plurality of grooves151-153defined by the inner ring110of the base60when the dispensing head70is located in the locked rotational position as shown inFIGS.25-30. Similarly, the head boss185of the dispensing head70is misaligned with the base notch155defined by the outer ring100of the base60when the dispensing head70is located in the locked rotational position as shown inFIGS.25-30.

The plurality of groove ribs181-183of the dispensing head70are aligned with the plurality of grooves151-153defined by the inner ring110of the base60when the dispensing head70is established in the unlocked rotational position as shown inFIGS.19-24. In the unlocked rotational position, the head boss185is aligned with the base notch155defined by the outer ring100of the base60.

As will be described hereinafter, the groove ribs183and184interact with the locked position stop131and the unlocked position stop132of the base stop130for establishing the locked rotational position and the unlocked rotational position of the dispensing head70relative to the base60.

FIGS.19-22are various views of the aerosol spout dispenser10ofFIGS.1-6with the dispensing head70being located in the unlocked rotational position. The dispensing head70is rotated clockwise relative to the base60until the groove rib183of the dispensing head70engages the lock position stop131of the base60. During the clockwise rotation of the dispensing head70from the unlocked rotational position to the locked rotational position, the audible emitting rib170of the dispensing head70passes over the plural audible ribs141and142, respectively, to provide two independent audible clicks. The audible emitting rib170of the dispensing head70cooperates with the audible rib142to maintain the dispensing head70in the locked rotational position.

When the dispensing head70is located in the unlocked rotational position, the plurality of groove ribs181-184are aligned with the plurality of grooves151-154of the base to enable the dispensing head70to tilt relative to the base60. The groove rib184is aligned with the bridge125. The alignment of the groove ribs181-184with the grooves151-154permits the dispensing head70to be tilted relative to the base60to actuate the aerosol valve20.

FIG.21is a magnified view of a portion ofFIG.20illustrating an auxiliary latching mechanism210. The auxiliary latching mechanism210inhibits separation of the dispensing head70from the base60. The dispensing spout80of the dispensing head70provides a mechanical advantage for intentionally or inadvertently separating the dispensing head70from the base60. The dispensing head70can be separated from the base60by (1) an excess depressing force applied to the dispensing spout80, (2) an excess lifting force applied to the dispensing spout80and (3) an improper use and/or abuse of the aerosol spout dispenser10. The auxiliary latching mechanism210inhibits such intentional or inadvertent separation of the dispensing head70from the base60.

The auxiliary latching mechanism210comprises arcuate base locking plate212extending from the inner base platform112into the central platform aperture114of the base60. The arcuate base locking plate212is unitary with the base60. An arcuate lock slot214is defined in the arcuate base locking plate212. The arcuate base locking plate212includes a tapered surface216and a locking plate locking underside217.

A locking rib221extends downwardly from the dispensing head70. The distal end of the locking rib211is provided with a locking rib barb223having a ramp surface225and a locking surface227. The locking rib221and locking rib barb223are unitary with the dispensing head70. At lease one of the arcuate base locking plate212and/or the locking rib221are formed from a resilient polymeric material.

The locking rib221is receivable within the arcuate lock slot214defined within the arcuate base locking plate212. The resilient arcuate lock slot214and/or the resilient locking rib221are deformed as the locking surface227passes through the arcuate lock slot214. When the resilient arcuate lock slot214and/or resilient locking rib221return to a non-deformed condition, the locking surface227of the locking barb223engage an underside217of the arcuate base locking plate212to prevent separation of the dispensing head70from the base60. The auxiliary latching mechanism210prevents separation of the dispensing head70from the base60E while permitting rotation movement of the dispensing head70relative to the base60and while permitting a tilting and/or downward movement of the dispensing head70for actuating the aerosol valve20.

FIG.22illustrates the aerosol spout dispenser10being actuated by the depression of the first actuating surface91and the alternate second actuating surface92. The improved aerosol spout dispenser10of the present invention provides the advantage of a dual actuation aerosol dispenser. The dual actuation enables a user to have the option of two different forms of actuation. For example, an operator may use the first actuating surface91of the dispensing spout80for applying a specific product in a one manner using the mechanical advantage to reduce finger fatigue in applying the specific product. However, the same operator may use the second actuating surface92of the dispensing head70for applying the specific product in a different manner. The different uses of the dual actuation aerosol dispenser of the present invention are too numerous to mention and the immediate advantages of such the dual actuation aerosol dispenser should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

FIGS.23-24illustrate the aerosol spout dispenser10being subjected to a separating force is applied between the dispensing spout80and the base60and/or the aerosol container40. The locking surface227of the locking barb223engage an underside217of the arcuate base locking plate212to prevent separation of the dispensing head70from the base60. The lever arm of the dispensing spout80provides a mechanical advantage for a user to separate the dispensing head70from the base60. The auxiliary latching mechanism10inhibits separation of the dispensing head70from the base60when a separating force is applied between the dispensing spout80and the base60and/or the aerosol container40.

FIGS.25-30are various views of the aerosol spout dispenser10of FIGS. with the dispensing head70being located in the locked rotational position and with the dispensing head70being in an actuated position. The dispensing head70has been rotated counterclockwise relative to the base60until the groove rib183of the dispensing head70engages the unlock position stop132of the base60. During the counterclockwise rotation of the dispensing head70from the locked rotational position to the unlocked rotational position, the audible emitting rib170of the dispensing head70passes over the plural audible ribs142and141, respectively, to provide two independent audible clicks. The audible emitting rib170of the dispensing head70cooperates with the audible rib141to maintain the dispensing head70in the unlocked rotational position.

When the dispensing head70is located in the locked rotational position, the plurality of groove ribs181-184are misaligned with the plurality of grooves151-154of the base60to inhibit the dispensing head70from tilting relative to the base60.

In the locked rotational position, the dispensing head boss185is misaligned with the base notch155. The dispensing head boss185engages with the top portion61of the outer ring100of the base60to prevent the dispensing head70from tilting about the bridge125to actuate the aerosol valve20. The engagement of the dispensing head boss185with the top portion61of the outer ring100of the base60reinforces the mechanical strength of the substantially flat dispensing spout80. This reinforcement of the mechanical strength of the substantially flat and horizontal dispensing spout80facilitates the shipping of multiple levels of the aerosol spout dispensers10.

The present invention provides an improved aerosol spout dispenser having a dispensing spout. The aerosol spout dispenser may be actuated either by a depression of the dispensing spout or alternately be actuated by a depression of the dispenser head. The aerosol spout dispenser has a reduced number of parts and preferably a base and a dispensing head. A retainer inhibits separation of said dispensing head from said base when a separating force is applied between said dispensing head and said base. An auxiliary latching mechanism inhibits separation of said dispensing head from said base when a separating force is applied between said dispensing spout and said base. The aerosol spout dispenser includes a lock for inhibiting actuation of the aerosol spout dispenser.

The improved aerosol spout dispenser of the present invention provides several ergonomic advantages over the prior art. The improved aerosol spout dispenser may be actuated on a counter or table top or may be actuated in a hand of a user. The improved aerosol spout dispenser is capable of dispensing product into a hand of a user or directly upon the application surface. The aerosol spout dispenser provides enhanced gripping of the aerosol spout dispenser as well as an unobstructed view of the product delivery.