Abstract:
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a guard apparatus for impeding a motion of an actuator of a sprayer for spraying fluids, the guard comprising: at least one lateral portion having a front and a back; a front portion connected to the front of said at least one lateral portion; and a rear portion connected to the rear of said at least one lateral portion, wherein the guard is capable of engaging with the sprayer to substantially impede a motion of the actuator to prevent a substantial amount of fluid flow from the sprayer. In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a fastener for fastening the guard to the sprayer. In an embodiment, said fastener further comprises at least one of: a screw, and a bolt. In an embodiment, said rear portion further comprises a fastening hole for accommodating said fastener. In an embodiment, the sprayer further includes a fastening hole for receiving said fastener. In an embodiment, said fastener is configured to allow a specialized tool to facilitate fastening of the sprayer and the guard. In an embodiment, said front portion is capable of substantially impeding said motion of the actuator. In an embodiment, the guard is capable of rotating about a recessed portion of the sprayer capable of receiving said front portion of the guard. In an embodiment, said front portion comprises an aperture capable of receiving the actuator.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/713,702, filed on Sep. 2, 2005, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Generally, this application relates to improvements for discouraging fluid discharge from a sprayer. More specifically, this application relates to provision of a guard and/or obstruction device for limiting the motion of an actuator of a sprayer to discourage fluid discharge from the sprayer. It should be understood that a fluid may consist either primarily of liquid or primarily of gas. Some fluids may be stored as primarily liquid, and dispensed as primarily gas.  
         [0003]     Fluid sprayers are well-known, and may be used for a variety of fluids and/or products. For example, fluid sprayers are used for spraying and dispensing surface cleansers, glass cleansers, disinfectants, and anti-dust fluids. For a variety of reasons, it may be desirable to prevent unauthorized and/or unintentional discharge of fluids from sprayers. For example, some of the fluids used in conjunction with fluid sprayers may be relatively costly, or may have potentially harmful properties if incorrectly used. For example, a fluid may be an irritant, and should only be used in a well-ventilated area. While fluids, such as household cleaning fluids, should be used according to labeling instructions, there are some people who may intentionally misuse and/or abuse the fluids.  
         [0004]     Conventional sprayers may incorporate safety and/or protective designs. For example, spray cleaners may have a tamper-evident tab that indicates to a consumer that the product has not been tampered with. However, the tamper-evident tab must be removed before using the product. Once the tab has been removed, there may be no way to reattach the tab to detect and/or prevent unauthorized and/or unintentional use of the product.  
         [0005]     Thus, there is a need for methods and apparatuses that prevent unauthorized and/or unintentional use of fluids through a sprayer. Additionally, there is a need for methods and apparatuses that incorporate repeatably usable safety designs. There is a need for methods and apparatuses that provide such improvements in a relatively simple and cost-effective manner.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a guard apparatus for impeding a motion of an actuator of a sprayer for spraying fluids, the guard comprising: at least one lateral portion having a front and a back; a front portion connected to the front of said at least one lateral portion; and a rear portion connected to the rear of said at least one lateral portion, wherein the guard is capable of engaging with the sprayer to substantially impede a motion of the actuator to prevent a substantial amount of fluid flow from the sprayer. In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a fastener for fastening the guard to the sprayer. In an embodiment, said fastener further comprises at least one of: a screw, and a bolt. In an embodiment, said rear portion further comprises a fastening hole for accommodating said fastener. In an embodiment, the sprayer further includes a fastening hole for receiving said fastener. In an embodiment, said fastener is configured to allow a specialized tool to facilitate fastening of the sprayer and the guard. In an embodiment, said front portion is capable of substantially impeding said motion of the actuator. In an embodiment, the guard is capable of rotating about a recessed portion of the sprayer capable of receiving said front portion of the guard. In an embodiment, said front portion comprises an aperture capable of receiving the actuator.  
         [0007]     Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for a guard for preventing a substantial fluid flow from a sprayer comprising: a front portion; and a rear portion connected to said front portion by at least one lateral portion, wherein said front portion is capable of impeding a motion of an actuator of the sprayer to prevent substantial fluid flow. In an embodiment, the guard is removably engagable from the sprayer. In an embodiment, the apparatus further includes a fastener for fastening the guard to the sprayer. In an embodiment, said fastener comprises at least one of: a screw and a bolt. In an embodiment, said fastener is receivable by a threaded portion of the sprayer. In an embodiment, said fastener is receivable by a threaded portion of said rear portion of the guard.  
         [0008]     Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for permitting a user to control discharge of fluids comprising: a sprayer having an actuator for actuating a flow of fluids, said actuator having a motion capable of causing said flow; and a guard for engaging with the sprayer, said guard further comprising at least one lateral portion, a front portion, and a rear portion, wherein said guard is capable of engaging with said sprayer such that said front portion impedes said motion of said actuator. In an embodiment, the system further includes a fastener for removably fastening said guard to said sprayer. In an embodiment, said rear portion of said guard comprises a fastening hole for receiving said fastener. In an embodiment, said sprayer comprises a fastening hole for receiving said fastener. In an embodiment, said guard and said sprayer are capable of being be repeatedly fastened.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]      FIG. 1  shows a guard according to an embodiment of the present application.  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  shows a guard and a sprayer according to an embodiment of the present application.  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  shows a guard according to an embodiment of the present application.  
         [0012]      FIG. 4  shows a guard according to an embodiment of the present application. 
     
    
       [0013]     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the application, certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present application is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]      FIG. 1  shows a guard  100  according to an embodiment of the present application. A guard  100  may be formed from two lateral portions  120  connected at the front and back. Each lateral portion  120  may have a hook-type shape at the rear. The hook-type shape may facilitate engagement and disengagement of the guard  100  from a sprayer. The lateral portions  120  may also taper to a narrower point at the front.  
         [0015]     The lateral portions  120  may be connected at the front by a front portion  110 . The front portion  110  may include an interference portion. The front portion  110  may facilitate rotation of the guard  100  about the front portion  110 . For example, a portion of the front portion, such as the interference portion, may be substantially rounded. The front portion  110  and/or the interference portion may be configured to fit in a recessed portion underneath an actuator, as will be discussed in greater detail in conjunction with  FIG. 2 . The lateral portions  120  may be also connected at the rear by a rear portion  150 . For example, rear portion  150  may connect the lateral portions  120  along the rear edge of the hook-type shape. The rear portion may have a fastening hole  130  capable of receiving a fastener  140 . The fastener  140  may be a screw or bolt, for example. In an embodiment, the fastener may be a ¾ inch screw, and fastening hole  130  may be configured to receive threads of the screw to form a connection. The fastener  140  may require a tool, such as a screwdriver, to connect and disconnect the fastener  140  from the rear portion  120  of the guard  100 . In an embodiment, the fastener  140  may be require a specialized tool, such as a driver with an uncommon or a unique driving head, to engage and disengage the fastener  140 . Fastener  140  may be formed form plastic and/or metal, and/or other suitable materials.  
         [0016]     If two lateral portions  120 , a rear portion  150 , and a front portion  110  are provided, then the guard  100  may form a loop as viewed from the top or bottom of the guard  100 . However, a guard  100  may also form an incomplete loop, and may resemble, for example, the letter “C” as viewed from the top or bottom. For example, a guard  100  may be formed with one lateral portion  120 , front portion  110  and a rear portion  150 . A guard  100  having an incomplete loop may also be formed by one complete lateral portion  120 , one partial lateral portion  120 , a rear portion  150 , and a front portion  110 .  
         [0017]     The guard  100  may be formed as an assembly of the various portions, or the guard  100  may be a single piece plus the fastener  140 . For example, the guard  100  may be formed by injection molding, or by other suitable processes. The guard  100  may be formed from a primarily plastic material. The guard  100  may have rounded edges, rather than the squared edges shown in  FIG. 1 . The guard  100  may be designed to be thicker or thinner at various portions, depending on the desired effect and the configuration of the sprayer. The guard  100  may appear substantially rectangular from a top or bottom view, or it may appear oblong, elliptical, trapezoidal, or the like. The hook-type shape of the guard  100  shown in FIG. I is only for illustrative purposes, and any of a variety of shapes and sizes for this aspect of the guard  100  may be substituted.  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  shows a guard  100  and a sprayer  200  according to an embodiment of the present application. A sprayer  200  is shown by itself, and with a guard  100 . A sprayer  200  may include a housing  210 , an actuator  220 , a nozzle  230 , a valve  240 , a front recessed portion  250  and a sprayer fastening hole  260 . A sprayer  200  may be any of a variety of types of sprayers. For example, a sprayer  200  may be an aerosol sprayer, a hose sprayer, a tank sprayer, a trombone sprayer, a hand pump sprayer, a spray dome, a finger pump sprayer, or the like. A sprayer  200  may be attachable to a container that houses fluid (not shown). For example, a sprayer  200  may be attachable to a canister of spray duster fluid. Fluids may include liquids, gasses, aerosols, propellants, and the like. Fluids may change states during, or after the spraying process. For example, fluids may be stored in a canister as a liquid, but may become gaseous upon decompression during the spraying process.  
         [0019]     The sprayer housing  210  may be generally hollow, and may, for example include venting or other openings. The housing  210  may be configured to accept additional components, or portions thereof. For example, the housing  210  may be configured to accept a portion of the actuator  220 . The housing  210  may also include a front recessed portion  250 . Additionally, the rear of the housing  210  may include a sprayer fastening hole  260 .  
         [0020]     An actuator  220  may be rotatably connected to the housing  210 . The actuator  220  may be connected and/or configured so that it is moveable, for example, in a rotational direction around the connection of the actuator  220  to the housing  210 . The actuator  220  may be one or more pieces. An actuator may include a lever, a button, a trigger, and/or the like.  
         [0021]     The actuator  220  may be configured to move a valve  240 . When external pressure, such as a squeezing finger, is applied to the actuator  220 , the actuator  220  may move in a rotational direction. Alternatively, the actuator  220  may be configured to move in a translational direction (i.e. not rotational) in response to external pressure. As another alternative, the actuator  220  may be configured to move in a combination of rotational and translational directions in response to external pressure. The movement of the actuator  220  may then, in turn, cause movement of the valve  240 . The valve  240  may be moved in a direction such that fluid contained in a separate container (not shown) may flow through the valve  240 . If fluid is already flowing through the valve  240 , the above-described actuator  220  motion may cause fluid flow to increase through the valve  240 . The fluid may flow through the valve  240  and out of the nozzle  230 . A spring (not shown) may also be provided as part of the sprayer  200 . The function of the spring may be to return the actuator  220  to an “OFF” position when external pressure is removed from the actuator  220 . When the actuator  220  returns to an “OFF” position, the valve  240  may also be caused to move. The resulting movement of the valve  240  may result in a cessation or a reduction of fluid flow through the valve  240 .  
         [0022]     Also shown in  FIG. 2  is a combination of a sprayer  200  and a guard  100 . The guard  100  may be engaged with the sprayer  200  in the following manner. The front portion  110  of the guard  100  may be moved into the front recessed portion  250  of the sprayer  200 . The guard then may be moved in a rotational direction  270  clockwise (as shown) around the sprayer  200 . Because the guard  100  may as a loop, or a portion thereof, the guard  100  may rotate without substantial impediment around the sprayer  200 . The rear portion  120  of the guard  100  may be configured such that at a point of rotation of the guard  100  around the sprayer  200 , the guard will rest on a rear portion of the housing  210 . It may rest without substantial movement, because of friction between the rear portion  120  of the guard and the housing  210 . Although friction may provide some stability of movement of the guard  100  with respect to the sprayer  200 , it may still be possible to easily move or rotate the guard  100  by applying specific pressure to the guard  100  and/or sprayer  200  to overcome the friction. The frictionally resting position (not shown) may be useful for temporary storage of the guard. For example, a sprayer  200  may be sold with a guard  100  in this position.  
         [0023]     The guard  100  may further be rotated clockwise into a position shown in  FIG. 2 . As shown, the fastening hole  130  of the guard  100  substantially lines up below the sprayer fastening hole  260  of the sprayer  200 . The hook-type shape of the guard  100  may facilitate this placement of the guard  100  with respect to the sprayer  200  as shown. Once the guard  100  is substantially in the position with the fastening hole  130  lined up with the sprayer fastening hole  260  of the sprayer, a fastener  140  may be inserted. As described, a fastener  140  may be a screw with threads. The fastener  140  may be inserted through the sprayer fastening hole  260  of the sprayer  200  and threaded into the fastening hole  130  of the guard. The fastening hole  130  of the guard  100  may have corresponding threading to assist mating with the fastener  140 . In an embodiment, the fastener  140  requires a specialized tool (not shown) for fastening. For example, the fastener  140  may require a unique or uncommon driver head to fasten and unfasten the fastener  140 . Once fastened, the guard  100  may be substantially connected with the sprayer  200 .  
         [0024]     When properly situated, the front portion  110  of the guard  100 , or a portion thereof such as the interference portion, may impede motion of the actuator  220  of the sprayer  200 . For example, if application of external pressure to an actuator  220  causes a general downward motion of the actuator  220 , then the front portion  110  may impede and/or limit the motion of the actuator  220 . The motion of the actuator  220  may be impeded such that fluid cannot substantially flow through the valve  240  without removing or damaging the guard  100 . While some actuator  220  motion may be possible, it may be insufficient to cause fluid flow. Alternatively, the limited motion of the actuator  220  may only cause a relatively low amount of fluid to flow through the valve  240 .  
         [0025]     To remove the guard  100 , the fastener  140  (if provided) may be removed. Again, it may require a specialized tool to remove the fastener  140 , if desired. The guard  100  may then be rotated in a rotational direction  270  counterclockwise (as shown). The fastener may be stored in either the sprayer fastening hole  260  of the sprayer  200  or the fastening hole  130  of the guard  100 , or in some other location. Once the guard  100  has been disconnected and removed from the sprayer  200 , the actuator  220  may be moved to cause substantial fluid flow through the valve  240 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 3  shows a guard  300  according to an embodiment of the present application. Two views are shown in  FIG. 3 : a side view, and a front view of guard  300 . Guard  300  may in many respects be similar to guard  100  described above. Additionally, guard  300  may interface and connect with the sprayer  200  in a similar fashion as described for guard  100 . A guard  300  may be formed from two lateral portions  320  connected at the front and back. Each lateral portion  320  may have a hook-type shape at the rear. The hook-type shape may facilitate engagement and disengagement of the guard  300  from a sprayer, such as sprayer  200 . The lateral portions  320  may also taper to become narrower towards the rear.  
         [0027]     The lateral portions  320  may be connected at the front by a front portion  310 . As shown in the front view of guard  300 , the front portion  310  may include an aperture  360 . The aperture  360  may facilitate receiving and/or interfacing of the guard  300  with a sprayer, such as sprayer  200 . The aperture  360  may be configured to accept or receive a portion of an actuator, such as actuator  220 . The front portion  310  may also include an interference portion. The interference portion of guard  300  may be configured to fit in, for example, a front recessed portion  250  of sprayer  200 . The interference portion may facilitate rotation of the guard  300  about the interference portion. For example, the interference portion may be rounded, or substantially cylindrical. When situated properly, the interference portion may limit and/or impede the motion of a sprayer actuator, such as actuator  220 .  
         [0028]     The lateral portions  320  may be also connected at the rear by a rear portion  350 . For example, rear portion  350  may connect the lateral portions  320  along the rear edge of the hook-type shape. The rear portion may have a fastening hole  330  capable of receiving a fastener  340 . The fastener  340  may be a screw or bolt, for example. In an embodiment, the fastener may be a  3 / 4  inch screw, and fastening hole  330  may be configured to receive threads of the screw to form a connection. The fastener  340  may require a tool, such as a screwdriver, to connect and disconnect the fastener  340  from the rear portion  320  of the guard  300 . In an embodiment, the fastener  340  may be require a specialized tool, such as a driver with an uncommon or a unique driving head, to engage and disengage the fastener  340 . Fastener  340  may be formed form plastic and/or metal, and/or other suitable materials.  
         [0029]     If two lateral portions  320 , a rear portion  350 , and a front portion  310  are provided, then the guard  300  may form a loop as viewed from the top or bottom of the guard  300 . However, a guard  300  may also form an incomplete loop, and may resemble, for example, the letter “C” as viewed from the top or bottom. For example, a guard  300  may be formed with one lateral portion  320 , front portion  310  and a rear portion  350 . A guard  300  having an incomplete loop may also be formed by one complete lateral portion  320 , one partial lateral portion  320 , a rear portion  350 , and a front portion  310 .  
         [0030]     The guard  300  may be formed as an assembly of the various portions, or the guard  300  may be a single piece plus the fastener  340 . For example, the guard  300  may be formed by injection molding, or by other suitable processes. The guard  300  may be formed from a primarily plastic material. The guard  300  may have rounded edges, rather than the squared edges shown in  FIG. 3 . The guard  300  may be designed to be thicker or thinner at various portions, depending on the desired effect and the configuration of the sprayer. The guard  300  may appear substantially rectangular from a top or bottom view, or it may appear oblong, elliptical, trapezoidal, or the like. The hook-type shape of the guard  300  shown in  FIG. 1  is only for illustrative purposes, and any of a variety of shapes and sizes for this aspect of the guard  300  may be substituted.  
         [0031]      FIG. 4  shows a guard  400  according to an embodiment of the present application. Guard  400  may be similar to guards  100  and  300 . Guard  400  may include at least one lateral portion  410 , a front portion  420 , a guard fastening hole  430 , a fastening member  440 , and a rear portion  450 . One or more lateral portions  410  may be configured to rest like a hat, or a cap on top of a sprayer, such as sprayer  200 . One or more lateral portions  410  may include a concave, or a semi-hollowed portion on the underside of each lateral portion  410 , or two or more lateral portions  410  in combination. The underside of the one or more lateral portions  410  may be configured to substantially accept or interface with contours of a top portion of a sprayer, such as sprayer  200 .  
         [0032]     Guard  400  may further include a front portion  420 . The front portion  420  may be a loop, or some variation or portion thereof. The front portion  420  may have an aperture  460 . The aperture  460  may be configured to receive and/or accept a portion of an actuator, such as actuator  220 . The front portion  420  may include an interference portion, which may be configured to be situated below an actuator, such as actuator  220 , when one or more lateral portions  410  rest on a sprayer.  
         [0033]     Guard  400  may include a rear portion  450  connected to one or more lateral portions  410 . The rear portion  450  may include a guard fastening hole  430 . When one or more lateral portions  410  of guard  400  are resting on top of a sprayer, such as sprayer  200 , guard fastening hole  430  of guard  400  may substantially align with a sprayer fastening hole, such as sprayer fastening hole  260 . Guard fastening hole  430  may be configured to receive a fastener  440 . A fastener  440  may be inserted through guard fastening hole  430 , and further inserted through a fastening hole of a sprayer, such as sprayer fastening hole  260 . Fastener  440  may be similar to fasteners  140  and  340 . For example, fastener  440  may be a screw, and may require a specialized driver for fastening and unfastening. Fastener  440  may be a screw having threads that engage with complementary threads in a fastening hole of a sprayer, such as sprayer fastening hole  260 . As an alternative, a fastening hole of a sprayer, such as sprayer fastening hole  260 , may not be threaded, or may have an alternative connection design. As another alternative, it may be relatively easy to drive a fastener  440  having appropriate threading into a housing of a sprayer, such as housing  210 , if the housing is made of a relatively soft and/or flexible material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC). As another alternative, a sprayer fastening hole, such as sprayer fastening hole  260 , may serve as a type of pilot hole for fastener  440 . Fastener  440  may be formed form plastic, metal, and/or other suitable materials. In this manner, the rear portion  450  of guard  400  may be connected to a sprayer.  
         [0034]     Once the guard  400  is in place, the front portion  420 , or a portion thereof such as the interference portion, may limit and/or impede a motion of an actuator, such as actuator  220 . The front portion  420  of the guard  400  may impede motion of the actuator of the sprayer. For example, if application of pressure to an actuator causes a general downward motion, then the interference portion of the front portion  420  may impede and/or limit a rotational and/or translational motion of the actuator. Other portions of the front portion  420 , such as the top portion, may also impede and/or limit a motion of the actuator. The motion of the actuator may be impeded such that fluid cannot substantially flow through the valve without removing or damaging the guard  400 . While some actuator motion may be possible, it may be insufficient to cause fluid flow. Alternatively, the limited motion of the actuator may only cause a relatively low amount of fluid to flow through the valve.  
         [0035]     In addition to guards, it may also be possible to impede the motion of the actuator with an obstruction device or portion. An obstruction device may be molded as an integral portion of a sprayer (e.g. sprayer  200 ). For example, an obstruction device may be molded into the housing of a sprayer (e.g.  210 ) or some other portion of a sprayer. An obstruction device may be moveable with respect to what it is molded to, for example. An obstruction device may be further moveable with respect to the actuator, for example. An obstruction device may be moveable to impede motion of an actuator and to allow substantial motion in an actuator, for example. An obstruction device may be molded to another portion and moveable through a hinge, spring, or other motion-permitting portion, for example. Movement of the obstruction device may involve rotation, folding, sliding or other types of motion, for example.  
         [0036]     Thus, embodiments of the present application provide methods and apparatuses for preventing unauthorized and/or unintentional use of fluids through a sprayer. Additionally, embodiments of the present application provide methods and apparatuses for repeatedly usable safety designs. Moreover, embodiments of the present application provide methods and apparatuses for provision of such improvements in a relatively simple and cost-effective manner.  
         [0037]     While the application has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the application. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the application without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the application not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the application will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.