Abstract:
A single piece actuator includes first and second actuating members. A dispensing orifice is disposed between the first and second actuating members. A manifold is in fluid communication with the dispensing orifice. The manifold includes a base adapted to impinge a valve stem of a container and place same in fluid communication with the manifold.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     SEQUENTIAL LISTING 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to a device for dispensing product from a container. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dual activated actuator cap for engaging and actuating a valve assembly of a pressurized container. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Pressurized containers are commonly used to store and dispense volatile materials, such as air fresheners, deodorants, insecticides, germicides, decongestants, perfumes, and the like. The volatile materials are typically stored in a pressurized and liquefied state within the container. A release valve with an outwardly extending valve stem may be provided to facilitate the release of the volatile material, whereby activation of the valve via the valve stem causes volatile material to flow from the container through the valve stem and into the outside atmosphere. The release valve may typically be activated by tilting, depressing, or otherwise displacing the valve stem. 
     Actuators, dispensers, overcaps, etc., may sometimes be used to assist in dispensing pressurized fluid from a container. Such discharge devices may include a mechanism for engaging the valve stem of the container. Some actuator mechanisms may include linkages that apply downward pressure to depress the valve stem and open the valve within the container. Other actuating mechanisms may instead apply radial pressure where the container has a tilt-activated valve stem. In any case, these actuating mechanisms provide a relatively convenient and easy to use interface for end users. 
     Conventional actuating mechanisms include either an actuating button or an actuating trigger. Traditional actuating buttons have a discharge orifice situated within the button that defines a duct through which liquid product may pass. The duct is typically defined to lead and engage the valve stem of an associated container. Thus, when dispensement is desired, a user may depress the actuator button, which in turn depresses or tilts the valve stem and opens the valve within the associated container, thereby releasing the contents of the container through the discharge duct and out of the discharge orifice. 
     Alternatively, an actuating trigger may be used to dispense liquid product from an associated container. Actuating trigger mechanisms typically include a moveable trigger attached to a pivot or hinge point on the actuator body. The actuator body may include a discharge orifice that defines a duct through which liquid product may pass. The duct may typically be defined to lead to and engage the valve stem of the associated container. The trigger may be biased by engagement with the valve stem or an additional spring return such that the trigger remains in a neutral unactuating position when no product is desired to be dispensed. When product dispensement is desired, a user may grasp the actuator and pull the trigger with enough force to overcome any bias. Actuation of the trigger mechanism may thereby actuate an associated nozzle piece or valve stem on the container, thereby releasing pressurized product to the outside atmosphere through the dispensing duct. 
     A distinct segment of consumers prefer to use actuating triggers, while others favor traditional actuating buttons. Each has its pros and cons. Buttons are a tried and true approach, but the relatively awkward gripping and finger placement may be uncomfortable for some. While trigger mechanisms have evolved as a viable alternative, such triggers may be difficult to mold or manufacture because of the numerous parts necessary for adequate functionality. Additionally, there may be switching costs that limit the viability of actuating triggers as an alternative for users who have grown accustomed to actuating buttons. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, a single piece actuator comprises first and second actuating members. A dispensing orifice is disposed between the first and second actuating members. A manifold is in fluid communication with the dispensing orifice. The manifold includes a base adapted to impinge a valve stem of a container and place same in fluid communication with the manifold. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, an actuator cap comprises a housing configured to be attached to a container having a valve stem. An actuator is hingedly attached to the housing. The actuator includes first and second actuating members. A dispensing orifice is in fluid communication with a manifold. The manifold includes a base adapted to place same in fluid communication with a valve stem of a container. 
     According to still another embodiment of the present invention, a method of manufacturing an actuator cap for a container includes the step of providing a housing configured to attach to a container having a valve stem. The method further includes the step of attaching an actuator to the housing. The actuator includes first and second actuating members and a dispensing orifice in fluid communication with a manifold. The manifold includes a base adapted to place same in fluid communication with a valve stem of a container. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of a top, left, and front side of a dual activated actuator cap according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a front elevational view of the dual activated actuator cap of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a rear elevational view of the dual activated actuator cap of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a left side elevational view of the dual activated actuator cap of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a right side elevational view of the dual activated actuator cap of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a top plan view of the dual activated actuator cap of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a bottom elevational view of the dual activated actuator cap of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a bottom isometric view of the dual activated actuator cap of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dual activated actuator cap of  FIG. 1  about the line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a view similar to the one shown in  FIG. 9  with the addition of a pressurized container during a non-use state of the dual activated actuator cap; and 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a view similar to the one shown in  FIG. 10  with the dual activated actuator cap in an in-use state. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 , a dual activated actuator cap  100  is presented, which includes a housing  102 . The housing  102  includes a sidewall  104  having a top portion  106 , a neck portion  108 , a lip portion  110 , and a lower skirt portion  112 . The sidewall  104  has a generally bell-shaped appearance. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2-5 , the lower skirt portion  112  of the sidewall  104  is cylindrical. A bottom edge  114  of the lower skirt portion  112  is imparted with a curve so that the bottom edge  114  of the portion  112  appears concave when viewed from front and rear sides  116 ,  118  and convex when viewed from left and right sides  120 ,  122 , respectively. The sidewall  104  tapers upwardly and inwardly from the lower skirt portion  112  in a convex manner toward an inflection point  124 , whereupon the sidewall  104  is imparted with a concave appearance. When viewed from the front and rear sides  116 ,  118 , the sidewall  104  adjacent the neck portion  108  appears to taper upwardly in a uniformly cylindrical manner. The top portion  106  is disposed adjacent the neck portion  108  and has a generally convex appearance. Alternatively, the sidewall  104  of the housing  102  may be formed to appear rectangular, triangular, spherical, conical, or any other geometric shape. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the top portion  106  is depicted as being angled between the front and rear sides  116 ,  118  of the housing  102 . Specifically, the top portion  106  adjacent the rear side  118  is lower than the top portion  106  adjacent the front side  116 . Turning to  FIG. 6 , the top portion  106  and portions of the sidewall  104  extending above the lower skirt portion  112  have a generally oval shape. A similarly shaped oval opening  126  is provided within the top portion  106 . The sidewall  104  and portions of the top portion  106  are also truncated by a rectangular opening  128  adjacent the front side  116 . The oval opening  126  and the rectangular opening  128  are integral with on another to define an opening  130 , which is adapted to receive an actuator that will be described in more detail below. However, it is anticipated that the opening  130  may be fashioned in any manner to appropriately receive an actuator. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the lip portion  110  is located in the front side  116  of the housing  102  adjacent the lower skirt portion  112 . The lip portion  110  gradually tapers upwardly and inwardly from an exterior of the housing  102  toward an interior of the housing  102 . The lip portion  110  may recede at a constant rate, such as on a linear incline, or at an exponential or logarithmic rate, as typical of a curved incline. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the lip portion  110  extends inwardly to a point where it is in substantial vertical alignment with a front lateral edge  132  of the top portion  106  of the housing  102 . 
     The top portion  106 , the neck portion  108 , the lip portion  110 , and the lower skirt portion  112  of the housing  102  may be integrally formed and seamlessly connected so as to appear unitary. Alternatively, the top portion  106 , the neck portion  108 , the lip portion  110  and the lower skirt portion  112  of the housing  102  may consist of one or more separate pieces connected by welding, adhesive, snap and fit connections, screws, rivets, hooks or any other means of connection known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Turning to  FIG. 1 , the dual activated actuator cap  100  further includes an actuator  150 . The actuator  150  includes a first actuating member  152 , a second actuating member  154 , and a nozzle  156 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the first actuating member  152  is a push button and the second actuating member  154  is a trigger. The first and second actuating members  152 ,  154  include first and second gripping portions  158 ,  160 , respectively. The gripping portions  158 ,  160  comprise upraised curved ridges to assists users in remaining in tactile contact with the actuator  150 . In other embodiments, the gripping portions  158 ,  160  may include fewer or greater numbers of ridges or may be imparted with a different geometric shape. Further, other types of gripping portions, such as indentations or grooves, material exhibiting greater frictional properties, upraised logos, or any other means for increasing the gripability of an actuator as known to one of skill in the art, may be utilized in lieu of or in conjunction with the gripping portions  158 ,  160 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  6 , the first actuating member  152  is disposed within the oval opening  126  provided in the top portion  106  of the housing  102 . The first actuating member  152  has a complementary oval shape. The first gripping portion  158  of the present embodiment is disposed on the first actuating member  152  and includes a plurality of ridges provided in a concave depression to assist a user in gripping the actuator  150  and/or in orienting a user&#39;s finger(s). Turning to  FIG. 2 , the second actuating member  154  is shown within the rectangular opening  128  in the front side  116  of the housing  102 . The second actuating member  154  has a complementary shape to the rectangular opening  128 .  FIG. 1  depicts the second actuating member  154  being connected to the first actuating member  152  by the nozzle  156 . The second actuating member  154  extends downwardly from the nozzle  156  to a point adjacent the lip portion  110  of the housing  102 . A lower end  162  of the second actuating member  154  curves outwardly from the nozzle  156  and the front side  116  of the housing  102 . The curved lower end  162  assists in providing an improved gripping surface for one or more fingers of a user. The second gripping portion  160  is disposed on the curved lower end  162 . It is also contemplated that the first and second actuating members  152 ,  154  and the oval and rectangular openings  126 ,  128 , respectively, may be imparted with different complementary geometric shapes. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , the nozzle  156  is disposed forward of the first actuating member  152  and above the second actuating member  154 . The nozzle  156  is integrally attached to both the first and second actuating members  152 ,  154 . However, in other embodiments one or more of the nozzle  156 , the first actuating member  152 , and the second actuating member  154  may comprise discrete pieces that are attached to one another by an adhesive, welding, a snap and fit connection, or any other means known to one of ordinary skill in the art.  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 , and  5  depict the nozzle  156  as a generally rectangular extension of the actuator  150  with rounded corners. The nozzle  156  extends outwardly beyond the top portion  106  and the neck portion  108  adjacent the front side  116 , but does not extend past the lip portion  110 . A dispensing orifice  164  is disposed within a circular depression within a front wall  166  of the nozzle  156 . The dispensing orifice  164  of the present embodiment is circular. It is contemplated that the rectangular nozzle  156  and the circular dispensing orifice  164  may be imparted with other geometric shapes. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 7-9 , a plurality of flanges  200  are depicted extending from an inner wall  202  of the housing  102 . The flanges  200  are preferably integrally formed with the housing  102  and attached to the inner wall  202  adjacent the lower skirt portion  112 . When the actuator cap  100  is connected to a container (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 10 and 11 ), the lower skirt portion  112  extends over and around an upper end of the container. Further, the flanges  200  snap-fit with portions of the container to hold the actuator cap  100  thereon, e.g., in one embodiment the flanges  200  are secured within an undercut of a mounting cup on a container. In other embodiments, the lower skirt portion  112  may extend over the upper end of the container to a greater or lesser extent. Indeed, it is contemplated that the lower skirt portion  112 , flanges  200 , or other housing  102  portions may be modified so that the lower skirt portion  112  sits atop the container. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a mounting assembly  204  is provided within the housing  102  on the rear side  118 . The mounting assembly  204  extends from the inner wall  202  adjacent the neck portion  108  and from a depending lip  206  of the top portion  106 . The mounting assembly  204  is generally rectangular and includes an aperture  208  for receipt of a hinging element  210 . An upper end  212  of the mounting assembly  204  includes a pivot bar  214 , which has a generally cylindrical shape. A lower end  216  of the mounting assembly  204  has an undercut portion  218 . 
     An inner surface  220  of the actuator  150  includes a resilient member  222 , which is centrally disposed about a width of the actuator. The resilient member  222  extends about the inner surface  220  from the lower end  162  of the second actuating member  154  to a distal end  224  of the first actuating member  152 . The resilient member  222  provides additional structural rigidity to the actuator  150  when vertical and transverse forces are acted thereupon. The hinging element  210  depends from the resilient member  222  adjacent the distal end  224  thereof. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7-9 , the hinging element  210  includes first and second arms  226 ,  228  spaced from one another. The first and second arms  226 ,  228  include grooves  230 ,  232 , respectively. Latching members  234 ,  236  extend downwardly from the hinging element  210  adjacent the inner wall  202 . The latching members  234 ,  236  include first and second gripping members  238 ,  240 , respectively. With particular reference to  FIG. 9 , the actuator  150  is secured to the housing  102  by inserting the latching members  234 ,  236  through the aperture  208  of the mounting assembly  204 . When secured, portions of the hinging element  210  defining the grooves  230 ,  232  are disposed adjacent the pivot bar  214  and the gripping members  238 ,  240  are engaged with the undercut portion  218 . In one embodiment, portions of the hinging element  210  adjacent the grooves  230 ,  232  are bent by mechanical means to capture the pivot bar  214  within the grooves  230 ,  232 , e.g., a cold or hot mechanical bending operation may be undertaken. 
     The actuator  150  further includes a manifold  250  integrally connected thereto. The manifold  250  comprises a first product passageway  252  having a base  254 . The first product passageway  252  extends upwardly toward the inner surface  220  of the actuator  150  and interrupts a portion of the resilient member  222 .  FIG. 8  depicts the base  254  being substantially cylindrical with a cylindrical orifice  256  disposed therein. The cylindrical orifice  256  is defined by a frustoconical wall  258 , which is adapted to receive and sealingly engage with a valve stem (see  FIGS. 10 and 11 ) of a conventional aerosol container. A first channel  260  extends through the first product passageway  252  from the cylindrical orifice  256  toward a second channel  262  within a second product passageway  264  (see  FIG. 9 ). The first product passageway  252  is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis  264  of the housing  102 , whereas the second channel  262  is angled with respect to a transverse axis  268  of the housing  102 . In the present embodiment, the second channel  262  is angled about 5 degrees from the transverse axis  268 . 
     The second channel  262  of the second product passageway  252  extends into a swirl chamber  270  of the nozzle  156 . The swirl chamber  270  is adapted to receive an insert  272  for imparting turbulence and/or a desired spray pattern to fluid being discharged from the dispensing orifice  164  of the nozzle  156 . The swirl chamber  270  and the dispensing orifice  164  are similarly angled with respect to the second channel  262 . However, it is contemplated that one or more of the second channel  262 , the swirl chamber  270 , and the dispensing orifice  164  may be angled above or below the transverse axis  268  or imparted with a taper, obstruction, or other modification to alter the spray angle or spray pattern of the emitted fluid. It is also contemplated that any swirl chamber or insert known to one of skill in the art may be used with the present embodiments. 
       FIGS. 7 and 9  depict opposing first and second stopping members  274 ,  276 , which extend interiorly from the inner surface  220  of the second actuating member  154 . The first and second stopping members  274 ,  276  engage with portions of the sidewall  104  defining the rectangular opening  128 . The first and second stopping members  274 ,  276  restrict the outward movement of the actuator  150  from the housing  102 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 10 , the dual activated actuator cap  100  is shown in a non-use state with a pressurized container  300 . In a preferred embodiment, the pressurized container is a conventional aerosol container. Alternatively, the pressurized container may comprise a non-pressurized receptacle in combination with an intermediate pressurization structure having a valve stem. Examples of such containers may be found in Capra et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,174,052, Capra et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,222,500, Hammett et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,595, Hutcheson et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,185, Tubaki et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,153, Tubaki et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,062, Tubaki et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,959, Tubaki et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,215, and Blake U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,852, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. It is also contemplated that any type of hydrocarbon or non-hydrocarbon propellant may be used in connection with the pressurized containers noted above. One such non-hydrocarbon propellant may comprise a compressed gas selected from one or more of compressed air, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, inert gases, carbon dioxide, etc. 
     It is contemplated that a fluid, e.g., an air fragrancing composition, may be released from the above noted containers with any flow rate or with any spray droplet particle size. For example, it is preferable to have a spray release flow rate of from about 0.1 grams/second to about 1.8 grams/second. In one specific embodiment, a container is filled with at least 150 grams of an air fragrancing composition and placed under pressure by a compressed gas. Release of the air fragrancing composition over a 10 second period results in a spray release flow rate of about 1.5 grams/second. It is also preferable to have a spray droplet particle size in a range of about 10 microns to about 100 microns, and even more preferable to have a spray droplet particle size in a range of about 20 microns to about 70 microns. 
     For purposes of the presently described embodiment, the container  300  is an aerosol container, which includes a mounting cup  302  disposed within a neck  304  of the container  300 . A valve assembly (not shown) is disposed within an upper portion of the container  300  and includes a valve stem  306  that extends through a pedestal  308  centered within the mounting cup  302 . The valve stem  306  is a generally cylindrical tube having a passage  310  disposed longitudinally therethrough. A distal end  312  of the valve stem  306  extends upwardly away from the mounting cup  302  and a proximal end (not shown) is disposed within the valve assembly. Axial compression of the valve stem  306  opens the valve assembly, which allows a pressure difference between an interior of the container  300  and the atmosphere to force the contents of the container  300  out through the valve stem  306 . Alternatively, the valve stem may be radially actuable. 
     The actuator  150  is maintained in the non-use state by a bias exerted by the hinging element  210  substantially about the pivot bar  214  of the mounting assembly  204 . The bias in the present state causes the actuator  150  to move outward and away from the front side  116  and the top portion  106  of the housing  102 . As previously noted, the stopping members  274 ,  276  prevent substantial outward displacement by engaging with portions of the sidewall  104 . In the non-use state the valve stem  306  of the aerosol container  300  is disposed within the base  254  of the manifold  250 . However, a sufficient amount of force to actuate the valve stem  304  is not provided. In one embodiment, the valve stem  306  is not sealingly engaged with the base  254  during the non-use state. In a different embodiment, the valve stem  306  is sealingly engaged with the base  254 . Further, the valve stem  306  may be partially depressed during the non-use state to a degree insufficient to actuate same. In the embodiments where the valve stem  306  is engaged and/or partially depressed during the non-use state, the valve stem  306  may also exert an upward bias through the manifold  250  to maintain the actuator  150  in the present state. 
     Turning to  FIG. 11 , an in-use state is depicted that is representative of either the first actuating member  152  or the second actuating member  154  being engaged. To actuate the actuator cap  100  through the first actuating member  152  a user applies a substantially longitudinal force thereto, which is translated into a downward rotational force about the hinging element  210  in the direction of arrow  314 . Similarly, when a user applies a substantially transverse force to the second actuating member  154 , the transverse force is translated into a rotational force about the hinging element  210  in the direction of arrow  314 . Sufficient downward rotational movement of the actuator  150  causes the base  254  of the manifold  250  to fully engage the valve stem  304  to open the valve assembly within the container  300 . Fluid from an interior of the container  300  passes through the valve stem  306 , past the cylindrical orifice  256  of the base  254 , into the first and second channels  260 ,  262 , through the swirl chamber  270  of the nozzle  156 , and into the atmosphere. 
     While particular elements, embodiments, and applications of the present invention have been shown and described, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereto because modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teaching. It is therefore contemplated by the appended claims to cover such modifications and incorporate those features which come within the spirit and scope of the invention.