Abstract:
The present invention broadly comprises an actuator assembly for an aerosol container in which a collar is attached to the aerosol container and substantially encloses an actuator. The actuator is functionally attached to an aerosol valve and includes slots that contact a plurality of guide rails attached to the inner surface of the collar as well as a passage from the valve to a nozzle shaped opening. When the actuator is pushed down, the downward movement is controlled by the interaction of the slots with the guide rails. Also provided is a cover that guards against accidental force being applied to the actuator.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to aerosol containers, specifically to delivery systems for the content of aerosol containers, and more specifically to aerosol actuator systems. 
   BACKGROUND 
   The use of aerosol containers and delivery systems is widespread for both consumer and commercial products. Household products, such as furniture wax and oven cleaners, personal products such as hair sprays and topical burn medications, and commercial products such as insect repellants and paints use aerosol containers for storage and aerosol valves to deliver the contents to the desired target. 
   Several problems can arise during the use of aerosol container systems. One such problem is found in the aerosol valve itself. Aerosol valves are activated by depressing a valve along a stem that opens the valve and releases the contents that are stored under pressure. Very often, the pressure on the valve is not applied coaxially along the stem, but is applied at an angle. This angled pressure vector can cause bending or breaking of the stem or valve leading to leaks in the container and loss of contents. 
   Another problem is the potential loose fit of the aerosol actuator, the component that directly contacts the aerosol valve. It is important that the actuator not only be in secure contact with the aerosol valve, but also that the actuator stays oriented in the same direction to ensure that the contents of the container are released in the same direction each time. 
   Still another problem with aerosol containers is the potential for accidentally pressing on the valve to unexpectedly release the contents. If aerosol containers are kept in a confined space with other objects, such as a purse, it is relatively easy for the valve to be activated by other objects if it is not covered. Detachable covers are often used to correct this problem. However, detachable covers are easily misplaced, add to the overall size of the container, and are inconvenient to use in that they must be completely removed from the container before use and then securely placed back on the container after use. 
   What is needed then is an aerosol actuator that is configured to always be depressed coaxially with the aerosol valve stem, that will remain in the correct orientation in relation to the release direction of the contents, and that provides a convenient way to prevent accidental opening of the valve. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention broadly comprises an actuator assembly for an aerosol container comprising a collar having an interior surface and having attachment means for attachment to the aerosol container, at least one pair of guide rails projecting from the interior surface of the collar and an actuator comprising one or more slots in which at least one of the slots is in operative contact with one of the guide rails. The aerosol container has an aerosol valve from which the contents exit the container. Each of the guide rails comprises an end proximate to the aerosol valve and an end distal from the aerosol valve. Each one of the at least one pair of guide rails is positioned on a different side of the interior surface of the collar. At least one knob projects from the interior surface of the collar. Finally, the invention also includes an actuator comprising a plurality of slots, each one of the plurality of slots are in operative contact with one of the guide rails and comprising a passage having a first opening and a second opening, the first opening in functional connection with an aerosol valve on the aerosol can. 
   The invention also broadly comprises an actuator assembly for an aerosol container comprising a collar having an interior surface and having attachment means for attachment to the aerosol container, at least one pair of guide rails projecting from the interior surface of the collar and an actuator comprising one or more slots in which at least one of the slots is in operative contact with one of the guide rails. In rotational attachment to the collar is a flip cover that substantially covers an actuator and restricts access to the actuator when in the covering position. The aerosol container has an aerosol valve from which the contents exit the container. Each of the guide rails comprises an end proximate to the aerosol valve and an end distal from the aerosol valve. Each one of the at least one pair of guide rails is positioned on a different side of the interior surface of the collar. At least one knob projects from the interior surface of the collar. Finally, the invention also includes an actuator comprising a plurality of slots, each one of the plurality of slots are in operative contact with one of the guide rails and a passage having a first opening and a second opening, the first opening in functional connection with an aerosol valve on the aerosol can. 
   A general objective of the invention is to provide an aerosol actuator that reliably releases the contents of an aerosol container. 
   A second objective of the present invention is to make available an actuator guide system to enable consistent movement of an actuator when pressure is applied to the actuator from different directions 
   An additional objective of the invention is to disclose an aerosol actuator assembly that prevents wear on an aerosol valve caused by offset pressure applied to the valve. 
   A further objective of the invention is to provide a cover to reduce the potential for accidental release of the contents of an aerosol container. 
   A still further objective of the present invention is to present an aerosol actuator assembly configured to prevent the actuator from bursting off an aerosol valve. 
   An additional objective is to make available an aerosol actuator that applies pressure along the axis of an aerosol valve. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of the actuator assembly of the present invention attached to an aerosol container; 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded top perspective view of the actuator assembly of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded bottom view of the actuator assembly of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-section of the collar of the actuator assembly taken along line  4 — 4  in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a cut-away side view of the aerosol actuator of the present invention in which the aerosol valve is in the closed position and the actuator is pressed against knobs projecting from a pair of guide rails; 
       FIG. 6  is a cut-away side view of the aerosol actuator assembly of the present invention in which the contents of the aerosol container are released as the actuator is moved down from the restraining knobs; 
       FIG. 7  is a cut-away side view of the aerosol actuator assembly of the present invention in which the actuator is depicted as moving up toward the restraining knobs to shut of the release of the container contents; 
       FIG. 8  is a top view of the actuator pressed against the restraining knobs on the guide rails taken along line  8 — 8  in  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-section view taken along line  9 — 9  of  FIG. 8  depicting the actuator pressed against the restraining knobs in which the knobs are shown projecting from the interior surface of the collar; 
       FIG. 10  is a sectional view taken along line  10 — 10  in  FIG. 9  demonstrating a slot of the actuator positioned around the guide rail situated on an interior surface of the collar; 
       FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention depicting the flip cover in closed position over the actuator; 
       FIG. 12  is a cut-away side view of the actuator assembly of the present invention showing the flip cover in the closed position over the actuator; 
       FIG. 13  is the same view as that of  FIG. 12  depicting the flip cover in the open position; 
       FIG. 14  is a close-up view of the rotary attachment of the flip cover to the collar of the actuator assembly in the closed position; and 
       FIG. 15  is a close-up view of the rotary attachment of the flip cover to the collar of the actuator assembly in the open position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. 
   The present invention broadly comprises an aerosol container actuator assembly having a collar attached to the aerosol container that provides a surrounding wall for an aerosol actuator.  FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of the combination actuator assembly-container  10 . Actuator assembly  12  is shown attached to container  11 . Wall  21  of collar  20  partially surrounds actuator  30  on three sides. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that collar  20  may have several different shapes as long as access to actuator  30  by an operator is retained. Knobs  24  are seen projecting from interior surface  21   a  of wall  21 . Receiver  22  is defined by wall  21 . Shoulder stop  23  is in close proximity with receiver  22 . In the preferred embodiment shown, shoulder stop  23  is integral with receiver  22  and wall  21 . Not shown is a second receiver on the opposite wall transverse from visible receiver  22 . Also not shown in  FIG. 1 , a second shoulder stop  23  is also present in close proximity to the second receiver. At least one knob  24  projects from inner surface  21   a . As will be explained below, knob  24  acts to restrict the upward movement of actuator  30  to maintain the integrity of actuator assembly  12  by preventing the pressure of the aerosol contents from propelling actuator  30  off actuator assembly  12 . Opening  27  through wall  21  is provided to enable the contents of aerosol container  11  to be released to the immediate environment. Although opening  27  is depicted as U-shaped in  FIG. 1  and subsequent figures, persons skilled in the art will recognize that opening  27  may possess any convenient shape. Collar  20  is configured with attachment means  25  to attach collar  20  to container  11 . In one preferred embodiment, attachment means  25  comprises a bead that forms a crimp-type grip to attach collar  20  to container  11 . Orifice  28  seen in  FIG. 2  is defined by attachment  25  and wall  21  which either together or separately bound the bottom perimeter of collar  20 . 
   The sides of actuator  30  are shown as comprising slots  34 . Nozzle  32  of actuator  30  is shown extending from opening  27  and defines nozzle orifice  33 . 
     FIG. 2  is an exploded top perspective view of actuator assembly  12 . Slots  34  of actuator  30  are clearly shown on opposite sides of actuator  30 . In the preferred embodiment shown, slots  34  are configured as channels to contact and traverse guide rails  26  on collar  20 , as described below. A plurality of guide rails  26  extend along inner surface  21   a  of collar wall  21  with at least one of guide rails  26  on a different side of inner surface  21   a . In a preferred embodiment, at least one pair of guide rails  26  is provided with each of the pair of guide rails placed on different areas of inner surface  21   a  so as to face different directions. In a more preferred embodiment, each of the pair of guide rails are positioned on opposite areas of inner surface  21   a  so as to face each other. Thus, one of guide rail pair  26   a  is shown on one area of inner surface  21   a . The other of guide rail pair  26   a  (not shown) is preferably positioned across from guide rail  26   a . Similarly, one of guide rail pair  26   b  is shown in approximately the same area or region of inner surface  21   a  as visible guide rail  26   a . Again, a second guide rail  26   b  is preferably positioned across from guide rail  26   b  on inner surface  21   a . Although it is preferred that the individual guide rails in each pair be positioned on opposite sides of inner surface  21   a , the separate guide rails  26  in each pair may be positioned differently as warranted by the particular configuration of actuator assembly  12 . 
     FIG. 2  depicts a preferred embodiment in which knobs  24  are integral with guide rails  26 . In an alternate embodiment, knobs  24  may be detached from guide rails  26  provided knobs  24  extend from inner surface  21   a  sufficiently to restrict the upward movement of actuator  30 . (See below.) Preferably, actuator  30  is configured so that the shape and size of its perimeter is only slightly smaller that the shape and size of inner surface  21   a  so as to create a close fit between actuator  30  and inner surface  21   a  that still allows smooth movement of actuator along guide rails  26 . 
     FIG. 3  depicts an exploded bottom perspective view of actuator assembly  12 . Fitting  36  is shown attached to bottom surface  35  and surrounds aperture  37 . Aperture  37  and nozzle orifice  33  are connected to form a continuous passage. 
     FIG. 4  is a cross-section through U-shaped opening  27  of collar  20  taken along line  4 — 4  in  FIG. 2 . One member each of guide rail pairs  26   a  and  26   b  are seen extending substantially parallel to each other in a vertical direction. By vertical is meant approximately perpendicular to the plane of the perimeter of attachment  25  of collar  20 . 
     FIG. 5  is a cut-away side view with parts of wall  21  and actuator  30  removed to depict the attachment of actuator assembly  12  to container  11 . Fitting  36  is mounted over aerosol valve  14 . In one embodiment, fitting  36  is sized to provide a snug friction fit over valve  14 . In an alternate embodiment, fitting  36  may be attached to valve  14  using adhesives, glue, welding or other methods well known to those skilled in the art. Aerosol valve  14  is constructed to release the contents of container  11  when depressed toward container  11  in a coaxial direction along valve  14 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , nozzle  32  is pitched at an angle between approximately 7–10° relative to bead  13  of container  11 . At such an angle, self-defense aerosols such as MACE® and pepper spray discharge at an upward angle such that contents  39  are more likely to contact an attacker&#39;s face rather than his/hers chest or waist. In an alternate embodiment, nozzle  32  may be at substantially a zero angle, meaning parallel to the plane of bead  13  of container  11  or at a downward angle. Top surface  31  of actuator  30  is seen contacting knobs  24  which again are seen integral with guide rails  26 . Attachment  25 , including lower portion  25   a , is shown contacting bead  13  of container  11  to form a friction fit to hold actuator assembly  12  onto container  11 . Nozzle  32  may be bell shaped as shown in  FIG. 2 , tapered, or other suitable shape 
   Using the same view as  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 6  demonstrates the result of the movement of actuator  30  toward container  11 . Fitting  36  moves down over valve  14  until bottom surface  35  contacts valve  14  and pushes it toward container  11 , thereby opening valve  14  and releasing contents  39 . Contents  39  are forced under pressure out open valve  14  through aperture  37  then out through nozzle orifice  33   
     FIG. 7  demonstrates the closing of valve  14 . When pressure on actuator  30  is released, upward pressure of contents  39  forces actuator  30  away from container  11  along guide rails  26  until actuator  30  contacts knobs  24  where its upward movement is stopped. Thus, actuator  30  is held in place by the upward pressure of pressurized contents  39  and the downward restraints of knobs  24 . In the preferred embodiment discussed above, a close fitting of actuator  30  within inner wall  21  further stabilizes actuator  30 . 
     FIG. 8  is a top view of actuator  30  and knobs  24  taken along line  8 — 8  of  FIG. 5 . Knobs  24  can be seen attached to inner surface  21   a  of wall  21 . In one embodiment, knob  24  may be integral with inner surface  21   a  such as may be made with an injecting molding or blow molding process.  FIG. 9  is a side section taken along line  9 — 9  of  FIG. 8  through guide rail  26 . Guide rail  26  is seen extending from knob  24  along inner surface  21   a . The shaded portion depicts one side of slot  34  of actuator  30  extending toward inner surface  21   a  along guide rail  26 . Gaps  34   a  seen in  FIG. 8  demonstrate that slots  34  are close to but, preferably, not in continuous contact with guide rails  26  to enable smooth movement of actuator  30 .  FIG. 10  is a length-wise section taken along line  10 — 10  in  FIG. 9  clearly showing slot  34  in close proximity to guide rail  26 . 
     FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the instant invention. Flip cover  40  is shown covering actuator  30  (not shown). Upper surface  41  of flip cover  40  is also seen. 
     FIG. 12  is cut-away side view of actuator assembly  12  to include flip cover  40 .  FIG. 12  shows flip cover  40  in the closed position covering actuator  30 . Flip cover  40  is attached to collar  20  by insertion of rod  22   a  extending from collar  20  into holes on either side of flip cover  40  to form a hinged attachment. In an alternate embodiment, stems extending from cover  40  may be inserted into receiver  22  to form a hinged attachment. In a preferred embodiment, shoulder stop  23  is shown as an extension of receiver  22 . As discussed below, shoulder  23  is configured to restrict the range of motion of flip cover  40  to prevent flip cover  40  from rotating open so far as to hang down in front of nozzle opening  33 .  FIG. 13  shows flip cover  40  in the open position allowing easy access to actuator  30  by an operator. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that other methods may be used to movably attach flip cover  40  to collar  20  to allow access to actuator  30  when desired by an operator. 
     FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate a preferred embodiment in which shoulder  23  prevents flip cover  40  from opening so far as to hang in front of nozzle opening  33 . Flip cover  40  includes shoulders  41   a  and  41   b . As seen in  FIG. 14 , flip cover  40  is in the closed position with gap  42  between shoulder stop  23  and shoulder  41   a . Shoulder  41   b  is seen in contact with or in close proximity to shoulder stop  23 . When flip cover  40  is opened, as seen in  FIG. 15 , shoulder  41   a  is rotated until it is stopped by contacting shoulder stop  23 . At the same time, shoulder  41   b  rotates away from shoulder  23  to form gap  43 . Person skilled in the art will recognize that other designs methods may be used to restrict the movement of flip cover  40 . 
   Thus it is seen that the objects of the invention are efficiently obtained, although changes and modifications to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which changes would not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.