Abstract:
A aerosol container resuscitator restores functionality to a damaged or otherwise compromised aerosol container by being attachable to the annular container rim adjacent the container outlet, and by opening the valve of the compromised outlet and subsequently directing the aerosol container&#39;s product as purposed. The aerosol container resuscitator comprises an annular fitting assembly and a driver assembly. The fitting assembly comprises a fitting structure and a clamping structure. The fitting assembly aligns, secures, and interfaces the driver assembly to the container, which driver assembly comprises gasket structures, spring structures, a sleeve structure and a driver structure. The sleeve structure comprises communicating cavities in which the driver structure is received. The gaskets seal and prevent discharged aerosol container&#39;s product from circumventing the driver structure of the driver assembly. The springs allow relative translation between the fitting assembly and the driver assembly and between the sleeve structure and the driver structure.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to an aerosol container resuscitator assembly for selectively opening a valve or to a so-called aerosol container resuscitator assembly for selective and removable attachment to an aerosol container. More particularly, the present invention relates to an aerosol container resuscitator assembly configured appropriately for selective and removable attachment to a standard/generic aerosol container to restore functionality to a standard/generic aerosol container, which has been damaged or compromised at its outlet, by first opening the valve of the aerosol container&#39;s compromised outlet and subsequently directing its product as originally purposed. Note, the aerosol container resuscitator assembly according to the present invention cannot close an aerosol container&#39;s valve, and therefore it is not a valve but rather a “wrench” which is limited by design only to open the valve of a compromised outlet of an aerosol container. 
     2. Description of Prior Art 
     The prior art is fairly silent on constructions restoring purposed function to compromised aerosol container dispensers and the like. Several of the more pertinent art disclosures, however distant or distinctive, are briefly described hereinafter. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,638,840 (&#39;840 patent), which issued to Ishida, discloses a Safety Valve for Aerosol Containers. The &#39;840 patent describes a safety valve for an aerosol container which permits the discharge of the residual propellant gases in a used container when the valve stem is broken off. The container is thereby rendered safe from explosion caused by heat and also cannot be refilled. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,428,224 (&#39;224 patent), which issued to Eberhardt et al., discloses an Aerosol Coatings Applicator. The &#39;224 patent describes a flexible tube extended from a pressurized container to a valve which is carried in the hand of the user. The flexible tube is easily attachable to the pressurized container by way of a removable cap, which cap comprises a rim-receiving fitting for receiving the upwardly extending diametrical rim or mouth of an aerosol container. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,336 (&#39;336 patent), which issued to Blake, discloses a Valve with Interchangeable Components. The &#39;336 patent describes a valve in which standardized, interchangeable components are used for converting the valve to use either in a manually operated pump or an aerosol valve. A poppet member is reciprocable in a valve chamber between a flexible valve housing and a main cylinder housing. By making minor modifications to the poppet member and cylinder housing the valve can be adapted or converted to use either in a manually operated pump dispenser or an aerosol dispenser. 
     Unique valve retaining means for attaching a valve to a container is also disclosed. In one form, snap detents secure together peripheral flanges of the valve housing and cylinder housing and also secure the housings to the container neck. In another form, interfitting structure on the flanges align the housings relative to one another, and a gasket is interposed between the flanges so as to seal the flanges relative to one another and relative to the container neck, with a retaining ferrule engaging and securing the flanges to the container neck. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,189 (&#39;189 patent), which issued to Baudin, discloses a control valve comprising a valve stem movable in a valve body, the stem being provided axially with two opposing recessed channels each leading to one end of the stem and separated by a base, two transverse orifices being provided in the lateral wall of the stem on either side of the base, each orifice communicating respectively with a channel, a sealing member held in the valve body and traversed by the stem, a first spring adapted to force the stem, relative to the valve body, in a direction corresponding to an outward movement by the stem, and a second spring disposed so as to prevent outward movement by the stem as long as the pressure in the interior of the container does not exceed a predetermined value. 
     The two springs are disposed in parallel, one end of the first spring and of the second spring resting against a means stopped by a unilateral stop of the stem, wherein this means can slide relative to the stem in the event of outward movement by the latter, and the second end of the first spring resting against a stop integral with the valve body, while the second end of the second spring rests against a stop integral with the stem. The Baudin disclosure essential purpose is to prevent product discharge from the aerosol container until opened. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,657,908 (&#39;908 patent), which issued to Graver, discloses an Aerosol Fluid Dispenser. The &#39;908 patent describes an apparatus for dispensing an aerosol container&#39;s pressurized fluid contents includes a base; a first, outer sleeve mounted on the base; a second, inner sleeve nested within the outer sleeve and defining a bore adapted to receive the container; and a plurality of retainers pivotally mounted to the base within the outer sleeve so as to move from a radially inward position to a radially outward position relative to the centerline of the two sleeves. 
     The inner sleeve is biased away from the base by a first spring, such that a first internal camming surface on the inner sleeve engages each retainer to urge it radially inwardly into engagement with the container&#39;s external curl upon advancement of the container into the nested sleeves, thereby securing the container proximate to the base. Upon moving the inner sleeve towards the base, the sleeve&#39;s first internal camming surface disengages the retainers to permit their radial expansion and, hence, the release of the container&#39;s external curl. 
     Further relative movement of the inner sleeve permits a second internal camming surface on the inner sleeve to engage a radial extension of each retainer thereby to further urge each retainer free and clear of the container&#39;s external curl. An annular valve-actuating piston, slidably mounted within a tubular guide projecting from the base in alignment with the centerlines of the two sleeves, is biased away from the base and into engagement with the container&#39;s integral valve by a second spring interposed between the piston and the base. A length of flexible tubing is attached to the piston to receive the contents of the container released by the piston. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,481,470 (&#39;470 patent), which issued to Rubenic, discloses an Aerosol Can and Contents Salvage Apparatus. The &#39;470 patent describes an apparatus for puncturing an aerosol can valve, draining its contents through the puncture, and for drawing any remaining contents from the can should there be insufficient pressure in the can for it to be fully evacuated when punctured. When the valve is replaced, the can is reusable. The puncturing apparatus has a stationary compartmented piercing tube and a housing that is free to move up and down relative to the piercing tube. 
     The housing is spring-loaded to offer resistance to movement so that a seal is achieved between the housing and the can before the piercing tube makes contact with the can, and to return the housing to its rest position after each piercing cycle. An air cylinder is used to apply pressure to the bottom of the aerosol can so that it will move downward to engage the piercing tube and release its contents into a first compartment. A drawing cylinder contains a piston and uses vacuum means to draw contents from the aerosol can and mechanical mean to transfer such content from the apparatus through a discharge port. 
     United States Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0017780, authored by the Applicant Coroneos, discloses a Valve Assembly, Repair Kit, and Method for Salvaging an Aerosol Container. This publication describes A valve and/or repair kit assembly for restoring functionality to an aerosol container by being selectively and removably attachable the annular container rim adjacent the container outlet, which has been damaged or otherwise compromised. The valve assembly comprises a container-to-assembly interface fitting and a plunger assembly. The fitting interfaces the plunger assembly to the container, which plunger assembly comprises a sleeve, a nut, and a plunger structure. The sleeve comprises communicating cavities in which the nut and plunger structure are received. The plunger structure is coupled to the nut, each of which provide certain conduit. The fitting axially aligns the plunger assembly with the container outlet and matter-conducting conduit thus extends from the container outlet to the assembly outlet via the valve assembly. Certain methodology for discharging container contents is further supported by the valve assembly. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,152,030, which issued to Applicant Coroneos, discloses a Valve Wrench Assembly Kit for Restoring Purposed Function to a Compromised Aerosol Container. The &#39;030 patent describes a valve wrench assembly restores functionality to an aerosol container by being selectively and removably attachable the annular container rim adjacent the container outlet, which has been damaged or otherwise compromised, and by opening the valve of the compromised outlet and subsequently directing the aerosol container&#39;s product as purposed. The valve wrench assembly comprises an annular fitting assembly and a plunger assembly. The fitting assembly interfaces the plunger assembly to the container, which plunger assembly comprises a sleeve, a nut, and a plunger structure. The sleeve comprises communicating cavities in which the nut and plunger structure are received. The plunger structure is coupled to the nut, each of which provide certain conduit. The gasket structures axially align the plunger assembly with the container outlet and matter-conducting conduit thus extends from the container outlet to the assembly outlet via the valve wrench assembly. 
     The latter two disclosures are two initial attempts to address the perceived need in the art for a construction that is selectively and removably attachable to an aerosol container at its container outlet so that users may discharge container contents from the aerosol container despite its having a damaged or otherwise compromised container outlet. The prior art appears to be silent on a construction basically having an interface fitting and certain clamping means for enabling a user to quickly and effectively outfit a compromised aerosol container with the a resuscitator mechanism according to the present invention, as summarized in more detail hereinafter. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The aerosol container resuscitator assembly according to the present invention is designed to restore the functionality of an aerosol container by restoring its ability to dispense its product as purposed by the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). In this regard, the appropriate configuration of an aerosol container resuscitator assembly is that which facilitates attachment, proper alignment, and leak free activation of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly. The appropriate configuration of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly elements according to the present invention, as embodied in embodiments  20  and  20 ( a ), are generally illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 27  respectively. 
     The present invention is designed to be usable on aerosol containers where either its valve stem  18  of the integral valve body  16  (See  FIG. 9 ) is broken off (See  FIGS. 12 and 13 ); its non-integral valve nozzle  17  (See  FIG. 7 ) is lost (See  FIG. 9 .); or its integral stem-nozzle  17 ( a ) (See  FIG. 10(   b )) is lost (See  FIG. 10) . The present invention is designed to fit all standard/generic aerosol containers known to be currently used for paints, lubricates, etc. without need of modification of either (1) the aerosol container resuscitator assembly, or (2) any known standard/generic aerosol container design as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
     Some of the design features of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly are:
         It is reusable.   Its attachment is easy, tool free, and fool proof, and prerequisite preparation of an aerosol container is normally unnecessary.   Its driver is a “stand-alone” structure which can be replaced/interchanged without detachment of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly from an aerosol container.   It uses o-ring seals that can be easily changed if damaged or if required for compatibility with a product dispensed from an aerosol container.   It is robust and abuse resistant by design.   It is easily assembled/disassembled without tools for cleaning and other maintenance. It almost fully disassembles itself when detached from an aerosol container.       

     To achieve the foregoing and other readily apparent objectives, the present invention provides an aerosol container resuscitator assembly for restoring purposed functionality, the aerosol container resuscitator assembly comprising an interface fitting assembly and a driver assembly. 
     The fitting assembly preferably comprises an annular fitting  28  and contemplated elastically deformable clamping structure  38 . The annular fitting comprises an upper fitting section  40 , a lower fitting section  41 , an upper cavity  42 ( a ), a lower communicating cavity  42 , and contemplated clamping structure receiving geometry as at slot  39  (See  FIG. 23 ). 
     The upper fitting section  40  (See  FIG. 23 ) engages an upper portion  43  (See  FIG. 21 ) of rim  10  of the aerosol container  11 , and comprises a first exterior diameter  103  greater in magnitude than an inner rim diameter  104  (See  FIG. 21 ) of rim  10 . The lower fitting section  41  (See  FIG. 23 ) has a second exterior diameter  107 . The second exterior diameter  107  is lesser than the first exterior diameter  103  and the inner rim diameter  104 . 
     The surfaces  38 ( b ) and  38 ( c ) of the clamping structure  38  (See  FIG. 19 ) engage the lower portion  46  of the rim  10  of the aerosol container  11  (See  FIG. 21 ). The surface  38 ( a ) of the clamping structure  38  (See  FIG. 19 ) engage clamping structure receiving geometry such as slot  39  (See  FIGS. 22 and 23 ). 
     Alternatively, it is contemplated that the fitting assembly may comprise an annular fitting  28 ( a ) and contemplated elastically deformable clamping structure  60 . The annular fitting comprises an upper fitting section  40 , a lower fitting section  41 , an upper cavity  42 ( a ), a lower communicating cavity  42 , and contemplated clamping structure receiving geometry as at slot  70  (See  FIGS. 28 ). 
     The upper fitting section  40  (See  FIG. 28 ) engages an upper portion  43  (See  FIG. 21 ) of rim  10  of the aerosol container  11 , and comprises a first exterior diameter  103  greater in magnitude than an inner rim diameter  104  (See  FIG. 21 ) of rim  10 . The lower fitting section  41  (See  FIG. 28 ) has a second exterior diameter  107 . The second exterior diameter  107  is lesser than the first exterior diameter  103  and the inner rim diameter  104 . 
     The inner surface or end  60 ( a ) of the clamping structure  60  (See  FIG. 29 ) engages the lower portion  46  of the rim  10  of the aerosol container  11  (See  FIG. 21 ). The inner surface or end  60 ( b ) of the clamping structure  60  (See  FIG. 29 ) engages clamping structure receiving geometry slot  70  (See  FIGS. 28(   a ) and  28 ). 
     The driver assembly comprises a sleeve  26 , and a driver  27  (See  FIG. 14 .). The sleeve  26  comprises a driver-receiving cavity  50  and a spring/seal-receiving cavity  51 , said cavities being in communication with one another (See  FIG. 14 .). The driver  27  is received in the spring/seal-receiving cavity  51  and the driver-receiving cavity  50  and comprises conduit  53  and an assembly outlet  30 . (See  FIG. 14 .) The driver inlets  54  and  54 ( a ) (See  FIG. 14 .) are communicatively engageable with the container outlet  15 . (See  FIG. 3 .) 
     The driver assembly further comprises certain spring (e.g., spring  35  (See  FIG. 14 .)) means for biasing the driver  27  to a non-activated position (See  FIG. 2 .), which spring means enable the user to selectively discharge container products while concurrently and beneficially compressing the o-ring  22  enhancing its efficacy (See  FIG. 3 .). In addition, the driver assembly may further comprise certain spring means (e.g., spring  36  (See  FIG. 14 .)) to ensure sleeve-based o-ring  21  contact and compliance with the protrusion  32  of the valve body  80  of the aerosol container (See  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) for enhancing sealed and directed delivery of aerosol container products from the container outlet  15  to the assembly outlet  30 , and, thereby, also promoting precise alignment of axis  102  of the sleeve  26  with the axis  101  of the aerosol container&#39;s protrusion  32  (See  FIGS. 24 and 25 .). 
     The driver  27  is contemplated to comprise a driver shaft  36 ( a ), a protrusion (nozzle)  36 ( d ) which contains the assembly outlet  30 , a protrusion  36 ( c ) which restricts lateral movement of the driver, a protrusion  36 ( b ) which promotes concentric placement of the spring  35  relative to the driver shaft  36 ( a ), and an undercut  36 ( e ) which permits insertion of the driver  27  inlets  54  and  54 ( a ) into the valve inlet  15  of the aerosol container (See  FIG. 14 ). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other features of my invention will become more evident from a consideration of the following brief description of patent drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view depiction of a preferred embodiment of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly according to the present invention as attached to the upper portion of a fragmentary aerosol container. 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view depiction of the preferred embodiment of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly showing the fitting assembly attached to the aerosol container, and showing the driver in a non-activated state. 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view depiction of the preferred embodiment of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly showing the fitting assembly attached to the aerosol container showing the driver in an activated state. 
         FIG. 4  is a first of three sequential sectional view depictions of the preferred embodiment of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly in a relaxed, non-activated state aligned with but positioned above the valve of a compromised aerosol container from which position it can be lowered onto and attached to the aerosol container, and showing a first elastically deformable clamping structure in a non-engaged position exploded from the aerosol container resuscitator assembly. 
         FIG. 5  is a second of three sequential sectional view depictions of the preferred embodiment of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly according to the present invention lowered onto the aerosol container, the driver being in a relaxed, non-activated state, and the first elastically deformable clamping structure in a non-engaged position exploded from the aerosol container resuscitator assembly. 
         FIG. 6  is a third of three sequential sectional view depictions of the preferred embodiment of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly according to the present invention lowered onto the aerosol container, the driver being in a relaxed, non-activated state, and the first elastically deformable clamping structure being in an engaged position securing the preferred embodiment to the aerosol container. 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged fragmentary sectional depiction of the upper portion of a non-activated standard/generic aerosol container showing an integral valve stem and valve body and attached nozzle. 
         FIG. 7(   a ) is a sectional depiction of a non-activated standard/generic aerosol container showing an integral valve stem and valve body and attached nozzle. 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged fragmentary sectional depiction of the upper portion of an activated standard/generic aerosol container showing an integral valve stem and valve body and attached nozzle, and showing the ejection path of aerosol container product. 
         FIG. 8(   a ) is a sectional depiction of an activated standard/generic aerosol container showing an integral valve stem and valve body and attached nozzle. 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged fragmentary sectional depiction of the upper portion of a non-activated standard/generic aerosol container showing an integral valve stem and valve body with a nozzle removed. 
         FIG. 9(   a ) is a sectional depiction of a non-activated standard/generic aerosol container showing an integral valve stem and valve body posed with the nozzle removed. 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged fragmentary sectional depiction showing the upper portion of a non-activated standard/generic aerosol container showing an integral valve stem and nozzle with the integral valve stem and nozzle removed. 
         FIG. 10(   a ) is a sectional depiction showing the upper portion of a non-activated standard/generic aerosol container showing an integral valve stem and nozzle removed from the aerosol container. 
         FIG. 10(   b ) is a sectional depiction showing a standard/generic aerosol container integral valve stem and nozzle. 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged fragmentary sectional depiction of the upper portion of a non-activated standard/generic aerosol container depicting a trimmed valve stem in which the valve stem and valve body are integral with a nozzle removed therefrom. 
         FIG. 11(   a ) is a sectional depiction of a non-activated standard/generic aerosol container depicting a trimmed valve stem in which the valve stem and valve body  16  are integral with nozzle removed therefrom. 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged fragmentary sectional depiction of the upper portion of a non-activated standard/generic aerosol container depicting a broken valve stem integral with the valve body and in need of trimming with the nozzle removed therefrom. 
         FIG. 12(   a ) is a sectional depiction of a non-activated standard/generic aerosol container depicting a broken valve stem integral with the valve body and in need of trimming with the nozzle removed therefrom. 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged fragmentary sectional depiction of the upper portion of a non-activated standard/generic aerosol container depicting a broken valve stem integral with the valve body and not in need of trimming with the nozzle removed therefrom. 
         FIG. 13(   a ) is a sectional depiction of a non-activated standard/generic aerosol container depicting a broken valve stem integral with the valve body and not in need of trimming with the nozzle removed therefrom. 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded sectional view depiction of the preferred embodiment of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly according to the present invention, showing from top to bottom, a driver element, a spring element, a driver-based o-ring element, an annular fitting element, an elastically deformable clamping structure element, a spring element, a sleeve element, and a sleeve-based o-ring element. 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged top perspective view depiction of a driver-based o-ring element. 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged top perspective view depiction of the sleeve-based o-ring element. 
         FIG. 17  is an enlarged top perspective view depiction of a first spring element in a relaxed state. 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged top perspective view depiction of a second spring element in a relaxed state. 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged top perspective view depiction of the elastically deformable clamping structure element. 
         FIG. 20  is an enlarged top perspective view depiction of the elastically deformable clamping structure element engaging the valve body of an aerosol container. 
         FIG. 21  is a sectional depiction of the valve body of an aerosol container. 
         FIG. 22  is an enlarged top perspective view depiction of the annular fitting element. 
         FIG. 23  is a sectional view depiction of the annular fitting element otherwise depicted in  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  is a sectional view depiction of an unaligned sleeve and its sleeve-based o-ring prior to sleeve depression in a normal aerosol container resuscitator assembly attachment sequence. 
         FIG. 25  is a sectional view depiction of an aligned sleeve and its sleeve-based o-ring subsequent to sleeve depression in a normal aerosol container resuscitator assembly attachment sequence. 
         FIG. 26  is a sectional view depiction of the preferred embodiment of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly attached to an aerosol container having an undamaged valve stem protruding beyond the valve body, and showing the driver element in a non-activated state. 
         FIG. 27  is a sectional view depiction of an alternative embodiment of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly attached to the aerosol container by means of an alternative clamping structure. 
         FIG. 27(   a ) is a perspective view depiction of the alternative embodiment of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly attached to the aerosol container by means of the alternative clamping structure. 
         FIG. 28  is a sectional view depiction of the alternative embodiment of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly showing the contemplated clamp receiving geometry for receiving the alternative clamping structure. 
         FIG. 28(   a ) is a perspective view depiction of the alternative embodiment of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly showing the contemplated clamp receiving geometry for receiving the alternative clamping structure. 
         FIG. 29  is a side view depiction showing the contemplated geometry of the alternative clamping structure. 
         FIG. 29(   a ) is a perspective view depiction showing the contemplated geometry of the alternative clamping structure. 
         FIG. 30(   a ) is a first of three sequential sectional view depictions of the alternative embodiment of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly in a relaxed, non-activated state aligned with but positioned above the valve of a compromised aerosol container from which position it can be lowered onto and attached to the aerosol container, the elastically deformable alternative clamping structure being in a non-engaged position. 
         FIG. 30(   b ) is a second of three sectional view depictions of the alternative embodiment of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly lowered onto the aerosol container, the driver being is in a relaxed, non-activated state, and the elastically deformable alternative clamping structure being in a non-engaged position. 
         FIG. 30(   c ) is a third of three sectional view depictions of the alternative embodiment of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly lowered onto the aerosol container, the driver being in a relaxed, non-activated state, and the elastically deformable alternative clamping structure being in the engaged position securing the alternative embodiment to the aerosol container. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     A typical aerosol container (as at  11 ) contains two substances. One substance is an inert gas used as a propellant as generally and generically referenced at  12 . The second substance is a liquid product as generally and generically referenced at  13 . The liquid product  13  may be exemplified by a lubricant, to be delivered by way of the propellant  12 . The inert gas  12  is at high pressure and essentially pushes on the product  13  such that the product  13  travels through the container conduit  14  and exits the container  11  via a container outlet  15 . See generally  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
     The aerosol container  11  is valved such that the product  13  cannot escape the aerosol container  11  until the valve is opened, usually by pushing down on its nozzle as at  17 . A container conduit  14  extends from the valve at the top of the aerosol container  11  to the bottom of the aerosol container  11 . If the valve is opened and the aerosol container  11  is upright, the product  13  is pushed by the pressurized inert gas  12  through the container conduit  14  and valve body  16  where it then exits the valve  80  assembly and aerosol container  11  through the valve&#39;s nozzle  17 . See generally  FIG. 8 . 
     The aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  according to the present invention is designed to restore the functionality of the aerosol container  11  by restoring its ability to dispense container contents such as the product  13  in the manner purposed by the OEM. In this regard, it is to be noted that the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  is designed to be outfitted upon the aerosol container  11  in which the valve stem  18  is integral with the valve body  16  and either the nozzle  17  is lost or the valve stem  18  is broken off (See generally  FIGS. 7 ,  9 ,  12 , and  13 ), or in which the valve stem  18  is non-integral with the valve body  16  but rather integral with the nozzle for forming a nozzle element as at  17 ( a ), and the nozzle  17 ( a ) is lost (See, e.g.  FIG. 10 ). 
     The preferred aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  according to the present invention is designed to make any prerequisite preparation of the aerosol container  11  before usage of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  unnecessary or minimal. A lost aerosol container nozzle  17 ( a ) requires no aerosol container  11  prerequisite preparation (See  FIG. 10 ); however, if any ragged protruding valve stem  18  is left when an aerosol container is compromised (See  FIG. 12 ), the prerequisite preparation of the aerosol container  11  is minimal, and simply involves trimming the protruding valve stem  18  with either a knife or scissors to a condition illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
     It should be further noted that the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  is designed to fit all aerosol containers  11  known to be currently used for paints, lubricates, etc. without need of modification of either the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  or any known design of an aerosol container  11 . A standard/generic aerosol container  11  of the type usable in combination with the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  is illustrated throughout the drawings submitted in support of this specification. 
     The aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  is designed to be reusable. In this regard, the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  is simply removable from a first aerosol container  11 , whereafter the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  may be cleaned as required, and re-installed upon a second aerosol container  11 . Further, the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  is designed to be compatible with most products  13  as dispensed from aerosol containers  11 . This is preferably accomplished by use of gasket type o-rings for sealing that can be readily changed and by use of structural materials common to most aerosol containers  11 . In this regard, a protrusion-engaging, sleeve-based o-ring  21  and a driver-engaging, driver-based o-ring  22  are contemplated. 
     The aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  may be outfitted with a variety of different types of drivers having different protrusions (nozzles)  36 ( d ), an example of which is generally depicted at driver  27  in  FIG. 14 . The interchangeability of drivers, as exemplified by driver  27 , allows the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  to accommodate a compromised aerosol container where its undamaged valve stem  16  protrudes beyond the valve body  80  as depicted in  FIG. 9  (See  FIG. 26 ), and allows the user to change the spray pattern of product  13  discharge. In this regard, the spray pattern may be changed into a stream type pattern, a mist type pattern, etc. Further, the interchangeability of drivers, as exemplified by driver  27 , allows the user to easily replace clogged drivers. 
     In this last regard, it should be further noted that the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  is designed to make assembly, cleaning, and other maintenance thereof most simple. Total assembly/disassembly of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  requires no tools. Notably, the aerosol container resuscitator assembly when detached from an aerosol container will for the most part literally disassemble itself. 
     The aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  is further designed to simplify the changing of seals if required for compatibility with a product  13  dispensed from an aerosol container  11  or if damaged. The protrusion-engaging, sleeve-based o-ring  21  is exposed, and thus may be installed/removed manually with one&#39;s fingers. The driver-based o-ring  22  is installed/removed by pulling out the driver  27 , sliding off the old driver-based o-ring  22  from the driver shaft  36 ( a ), sliding a replacement driver-based o-ring  22  onto the driver shaft  36 ( a ), and reinserting the driver into the driver assembly sleeve  26 . Notably, the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  is designed to preclude loss of driver  27  utility from breakage due to abuse. This is accomplished by providing a close fit of appropriate length between the driver protrusion  36 ( c ) and the driver assembly sleeve  26 . 
     The aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  is further designed to minimize the learning curve for usage through attachment simplicity and through its activation being as for a standard/generic aerosol container, i.e., push down on the protrusion  36 ( d ) of the driver  27 . Attachment of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  to a container  11  is simply achieved by slipping on the annular fitting  28 . In this regard, the annular fitting  28  is inserted into the container rim  10  after which the elastically deformable clamping structure  38  is received by slot  39  of the annular fitting  28  and the outer radial surface  46  of the container rim  10  (See generally  FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  6 ). 
     The elastically deformable clamping structure  38  comprises or is constructed from a single piece of elastically deformable material having a number of bends in the material intermediate its length to effect the overall structure shown in  FIGS. 14 and 19 . The (collinear) ends  38 ( a ) of the structure  38  are received in slots  39  formed in the upper surface of the interface fitting  28 . The structure  38  is bent at  381 ,  382  in 90 degree angles, and at  383  in 180 degrees so as to form extended portions as at  38 ( b ) and rim-engaging arc length portions as at  38 ( c ). A rounded protrusion is further formed as at  38 ( d ) intermediate the arc length portions  38 ( c ). 
     When fully assembled upon an aerosol container  11 , the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  is operated as would be any standard/generic aerosol container upon which the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  may be used. In this regard, the assembly outlet (as at  30 ) of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  is pointed or aimed (aiming guidance being provided by appropriate beveling of the top surface of protrusion  36 ( d ) of the driver  27  as illustrated throughout the drawings submitted in support of this specification) in the direction in which the dispensed product  13  is to be ejected. Then the driver  27  is pushed down or depressed with one&#39;s finger for communicating the conduit inlets  54  and  54 ( a ) of the driver  27  with the container outlet (as at  15 ) such that the aerosol container&#39;s product  13  may travel through the conduit structures and exit driver  27  via assembly outlet  30 . 
     Attachment of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  onto an aerosol container  11  is believed to be fool proof by virtue of its design. The process of outfitting the target aerosol container  11  with an aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  is accomplished by requiring only two operations which cannot be performed improperly if attachment is to be successful. First, the annular fitting  28  must engage the rim  10  such that the sleeve  26  will be positioned over and around the centrally located protrusion  32  of the shell of the valve  80  assembly. 
     Since the rim  10  is concentric to the centrally located protrusion  32  of the shell of the valve  80  assembly and since both the rim  10  and the annular fitting  28  are cylindrical of nearly the same diameter, the act of inserting the annular fitting  28  into the rim  10  results in accurate alignment of the axis  102  of the sleeve  26  (See  FIG. 24 ) with the axis  101  of the protrusion  32  (See  FIG. 24 ) (See also  FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  6 ). Second, the clamping structure  38  may be engaged with the rim  10  of the aerosol container  11 . Alternatively, annular fitting  28 ( a ), which is compatible with the clamping structure  60 , is substituted for annular fitting  28  and the clamping structure  60  may be engaged with the rim  10  of the aerosol container  11 . 
     Precise alignment is achieved when the protrusion-engaging, sleeve-based o-ring  21  is axisymmetrically deformed and becomes compliant with the surface of the protrusion  32  as spring  36  is compressed when the annular fitting  28  engages the rim  10 . This may be understood from a comparative consideration of  FIGS. 4 through 6 ,  24  and  25 . 
     The efficacy of the driver-based o-ring  22  seal is enhanced by ramping (as at  34  in  FIG. 14 ) the driver-based o-ring&#39;s seat  34  towards the interfacing surface of the shaft  36 ( a ) of the driver  27  and by the spring  35  compressing the driver-based o-ring  22  when the driver  27  is activated thereby increasing the pressures and the footprints at the driver-based o-ring&#39;s seat  34  and the interfacing surface of the driver shaft  36 ( a ). This may be understood from a consideration of  FIG. 3 . 
     The aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  is further designed such that an exchange/replacement of the driver  27 , which facilitates change of the spray pattern of product  13  discharge, requires no tools. In this regard, the driver  27  to be replaced is simply pulled out the driver assembly sleeve  26 , and the replacement driver  27  is simply pushed into the driver assembly sleeve  26 . This may be understood from a comparative consideration of  FIGS. 2 through 6 ,  14 , and  26 . 
     The aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  is further designed to preclude interference with the driver  27  activation by the spring  35  rubbing against the wall of the spring/seal-receiving cavity  51  of sleeve  26 . This is accomplished by protrusion  36 ( b ) of driver  27  which engages the spring  35  and promotes concentric alignment of the spring  35  with the spring/seal-receiving cavity  51  of sleeve  26 . 
     The aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  is further designed to accommodate variations in the height of the protrusion  32  thereby ensuring seal contact and compliance with the protrusion  32 . In this regard the spring  36  allows longitudinal translation of the driver assembly sleeve  26  relative to the longitudinal axis of the annular fitting  28 . 
     The aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  is further designed to accommodate variations in the diameter of the protrusion  32  thereby ensuring seal contact and compliance with the protrusion  32 . In this regard the sleeve-based o-ring  21  accommodates variations in the diameter of the protrusion  32 . 
     It will thus be seen that the present invention generally concerns an aerosol container resuscitator assembly for restoring functionality to a standard/generic aerosol container  11  as purposed by the OEM in which the valve stem  18  is integral with the valve body  16  and either the nozzle  17  is lost or the valve stem  18  is broken off, or in which the valve stem  18  is non-integral with the valve body  16  but rather integral with the nozzle for forming nozzle  17 ( a ), and the nozzle  17 ( a ) is lost. In either case, the aerosol container  11  is rendered inoperable unless re-outfitted with certain means for re-engaging the container outlet  15 . The aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  or  20 ( a ) according to the present invention is believed to provide certain means for restoring an aerosol container  11  of this sort to the functionality purposed by the OEM. 
     As may be seen from an inspection of the various figures, the aerosol container  11  has an annular container rim as at  10  and a container outlet as at  15  (See  FIGS. 9 and 10 ). The aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  or  20 ( a ) according to the present invention cooperate with both the container rim  10  and the container outlet  15  to preferably and selectively discharge container product  13  from the container outlet  15 . To achieve this primary objective, the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  or  20 ( a ) according to the present invention preferably comprise a container-to-assembly annular fitting assembly as exemplified by elements  28  and  38  (or  28 ( a ) and  60 ), and a driver assembly (See  FIG. 14 ). 
     The fitting assembly comprises an annular fitting  28  and certain clamping means as exemplified by clamping structure  38 . The annular fitting  28  comprises an upper fitting section as at  40 ; a lower fitting section as at  41 , and two communicating interior sections as at  39 ( a ) and as at  39 ( b ) extending through the upper and lower fitting sections  40  and  41  (See  FIG. 14 ). The upper fitting section  40  functions to engage an upper portion  43  of the container rim  10  of an aerosol container  11  (See  FIG. 7 ). The interior section  39 ( a ) laterally supports and guides the sleeve  26  whereas the interior section  39 ( b ) laterally supports and guides the spring  36 . 
     In this regard, it will be seen that the upper fitting section  40  comprises a first exterior diameter  103  (See  FIG. 23 ) greater in magnitude than an inner rim diameter  104  (See  FIG. 21 ) of the container rim  10 , and that the lower fitting section  41  comprises a second exterior diameter as at  107  (See  FIG. 23 ). The second exterior diameter  107  is lesser in magnitude than the first exterior diameter  103  and inner rim diameter  104 . The lower fitting section  41  thus functions to position annular fitting  28  against an inner portion  45  (See  FIG. 7 ) of the container rim  10 . 
     Alternatively, the fitting assembly may comprise an annular fitting  28 ( a ) and certain clamping means as exemplified by clamping structure  60 . The annular fitting  28 ( a ) comprises an upper fitting section as at  40 ; a lower fitting section as at  41 , and two communicating interior sections as at  39 ( a ) and as at  39 ( b ) extending through the upper and lower fitting sections  40  and  41  (See  FIG. 28 ). The upper fitting section  40  functions to engage an upper portion  43  of the container rim  10  of an aerosol container  11  (See  FIGS. 7 ). The interior section  39 ( a ) laterally supports and guides the sleeve  26  whereas the interior section  39 ( b ) laterally supports and guides the spring  36 . 
     The elastically deformable clamping structure(s)  60  preferably comprises or is constructed from opposed pieces of elastically deformable material having a number of bends in the material intermediate its length to effect the overall structure shown in  FIGS. 29 and 29(   a ). The structures  60  comprise a first (planar) end as at  60 ( b ), which ends  60 ( b ) are received in slots  70  formed in the upper surface of the fitting  28 ( a ). 
     The structures  60  are each bent at  601 ,  602  in 90 degree angles, and at  603  in an arc length end  60 ( a ) for engaging the underside of the container rim as at  46 . The structures  60  are laterally opposed when clamping the interface fitting to the container rim  10 . 
     In this regard, it will be seen that the upper fitting section  40  comprises a first exterior diameter  103  (See  FIG. 28 ) greater in magnitude than an inner rim diameter  104  (See  FIG. 21 ) of the container rim  10 , and that the lower fitting section  41  comprises a second exterior diameter as at  107  (See  FIG. 28 ). The second exterior diameter  107  is lesser in magnitude than the first exterior diameter  103  and inner rim diameter  104 . The lower fitting section  41  thus functions to position annular fitting  28 ( a ) against an inner portion  45  (See  FIG. 7 ) of the container rim  10 . 
     The driver assembly essentially comprises a sleeve structure as at sleeve  26  (See  FIG. 14 ); and a driver structure as at driver  27  (See  FIG. 14 ). The sleeve structure, sleeve  26 , comprises a spring/seal-receiving cavity as at  51  and a driver-receiving cavity as at  50  (See  FIG. 14 ). The cavities  50  and  51  are in communication with one another as generally depicted. 
     The driver structure, driver  27 , is received in the cavities  50  and  51  and comprises certain driver-based conduit as at  53  and conduit inlets as at  54  and  54 ( a ) and a conduit outlet as at  30  (See  FIG. 14 ). In addition the driver structure, driver  27 , comprises driver-based protrusion  36 ( d ) which forms a nozzle type structure containing the outlet  30  of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20 . 
     The sleeve  26  is coupled to the through-hole  42 ( a ) (See  FIG. 23 ) for enabling matter such as container products  13  to pass from the container outlet  15  to the outlet  30  via the inlets  54  and  54 ( a ) and the driver-based conduit  53  (See  FIG. 14 ). The aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20 ( a ) according to the present invention thus functions to restore functionality to the aerosol container  11  in which the nozzle  17 / 17 ( a ) is missing or in which the valve stem  18  integral with the valve body  16  is broken (See  FIGS. 9 ,  10 ,  12 , and  13 ). 
     The aerosol container resuscitator assemblies according to the present invention may preferably comprise certain spring means as exemplified by the spring element  35  (See  FIGS. 14 and 17 ) and the spring element  36  (See  FIGS. 14 and 18 ) where the spring  35  is for biasing the driver  27  to a non-activated position. The exemplified spring means as at spring  35  thus enable the user to selectively discharge container products. 
     Spring element  36 , by contrast, is for ensuring sleeve-based o-ring  21  contact and compliance with the protrusion  32  and the surface  33  (See  FIG. 14 ) of the sleeve  26  thereby ensuring sealed and directed delivery of aerosol container products from the container outlet  15  to the assembly outlet  30  and thereby also promoting precise alignment between the axis  102  of the sleeve  26  and the axis  101  of the aerosol container&#39;s protrusion  32  (See  FIGS. 24 and 25 ). 
     While the above description contains much specificity, this specificity should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of the invention. For example, it is contemplated that the present invention essentially provides an aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  or  20 ( a ) to restore the function of an aerosol container  10  as purposed by the OEM and, thereby, to discharge an aerosol container product as purposed by the OEM. The aerosol container resuscitator assembly according to the present invention is believed to essentially comprise certain attachment means (as may be exemplified by the annular fitting assembly) for attaching certain replacement discharge means (as may be exemplified by the driver assembly) to an aerosol container. 
     It is contemplated that said attachment means may be outfitted upon an aerosol container having a compromised, damaged, or broken container outlet, and that the replacement discharge means may be attached to the aerosol container adjacent the container outlet via the attachment means so as to discharge container products from the aerosol container via the compromised container outlet. The container products may thus be discharged both through the container outlet and said attachment means. The discharge means may further comprise axially displaceable structure, which axially displaceable structure may well function to depress the container outlet thereby discharging container products. 
     The present invention preferably thus provides an aerosol container resuscitator assembly to restore a compromised aerosol container outlet, which aerosol container has an annular container rim and a container outlet. The aerosol container resuscitator assembly comprises certain fastening means as exemplified by a container-to-assembly interface fitting as at  28  or as at  28 ( a ) and certain clamping means as exemplified by clamping structure(s) as at  38  or as at  60  as well as a driver assembly as previously described. 
     The aerosol container resuscitator assembly according to the present invention essentially functions to direct aerosol container product discharge, and essentially comprises an interface fitting assembly and a driver assembly. The fitting assembly comprises an annular fitting and a three-dimensional, elastically deformable, clamping structure. The annular fitting comprises an upper fitting section, a lower fitting section, and a driver assembly-receiving cavity extending through the upper and lower fitting sections. 
     The upper fitting section has a first exterior diameter as at  103 , an upper fitting surface as at  391 , a lower fitting surface as at  392 , and a fitting thickness as at  40  between the upper and lower fitting surfaces  391  and  392 . The first exterior diameter  103  is neater in magnitude than an inner rim diameter  104  of said aerosol container rim  10 . The upper fitting surface  391  preferably comprises diametrically-aligned, radially-opposed clamp-receiving grooves as at  39  opposite the driver assembly-receiving cavity. 
     The lower fitting surface  392  engages an upper portion  43  of an aerosol container rim  10 , and the lower fitting section has a second exterior diameter as at  107  lesser than the first exterior diameter  103  and inner rim diameter  104 . The lower fitting section positions the annular fitting against an inner portion of said aerosol container rim  10 . The three-dimensional, elastically deformable clamping structure as at  38  integrally comprises a generally U-shaped or arcuate structure in a first dimension (i.e. opposed structural portions  38 ( b ),  38 ( c ), as connected by portion  38 ( d )); and laterally opposed r-shaped, upper section-engaging structures or structural portions in a second dimension, (i.e. those structural portions  38 ( a ) and  393 ). 
     The U-shaped structure is elastically deformable and when in its relaxed state, is shaped so as to engage a select arc length of an outer diameter of the aerosol container rim  10  lesser than its maximum outer diameter as at  110 . The r-shaped structures each have a fitting spanning section (as at  393 ) and a fitting clamping section as at  38 ( a ). The fitting spanning sections  393  span the fitting thickness  40 , and the fitting clamping sections  38 ( a ) are receivable in the clamp-receiving grooves  39  for clamping the interface fitting assembly to the aerosol container rim  10 . 
     The driver assembly comprises a sleeve and a driver. The sleeve extends through the driver assembly-receiving cavity and comprises axially opposed spring/seal-receiving and driver-receiving cavities. The spring/seal-receiving and driver-receiving cavities are in communication with one another, and the driver is received in the spring/seal-receiving and driver-receiving cavities. The driver comprises an assembly outlet and driver conduit having a conduit inlet. The conduit inlet is communicatively engageable with a container outlet on the aerosol container for enabling matter to pass from the container outlet to the assembly outlet via the conduit inlet and driver conduit. 
     The driver assembly essentially comprises a sleeve and a driver. The sleeve comprises a spring/seal-receiving cavity and a driver-receiving cavity which cavities are in communication with one another. The driver is received in the spring/seal-receiving cavity and the driver-receiving cavity and comprises driver-based conduit and a driver outlet. The conduit inlet is communicatively engageable with the container outlet thereby providing matter-conducting conduit from the conduit inlet to the conduit outlet. The sleeve is coupled to the through-hole for enabling matter to pass from the container outlet to the conduit outlet via driver-based conduit. 
     Further, the foregoing specifications are believed to support certain methodology for discharging container products  13  from an aerosol container  11 . In this regard, the present invention is believed to support an aerosol container products discharging method comprising the steps of: attaching an assembly such as the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  or  20 ( a ) to an aerosol container or container such as container  11  via the container rim  10  thereof, which valve  80  assembly comprises axially displaceable conduit as depicted in  FIG. 2  (in which the driver is shown in a non-activated state with the conduit being shown in a first axial position) versus  FIG. 3  (in which the driver is shown in an activated state with the conduit being shown in a second axial position relative to the first axial position). 
     The axially displaceable conduit is thereby communicatively engageable with a container outlet  15  of the aerosol container  11 . Thus, when the conduit is axially displaced towards the container outlet  15  the action is designed to release container products  13  from the aerosol container  11  via the valve body  16  and container outlet  15 , whereafter container products are directed through said conduit to an assembly outlet as at  30  of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  or  20 ( a ) thereby discharging container products  13  from the aerosol container  11 . 
     As earlier set forth, at least one portion or a select portion of the aerosol container resuscitator assembly  20  or  20 ( a ) is interchangeable, the interchangeability of which enables the user to, among other acts, selectively manage the conduit or assembly outlet at  30 . In this regard, it is contemplated that drivers such as driver  27  may be interchanged for generalized maintenance, to accommodate an undamaged valve stem  16  which protrudes beyond the valve body  80 , and/or to alter the spray pattern as desired by the user. 
     As further mentioned hereinabove, the aerosol container resuscitator assembly may preferably comprise certain spring means for biasing aerosol container resuscitator assembly to a non-activated position (as generally depicted in  FIG. 2 ). In this regard, it is contemplated that the method may comprise the additional step of biasing the aerosol container resuscitator assembly conduit (as at  53 ) away from the container outlet  15  after directing container products  13  through said conduit  53 . The spring means thus enable the user to selectively discharge container products  13  after attaching the aerosol container resuscitator assembly to the container rim  10 . 
     As further mentioned hereinabove, the aerosol container resuscitator assembly may preferably comprise certain spring means to enable the aerosol container resuscitator assembly to accommodate variations in height of the protrusion  32  thereby ensuring seal contact and compliance with the protrusion  32 . 
     As further mentioned hereinabove, the aerosol container resuscitator assembly may preferably comprise certain gasket means to enable the aerosol container resuscitator assembly to accommodate variations in the diameter of the protrusion  32  thereby ensuring seal contact and compliance with the protrusion  32 . 
     Accordingly, although the invention has been described by reference to certain alternative embodiments, and certain methodology, it is not intended that the novel disclosures herein presented be limited thereby, but that modifications thereof are intended to be included as falling within the broad scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosure, the following claims and the appended drawings.