Patent Publication Number: US-11390453-B2

Title: Dual actuated aerosol devices

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/069,015, filed Mar. 14, 2016, which is a continuation of, and claims the benefit of, U.S. application Ser. No. 14/317,596, filed Jun. 27, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,315,314, issued Apr. 19, 2016 and incorporates the same herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the invention relate to aerosol actuators and more particularly to aerosol actuators which may be actuated in multiple manners. 
     2. State of the Art 
     Aerosol products are widely used for a number of different applications, including paint, hair care, air care, sun care, cleaning, beauty products, food products, and others. Typically, aerosol dispensers include a button actuator mounted on top of a valve connected to an aerosol container. Actuation or depression of the button opens the valve and disperses the aerosol product from the container to the atmosphere. The use of such actuation buttons are well known and are found on the majority of aerosol dispensing devices. 
     More recently, some aerosol dispensing systems have adopted trigger actuated aerosol actuators in place of the button actuators. The use of trigger actuators with aerosols provides a user with a different experience when using the aerosol product. However, trigger actuators are typically more expensive than button actuators. 
     In some cases, however, conventional button actuators and trigger actuators are not ideal for certain applications. For example, when applying an aerosol product to a user&#39;s body, use of button actuators or trigger actuators can be cumbersome or awkward. In addition, conventionally available button actuators and trigger actuators have poor ergonomics in certain application positions. Therefore, it may be desirable to design improved or new aerosol actuators having better ergonomics and more favorable designs to improve user experience when using such aerosol actuators. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to certain embodiments of the invention, an aerosol actuator includes a locking ring, a manifold, a cap, and a trigger, wherein the manifold is supported by the locking ring and is in communication with the trigger which is mounted to the cap, the cap being mounted to the locking ring. The trigger includes both a button actuator and a lever actuator extending off of the button actuator. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, an aerosol actuator may include a locking ring snapped into a cap. The locking ring may include a manifold guide in which an inlet portion of a manifold may be seated or positioned. An outlet portion of the manifold may be visible through a spray opening in the cap. Product dispensed from the manifold may pass out the manifold outlet and through the spray opening in the cap. A trigger may also be mounted or in communication with the cap. A trigger may include both a button actuator located generally on a top portion of the aerosol actuator and a lever actuator extending downward from the button actuator away from the cap. In some embodiments, a trigger may be pivotably mounted with the cap such that the trigger may pivot or rotate about one or more trigger posts when a force is applied to the button actuator, the lever actuator, or both. Rotation or pivoting of the trigger about the one or more trigger posts may cause one or more actuator wings on an under surface of the trigger to interact with one or more actuator posts on a manifold. The interaction of the one or more actuator wings on the one or more actuator posts may move the manifold. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, an aerosol actuator may be attached to an aerosol container containing a product and having a valve. The manifold of the aerosol actuator may engage with the valve when the aerosol actuator is attached to the container. Movement of the manifold, such as a result of interaction of the one or more actuator wings with the one or more actuator posts, opens the valve and dispenses a product. 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a trigger on an aerosol actuator includes both a button actuator on a top portion of the aerosol actuator and a lever actuator extending off of the button actuator. The button actuator may be used for traditional actuation of the aerosol actuator. The lever actuator may provide more ergonomic positioning of an aerosol dispenser during use of the aerosol actuator. For example, using various embodiments of the invention, a user may apply a product, such as sunscreen, to portions of their back by gripping the bottom of a container and actuating the lever actuator of an aerosol actuator with their thumb. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the trigger may be locked or unlocked in order to prevent or allow actuation of the aerosol actuator, respectively. In certain embodiments, the trigger may include an actuation lock and the lock ring may include a lock projection. In a locked state, the actuation lock and lock projection may interact, preventing actuation of the trigger. In an unlocked state, the actuation lock and lock projection may not touch or interact, allowing the trigger to move and actuation of the aerosol actuator to occur. In some embodiments, rotation of the cap may position the actuation lock and lock projection to interact or may move the two features away from each other to unlock the aerosol actuator. In some instances, features on the cap and locking ring may interact to create an audible “click” to designate locking or unlocking of the aerosol actuator. 
     In other embodiments of the invention, an aerosol actuator may only include a lever actuator such that the lever actuator must be engaged or moved to actuate the aerosol actuator. 
     According to still other embodiments of the invention, an aerosol dispenser may include an aerosol container having a container opening, a valve mounted to the container in the opening, a chime encompassing the valve, and a product contained in the container. An aerosol actuator according to embodiments of the invention may be fitted on or attached to the container and may include a locking ring, a manifold, a trigger and a cap. The locking ring may include a base, a rim about the base, a manifold guide, a lock projection, and a base snap structure for connecting the aerosol actuator to the container or the chime of the container. The manifold may include an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path between the inlet and outlet. An orifice cup seat may be adjacent to the outlet and an orifice cup may be seated therein in some embodiments. A valve seat may be adjacent the inlet and a valve may seat in the valve seat when the aerosol actuator is connected to or attached to an aerosol container. The cap may include a wall defining the aesthetic look of the cap and a base opening, a trigger opening, and a spray opening. The locking ring may be assembled with the cap through the base opening and one or more locking ring openings may hold the rim of the locking ring to secure the locking ring in the cap. The cap may be rotatable about the locking ring. The cap may also include one or more supports for the trigger with one or more trigger mount groove in which one or more trigger posts may fit or sit to allow the trigger to move relative to the cap. The trigger may also include a button actuator on a top surface thereof and a lever actuator extending from the button actuator. A portion of the trigger may fit in the trigger opening of the cap and may be mated with the cap such that the trigger can move. The trigger may also interact with the manifold. Actuation wings on an underside of the trigger may contact one or more actuator posts on the manifold. Movement of the trigger may apply a force to the one or more actuator posts, in turn moving the manifold and opening the valve to release a product from the aerosol actuator. A trigger may also include an actuation lock that interacts with a lock projection on the locking ring in a locked state. Rotation of the cap may rotate the trigger and the actuation lock such that the actuation lock and lock projection are not aligned and the aerosol actuator may be actuated. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming particular embodiments of the present invention, various embodiments of the invention can be more readily understood and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art from the following descriptions of various embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a front view of an aerosol dispenser according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a side view of the aerosol dispenser illustrated in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a container and valve according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional, side view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a top-perspective view of a locking ring according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a bottom-perspective view of a locking ring according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of a locking ring according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a locking ring according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a top view of a cap according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a bottom view of a cap according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a front view of a cap according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a rear view of a cap according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a side view of a cap according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the cap illustrated in  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a bottom-perspective view of a cap according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a side view of a manifold according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a front view of a manifold according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a rear view of a manifold according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a top-down view of a manifold according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a bottom-up view of a manifold according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a manifold according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a side view of a trigger according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a front view of a trigger according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a rear view of a trigger according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a bottom view of a trigger according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a top view of a trigger according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates a bottom-perspective view of a trigger according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a cross-sectional, side view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 29  illustrates a cross-sectional, side view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 30  illustrates a cross-sectional, side view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 31  illustrates an exploded view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 32  illustrates a cross-sectional, side view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 33  illustrates a cross-sectional, side view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 34  illustrates a cross-sectional, side view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 35  illustrates a top-perspective view of a locking ring according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 36  illustrates a bottom-perspective view of a locking ring according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 37  illustrates a top view of a locking ring according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 38  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a locking ring according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 39  illustrates a top view of a cap according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 40  illustrates a bottom view of a cap according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 41  illustrates a front view of a cap according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 42  illustrates a rear view of a cap according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 43  illustrates a side view of a cap according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 44  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a cap according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 45  illustrates a bottom, perspective view of a cap according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 46  illustrates a cross-sectional, blown-up view of a locking ring support of a cap according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 47  illustrates a side view of a manifold according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 48  illustrates a front view of a manifold according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 49  illustrates a rear view of a manifold according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 50  illustrates a top view of a manifold according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 51  illustrates a bottom view of a manifold according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 52  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a manifold according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 53  illustrates a front, perspective view of a manifold according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 54  illustrates a side view of a trigger according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 55  illustrates a front view of a trigger according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 56  illustrates a rear view of a trigger according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 57  illustrates a top view of a trigger according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 58  illustrates a bottom view of a trigger according to various embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 59  illustrates a bottom, perspective view of a trigger according to various embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, an aerosol dispenser  10  may include an aerosol actuator  100  attached to a container  900  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , wherein  FIG. 1A  is a front view of an aerosol dispenser  10  and  FIG. 1B  is a side view of an aerosol dispenser  10 . The aerosol actuator  100  may include one or more features capable of attaching the aerosol actuator  100  to the container  900 , a valve associated therewith, or both the container  900  and valve. The aerosol actuator  100  may also include one or more features capable of actuating or opening a valve attached to the container  900  such that a product stored in the container  900  may be released into the environment or atmosphere by or through the aerosol actuator  100 . 
     A container  900  used with various embodiments of the invention may include a valve  950  sealed and engaged therewith as known in the art. An example of such a container  900  and valve  950  is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . While the container  900  and valve  950  illustrated in  FIG. 2  are exemplary of a configuration of a container  900  and valve  950  used with aerosol systems, it is by no means limiting and it is understood that other configurations of a container  900  and valve  950  may be used with, or as part of, various embodiments of the invention. For example, the container  900  illustrated in  FIG. 2  has straight walls and a generally circular cross-section. A container  900  having a different shape—or changing shape—and cross-section may be used with the various embodiments of the invention. 
     An exploded view of an aerosol actuator  100  such as that illustrated in  FIG. 1A  is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . According to various embodiments of the invention, an aerosol actuator  100  may include a cap  110 , a locking ring  130 , a manifold  150 , and a trigger  170 . In some embodiments, an orifice cup  168  may also be fitted into or otherwise engaged with a portion of a manifold  150 , especially in those embodiments wherein the manifold  150  does not include integral spin mechanics. When assembled as an aerosol actuator  100 , a cap  110  may be engaged with a locking ring  130  such that a manifold  150  and at least a portion of the trigger  170  are contained within an interior portion of the cap  110 . 
     An enlarged, cross-sectional side view of an assembled aerosol actuator  100  according to some embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The aerosol actuator  100  illustrated in  FIG. 4  includes a locking ring  130  clipped into the cap  110  of the aerosol actuator  100 . A manifold  150  having an inlet opening and an outlet opening is seated between the locking ring  130  and the trigger  170  with a portion of the manifold  150  inlet opening fitted within a manifold guide of the locking ring  130 . A portion of the manifold  150  outlet opening is positioned such that a product exiting the outlet opening may pass through an opening in the cap  110 . A trigger  170  is 
     A locking ring  130  according to certain embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 5 through 8 . While various features of a locking ring  130  are described, it is understood that a locking ring  130  according to various embodiments of the invention may include additional features or fewer features than illustrated and describe in the exemplary embodiments. 
     A top-perspective view of a locking ring  130  according to certain embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . As illustrated, a locking ring  130  may include a base  131 , a manifold opening  132 , a manifold guide  133 , and a lock projection  134 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a base  131  may include a disc or disc-shaped structure having an upper surface and a lower surface. A manifold opening  132  may extend through the base  131  from an upper surface thereof to the lower surface thereof. In other embodiments of the invention, a manifold opening  132  may extend through the base  131  and through an interior portion of a manifold guide  133 . For example, as illustrated, a manifold guide  133  may extend from the upper surface of the base  131 ; the manifold guide  133  being a cylindrical projection having an opening or hole through the center of the manifold guide  133 . While the illustrated manifold guide  133  is a cylindrical projection rising from the upper surface of the base  131 , it is understood that the walls of the manifold guide  133  may slope or be configured in a different shape as desired. As illustrated, the upper surface of the base  131  may slope up to the walls of the manifold guide  133 . In other embodiments, the upper surface of the base  131  may not slope at all, but may terminate or contact a sloping or projecting manifold guide  133 . 
     A bottom-perspective view of the locking ring  130  illustrated in  FIG. 5  is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Two or more base snap structures  138  may extend outwardly from the base  131 . For example, in certain embodiments of the invention, four base snap structures  138  may extend from the lower surface of the base  131  as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The base snap structures  138  may be substantially rigid but capable of flexing to facilitate assembly of a locking ring  130  onto a container  900 . While four base snap structures  138  are illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , it is understood that a fewer number or a greater number of such features could be incorporated with various embodiments of the invention as needed to retain a locking ring  130  to a container  900 . 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, a base snap structure  138  may also include one or more lips  137  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The one or more lips  137  may project inward from a base snap structure  138  towards a center of the locking ring  130 . The one or more lips  137  may be positioned anywhere along the base snap structure  138  but in many embodiments of the invention will be located at an end of the base snap structure  138  opposite the base  131  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The one or more lips  137  may assist with retention of a locking ring  130  to a container  900  once assembled on the container  900 . For example, in certain embodiments of the invention, a locking ring  130  may be assembled to a container  900  such that the one or more base snap structures  138  flex and snap about a chime of the container  900 . The one or more lips  137  on the base snap structures  138  may wrap around the chime to assist with the retention of the locking ring  130  on the container  900 . 
     A locking ring  130  may also include one or more openings  139  through portions of the base  131  wherein the one or more openings  139  extend from an upper surface of the base  131  to a lower surface thereof. For example, openings  139  illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6  pass through the base  131  and are located near or adjacent to the base snap structures  138 . Inclusion of openings  139  in the base  131  can reduce the weight of the locking ring  130  or the amount of material used to make the locking ring  130 . The reduction in weight or material may improve or decrease the cost associated with the part. Further, in some embodiments of the invention, openings  139  may be included to facilitate more efficient molding processes, allowing a locking ring  130  to be molded in an easier manner, with less sophisticated molds, with shorter cycle times, or with all of these advantages. 
     A side view of a locking ring  130  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . A cross-sectional view of the locking ring  130  illustrated in  FIG. 7  is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . As illustrated, a locking ring  130  according to various embodiments of the invention may include a base  131  having an upper surface  131  A and a lower surface  131  B. The locking ring  130  base  131  may be disc-shaped having a consistent thickness or a varying thickness. As illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a base  131  may have a substantially consistent thickness. In some embodiments of the invention, an outer edge of the base  131  may be spaced from features projecting off of the base  131  such that a rim  136  exists, the rim  136  capable of being retained, snap-fit into, or otherwise in communication with a cap  110  or other component of an aerosol actuator  100 . In addition, the base  131  may include a raised portion. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 through 8 , a base  131  is disc-shaped having an outer circumference. Moving interior of the outer circumference, a raised portion extends upward from the upper surface  131  A and joins the manifold guide  133 . The raised portion in the base  131  creates a space in the lower surface  131  B of the base  131  about the manifold opening  132 . In some embodiments of the invention, this space created by the raised portion of the base  131  may assist in or help facilitate assembly of the aerosol actuator  100  onto a container  900  to form an aerosol dispenser  10 . For instance, the space may help guide a valve stem of a container  900  into contact with, or mating seat with, a portion of a manifold  150  positioned in the manifold opening  132 . 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, an upper portion of the manifold guide  133  may be tapered such that the taper may help guide a portion of a manifold  150  into the manifold opening  132  for seating therein. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , a manifold guide  133  may include a tapered upper edge. The tapered upper edge allows a larger target for insertion of a portion of a manifold  150  during assembly of an aerosol actuator  100 . 
     A locking ring  130  may also include one or more stops  141  located on a surface of the locking ring  130 . The one or more stops  141  may interact with projections or other features of a cap  110  to prevent rotational movement of the cap  110  about the locking ring  130 . 
     A locking ring  130  according to various embodiments of the invention may also include one or more click ridges  143  on a surface thereof and configured to interact with one or more projections or features of a cap  110  to create an audible noise or “click.” For example, the locking ring  130  illustrated in  FIG. 5  includes four click ridges  143  which may interact with a cap  110  as a cap  110  is rotated relative to the locking ring  130 . Features on the cap  110  may interact with the click ridges  143  to create an audible “click” or noise when the cap  110  is rotated into or out of a locked or unlocked position relative to the locking ring  130 . 
     A cap  110  of an aerosol actuator  100  according to certain embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 9 through 15 . While the various figures illustrate a cap  110  having a particular aesthetic, it is understood that a cap  110  according to various embodiments of the invention may include other aesthetics. In addition, while certain features of a cap  110  are illustrated and described, it is understood that a cap  110  having fewer or additional features or structures may also be used with various embodiments of the invention. 
     A cap  110  according to certain embodiments of the invention may include a structure defining an interior space, the structure having one or more openings through the structure. For example, the cap  110  illustrated in  FIGS. 9 through 15  includes a generally cylindrical shape having a cap base opening  111  and a wall  112  extending up from the cap base opening  111 . A wall  112  may include a circumferential wall sloping slightly inward as it moves away from the cap base opening  111 . The wall  112  may be continuous such that the wall  112  defines an interior space open to and in communication with the cap base opening  111 . The wall  112  may also include one or more openings therein. Openings in the wall  112  define openings in the cap  110 . For instance, a spray opening  113  may be positioned in a front portion of the wall  112  of the cap  110  as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . A trigger opening  114  may be positioned in a rear portion and top portion of the wall  112  of the cap  110 . For example, portions of the inside surface of the cap  110  may be viewed through the trigger opening  114  as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a top-down view of a cap  110  according to certain embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 10  illustrates a bottom-up view of a cap  110 . As illustrated, a trigger opening  114  in a back and top portion of the cap  110  provides access to the interior of the cap  110 . On interior surfaces of the cap  110  are various features. For example, trigger mount grooves  116  on the trigger supports  115  can be seen in  FIG. 10 . Tapered locking ring support surfaces  119  on the locking ring supports  117  are also illustrated. 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, one or more trigger supports  115  may be molded with the cap  110  on an interior thereof. The one or more trigger supports  115  may include or support one or more trigger mount grooves  116 . For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , various embodiments of the invention may include two trigger supports  115  on an interior portion of the cap  110 . Each of the trigger supports  115  may include a trigger mount groove  116 . The trigger mount grooves  116  may include notches, holes, openings, or other features in the trigger supports  115  wherein the trigger mount grooves  116  are configured to receive a post, projection, or other feature of a trigger  170  to connect a trigger  170  to the cap  110  or hold a trigger  170  in a position relative to the cap  110 . 
     A cap  110  may also include one or more locking ring supports  117  as illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . A locking ring support  117  may be molded with the cap  110  and may include a locking ring opening  118  and a tapered locking ring assembly surface  119 . The tapered locking ring assembly surface  119  may be adjacent an end of the locking ring support  117  which may not be connected to the cap  110  such that the portion of the locking ring support  117  adjacent the tapered locking ring assembly surface  119  may flex to allow a rim  136  of a locking ring  130  to snap into the locking ring opening  118 . The tapered locking ring surface  119  may also create a lip or overhang such that once a rim  136  of a locking ring  130  is assembled past the tapered locking ring surface  119  it cannot be easily removed from the locking ring opening  118 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the lower portions of the locking ring supports  117 , the portions nearest the cap base opening, include a locking ring opening  118  configured as a notch or groove in the locking ring supports  117 . The notch or groove provides a secure attachment of a locking ring  130  to the cap  110  upon assembly. In addition, the open space behind the tapered locking ring assembly surface  119 , i.e. the space between the tapered locking ring assembly surface  119  and the cap  110  wall  112 , allows the portion of the locking ring support  117  adjacent the tapered locking ring assembly surface  119  to flex such that a locking ring  130  may be assembled and snap-fit to the cap  110 . 
     A manifold  150  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 16 through 21 . According to certain embodiments of the invention, a manifold  150  may include in inlet  152  and an outlet  154  defined by a body with a flow path  151  between the inlet  152  and outlet  154 . At an inlet  152 , a valve seat  158  may be defined. The valve seat  158  may be configured to mate with or accept a valve attached to a container  900 , such as a conventional aerosol valve. At an outlet  154 , an orifice cup seat  159  may be defined. The orifice cup seat  159  may be adjacent an orifice post  155 . An orifice cup may be inserted into the orifice cup seat  159  to produce a desired spray pattern. 
     A side view of a manifold  150  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 16 . As illustrated, a manifold  150  may include an inlet  152  and an outlet  154 . The inlet  152  may be any shape and may be configured to mate with or communicate with a valve on a container  900 , such as a conventional aerosol valve. As illustrated in  FIGS. 16, 20, and 21 , the inlet  152  may include a circular opening having a diameter selected to allow fitment of a valve therein. The inlet  152  may open into a valve seat  158  which may or may not be tapered. The valve seat  158  may be configured to mate with or accept a valve therein. In some embodiments, the valve seat  158  may be shaped or configured to snuggly mate with a valve such that no leakage will occur when the valve and manifold  150  are mated together. In further embodiments, the valve, manifold  150  or both valve and manifold  150  may include ridges, detents, or other features to improve a seal between a valve and the valve seat  158  of the manifold  150 . 
     A flow path  151  is in communication with the valve seat  158  and is configured to direct or carry a product released by a valve seated in the valve seat  158  to the outlet  154  of the manifold  150 . While an exemplary flow path  151  is illustrated in  FIG. 21 , it is understood that the geometries, shape, and path of the flow path  151  may vary or be designed as needed for specific applications. For example, in  FIG. 21 , the flow path  151  narrows from the valve seat  158  into a vertical passageway. A narrower horizontal passageway in communication with the vertical passageway extends the flow path  151  towards an orifice cup seat  159  and the outlet  154 . Product flowing through the manifold  150  would exit a valve seated in the valve seat  158 , follow the flow path  151  through the manifold  150  to the orifice cup seat  159  and out the outlet  154  of the manifold  150 . 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, the manifold  150  may include an orifice cup seat  159  configured to retain conventional orifice cups. An orifice post  155  may be centered or otherwise positioned in a portion of the orifice cup seat  159  and may be configured to work with an orifice cup to provide spray characteristics to a product passing through the manifold  150 . For example, in various embodiments of the invention, an orifice post  155  may be molded with the manifold  150  and positioned in the center of the orifice cup seat  159  as illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 21 . The orifice post  155  may interact with an orifice cup  168  inserted in the orifice cup seat  159 . For example, an orifice cup  168  may be inserted into the orifice cup seat  159  of the manifold  150  during assembly of an aerosol actuator  100 . The shape, size, and configuration of the orifice post  155  may be designed to interact with an orifice cup  168  to provide a desired set of spray characteristics to a product passing through the manifold  150 . The shape, size, and configuration of an orifice cup  168  may also be changed to match—or work with—the orifice post  155  to provide desired spin mechanics to a fluid or product being propelled through the manifold  150 . 
     A manifold  150  according to certain embodiments of the invention may also include one or more actuator posts  153  as illustrated in  FIGS. 16 through 20 . In certain embodiments, a manifold  150  may include two actuator posts  153  extending off of and away from a body portion of the manifold  150 . For example, two actuator posts  153  may be on opposite sides of that portion of a manifold  150  body defining the vertical portion of the flow path  151  as illustrated. Each of the actuator posts  153  may extend away from the manifold  150  body. The actuator posts  153  may be molded with the manifold  150  and may be configured to bear a certain amount of force. In some embodiments, the actuator posts  153  may include additional support structures or features to ensure that repetitive application of force to the top portion or side portions of the actuator posts  153  does not deflect or otherwise alter the positioning of the actuator posts  153  relative to the manifold  150  body. 
     A manifold  150  according to various embodiments of the invention may also include an extension away from the body of the manifold  150  in a direction opposite the outlet  154  side of the manifold  150 . For example, as illustrated, the extension off of the manifold  150  in the direction opposite the inlet  154  may be used a gate portion of the manifold  150  to facilitate the molding of the manifold  150 . 
     A trigger  170  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 22 through 27  and may include a button actuator  172 , a lever actuator  174  extending off of or from the button actuator  172 , one or more pivot supports  177 , one or more actuator wings  173 , one or more retention posts  175 , and a trigger actuation lock  179 . A trigger  170  may also include one or more trigger ribs  171  providing support to the lever actuator  174 . 
     A trigger  170  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 22 . A trigger  170  may include a top button actuator  172  having a horizontal or sloping surface sloping towards a lever actuator  174 . As illustrated in  FIG. 22 , the top surface of the trigger  170  is the button actuator  172  which slopes to a hard angle where it joins the lever actuator  174  which has a greater downward slope than the button actuator  172 . In some embodiments, the length of the button actuator  172  may be shorter than the length of the lever actuator  174  as illustrated in  FIG. 22 . 
     One or more pivot supports  177  may extend off of the trigger  170 . A pivot support  177  may include one or more features for mating with another part or component of an aerosol actuator  100 . For instance, as illustrated in  FIGS. 22, 23 , and  25  through  27 , each pivot support  177  may include a trigger post  176  extending outwards from the pivot support  177 . The one or more trigger posts  176  may be configured or shaped to fit with or mate with one or more trigger mount grooves  116  of a cap  110 . When positioned in the one or more trigger mount grooves  116  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the trigger  170  may pivot about the one or more trigger posts  176  relative to the cap  110 . 
     While various embodiments of the invention include one or more trigger posts  176  configured to mate or fit in one or more trigger mount grooves  116  of a cap  110  as illustrated, it is understood that a cap  110  may include posts and the trigger  170  include grooves to accomplish the same purpose of rotatably fixing a trigger  170  to a cap  110 . 
     Triggers  170  according to various embodiments of the invention may also include one or more actuator wings  173  as illustrated in  FIGS. 22, 23, 25, and 27 . The one or more actuator wings  173  may extend downwards from an underside of the trigger  170  and may be configured to engage or interact with one or more actuator posts  153  of a manifold  150 . For example, the trigger  170  illustrated in  FIGS. 22, 23, 25, and 27  includes two actuator wings  173  extending downward from an underside of the trigger  170 . Each actuator wing  173  extends from a front portion of the trigger  170  back to the trigger actuation lock  179 . According to various embodiments of the invention, each of the actuator wings  173  may have a wave-like shape configured to apply an actuating force to a manifold  150  when either the button actuator  172  or lever actuator  174  are actuated. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, a trigger  170  may also include one or more retention posts  175 . For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 22, 23, 25, and 27 , a trigger  170  may include two retention posts  175  extending downward from an underside of the trigger  170 . In the illustrated embodiments, each retention post  175  is positioned next to or as a part of the outer edges of the trigger actuation lock  179 . It is understood, however, that retention posts  175  may be located anywhere on the underside of the trigger  170  as desired. Each retention post  175  may include a sloping or tapered surface and projection away from the trigger  170 . When assembled as part of an aerosol actuator  100 , each retention post  175  may snap into or past a surface on a cap  110  during the assembly process. Once assembled with a cap  110 , the retention posts  175  may prevent the trigger  170  from being easily disassembled from the aerosol actuator  100 . 
     A trigger actuation lock  179  according to certain embodiments of the invention may include a projection off of an underside of a trigger  170 . The trigger actuation lock  179  may be configured such that it may interact with, contact, or otherwise engage a lock projection  134  on a locking ring  130 . When engaged, a lock projection  134  and trigger actuation lock  179  may prevent the trigger  170  from being actuated or prevent the trigger  170  from rotating about the one or more trigger posts  176 . While the particular trigger actuation lock  179  illustrated in  FIGS. 22, 23, 25, and 27  spans the width of the trigger  170 , it is understood that a trigger actuation lock  179  may be shaped or configured as desired. 
     Components of an aerosol actuator  100  according to various embodiments of the invention are illustrated in  FIG. 3  and views of an assembled aerosol actuator  100  according to various embodiments of the invention are illustrated in  FIGS. 28-30 . 
     A cross-sectional view of an aerosol actuator  100  in a locked position according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 28 . As illustrated, a locking ring  130  is assembled with a cap  110  such that a rim  136  of the base  131  of the locking ring  130  is snap-fit into one or more locking ring openings  118  of the locking ring supports  117  of the cap  110 . During assembly, a locking ring  130  may be pushed onto or into a cap  130  such that the rim  136  of the locking ring  130  snaps into the locking ring supports  117 . For example, a locking ring  130  may be pushed onto a cap  110  such that the rim  136  of the locking ring  130  applies force to the locking ring supports  117 , causing them to flex until the rim  136  snaps into one or more locking ring openings  118 , securing the locking ring  130  to the cap  110 . 
     A manifold  150  may be seated in an interior portion of the cap  110  defined by the cap  110  and locking ring  130 . The inlet  152  portion of the manifold  150  may seat in the manifold guide  133  of the locking ring  130 . A trigger  170  may be inserted into an interior portion of the cap  130  such that the outlet  154  of the manifold  150  is supported between the pivot supports  177  of the trigger and the one or more trigger posts  176  are positioned in the trigger mount grooves  116 . The trigger  170  is configured such that it can rotate about the one or more trigger posts  176 . In addition, the actuator wings  173  of the trigger  170  may rest on the manifold posts  153  of the manifold  150  when assembled therewith. The trigger actuation lock  179  may contact the lock projection  134  of the locking ring  130  as illustrated in  FIG. 28 . When the trigger actuation lock  179  and lock projection  134  are in contact, the trigger  170  may be prevented from rotating or moving when a force is applied to the button actuator  172  or lever actuator  174 . Thus, actuation of the aerosol actuator  100  may be prevented. 
     A cross-sectional view of an aerosol actuator  100  in an unlocked position is illustrated in  FIG. 29 . As illustrated, the cap  110 , trigger  170  and manifold  150  may be rotated ninety degrees relative to the locking ring  130  such that the trigger actuation lock  179  is not in contact with the lock projection  134 . In the unlocked position, the trigger  170  is free to rotate about the one or more trigger posts  176  or move such that the trigger  170  may apply a force upon the manifold  150 . Application of a force against the button actuator  172  or the lever actuator  174  may rotate or move the trigger  170 , causing the actuator wings  173  to act on the manifold posts  153 , pushing the manifold  150  downward. For example, actuation of the trigger  170  illustrated in  FIG. 29  may result in an actuated position of the aerosol actuator  100  as illustrated in  FIG. 30 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 30 , actuation of the aerosol actuator  100  involves the application of a force to button actuator  172 , lever actuator  174 , or both. Movement of the trigger  170  moves the positioning of the actuator wings  173  relative to the manifold posts  153  of the manifold  150 . The change in positioning applies a force on the manifold  150  pushing it downwards in the manifold guide  133  to actuate a valve attached to a container  900  to which the aerosol actuator  100  is attached. According to various embodiments of the invention, the shape of the actuator wings  173  may be varied by application such that the movement of the manifold  150  may be controlled. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, the manifold  150  movement may need to be greater than in other embodiments in order to engage and open an aerosol valve. The shape of the actuator wings  173  may be changed accordingly to accommodate different actuation lengths or distances needed to open different sized and positioned valves. Further, the shape of the actuator wings  173  may be customized to control the force applied to the manifold  150 , for example, the actuator wings  173  may be curved such that the initial movement of the trigger  170  sufficiently engages the trigger  170  with the manifold  150  to open the valve and begin product flow while the continued movement of the trigger  170  through the actuation movement only maintains the manifold  150  in the actuated position without moving the manifold  150  further. 
     Upon release of a force against a button actuator  172 , lever actuator  174 , or both, the valve may move the manifold  150  back into a non-actuated position, stopping flow of product through the valve and the manifold  150 . Such movement may also move the trigger  170  back into a non-actuated position. For example, the spring force or return force of a valve may be sufficient to return a manifold  150  attached thereto or mated therewith to a non-actuated position upon cessation of a force being applied to the manifold  150 . Movement of the manifold  150  to a non-actuated position may move a trigger  170  to a non-actuated position as well. 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, the locking ring  130  of an assembled aerosol actuator  100  may be snap-fit or otherwise connected to a container  900 . In various embodiments, one or more base snap structures  138  of a locking ring  130  may include one or more lips  137  which may be forced over the chime of an aerosol container  900 . The one or more base snap structures  138  may flex to allow fitment of the aerosol actuator  100  onto a container  900  and the one or more lips  137  and base snap structures  138  may help retain the aerosol actuator  100  on a container  900  such that it cannot be easily removed from the container  900 . Upon such connection, a valve associated with the container  900  may be seated adjacent to the manifold opening  132  of the locking ring  130 . Upon actuation of the trigger  170 , the manifold  150  may be moved downward such that the valve seat  158  of the manifold interacts with the valve, allowing product to flow through the valve and into the flow path  151  of the manifold  150 . In some embodiments, the manifold  150  may interact with the valve and the valve seat  158  may seal with the valve once the aerosol actuator  100  is assembled to a container  900  having a valve. 
     An assembled aerosol dispenser  10  including an aerosol actuator  100  and container  900  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . As illustrated, the aerosol actuator  100  may be shaped such that upon connection with the container  900  it is flush with the container  900  wall. In other embodiments, an aerosol actuator  100  may not be flush with the container  900  wall or may include other shapes. 
     An aerosol dispenser  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 1B  may be actuated by applying a force to the trigger  170 . A force may be applied to the button actuator  172 , the lever actuator  174  or both. Upon application of such force, a product may flow from within the container  900  and out the manifold  150  outlet  154 . For example, a user may grasp an aerosol dispenser  10  in their hand and use a finger to apply a force to the button actuator  172  sufficient to move the manifold  150  and open a valve connected thereto. Once the valve is opened, product may be dispensed from the aerosol actuator  100 . 
     In some embodiments of the invention, actuation of the aerosol actuator  100  occurs by the application of force to the lever actuator  174 . As the lever actuator  174  is moved towards the container  900  or pushed downward, the trigger  170  may apply a force to the manifold  150  to open the valve and begin flow of a product from the aerosol actuator  100 . The use of the lever actuator  174  is beneficial in those instances where it is difficult to use or angle the aerosol dispenser  10  to apply a product to a desired area. For example, when utilizing traditional aerosol applicators to apply a sunscreen product to a person&#39;s body, a user may reach over their shoulder to apply the product to their back. In such instances, it is difficult to obtain the necessary reach to cover the back when only a traditional button or actuator is present. Utilizing the lever actuator  174  of embodiments of the present invention, a user may extend their reach to cover more of their back or improve the coverage across their back. In addition, the lever actuator  174  offers improved ergonomics for the application of a product from the aerosol dispenser  10 . In addition, the lever actuator  174  may be used to apply a product directly towards a user. Utilizing the aerosol dispenser  10 , a user may point the outlet  154  of the manifold  150  toward themselves, gripping the aerosol dispenser  10  such that they may use a finger—such as their index finger—or fingers to pull on the lever actuator  174  and dispense a product toward themself. 
     Use of the lever actuator  174  with various embodiments of the invention also allows a user to vary the way in which they actuate the aerosol dispenser  10 . The ability to use different positions, to use their fingers or thumb, or to use the palm of a hand to press on either the button actuator  172  or lever actuator  174  allows a user to use different positions during the dispensing of a product. The existence of the multitude of different options for actuation may help reduce fatigue associated with the actuation of the aerosol dispenser  10 . For example, utilizing a traditional button-actuated aerosol dispenser, a user is confined to pressing on the button with a single finger. If continued actuation is desired, the constant pushing with a single finger can cause fatigue and even soreness in the finger being utilized to actuate the dispenser. Utilizing an aerosol actuator  100  according to various embodiments of the invention, a user may alter positions of their hand during actuation, thus relieving the stress on any one finger. For instance, a user may begin dispensing an aerosol actuator  100  by pressing on the button actuator  172  in a traditional manner. As fatigue sets in, the user may grip the container  900  with the lever actuator  174  between the user&#39;s palm and container  900  such that squeezing the container  900  towards the user&#39;s palm applies force to the lever actuator  174  sufficient to continue actuation. The user may then adjust positions such that their thumb may apply a force to the lever actuator  174  for actuation. 
     Utilizing aerosol actuators  100  according to various embodiments of the invention, a user may have more options to actuate an aerosol dispenser  10 . 
     An aerosol actuator  100  according to other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 31 through 59 . As illustrated in  FIG. 31 , an aerosol actuator  100  may include a locking ring  230 , a manifold  250 , a trigger  270 , and a cap  210 . An orifice cup  268  may be inserted into the manifold  250  as desired with various embodiments of the invention. 
     Cross-sectional views of an aerosol actuator  100  according to various embodiments of the invention are illustrated in  FIGS. 32 through 34 . In  FIG. 32 , the aerosol actuator  100  is illustrated in a locked state. In  FIG. 33 , the aerosol actuator  100  is illustrated in an unlocked state. In  FIG. 34 , the aerosol actuator  100  is illustrated in an actuated state. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 32 , an assembled aerosol actuator  100  includes a locking ring  230  snap-fit into a cap  210 . A rim  236  of the locking ring  230  is snapped into one or more locking ring openings  218  in one or more locking ring supports  217 . A trigger  270  is pivotably mounted with the cap  210  and a manifold  250  is positioned on an interior of the cap  210  between the locking ring  230  and the trigger  270  as illustrated. An inlet  252  portion of the manifold  250  may be seated in or through the manifold opening  232  and may be in contact with the walls of a manifold guide  233  of the locking ring  230 . An outlet  154  portion of the manifold  254  may be aligned with a spray opening  213  in the cap  210 . An orifice cup  268  may be seated in the manifold  250 . The trigger  270  may be mounted to the cap  210  with one or more retention posts  275  snap-fitting to the cap  210  and one or more trigger posts  276  seated in one or more trigger mount grooves  216 . A trigger actuation lock  279  on an underside of the trigger  270  may be in contact with a lock projection  234  on an upper surface of the locking ring  230 . Interaction of the trigger actuation lock  279  with the lock projection  234  may prevent the actuation of the trigger  270  or movement thereof. 
     When assembled with a container  900 , an aerosol actuator  100  such as that illustrated in  FIG. 32  may be connected to the container  900  by one or more base snap structures  238  on the locking ring  230 . One or more lips  237  on the base snap structures  238  may be fixed to a chime of an aerosol container  900  to retain the aerosol actuator  100  on the container  900 . When connected to or assembled on a container  900 , the cap  210 , manifold  250  and trigger  270  of the aerosol actuator  100  may be rotated relative to the locking ring  230  such that the lock projection  234  and the trigger actuation lock  279  are no longer aligned or in contact. In such position, the aerosol actuator  100  is in an unlocked state. 
     An aerosol actuator  100  in an unlocked state according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 33 . As illustrated, the trigger  270  is not restricted from pivoting or moving by an interaction between the lock projection  234  and trigger actuation lock  279 . Instead, it is free to move. 
     An example of an actuated aerosol actuator  100  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 34 . During actuation, trigger  270  pivots or moves about one or more trigger posts  276  positioned in one or more trigger mount grooves  216  of the cap  210 . Movement of the trigger  270  changes the position of the actuator wings  273  of the trigger  270 , imparting a force on one or more actuator posts  253  of the manifold  250 . The force imparted on the manifold  250  moves the manifold  250  downward such that valve seated in the valve seat  258  of the manifold is opened or actuated, allowing product to flow through the manifold  250  and out the outlet  254 . 
     For example, the actuated aerosol actuator  100  illustrated in  FIG. 34  may have been actuated by the application of a force against the button actuator  272 . In other embodiments, application of a force against the lever actuator  274  may have been used to actuate the aerosol actuator  100 . In still other embodiments of the invention, application of a force against both the button actuator  272  and the lever actuator  274  may be used to actuate an aerosol actuator  100  as illustrated. 
     Components of an aerosol actuator  100  according to various embodiments of the invention are illustrated in  FIGS. 35 through 59 . 
     According to certain embodiments of the invention, a locking ring  230  may be configured, or may include, one or more elements illustrated in  FIGS. 35 through 38 . For example,  FIG. 35  illustrates a perspective view of a locking ring  230  according to some embodiments of the invention. The locking ring  230  may include a base  231  shaped like a disc having multiple projections extending therefrom or holes passing therethrough. For instance, a manifold guide  233  having a cylindrical shape may extend upward from a center of the locking ring  230 . The manifold guide  233  may define a manifold opening  232  into which a portion of a manifold  250  may reside when assembled as an aerosol actuator  100 . A lock projection  234  may also extend upwards and away from the base  231  of the locking ring  230 . As illustrated in  FIG. 35 , a lock projection  234  may be configured as a wall or curved wall extending a fixed distance above the upper surface  231  A of the locking ring  230 . 
     One or more openings  239  may be located through the locking ring  230 . In some embodiments the openings  239  may be included to reduce the weight of the locking ring  230 . In still other embodiments, the openings  239  may be used as assembly guides, positioning guides, or for molding purposes. For example, the openings  239  illustrated in  FIGS. 35 and 36  may allow the formation of one or more lips  237  on the base snap structures  238  during molding, which, in some cases, may simplify the molding process and reduce the overall cost to make the locking ring  230 . 
     A rim  236  may be formed on an outer periphery of the locking ring  230  as illustrated in  FIGS. 35 through 38 . The rim  236  may be configured to mate with a cap  210  of an aerosol actuator  100  as desired. 
     One or more base snap structures  238  may extend off a lower surface  231  B of the locking ring  230 . As illustrated in  FIG. 36 , a base snap structure  238  may include a cylindrical shape extending away from the lower surface  231  B of the locking ring  230 . The base snap structure  238  may be continuous—or have a continuous outer wall—as illustrated in  FIGS. 35 and 36 , or may include gaps or spaces between multiple base snap structures  238 . One or more lips  237  may project off of a portion of the base snap structures  238 . A lip  237  may include one or more sloping surfaces. For example, as illustrated, a lip  237  may project from a terminal end of the base snap structure  238  towards a center of the locking ring  230 . The lip  237  may be configured or shaped to include a sloping surface, such as a sloping surface towards the center of the locking ring  230  to the edge of the lip  237  and then toward an inner surface of the base snap structure  238  as illustrated in  FIG. 38 . The lips  237  may be configured to hold a locking ring  230  onto a chime of a container  900  or other feature integrated with a container  900  to allow an aerosol actuator  100  to be assembled to a container  900 . 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, the one or more base snap structures  238  may include one or more thin portions or gaps  240  positioned therein. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 36 , the base snap structure  238  includes four gaps  240  positioned about a perimeter of the base snap structure  238 . At the location of each gap  240 , the lip  237  is reduced in some embodiments or non-existent in others. The inclusion of the one or more gaps  240  allows the base snap structure  238  to flex during assembly of an aerosol actuator  100  to a container  900 . The thin portions or gaps  240  also allow for the use of a continuous base snap structure  238  which may improve the hoop strength of the locking ring  230 . 
     According to certain embodiments of the invention, gaps  240  may also include features, such as protrusions or guides, to assist with the assembly of an aerosol actuator  100  to a container  900  or to assist in the retention of an aerosol actuator  100  on a container  900 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 36 , a torque rib  247  may be positioned on an interior surface of the base snap structure  238  in the gap  240  area. Torque ribs  247  may be configured or sized to achieve a desired grip or retention force for an aerosol actuator  100  on a container  900 . 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a locking ring  230  may also include one or more projections or stop  241  features that extend or project from an upper surface  231  A or lower surface  231  B of the locking ring  230 . The one or more projections or stop  241  features may be configured to interact with parts of a cap  210  to limit the rotation of a cap  210  about the locking ring  230  to a defined or desired arc or range of motion. For instance, while it may be desirable to rotate a cap  210  about a locking ring  230  to put the aerosol actuator  100  in an unlocked state, it may not be desirable to allow such rotation to be greater than forty-five degrees or some other angle. In order to control the range of motion or rotation, a locking ring  230  may include a projection or stop  241  that interacts with a corresponding projection or stop on a cap  210  to restrict the range of motion or rotation of the cap  210  about the locking ring  230 . 
     A locking ring  230  according to various embodiments of the invention may also include one or more click ridges  243  on a surface thereof and configured to interact with one or more projections or features of a cap  210  to create an audible noise or “click.” For example, the locking ring  230  illustrated in  FIG. 35  includes four click ridges  243  which may interact with a cap  210  as a cap  210  is rotated relative to the locking ring  230 . Features on the cap  210  may interact with the click ridges  243  to create an audible “click” or noise when the cap  210  is rotated into or out of a locked or unlocked position relative to the locking ring  230 . 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a locking ring  230  may also include one or more manifold supports  245  projecting from a surface of the locking ring  230 . As illustrated in  FIG. 35 , the manifold support  245  includes a cone-shaped portion which formed at a gate during molding and a rectangular manifold support upon which the manifold  250  may rest during assembly and use of the aerosol actuator  100 . While a particularly shaped manifold support  245  is illustrated in  FIG. 35 , it is understood that any shape may be used as desired. 
     A cap  210  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 39 through 46 . While a cap  210  having a particular aesthetic is illustrated, it is understood that caps  210  having other aesthetics may be utilized with the various embodiments of the invention. 
     As illustrated, a cap  210  may include a structure defining an interior space, the structure having one or more openings therethrough. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 39 through 45 , a cap  210  may include a generally cylindrical shaped wall  212  rising from a cap base having a cap base opening  211  to an upper or top surface as illustrated. The wall  212  may be continuous such that the wall  212  defines an interior space open to and in communication with the cap base opening  211 . One or more additional openings may be included in the wall  212 . For example, a spray opening  213  through the wall  212  may be positioned in a front portion of the cap  210 . A trigger opening  214  may be positioned in the wall  212  to accommodate a trigger  270  according to various embodiments of the invention. 
     A cap  210  may include one or more trigger supports  215  as illustrated in  FIGS. 40, 42, and 44 through 46 . According to various embodiments of the invention, one or more trigger supports  215  may extend from an interior surface of a cap  210  into an interior space within the cap  210 . The one or more trigger supports  215  may include one or more trigger mount grooves  216  configured to accept or mate with a trigger post  276  of a trigger  270 . Fitment of one or more trigger posts  276  into the one or more trigger mount grooves  216  may allow rotation or pivoting of the trigger  270  about an axis defined by the one or more trigger posts  276 . For instance, a cap  210  may include two trigger supports  215  as illustrated in  FIGS. 40, 42, and 44 through 46 . Each of the trigger supports  215  may extend from an interior portion of the wall  212  into an interior of the cap  210 . At a bottom portion of the trigger supports  215 —or that portion nearest the cap base opening  211 , each trigger support  215  includes a trigger mount groove  216  configured to accept a trigger post  276 . While the trigger mount grooves  216  of the cap  210  extend completely through the trigger supports  215  forming a general “U” shape—the trigger mount grooves  216  may also be formed only partially through the trigger supports  215  or configured in another manner to support, mate with, or retain trigger posts  276  of a trigger  270 . In addition, while the illustrated trigger mount grooves  216  have an opening nearest the cap base opening  211 , the grooves could be reversed to accept a trigger post  276  from the other direction. 
     A cap  210  may also include one or more locking ring supports  217  as illustrated in  FIGS. 40 and 44 through 46 . As illustrated, a locking ring support  217  may extend from an interior surface of the cap  210 . A locking ring support  217  may be molded with the cap  210  and may include a locking ring opening  218  and a tapered locking ring assembly surface  219 . The tapered locking ring assembly surface  219  may be adjacent an end of the locking ring support  217 . A space or gap  221  may be positioned behind the tapered locking ring assembly surface  219  and locking ring opening  218  portions of the locking ring support  217  as illustrated in  FIG. 46 . The positioning and size of the gap  221 , including the location of the gap  221 , may be designed or selected to provide a desired flex to the locking ring support  217 . The presence of the gap  221  allows that portion of the locking ring support  217  around the gap  221  to flex as the cap  210  is assembled to a locking ring  230 . For example, as the rim  236  of a locking ring  230  is pushed onto or into a cap  210 , the rim  236  engages with the tapered locking ring assembly surfaces  219 , applying a force on those surfaces. The force applied causes a portion of the locking ring support  217  to flex to allow the rim  236  to pass into or snap into the locking ring opening  218 . The flexing portion of the locking ring support  217  may then return to its original position and the rim  236  of the locking ring  230  will be seated in the locking ring opening  218  such that the cap  210  is assembled with the locking ring  230 . 
     A cap  210  according to certain embodiments of the invention may also include one or more spacers  223  in the wall  212  as illustrated in  FIGS. 39, 42, 44 , and  45 . The spacers  223  in the wall  212  of the illustrated cap  210  may be configured or shaped as desired. In this particular embodiment, the spacers  223  are configured to allow support ribs on the underside of a trigger  270  to pass into the gaps between the spacers  223  during actuation of the aerosol actuator  100 . The presence of the spacers  223  helps fill up the space between the cap  210  and the trigger  270  where the trigger  270  is required to move. By filling up the space between a lower surface of the trigger  270  and the cap  210  in a non-actuated state, it may be more aesthetically pleasing to a consumer or user. 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a cap  210  may include one or more identifying indicia  220 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 42 , a cap  210  may have an arrowhead shape recessed or protruding from an exterior surface of the cap  210  wall  212 . The arrowhead indicia  220  may correspond to other indicia on a container  900  to facilitate an understanding of the state of an aerosol actuator  100 . For instance, a container  900  may include two indicia—a picture of a locked lock and a picture of an unlocked lock. The indicia  220  on the cap  210  may point to the locked lock when the aerosol actuator  100  is in a locked state and may point to the unlocked lock when the aerosol actuator  100  is in an unlocked state. While particular indicia  220  are illustrated, it is understood that other indicia  220  or multiple indicia  220  may be included on a cap  210  and container  900  to demonstrate operation, a state of the aerosol actuator  100 , or to help a user interact with the aerosol actuator  100 . 
     A manifold  250  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 47 through 53 . As illustrated, a manifold  250  may include an inlet  252  and an outlet  254  having a flow path  251  therebetween. The flow path  251  may provide a pathway for a product to pass from the inlet  252  to the outlet  254  and out of the manifold  250 . A manifold  250  may be a single molded part with the flow path  251  defined by an interior passageway through the part. 
     At an inlet  252 , a valve seat  158  may be defined. The valve seat  258  may be configured to mate with or accept a valve attached to a container  900 . For instance, the valve seat  258  may connect to or mate with a valve or valve stem of a conventional aerosol container  900 . At an outlet  254 , an orifice cup seat  259  may be defined. The orifice cup seat  259  may be adjacent an orifice post  255 . An orifice cup  268  may be inserted into the orifice cup seat  259  to produce a desired spray pattern. 
     A side view of a manifold  250  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 47 . As illustrated, a manifold  250  may include an inlet  252  and an outlet  254 . The inlet  252  may be any shape and may be configured to mate with or communicate with a valve on a container  900 , such as a conventional aerosol valve. As illustrated, the inlet  252  may include a circular opening having a diameter selected to allow fitment of a valve therein. The inlet  252  may open into a valve seat  258  which may or may not be tapered. The valve seat  258  may be configured to mate with or accept a valve therein. In some embodiments, the valve seat  258  may be shaped or configured to snuggly mate with a valve such that no leakage will occur when the valve and manifold  250  are mated together. In further embodiments, the valve, manifold  250  or both valve and manifold  250  may include ridges, detents, or other features to improve a seal between a valve and the valve seat  258  of the manifold  250 . 
     A flow path  251  is in communication with the valve seat  258  and is configured to direct or carry a product released by a valve seated in the valve seat  258  to the outlet  254  of the manifold  250 . While an exemplary flow path  251  is illustrated in  FIG. 52 , it is understood that the geometries, shape, and path of the flow path  251  may vary or be designed as needed for specific applications. For example, in  FIG. 52 , the flow path  251  narrows from the valve seat  258  into a vertical passageway. A narrower horizontal passageway in communication with the vertical passageway extends the flow path  251  towards an orifice cup seat  259  and the outlet  254 . Product flowing through the manifold  250  would exit a valve seated in the valve seat  258 , follow the flow path  251  through the manifold  250  to the orifice cup seat  259  and out the outlet  254  of the manifold  250 . 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, the manifold  250  may include an orifice cup seat  259  configured to retain conventional orifice cups. An orifice post  255  may be centered or otherwise positioned in a portion of the orifice cup seat  259  and may be configured to work with an orifice cup to provide spray characteristics to a product passing through the manifold  250 . For example, in various embodiments of the invention, an orifice post  255  may be molded with the manifold  250  and positioned in the center of the orifice cup seat  259  as illustrated in  FIGS. 48 and 53 . The orifice post  255  may interact with an orifice cup  268  inserted in the orifice cup seat  259 . For example, an orifice cup  268  may be inserted into the orifice cup seat  259  of the manifold  250  during assembly of an aerosol actuator  100 . The shape, size, and configuration of the orifice post  255  may be designed to interact with an orifice cup  268  to provide a desired set of spray characteristics to a product passing through the manifold  250 . The shape, size, and configuration of an orifice cup  268  may also be changed to match—or work with—the orifice post  255  to provide desired spin mechanics to a fluid or product being propelled through the manifold  250 . 
     A manifold  250  according to certain embodiments of the invention may also include one or more actuator posts  253  as illustrated. In certain embodiments, a manifold  250  may include two actuator posts  253  extending off of and away from a body portion of the manifold  250 . For example, two actuator posts  253  may be on opposite sides of that portion of a manifold  250  body defining the vertical portion of the flow path  251  as illustrated. Each of the actuator posts  253  may extend away from the manifold  250  body. The actuator posts  253  may be molded with the manifold  250  and may be configured to bear a certain amount of force. In some embodiments, the actuator posts  253  may include additional support structures or features to ensure that repetitive application of force to the top portion or side portions of the actuator posts  253  does not deflect or otherwise alter the positioning of the actuator posts  253  relative to the manifold  250  body. 
     A trigger  270  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 54 through 59  and may include a button actuator  272 , a lever actuator  274  extending off of or from the button actuator  272 , one or more pivot supports  277 , one or more actuator wings  273 , one or more retention posts  275 , and a trigger actuation lock  279 . A trigger  270  may also include one or more trigger ribs  271  providing support to the lever actuator  274 . 
     A trigger  270  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 54 . A trigger  270  may include a top button actuator  272  having a horizontal or sloping surface sloping towards a lever actuator  274 . As illustrated in  FIG. 54 , the top surface of the trigger  270  is a button actuator  272  which slopes to a hard angle where it joins the lever actuator  274  which has a greater downward slope than the button actuator  272 . In some embodiments, the length of the button actuator  272  may be shorter than the length of the lever actuator  274  as illustrated in  FIG. 54 . 
     One or more pivot supports  277  may extend off of the trigger  270 . A pivot support  277  may include one or more features for mating with another part or component of an aerosol actuator  100 . For instance, each pivot support  277  may include a trigger post  276  extending outwards from the pivot support  277 . The one or more trigger posts  276  may be configured or shaped to fit with or mate with one or more trigger mount grooves  216  of a cap  210 . When positioned in the one or more trigger mount grooves  216 , the trigger  270  may pivot about the one or more trigger posts  276  relative to the cap  210 . 
     While various embodiments of the invention include one or more trigger posts  276  configured to mate or fit in one or more trigger mount grooves  216  of a cap  210  as illustrated, it is understood that a cap  210  may include posts and the trigger  270  include grooves to moveably secure a trigger  270  to a cap  210  such that the trigger  270  may rotate or pivot about the trigger posts  276 . 
     Triggers  270  according to various embodiments of the invention may also include one or more actuator wings  273 . The one or more actuator wings  273  may extend downwards from an underside of the trigger  270  and may be configured to engage or interact with one or more actuator posts  253  of a manifold  250 . For example, the trigger  270  illustrated in  FIGS. 55, 57, and 58  includes two actuator wings  273  extending downward from an underside of the trigger  270 . Each actuator wing  273  extends from a front portion of the trigger  270  back to the trigger actuation lock  279 . According to various embodiments of the invention, each of the actuator wings  273  may have a wave-like shape configured to apply an actuating force to a manifold  250  when either the button actuator  272  or lever actuator  274  are actuated. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, a trigger  270  may also include one or more retention posts  275 . For example, a trigger  270  may include two retention posts  275  extending downward from an underside of the trigger  270 . In the illustrated embodiments, each retention post  275  is positioned next to or as a part of the outer edges of the trigger actuation lock  279 . It is understood, however, that retention posts  275  may be located anywhere on the underside of the trigger  270  as desired. Each retention post  275  may include a sloping or tapered surface and projection away from the trigger  270 . When assembled as part of an aerosol actuator  100 , each retention post  275  may snap into or past a surface on a cap  210  during the assembly process. Once assembled with a cap  210 , the retention posts  275  may prevent the trigger  270  from being easily disassembled from the aerosol actuator  100 . 
     A trigger actuation lock  279  according to certain embodiments of the invention may include a projection off of an underside of a trigger  270 . The trigger actuation lock  279  may be configured such that it may interact with, contact, or otherwise engage a lock projection  234  on a locking ring  230 . When engaged, a lock projection  234  and trigger actuation lock  279  may prevent the trigger  270  from being actuated or prevent the trigger  270  from rotating about the one or more trigger posts  276 . While the particular trigger actuation lock  279  illustrated spans the width of the trigger  270 , it is understood that a trigger actuation lock  279  may be shaped or configured as desired. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, one or more indicia  280  may be added to the surface of a trigger  270  to cue a user about the proper use of the trigger  270  or an aerosol actuator. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 56 , an indented button shape may be included along the bottom edge of the lever actuator  274  to encourage a user to use that portion of the lever actuator  274  to actuate the trigger  270  or aerosol actuator  100 . Similarly, indicia  280  on the button actuator  272  may be included to indicate where a spray will dispense or to indicate where a user should push on the button actuator  272  to actuate the aerosol actuator  100 . 
     An aerosol actuator  100  according to various embodiments of the invention may be assembled in any desirable manner. However, in some embodiments, two sub-assemblies may be constructed and then assembled together. For example, a manifold-locking ring sub-assembly may be assembled by inserting an orifice cup  268  into a manifold  250  and then orienting the manifold  250  relevant to the locking ring  230  and inserting the manifold  250  onto the locking ring  230  such that the inlet  251  portion of the manifold  250  is inserted in the manifold guide  233  of the locking ring  230  and the manifold  250  body rests on a manifold support  245 . A trigger-cap sub-assembly may be assembled by inserting a trigger  270  into the cap  210  and connecting it thereto for pivoting or movement relative to the cap  210 . The manifold-locking ring sub-assembly may then be snapped into the trigger-cap sub-assembly. In alternative embodiments, the trigger-cap sub-assembly may be snapped into the manifold-locking ring sub-assembly. 
     While various embodiments of the invention are described and illustrated with a lever actuator on a side of the aerosol actuator  100  opposite the position at which a product is dispensed, it is understood that embodiments of the invention also include aerosol actuators  100  having lever actuators in other locations. For example, an aerosol actuator  100  may include a lever actuator on the dispensing side of the aerosol actuator  100  such that when a user points the dispensing opening toward themself, a product may be dispensed by using their thumb to actuate a lever actuator extending below the dispensing opening. In other embodiments, a lever actuator may be positioned on a side of the container  900 . Other positions for the lever actuator may be selected for the intended use of the aerosol dispenser  10 . 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, an aerosol actuator  100  may include one or more marking indicia on one or more surfaces of a trigger to indicate an actuation point on the trigger. For example, as illustrated in various Figures, a trigger may include one or more marking indicia  280  used to mark a top or button-like actuation point and a lever actuation point. 
     Any variety of products may be dispersed by an aerosol actuator  100  according to various embodiments of the invention. For example, an aerosol actuator  100  according to the embodiments of the invention may be attached to a container  900  containing any one or more of the following formulations: sunscreen formulation, hairspray formulation, insect control formulation, paint formulation, air-care formulation, cleaning formulation, wax formulation, beauty-care formulation, and food formulation. Other formulations or products capable of being dispensed as an aerosol product may also be dispensed using aerosol actuators  100  according to various embodiments of the invention. 
     Having thus described certain particular embodiments of the invention, it is understood that the invention defined by the appended claims is not to be limited by particular details set forth in the above description, as many apparent variations thereof are contemplated. Rather, the invention is limited only be the appended claims, which include within their scope all equivalent devices or methods which operate according to the principles of the invention as described.