Patent Publication Number: US-2017349328-A1

Title: Focus straw storage device and method for aerosol spray container

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is an application for patent which is also disclosed in Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/346,624, filed on Jun. 7, 2016 by the same inventor, namely Bryan Borneman, and entitled “Focus Straw Storage Device and Method for Aerosol Spray Container,” the benefit of the filing date of which is hereby claimed. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of aerosol spray containers, and more particularly to an improved and more efficient apparatus and method for storing the focus straw of an aerosol spray container with the container in a protected and safe environment. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
     Aerosol dispensing devices in the form of pressurized spray containers have existed for many years. Such containers are widely used to apply lubricants, cleaning preparations, etc., in the form of an aerosol propellant, and are typically equipped with a dispensing valve for releasing the aerosol propellant when opened. In many cases, the aerosol product supplier will include an aerosol spray extension tube, or focus straw, packaged with the dispensing device for use in directing the aerosol propellant to a specific location. The focus straw is generally an elongated tubular member (e.g., plastic extension tube) which is designed to be connected to the dispensing valve of the container, such that upon opening the valve, the aerosol propellant is emitted through the tube to the desired location. 
     Packaging of most aerosol spray containers generally includes a protective cover which seats over the dispensing valve that must be removed to permit use. The focus straw, when provided, is usually affixed to exterior of the spray container with a holding mechanism of some form, such as by adhesive tape or an external clip that is attached the spray container. An example of one such holding mechanism can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,838. In order to use the focus straw, it must be removed from the holding mechanism and attached to the dispensing valve after the protective cover has been removed from the container. When use of the focus straw is complete, it is removed from the dispensing valve and desirably reattached to the exterior of the spray container. 
     Unfortunately, attachment and storage of the focus straw externally upon the spray container has historically been fraught with problems. The holding mechanisms provided (i.e., adhesive tape, plastic clips, etc.) are generally quite poorly manufactured and easily damaged. Most commonly, such focus straws are merely taped to the exterior of the spray container. Through repeated use of the straw, the adhesive tape either fails over time, the user fails to reattach it, or the straw becomes dislodged and lost in some manner. Moreover, attachment of the focus straw to the exterior of the spray container exposes the straw to external forces and/or environmental elements that can easily damage the straw during transport, storage and use. Exterior clips, etc., for securing such straws also suffer from similar deficiencies. Such clips, etc., may become broken or dislodged through repeated use, thereby resulting in the misplacement of, or damage to, the focus straw. Consequently, focus straws for aerosol spray containers are oftentimes lost or damaged, leaving the user in a constant state of frustration. 
     There have been some alternative holding mechanisms proposed in the prior art for securing the focus straw to the exterior of an aerosol spray container. For instance, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,263, the exterior sidewall of the aerosol spray container has been modified to include an integral channel designed to hold the focus straw for storage, which provides added strength to the holding mechanism. More recently, it is known that aerosol spray containers have been made available which provide a pivotal focus straw affixed to the dispensing valve that may be pivoted to a storage position against the container exterior when not in use. Notwithstanding the above, the focus straws in these devices are still fully exposed to the same external forces and elements as previously discussed, and are equally susceptible to being lost or broken. 
     For all of the foregoing reasons, it is evident that there is a significant need for an improved apparatus and method for storing the focus straw of an aerosol spray container with the container in a protected and safe environment. It is with these goals in mind that the present invention has been developed. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a means by which the focus straw of an aerosol spray container may be stored with the container in a fully protected and safe environment, away from external forces and environmental elements that may result in the loss of or damage to the focus straw. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol dispensing apparatus having a focus straw storage chamber located internal to the aerosol spray container, such that the focus straw may be stored in a fully protected and safe environment away from external forces and environmental elements that may result in the loss of or damage to the focus straw. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an aerosol dispensing apparatus that has a sealed storage chamber within the interior of the aerosol spray container, which is accessible from the exterior and within which an elongated focus straw may be stored in a fully protected and safe environment, away from external forces and environmental elements that may result in the loss of or damage to the focus straw. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an aerosol dispensing apparatus having an interior focus straw storage chamber with an accessible opening to the exterior of the spray container, and a removable cover means extending over the opening to help protect the focus straw from being lost or damaged. 
     Still further, another object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol dispensing apparatus having an interior focus straw storage chamber with an accessible opening to the exterior of the spray container, and a rotatable cover means which is movable between locked and open positions to provide a fully accessible but protected environment for storage of the focus straw. 
     In furtherance of the foregoing stated objects, what is proposed is a means by which the focus straw of an aerosol spray container may be stored internally of the aerosol container, such that it is fully protected in a safe, secure environment when not in use, and readily accessible to the user when desired. In one embodiment, it is contemplated that an elongated tubular storage chamber approximating the size and shape of a focus straw may be attached to or formed integrally with the interior surface of an aerosol spray container. The distal end of the chamber which extends into the spray container is closed and the chamber sidewall is imperforate, such that the entire chamber is sealed from the pressurized interior of the aerosol dispensing device. The opposite proximal end of the chamber is open and communicates in sealed relation with an opening to the exterior of the spray container, thus providing an access to the internal storage chamber within which a focus straw may be inserted. 
     A protective cover is provided for the storage chamber opening to prevent dirt from accumulating inside the internal chamber and/or inadvertent loss of the focus straw when not in use. For most aerosol containers, the removable protective cover for the dispensing valve may be configured to cover the storage chamber opening as well. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the opening to the focus straw storage chamber may also be equipped with a separate protective covering, such as a movable or slidable latch mechanism. Use of a separate protective cover also present possibilities for configuring the internal storage chamber elsewhere within the body of the aerosol spray container, away from the dispensing valve. 
     In another embodiment, it is contemplated that the aerosol spray container may include a secured protective valve cap which is constructed to rotate between a locked and open position. When locked, the dispensing valve is disabled; when open, the valve is enabled. A focus straw storage chamber similar to that previously described is attached to or formed integrally with the interior surface of the aerosol spray container, with an opening extending to the exterior of the container. For access to the focus straw, there is an opening formed in the rotatable valve cap which, at a predetermined selectable position, comes into alignment with the opening to the internal storage chamber. Thus, upon rotation of the valve cap to the selected “access” position, the focus straw is allowed to slide out of the storage chamber through the valve cap opening to be grasped by the user. In all other positions, the valve cap blocks the opening to the storage chamber, thus preventing access to the focus straw. Therefore, when not in use, the focus straw may be stored in a safe, clean and protected internal environment where it cannot get lost or damaged from the external environmental conditions to which conventional focus straws are routinely subjected. 
     In one further embodiment, it is contemplated that the internal storage chamber for the focus straw can be located immediately below the dispensing valve. In this embodiment, the nozzle of the dispensing valve is configured to serve dual functions as both a wide spray nozzle and a focus spray nozzle. The nozzle is constructed to incorporate two separate dispensing outlet ports, one of which is adapted to emit a standard wide spray, and the other of which has a focus straw permanently affixed thereto. When used in its standard mode, the focus straw extends into the internal storage chamber where it is stored in a safe, clean internal environment. The dispensing valve is constructed to release the aerosol around the internal storage chamber and through the nozzle. To operate in the focus spray mode, the nozzle may be removed from the dispensing valve and reversed such that the wide spray outlet port connects to the dispensing valve as the inlet port for the focus spray straw. Here again, in this manner, the focus straw may be stored in a safe, clean and protected internal environment where it cannot get lost or damaged from the external environmental conditions to which conventional focus straws are routinely subjected. 
     Other objects and advantages of this invention, and further areas of applicability, will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the description and specific examples herein are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of an aerosol spray container constructed in accordance with the present invention, with a portion of the container cut away to show the internally sealed focus straw storage chamber there within; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of another aerosol spray container with the storage chamber access opening in the aerosol spray container located on the top of the container adjacent the dispensing valve, similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 , and a protective cover which covers both the dispensing valve and storage chamber opening; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of another aerosol spray container constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing a configuration with the opening to the interior focus straw storage chamber located at the bottom of the aerosol spray container, and a separate threaded cap for covering the opening; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of a similar aerosol spray container as that shown in  FIG. 3 , with the opening to the interior focus straw storage chamber located at the bottom of the aerosol spray container, but with a rotatable cover affixed to the bottom of the container for covering the access opening to the interior focus straw storage chamber; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of alternate sliding cover mechanism for covering the access opening to the interior focus straw storage chamber of an aerosol spray container constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of another aerosol spray container with a rotatable cap having a straw access opening, with a portion of the cap and container cut away to show the positioning of the straw access opening in the cap out of alignment with the access opening to interior focus straw chamber of the aerosol container when the cap is rotated to a locked position; 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of the aerosol spray container shown in  FIG. 6A , with a portion of the rotatable cap and container cut away to show the positioning of the straw access opening in the cap aligned with the access opening to interior focus straw chamber of the aerosol container when the cap is partially rotated to an open position; 
         FIG. 6C  is a perspective view of the aerosol spray container shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , showing the rotatable cap positioned in an unlocked position with the focus straw removed from the interior storage chamber and plugged into the nozzle spray port for use therewith; 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of another aerosol spray container having a rotatable cap with a straw access opening, showing the position of the cap rotated such that the access opening in the cap is out of alignment with the access opening to interior focus straw chamber of the aerosol container, such that the straw cannot be accessed; 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of the aerosol spray container shown in  FIG. 7A , with a portion of the cap and container cut away to show the position of the cap rotated such that the access opening in the cap is in alignment with the access opening to interior focus straw chamber of the aerosol container, so the straw can be accessed; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of another aerosol spray container with a portion thereof cut away to show how the interior focus straw storage chamber is arranged with a dispensing valve tube extending telescopically there through to the dispensing valve of the aerosol spray container, and the spray nozzle dispensing head is constructed for reversible use with or without the focus straw; 
         FIG. 8B  is a side elevational view of the aerosol spray container shown in  FIG. 8A , with a portion thereof cut away to show the spray nozzle dispensing head positioned on the dispensing valve tube such that the affixed focus straw is inserted within the coaxially aligned storage chamber, thereby allowing for use of the aerosol spray container in its wide-spray mode; 
         FIG. 8C  is a side elevational view of the aerosol spray container shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , showing the spray nozzle dispensing head reversed on the dispensing valve tube, thereby allowing for use of the aerosol spray container in its focus-spray mode; and 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded partial perspective view of the top portion of an aerosol spray container, showing a modified dispensing head with a slotted groove for receiving a focus straw with an adapted flanged end for locking the focus straw in place during use thereof. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. 
     With reference now to the drawings, shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is an aerosol dispensing apparatus in the form of a spray container  1 . As is common, spray container  1  is sealed and pressurized with an aerosol, and includes at its top end a dispensing valve  3  (e.g., with a push-type pressure release nozzle) which is constructed in a conventional manner to emit an aerosol spray when depressed. The valve mechanism  3  includes a valve stem (not shown) which projects outwardly from the body portion of the container  1 . A spray nozzle  5  which is mounted on the valve stem provides a discharge vent through which the aerosol spray is ejected. The nozzle  5  is connected by means of a suitable passage in the valve stem to the interior of the pressurized container  1 . The dispensing valve  3  is spring biased to a closed position and is opened by depressing the valve stem inwardly toward the body portion of the container  1 . 
     In the present embodiments, the aerosol spray container  1  has been modified in accordance with the present invention to incorporate a means by which an elongated aerosol spray extension tube, or focus straw  7 , may be stored internally of the aerosol container  1 . As shown, in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an elongated tubular storage chamber  9  approximating the size and shape of a focus straw  7  is attached to or formed integrally with the interior surface  11  of the aerosol spray container  1 . Storage chamber  9  which extends into the inner confines of spray container  1  has an imperforate sidewall and is closed at its distal end  13 . As such, the entire chamber  9  is sealed from the pressurized interior of the aerosol spray container  1 . The opposite proximal end  15  of chamber  9  is open and communicates in sealed relation with an opening to the exterior of the spray container  1 , thus providing an access  17  to the internal storage chamber  9  within which the focus straw  7  may be inserted. In this manner, the focus straw is fully protected in a safe, secure environment when not in use, and readily accessible to the user when desired. 
     Since most aerosol spray containers  1  available on the market today are still made of metal (e.g., steel or aluminum), it is contemplated that the periphery of the open proximal end  15  to storage chamber  9  may be formed integrally with the body or welded to the interior surface  11  of container  1  at the opening  17 . However, it is also possible that the aerosol container  9  could be formed of other materials, such as plastic, ceramic, etc., and it is therefore also possible that the interior storage chamber  9  could be integrally molded, heat fused or otherwise attached at its open proximal end  15  to the interior surface  11  at opening  17  of the container  1 , without departing form the invention herein. To further facilitate ease of insertion of the focus straw  7  through opening  17  and into storage chamber  9 , it is contemplated that opening  17  may be flared radially outward at its periphery to help guide the straw  7  there through. 
     In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , it can be seen that the access opening  17  in aerosol spray container  1  is visible from the exterior, and the internal storage chamber  9  attached to the top inner surface  11  of container  1  is in alignment with opening  17 . Accordingly, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , tubular focus straw  7  is designed to be inserted through access opening  17  and into the protected confines of the interior storage chamber  9 . As further shown, the internal storage chamber  9  within the aerosol spray container  1  is sized and shaped such that the focus straw  7  may be fully inserted into a safe, secure environment that is readily accessible to the user when desired. 
     For most aerosol containers, the dispensing valve  3  is a located on top of the container  1 , and a removable protective cover  21  is provided to safeguard the dispensing valve  3  from damage when not in use. Cover  21  can be secured by any means to the spray container  1 , e.g., by friction, snapping, sliding, rotation, or by threaded screw-on fit. In the configuration of  FIG. 1 , the storage chamber opening  17  for the focus straw  7  is located immediately adjacent the dispensing valve  3  on top of the spray container  1 . In  FIG. 2 , the storage chamber opening  17  for the focus straw  7  is also located adjacent the dispensing valve  3  on top of the spray container  1 , but slightly further outward therefrom. In both cases, the protective cover  21  for the dispensing valve  3  will also cover the storage chamber opening  17 , thus preventing dirt from accumulating inside the chamber  9  and/or inadvertent loss of the focus straw  7  when not in use. 
     Although it is contemplated in one preferred embodiment that the access opening  17  to the internal storage chamber  9  be located in the top of the aerosol spray container  1 , it is certainly possible that the opening  17  could be located elsewhere on the body of the spray container  1  without departing from the invention herein. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the storage chamber opening  17  could be located at the bottom end  19  of the spray container  1 , opposite the dispensing valve  3 . The open proximal end  15  of the storage chamber  9  would then be reversed to align with the access opening  17  in the bottom of the aerosol container  1 . Still another embodiment could have the access opening  17  to chamber  9  located in the side of aerosol spray container  1 , in which case storage chamber  9  may extend at an angle into the inner confines of container  1 . Other configurations may also be possible without departing from the spirit of the invention herein. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , it is further contemplated that an alternative or supplemental covering mechanism  23  may be provided for access opening  17 . This is particularly useful when the access opening is not located on top of the spray container  1  adjacent the dispensing valve  3 , where cover  21  can be used to protect the access opening  17 . Such alternative covering mechanism  23  can take on any form without departing from the invention herein. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 3 , covering mechanism  23  is depicted as a threadable cap  23   a  which engages a threaded hub  20  to opening  17  of the interior chamber  9 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 4 , covering mechanism  23  could take the form of a sliding or rotatable cover  23   b  which can be rotated between an open position allowing access to opening  17 , and a closed position where opening  17  is completely covered, thus preventing dirt from accumulating inside the chamber  9  and/or inadvertent loss of the focus straw  7  when not in use. Still another embodiment contemplated is shown in  FIG. 5 , where covering mechanism  23  includes a channel member  25  with a sliding latch mechanism  27  that is configured to extend around and over the access opening  17 . With this embodiment, the latch member  27  can be slid between an open position and a closed position over the access opening  17 , as desired or necessary. 
     Alternatively, a pivotal latch (not shown) could also be used as a covering mechanism  23  for access opening  17 . In this case, the latch would simply flip between an open position and closed position over the access opening  17 , as desired or necessary. Finally, although not deemed necessary, it is certainly contemplated that any such alternative or supplemental covering mechanism  23  may also be used to cover the access opening  17  when it is located in the top of aerosol container  1 , thus providing additional protection against dirt and other debris from accumulating inside storage chamber  9 , and/or inadvertent loss of the focus straw  7  when not in use. 
     With attention now being taken to  FIGS. 6A-6C , another embodiment of the present invention is shown wherein an aerosol spray container  31  includes a secured protective valve cap  33  which is constructed to rotate between a locked position  35  ( FIG. 6A ), and intermediate position ( FIG. 6B ), and an open position  37  ( FIG. 6C ) for spraying through dispensing port  39 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , when the protective valve cap  33  is locked, the dispensing trigger  41  is disabled and the dispensing port  39  is blocked; when open, as shown in  FIG. 6C , the dispensing trigger  41  is released upward and enabled, thereby permitting the aerosol container  31  to be used. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , an internal focus straw storage chamber  45  similar to that previously described is attached to or formed integrally in sealed relation with the interior surface of the aerosol spray container  31 . Accordingly, storage chamber  45  defines an inner cavity which is sealed from the interior confines of the aerosol spray container  31 , with an opening  47  extending to the exterior of the container  31  and into the confines of the protective cap  33 . For access to the focus straw  7 , another opening  49  is formed in the top of rotatable valve cap  33  which may be aligned with the access opening  47  to interior chamber  45  upon rotation of cap  33  to a predetermined selectable position  51  (see,  FIG. 6B ). 
     Therefore, as shown in  FIG. 6A , when cap  33  is rotated to its closed locked position  35 , there is no alignment between opening  49  in cap  33  and the access opening  47  to chamber  45 . However, upon rotation of cap  33  to the predetermined selectable position  51  shown in  FIG. 6B , the cap opening  49  comes into alignment with the access opening  47  to the internal storage chamber  45 . As shown in  FIG. 6B , when the rotatable cap  33  is rotated to position  51 , the focus straw  7  may be freely inserted or removed from the internal storage chamber  45 . It is noted that the focus straw “access” position  51  can be configured as a separate intermediate position between the valve cap&#39;s closed position  35  and open position  37 , or could simply be configured for alignment and access when the valve cap is rotated fully to its open position  37  ( FIG. 6C ). 
     Thus, upon rotation of the valve cap  33  to the selected “access” position  51 , the focus straw  7  is allowed to slide out of the storage chamber  45  through the valve cap opening  49  to be grasped by the user. In all other positions of valve cap  33 , the valve cap opening  49  is out of alignment with storage chamber opening  47 , and valve cap  33  blocks access to chamber  45  and focus straw  7 . Since the rotatable valve cap  33  is secured to and incorporated as a part of the aerosol spray container  31 , no separate protective covering is necessary to protect the opening  47  to the internal storage chamber  45 . Therefore, when not in use, the focus straw  7  may be stored in a safe, clean and protected internal environment where it cannot get lost or damaged from the external environmental conditions to which conventional focus straws are routinely subjected. 
     With reference now being made to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , another aerosol spray container  91  having an interior focus straw storage chamber  93  is shown. The internal storage chamber  93  is comprised of an elongated tube that extends downward within the aerosol container  91 , and is attached to or formed integrally in sealed relation with the body of the aerosol spray container  91 . As in other embodiments, an access opening  95  to chamber  93  is formed in the top end of container  91  adjacent the dispensing valve stem (not shown). In this case, valve trigger  97  for the dispensing valve stem is freely rotatable 360 degrees about the stem and includes a cutout portion  99  that may be aligned with the access opening  95  to the storage chamber  93 . As shown in  FIG. 7B , upon alignment of the cutout portion  99  with access opening  95 , interior chamber  93  becomes accessible for storage or retrieval of the focus straw  7 . 
     Rotation of valve trigger  97  to any position in which cutout portion  99  is out of alignment with access opening  95  will prevent access to chamber  93 , thereby allowing the focus straw  7  to be stored in a safe, clean and protected internal environment where it cannot get lost or damaged from the external environmental conditions to which conventional focus straws are routinely subjected. As an added measure of protection, cap  101  is provided which may be fitted via a snap or friction fit atop of the container  91 , thus further protecting the valve trigger  97  and storage chamber  93  from outside elements. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 8A-8C , another embodiment is disclosed for an aerosol spray container  61  which also includes an internal focus straw storage chamber  63  similar to that described in previous embodiments. In this case, however, the internal storage chamber  63  extends downward through the center of aerosol container  61 , and is attached to or formed integrally in sealed relation with the body of container  61  at the center of the top end thereof. As seen in  FIGS. 8A-8C , the storage chamber  63  is conjoined at its lower distal end with the outer casing of dispensing valve  65  adjacent the lower end of container  61 . In this embodiment, the aerosol spray container  61  is specially configured with an elongated dispensing valve tube  64  which extends telescopically through the storage chamber  63  for operational engagement with dispensing valve  65 . As shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the focus straw  75  (which is carried by dispensing head or spray nozzle  69 ) may then be telescopically inserted into the dispensing valve tube  64 , such that it may be stored within chamber  63  and used in a manner described in more detail hereinbelow. In this manner, the aerosol container  61  has been adapted such that the internal storage chamber  63  for the focus straw  75  extends directly through the middle of spray container  61  in substantially coextensive relation to dispensing valve tube  64 , with its proximal end defining an access opening  67  extending to the exterior of the container  61 . 
     With this embodiment, it is contemplated that a specially configured removable spray nozzle  69  may be attached to the upper proximal end  66  of dispensing valve tube  64 , such that the aerosol spray container  61  can be used either in a “wide-spray” mode or in a “focus-spray” mode, depending on the orientation of the dispensing nozzle  69 . Nozzle  69  is designed with interconnected dual port operability; one dispensing port  71  allows the nozzle  69  to be used in a “wide-spray” mode, and the other dispensing port  73  includes a secured (either permanent of removable) focus straw attachment  75  that can be used in a “focus-spray” mode. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 8B , for use of the aerosol spray container  61  in the “wide-spray” mode, the “focus-spray” dispensing port  73  connects to the end  66  of dispensing valve tube  64  of valve  65 . In this case, the focus straw  75  connected to port  73  slides into dispensing valve tube  64  and is thereby conveniently stored for safe keeping within the internal sealed storage chamber  63 . In this mode, however, upon depression of spray nozzle  69 , port  73  functions as the input port for the spray nozzle  69 , and the aerosol spray exiting dispensing valve tube  64  travels through the focus straw  75  and out through port  71 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 8C , to use in the aerosol container  61  in the “focus spray” mode, the nozzle  69  is designed to be removed from the dispensing valve  65  and reoriented 90 degrees such that the “wide spray” dispensing port  71  now connects to the upper end  66  of dispensing valve tube  64 . Accordingly, dispensing port  71  now functions as the inlet port for the “focus-spray” dispensing port  73 . In this mode, upon depression of spray nozzle  69 , the aerosol spray exiting dispensing valve tube  64  enters port  71  and exits through focus straw  75 . Similar to other embodiments described herein, as an added measure of protection, a cap  79  which is fitted via a snap or friction fit atop of container  61  may also be provided. Here again, it is apparent that the present invention provides an effective means by which the focus straw of an aerosol spray container may be stored with the container in a fully protected and safe environment, away from external forces and environmental elements that may result in the loss of or damage to the focus straw. 
     As an additional preventive measure to help avoid loss or damage of the focus straw during use, it is also contemplated that the spray nozzle and focus straw for an aerosol spray container could be designed with a locking mechanism to ensure that the focus straw does not become dislodged during use. Such a locking mechanism could be used with any embodiment disclosed herein. Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 9 , one possible embodiment for accomplishing this could be to form the focus straw  7  with an outwardly extending flange  83  at one end. This flange  83  could lock into a slotted dispensing port  85  (e.g., via rotation, friction fit, etc.) in the spray nozzle  5  of the aerosol container, thus holding the focus straw  7  in place during use. Of course, other and additional configurations of the focus straw locking mechanism may be possible without departing from the spirit of the invention herein. 
     Certain terminology is used herein for purposes of reference only, and thus is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “above”, “below”, “top”, “bottom”, “upward”, “downward”, “rearward”, and “forward” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “bottom” and “side”, describe the orientation of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second” and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. 
     When introducing elements or features and the exemplary embodiments, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of such elements or features. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features other than those specifically noted. It is further to be understood that the method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description only, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention herein. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment and, where applicable, may be interchangeable and used in other selected embodiments, even if not specifically shown or described as such. Accordingly, various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the parts without departing from the scope of the invention, which comprises the matter shown and described herein, and set forth in the appended claims.