Patent Publication Number: US-9422148-B1

Title: Article for remote operation of a spray container

Description:
I. RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/895,559, filed on Oct. 25, 2013 and entitled, “Article For Remote Operation Of A Spray Container”. The entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     II. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present application describes and discloses an article for remote operation of a spray container, and more specifically, describes an article utilizing a distally positioned grip and trigger for remotely controlling the discharge of spray container contents and for optimizing the use of the article to dispense the contents toward the user as desired. 
     III. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There have been numerous attempts to provide a device, apparatus, or article to achieve remote discharge of the contents in a spray container. Several devices designed for such use and function are intended to allow a user to discharge the container contents away from the user at variable heights or depths, typically focused on discharging aerosolized paint, epoxy, insulation, or other types of construction-grade material at a height (or depth) or angle not easily negotiated by the user without the use of a ladder, scaffolding or other such devices. Many of these devices include a lever directly connected to the aerosol nozzle and a means for actuating the lever, such as a draw-string or cord, in an attempt to remotely control the discharge and resulting placement of the contents dispensed via the container. Most of the known art is designed and intended for discharge of the contents in a direction away from the user. 
     A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,966,461 B2, issued in the name of Warner et al.; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,252,210 B1, issued in the name of Schultz et al.; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,716,195, issued in the name of Silva; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,745, issued in the name of Hess, Jr.; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,870 B1, issued in the name of Taylor; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,444,020 B1, issued in the name of Kenny; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,191, issued in the name of Yoshitomi; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,336 B1, issued in the name of Orozco; 
     U.S. Pat. No. D636,266 S, issued in the name of Walker et al.; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,658 B2, issued in the name of Hall et al.; 
     U.S. Patent Application no. 2004/0094577 A1, published in the name of Drew; and 
     U.S. Patent no. 6, 293, 442 B1, issued in the name of Mollayan. 
     However, at present, there appears to be a need for an article for remotely operating a spray container to control the discharge and placement of container contents in a manner that places such contents on the user as desired, and more broadly, for accommodating unusual angles or other such challenges. 
     This application presents claims and embodiments that fulfill a need or needs not yet satisfied by the products, inventions and methods previously or presently available. In particular, the claims and embodiments disclosed herein describe an article for retaining and allowing for the remote operation of a spray container, the article comprising: a spine; a base; a handgrip; a mechanical finger; a depressible actuating trigger formed along the handgrip; means for pivotally-adjusting the grip relative to the spine; a means for vertically adjusting the spine; a retention member; and an extension member, the article of the present invention providing unanticipated and nonobvious combination of features distinguished from the products, devices, apparatuses, inventions and methods preexisting in the art. The applicant is unaware of any product, method, disclosure or reference that discloses the features of the claims and embodiments disclosed herein. 
     IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An article for retaining a spray container is disclosed, wherein the article comprises an elongated spine, a base integrally formed at one end of the spine, and a hand grip formed at an end opposing the base. The base is adapted and configured to support a spray container. In accordance to one exemplary embodiment, the hand grip may be rotationally coupled to the spine. 
     The article of the present invention further comprises a mechanical finger positioned along the spine, and a depressible actuating trigger formed along the hand grip for remotely controlling the position of the mechanical finger relative to the spray nozzle of the spray container. 
    
    
     
       V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of an article for retaining a spray container, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an aerosol spray container; 
         FIG. 1B  is a side elevational view of a non-aerosol spray container; 
         FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of an article for retaining a spray container, in accordance to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial left, front perspective view of means for pivotally-adjusting the grip relative to the spine of an article for retaining a spray container, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates the pivot range and direction provided by the pivot means of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial right, front perspective view of the pivot means of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of a hinge mechanism wherein the locking pin thereof is shown in a locked condition, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of the hinge mechanism of  FIG. 5 , wherein the locking pin thereof is shown in a released condition; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial perspective view of a means for vertically adjusting the spine, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view of the second elongated member of the adjustment means of  FIG. 7  illustrating the hole defined axially through both sides of the second member; and 
         FIG. 9  is a partial, longitudinal sectional view of a means for vertically adjusting the spine, in accordance to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S) 
     It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1 , and in accordance with at least one embodiment envisioned herein, an article  10  for retaining a spray container is depicted and described. In reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a spray container  5 , including non-aerosol containers  6  or dispensers, and pressurized containers  6   a  having aerosol discharging mechanisms, atomizer nozzles, and mister-type nozzles having a spray nozzle mechanism for discharging contents stored in the spray container  5 , may be selectively retained and removed by the article  10  for optimized remotely controlled discharge of the container  5  contents, including selectively positional discharge of the contents away from and/or towards the user. An aerosol or aerosol device, as referenced herein, is defined by the Code of Federal Regulations as follows, “Aerosol shall mean a material which is dispensed from its container as a mist, spray, or foam by a propellant under pressure” (Code of Federal Regulation, Title 29, Chapter 17, Part 1910, Section 1910.106). A further specification of the definition is as follows, “Aerosol discharging mechanism means a device or product characterized by a pressurized spray system that dispenses product ingredients in aerosol form by means of a propellant (e.g., a liquefied or compressed gas that is used in whole or in part, such as a co-solvent, to expel a liquid or any other material from the same self-pressurized container or from a separate container) or mechanically induced force. ‘Aerosol product’ does not include pump sprays.” (Code of Federal Regulation, Title 40, Chapter 1, Part 59, Section 59.202). 
     The pressurized is filled with container  6   a  is filled with a compressed gas or propellant and a composition of material, or contents to be discharged as a spray S or mist therefrom. A depressible button  7  is mounted on the upper end of the pressurized container  6   a , and the button  7  is provided with a spray nozzle  8 . The lower end of button  7  is connected with an ejecting valve which is contained in the pressurized container  6   a  via a stem  9 . 
     In contrast, non-aerosol containers  6  use a positive displacement pump that acts directly on the contents stored in the reservoir of the container  6 . Typically, a non-aerosol pump includes an actuator  7  (such as a cap or trigger) connected thereto which activates the pump, such as by pressing or pulling actuator  7 , depending on actuator  7  type. The actuator  7  is provided with a spray nozzle  8 . The pump is connected to and in fluid communication with a syphon tube that draws container contents from the bottom of the reservoir of container  6 . A non-aerosol container  6  also includes one or more one-way valves. A first one-way valve may be connected between the pump and the reservoir, and a second one-way valve may be connected between the pump and the nozzle  8 . The first one-way valve may include a cylinder housing a piston being movable in the housing, and a spring positioned between the piston and a collar of the cylinder. A seal may be disposed below the cylinder. When the actuator  7  is released (“upstroke”), the second one-way valve closes, or otherwise presses against the discharge outlet of nozzle  8  which prevents air from flowing in through the nozzle  8 . Concurrently upon release of the actuator  7 , the spring expands causing downward movement by piston against the seal so that the container contents passageway is blocked off. Engagement by piston against the seal shuts off fluid communication between the reservoir and the pump. When the actuator  7  is pressed or pulled (“downstroke”), the inward pressure from the pump pulls the piston upwardly disengaging the seal, compresses the spring, and shrinks the volume of the cylinder, thereby forcing contents out of the pump which flows therefrom through the nozzle  8  as a spray S. This action (upward movement by piston) causes a decrease in air pressure in the pump system creating suction which draws container contents upward from the reservoir and past the seal. 
     Referring now more particularly to  FIGS. 1-2 , the article  10  comprises an elongated, tubular spine  12 , a base  14  formed at a lower end  12   b  of the spine  12 , and a hand grip  16  formed at an end  12   a  opposing the base  14 . Being tubular, the spine  12  includes an interior volume  12   c  of space. The base  14  supports a spray container  5  and may comprise multiple embodiments, including a non-contoured platform, a contoured platform having flexible and/or deformable portions for fiction-fit impingement of the base-end of the container  5 , one or more feet with lips for engaging the perimeter of the container  5 , a housing with a volume for housing and retaining a portion of the container  5 , and other similar configurations known in the art. 
     Near the base  14 , a mechanical finger  18  is positioned along the spine  12 . The finger  18  is remotely controlled by a depressible trigger  20  positioned along the grip  16 , with a mechanical linkage  22  mechanically coupling the finger  18  and trigger  20 , of which the linkage  22  may be hidden from view within the interior volume  12   c  of the spine  12 . 
     The grip  16  is formed at an end opposing the base  14 . The grip  16  may be rotationally coupled to the spine  12 , allowing a user to adjust the grip  16  for optimized hand-positioning to accommodate unusual or even awkward angles. The rotational coupling may be achieved by a number of means or mechanisms  24  known in the art, including incrementally adjustable ratchet or cogwheel gearing systems or devices similar in type and function. The grip  16  may also include a molded ergonomic contour. The grip  16  may also include a palm brace  26  to allow a user to securely hold the grip  16  to achieve a forward or rearward orientation of the article  10  for further optimization of use. 
     The actuating trigger  20  remotely controls the mechanical finger  18  via flexible mechanical linkage  22 , so that when the trigger  20  is depressed, the linkage  22  mechanically urges the finger  18  into mechanical engagement with the spray nozzle  8  or  8   a  of the container  5  to release or discharge the contents of the container  5  through the nozzle mechanism. Upon release of the trigger  20  (after depressed-actuation), the linkage  22  mechanically releases the finger  18 , and the finger  18  disengages the spray nozzle  8  or  8   a  and release or discharge of the contents ceases. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-6 , in accordance to one embodiment, a means for pivotally-adjusting the grip  16  relative to the spine  120  along a plurality of selectively-desired, pivotal setting positions is disclosed. In accordance to one embodiment, the means for pivotally-adjusting the grip  16  may comprise a lockable hinge mechanism  27  provided along the length of the spine  12 , the lockable hinge  27  providing pivotal adjustability of the grip  16  relative to the base  14  (and supported container  5 ) as well as pivotal collapsibility of the article  10  for compact storage during non-use. The hinge mechanism  27  may comprise a plurality of known devices in the art for achieving adjustability and/or collapsibility of the article  10 . Thus, the hinge mechanism  27  is adapted and configured to allow pivotal articulation of the grip  16  for approximately 180° along the hinge  27  connection. In accordance to one embodiment, the spine  120  comprises an upper section  121  and a lower section  128 . The upper section  121  and lower section  128  may comprise a number of cross-sectional configurations, such as, including but not limited to, circular or cylindrical, square, and rectangular. The upper section  121  comprises a first elongated member  122  pivotally secured to a second elongated member  124  via a pivot pin  270  of the hinge mechanism  27 . The mechanism  27  allows the first elongated member  122  of upper section  121  of the spine  120 , and hence the grip  16 , to be pivotally-adjusted about a plurality of selectively-desired, pivotal setting positions. The hinge mechanism  27  allows the first elongated member  122  to pivot (arrows  35  and  36 ) about pivot axis X (pivot pin  270 ) over a range of approximately 180°. Pivot pin  270  comprises a number of components operating in a joint collective effort. These components comprise a coupling button  330 , a transverse hole  323 , a locking pin  300 , and a lock release button  334  (all of which to be described later in greater detail). 
     As the first elongated member  122  pivots, the second elongated member  124  remains stationary. Opposing sides of the second elongated member  124  may include upwardly projecting ears  125  and  126 , the ears  125  and  126  flanking the lower sides of the lower end  223  of first elongated member  122 , respectively. The ears  125 ,  126  each include an aperture  125   a ,  126  defined, respectively, therethrough. 
     The selective pivotal adjustment and setting of the first elongated member  122  relative to the second elongated member  124  may be achieved by a number of means or mechanisms known in the art, including incrementally adjustable spring-biased pin assemblies, cam plate and pin assemblies and systems, ball and socket joint assemblies, mechanical interference and impingement devices, or devices similar in type and function commonly known in the art. 
     In further reference to  FIGS. 2-6 , in accordance to one exemplary embodiment, the hinge mechanism  27  is housed within the lower end  223  of the first elongated member  122  and thus concealed from view. The lower end  123  of first elongated member  122  may comprise a generally cylindrical or barrel-shaped portion  123   a  which houses the hinge mechanism  27 . The cylindrical portion  123   a  of first elongated member  122  is similar to the chamber of a revolver type firearm, wherein such revolver has a cylinder which includes a series of chambers bored therethrough. A transverse hole  323  extends through the cylindrical portion  123   a . A locking pin  300  is disposed inside the transverse hole  323 , the locking pin  300  cooperates with a series of pin-receiving holes  302  to lock the first elongated member  122  in selectively-desired pivotal positions relative to the second elongated member  224 . The pin-receiving holes  302  are spatially aligned in a semi-circular orientation, the orientation consistent to or uniform with the transverse hole  323 . The pin-receiving holes  302  are defined in the cylindrical portion  123   a  and are coaxially aligned with pivot axis X. A compression spring  325  is positioned between the hub  332  of a coupling button  330  and the locking pin  300  to bias the pin  300  outwardly (see  FIG. 5 ) in a resting position of pin  300 . The lower end of compression spring  325  is secured to the hub  332 , and the upper end of compression spring  325  is received by and firmly engaged with the locking pin  300 . The coupling button  330  is mounted to one end of the transverse hole  323 , the coupling button  330  opposes a lock release button  334  (to be described in greater detail hereinbelow) disposed along the opposing end of the transverse hole  323 . The pin-receiving holes  302  are envisioned to be positioned radially to the lock release button  334 , the lock release button  334  is envisioned to be disposed centrally relative to the end of the cylindrical portion  123   a.    
     The lock release button  334  is provided to release the pin  300  from a locked condition ( FIG. 5 ) to a released condition (shown in  FIG. 6 ) for the purpose of pivotally adjusting the first elongated member  122 . The lock release button  334  includes a release post  336  mounted perpendicularly thereto or integrally extending perpendicularly therefrom. The distal end of release post  336  is engaged against the locking pin  300 . The lock release button  334  may be provided with an annular apron for engaging a lip or inner surface of the ear  125  of the second elongated member  224 , thereby preventing disengagement of the lock release button  334  from transverse hole  323  and past the ear  125  of the second elongated member  224 . 
     To pivotally adjust the first elongated member  122  relative to the second elongated member  224  at a desired pivotal setting, user presses the lock release button  334  which releases the locking pin  300  and allows pivotal rotation by the first elongated member  122  about pivot axis X relative to the second elongated member  224 . Once user selects a desired pivotal position of first member  122 , user releases the lock release button  334  and compression spring  325  urges the locking pin  300  outwardly engaging one hole  302  of the series of pin-receiving holes  302 , and thus locking the first elongated member  122  in a selectively-desired pivotal position relative to the second elongated member  224 . 
     In reference to  FIG. 2 , a shroud  250  is disposed along the spine  120 . The shroud  250  provides a cover for the mechanical linkage  22 , thereby shielding or otherwise concealing the mechanical linkage  22  from view. The shroud  250  may be constructed of a flexible or rigid material, such as a plastic polymer or textile. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-4, and 7-9 , a means for adjusting the spine  120 , and hence the grip  16 , along a plurality of selectively-desired, vertical setting positions is disclosed. In accordance to one embodiment, the means for vertically-adjusting the spine  120  may comprise a telescopic adjustment assembly  200 , the assembly  200  comprises an elongated first cylinder  222  telescopically received by a linearly elongated second cylinder  224 . The second cylinder  224  includes a cylinder receiving cavity  227  for intimate slidable engagement by the first cylinder  222 . 
     The first cylinder  222  is adjustably lockable to second cylinder  224  at a desired longitudinal position or setting via a locking device  230 . In accordance to one embodiment, the locking device  230  is disclosed as a spring-biased pin assembly  232  disposed about the second cylinder  224 . The second cylinder  224  includes a hole  225  defined axially through both sides thereof, and the first cylinder  222  includes a series of holes  223  defined through both sides thereof in corresponding relation so that a pin  234  of pin assembly  232  may be utilized to secure the second cylinder  224  and first cylinder  222  at a desired longitudinal position. More specifically, the pin  234  extends through hole  225  of second cylinder  224  and engages a selected hole  223  defined through both sides of first cylinder  222  and exits hole  225  of opposing side of second cylinder  224 . Thus, the holes  223  of first cylinder  222  cooperate with the pin  234  of pin assembly  232  that permits the pin  234  to extend initially through the hole  225  of second cylinder  224 , through a selected hole  223  of first cylinder  222 , and through hole  225  of opposing side of second cylinder  224 , thereby securing the inner and outer cylinders  222  and  224  to one another. 
     In a resting position, pin  234  is urged by a spring (not shown) inwardly towards the cylinder receiving cavity  227  of second cylinder  224 . In order to adjustably secure the first and second cylinders  222  and  224  of handle  120  to a selectively-desired longitudinal setting, the pin  234  is retracted or pulled axially until pin  234  is effectively removed from the first cylinder  222 , and pin  234  is held in such retracted position, while the inner and outer cylinders  222  and  224  are telescopically adjusted relative to one another to a desired handle  120  length. Upon obtaining desired handle  120  length or longitudinal setting, operator releases pin  234  to allow pin  234  to engage one of the holes  223  of first cylinder  222 . 
     In reference to  FIG. 7 , in accordance to another locking device  230   a  embodiment, locking device  230   a  comprises a generally conical-shaped spring member  240  mounted to an inner surface of first cylinder  222   a , the spring member  240  includes a button  242  protruding integrally outward therefrom and through an aperture  223   a  defined axially through a sidewall of first cylinder  222   a . In further accordance to this particular embodiment, the second cylinder  224   a  includes a series of apertures  225   a  defined through at least one sidewall thereof in corresponding relation so as to allow the button  242  to extend through aperture  223   a  of first cylinder  222   a  and to engage and exit a selected aperture  225   a  of second cylinder  224   a , thereby removably securing the second cylinder  224   a  and first cylinder  222   a  at a desired longitudinal position. A distal segment of spring member  240  extends and engages the inner surface of first cylinder  222   a  to bias the button  242  into a selected aperture  225   a  of second cylinder  224   a.    
     Vertical adjustability of the spine  120  may be achieved by any of the several known methods for providing telescopic adjustment, including interference impingement coordinated and indexed between the spine  120  and the elongated telescoping elements comprising the spine  120 . 
     Referring now more particularly to  FIGS. 1-2 , the spine  12 ,  120  may also include a retention member  28  for operation separate from or in conjunction with the base  14 . The retention member  28  may be integrally extending from, coupled to, or removably securable to the spine  12 , proximal to the base  14 . The retention member  28  may comprise any number of devices known in the art, including returnably-resilient clamp members for articulation to accommodate small diameter and large diameter commercially available containers  5 . In one embodiment envisioned, the clamp members comprise at least two separate clamp members secured along the spine  12 ,  120 , each clamp member forming approximately one-half of the perimeter of a container  5 , with each clamp member working in conjunction to encompass at least half of the perimeter of the container  5 . Other retention members  28  are also envisioned, including an adjustable band or other similar mechanisms. 
     The spine  12 ,  120  may also include an extension member  30  for horizontal and/or vertical adjustable positioning of the base  14  relative to the mechanical finger  18 . In accordance to one embodiment, to facilitate horizontal adjustment and positioning of the base  14 , the base  14  may include an adjustable guide support comprising a raised lip portion with a pair of downwardly extending tongues for slidably engaging a pair of parallel, elongated grooves, respectively, formed in the upper surface of the base  14 . The elongated grooves each include a series of raised teeth, wherein the teeth include notches provided therebetween. In order to adjust the guide support to a desired horizontal fixed setting, the downwardly extending tongues of the lip portion are slidably directed along the grooves and engage the notches in a mating fashion. 
     In another embodiment, to facilitate vertical positioning and adjustment of the base  14 , it is envisioned the extension member  30  comprises a spine extension member or portion inserted between the spine  12 ,  120  and the base  14 . Such spine extension members may comprise a number of variably sized portions to accommodate variously sized containers  5 , and may also comprise separately telescoping portions to increase the variable adjustment provided. In another embodiment, the extension member  30  may comprise an integrally provided telescoping arrangement to adjust for the smallest container  5  height to the largest container  5  height commercially available. Adjustability may be achieved by any of the several known methods for providing telescopic adjustment, including interference impingement coordinated and indexed between the spine  12 ,  120  and the elongated telescoping elements provided within the spine  12 ,  120 . 
     In use, as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a user (U) may utilize the article  10  to dispense the contents of a spray container  5  onto the user&#39;s back (B) by allowing the user to place the container  5  on the base  14  and in mechanical communication with the finger  18  and actuating release of the contents via the trigger  20 . The orientation of the handle grip  16  and trigger  20  allow the user to position the article  10  and container  5  in a plurality of positions to optimize discharge and placement of the contents. In one example of the envisioned use of the article  10 , a user may be able to dispense a sunscreen or tanning products (including sun-tanning and self-tanning products) onto the user&#39;s back, which often requires either the application by another person or the understanding that the person will likely not be able to evenly and/or completely cover the user&#39;s back-region, obviously risking uneven coverage in certain areas. 
     It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims are not limited in application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and/or illustrated in drawings. Rather, the description and/or the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned, but the claims are not limited to any particular embodiment or a preferred embodiment disclosed and/or identified in the specification. Any drawing figures that may be provided are for illustrative purposes only, and merely provide practical examples of the invention disclosed herein. Therefore, any drawing figures provided should not be viewed as restricting the scope of the claims to what is depicted. 
     The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways, including various combinations and sub-combinations of the features described above but that may not have been explicitly disclosed in specific combinations and sub-combinations. 
     Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the embodiments and claims are based may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting the claims.