Patent Abstract:
The present invention relates to a portable liquid dispensing device. The present invention further relates to a dispensing device equipped with a cover member that covers and protects the nozzle to inhibit inadvertent or unintentional actuation. In addition, a button may be provided in a manner that further contributes to inhibiting inadvertent or unintentional actuation. The liquid dispensing device may be provided with an optional key holder.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is a Continuation In Part application claiming the benefit of the earlier filing date of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/142,940, filed Jun. 2, 2005, which claims the priority of U.S. provisional patent application 60/601,883, filed Aug. 16, 2004, the entirety of which applications are hereby incorporated as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a portable liquid dispensing device. The present invention further relates to a dispensing device equipped with a concealable nozzle which is concealed when not in use and then exposed when it is desirable to spray a liquid such as an oral care product. The liquid dispensing device may be provided with an optional key holder. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A portable liquid dispensing device is a desirable product for consumers. The device can be used to dispense a variety of sprayable liquids including, but not limited to, oral care products such as breath fresheners, repellants (e.g., mace, pepper spray), personal products such as sun tan lotion deicers and the like. Such devices may be carried in a pocket, purse or the like. 
         [0004]    A portable liquid dispensing device may be disadvantageous if liquid is prematurely or accidentally dispensed such as while the device is in a pocket or purse. One way of addressing this problem is to provide a locking mechanism for the nozzle of the device. The locking mechanism, when locked, prevents accidental contact with a pump assembly (that is used to release liquid from the nozzle). While such a system cam prevent unwanted discharge of the liquid, consumers may find the locking mechanism difficult to operate and/or forget to engage the locking mechanism while the liquid dispensing device is not in use. 
         [0005]    It would therefore be desirable to provide a liquid dispensing device with an assembly for selectively spraying a liquid such as an oral care product such as oral care products, a breath freshener, repellant (e.g. mace, pepper spray), personal products such as sun screen, deicer and the like and which provides an easily engageable mechanism for preventing accidental spraying of the liquid. Such a device would provide an added convenience to the consumer and enable use of a liquid product such as a breath freshener in an easily accessible and convenient manner without the disadvantages or accidental discharge of the liquid. 
         [0006]    It would be a further advance to provide a liquid dispensing device with a liquid dispensing assembly in which the dispensing assembly is protected from accidental discharge so that the user has complete control over when the liquid is dispensed from the liquid dispensing assembly. 
         [0007]    It would also be desirable to provide the liquid dispensing device with an assembly for holding keys or other portable items. Such a device would provide an added convenience to the consumer. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0008]    The following drawings are illustrative of exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention as encompassed and defined by the claims forming part of the application. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a front view of one embodiment of the liquid dispensing device employing a shield in which a liquid dispensing assembly is in a use position for delivering a sprayable liquid; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  with an optional key holder in which the liquid dispensing assembly is in a storage (e.g., non-actuated) position preventing the sprayable liquid from being discharged; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the embodiment of the liquid dispensing device shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the shield in position to prevent discharge of the sprayable liquid; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5A  is a top plan view of the track which operatively engages the shield; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5B  is a bottom view of the shield showing runners for operatively engaging the track shown in  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6A  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a liquid dispensing device with optional key holder; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6B  is a front view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6A  in which a liquid dispensing assembly is in an actuated position with the protective shield in a position which enables the dispensing of a sprayable liquid; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B ; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 8A-8C  are cross-sectional views of the device of  FIGS. 6A-7  showing the operation of the actuator assembly for dispensing a liquid; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a dispenser device according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9A  is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser device shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a front elevation view of a cover of the dispenser device according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10A  is a top plan view of the cover shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10B  is a cross-sectional view of the cover taken along the line B-B shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10C  is a cross-sectional view of the cover taken along the line A-A shown in  FIG. 10A ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of a button of the dispenser device according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11A  is a top plan view of the button shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional view of the button taken along the line A-A shown in  FIG. 11A ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11C  is a cross-sectional view of the button taken along the line B-B shown in  FIG. 11A ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of a collar of the dispenser device according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12A  is a top plan view of the collar shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 12B  is a cross-sectional view of the collar taken along the line A-A shown in  FIG. 12A ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device taken along a center line of the device shown in  FIG. 9 , showing a first, storage position; 
           [0033]      FIG. 13A  is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device taken along a center line of the device shown in  FIG. 9 , showing a second, pre-dispensing position; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 13B  is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device taken along a center line of the device shown in  FIG. 9 , showing a third, dispensing position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0035]    The present invention is generally directed to a portable liquid dispensing device which enables rapid and easy dispensing of a liquid (i.e. a dispense mode), yet prevents accidental discharge of the liquid when not in use (i.e. non-dispense or storage mode). The operation of the dispense and non-dispense modes can be readily facilitated by the user without the use of difficult to operate locking mechanisms. The devices may be used to dispense a variety of materials such as by spraying, squiring, misting, etc. The materials include liquids such as oral care products, breath fresheners, repellants (e.g., mace, pepper spray), personal products such as sun tan lotion, topical ointments or liquids (such as skin care products, lotions, topical analgesics, skin protectants, anti-itch formulations, etc.), deicers and the like. The devices may also be used to dispense other materials such as powders, intratracheobronchial inhalation powders, etc. Such devices may be carried in a pocket, purse or the like. 
         [0036]    Referring to the drawings and particularly to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown a portable liquid dispensing device  2  comprised of a housing  4  having an upper housing portion  6  and a lower housing portion  8 . Contained within the housing  4  is a liquid dispensing assembly  20  as described hereinafter with respect to  FIG. 3 . 
         [0037]    A liquid dispensing preventing assembly  10  comprised of a protective shield  12  (or a panel, member, plug, overlay) movable within a track  14  is shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . The liquid dispensing preventing assembly  10  has at one end an aperture  16  which is aligned with a corresponding opening in a nozzle of the liquid dispensing assembly  20  as described. 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 5B , the protective shield  12  has a pair of runners  13  (e.g., protrusions, members, extensors, etc.) movable within a corresponding pair of elongated channels  15  as shown in  FIG. 5A  of the track  14  from a position shown in  FIG. 1  (exposing the aperture  16 ) to a position shown in  FIG. 2  (covering the aperture  16 ). In the position shown in  FIG. 1 , when the liquid dispensing assembly is activated by the user, the liquid is released through the aperture  16  for use. When the protective shield  12  is in the position shown in  FIG. 2 , the liquid cannot be released because the bottom surface of the protective shield  12  covers the aperture  16  thereby preventing release of the liquid as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the protective shield  12  is shown in a position corresponding to  FIG. 2 . The protective shield  12  has a bottom surface  40  having a raised portion in the form of a projection  42  which is alignable with the aperture  16 . The projection  42  covers the aperture  16  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) to thereby prevent discharge of the liquid. When the protective shield  12  is moved out of alignment with the aperture  16 , the projection  42  moves out of contact with the aperture  16  to enable liquid to be dispensed when the pump mechanism is activated by the user. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 3  the liquid dispensing assembly  20  is comprised of a liquid storage vessel  22 , a pump mechanism  24  which includes a nozzle  25 , and a conduit  26  (such as to be) extending from the nozzle  25  into the liquid storage vessel  22 . The nozzle  25  has an opening  28  enabling the liquid to be sprayed from the pump mechanism  24 . 
         [0041]    The liquid from the liquid storage vessel  22  moves into the nozzle  25  by application of pressure to the pump mechanism  24  through an actuator of  30 . The actuator  30  is placed into contact with the nozzle  25  by the user pushing downwardly on the upper housing portion  6 . The actuator is moved out of contact with the nozzle  25  by releasing the pressure enabling a spring assembly  31  or other suitable device to urge the actuator  30  back to the starting position. The pressure applied to the pump mechanism  24  causes liquid to rise through the conduit  26  and out the opening  28  and through the aperture  16  of the housing  4 . Liquid dispensing assemblies for pumping liquid from a vessel of the type shown in  FIG. 3  are known. 
         [0042]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the front portion of the liquid dispensing assembly  20  is provided with the protective shield  12  which may be moved into a position covering the aperture  16  (and blocking opening  28  of the nozzle  25 ). Movement of the protective shield is facilitated by runners  13  which move glide within the corresponding channels  15 . Once the protective shield  12  covers the aperture  16  accidental spraying of the liquid is prevented. 
         [0043]    Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and particularly to  FIG. 1  there is provided in the upper housing portion  6  the aperture  16  which is coincident with the opening  28  of the pump mechanism  24 . The protective shield  12  is movable from a first position shown in  FIG. 1  which exposes the aperture  16  and thereby enables liquid to be sprayed through the opening  28  of the pump mechanism  24  and out through the aperture  16  in the upper housing portion  6 . The protective shield  12  may be moved to a second position shown in  FIG. 2  thus blocking the aperture  16  so that no liquid may be sprayed through the aperture  16 . The user of the liquid dispensing assembly can position the protective shield  12  in the position shown in  FIG. 2  to prevent spraying of the liquid. When spraying of the liquid is desired, the user moves the protective shield by applying pressure on a gripping surface  44  to the position shown in  FIG. 1  providing an uninterrupted passageway for the spraying of the liquid from the liquid storage vessel  22 , through the opening  28  and through the aperture  16 . In a preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the protective shield  12  is provided with a gripping surface  44  having ridges  46  to provide better contact between the protective shield  12  and the user&#39;s finger. 
         [0044]    The liquid storage vessel  22  stores the liquid. The vessel  22  may be permanent within the liquid dispensing device or may be removable from the lower housing portion  8  to be refilled or replaced as desired. 
         [0045]    In a still further embodiment, the liquid dispensing device may be provided with a clip, hook or like device such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,434, incorporated herein by reference, to enable the user to attach the liquid dispensing device to a belt, belt loop, pants pocket, key chain, key ring, clip, etc. or the like. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the lower housing portion  8  is provided with a hook  19  which can be secured about a belt, another keychain, etc. The user may then carry the liquid dispensing device in a way that is more accessible than a pocket or purse. 
         [0046]    The liquid dispensing device may be provided with a key holder for reversibly securing one or more keys or other portable items. Referring specifically to  FIG. 2 , the key holder  50  is present in the upper housing portion  6 , but may easily be associated with the lower housing portion  8 . It will be understood that the key holder may be associated with the lower housing portion  8  while the liquid dispensing assembly is associated with the upper housing portion  6 . 
         [0047]    The key holder  50  is removably attached to the liquid dispensing device  2  through an opening  52  in the upper housing portion  6 . The key holder  50  may be a ring made out of metal or plastic or may be made of a flexible but sturdy material such as a soft plastic, cloth, a rubber-like material or the like. 
         [0048]    The key holder  50  is able to retain keys or other portable items, typically by having the key holder  50  pass through an opening  54  in a key  56  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Access to the key holder  50  for the key  56  can be made through a slit  58  which can reversibly separate respective portions of the key holder  50  (i.e. a split ring) to provide access for the key  56  on the key holder  50 . Because the slit  58  reversibly forms separate key holder portions, the key holder can also enable the user to attach the device to a belt, belt loop or the like. 
         [0049]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, protection from accidental discharge of the liquid is provided by a protective shield or structure within the housing that blocks discharge of liquid from the nozzle until the nozzle is in a proper position. Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , there is shown a liquid dispensing device  102  having an upper housing portion  104  and a lower housing portion  106 . On the upper housing portion  104 , there is provided a region  108  which when a protective shield portion  110  of the actuator assembly  130  (See  FIG. 7 ) is moved out of the region  108  exposes an aperture  112  through which liquid contained in the device may be dispensed as explained hereinafter. 
         [0050]    A liquid dispensing assembly is provided in the lower housing portion  106  and contains similar structural components similar to those described in connection with the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . Referring to  FIG. 7  the liquid dispensing assembly  114  is comprised of a liquid storage vessel  116 , a pump mechanism  124  which includes a nozzle  125 , and a conduit  126  extending from the nozzle  125  into the liquid storage vessel  116 . The nozzle  125  has an opening  128  enabling the liquid to be sprayed from the liquid dispensing device from the liquid storage vessel  116  through the conduit  126 . 
         [0051]    The liquid from the liquid storage vessel  116  is urged into the nozzle  125  by the application of pressure to the pump mechanism  124  through an actuator assembly  130 . The actuator assembly  130  is placed into contact with the nozzle  125  by the user pushing downwardly on an activating surface  138  and moved out of contact with the actuator assembly  130  by releasing the downward pressure enabling a spring assembly  144  to urge the actuator assembly  130  to its original non-dispensing mode position as described in connection with  FIGS. 8A-8C . 
         [0052]    The actuator assembly  130  not only actuates the pump mechanism  124  to deliver the liquid from the storage vessel  116  but also provides a protective shield against accidental discharge of the liquid. 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the actuator assembly  130  comprises a pump activating assembly  132  and a protective shield assembly  134 . The pump activating assembly  132  has an upper end  136  including the user activating surface  138  which is accessible to the user as shown in  FIG. 6A . A bottom end  140  remote from the surface  138  reversibly contacts the pump mechanism  124  through a pump mechanism contact assembly identified by numeral  141 . 
         [0054]    The protective shield assembly  134  has a front face  142  having an aperture  143  alignable with the opening  128  in the nozzle  125  and an opening  112  in the region  108  (see  FIGS. 6A and 6B ) so that when the aperture  143 , opening  128  and the opening  112  are in alignment, the liquid dispensing device is in a liquid dispensing mode and the liquid may be dispersed therefrom. 
         [0055]    The protective shield assembly  134  is operatively connected to the pump actuating assembly  132  and therefore moves in concert therewith when the user presses downwardly on the actuating surface  138 . Thus, the liquid dispensing assembly is actuated by applying pressure to the actuator assembly  130  and particularly to the surface  138  moving downwardly to activate the pump mechanism  124 . At the same time, the protective shield assembly  134  is moved until the opening  128  and the opening  112  in the region  108  provide a clear path for the dispensing of the liquid. 
         [0056]    When the user releases pressure from the surface  138 , both the pump actuating assembly  132  and the protective shield assembly  134  are automatically moved out of the liquid dispensing mode. This is accomplished through a spring assembly  144  as described in connection with the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-5  and as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8C . In  FIG. 8A , the actuator assembly  130  is shown in a non-dispense mode wherein the surface  138  is not depressed by the user. A spring assembly  144  is positioned between the pump assembly  124  and the pump actuating assembly  132  in a relaxed or non-compressed state. When the user applies pressure to the surface  138 , the spring assembly  144  is compressed as shown in  FIGS. 8B and 8C  and subsequently the pump actuating assembly  132  contacts the pump assembly  124  to actuate the same causing liquid to flow from the storage vessel  116  through the nozzle  125  as shown in  FIG. 8C . When the user releases pressure from the surface  138 , the pump actuating assembly  132  moves upwardly out of contact with the pump assembly  124  due to the upward tension provided by the spring assembly  144 . 
         [0057]    As with the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-5B , the liquid dispensing device of  FIGS. 6A-6B  can be provided with a key holder as shown specifically in  FIG. 6A . The key holder  50  may be secured with the opening  150  which provides access to the surface  138  the actuator assembly  130  or in a separate opening in the upper housing portion identified by numeral  152 . 
         [0058]    Shown in  FIGS. 9-16  is a dispensing device  300  according to an exemplary embodiment. Dispensing device  300  may be used to spray, squirt or otherwise dispense a material such as a liquid, powders, etc. Liquids which may be dispensed by device  300  include oral care products, breath fresheners, repellants (e.g., mace, pepper spray), deicers, personal products such as sun tan lotion, topical ointments, skin care products, gels, lotions, topical analgesics, skin protectants, anti-itch formulations, and the like. Powders, such as intratracheobronchial inhalation powders, may also be dispensed. For purposes of discussion and example, spraying liquids will be used as the example of material dispensed from device  300 . However, those examples should not be construed as limiting. Device  300  may be carried in a pocket or purse and also be used as a key chain or fob of a keychain. 
         [0059]    As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 9A , device  300  comprises a cover  310  (which may also be a housing or shroud), and a dispensing assembly  330  for spraying liquid. Cover  310  forms an area in which a user may activate dispensing assembly  330  to spray liquid stored in device  300 , for example, by depressing a button. Cover  310  also provides protection against accidental spraying of liquid. Cover  310  forms a protective cover or guard above the button such that material will not be dispensed unless a user places their finger within or into cover  310  and activates dispensing assembly  330 . Such a configuration is advantageous to guard against accidental or unwanted spraying of liquid which may be caused by bumping device  300  while stored in a purse, pocket, etc. 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 9A , device  300  comprises cover  310  and a dispensing assembly  330 . Dispensing assembly  330  includes a collar  340  (which may also be a ring, retainer, etc.), a button  350  (which may also be an actuator, trigger, etc.), a pump  380  (which may also be a spray assembly, dispenser, etc.), and a container  390  (which may also be a reservoir, bottle, etc.). 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIGS. 10 to 10C , cover  310  includes a front wall  312 , a rear wall  314 , and an upper portion  316 . Cover  310  has an open bottom to fit of dispensing assembly  330  into cover  310 . According to a particularly preferred embodiment, cover  310  is a single body constructed of an injection molded plastic such as polypropylene. 
         [0062]    An aperture  318  is provided in front wall  312 . According to a particularly preferred embodiment, aperture  318  has an elongated oval shape. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, aperture  318  is approximately ⅛″ wide and ⅜″ long. According to alternative embodiments, the aperture may have a variety of shapes such as rectangular, circular, triangular, diamond, etc. 
         [0063]    Upper portion  316  is an arched member or portion of cover  310 . Portion  316  forms an opening  320  through cover  310 . According to a particularly preferred embodiment, opening  320  is substantially circular in shape. According to alternative embodiments, the opening may have a variety of shapes such as rectangular, circular, triangular, diamond, etc. 
         [0064]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , according to an exemplary embodiment, opening  320  is smaller in size near front wall  312 , and is larger in size near back wall  314 . According to a particularly preferred embodiment, opening  320  is approximately 15/16″ in diameter near front wall  312 , and has an elongated or oval shape near rear wall  314  of approximately 15/16″ along a minor axis and 1- 1/16″ along a major axis. The different size configuration of opening  320  assists a user in orienting device  300  in their hand so that the device is pointing the correct direction for use, as will be explained below. 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIGS. 10B and 10C , two projections  322  are provided, each along a portion of front wall  312  and rear wall  314 . Two projections  324  are also provided, one on front wall  312  and another on rear wall  314 . Projection  322  and  324  assist to provide a connection (e.g., a snap fit) between cover  310  and dispensing assembly  330 . 
         [0066]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11 to 11C , button  350  includes a front wall  352 , a rear wall  354 , and an upper portion  356 . Button  350  has an open bottom to receive a portion of pump  380 . An aperture  358  is provided in front wall  352 . Upper portion  356  includes a tapering, sloping surface  360  as shown in  FIG. 11B . According to an exemplary embodiment, surface  360  tapers from a wider width near rear wall  354 , to a narrower width near front wall  352 . According to a particularly preferred embodiment, surface  360  tapers from approximately 13/16″ width near rear wall  354  to approximately ⅝″ width near front wall  352 . According to an exemplary embodiment, surface  360  slopes from a higher height near front wall  352 , to a lower height near rear wall  354 . According to a particularly preferred embodiment, surface  360  slopes down approximately 1/16-⅛″ from front wall  352  to rear wall  354 . According to a particularly preferred embodiment, button  350  is a single body constructed of an injection molded plastic such as polypropylene. According to an exemplary embodiment, button  350  is sized to slide within cover  310 . 
         [0067]    As shown in  FIG. 11B and 11C , button  350  is provided with an opening formed by a cylindrical wall  362  to receive a portion of pump  380 . Wall  362  has slits or reliefs  364  provided, which form two opposed spring arms  366 . Arms  366  have projections  368  provided on an end of arms  366 . Arms  366  engage or coact with a head  382  of pump  380 . During assembly of device  300 , arms  366  move to enlarge the opening to receive head  382 . Once head  382  has been received in the opening in button  350 , arms  366  return to their natural position and pump  380  is partially retained by the spring force of arms  366  and projections  368  that engage head  382  along the bottom edge of head  382 . As will be explained below, a nozzle  384  of pump  380  will align with aperture  358  through which liquid may be dispensed. Button  350  further comprises a projection  370  which is the point of contact or actuation with pump  380 . According to a particularly preferred embodiment, one or more springs  401  (shown in  FIG. 13A ) is provided between button  350  and pump  380 . 
         [0068]    Referring now to  FIGS. 12 to 12B , collar  340  includes a front wall  341 , a rear wall  342  and a bottom wall  343 . Wall  343  has slits or reliefs  344  provided, which form two opposed arms  345 : Arms  345  engage or coact with a ferrule  386  of pump  380 . During assembly of device  300 , arms  345  move to enlarge the opening to receive ferrule  386 . Once ferrule  386  has been received in the opening, arms  345  return to their natural position and pump  380  is held in place by arms  345  that engage ferrule  386  along the bottom edge of ferrule  386 . Collar  340  further includes a projection  346  that extends around a substantial portion of the periphery of collar  340 . Projection  346  engages or coacts with projection  322  provided in cover  310  to resist or limit motion of collar  340  when pump  380  is actuated. 
         [0069]    According to a particularly preferred embodiment, collar  340  is a single body constructed of an injection molded plastic such as polypropylene. According to an exemplary embodiment, collar  340  is sized to fit within cover  310 . According to a particularly preferred embodiment, collar is provided for a more secure, sturdy interface between cover  310  (which is constructed of polypropylene) and container  390  (which is constructed of polyethylene terephthalates (PTE)). According to alternative embodiments, the collar may be omitted and the cover may solely coact or attach to the container. 
         [0070]    Referring back to  FIG. 9A , a pump  380  and a container  390  are provided for spraying the desired liquid. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, pump  380  is a fragrance &amp; crimp pump or a fine mist sprayer such as Pump No. 27SL Low Profile pump commercially available from Emsar Inc. of Stratford Conn. Alternatively, the pump may include a piston-style pump mechanism. Pump is activated by depressing head  382 , which draws liquid up through a dip tube that extends into container  390 . Liquid is dispensed through nozzle  384 . Pump  380  is connected to container  390  by crimping or otherwise attaching ferrule  386  to a neck of container  390 . Projections  324  may also engage or coact with a ring provided around the upper edge of container  390 . According to an alternative embodiment, the pump may be omitted or replaced with another liquid transport mechanism such as a pressurized canister of material which enables dispensing of the material. For example, the container may be an aerosol canister or other pressurized container such that actuation of a valve enables release or dispensing of the material from the container. 
         [0071]    The operation of device  300  is shown in  FIGS. 13 to 13B .  FIG. 13  shows device  300  in a first, storage position which is not actuated by a user. In this position, aperture  358  of button  350  is out of alignment with nozzle  384  (i.e., aperture  358  is above nozzle  384 ). Spring  401  provides a separating force between button  350  and head  382 . Furthermore, aperture  358  is not aligned with aperture  318 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 13A  shows device  300  in a second, partially actuated position. A user will insert their finger into opening  320  and depress button  350 . Spring  401  compresses and aperture  358  moves into alignment with nozzle  384 . Furthermore, aperture  358  is aligned with the upper portion of aperture  318 . At this stage, liquid has a path to move from nozzle  384 , out of button  350  and out of cover  310 . However, the pump is not activated so no liquid is dispensed.  FIG. 13B  shows device  300  in a third, fully actuated (or dispensing) position. A user has depressed button  350  to the bottom or full down-stroke position. The motion actuates pump  380 . Liquid is drawn out of container  390  and sprayed through nozzle  384 . The liquid spray passes through aperture  358  and aperture  318  and toward the target desired by the user (e.g., a user&#39;s mouth). Upon release of pressure by the user&#39;s finger, pump  380  returns to position shown in  FIG. 13  due to a spring provided in pump (not shown) and spring  401 . According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the user will depress button  350  approximately 0.1 to 0.2 inches from the first position shown in  FIG. 13  to the second position shown in  FIG. 13A , and the user will depress button  350  approximately 0.1 to 0.2 inches from the second position shown in  FIG. 13A  to the third position shown in  FIG. 13B . 
         [0073]    According to an alternative embodiment, the nozzle and button aperture may be fixed with respect to each other (i.e., always in alignment) and the user activation may cause alignment then with the cover aperture. According to another alternative embodiment, the button may be omitted and rather, the nozzle may move into and out of alignment solely with the aperture provided in the cover. 
         [0074]    The configuration described above provides several advantageous features. First, by having spring  401  provided between button  350  and head  382 , a user may partially actuate or press button  350  without causing a corresponding activation of pump  380 . This is particularly advantageous to help protect against accidentally dispensing liquid. For example, providing an amount of “play” between button  350  and pump  380  will allow device  300  to accept a certain amount of bumping prior to dispensing liquid. This in combination with cover portion  316  helping guard or protect button  350 , device  300  increases the resistance to accidental dispensing of liquid which was not intended by a user. 
         [0075]    Furthermore, device  300  provides a configuration that assists a user in determining the proper orientation or direction to point device  300 . For example, the tapering, sloping configuration of button  350  along with the larger rear portion of opening  320  helps to provide a user with a more comfortable, ergonomic fit to activate device  300 . The user is provided with tactile feedback when they have inserted their finger into opening  320  in the wrong direction because of the sharper edges and less comfortable feel due to the button configuration. 
         [0076]    Furthermore, device  300  provides protection or coverage of nozzle  384  against dirt and debris without requiring a removable cap or other protective structure. Nozzle  384  (as shown in  FIG. 13 ) is generally covered or protected against dirt and debris by being out of alignment with aperture  358  and/or aperture  318 . Nozzle  384  is generally covered except for a short period while being activated by a user. Upon release, the nozzle is once again covered. The configuration of device  300  provides protection against dirt and debris (such as may be in a pocket or purse), does not require additional moveable/removable parts, while still providing the user with easy use and operation. 
         [0077]    Furthermore, device  300  advantageously provides a small, convenient, easy to use package for dispensing liquids, powders or other materials. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, device  300  is approximately 2-5 inches long, 1-3 inches wide and 0.5-1.5 inches thick. According to another particularly preferred embodiment, device is 3.1 inches long, 1.25 inches wide and 0.675 inches thick. Device  300  fits easily in a user&#39;s hand, is easily manipulated, but still provides a small, portable package. 
         [0078]    It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the devices as shown in the preferred and other exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces or connections may be reversed or otherwise varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1