Patent ID: 8453883

Claim:
A self defense spray device comprising: a spray subassembly and a holder wherein the spray subassembly and the holder are separate units that are adapted to be releasably connected to each other; the spray subassembly comprising a spray canister containing a pressurized irritant spray and having a valve therein capable of being actuated to release the irritant spray, a nozzle in fluid communication with the valve and operable to actuate the valve to release the irritant spray via the nozzle, and a first connector attached to the spray canister, the first connector having a keeper portion, wherein the spray subassembly is functional as a distinct unit for discharging the irritant spray; the holder comprising a second connector having a latch member adapted to releasably engage with the keeper portion of the first connector to releasably connect the spray subassembly to the holder, and a safety mechanism that is adapted to cooperate with the spray subassembly to interfere with the actuation of the valve by the nozzle; wherein when the spray subassembly is connected to the holder, the safety mechanism interferes with the actuation of the valve by the nozzle to prevent a discharge of the irritant spray at any time while the spray subassembly remains connected to the holder; and wherein when the spray subassembly is separated from the holder, the safety mechanism does not interfere with the actuation of the valve by the nozzle to enable a discharge of irritant spray from the spray subassembly.