US3726445A

US3726445A - Actuator means for use with aerosol dispensers

Info

Publication number: US3726445A
Application number: US00155870A
Authority: US
Inventors: E Ostrowsky; W Crowle
Original assignee: VCA Corp; FEDERAL TOOL AND PLASTICS
Current assignee: VCA Corp; Precise TMP Inc; FEDERAL TOOL AND PLASTICS
Priority date: 1971-06-23
Filing date: 1971-06-23
Publication date: 1973-04-10
Anticipated expiration: 1990-04-10

Abstract

Actuator means adapted for securement to an aerosol container including a cap, a dispensing nozzle, and a toggle-type actuator operatively associated with the cap and nozzle so that the application of manual pressure against the toggle-type actuator will operate the dispensing nozzle which is operatively connected to the valve stem of the aerosol unit to depress the valve stem inwardly and permit the contents of the aerosol container to be discharged therefrom, said nozzle having means cooperating with the cap to lock the nozzle against any reciprocal movement relative to said cap to prevent accidental movement of the valve stem and thereby prevent accidental discharge of the aerosol contents.

Description

United States Patent [191 Ostrowsky et a1.

[451 Apr. 10, 1973 ACTUATOR MEANS FOR USE WITH AEROSOL DISPENSERS [73] Assignee: Federal Tool & Plastics, a Division of VCA Corporation, Chicago, Ill.

[22] Filed: June 23, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 155,870

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,515,316 6/1970 Green ..222/505 X 3,404,814 10/1968 Wakeman ..222/402.13 2,686,652 8/1954 Carlson et a] ..222/402.l l X 3,212,680 10/1965 Crowell et al. .222/402 1 3 3,323,690 6/1967 Monahon ..2 22/402.13 3,422,996 l/l969 Lipman ..222/402.ll

Primary Examiner-Robert B. Reeves Assistant ExaminerFrederick R. Handren Attorney-Max R. Kraus [57] ABSTRACT Actuator means adapted for securement to an aerosol container including a cap, a dispensing nozzle, and a toggle-type actuator operatively associated with the cap and nozzle so that the application of manual pressure against the toggle-type actuator will operate the dispensing nozzle which is operatively connected to the valve stem of the aerosol unit to depress the valve stem inwardly and permit the contents of the aerosol container to be discharged therefrom, said nozzle having means cooperating with the cap to lock the nozzle against any reciprocal movement relative to said cap to prevent accidental movement of the valve stem and thereby prevent accidental discharge of the aerosol contents.

10 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to actuator means including a cap, a dispensing nozzle and a toggle-type actuator which may be used in connection with aerosol dispensers sothat by applying an inward manual pressure against the toggle-type actuator the dispensing nozzle will be depressed to actuate the valve stem to permit the contents of the aerosol container to be discharged therefrom. The dispensing nozzle has means cooperating with the cap for positively locking said nozzle against relative reciprocal movement with respect to said cap and said valve stem and thereby prevents any discharge of the contents of the aerosol container through the valve stem during shipment and prevents the accidental operation of the nozzle.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the foregoing character which may be economically produced by'injection molding and may be readily applied and used in connection with aerosol dispensers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS locked position and with the cap applied to an aerosol container.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but showing the toggle-type actuator in dispensing position depressing the nozzle and opening the valve stem.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the lower portion of the dispensing nozzle applied to the valve stem of the aerosol unit.

FIG. 5 is a view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the toggle-type actuator substantially in the position it occupies in the cap.

FIG. 7 is a view taken on line 7--7 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a view taken on line 8'8 of FIG. 7, and

FIG. 9 is a central sectional view of the toggle-type actuator in a horizontal position.

This invention is adapted for use in connection with aerosol containers having a depressible valve stem and is applicable to the type of aerosol containers having a two-way valve in which two liquids or materials are separately contained within the container and are simultaneously discharged through the depressible valve stem when actuated as, for example, in hair coloring sprays where there is contained within one compartment of the container a coloring material and in another compartment of the container a chemical and when the valve stem is depressed both are forced out simultaneously from the aerosol container through the same valve stem and are intermixed as they are discharged. This invention is likewise applicable to the conventional aerosol container in which a single ingredient is discharged from the valve stem. The aerosol operated container and the depressible valve stem therefor forms no part of this invention.

The conventional aerosol container,-indicated by the numeral 10 is provided with a closure or mounting cup 13. The closure or mounting cup 12 has a central opening partially through which extends the conventional depressible valve stem 14 which is spring biased and which is normally maintained in its elevated or raised position to close the discharge outlet through said valve stem. When the valve stem 14 is depressed then the aerosol material in the container is discharged through said valve stem. The foregoing is conventional.

The cap which forms one of the components of this invention is generally designated by the numeral 16. It is preferably injection molded of plastic material. The top 17 of the cap has a central opening 18 which communicates with a pair of opposed diametrically positioned slots 19. The central opening 18 and adjoining slots 19 are bounded by a wall or sleeve 20 which extends into the interior of the cap a short distance below the top thereof. The sleeve 20 has a pair of opposed diametrically positioned splits 20 which are vertically alined with the slots 19. The top of the cap is provided with two pairs of spaced upwardly extending projections or ramps 21 defining a detent 23 between each pair of ramps. The detents are diametrically positioned and are at right angles to the slots 19. The ramps and detents serve as stops for maintaining the nozzle in its locked or immovable position relative to the cap, as will be more fully described hereinafter.

The interior of the cap is hollow and the lower end of the cap has an inwardly extending annular lip or flange 22 which, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, is adapted to engage the annular bead 13 on the container for the purpose of non-detachably securing the cap to the container. The interior of the cap is provided with a plurality of spaced vertically extending reinforcing ribs designated by the numeral 24, the lower ends 25 of which terminate above the bottom of the cap to rest on the top of the head 13 to properly seat the cap on the top of the can. The side of the cap is provided with a pair of diametrically alined rectangular-shaped openings or slots 26 through which extend the portions of the toggle-type actuator member which are to be manually engaged. The interior of the cap adjacent the top thereof has a plurality of downwardly extending inclined ribs 27 which are also adjacent the sleeve 20. The ribs are in vertical alinement with the slots 26.

The toggle-type actuator generally designated by the numeral 28, best shown in FIG. 6, is integrally molded of plastic material and comprises a central section 29,

12 which is peripherally clinched to the container in The L-shaped section 32 has an upwardly extending portion 42 with a laterally extending portion or exten- 'sion 44 which is shorter than the portions 42 but has a greater thickness. The portions 44 extend through the alined openings 26 of the cap and are to be manually engaged, as will be explained. The central section 29 is of rectangular-shape and has a central opening 46 which communicates with a pair of opposed diametrically positioned slots 47.

A dispensing nozzle generally designated by the numeral 48 cooperates with the cap and the toggle-type actuator 28 for dispensing the aerosol material that passes from the valve stem 14. The nozzle has a tubular stem portion 50 and an annular disk 52 at the lower end thereof which disk has an annular recess 53 defining a shoulder 54. The interior of the nozzle stem, particularly adjacent the lower end thereof, is provided with oppositely positioned and inwardly extending spaced horizontally staggered projections 56, best shown in FIG. 4, whichprovides a tortuous passageway for the aerosol material passing through the dispensing nozzle to more thoroughly intermix the discharged aerosol material before it is discharged. The lower end of the dispensing nozzle 48 is positioned on the valve stem 14 with the top of the valve stem in the recess 53 and abutting the shoulder 54 which serves to limit the insertion of the nozzle on the valve stem. As best seen in FIG. 3, the bottom of the annular disk 52 is adapted when the nozzle is depressed to be spaced above and not in contact with the top 58 of the central portion of the mounting cup 12. The limit'or extent to which the v valve stem may be depressed is determined by the structure of the valve stem and the operating spring therein which is known in the art.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the dispensing nozzle 48 is provided with a pair of diametrically positioned upper ribs 60 which are inclined or slope outwardly as at 61 from the top towards the bottom. Positioned below but in spaced relation to said upper ribs is a pair of diametrically positioned lower ribs 62 which are inclined inwardly as at 63 from the top towards the bottom thereof. The lower ribs 62 are vertically alined with the upper ribs 60. The portion of the dispensing nozzle between the upper and lower ribs is indicated by the numeral 64. When the dispensing nozzle 48 is positioned on the valve stem 14 it will be frictionally held on said valve stem but may be rotated relative to said valve stem.

In assembling the unit, the dispensing nozzle 48 is inserted from the bottom through the central opening 46 and slots 47 in the central section 29 of the toggle-like actuator 28, with the

ribs

60 and 62 alined with the communicating slots 47. The nozzle 48 and the toggletypejactuator 28 are then inserted into the cap 16 with the lateral extensions 44 extending through the cap openings or slots 26 and with the upwardly extending portions 42 extending upwardly into the interior of the cap, with 'the free ends 43 thereof abutting against the inclined ribs 27 and the sleeve of the cap. The central section 29 of the toggle-type actuator 28 will rest on the disk 52 of the nozzle 48 and'the intermediate sections 30 will assume the position shown in the locked position of FIG. 2, or the operating position of FIG. 3, where they are inclined outwardly towards the interior wall of the cap. When the dispensing nozzle is positioned on the valve stem 14 it will be frictionally held on the valve stem but may be rotated relative to the valve stem.

The spring (not shown) within the valve assembly of the conventional valve stem 14 will normally maintain the valve stem in its upper position to close the valve stem and prevent any of the material within the container from passing through the stem. With the toggletype' actuator 28in the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, where the nozzle is locked against being depressed or where the nozzle even when unlocked is in its elevated or nondepressed position, the valve stem 14 will remain in closed position. However, when it is desired to release some of the material from the container the dispensing nozzle 48 must be rotated, if same is not already in such position, so that the

alined ribs

60 and 62 on the nozzle are in registry with the communicating slots 19 of the capand between the splits 20 of the sleeve 20. The entire unit is then inverted with the nozzle pointing towards the hair or other surface to be treated and the extensions 44 of the toggle-type actuator 28 are manually engaged and pressed inwardly causing the central section 29 of the toggle-type actuator to press against the disk 52 and in turn depress the valve stem 14 parallel with the axis of the container to open the valve stem and permit the material in the container to pass outwardly through the nozzle. As long as the extensions 44 are manually pressed inwardly, as in FIG. 3, the valve stem 14 will be depressed to continue the flow of material, however, when the extensions 44 of the toggle-type actuator 28 are manually released the spring means operating the valve stem will cause the valve stem 14 to close the valve opening and at the same time will allow the toggle type actuator 28 to move to the position shown in FIG. 2, although in inverted position since the toggle-type actuator naturally tends to move towards its original as molded position, providing a small amount of spring return action due to the plastic memory of the polyolefin material.

When it is desired to lock the dispensing nozzle 48 against any reciprocal movement with respect to the cap 16, as shown in FIG. 2, such as, for example, when the unit is shipped or when it is desired to positively prevent unauthorized actuation of the nozzle, as by a child, the nozzle when in its elevated or nondepressed position is rotated from that shown in FIG. 3 to position the upper and

lower ribs

60 and 62 out of registry with the communicating slots 19 and splits 20'. The upper ribs 60 will then bein engagement with the top of the cap and will be positioned in the detents 23 between the spaced ramps 21, and the; lower ribs 62 will engage the bottom ofthe split sleeve 20 of .the cap toprevent reciprocal movement of the nozzle 48. This will lock the dispensing nozzle 48 against any reciproagainst the extensions 44. In the unlocked or operative 1 position, as in FIG. 3, the disk 52 of the nozzle 48 in engagement with the central section 29 of the toggle-type actuator 28 will prevent outward withdrawal or removal of the nozzle48. In the locked position of the nozzle, as shown in FIG. 2, the lower ribs 62 in engagement with the bottom of split sleeve 20 will prevent removal of the nozzle 48. I

As is clear from the foregoing, with the

ribs

60 and 62 of the nozzle positioned out of alinement with the communicating slots 19, no amount of manual pressure against the extensions 44 of the toggle-type actuator will cause it to operate and no movement can be imparted to the valve stem when thus locked. The dispensing nozzle 48 is thus locked against movement when the containers are shipped and also when it is desired to lock same to prevent the accidental operation of the unit by manual pressure against the extensions 44 of the actuator 28.

What is claimed is: p

l. Actuator means for actuating the valve stem of an aerosol container for dispensing the material within the container, said means including a cap adapted to be secured to the container and extend over the valve stem, said cap having a top opening, said cap having an opening in the side thereof, a dispensing nozzle having the top thereof extending outwardly through the top cap opening, a toggle-type actuator cooperating with said dispensing nozzle and valve stem, said toggle-type actuator having means extending through the side 4 opening of the cap and when manually pressed inwardly operating said toggle-type member to move said dispensing nozzle to depress the valve stem to open the discharge outlet of the aerosol container, said cap and nozzle each having locking means integrally formed therewith which when in engagement lock the nozzle against reciprocal movement and prevent depressing the valve stem, said nozzle when rotated relative to said cap disengaging said locking means to permit reciprocal movement of said nozzle for depressing the valve stem.

2. A structure as set forth in claim 1 in which the cap has a pair of diametrically positioned side openings and in which the toggle-type actuator has a pair of means each of which extends through said cap opening and when said pair of means are manually pressed inwardly they will operate the toggle-type actuator.

3. A structure as set forth in claim 1 in which the dispensing nozzle is separate from said toggle-type actuator but operatively connected to said toggle-type actuator.

4. Actuator means for actuating the valve stem of an aerosol container for dispensing thematerial within the container, said means including a cap adapted to be secured to the container and extend over the valve stem, said cap having an opening in the side thereof, a dispensing nozzle, a separate toggle-type actuator operatively connected to said dispensing nozzle and cooperating with said dispensing nozzle and valve stem, said toggle-type actuator having means extending through the side'opening of the cap and when manually pressed inwardly operating said toggle-type member to move said dispensing nozzle to depress the valve stem to open the discharge outlet of the aerosol container, said cap having a central opening at the top thereof with communicating slots, said nozzle having a plurality of ribs which pass through the communicating slots when thenozzle is moved inwardly to operate the valve stem but which ribs engage with the top of the cap when the nozzle is locked relative to the cap.

5. Actuator means for actuating the valve stem of an aerosol container for dispensing the material within the container, said means including a cap adapted to be secured to the container and extend over the valve stem, inclined ribs on the inside of the top of the cap, said cap having a pair of diametrically positioned side openings, a dispensing nozzle and a toggle-type actuator cooperating with said dispensing nozzle and valve stern, said toggle-type actuator having a pair of means, each of which has an extension which extends through the side opening of the cap and when said pair of extensions are manually pressed inwardly operating said toggle-type member to move said dispensing nozzle to depress the valve stem to open the discharge outlet of the aerosol container, said toggle-type actuator having a central section, an intermediate adjacent section on each side of the central section and hinged thereto, a generally L-shaped section adjacent each of the intermediate sections and hinged thereto with said L-shaped sections having a portion thereof forming the extension which forms the means which extend through the cap openings for manual engagement, said L-shaped section having an upwardly extending portion positioned inside the cap with the free edge of same bearing against the inclined ribs and with the intermediate section positioned inside the cap but below the extension so that when the extensions are pressed inwardly the central section will be lowered to operate to open the valve stem.

6. Actuator means for actuating the valve stem of an aerosol container for dispensing the material within the container, said means including a cap adapted to be secured to the container and extend over the valve stem, said cap having an opening in the side thereof, a dispensing nozzle, a separate toggle-type actuator operatively connected to said dispensing nozzle and cooperating with said dispensing nozzle and valve stem, said toggle-type actuator having means extending through the side opening of the cap and when manually pressed inwardly operating said toggle-type member to move said dispensing nozzle to depress the valve stem to open the discharge outlet of the aerosolcontainer, said dispensing nozzle being reciprocally movable with respect to said cap, said nozzle having ribs cooperating with the top of the cap for locking the nozzle against reciprocal movement with respect to the cap.

7. A structure as set forth in claim 6 in which the top of the cap is provided with detents which are engaged by the ribs on the nozzle for locking the nozzle against reciprocal movement.

8. Actuator means for actuating the valve stem of an aerosol container for dispensing the material within the container, said means including a cap adapted to be secured to the container and extend over the valve stem, said cap having a pair of diametrically positioned side openings, a dispensing. nozzle and a toggle-type actuator cooperating with said dispensing nozzle and valve stem, said toggle-type actuator having a pair of means, each of which has an extension which extends through the side openings of the cap and when said pair of extensions are manually pressed inwardly operating said toggle-type member to move said dispensing nozzle to depress the valve stem to open the discharge outlet of the aerosol container, said toggle-type actuator having a central section, an intermediate adjacent section on each side of the central section and hinged thereto, and a generally L-shaped section adjacent each of the intermediate sections and hinged thereto with said L-shaped sections having a portion thereof forming the extension which forms the means which extend through the cap openings for manual engagement, said L-shaped' section having an upwardly extending portion positioned inside the-cap with the free edge of side of the central section.

9. A structure as set forth in claim 8 in which the nozzle has ribs which engage the top of the cap and lock therewith to prevent the reciprocal movement of the nozzle.

10. Actuator means for actuating the valve stem of an aerosol container for dispensing the material within the container, said means including a cap adapted to be secured to the container and extend over the valve stem, said cap having a pair of diametrically positioned side openings, a dispensing nozzle, a separate toggletype actuator operatively connected to said dispensing nozzle and cooperating with said dispensing nozzle and valve stem, said toggle-type actuator having means extending through the side openings of the cap and when manually pressed inwardly operating said toggle-type member to move said dispensing nozzle to depress the valve stem to open the discharge outlet of the aerosol container, said cap having a central opening at the top thereof with communicating slots, said nozzle having a plurality of ribs which pass through the communicating slots when the nozzle is moved inwardly to operate the valve stem but which ribs engage with the top of the cap when the nozzle is locked relative to the cap.

Claims

1. Actuator means for actuating the valve stem of an aerosol container for dispensing the material within the container, said means including a cap adapted to be secured to the container and extend over the valve stem, said cap having a top opening, said cap having an opening in the side thereof, a dispensing nozzle having the top thereof extending outwardly through the top cap opening, a toggle-type actuator cooperating with said dispensing nozzle and valve stem, said toggle-type actuator having means extending through the side opening of the cap and when manually pressed inwardly operating said toggle-type member to move said dispensing nozzle to depress the valve stem to open tHe discharge outlet of the aerosol container, said cap and nozzle each having locking means integrally formed therewith which when in engagement lock the nozzle against reciprocal movement and prevent depressing the valve stem, said nozzle when rotated relative to said cap disengaging said locking means to permit reciprocal movement of said nozzle for depressing the valve stem.

4. Actuator means for actuating the valve stem of an aerosol container for dispensing the material within the container, said means including a cap adapted to be secured to the container and extend over the valve stem, said cap having an opening in the side thereof, a dispensing nozzle, a separate toggle-type actuator operatively connected to said dispensing nozzle and cooperating with said dispensing nozzle and valve stem, said toggle-type actuator having means extending through the side opening of the cap and when manually pressed inwardly operating said toggle-type member to move said dispensing nozzle to depress the valve stem to open the discharge outlet of the aerosol container, said cap having a central opening at the top thereof with communicating slots, said nozzle having a plurality of ribs which pass through the communicating slots when the nozzle is moved inwardly to operate the valve stem but which ribs engage with the top of the cap when the nozzle is locked relative to the cap.

5. Actuator means for actuating the valve stem of an aerosol container for dispensing the material within the container, said means including a cap adapted to be secured to the container and extend over the valve stem, inclined ribs on the inside of the top of the cap, said cap having a pair of diametrically positioned side openings, a dispensing nozzle and a toggle-type actuator cooperating with said dispensing nozzle and valve stem, said toggle-type actuator having a pair of means, each of which has an extension which extends through the side opening of the cap and when said pair of extensions are manually pressed inwardly operating said toggle-type member to move said dispensing nozzle to depress the valve stem to open the discharge outlet of the aerosol container, said toggle-type actuator having a central section, an intermediate adjacent section on each side of the central section and hinged thereto, a generally L-shaped section adjacent each of the intermediate sections and hinged thereto with said L-shaped sections having a portion thereof forming the extension which forms the means which extend through the cap openings for manual engagement, said L-shaped section having an upwardly extending portion positioned inside the cap with the free edge of same bearing against the inclined ribs and with the intermediate section positioned inside the cap but below the extension so that when the extensions are pressed inwardly the central section will be lowered to operate to open the valve stem.

6. Actuator means for actuating the valve stem of an aerosol container for dispensing the material within the container, said means including a cap adapted to be secured to the container and extend over the valve stem, said cap having an opening in the side thereof, a dispensing nozzle, a separate toggle-type actuator operatively connected to said dispensing nozzle and cooperating with said dispensing nozzle and valve stem, said toggle-type actuator having means extending through the side opening of the cap and when manually pressed inwardly operating said toggle-type member to move said dispensing nozzle to depress the valve sTem to open the discharge outlet of the aerosol container, said dispensing nozzle being reciprocally movable with respect to said cap, said nozzle having ribs cooperating with the top of the cap for locking the nozzle against reciprocal movement with respect to the cap.

8. Actuator means for actuating the valve stem of an aerosol container for dispensing the material within the container, said means including a cap adapted to be secured to the container and extend over the valve stem, said cap having a pair of diametrically positioned side openings, a dispensing nozzle and a toggle-type actuator cooperating with said dispensing nozzle and valve stem, said toggle-type actuator having a pair of means, each of which has an extension which extends through the side openings of the cap and when said pair of extensions are manually pressed inwardly operating said toggle-type member to move said dispensing nozzle to depress the valve stem to open the discharge outlet of the aerosol container, said toggle-type actuator having a central section, an intermediate adjacent section on each side of the central section and hinged thereto, and a generally L-shaped section adjacent each of the intermediate sections and hinged thereto with said L-shaped sections having a portion thereof forming the extension which forms the means which extend through the cap openings for manual engagement, said L-shaped section having an upwardly extending portion positioned inside the cap with the free edge of same bearing against the underside of the top of the cap and with the intermediate section positioned inside the cap but below the extension so that when the extensions are pressed inwardly the central section will be lowered to operate to open the valve stem, said dispensing nozzle having a stem and a bottom flange and in which the dispensing nozzle is separate from the toggle-type actuator, and in which the central section has an opening through which extends the stem of the dispensing nozzle with the flange engaging the underside of the central section.

10. Actuator means for actuating the valve stem of an aerosol container for dispensing the material within the container, said means including a cap adapted to be secured to the container and extend over the valve stem, said cap having a pair of diametrically positioned side openings, a dispensing nozzle, a separate toggle-type actuator operatively connected to said dispensing nozzle and cooperating with said dispensing nozzle and valve stem, said toggle-type actuator having means extending through the side openings of the cap and when manually pressed inwardly operating said toggle-type member to move said dispensing nozzle to depress the valve stem to open the discharge outlet of the aerosol container, said cap having a central opening at the top thereof with communicating slots, said nozzle having a plurality of ribs which pass through the communicating slots when the nozzle is moved inwardly to operate the valve stem but which ribs engage with the top of the cap when the nozzle is locked relative to the cap.