1 AEROSOL ACTIVATOR FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol activator. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol activator having a locking function to allow the continuous dispensing of the contents of an aerosol can. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Aerosol activators have long been used to actuate the dispensing of the contents of an aerosol can. The majority of aerosol activators are adapted to allow for only the periodic dispensing of the contents of an aerosol can (typically by applying pressure manually to the activator), so that only a small quantity of the can contents are dispensed at any one time (for instance, air fresheners, deodorants and hair products). [0003] In some situations, it is desirable to dispense the entire contents of an aerosol can at once. With the majority of aerosol activators, this would typically require a user to apply a manual pressure to the activator for the entire duration of the dispensing of the contents. However, this is not always practical, for instance if the contents of the aerosol can are poisonous (for instance, insecticides) or flammable or if the aerosol can is to be used in an inaccessible area (for instance in borehole plugs). [0004] Some attempts have been made to overcome this problem through the use of locking aerosol activators. However, some of these locking aerosol activators are overly complex to mould, while others require significant force to be applied by the user to move the activator between the inoperative and operative positions, or simply to activate the activator. [0005] Furthermore, some locking aerosol activators are not sufficiently robust, making them vulnerable to damage due to excessive forces being applied during handling or shipping. [0006] Thus, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a locking aerosol activator that was sufficiently robust while also being reliable and easy to use.
2 [0007] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. [0008] Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" and its grammatical equivalents shall be taken to have an inclusive meaning unless the context of use indicates otherwise. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an aerosol activator which may overcome at least some of the abovementioned disadvantages, or provide a useful or commercial choice. [0010] In one aspect, the invention resides broadly in an aerosol activator, the aerosol activator having an engagement portion adapted for engagement with an aerosol vessel, and an activation portion moveable in response to a force applied thereto in a substantially horizontal direction between an unlocked position and a locked position in which the activation portion applies a substantially vertical force to a dispensing portion of the aerosol vessel such that the contents of the aerosol vessel are dispensed, and wherein, once in the locked position, the activation portion is precluded from returning to the unlocked position. [0011] It will be understood that the use of the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" in the present specification is intended to refer to the directions when the aerosol activator (and the aerosol vessel to which it may be attached) is in the upright position. [0012] The engagement portion may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the engagement portion may be provided with engagement means adapted to engage with an aerosol vessel (such as a bottle, can or the like). [0013] The engagement means may be of any suitable form and may be adapted to engage with any suitable part of the aerosol vessel. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, 3 however, the engagement means may be adapted to engage with an upper portion of the aerosol vessel. In some embodiments of the invention, the aerosol vessel may be provided with a corresponding engagement portion to which the engagement means of the aerosol activator may be engaged. For instance, the aerosol vessel may be provided with one or more projections, recesses or the like to which the engagement means of the aerosol activator may be engaged. [0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the aerosol vessel may be provided with a rim or lip to which the engagement means may be engaged. The rim or lip may be provided at or adjacent the uppermost end of the aerosol vessel. The rim or lip may be continuous or discontinuous around the circumference of the aerosol vessel. In some embodiments, the presence of a rim or lip effectively creates a recess immediately adjacent the rim or lip. [0015] In embodiments of the invention in which the aerosol vessel is provided with a rim or lip, the engagement means may comprise one or more projections (such as a hook, land, lip or the like) adapted to engage with, and be retained on, the rim or lip. The engagement means may comprise a plurality of discrete projections or may comprise a single continuous projection (in the form of a ring or the like) extending at least partially around the circumference of the aerosol activator. [0016] In some embodiments of the invention, enhancement means for enhancing the engagement between the aerosol activator and the aerosol vessel may be provided. Any suitable enhancement means may be used, such as, but not limited to, one or more mechanical fastening devices (screws, clips or the like), adhesives or the like, or a combination thereof. [0017] Alternatively, the enhancement means may comprise one or more projections adapted to correctly position and retain the aerosol activator on the rim or lip or the aerosol device. Any suitable projections may be provided, such as, but not limited to, one or more ribs located on a surface of the engagement portion. The one or more ribs may include a land adapted to abut the rim or lip of the aerosol vessel. The one or more ribs may serve the further purpose of reducing (or eliminating) the likelihood of accidental activation of the aerosol activator. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the one or more ribs may extend to abut (or extend beyond) the activation portion. In this way, the aerosol activator may only be moved into the locked condition through the deliberate application of sufficient manual or digital pressure to the 4 activation portion. It is envisaged that the pressure applied if the activation portion accidentally comes into contact with a flat surface will be insufficient to result in the activation of the aerosol activator. [0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the movement of the activation portion between the unlocked condition and the locked condition may be achieved by a movement of the activation portion relative to the engagement portion. Preferably, the engagement portion is maintained in a stationary position and the activation portion moves relative to the engagement portion. As previously stated, the activation portion is moveable in response to a force applied in a substantially horizontal direction. The force applied in a substantially horizontal direction may result in a substantially horizontal movement of at least a portion of the activation portion relative to the engagement portion. [0019] The movement of the activation portion relative to the engagement portion may be achieved using any suitable technique. For instance, the activation portion may slide in a substantially horizontal direction relative to the engagement portion. Alternatively, the activation portion may be adapted to move relative to the engagement portion through a pivotal movement of the activation portion. This pivotal movement may be in a substantially horizontal direction. In this embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the activation portion may be connected to the engagement portion using a pivoting connection, such as, but not limited to, a hinge. In this way, it is envisaged that the activation portion of the aerosol activator will act in the manner of a fulcrum or lever in order to cause the dispensing of the contents of the aerosol vessel. [0020] In embodiments of the invention in which the activation portion is connected to the engagement portion using a hinge, the engagement portion and the activation portion may be formed separately to one another and adapted for temporary or fixed engagement to one another, using a conventional hinge connection. Alternatively, the aerosol activator may be formed (e.g. by moulding) as a single unit, with a hinged connection (e.g. a thin, flexible strip of material) formed between the engagement portion and the activation portion. [0021] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the activation portion is adapted to be at least partially surrounded by the engagement portion in at least the locked condition, and also preferably in the unlocked condition. In these embodiments of the invention, it is envisaged that 5 the engagement portion may include a housing by which at least a portion of the activation portion may be surrounded. The housing may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing defines an internal void or cavity into which at least a portion of the activation portion may be positioned. Preferably, the housing includes one or more openings into which the activation portion may be at least partially positioned. The one or more openings may also serve as vents through which the contents of the aerosol vessel may be dispensed when the activation portion is moved into the locked condition. [0022] Typically, aerosol vessels comprise one or more valves, the actuation of which results in the dispensing of the contents of the aerosol vessel. Typically, the contents of the aerosol vessel are dispensed through a tube or stem associated with the valve. In many conventional aerosol vessels, applying a pressure to the stem results in the opening of the valve and the dispensing of the contents of the aerosol vessel. [0023] With the foregoing in mind, it is envisaged that, when in the unlocked position, the activation portion will be positioned such that no actuation of the valve in the aerosol vessel takes place. The activation portion may be in abutment or close proximity to the dispensing portion of the aerosol vessel (e.g. the stem) but will apply negligible or no pressure to the dispensing portion. [0024] It is envisaged that, in the unlocked condition, the activation portion may be retained in place relative to the engagement portion such that the risk of accidental discharge of the contents of the aerosol vessel is minimised. The activation portion may be retained in place in the unlocked condition using any suitable technique. For instance, the activation portion may be retained in place using a frictional engagement between the activation portion and the engagement portion. [0025] In embodiments of the invention in which a frictional engagement between the activation portion and the engagement portion is used, any suitable technique may be used to create the frictional engagement. For instance, the activation portion may be held in close proximity to the engagement portion, such that significant pressure is required to move the activation portion between the unlocked condition and the locked condition.
6 [0026] In some embodiments of the invention, the engagement portion may be provided with positioning means adapted to position and retain the activation portion in the unlocked condition. Any suitable positioning means may be provided, although in one embodiment of the invention, the positioning means may be adapted to align with corresponding positioning means located on the activation portion. For instance, the activation portion may be provided with one or more projections (such as a tab or the like) adapted to be aligned with one or more recesses on the housing. Alternatively, the one or more tabs may be located on the housing and the one or more recesses may be located on the activation portion. It will be understood that these positioning means may have the additional purpose of preventing the movement of the activation portion in a direction opposite to that required to move the activation portion from the unlocked condition to the locked condition. [0027] The activation portion may be provided with an abutment portion adapted to be brought into abutment with a valve on the aerosol vessel, or a portion of the aerosol vessel in operative communication with a valve, such as a stem. The abutment portion may be of any suitable form, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention the abutment portion may be formed from one or more abutment elements adapted to enhance activation of the valve and prevent misfiring. [0028] Any suitable abutment elements may be provided. In some embodiments of the invention, the one or more abutment elements may include a pad, land or the like adapted to abut the stem and activate the valve when the activation portion is moved to the locked condition. Alternatively, the abutment elements may comprise one or more ribs. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of intersecting ribs may be provided such that the point of abutment with the stem is positioned at the intersection of the plurality of ribs. [0029] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the abutment portion may be provided with one or more venting means therein through which the contents of the aerosol vessel may be vented when the activation portion is in the locked condition. Any suitable venting means may be provided, although in some embodiments of the invention, the venting means comprise one or more apertures. Preferably, the one or more apertures are positioned such that, when the activation portion is in the locked condition, the one or more apertures are substantially aligned with the outlet of the stem. In this way, the contents of the aerosol vessel may be dispensed 7 directly through the stem, and the one or more apertures aligned therewith, into the atmosphere or container in which the aerosol vessel is located. [0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the movement of the activation portion relative to the engagement portion may result in a substantially vertical force (and particularly, a downward force) being applied to the stem, thereby resulting in the dispensing of the contents of the aerosol vessel. [0031] As previously stated, once the activation portion is moved into the locked position, it is precluded from returning to the unlocked position. This may be achieved using any suitable technique. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, one or both of the activation portion and the engagement portion may be provided with locking means adapted to preclude the activation portion from returning to the unlocked position from the locked position. [0032] In a preferred embodiment, the activation portion may be provided with locking means adapted to engage with, and be retained by, corresponding locking means located on the engagement portion. For instance, the activation portion may be provided with locking means in the form of one or more projections (such as a tab or the like) adapted to be aligned with one or more recesses on the engagement portion (in particular, the housing). Alternatively, the one or more tabs may be located on the housing and the one or more recesses may be located on the activation portion. In any event, it is envisaged that the engagement between the corresponding locking means will be sufficient to prevent the activation portion from moving out of the locked condition, either accidentally or through a user attempting to unlock the activation portion from the engagement portion. [0033] In some embodiments the locking means on the activation portion may be fabricated from the same material as the remainder of the aerosol activator. In other embodiments, the locking means on the activation portion may be fabricated from a different material to the remainder of the aerosol activator. In these embodiments, the locking means may be fabricated from an elastically-deformable material, such as a rubber or soft plastic, so that the locking means may be elastically deformed into engagement with the corresponding engagement means on the engagement portion.
8 [0034] The aerosol activator may be fabricated from any suitable material, or combination of materials. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the aerosol activator may be fabricated from plastic. In particular, the aerosol activator may be fabricated from a substantially rigid plastic. [0035] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an external surface of the activation portion may be provided with a pressure region against which the substantially horizontal force may be applied to move the activation portion from the locked position to the unlocked position. Any suitable pressure region may be provided, although it is envisaged that the pressure region may be provided so as to identify to a user the most appropriate point at which to apply pressure (preferably, manual or digital pressure). Thus, in some embodiments of the invention, the pressure region may include a pad, recess, depression of the like against which a user may place their finger to apply pressure to the activation portion. The pressure region may be provided with grip enhancement means to improve a user's ability to apply pressure to the pressure region. Any suitable grip enhancement means may be provided, such as one or more ribs, corrugations or the like. In some embodiments of the invention, the grip enhancement means may be fabricated from a grip enhancing, or non-slip, material, such as rubber, or soft plastic. In this way, the grip enhancing means may be fabricated from a different material to the remainder of the aerosol activator. [0036] In use, it is envisaged that the aerosol activator may be provided to the user in the unlocked condition. When the user wishes to discharge the aerosol vessel to which the aerosol activator is attached, the user will apply a pressure in a substantially horizontal direction to the activation portion, thereby causing it to move into the locked condition. In the locked condition, the activation portion applies a substantially vertical force to the valve in the aerosol can, causing the activation of the valve in the aerosol vessel, and resulting in the contents of the aerosol vessel being dispensed. In addition, the activation portion becomes locked to the engagement portion such that the contents of the aerosol vessel are dispensed in a continuous manner until the aerosol dispenser is substantially empty. [0037] In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in an aerosol dispenser comprising an aerosol vessel and an aerosol activator, the aerosol activator having an engagement portion adapted for engagement with the aerosol vessel, and an activation portion moveable in response 9 to a force applied in a substantially horizontal direction between an unlocked position and a locked position in which the activation portion applies a substantially vertical force to a dispensing portion of the aerosol vessel such that the contents of the aerosol vessel are dispensed, and wherein, once in the locked position, the activation portion is precluded from returning to the unlocked position. [0038] It will be understood that the present invention may be used for any suitable purpose. For instance, the aerosol activator and aerosol dispenser of the present invention may be used in household aerosol dispensers, such as for dispensing air freshener, insecticide and so on. However, it is envisaged that the present invention will also find uses in industrial applications. [0039] It is envisaged that the present invention will be particularly advantageous in situations in which the ease of operation of a conventional aerosol activator is more difficult. For instance, people who have limited strength in their hands may find conventional aerosol dispensers difficult to operate. Alternatively, when the aerosol activator or aerosol dispenser is to be used in situations in which access to the activator is limited or difficult, making a conventional aerosol activator difficult to use. [0040] One such situation in which access to the activator is limited or difficult is when an aerosol dispenser is used in an inflatable borehole plug (also referred to as a "gas bag"). Typically, an inflatable borehole plug comprises a plastic bag in which an aerosol dispenser is located. The aerosol dispenser must be actuated in order to release its contents, thereby inflating the bag. Given that inflatable borehole plugs are placed in boreholes where access to the aerosol activator may be limited, it is advantageous to provide an aerosol activator that is easier to use than conventional aerosol activators. In addition, a user will be required to activate the aerosol activator through the layer or layers that comprise the inflatable bag of the borehole plug. As this can be fiddly and time-consuming, it is advantageous to provide an aerosol activator that can be more easily activated than conventional aerosol activators. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0041] An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which: 10 [0041a] Figures 1-3 illustrate cross-sectional side views of an aerosol activator according to an embodiment of the present invention; [004 1b] Figures 4-5 illustrate perspective views of an aerosol activator according to an embodiment of the present invention; [004 1c] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an aerosol activator according to an embodiment of the present invention.. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0042] It will be appreciated that the drawings have been provided for the purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and that the invention should not be considered to be limited solely to the features as shown in the drawings. [0043] In Figure 1 there is shown a cross-sectional side view of an aerosol activator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol activator includes an engagement portion I I adapted for engagement with, and retention on, an aerosol vessel 12. The aerosol vessel 12 is provided with a rim 13 in an upper part thereof to which engagement means in the form of a projecting ring 14 on the engagement portion 11 is engaged. The engagement between the ring 14 and the rim 13 results in the retention of the aerosol activator 10 on the aerosol vessel 12. [0044] The engagement portion 11 further includes a housing 15 which defines a cavity 16 surrounding the stem 17 of the aerosol vessel 12. An inner surface of the housing 15 is provided with projections in the form of ribs 18 that assist in the correct positioning of the aerosol activator 10 on the aerosol vessel 12. The engagement portion 11 is further provided with an opening 21 into which the activation portion 19 is at least partially inserted during use. [0045] The ribs 18 further assist in preventing the misfiring of the aerosol activator 10. This is achieved by providing ribs 18 that extend to abut, or extend past, the activation portion 19. This prevents the activation portion 19 from being moved between the locked and unlocked 11 conditions when the aerosol activator 10 is pressed against a flat surface. Thus, it is only with digital or manual pressure that the aerosol activator 10 may be actuated. [0046] The activation portion 19 is connected to the engagement portion 11 by a thin piece of material that acts as a hinge 20 and allows the activation portion 19 to pivot relative to the engagement portion 11. [0047] The activation portion 19 further includes an abutment portion 22 formed from a rib (or ribs) and adapted to be brought into contact with the stem 17 in use. [0048] The activation portion also includes positioning means in the form of a tab 23 adapted to assist in correctly locating the activation portion 19 relative to the engagement portion 11 in the unlocked condition. In addition, the activation portion is provided with locking means in the form of a tab 24 on each side of the activation portion 19, adapted to engage with corresponding locking means (not shown) on the engagement portion 11. [0049] In Figure 2 there is shown a cross-sectional side view of an aerosol activator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention when the aerosol activator is in the unlocked condition. In this Figure, the activation portion 19 has been pivoted relative to the engagement portion I I such that the activation portion 19 is at least partially inserted through the opening (obscured) and into the cavity 16 in the engagement portion 11. [0050] In the unlocked condition, the abutment portion 22 is brought into abutment with the stem 17. However the abutment between the abutment portion 22 and the stem 17 is insufficient to actuate the aerosol valve (not shown) to which the stem 17 is operatively connected. [0051] In the unlocked position, the tab 23 is aligned with corresponding positioning means (obscured) in the housing 15. The alignment of the tab 23 with the corresponding positioning means serves to allow a user to correctly locate the activation portion 19 in the unlocked condition, and also to prevent the accidental misfiring of the aerosol vessel 12 through the unwanted movement of the activation portion 19 into the locked condition.
12 [0052] In the unlocked position the locking tab 24 on the activation portion 19 is located near, but not in engagement with the corresponding locking means 25 (in the form of a recess or cutout) in the engagement portion 11. [0053] Turning now to Figure 3, there is shown a cross-sectional side view of an aerosol activator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the aerosol activator 10 is in the locked condition. [0054] To move the aerosol activator between the unlocked condition shown in Figure 2 and the locked condition shown in Figure 3, pressure is applied to the activation portion 19 in the direction of arrow 26. This pressure causes the activation portion 19 to pivot relative to the engagement portion 11 in the direction of arrow 27. [0055] As the activation portion 19 pivots, the abutment portion 22 applies a force to the stem 17 such that the aerosol valve (not shown) opens and the contents of the aerosol vessel 12 are dispensed through the stem 17. [0056] As the activation portion 19 moves into the locked condition, the locking tab 24 engages with, and is locked to, the cutout 25 in the engagement portion 11. In this way, the activation portion 19 becomes locked to the engagement portion 11 and is precluded from movement back to the unlocked condition. The result of this is the continuous dispensing of the contents of the aerosol vessel 12 through the stem 17. [0057] In Figure 4 there is shown a perspective view of an aerosol activator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol activator 10 illustrated in Figure 4 is virtually identical to that shown in Figure 1. [0058] In Figure 4, the aerosol activator 10 is shown engaged to the aerosol vessel 12. The engagement portion 11 is attached to the rim 13 of the aerosol vessel 12 and the ribs 18 provided on an inner surface of the engagement portion 11 abut the rim 13 in order to correctly position the aerosol activator 10 on the aerosol vessel 12. In this Figure the cavity 16 defined by the engagement portion 11 may be more clearly seen.
13 [0059] As previously stated, the activation portion 19 is connected to the engagement portion 11 via a hinge 20. The engagement portion 19 includes an abutment portion in the form of a pair of ribs 22 placed substantially at right angles to one another. An abutment region 28 on the form of a plateau is formed at the intersection of the ribs 22, and the abutment region 28 is adapted to be brought into abutment with the stem (not shown) of the aerosol vessel 12. The abutment region 28 is provided with a vent 29 through which the contents of the aerosol vessel 12 may be dispensed when the aerosol activator 10 is in the locked condition. [0060] In this Figure the positioning tab 23 may be more clearly seen. The tab 23 is adapted for to be received in and retained by a cutout section 30 of the engagement portion 11. This prevents the activation portion 19 from being removed from the unlocked position (or simply flipping open) and being returned to the position shown in Figure 4. Similarly, as the activation portion 19 moves between the unlocked and locked condition, the locking tabs 24 engage with the corresponding locking means 25 in the form of cutouts in the engagement portion 11. [0061] In Figure 5, there is shown a perspective view of an aerosol activator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol activator 10 illustrated in Figure 5 is virtually identical to that shown in Figure 2. [0062] In this Figure, the aerosol activator 10 is shown in the unlocked condition ready for use. It may be seen that the outer surface of the activation portion 19 is provided with a pressure region 31 against which a user may apply pressure to move the activation portion 19 from the unlocked condition to the locked condition. [0063] The pressure region 31 is provided with a number of grip-enhancing means 32 in the form of ridges that enhance the contact between the user's finger or hand and the pressure region. This improves the ease with which the user may move the activation portion 19 into the locked condition to discharge the contents of the aerosol vessel 12. [0064] In Figure 6 there is shown an aerosol activator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As in previously illustrated embodiments of the invention, the aerosol activator 10 includes an engagement portion I1 adapted for engagement with, and retention on, 14 the rim 13 of an aerosol vessel 12. [0065] The engagement portion 11 further includes a housing 15 which defines a cavity 16 surrounding the stem 17 of the aerosol vessel 12. [0066] The activation portion 19 and the engagement portion II are adapted for engagement with one another at engagement point 40. The activation portion 19 clips into, or is otherwise brought into engagement with, the engagement portion 11 at the engagement point 40. When the engagement portion 11 and the activation portion 19 are engaged with one another, a user applies a force in a substantially horizontal direction to a pressure region 31 of the activation portion 19, resulting in the movement of the activation portion 19 relative to the engagement portion 11. This movement results in a downward vertical force being applied by the activation portion 19 to the stem 17, thereby causing a dispensing of the contents of the aerosol vessel 12 through the dispending valve 41. [0067] In Figure 6, it may also be seen that the activation portion 19 includes a locking tab 24 adapted to engage with a latching mechanism 42 formed on the engagement portion 11 and adapted to maintain the aerosol activator 10 in the locked condition when required so as to ensure that the entire contents of the aerosol can 12 are continuously dispensed. [0068] In Figure 6, the engagement portion 11 is further provided with a vent 43 through which the contents of the aerosol can 12 may disperse. [0069] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It will be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.