US20010010319A1 - Tube holder system and spray can therewith - Google Patents
Tube holder system and spray can therewith Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010010319A1 US20010010319A1 US09/809,154 US80915401A US2001010319A1 US 20010010319 A1 US20010010319 A1 US 20010010319A1 US 80915401 A US80915401 A US 80915401A US 2001010319 A1 US2001010319 A1 US 2001010319A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- spray
- ring
- tube holder
- tube
- cap
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
- B65D83/28—Nozzles, nozzle fittings or accessories specially adapted therefor
- B65D83/30—Nozzles, nozzle fittings or accessories specially adapted therefor for guiding the flow of spray, e.g. funnels, hoods
- B65D83/303—Nozzles, nozzle fittings or accessories specially adapted therefor for guiding the flow of spray, e.g. funnels, hoods using extension tubes located in or at the outlet duct of the nozzle assembly
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
- B65D83/75—Aerosol containers not provided for in groups B65D83/16 - B65D83/74
Definitions
- FIG. 15 is a cross-section view along line 15 - 15 of FIG. 13.
Abstract
A spray can system including a spray can with a hollow body with contents therein and gas under pressure for expelling the contents therefrom, and nozzle apparatus connected to the spray can and having a nozzle with a fluid flow channel therethrough with an exit port for the passage of the contents out from the spray can, a cap releasably emplaced on the hollow body for covering the nozzle apparatus, a tube holder comprising a tube holder for holding a spray tube insertable into the nozzle, the tube holder formed of the cap and separable therefrom, the tube holder having a ring, the tube holder connected to the cap by a plurality of connection members between the cap and the ring, the connection members severable so that at least a remaining part thereof remains connected to the ring and said part projects inwardly of the ring.
Description
- This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/672,614 filed Sep. 29, 2000 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/268,840 filed Mar. 16, 1999 which is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/868,789 filed Jun. 4, 1997 entitled “Holder For Spray Tube” now U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,767 issued Mar. 30, 1999 which is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/868,789 filed Jun. 4, 1997 entitled “Holder For Spray Tube” all co-owned herewith and incorporated here fully for all purposes.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention is directed to spray or manual pump action containers with a nozzle into which a spray tube extender or spout is insertable; to a holder for such a spray tube; and to beverage containers with a drinking straw.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- A wide variety of prior art spray containers, manual pump action containers, and aerosol-type spray cans have nozzles through which the container's contents is sprayed. With many of these containers, a hollow tube is provided which is insertable into the nozzle. Such tubes are used to focus a spray or to facilitate accurate direction of the spray to a specific part, area, or mechanism.
- One common method of attaching a spray tube to a container is simply to use a piece of adhesive tape. Once the spray tube is released from the tape it is no longer connected to the container and is easily lost. For a person using a variety of containers with different contents and different size nozzles, it is important to have and use the correct spray tube for each container.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,783 discloses a spray container having a spray nozzle unit for outward discharge of fluid from the spray container that includes an elongated spray tube with a size and shape adapted for mounting onto the spray nozzle unit for guiding a spray of fluid discharged from the spray container and a spray tube support construction for use with the container that retains the spray tube adjacent the container. The support construction includes a support body and a holding element for holding the spray tube. A securing element affixes the support body to the spray container and a connected element affixes the holding element and the spray tube to the support body.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,823,445 discloses a clip for holding a spray tube on a spray can and a clip device that provides releasable retention of an accessory object to a primary object. The storage clip has a shaped clasp member having a jaw portion for secure engagement of a mounting strap, a body portion adjacent the jaw portion, a shoulder portion adjacent the body portion, and terminates in a tab portion adjacent the shoulder portion. The jaw, body, and shoulder portions are each configured to form an obtuse angle relative to its adjacent portion, and in the direction of said mounting strap, defining a void or cavity between the clasp member and the mounting strap. The terminating tab portion preferably forms an angle relative to the adjacent shoulder portion and away from the mounting strap, providing a manually engageable surface for lifting the clasp member away from the mounting strap.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,838 discloses a combined spray tube and support assembly for use with a spray container such as an aerosol can. The assembly has an elongated spray tube adapted for removable seating within a discharge port of a spray nozzle unit on the spray container. When separated from the spray nozzle unit, the spray tube is removably retained by a support member on the spray container or on a cap for the spray container. In one form, the support member has a vertically open support ring on the cap which cooperates with short outwardly projecting tabs near one end of the spray tube to support the spray tube alongside the spray container, with the tabs facilitating manipulation to seat the spray tube within the nozzle discharge port.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,783 discloses a clip-on device for removably holding a tube on an aerosol container, the device having a friction fit, flexible, circular clip-on portion to be attached to a side wall of said aerosol container, the clip-on portion extending substantially but not completely around the sidewall portion as a C-shaped clip, so the clip-on portion can snugly engage the side wall; and two integral brackets, removably receiving by friction fit a tube or straw, each bracket formed by a pair of curved legs unitarily formed in one piece with the clip-on portion, the curved legs spaced on the clip portion and having a bridging segment of the clip portion between them.
- U.S. Design Pat. No. 324,824 discloses a combined vented closure for a container and a capped straw with a removable cap releasably held on a spout by an extended member with a ring that encircles the spout.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,512 discloses a sport bottle having a container for a liquid and a cover which seals to the container and which includes an aperture through which a straw extends outwardly from the cover to allow the user to drink from the container. A flexible handle element is secured to the cover and is disposed over the straw to allow the user to hold both the container and the straw. The handle element includes a cap for the straw so that the straw may be covered or closed when the sports bottle is not being used for drinking purposes. The cap prevents the liquid from sloshing out of the bottle and also prevents dirt, or the like, from entering through the straw and keeps the end of the straw or the portion of the straw which contacts the users lips, from accumulating dust, dirt, and the like.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,858,792 discloses a storage and dispensing unit with a container for product to be dispensed and a discharge conduit, a separate dispensing head with a part which is mountable on the container, and a pivotally mounted part including a push button and discharge applicator which has one end in communication with conduits formed internally of the push button so that when the push button is pivoted from a stored position to a dispensing position, the internal conduits of the push button are in communication with the discharge conduit of the container.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,069 discloses a beverage-container carrier and sipping assembly designed to replace the cap on a conventional bottle-type beverage container or to be directly attached to the circumferential edge of a sport bottle or an opened beverage can. The assembly has a dome shaped cover that has attached a carrying strap and a straw bore on its upper surface that accepts a drinking straw. The strap can be adjusted to an optimum length to hand carry the cover or to a length that allows the assembly to be placed around a person's neck or shoulders. In either case, the strap is attached to the container cover at points that correspond to the container shoulder or center-of-gravity. The container is comfortably balanced and supported when held by the strap. A vertically or horizontally oriented handle can be added to the cover to increase the assembly utility.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,709 discloses a straw-containing universal type cover assembly for a beverage container which includes a lid adapted to be snap fitted on an annular rim of the beverage container and is operative to simultaneously prevent spillage of and minimize decarbonation rates within the beverage once the container has been opened. The lid also includes a pull tab joined to the periphery thereof for both removing the lid from the beverage container and holding a straw in an upright position. The assembly further includes a multi-functional plug member attached to the straw by means of a flexible strap with a stem portion operative to be inserted into an opening in the lid in one orientation, with the lid opening being generally aligned with a sealed or previously sealed opening in the top of the beverage container. The plug member has an integral straw cap portion operative to fit in another orientation of the plug member over one end of the straw when the beverage container has been opened and the straw is not being used.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,445,033 discloses a container with a flexible drinking tube removably encircling the container within a flexible protective sheath.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,332,567 discloses a container with a groove or recess in which is removably positioned a drinking straw.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,635 discloses a fluid containment and access device for use with a beverage container having an upper, beaded rim and an opening for flow of the fluid contents from within the volume of the container includes a flexible lid, an integral straw and a vent with closure. The lid fits securely upon the top of the beverage container to form a fluid-tight seal. The straw has a first end extending above the lid and a second end that extends through the opening substantially to the bottom of the container. The vent closure is moveable between a first position to permit the flow of air into the container and a second position to prevent the flow of air into the beverage container.
- There has long been a need for an effective spray tube holder that is simple in construction, easy to manipulate, and which, in certain aspects, can accommodate a variety of different tubes, different containers, and different container parts.
- The present invention, in certain aspects, discloses a spray can system with a spray can with a hollow body with contents therein and gas under pressure for expelling the contents therefrom, and nozzle apparatus connected to the spray can and having a nozzle with a fluid flow channel therethrough with an exit port for the passage of the contents out from the spray can, a cap releasably emplaced on the hollow body for covering the nozzle apparatus, a tube holder comprising a tube holder for holding a spray tube insertable into the nozzle, the tube holder formed of the cap and separable therefrom, the tube holder having a ring, the tube holder connected to the cap by a plurality of connection members between the cap and the ring, the connection members severable so that at least a remaining part thereof remains connected to the ring and said part projects inwardly of the ring In some aspects, the spray can has a lower protruding edge and the remaining part of the connection members is movable to abut the lower protruding edge and maintain the tube holder ring about the spray can.
- Tubes, straws and containers according to this invention may be made of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, any suitable metal, plastic or fiberglass.
- The present invention also discloses a container including any of the tube holders disclosed herein. A drinking straw may be held by or be part of any tube holder disclosed herein (instead of a spray tube) and used with a beverage container instead of a spray container.
- The present invention, in certain embodiments discloses a tube holder for holding drinking straw for a beverage container or a spray tube for a nozzle of a spray can, the holder including a ring for encircling part of the can or container to mount the holder thereto, an interconnection member with a first and a second end, the first end connected to or formed integrally with the ring, a holding member with a body and connected to or formed integrally with the second end, the body with at least one slit opening therethrough, the straw or spray tube insertable through and removably holdable in the slit opening(s); such a holder wherein the ring is stretchable material for positioning around the can or container; such a holder wherein the at least one slit opening is a plurality of intersecting openings; and such a holder further including the spray tube or straw.
- The present invention discloses, in certain embodiments, a holder for holding a straw for a beverage container or a hollow spray tube for use with a nozzle of a spray can, the holder having a first ring for encircling part of the spray can (or container) for mounting the holder thereto, an interconnection member having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to or formed integrally with the first ring, and a holding ring connected to or formed integrally with the second end of the interconnection member, the holding ring for holding the hollow spray tube or straw; such a holder wherein the first ring is made of stretchable material and is stretchable for releasable positioning around the spray can or container; such a holder wherein the holding ring is made of stretchable material for releasable holding of the spray tube or straw; such a holder wherein the nozzle has a hollow lower projection insertable into a top opening in the spray can or container and the holder's first ring is sized for receiving the hollow lower projection of the nozzle therethrough for releasable securement of the holder to the spray can or container; such a holder including the straw or the hollow spray tube; such a holder wherein the spray can or container has a top portion and the first ring is sized for emplacement on the top potion; such a holder wherein the first ring is made of resilient material for snap-on emplacement on the top portion and for snap-off removal therefrom; such a holder wherein the top portion of has an upper rim and the first ring has an inner groove for receiving and holding the upper rim; and such a holder wherein the first ring is made of resilient material for releasably holding the upper rim.
- The present invention, in certain aspects, discloses a spray tube apparatus for use with a nozzle of a spray can, the nozzle having a fluid flow channel therethrough and an exit port from which contents of the spray can are propelled by manual pump action or by gas under pressure within the spray can, the spray tube apparatus having a hollow spray tube insertable into the exit port of the nozzle; a tube holder for holding the hollow spray tube, the tube holder having a first ring for encircling part of the can for mounting the tube holder to the can, an interconnection member having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to or formed integrally with the first ring, a holding ring for holding the tube and connected to or formed integrally with the second end of the interconnection member, the holding ring for holding the hollow spray tube, the first ring made of stretchable material and stretchable for releasable positioning around the spray can, and the holding ring made of stretchable material for releasable holding of the hollow spray tube; such a holder wherein the nozzle has a hollow lower projection insertable into a top opening in the spray can and the holder's first ring sized for receiving the hollow lower projection of the nozzle therethrough for releasable securement of the holder to the spray can; and such a holder wherein the spray can has a top portion with an upper rim and the first ring is made of resilient material for snap-on emplacement on the upper rim and for snap-off removal therefrom.
- The present invention discloses, in certain embodiments a beverage container or spray can with a hollow body with contents therein (and, in the spray can, gas under pressure or a manual action pump for expelling the contents therefrom), and, with respect to the spray can, a nozzle connected to the spray can and having a fluid flow channel therethrough with an exit port for the passage of the contents out from the spray can; a hollow spray tube or a straw usable with the beverage container insertable into the exit port of the nozzle and a holder for holding the straw or spray tube, the holder having a ring for encircling part of the container or spray can for mounting the holder thereto; an interconnection member having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to or formed integrally with the ring, and a holding member holding the straw or hollow spray tube and connected to or formed integrally with the second end of the interconnection member; such a container or can wherein the ring is made of stretchable material to facilitate emplacement thereof, and wherein the holding member is a holding ring made of stretchable material for releasable holding of the straw or hollow spray tube; such a spray can wherein the nozzle has a hollow lower projection insertable into a top opening in the spray can and the holder's first ring sized for receiving the hollow lower projection of the nozzle therethrough for releasable securement of the tube holder to the spray can; and such a container or spray can wherein the holding member has at least one slit opening therethrough, the straw or hollow spray tube insertable through and removably holdable in the at least one slit opening.
- It is, therefore, an object of at least certain preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide:
- New, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious devices for a holder for a tube used with a container and a container with such a tube; such a holder having a flexible portion for removable installation around a part of a container;
- Such a holder for a spray tube for a manual pump action bottle or container, for an aerosol spray can, or for a straw for a beverage container;
- A holder with a second flexible portion for connection to the tube;
- A holder with an interconnecting member connected to a first flexible portion for connection to the tube;
- A holder with first and second flexible members, one for removable positioning around part of the container and one for removably holding the tube;
- A holder with a first flexible member for positioning around part of a container and a tube holder with a body having one or more tabs projecting from the first ring and connected thereto or formed integrally thereof; and
- A container with any such tube holder.
- Certain embodiments of this invention are not limited to any particular individual feature disclosed here, but include combinations of them distinguished from the prior art in their structures and functions. Features of the invention have been broadly described so that the detailed descriptions that follow may be better understood, and in order that the contributions of this invention to the arts may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional aspects of the invention described below and which may be included in the subject matter of the claims to this invention. Those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this invention, its teachings, and suggestions will appreciate that the conceptions of this disclosure may be used as a creative basis for designing other structures, methods and systems for carrying out and practicing the present invention. The claims of this invention are to be read to include any legally equivalent devices or methods which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- The present invention recognizes and addresses the previously-mentioned problems and long-felt needs and provides a solution to those problems and a satisfactory meeting of those needs in its various possible embodiments and equivalents thereof. To one skilled in this art who has the benefits of this invention's realizations, teachings, disclosures, and suggestions, other purposes and advantages will be appreciated from the following description of preferred embodiments, given for the purpose of disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detail in these descriptions is not intended to thwart this patent's object to claim this invention no matter how others may later disguise it by variations in form or additions of further improvements.
- A more particular description of embodiments of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by references to the embodiments which are shown in the drawings which form a part of this specification. These drawings illustrate certain preferred embodiments and are not to be used to improperly limit the scope of the invention which may have other equally effective or legally equivalent embodiments.
- FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a tube holder according to the present invention. FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the tube holder of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C shows a container according to the present invention with a tube holder as in FIG. 1A according to the present invention. FIG. 1D shows the container of FIG. 1C with a cap removed and the tube holder inserted into an exit port in a nozzle of the container. FIG. 1E is a perspective view that shows an alternative embodiment for a tube holder according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2A shows a tube holder according to the present invention and FIG. 2B shows it connected to a tube. FIG. 2C shows the tube holder and the tube of FIG. 2B installed on a container according to the present invention.
- FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a tube holder according to the present invention. FIG. 3B shows the tube holder and the tube of FIG. 3A installed on a container according to the present invention. FIG. 3C is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment for the tube holder of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3D is a cross-section view of the tube holder of FIG. 3C.
- FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a tube holder according to the present invention. FIG. 4B shows the tube holder and the tube of FIG. 4A installed on a container (shown partially) according to the present invention. FIG. 4C is an exploded view of the container, tube, and tube holder of FIG. 4B.
- FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a tube holder according to the present invention. FIG. 5B shows the tube holder and the tube of FIG. 5A installed on a container according to the present invention.
- FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a tube holder according to the present invention. FIG. 6B shows the tube holder and the tube of FIG. 6A installed on a container (shown partially) according to the present invention. FIG. 6C is an exploded view of the container, tube, and tube holder of FIG. 6B.
- FIG. 7A is a top view of a tube holder according to the present invention. FIG. 7B is a side perspective view that shows a tube holder as in FIG. 7A with a spray can according to the present invention. FIG. 7C is a top view of a tube holder according to the present invention. FIG. 7D is a top view of a tube holder according to the present invention.
- FIG. 8A is a top view of a tube holder according to the present invention. FIG. 8B is a side view of the tube holder of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is a top view of the tube holder of FIG. 8A with a tube. FIG. 8D is a side view that shows the tube holder of FIG. 8A on a spray can.
- FIG. 9 is a top view of a tube holder according to the present invention.
- FIGS. 10 and 10A are top views of cylindrical spray cans according to the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a side view of a cylindrical spray can according tot he present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a side view of a cylindrical spray can according tot he present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a spray can according to the present invention with a tube holder according to the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a spray can according to the present invention with a tube holder according to the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a cross-section view along line15-15 of FIG. 13.
- FIG. 15A is a cross-section view showing an alternative structure for the cap of the spray can of FIG. 13.
- FIG. 16 shows detail of the cap of the spray can of FIG. 15A.
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a spray can according to the present invention with a tube holder according to the present invention.
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a spray can according to the present invention with a tube holder according to the present invention.
- FIGS. 19 and 20 are cross-section views of a cap and lid for a spray can according to the present invention.
- FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a spray can according to the present invention with a tube holder according to the present invention.
- FIG. 22 is a cross-section view of part of the spray can of FIG. 21.
- FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a spray can according to the present invention with a tube holder according to the present invention.
- FIG. 24 is a cross-section view of part of the spray can of FIG. 23.
- FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a spray can according to the present invention with a tube holder according to the present invention.
- FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the cap of the spray can of FIG. 25.
- FIG. 27 is a cross-section view of part of the cap of the spray can of FIG. 25.
- FIG. 28 is a perspective view that shows an alternative for connecting a tube holder to a cap for a spray can.
- FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a spray can according to the present invention with a tube holder according to the present invention.
- FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the tube holder of FIG. 29.
- FIG. 31 is a partial perspective view of the tube holder of FIG. 30.
- FIG. 32A is a side view of a cap for a spray can according to the present invention. FIG. 32B is a cross-section view of the cap of FIG. 32A. FIG. 32C is a bottom view of the cap of FIG. 32A. FIG. 32D is a top view of a spray tube holder separated from the cap of FIG. 32A.
- FIGS. 33 and 34 are top views of spray tube holders according to the present invention.
- FIG. 35 is a side view showing insertion of a spray tube into a spray tube holder according to the present invention on a spray can.
- FIG. 36 is a side view that shows a spray can with a spray tube holder according to the present invention.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B show a
tube holder 10 according to the present invention which has a flexible stretchable ring 12 (made, e.g. of rubber, plastic, or any suitable elastic material; and in another aspect made of non-stretchable material); aninterconnection member 14 connected to, adhered to, or formed integrally of thering 12; and a holdingmember 15 with one or more slits 16 (two shown in this embodiment) extending therethrough. Theinterconnection member 14 is any desired length and may be made of stretchable or non-stretchable material. As shown in FIG. 1B, ahollow spray tube 18 has been pushed through theslits 16 in the holdingmember 14. Theslits 16 are sized to permit passage therethrough of a tube while holding the tube so it will not inadvertently fall out. The slits are also sized so that the tube is removable from the holdingmember 14. - FIG. 1C shows the
ring 12 stretched around aspray can 20 which has abody 22, aremovable cap 24, aspray nozzle 26 with anexit port 28. As shown in FIG. 1C thetube 18 is held against thebody 22 by thering 12, and thering 12 is movable on thebody 22. As shown in FIG. 1D, thering 12 remains around thebody 12 when thetube 18 is inserted in theexit port 28 of thespray nozzle 26. Following use, thetube 18 may be removed from the holdingmember 14 and discarded and a new tube may be inserted therethrough, or thetube 18 may be retained for future use. The entire tube holder and tube may be removed for future use on the same or on another can. - FIG. 1E shows a
tube holder 30 like the tube holder 10 (similar numerals indicate like parts), but with a holdingmember 34 that has asingle hole 36 therethrough for releasably holding atube 19 like thetube 18. In one aspect the holdingmember 34 is made of pliable material so it can accommodate several different diameter tubes. - FIG. 2A shows a
tube holder 40 according to the present invention which has afirst ring 42; aninterconnection member 44 secured to or formed integrally of thefirst ring 42; and asecond ring 46 secured to or formed integrally of theinterconnection member 44. In one aspect thefirst ring 42,interconnection member 44, and/or thesecond ring 46 are all made of a flexible stretchable material. FIG. 2B shows thesecond ring 46 releasably entwined around ahollow spray tube 48. FIG. 2C shows thetube 48 inserted in anexit port 41 of anozzle 43 of anaerosol container 45 and thefirst ring 42 releasably encircling thecontainer 45. - FIG. 3A shows a
tube holder 50 according to the present invention with aring 52 made of rigid (i.e. relatively non-flexible) material; an interconnection member 54 (made, e.g. of either stretchable or non-stretchable material); and ahollow tube 56 formed integrally of or permanently secured to theinterconnection member 54. Thering 52 fits on and around the top of a container 51 (see FIG. 3B). Thetube 56 is inserted in anexit port 53 of aspray nozzle 55 of thecontainer 51. Thering 52 may be any desired shape to correspond to the shape of a container (e.g. but not limited to, round, square, rectangular, hexagonal, pentagonal, etc.). - FIGS. 3C and 3D show a
tube holder 60 like the tube holder 50 (similar parts indicated by like numerals), but with aring 62 that has aninner groove 64 for receiving and holding a top rim of a can or container. Thering 62 may be made of resilient material so that it is emplaceable on a can's top rim and not removable (or removable only with difficulty) therefrom; or thering 62 may be somewhat flexible so that it may be snapped on and snapped off of a can's top rim. Thering 62 may be any desired shape as viewed from above. - FIG. 4A shows a
tube holder 70 according to the present invention with afirst ring 72; aninterconnection member 74; and asecond ring 76. These pieces may be formed together integrally as a single unitary item or they may be adhered together or otherwise connected. As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, thefirst ring 72 is sized to receive a lowerhollow projection 71 of aspray nozzle 73 of anaerosol container 75 while thesecond ring 76 is sized to releasably receive and hold atube 78 which may have oneend 79 inserted in anexit port 77 of thespray nozzle 73. - FIG. 5A shows a
tube holder 80 according to the present invention with astretchable ring 82; aninterconnection member 84 connected to or formed integrally with thestretchable ring 82; and ahollow spray tube 88 permanently connected to an end of the interconnection member 84 (or, in another aspect, formed integrally therewith). FIG. 5B shows thetube holder 80 installed on acan 81 according to the present invention that has abody 83, and aspray nozzle 85 with anexit port 87 into which an end of thehollow tube 88 is inserted. - FIG. 6A shows a
tube holder 90 according to the present invention with astretchable ring 92; aninterconnection member 94 connected to or formed integrally with thestretchable ring 92; and ahollow spray tube 98 permanently connected to an end of the interconnection member 94 (or, in another aspect, formed integrally therewith). FIG. 6B shows thetube holder 90 installed on acan 91 according to the present invention that has abody 93, and aspray nozzle 95 with anexit port 97 into which an end of thehollow tube 98 is inserted. Thering 92 is sized to fit around the projectingportion 99 and, in one aspect, to fit snugly yet removably therearound. - Other embodiments of the tube holders disclosed herein may use a partial rigid ring (instead of a closed stretchable ring) for releasable snap-on emplacement around a can or part thereof. Also, any tube-holding ring or structure may be sized and fashioned to fit around any part of a container, cap for a container, or nozzle (so long as flow is not blocked). It is within the scope of this invention for any tube holder disclosed herein to be used as a straw holder for a straw for a beverage container with a drinking straw substituted for the tube and a beverage container substituted for the spray can.
- FIGS. 7A and 7B show a
tube holder 100 according to the present invention which is like thetube holder 30 of FIG. 1E and a spray can 114 (like spray cans described previously herein) with such a tube holder according to the present invention. A holding ring ormember 104 is made of stretchable material for accommodating and holding a drinking straw (not shown) or a hollow spray tube 110 (FIG. 7B). Aflexible interconnection member 112 has one end connected to or formed integrally with the holdingring 104 and the other end connected to or formed integrally with astretchable ring 106. Thering 106 is sized and configured for releasable emplacement around a beverage container (not shown) or around a spray can 114 (FIG. 7B). Atab 115 for facilitating handling, manipulation, and movement of thering 106 is connected to or formed with thering 106. - In one aspect the
tube holder 100 is molded as a single-piece plastic item. Alternatively, the ring ormember 104 can be like the holding member 15 (FIG. 1A). Thering 106 may be any desired size and, in one aspect, is sized for emplacement around a spray can's spray nozzle. Also it is within the scope of this invention to provide a tab like thetab 115 on any ring of any embodiment disclosed herein, and any such embodiment may have one, two, three or more such tabs. - FIG. 7C shows a
tube holder 116 like thetube holder 100 and similar parts bear the same identifying numerals. A tab 118 (similar to thetab 114, FIG. 7A) has a hole 108 therethrough for releasably holding a spray tube. Any tab on any embodiment hereof may have such a hole. - FIG. 7D shows a
tube holder 120 according to the present invention with a stretchable ring 121 having atab 122 connected to or formed of the ring 121. Thetab 122 has ahole 123 for releasably holding a spray tube of a spray can (or a drinking straw). - FIGS.8A-8D show a
tube holder 130 according to the present invention with asuction cup 131 having a top 136 with anoptional recess 137 therethrough for releasably holding a spray tube 138 (or drinking straw). Aflexible interconnection member 132 has one end connected to or formed with thesuction cup 131 and the other end connected to or formed with atube holder 134 having ahole 135 therethrough for releasably holding thespray tube 138. Alternatively an extra spray tube (not shown) may be held in thehole 135 and/or thetube 138 may be deleted. In another aspect, theinterconnection member 132 andholder 134 are deleted. Theholder 134 may be like any holder described herein. In addition to or instead of suction, glue or any suitable adhesive may be used to secure themember 131 to a can (or container). Alternatively, therecess 137 may be sized to hold part of any of the tube holders described herein. In one aspect, therecess 137 is sized to releasably hold an interconnection member and/or a first ring of any of the tube holders described herein, including, but not limited to a ring like thering - FIG. 9 shows a
tube holder 150 according to the present invention with asecurement member 151 having atab 152 formed thereof or connected thereto. Thetab 152 has anoptional hole 153 for releasably holding a spray tube (or a drinking straw). Aflexible interconnection member 156 has one end connected to or formed of thesecurement member 151 and the other end connected to or formed of atube holder 154. Thetube holder 154 has ahole 155 therethrough for releasably holding a spray tube. Thesecurement member 151 is taped or glued to a spray can. Alternatively, thesecurement member 151 may be releasably held by a friction fit in arecess 157 formed in a can 158 (FIG. 10) or a drinking glass. Therecess 157 may be located anywhere on a spray can. - FIG. 11 shows a spray can160 according to the present invention with a
spray nozzle 161 having ahole 162 therethrough for releasably holding a spray tube. - FIG. 12 shows a spray can163 according to the present invention with a
spray nozzle 164 having anotch 165 therein for releasably holding a spray tube. - FIG. 13 shows a spray can166 according to the present invention with a
spray nozzle 168 having ahole 169 therethrough for releasably holding a spray tube and anoptional notch 170 for releasably holding a spray tube. Also, an optional notch 1167 formed in thebody 171 of thecan 166 releasably holds a spray tube. - Any spray can disclosed herein may have any or all of the holes and/or notches in the embodiments of FIGS.11-13 and/or the
recess 157 of FIG. 10. Each notch may be sized and configured for a snap-fit around a tube. - In any embodiment hereof it is within the scope of this invention to form a spray tube or straw integrally of a tube holder.
- The present invention discloses, in certain embodiments, a tube holder for holding a hollow spray tube, the tube holder having a first ring, an interconnection member having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to or formed integrally with the first ring, a holding ring connected to or formed integrally with the second end of the interconnection member, the holding ring made of stretchable material for releasably holding a hollow spray tube, and at least one tab projecting from the first ring and connected thereto or formed integrally thereof; and any such tube holder, method of use thereof, and/or spray can therewith as disclosed herein and/or as defined in the claims that follow.
- FIG. 13 shows a spray can200 and a
tube holder 210 according to the present invention. The can 200 includes a typical hollow spray canbody 201 withspray nozzle apparatus 202. Acap 203 covers anozzle 204 of thenozzle apparatus 202. Thecap 203 fits over arim 205 with a friction fit and is selectively removable from the can. - The
tube holder 210 is formed integrally of thecap 203 and is selectively removable therefrom by disengaging it from thecap 203. Thetube holder 210 has afirst ring 212 connected by aninterconnection member 214 to asecond ring 216. Thesecond ring 216 has ahole 215 therethrough for receiving a tube (not shown) so that thesecond ring 216 releasably holds the tube. - FIG. 14 shows a
tube holder 210 removed from thecap 203 and, optionally, a portion 203 a of thecap 203 also removed from thecap 203 and emplaced on thecap 203 around thenozzle apparatus 202. The cap portion 203 a is made, sized and configured so that, upon removal of the tube holder from thecap 203, the cap portion 203 a remains intact when thetube holder 210 is separated from it. Any method and structure disclosed herein may be used at thetube holder 210/cap portion 203 a interface to facilitate separation of the two. - The
ring 212 may be stretchable and flexible so that it can hold a spray tube ST against a spray can (as in FIG. 14); or the ring 212 (and any ring herein) can be less flexible, non-stretchable, and/or rigid or semi-rigid so that it is held with a friction fit around a can part around a cap, or around a cap portion like the portion 203 a. In other embodiments thering 212 may be a partial ring that is snapped on around a can, cap, or part thereof. Similarly themember 256 is surrounded by flexible material; or themember 256 may be rigid with thehold 215 precisely sized for holding a tube or straw by a friction fit. - FIG. 15 shows detail of the structure of the
cap 203 andtube holder 210 that allows thetube holder 210 to be removed from thecap 203. Incisions or cuts 205 (e.g. made with a knife or die) surround the boundaries of thetube holder 210 and weaken thecap 203/tube holder 210 interface to facilitate disengagement of thetube holder 210 from thecap 203. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15A, thecap 203 is molded to include the form of thetube holder 210 which is initially connected to thecap 203 by small plastic pieces or “sprues” 207 which are easily breakable to permit removal of thetube holder 210 from thecap 203. FIG. 16 shows details of two of thepieces 207. - FIG. 17 shows a spray can214 like the spray can 200 with a
cap 215 having a tube holder 216 (like the tube holder 210). Thetube holder 216 is formed integrally of thecap 215 and is made removable by using structure and/or cuts as in FIG. 15 or 15A. Alternatively, thetube holders - FIG. 18 shows a spray can220 (like the
spray cans 200, 214) with acap 223. Thecap 223, optionally, has atop part 221. Asecondary lid 224 is either permanently or releasably connected and/or adhered to the top of thetop part 221. Thetop part 221 may be omitted and thelid 224 may close off the can top. Alternatively, it is emplaced against the bottom of thetop part 221 within thecap 223. A tube holder 225 (e.g. like that of FIGS. 13 and 17) is connected to or formed integrally of (as in any way disclosed herein) thesecondary lid 224. In one aspect, adhesive 226 is used to attach thesecondary lid 224 to the top part of thecap 223. In another aspect, illustrated in FIG. 19, asecondary lid 227 has anouter lip 228 that fits with a snap-fit (releasable or not) into acorresponding recess 229 in thecap 223. FIG. 20 shows asecondary lid 227 in place in acap 223. The secondary lids in FIGS. 19 and 20 may include a tube holder like thetube holder 224. A tube holder formed integrally of another part may, according to the present invention, be placed inside of any cap for any spray can, with either the another part initially attached or connected to the cap or not. - FIG. 21 shows partially a spray can230 (like the cans of FIGS. 13, 18) with a
secondary bottom member 231 that is releasably emplaceable within a lower edge 232 (see FIG. 22) of thecan 230 by a friction fit and/or with adhesive or glue. A tube holder 234 (like those of FIGS. 13, 17, 18) is connected to or formed integrally of (as any disclosed herein) thesecondary bottom member 231. To use thetube holder 234, thesecondary bottom member 231 is removed from the bottom of the spray can 230 and then thetube holder 234 is removed or disengaged from thesecondary bottom member 234. Alternatively a loose tube holder is enclosed within a bottom space by a secondary bottom member. - FIGS. 23 and 24 show another way according to the present invention to releasably connect a secondary bottom member231 a (like member 231) to the bottom of a spray can 230 a (like can 230). The secondary bottom member 231 a has a
notch 235 therearound which releasably holds alower edge 236 of the can 230 a. - FIGS.25-28 show that, according to the present invention, a cap for a spray can may be like the smaller type (known in the prior art) which covers the nozzle apparatus. Such caps are not as wide as the can itself. A spray can 240 according to the present invention (show partially; with major parts like those previously disclosed herein) has a
cap 243 according to the present invention which includes atube holder 250 formed integrally thereof. Thetube holder 250 has afirst ring 252 that, following removal of thetube holder 250 from thecap 243, formed for or is stretchable to releasably encircle thecap 243, aring 244 around the top of thecan 240, and/or thecan body 245. Thering 252 is connected to a holdingmember 256 by aconnection member 254. The holdingmember 256 has a hole 255 for releasably holding a tube. - As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, cuts or
incisions 247 leaving small breakable holding members 247 a facilitate removal of thetube holder 250 from thecap 243. Alternatively the tube holder/cap may be molded with a recess therearound which results in a relatively thin wall or member (without any cuts or incisions) holding the tube holder to the cap, the thin wall or member easily breakable or tearable to permit removal of the tube holder. Such a wall or member would look, in cross-section, like the structure shown in FIG. 27. Such thin wall or thin member structure may also be used with the caps of FIGS. 13, 17, 18, 21 and 22 to permit disengagement of an integrally formed tube holder and/or cap portion like cap portion 203 a. FIG. 28 shows acap 243 a (like the cap 243), but with molded small pieces orsprues 249 releasably holding thetube holder 250 to thecap 243. - FIGS.29-31 show a spray can 260 (like any disclosed herein) having a
hollow body 262. Atube holder 270 according to the present invention is initially connected to, taped to, or adhered to the outer surface of thecan 260. Upon initial detachment from or removal from thecan 260, a piece of protective tape ormaterial 271 is removed to expose an amount of adhesive 279 on atab 278 which is connected to or formed of aconnection member 274. The adhesive 279 permits re-connection of thetube holder 270 to any part of the can to prevent loss or misplacement of thetube holder 270 during or following use of the can. Theconnection member 274 connects a first ring 272 (e.g. likering 212, FIG. 13) to atube holder member 276 that has ahole 275 therethrough for receiving a tube. - It is within the scope of this invention for any tube holder in any FIGS.13-31 to be any tube holder disclosed herein. Such a tab of any size or shape may be used at any location on a tube holder and a single tube holder may have two, three or more of the tabs. Optionally (as may be done with any tube holder disclosed herein) the
connection member 274 may be deleted and either themember 276 is incorporated into thering 272; or a hole is provided through thering 272, in which cases themember 278 may be deleted or may be connected to or formed of thering 272. - The present invention, therefore, provides in certain, but not necessarily all embodiments, a spray can system with a spray can with a hollow body with contents therein and gas under pressure for expelling the contents therefrom, and nozzle apparatus connected to the spray can and having a nozzle with a fluid flow channel therethrough with an exit port for the passage of the contents out from the spray can, a cap releasably emplaced on the hollow body for covering the nozzle apparatus, a tube holder comprising a tube holder for holding a spray tube insertable into the nozzle, and the tube holder formed of the cap and separable therefrom for use on the spray can. Such a system may include one or some of the following, in any possible combination: the tube holder with a ring for encircling part of the spray can for mounting the tube holder to the spray can, an optional interconnection member having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to or formed integrally with the ring, and a holding member for holding the hollow spray tube either connected to or fromed integrally of the ring, or connected to or formed integrally with the second end of the interconnection member; wherein the ring is made of flexible stretchable material; wherein the tube holder is separable from a top of the cap; wherein the tube holder is separable from an interior portion of the cap; wherein the cap includes a sub-cap separable from the cap for releasably covering the nozzle apparatus following separation of the tube holder from the cap; wherein the tube holder is on a secondary member and separable therefrom and the secondary member is releasably connected to the cap; wherein the cap has an open top and the secondary member is emplaced over the open top, closing off the open top; and/or wherein the cap has a lower edge and the tube holder is initially releasably connected to the lower edge of the cap.
- The present invention, therefore, provides in certain, but not necessarily all embodiments, a spray can system with a spray can with a hollow body with contents therein and gas under pressure for expelling the contents therefrom, and nozzle apparatus connected to the spray can and having a nozzle with a fluid flow channel therethrough with an exit port for the passage of the contents out from the spray can, a cap releasably emplaced on the hollow body for covering the nozzle apparatus, a tube holder for holding a spray tube insertable into the nozzle, the spray can having a bottom edge, and wherein the tube holder is on a secondary member and separable therefrom and the secondary member is releasably connected at the bottom edge of the spray can. Such a system may include one or some of the following, in any possible combination: wherein the secondary member is releasably held within the bottom edge of the spray can by a friction fit therewith; wherein the secondary member has a recess therein in which the bottom edge of the spray can is releasably held; the tube holder with a ring for encircling part of the spray can for mounting the tube holder to the spray can, an optional interconnection member having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to or formed integrally with the ring, a holding member for holding the hollow spray tube and connected to or formed integrally with the second end of the interconnection member, and the tube holder formed of the cap and separable therefrom; and/or wherein the ring is made of flexible stretchable material.
- The present invention, therefore, provides in certain, but not necessarily all embodiments, a tube holder for holding a hollow spray tube or straw, the tube holder with a first ring for encircling an item such as a spray can or container, a holding member connected to or formed integrally with the ring, the holding member having a hole therethrough for receiving a spray tube, and at least one adhesive member on the tube holder for releasably attaching the tube holder to another item. Such a system may include one or some of the following, in any possible combination: the another item is a spray can or container; a removable cover on the at least one adhesive member for selectively exposing adhesive thereon; an interconnection member having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to or formed integrally with the first ring and the holding member connected to the second end; a spray can, the tube holder releasably connected to the spray can; and/or wherein the spray can has a hollow body with contents therein and gas under pressure for expelling the contents therefrom, and nozzle apparatus connected to the spray can and having a nozzle with a fluid flow channel therethrough with an exit port for the passage of the contents out from the spray can, and a cap releasably emplaced on the hollow body for covering the nozzle apparatus.
- FIGS.32A-32B show a
cap 300 for a spray can according to the present invention with aspray tube holder 310 initially separably connected to thecap 300. Alternatively, theholder 310 may be provided separately without attachment to a cap or other can portion. In one aspect thecap 300 is formed in a plastic mold and smallplastic parts 312 provide small holding members that can be easily broken and/or separated from a cap body 302 to release thespray tube holder 310 from thecap 300. Optionally thecap 300 may include an innercylindrical member 304 whose bottom edge fits around an edge of a spray can top. It is also within the scope of this invention for a relatively smaller cap, e.g. like thecylindrical member 304, to have a spray tube holder like thespray tube holder 310 releasably joined thereto. Optionally one or moreexterior tabs 311 may be provided on thering 314 to facilitate movement and manipulation of thetube holder 310. - As shown in FIG. 32D, the
spray tube holder 310 when separated from thecap 300 has part or all of theparts 312 projecting inwardly from a ring 314 (or a holder not initially part of a cap can be made this way according to the present invention.) Thering 314 may be rigid or stretchable. In one aspect thering 314 is sufficiently stretchable that, as shown e.g. in FIGS. 35 and 36, it may be stretched over a can's upper protruding edge or lip and the then be positioned securely around a can's body. As shown e.g. in FIG. 36, theparts 312 may be sized and configured so that thering 314 does not slip off the can body unless a person stretches it over either an upper or lower protruding edge or lip; and/or thering 314 itself with or without theparts 312 may be sized and/or sufficiently stretchable that it does not inadvertently fall from the can body. Also, thering 314's position on the can body may be adjusted as desired, e.g. so that it and/or a spray tube held by tghe spray tube holder are not in the way of a person's hand or parts thereof for manipulation, handling, and/or operation. - A
member 316 is formed integrally with thering 314 and, initially, has atube receiver 318 releasably connected to thering 314, e.g. by a thin or easily broken or severedplastic part 319. Thetube receiver 318 has ahole 317 therethrough from top to bottom which is sized to receive and hold a spray tube (or straw or other hollow member). Thehole 317 may be of the same diameter from top to bottom and sized so the spray tube is releasably held therein by a friction fit. Alternatively, the hole diameter at the top may taper from top to bottom or from bottom to top to facilitate emplacement of the spray tube in the hole. - FIG. 33 shows a
spray tube holder 320 according to the present invention which has a ring 324 (like thering 314 of the spray tube holder 310) with a plurality of inwardly projecting parts 322 (like theparts 312 in FIG. 32C or the remainder of theparts 312 in FIG. 32D). A member 326 (like the member 316) is formed integrally of or connected to thering 324. A tube receiver 328 (like the tube receiver 318) with a hole 327 (like the hole 317) is at one end of the member 326. - FIG. 34 shows a
spray tube holder 330 releasably positoned around acan 350. Thespray tube holder 330 has a ring 334 (like the ring 314) and a member 336 connected thereto with atube receiver 338 that has a hole 337 therethrough for a spray tube.Parts 332 project inwardly from the ring 334 to contact thecan 350. - FIG. 35 shows a spray tube holder360 (which may be like the
spray tube holders tube 364 into ahole 367 of thetube receiver 368. - FIG. 36 shows a spray tube holder370 (e.g., like any of the spray tube holders in FIGS. 32A, 33, 34 or 35) with a
spray tube 374 releasably held in atube receiver 378, thetube holder 370 emplaced around acan 372, while a person operates thespray can 372. A ring 376 of thetube holder 370 is sized and made of material suitably stretchable so that it can be moved over atop edge 379 of the spray can 372, but does not pass over theedge 379 or over alower edge 377 without a person moving and/or stretching the ring 376. - With certain existing molds for making caps for spray cans, the mold can be changed to include shaping for making a spray tube holder according to the present invention so that an entirely new mold is not necessary. Certain methods for making a spray can cap according to the present invention, therefore, includes taking an existing cap mold and modifying it do that the spray tube holder according to the present invention is formed integrally with the spray can cap.
- The present invention provides, therefore, in at least some (but not necessarily all) embodiments, a spray can system with a spray can with a hollow body with contents therein and gas under pressure for expelling the contents therefrom, and nozzle apparatus connected to the spray can and having a nozzle with a fluid flow channel therethrough with an exit port for the passage of the contents out from the spray can, a cap releasably emplaced on the hollow body for covering the nozzle apparatus, a tube holder with a tube holder for holding a spray tube insertable into the nozzle, the tube holder formed of the cap and separable therefrom, the tube holder having a ring, the tube holder connected to the cap by a plurality of connection members between the cap and the ring, the connection members severable so that at least a remaining part thereof remains connected to the ring and said part projects inwardly of the ring. Such a system may have one, some (in any possible combination) or all of the following: wherein the at least a remaining part of the connection members is sized and positioned for contacting the spray can when the ring is emplaced about the spray can; wherein the spray can has a lower protruding edge and the remaining part of the connection members is movable to abut the lower protruding edge and maintain the tube holder ring about the spray can; at least one tab projecting out from the ring to facilitate manipulation of the ring; wherein the ring is made of flexible stretchable material; and/or wherein the tube holder is separable from a bottom of the cap; the tube holder with a ring for encircling part of the spray can for mounting the tube holder to the spray can, an interconnection member having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to or formed integrally with the ring, a holding member for holding the hollow spray tube and connected to or formed integrally with the second end of the interconnection member.
- The present invention provides, therefore, in at least some (but not necessarily all) embodiments, a tube holder for holding a hollow spray tube, the tube holder with a first ring, a holding member connected to or formed integrally with the ring, the holding member having a hole therethrough for receiving a spray tube, the tube holder having a ring, the tube holder connected to the cap by a plurality of connection members between the cap and the ring, and the connection members severable so that at least a remaining part thereof remains connected to the ring and said part projects inwardly of the ring. Such a holder may have one, some (in any possible combination) or all of the following: an interconnection member having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to or formed integrally with the first ring and the holding member connected to the second end; and/or a spray can, the tube holder releasably connected to the spray can.
- The present invention provides, therefore, in at least some (but not necessarily all) embodiments, a method for emplacing a spray tube holder on a spray can, the method including emplacing a ring of the spray tube holder around the spray can, the spray tube holder having a spray can with a hollow body with contents therein and gas under pressure for expelling the contents therefrom, and nozzle apparatus connected to the spray can and having a nozzle with a fluid flow channel therethrough with an exit port for the passage of the contents out from the spray can, a cap releasably emplaced on the hollow body for covering the nozzle apparatus, a tube holder with a tube holder for holding a spray tube insertable into the nozzle, the tube holder formed separately or formed of the cap and separable therefrom, the tube holder having a ring, the tube holder connected to the cap by a plurality of connection members between the cap and the ring, the connection members severable so that at least a remaining part thereof remains connected to the ring and said part projects inwardly of the ring or the holder formed with these parts separately and not conneted to the cap, wherein the at least a remaining part of the connection members is sized and positioned for contacting the spray can when the ring is emplaced about the spray can, and wherein the spray can has a lower protruding edge and the remaining part of the connection members is movable to abut the lower protruding edge and maintain the tube holder ring about the spray can, and maintaining the spray tube holder around the spray can.
- In conclusion, therefore, it is seen that the present invention and the embodiments disclosed herein and those covered by the appended claims are well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends set forth. Certain changes can be made in the subject matter without departing from the spirit and the scope of this invention. It is realized that changes are possible within the scope of this invention and it is further intended that each element or step recited in any of the following claims is to be understood as referring to all equivalent elements or steps. The following claims are intended to cover the invention as broadly as legally possible in whatever form it may be utilized. The invention claimed herein is new and novel in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §102 and satisfies the conditions for patentability in §102. The invention claimed herein is not obvious in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §103 and satisfies the conditions for patentability in §103. This specification and the claims that follow are in accordance with all of the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §112.
Claims (12)
1. A spray can system comprising
a spray can with a hollow body with contents therein and gas under pressure for expelling the contents therefrom, and nozzle apparatus connected to the spray can and having a nozzle with a fluid flow channel therethrough with an exit port for the passage of the contents out from the spray can,
a cap releasably emplaced on the hollow body for covering the nozzle apparatus,
a tube holder comprising a tube holder for holding a spray tube insertable into the nozzle,
the tube holder formed of the cap and separable therefrom,
the tube holder having a ring, the tube holder connected to the cap by a plurality of connection members between the cap and the ring,
the connection members severable so that at least a remaining part thereof remains connected to the ring and said part projects inwardly of the ring.
2. The spray can system of wherein the at least a remaining part of the connection members is sized and positioned for contacting the spray can when the ring is emplaced about the spray can.
claim 1
3. The spray can system of wherein the spray can has a lower protruding edge and the remaining part of the connection members is movable to abut the lower protruding edge and maintain the tube holder ring about the spray can.
claim 1
4. The spray can system of further comprising
claim 1
at least one tab projecting out from the ring to facilitate manipulation of the ring.
5. The spray can system of wherein the ring is made of flexible stretchable material.
claim 1
6. The spray can system of wherein the tube holder is separable from a bottom of the cap.
claim 1
7. The spray can system of further comprising
claim 1
the tube holder further comprising
a ring for encircling part of the spray can for mounting the tube holder to the spray can,
an interconnection member having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to or formed integrally with the ring,
a holding member for holding the hollow spray tube and connected to or formed integrally with the second end of the interconnection member.
8. A tube holder for holding a hollow spray tube, the tube holder comprising
a first ring,
a holding member connected to or formed integrally with the ring, the holding member having a hole therethrough for receiving a spray tube,
the tube holder having a ring, the tube holder connected to the cap by a plurality of connection members between the cap and the ring, and
the connection members severable so that at least a remaining part thereof remains connected to the ring and said part projects inwardly of the ring.
9. The tube holder of further comprising
claim 8
an interconnection member having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to or formed integrally with the first ring and the holding member connected to the second end.
10. The tube holder of further comprising
claim 8
a spray can, the tube holder releasably connected to the spray can.
11. A method for emplacing a spray tube holder on a spray can, the method comprising
emplacing a ring of the spray tube holder around the spray can, the spray tube holder comprising a spray can with a hollow body with contents therein and gas under pressure for expelling the contents therefrom, and nozzle apparatus connected to the spray can and having a nozzle with a fluid flow channel therethrough with an exit port for the passage of the contents out from the spray can, a cap releasably emplaced on the hollow body for covering the nozzle apparatus, a tube holder comprising a tube holder for holding a spray tube insertable into the nozzle, the tube holder formed of the cap and separable therefrom, the tube holder having a ring, the tube holder connected to the cap by a plurality of connection members between the cap and the ring, the connection members severable so that at least a remaining part thereof remains connected to the ring and said part projects inwardly of the ring, wherein the at least a remaining part of the connection members is sized and positioned for contacting the spray can when the ring is emplaced about the spray can, and wherein the spray can has a lower protruding edge and the remaining part of the connection members is movable to abut the lower protruding edge and maintain the tube holder ring about the spray can, and
maintaining the spray tube holder around the spray can.
12. Any patentable invention disclosed herein.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/809,154 US6412657B2 (en) | 1997-06-04 | 2001-03-15 | Tube holder system and spray can therewith |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/868,789 US5887767A (en) | 1997-06-04 | 1997-06-04 | Holder for spray tube |
US26884099A | 1999-03-16 | 1999-03-16 | |
US09/672,614 US6412671B1 (en) | 1997-06-04 | 2000-09-29 | Spray can system and tube holder |
US09/809,154 US6412657B2 (en) | 1997-06-04 | 2001-03-15 | Tube holder system and spray can therewith |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/672,614 Continuation-In-Part US6412671B1 (en) | 1997-06-04 | 2000-09-29 | Spray can system and tube holder |
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US20010010319A1 true US20010010319A1 (en) | 2001-08-02 |
US6412657B2 US6412657B2 (en) | 2002-07-02 |
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US09/809,154 Expired - Fee Related US6412657B2 (en) | 1997-06-04 | 2001-03-15 | Tube holder system and spray can therewith |
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US (1) | US6412657B2 (en) |
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US7607556B2 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2009-10-27 | Monsanto Europe S.A. | Holder for attaching a sprayer to a fluid container |
US20070187436A1 (en) * | 2006-02-16 | 2007-08-16 | Oran Frederic M | Retractable extension tube for spray nozzles |
US8839994B2 (en) | 2012-01-27 | 2014-09-23 | Tyler S. Mason | Aerosol can spray nozzle extension tube adapter |
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USD787326S1 (en) | 2014-12-09 | 2017-05-23 | Ppg Architectural Finishes, Inc. | Cap with actuator |
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US6269985B1 (en) * | 2000-08-25 | 2001-08-07 | Delshar, Inc. | Device for securing a spray can dispensing tube |
-
2001
- 2001-03-15 US US09/809,154 patent/US6412657B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050205615A1 (en) * | 2004-01-23 | 2005-09-22 | Neubourg Skin Care Gmbh & Co. Kg | Nail tincture spray can |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US6412657B2 (en) | 2002-07-02 |
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