US3885717A

US3885717A - Child safety closure for aerosol containers

Info

Publication number: US3885717A
Application number: US352440A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ronald F Ewald
Original assignee: Seaquist Valve Co
Current assignee: AptarGroup Inc; Seaquist Perfect Dispensing LLC
Priority date: 1972-08-18
Filing date: 1973-04-19
Publication date: 1975-05-27
Anticipated expiration: 1992-05-27

Abstract

A childproof safety adaptor for an aerosol dispenser comprising an adaptor having at least one pair of resilient spaced finger guides formed thereon, each finger guide includes a locking ledge arranged to operatively engage the button actuator to prevent actuation of the dispenser when in the ''''locked'''' position. The spaced separation of the finger guides is such that a finger inserted therebetween moves the finger guides outwardly relative to each other, moving the locking ledges out of operative engagement with the button actuator thereby permitting vertical movement of the button actuator for actuation and wherein upon removal of the finger from between the finger guides, the locking ledges automatically return to the ''''locked'''' position.

Description

United States Patent Ewald May 27, 1975 CHILD SAFETY CLOSURE FOR AEROSOL 3,651,993 3/1972 Venus, Jr 222/402.11 x CONTAINERS 3,698,604 10/1972 Nlgro 222/182 3,712,515 1/1973 Corll 222/182 [75] Inventor: Ronald F. Ewald, Rolling Meadows,

Primary ExaminerStanley H. Tollberg [73] Assignee: Seaquist Valve Company, Cary, Ill. Assistant ExaminerN0Tman Stack, [22] F1 d A 19 1973 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Ste1n and Orman 1e pr.

[21] Appl. No.: 352,440 [57] ABSTRACT Related s Application Data A childproof safety adaptor for an aerosol dispenser [63] Continuatiomim an of Ser No 281 917 Aug 18 comprising an adaptor having at least one pair of resil- 1972 Pat NO 968 ient spaced finger guides formed thereon, each finger guide includes a locking ledge arranged to operatively 222 402.11 engage the button actuator to prevent actuatlon of the 8 B6551 83/14 dispenser when in the locked position. The spaced [58] Fig. 1 1 402 14 separation of the finger guides is such that a finger in- 222/402 12 182 187 2 serted therebetween moves the finger guides out- 220/85 T 2212151 b 6 f wardly relative to each other, moving the locking 200/169,}; 172 61 194/54 ledges out of operative engagement with the button actuator thereby permitting vertical movement of the button actuator for actuation and wherein upon re- [56] References Cited moval of the finger from between the finger gu1des, UNITED STATES PATENTS the locking ledges automatically return to the 2,606,977 8/1952 Gizzo 194 54 x 05mm 3,554,366 1/1971 c0111 p 3,608,785 9/ 1971 Durso 222/402.13 X 10 Claims, 32 Drawing Flgures 4| II II 43 56 T L l2 PATENTED W 2 75 SHEET FIG-.28

FIG. 26

FIG.3O

FIG. 27

CHILD SAFETY CLOSURE'FOR AEROSOL CONTAINERS This application is a continuation-in-part application of Ser. No. 281,917, filed on Aug. 18, 1972, which was subsequently issued as US. Pat. No. 3,786,968 on Jan. 22, 1974.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a childproof safety adaptor for an aerosol dispenser comprising an adaptor including at least one pair of locking ledges which cooperatively engage the button actuator to prevent actuation of the dispenser when the adaptor is in the locked position.

2. Description of the Prior Art Since the introduction of aerosol dispensers, there has been a continuing problem of inadvertent actuation of the dispensers. Unless some means to prevent accidental discharge of the aerosol during transportation and storage is provided, the consumer is not assured of purchasing a fully charged aerosol.

Another, more serious problem is that of young children discharging the aerosol contents. This is particularly critical when the product is a cleaning agent, insecticide or othehr potentially hazardousmatter commonly found in the home.

Numerous attempts have been made to provide tamperproof and childproof dispensers. The earliest and simplest of these is the cup-like overcap configured to detachably attach over the mounting cup and button actuator of the dispenser. Unfortunately, the simplicity of operation allows young children to remove the protective overcap from the dispenser with little effort. In addition, the separate overcap may inadvertently be left off the dispenser thereby removing the safety feature.

One of the principal obstacles in developing an effective childproof dispenser has been to design a dispenser which is reasonably simple for an adult to use and still be beyond the capabilities of young children. Most of the more effective designs comprise mechanisms which require a definite sequence of positioning the dispenser in thelocked or unlocked configuration. The dispenser must be relocked by repositioning the locking mechanism. As a result, the childproofing feature is subject to being inadvertently defeated by failure to relock the device. Unfortunately, many existing tamperproof dispensers include elaborate locking mechanisms which are complex in structure and prohibitively expensive to manufacture. In addition, these mechanisms usually require changes or redesign of the basic dispenser and valve assembly structure thereby increasing production costs.

Thus, while numerous attempts have been made to assign and manufacture an inexpensive, effective tamperproof/childproof aerosol dispenser, substantial room for development and improvement remains.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a child safety adaptor for an aerosol dispenser including means to prevent actuation of the dispenser by a finger of a predetermined dimension. More specifically, the present invention comprises an adaptor having at least one pair of spaced finger guides, each finger guide including a locking ledge.

The adaptor comprises a circular base having an annular skirt depending therefrom. The lower portion of the skirt includes an inwardly projecting annular lip that engages the outer circumfernce of the mounting cup to secure the safety adaptor to the dispenser. The finger guides are held in spaced relation relative to each other by a pair of resilient spring arms attached to the annular base. The locking ledges formed on the finger guides normally engage the button actuator to prevent actuation of the dispenser. Of course, a plurality of finger guide pairs may be used as an additional safety precaution.

In an alternate embodiment, a button depressor is added. The button depressor comprises a substantially cylindrical body including a centrally disposed button actuator recess formed therein to receive a button actuator attached to the valve stem. In this configuration, the locking ledges engage the button depressor rather than the button actuator.

In a second alternate embodiment, the adaptor may be attached to or integrally formed on the button actuator. In this configuration, the finger guides may be disposed either above or below the button actuator. As with teh first embodiment, a plurality of pairs of finger guides may be employed as an additional safety precaution.

Still another alternate-embodiment may include a second locking means which normally engages the finger guides to prevent relative movement therebetween when in the locked position.

As previously described, the locking ledges are biased in the normally locked position, the locking ledges operatively engage the button actuator to prevent vertical movement or actuation of the dispenser.

To actuate the dispenser, the operator inserts a finger between the finger guides toward the button actuator. The space between the finger guide is such that when an adult finger is inserted therebetween, the finger impinges against the sides of the finger guides expanding the guides outward relative to each other. As a result, the locking ledges are moved out of cooperative engagement with the button actuator to permit actuation because the button actuator is clear to pass inside the locking ledges. When a plurality of pairs of finger guides is employed, the finger must be inserted through each pair of finger guides to unlock the safety adaptor.

To deactuate, the finger is withdrawn allowing the finger guides and locking ledges to move inwardly toward the normally locked position. With the finger removed, the biasing spring in the valve forces the button actuator upward until the locking ledges again operatively engage the button actuator. The system is thus automatically locked until reactuated. The space between the finger guides is such that a small finger such as a childs finger is not wide engough to move the locking ledges out of operative engagement with teh button actuator.

Operation of the dispenser, including the second locking means is similar except the second locking means is initially moved out of operative engagement with the finger guides to permit separation therebetween as previously described.

Actuation of the alternative embodiment having a button depressor is similar in operation. By inserting a finger between the finger guides, the locking ledges are moved out of operative engagement with the button depressor, allowing the depressor to engage the button actuator and actuate the dispenser. Deactivation is similar to the basic embodiment except that as the operators finger is withdrawn, the locking ledges engage the button depressor to hold it out of operative engagement from the button actuator.

With the safety adaptor attached to the button actuator as in the second alternate embodiment, the finger guides and locking ledges are moved into and out of the locked and unlocked portion as previously described in the other embodiments.

Although as described, the adaptor is attached to the mounting cup or button actuator. It should be understood that the adaptor may be attached to the dispenser can itself.

This invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combinations of elements and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention reference should be had to the follow ing detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of the safety adaptor in the locked position.

FIG. 2 is a corss-sectional side view of the safety adaptor mounted on an aerosol dispenser taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the safety adaptor in the actuated position.

FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional front view of the safety adaptor taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional front view of an alternate embodiment of the safety adaptor in the locked position.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional front view of an alternate embodiment or the safety adaptor in the actuated position.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional front view of another alternate embodiment of the safety adaptor in the locked position.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional top view of still another alternate embodiment of the safety adaptor.

FIG. 9 is a crosssectional side view of still another alternate embodiment of the safety adaptor.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional top view of still another alternate embodiment of the safety adaptor.

FIG. 11 is a top view of another alternate embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top view of still another alternate embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the safety adaptor taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional top view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is still another alternate embodiment of the safety adaptor.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a top view of another alternate embodiment of the safety adaptor.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 20 in the locked position.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional top view taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 20 in the unlocked position.

FIG. 24 is a top view of another alternate embodiment of the safety adaptor.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 25 of the safety adaptor in the actuated position.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of another alternate embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional front view taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a top view of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 27 in the actuated position.

FIG. 30 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 31 is a top view of still another alternate embodiment of the safety adaptor.

FIG. 32 is a side view of the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 31.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, comprises a childproof safety adaptor 10 including a pair of finger guides 18 and 20 and locking

ledges

30 and 32 attached to a mounting cup 12.

The adaptor 10 comprises a horizontally disposed circular base 14 including aperture 16 and a pair of finger guides 18 and 20 attached thereto by resilient interconnecting means including a pair of

resilient spring arms

22 and 24 respectively which extend rearwardly from the base 14. Finger guides 18 and 20 cooperatively form a finger passage 19 therebetween. An annular skirt 26 depends from the outer periphery of the base 14. An inwardly projecting annular lip 28 is formed on the lower portion of skirt 26 to attach the adapter 10 to the aerosol container 11. The finger guides 18 and 20 include locking

ledges

30 and 32 respectively which are normally biased beneath the button actuator 34 (FIG. 1) to normally prevent vertical movement thereof. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the inside surfaces 36 and 38

guide fingers

18 and 20 may be contoured inwardly for ease of actuation.

Alternately, the childproof safety adaptor may comprise a hollow cylindrical base 152 as shown in FIGS. 13 through 16. As shown in FIG. 16, a vertically disposed rib member 154 extends across the diameter of base 152. Formed at the mid-point of rib member 154 is a cylindrical body 156 having discharge passage 158 formed therein. Formed in the sidewall of base 152 is discharge orifice 160 in communication with discharge passage 158 through terminal discharge passage 162. The cylindrical body 156 includes a stepped portion 164 to engage the top portion of the valve assembly. Resilient interconnecting means comprising a pair of vertically disposed

resilient spring arms

166 and 168 extend inwardly from the side wall of base 152. A pair of finger guides 170 and 172 are formed on the upper portions of

spring arms

166 and 168 respectively. The lower edges of

spring arms

166 and 168 comprise locking

ledges

174 and 176 respectively, as more fully described hereinafter. Finger guides 170 and 172 extend to either side of finger rest 178.

FIGS. 17 through 19 show an alternate embodiment of FIGS. 13 through 16 comprising a plurality of finger guide pairs 170a/172a and 170b/l72b with corresponding spring arms 166a/168a and 166b/168b, and locking ledges 174a/l76a. This embodiment operates similar to FIGS. 13 through 16 as more fully described hereinafter.

FIGS. 20 through 23 show still another alternate embodiment. The structure is similar to that shown in FIGS. 13 through 16 with addition of a second locking means. The second locking means comprises a pair of

grooves

179 and 180 formed on opposite sides of the base 152 with corresponding notches 182 and 184 respectively formed in the lower periphery of the sidewall of the base 152. Grooves 179/180 and notches 182/184 cooperatively form spring members 186/188 respectively. Extending upward from the rear portion of the base 152 is a locking member 190 which normally extends past the finger guides 170/172 to limit the outward separation of the finger guides 170/172 relative to each other when in the locked position as more fully described hereinafter.

Still another alternate embodiment of FIGS. 13 through 16 is shown in FIGS. 24 through 26. Instead of the locking ledges 174/176 normally engaging the turret 11, the resilient interconnecting means comprising resilient spring arms 166/168 extend over the rim or edge of the mounting cup 13 such that the locking ledges 174/176 operatively engage the rim of the mounting cup 13 when in the locked position as more fully described hereinafter.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show an alternate embodiment including a button depressor 40 including

notches

41 and 43 formed in the periphery thereof. In this embodiment, the adpator 42 comprises a substantially cylindrical interconnecting means 44 and a pair of substantially vertical finger guides 46 and 48 attached to the upper portion thereof. A pair of substantially

horizontal locking ledges

50 and 52, formed on the lower portion of finger guides 46 and 48 respectively, are normally biased (FIG. 4) in operative engagement with

notches

41 and 43. The finger guides 46 and 48 cooperatively form finger passage 54 therebetween. The adaptor 42 is snap fitted to the mounting cup 12 by inwardly projecting annular lip 56. As shown in FIG. 5, the operative engagement of

notches

41 and 42 with locking

ledges

50 and 52 prevents the operative engagement of button depressor 40 and button actuator 34.

FIG. 7 shows an adaptor of FIGS. 5 and 6 without the button depressor 40. In this embodiment, locking

ledges

50 and 52 may engage

notches

58 and 60 respectively formed in the sides of button actuator 34 (right side of FIG. 7) to prevent vertical movement of the button actuator 34 when in the locked position or simply engage the bottom surface of either actuator or depressor indicated or 62 and 64 respectively (left side of FIG. 7).

FIGS. 27 and 30 show an alternate embodiment of the structure in FIG. 7 including a button actuator 200 having an enlarged locking member 202 formed about the periphery thereof. The finger guides 46 and 48 comprise a pair of vertically disposed members includ- 6 ing tab members 204/206 and notch members 208/210 respectively. The lower edge of the notch members 208/210 form locking ledges 212/214 respectively. The adaptor may include a plurality of pairs of finger guides 46a--c/48ac as best shown in FIG. 29 or a single pair of finger guides 46/48.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show still another embodiment of the present invention. As best shown in FIG. 8, the mounting cup adaptor comprises a cup-shaped overcap 72 including a substantially vertical annular side wall 74 having a spray passage 76 formed in the side thereof opposite the spray orifice 35 of button actuator 34. A pair of vertically disposed finger guides 78 and 80 are attached to the rear portion of the sidewall 74 by

resilient spring arms

82 and 84 respectively. The finger guides 78 and 80 cooperatively form finger passage 86. In addition, a pair of actuator guards 92 and 94 are formed on finger guides 78 and 80 respectively.

FIG. 10 shows the adaptor as a cup-shaped overcap 96 including a substantially vertical annular side wall 98 having a spray passage 100 formed in the side thereof opposite the spray orifice 35 of button actuator 34. Finger passage 102 is formed in the side wall 98 above and ajacent to lip extension 104. When mounted on a dispenser by the

annular rings

106 and 108, the button actuator extends upwardly through aperture 110 into recess 112.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show another embodiment wherein the adaptor is attached or integrally formed on the button actuator 34. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the adaptor 10 comprises an annular base 14 including aperture 16 and a pair of finger guides 18 and 20 extending upwardly therefrom. The adaptor is attached to the button actuator 34 by a resilient spring arm 22 rearwardly from the forward portion of the base 14. Finger guides 18 and 20 cooperatively form a finger passage 19 therebetween. The finger guides 18 and 20 include locking

ledges

30 and 32 respectively which are normally biased beneath the button actuator 34 (FIG. 11) to prevent vertical movement of the button actuator 34. As best shown in FIG. 11, the inside surfaces 36 and 38 of

guide fingers

18 and 20 may be contoured inwardly to facilitate actuation.

FIGS. 31 and 32 show another alternate embodiment including a second locking means. The adaptor 216 comprises a cylindrical base 218 similar to that of FIGS. 20 through 23. Formed in the opposite sides of the base 218 are

grooves

220 and 222. Immediately rearward of

grooves

220 and 222 are locking

lugs

224 and 226 respectively extending upward from the periphery of the base 218. A finger depressor 228 disposed between the lugs 224/226 is formed on the base 218. Formed on the rear portion of finger guides /l72 are alignment slots 230/232 respectively corresponding to the locking lugs 224/226. As shown, the locking lugs 224/226 normally engage the sides of finger guides 170/ 172 respectively to prevent separation thereof as more fully described hereinafter.

As shown in FIG. 4, to actuate the dispenser, the operator inserts a finger into the finger passage 19 toward the button actuator 34. The space separation of the finger guides 18 and 20 is such that an adult will force the

guides

18 and 20 outwardly relative to each other moving the

lock ledges

30 and 32 out of operative engagement with the button actuator 34 thereby permitting vertical movement of the button actuator 34 to dispense product from the dispenser.

To actuate, the finger is withdrawn from the fingerv passage 19 allowing the finger guides 18 and and locking ledges and 32 to move inwardly toward the normally locked position. With the finger removed, the biasing spring of valve (not shown) forces the button actuator 34 upward until the locking

ledges

30 and 32 again operatively engage the button actuator 34. The system is thus automatically locked until reactuated.

The space between the finger guides 18 and 20 is such that a small childs finger is not wide enough to move the locking

ledges

30 and 32 out of operative engagement with the button actuator 34.

To actuate the dispenser of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 through 16, the operator inserts a finger between finger guides 170/172 forcing the guides outward relative to each other moving ,the locking ledges 174/176 out of operative engagement with the top of turrent 11 thereby permitting vertical movement of the adaptor 150 under the downward pressure of the finger depressing on top of finger rest 178 to dispense product from the dispenser.

To deactuate, the finger is simply withdrawn from between finger guides 170/172 allowing the resilient interconnecting spring arms 166/168 to move inwardly relative to the turret 11 towards the normally locked position. With the finger removed, the biasing spring of the valve (not shown) forces the adaptor 150 upward until the locking ledges 174/176 again operatively engage the top of turret 1 1. Thus, the system the automatically locked until reactuated. The alternate embodiment of FIGS. 17 through 19 operates identically to that of te structure shown in FIGS. 13 through 16 except that the finger must be inserted between the plurality of pairs of finger guides 170/172 in order to move the corresponding locking ledges 174/176 out of operamoval of the finger from between the finger guides 170/172, the locking ledges will automatically lock the systems until reactuated.

As previously discussed, the embodiment of FIGS. 20 through 23 includes a second locking means comprising locking member 190 disposed relative to finger guides 170/ 172 such that relative movment therebetween is normally prevented. Grooves 178/180 and notches 182/184 permit rotation of the rear portion of base 152 downward moving locking member 190 out of operative engagement with the finger gudies 170/172 thereby permitting actuation of the device as previously described above. Upon release of locking member 190, the rear portion of base 152 again returns to a first or locked position where it again limits the outward separation of the finger guides 170/ 172 relative to each other.

The embodiment as shown in FIGS. 24 through 26' operates identically with those shown in FIGS. 13 through 16 except the locking ledges 174/176 normally engage rim of mounting cup 13 rather than the top of turret 1 1. Otherwise the operation of separating the finger guides 170/172 relative to each other to move the locking ledges 174/176 out of operative engagement with the mounting cup 13 to permit vertical movement of the finger rest 178 is identical.

Actuation of the alternate embodiment of FIGS. 5

through 7 is similar. By inserting a finger between the finger guides 46 and 48, the locking

ledges

50 and 52 are moved out of operative engagement with the button depressor 40, allowing the depressor to engage the button actuator 34 and actuate the dispenser. Deactivation is similar to the basic embodiment except that as the operators finger is withdrawn, the locking ledges and 52 engage the button depressor 40 to hold it out of operative engagement from the button actuator 34.

Operation of te alternate embodiment of FIGS. 27 through 30 is similar to that of FIGS. 5 through 7 previously discussed. Specifically, insertion of a finger between finger guides 46/48 and against tab member 204/206 causes finger guides 46/48 to move outwardly relative to the button actuator 200 thereby disengaging locking ledges 212/214 from enlarged locking member 202 permitting vertical movement of the button actuator 200 relative to the dispenser thereby actuating the dispenser. Deactuation is similar to that of the basic embodiment except that as the operators finger is withdrawn, the locking ledges 212/124 engage enlarged locking member 202 to prevent vertical movement of the button actuator 200 relative to the dispenser. 4

To operate the alternate embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, the operator inserts a finger between finger guides 78 and 80. If the finger is larger than the predetermined size, the finger guides 78 and 80 will flex outwardly away from each other increasing the separator between finger guards 92 and 94 permitting the finger to pass therebetween to operate the button actuator 34. Upon removal of the finger, the finger guards 92, 94 and finger guides 78, 80 will return to the normal position.

As shown in FIG. 10, the lip extension 104 requires that actuating finger exceeds a predetermined length in order to extend through the finger passage and engage the button actuator.

The operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 is identical to that of FIGS. 1 through 4. lnsertion'of a finger greater than a peredetermined size into the finger passage 19 forces the finger guides 18 and 20 out-' wardly relative to each other moving the locking

ledges

30 and 32 out of operative engagement with the button actuator 34 thereby permitting vertical movement of the button actuator 34 to the dispense product from the dispenser. Upon withdrawal of the finger from the finger passage 19, finger guides 18 and 20 and locking

ledges

30 and 32 move inwardly to the normally locked position.

The embodiment of FIGS. 31 and 32 operates similarly to that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20 through 23. Specifically, the alternate embodiment comprises a double lock adaptor 216 wherein the locking lugs 224/226 form a second locking means to prevent the separation of the finger guides when in the locked position. To actuate, the finger depressor 228 is pressed forward relative to the base 218 moving locking lugs 220/224 into operative alignment with alignment slots 230/232 respectively such that the finger guides /172 may be separated by insertion of a finger therebetween moving locking ledges 174/176 out of operative engagement with the turret 11. As previously described, finger rest 178 may be depressed to actuate the valve assembly. Upon deatuation the safety adaptor automatically returns to the locked position.

By this unique combination of structural elements, applicant invented a childproof safety adaptor which provides a maximum of safety. This is accomplished since the adaptor automatically returns to the lockedposition upon deatuation. This configuration is readily adaptable to existing overcaps and aerosol valves.

It will thus be seen that the objects of this invention, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, and since ceratin changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Now that the invention has been described, what is claimed is:

l. A safety adaptor for an aerosol dispenser comprising control means to prevent actuation of a valve actuating means by a finger less than a predetermined width, said control means comprisng a base attached tp said aerosol dispenser, said base including at least one pair of finger guides attached thereto by resilient interconnecting means, said resilient interconnecting means disposed to movably bias said finger guides in predetermined spaced relation to one another, at least one of said finger guides including a locking means disposed thereon to operatively engage an element of said aerosol dispenser to prevent actuation of said dispenser when in a locked position, said finger guides being movable away from one another and against the biasing portion of said resilient interconnecting means, whereby said locking means is moved out of operative engagement with said aerosol dispenser to permit movement of said valve actuation means and actuation of the dispenser.

2. The safety adaptor of claim 1 wherein said resilient interconnecting means comprises a pair of resilient spring arms each extending from said adaptor to one of said finger guides.

3. The safety adaptor of claim 1 wherein said element of said aerosol dispenser comprises a turret.

4. The safety adaptor of claim 1 wherein said element of said aerosol dispenser comprises an overcap.

5. The safety of claim 1 wherein said locking member comprises a pair of locking lugs extending upwardly from the base to normally engage said finger guides and alignment means, said locking lugs movable to said alignment means, said locking lugs and said alignment means arranged relative to each other, such that said locking lugs are movable to operatively align said alignment means relative to said locking lugs to permit separation of said finger guides relative to each other to operate said dispensing device.

6. The safety adaptor of claim 1 wherein said base comprises a hollow substantially cylindrical enclosure attached to said aerosol dispenser, said finger guides extending inwardly from the inner periphery of said cylindrical enclosure and arranged relative to the turret of said aerosol dispenser to operatively engage said turret to prevent actuation of said dispenser when in the locked position, the spaced relation of said finger guides relative to each other being such that when a finger of a predetermined dimension is inserted between said finger guides said finger guides are separated operatively disengaging said locking means from said turret means to permit movement of said valve actuation means to actuate said dispenser.

7. The safety adaptor of claim 6 wherein said base includes a plurality of pairs of said spaced finger guides, each said pair arranged relative to said turret and said valve actuation means such that said locking means operatively engages said turret to prevent actuation of said assembly when in the locked position, each of said plurality of pairs movable out of operable engagement to permit movement of said valve actuation means to actuate said dispenser.

8. The safety adaptor of claim 6 wherein said control means includes a second locking means, said second locking means comprising a locking member formed on said cylindrical base and arranged relative to said finger guides to prevent movement of said finger guides relative to each other when said device is in the locked position, said second locking means further including means to permit movement of said second locking means out of operative engagement with said finger guides to permit separation of said finger guides such that said locking means are moved out of operative engagement with said turret to permit movement of said valve actuation means to actuate said dispenser.

9. The safety adaptor in claim 8 wherein said means to permit movement of said second locking means relative to said finger guides comprises a pair of grooves formed on opposite sides of said cylindrical base and a pair of corresponding notches formed about the lower portion of said cylindrical base such that said grooves and said corresponding notches cooperatively form a spring means to permit said ridge to move out of operative engagement with said finger guides.

10. The safety adaptor in claim 8 wherein said locking member comprises a pair of locking lugs extending upwardly from the base to normally engage said finger guides and alignment means, said locking lugs and said alignment means arranged relative to each other, said locking lugs movable to said alignment means such that said locking lugs are movable to operatively align said alignment means relative to said locking lugs to permit separation of said finger guides relative to each other to operate said dispensing device.

UNllED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTIGN .atenr: No. 13/885,717 Dated May 1975 lnventg -(s) Ronald P. Ewald It is certified that error appears in-the above-identified patent. and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 27, delete fot'hehr" and insert therefor other-f Column 1, line 57-, delete- "'-a ssign""and insert therefor Q f-. d'es'i n 4 Column 2, line 24, -de'lfe" :e- 'Kteh" and insert the..-. Column 2, line 55,- delete F'en'goughf' and insertfltherefor 4 ..en ou gh f Column 2, line 56 cle'liete--'.'teh" and insert therefor ..th i' -u-' 1 4 r Column 7, line l8 de'l'ete jj fiturrentffl and insert therefor f in Column 7, line 29 delete .-the third-oc cur'ence of "the"' and insieirtftherefor. is .Column 7, line 32, defle1tef f'? te"-' and insert therefor the Q Signed and Sealed this thirtieth D f March 1976 [SEAL] Arrest:

RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Arresting Officer (ummissinnvr ufPatenls and Trademarks UNlIlLD STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTIGN Patent: No. 3 I 885 r 717 Dated May 27 1975 Inventor(g) Ronald P. Ewald It is certified th at error appeare in the above-identified patent. and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 27, delete-"[othehr" and insert therefor r;, I Column 1, line 57, delete-{"assign"and insert therefor -f-. die's'in Column 2, line 24, 'dellfe'te- 'Kteh" and insert the-. Column 2,- line 55, delete *F'en'gough and insertltherefor V I- 1 C Column 2, line 56 d e'lie-teff'teh" and insert the-refor' Column 7, line 18, de'l'ete i f turrentTI and insert therefor I i iupret 2 1 Column 7, line 29, c1e] e "te,-*'t :he thirdoccur'eric of "the" and i iSiQ'rt therefor; is x .Column 7, line 32, d efle jtej j'ite and insert therefor the Signed and Scaled thisthirtieth D f March 1976 [SEAL] Arrest:

RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Arresting Officer Commissioner nj'Parenls and Trademarks

Claims

1. A safety adaptor for an aerosol dispenser comprising control means to prevent actuation of a valve actuating means by a finger less than a predetermined width, said control means comprisng a base attached tp said aerosol dispenser, said base including at least one pair of finger guides attached thereto by resilient interconnecting means, said resilient interconnecting means disposed to movably bias said finger guides in predetermined spaced relation to one another, at least one of said finger guides including a locking means disposed thereon to operatively engage an element of said aerosol dispenser to prevent actuation of said dispenser when in a locked position, said finger guides being movable away from one another and against the biasing portion of said resilient interconnecting means, whereby said locking means is moved out of operative engagement with said aerosol dispenser to permit movement of said valve actuation means and actuation of the dispenser.