WO2007016733A1

WO2007016733A1 - A spray cap with a hook projecting outside the skirt of the cap through a slot

Info

Publication number: WO2007016733A1
Application number: PCT/AU2006/001121
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philip Craig Withers
Original assignee: International Consolidated Business Pty. Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-08-08
Filing date: 2006-08-07
Publication date: 2007-02-15

Abstract

A spray cap for an aerosol container, the spray cap having a top portion and a skirt extending downwardly therefrom and adapted to mount on an aerosol container, wherein the spray cap has an integrally formed and downwardly extending hook which projects outside the skirt through a slot therein, whereby the hook is adapted to removably hold an aerosol container in a vertical direction longitudinal to and substantially parallel to a wall when the spray cap is mounted on an aerosol container.

Description

A SPRAY CAP WITH A HOOK PROJECTING OUTSIDE THE SKIRT OF THE CAP THROUGH A SLOT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a storage system for a spray dispenser, particularly an aerosol spray dispenser, related to the cap of the spray dispenser which allows a user to strategically position, mount and store the dispenser in a desired location ready for use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditional spray type dispenser containers such as aerosol cans are typically stored loose in cupboards, shelves, drawers, balanced on top of toilet cisterns, window ledges or the like. However, such storage methods can create a cluttered appearance when stored loose, particularly when one or more of these containers are knocked over.

To this end such dispensers are usually stored out of sight, away from the main point of usage in a cupboard, drawer or other hidden storage area. However, due to this hidden location, a user may then have difficulty in locating the dispenser when they desire to use the dispenser. Furthermore, if the dispenser is urgently needed at the point of usage, the user must spend valuable time locating the dispenser before they can use it.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a storage system for a spray dispenser of which a user can strategically position and mount the dispenser in a desired location on a mounting, and thereafter move the spray dispenser on and off the mounting quickly and easily.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a spray cap for an aerosol container, the spray cap having a top portion and a skirt extending downwardly therefrom and adapted to mount on an aerosol container, wherein the spray cap has an integrally formed and downwardly extending hook which projects outside the skirt through a slot therein, whereby the hook is adapted to removably hold an aerosol container in a vertical direction longitudinal to and substantially parallel to a wall when the spray cap is mounted on an aerosol container.

The downwardly extending hook of the cap can be adapted to removably engage with a complementary upwardly extending hook of a support plate adapted to fix to the wall. The support plate can have an adhesive strip to fix to the wall.

The spray cap and an aerosol container on which it is mountable can have a horizontal section shape that is generally circular or generally ovoid.

The complementary hooks of the spray cap and the support plate can be arcuate in horizontal section with a curvature generally corresponding to the curvature of the spray cap and an aerosol container on which it is mountable. The hook of the support plate can be provided by upstanding posts arcuately spaced apart from one another.

The spray cap can have an actuator adapted to engage a valve on an aerosol container on which the spray cap is mounted, wherein the actuator is provided with a nozzle directed through the slot in the skirt and a conduit forming a liquid communication between the nozzle and the valve, wherein the actuator pivotally extends from the skirt opposite the slot. The downwardly extending hook can be a continuation of the actuator.

The actuator can be provided between two spaced internal transverse walls lying in vertical plane and extending downwards from the top portion of the spray cap.

The spray cap and its hook, actuator and nozzle can be integrally moulded plastic.

The present invention also provides a kit of parts for holding an aerosol container in a vertical direction longitudinal to and substantially parallel to a wall, including the spray cap and the support plate. The kit of parts can further include an aerosol container.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a spray dispenser storage system comprising: • a spray dispenser for dispensing fluid, the dispenser comprising a container forming a fluid reservoir and a cap secured over the top of the container, the cap including a first mounting connection; and

• a storage bracket for storage of the spray dispenser, the storage bracket capable of being affixed to a substantially vertical surface in a desired location, the storage bracket including a second mounting connection having a configuration adapted to be fitted to the first mounting connection of the cap; wherein the combination of the first and second mounting connections comprise at least one mounting projection adapted to be secured within at least one mounting cavity or slot of which in use allows the spray dispenser to be secured onto the storage bracket by inserting the mounting projection into the mounting cavity thereby forming a connection which supports the spray dispenser on the storage bracket.

Preferably, the first mounting connection comprises mounting cavity or slot having an opening on an outer surface of the cap and the second mounting connection comprises at least one mounting projection adapted to be secured within a mounting cavity of the cap.

The features of the mounting system of the present invention therefore allows the user to strategically store or otherwise position the container on the storage bracket affixed to a wall in any desired location ready for use. This storage position may be near the main point of usage, or in an easily accessible position where the user is able to easily locate the dispenser.

The cap of the spray dispenser provides one part of the mounting connection of the present invention, the mounting cavity, the other part of the connection being provided by the mounting projection of the storage bracket. In order to form an appropriately fitted connection, the configurations of the mounting projection and mounting cavity are - A -

designed to have complementary configurations. As can be understood, the complementary mounting projection and cavity/slot could therefore comprise any male/female connection system in which the male mounting projection is secured within the female mounting cavity in order to mount the spray dispenser on the bracket.

It is preferable that the spray dispenser is constructed to be easily removable and replaceable onto and off the storage bracket. Accordingly, it is preferable that the projection and cavity only provide a loosely fitting interlocking connection. In this regard, the mounting projection more typically comprises a hook like device providing a friction fitted member designed to be enclosed within the mounting cavity. This therefore forms a loosely fitting connection between the spray dispenser and the storage bracket, allowing a user to quickly and easily lift the dispenser off the storage bracket for use. However, in other embodiments of the invention the projection and cavity can also comprise a releasably interlocking connection. For example, the projection could comprise an arrow head or other form of projection which can releasably interlock with a cavity or surface within the cavity. The releasably interlocking connection therefore can releasably secure the spray dispenser to the storage bracket.

The mounting projection can be a spike, pole, pimple, ledge, lip, plane, teeth, fence, wall, panel or other shaped projection which can be inserted into the mounting cavity of the cap. The particular shape and configuration of the mounting projection is preferably adapted to be captured, friction fitted, releasably locked or otherwise retained within the cavity and also support the spray dispenser on the storage bracket.

Correspondingly, the mounting cavity comprises a complementary recess/cavity configured to enclose the mounting projection and retain the spray dispenser on the storage bracket. The mounting cavity is typically a recess or slot extending from an opening on the outer surface of the cap into an internal recess. The cavity is preferably formed within an additional protuberance located within, outside of or attached to the outer surface of the cap. The orientation of the cavity and the location of the accommodating structure are dependent on the orientation in which the mounting projection is to engage with the mounting cavity.

In one embodiment of the invention, the mounting projection is orientated horizontally with respect to a vertical wall, on which the storage bracket is attached. Accordingly, the mounting cavity is orientated horizontally with respect to the vertical central axis of the spray dispenser.

In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting projection is orientated vertically with respect to a wall on which the storage bracket is attached. Accordingly, the mounting cavity is orientated vertically with respect to the vertical central axis of the spray dispenser, in order to allow the projection to be mounted into the cavity in relation to the configuration of the spray dispenser. In this embodiment the mounting projection therefore provides a generally upwardly directed member relative to the ground designed to be slotted or otherwise captured within the downwardly directed cavity. This results in a secure mounting between the dispenser and storage bracket.

In one embodiment of the invention, the mounting projection typically comprises an upwardly directed panel and the cavity comprises a downwardly directed slot. To mount the spray dispenser on the bracket, the panel is inserted into the cavity, allowing the cap of the spray dispenser to rest on top of the projection.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the mounting projection comprises at least one upwardly directed pole. The corresponding cavity can comprise any suitable hole or slot of that can accommodate the pole. For example, in one embodiment the cavity can comprises at least one downwardly directed cylindrical hole sized so that the pole(s) friction fit within the holes. In another embodiment, the cavity comprises a slot, in which the pole or poles can be inserted. In the case of two or more poles, the poles can be space apart along the width of the bracket, typically in a row, to define a line of poles of an equivalent width to the width of the slot.

In some embodiments of the invention, the mounting projection can taper from a smaller thickness/diameter at the distal end to a larger thickness/diameter at the proximal end. This can allows the distal end to more easily be inserted into the cavity.

Typically, to accommodate the preferred hook like structure of the mounting projection, the mounting cavity is configured as a downwardly projecting hole or slot having an opening with one side bordering the outer perimeter of the container and a second opposite side providing a substantially parallel space apart surface between which the projection can be slid or otherwise placed. The spray dispenser is therefore mounted by sliding the projection, typically being an upwardly directed member or members, between the spaced apart sides of the slot, thereby capturing the projection in the slot. The cavity therefore sits on top of the projection, holding the spray dispenser onto the storage bracket. However, it is understood that the reverse configuration of the mounting cavity being located on the storage bracket and the mounting projection being located on the dispenser is also possible. In each embodiment, the mounting cavity could be tapered, having a wider diameter or cavity dimensions at the opening and a smaller cavity dimensions at the inner end of the cavity.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cavity is formed in an outer rectangular protrusion attached at the outer perimeter or circumference of the cap. Typically, the protrusion forms a step like structure on one side of the cap. Preferably, the cavity extends to an opening positioned in a downwardly directed orientation.

The cap of the dispenser can comprise any number of components. In one embodiment of the invention, the cap comprises a one piece cap, having all component parts such as a mounting connection, trigger, button, nozzle or combination thereof located on a single cap piece. In another embodiment of the invention, the cap of the dispenser is a multi-piece cap having component parts such as a mounting connection, trigger, button, nozzle or any combination thereof placed on separate interconnecting or interspaced pieces.

The nozzle can typically comprise any suitable constriction which produces a spray of fluid when the fluid release valve is activated. In this respect, the nozzle can be shaped or otherwise designed to produce any desired spray pattern or liquid flow desired. In one particular embodiment of the invention, the constriction comprises at least one circular opening. In another embodiment of the invention, the constriction comprises at least one horizontally orientated slit. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the constriction comprises at least one vertically orientated slit.

Typically, the spray bottle comprises an aerosol type dispenser which is internally pressurised. However, it is to be understood that the spray bottle could comprise any type of spray dispensing means whether the spray is pre-pressurizes in the spray bottle or can be externally and/or manually pressurised by a user via a pump or the like.

In a preferable embodiment of the invention, the cap also includes a nozzle through which fluid from the container can be dispensed. More preferably, the nozzle of the cap of the dispenser is located on the same side of the container as the mounting cavity. Therefore, when the container is mounted on the bracket, the nozzle faces towards the mounting surface. This therefore positions the nozzle away from the user in storage, reducing the opportunity of accidental emission on the user. Additionally, in this orientation a user is able to easily dismount the dispenser from the mounting bracket and have the nozzle orientated substantially away from them, facing forward when lifted, ready for use.

The mounting bracket can be mounted to wall using suitable securing methods including gluing, nailing, screwing, cementing, adhesive attachment or the like. It is preferable however, that the mounting bracket is mounted onto a wall using a double sided adhesive tape which is attached to a rear surface of the mounting bracket. This produces less overt damage to the wall. More preferably, the adhesive tape is of a removable type, allowing the bracket to be removed from the wall for repositioning, relocation, disposal or the like.

The spray dispenser is typically an aerosol spray dispenser, spray pump dispenser, trigger spray dispenser or the like. Preferably, the spray disperser comprises an aerosol can type dispenser. The aerosol dispenser typically contains a fluid adapted to a specific household, domestic, industrial or other such tasks. Preferably, the fluid could comprise an insect repellent, perfume, deodorisers, cleaning agent, sanitising agent, disinfecting agent, lubricating agent, antirust agent, paint or other colouring or staining type agent, foaming agent, scouring agent, oils, pepper spray, fire extinguisher, lubricants or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a particular preferred embodiment thereof by way of non-limiting example, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of one preferred form of the spray dispenser of the present invention, the container portion of the dispenser is shown in broken lines in order to emphasis the shape of this container is not essential to the working of the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the spray dispenser storage system in an unmounted state, with the spray dispenser of figure 1 shown in combination with a rear perspective view of the storage bracket and mounting adhesive for the bracket.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the spray dispenser storage system with the spray dispenser hooked onto the storage bracket.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket shown in figures 2 and 3.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative form of the storage bracket.

Figure 6 is a side elevation of the dispenser storage system positioned on a wall with the dispenser hooked onto the storage bracket, in which part of the storage bracket and mounting cavity of the cap is shown in cut out to illustrate the details of the engagement of the hook and cavity mounting sections of the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustrated embodiment of the spray dispenser storage system comprises an aerosol can spay dispenser 10 which can be hooked onto a hook type wall mountable storage bracket 12 using an interlocking hook 14 and complementary cavity 16 connection system.

The aerosol spray dispenser 10, as shown in figures 1 and 2 consists of a pressurised fluid storage container 18 on top of which is securely attached a dispensing cap 20. The pressurised fluid storage container 18 forms a fluid reservoir in which fluid, typically a liquid having at least one active ingredient such as a perfume, cleaning agent, disinfectant, paint, oil or the like is stored under pressure. The storage container 18 is typically of a cylindrical design, as indicated by the shape defined by the dotted lines. However, it is to be understood that the particular shape of the storage container 18 is not an essential feature of the invention, and that many other shapes, such as spherical, cubic, or the like could be used in conjunction with the illustrated cap 20 and mounting bracket 12 with little effect on how the storage system of the present invention functions. Fluid is dispensed from the container 18 by depressing a fluid release valve (not illustrated) at the top of the container, releasing the fluid out of the container into the cap and through a nozzle 22 situated in the cap 20.

The cap 20 is of a tubular design, having an outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the container 18. The illustrated cap is constructed of a polymer/plastic material. The cap 20 is affixed to the upper portion of the container 18 using a tongue 46 and groove 48 arrangement. The tongue 46 comprises an annular rib located at the inner lower surface of the cap 20. The groove 48 comprises an annular trench located in a recessed upper portion of the container 18. The flexibility of the plastic material of construction allows the lower end of the cap 20 to be deformed and snap fit into the groove. The snap fitting of the tongue 46 into the groove 48 is very tight, and tightly secures the cap 20 on top of the container 18. In this manner a reasonable amount of force is required to detach the cap 20 from on top of the container 18. The cap 20 is effectively affixed to the top of the container 18 under normal usage and storage conditions. The main function of the cap 20 is to act as a release and directional means for the pressurised liquid from within the container. The cap 20 therefore provides a button 24 for controlling the fluid release valve of the container, and also a directional nozzle 22 for directing the fluid in a specific direction when the valve is activated when the button 24 is depressed. The button is situated on or near the rear of the cap configuration, giving the user easy access to the button 24 when gripping the container 18 in one hand. This allows the user to depress the button 24 with one finger and use the remaining fingers and thumb of that hand to grip the container 18.

The nozzle 22, on the other hand, is positioned at the front face 26 being directed outwardly from the centre of the cap, at perpendicular to the vertical central axis X-X of the dispenser 10. Accordingly, when a user is gripping the container 18 on the rear face 27 of the container, the nozzle 22 is automatically positioned in the forward facing direction, ready to aim a desired target. The nozzle 22 can comprise any suitable constriction which produces a spray of fluid when the fluid release valve is activated. The nozzle 22 can be shaped or otherwise designed to produce any desired spray pattern or liquid flow desired.

In order to more easily store the aerosol dispenser 10, the dispensing cap 20 is provided with a mounting slot 16 on the front face 26 of cap 20, below the nozzle 22 of the cap 12.

The mounting slot 16 is formed by an outwardly projecting step 28 having an outer surface

20 projecting beyond the outer circumference of the container 18. The step 28 encloses a substantially rectangular cavity 16 formed between two pairs of opposite spaced apart walls which define the walls of the cavity 16. The top wall 38 of the cavity 16 is sloped, in accordance with the sloping upper surface 40 of the step 28. The cavity 16 can be accessed through a downwardly orientated rectangular opening 42 (relative to the ground).

The mounting hook 14 is inserted through the opening 42.

The depth D of the step 28 does not protrude significantly past the outer circumference of the container 18 due to the depth dimension H of the hook 14 which is accommodated within the cavity 16. In this respect, the step 28 containing the mounting cavity 16 has been designed to only comprise a minor additional protuberance from the features of the cap 26. The actual configuration of the step 28 is therefore designed to be an ascetically pleasing addition to the features of the cap 20, with the aim of not taking up much additional area in comparison to traditional configurations of aerosol container caps designed only fit over the upper end of a pressurised aerosol container 18. Moreover, the lateral annular surfaces of the step 28, such as the outer face 30 and inner sides of the cavity 34 and 36 are curved parallel to the circumference of the cap 20 and container 18. This annular curve also blends the configuration of the step 28 in with the other features and shape of the cap 20.

The wall mountable storage bracket 12 constitutes the other main section of the storage system of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment shown in figures 2, 3 and 4, the storage bracket 12 consists of rectangular backing panel 50 having a raised hook projection 14 located at the lower end of the backing panel 50.

The backing panel 50 consists of a square flat wall mounting rear surface 52, on which a double sided adhesive tape 54 can be placed for attachment to the wall. The illustrated double sided adhesive tape 54 is prepared for use by detaching the non adhesive covering layers 58 to reveal the double sided adhesive piece 56. One side of the double sided adhesive piece 56 is placed on the wall mounting rear surface 52, and the other side of the double sided adhesive piece 56 is placed on a vertical surface in a desired location, thereby mounting the storage bracket 12 in this location. The front surface 59 of the backing panel 50 consists of a laterally curved surface. The curve of this surface corresponds to the curve in the outer front surface 30 of the step 28, so as to provide a congruent surface when the dispenser 10 is mounted in the bracket 12.

The backing panel 50 extends to the hook structure 14 of the bracket 12 via two bracing pole 60 and 62. Effectively, the bracing poles frame an aperture A in the backing panel 50 having the same height as the front panel 65 of the hook 14.

The inner surface of the hook 14 consists of a stepped structure, having a base panel 66 defining the base of the bracket 12, extending to a first arcuate step 68, forming a plateau 69 and then extending to a second step 70 which ends at the upper distal end 72 of the hook 14. The step structure provides a rigid structure for the structure of the hook 14. Furthermore, the surfaces resulting from the structure provide resting points for the step 28 and mounting cavity 16 when the dispenser 10 is mounted in the bracket 12. Referring to figure 6, it can be seen that when the dispenser 10 is mounted in the bracket 12 the upper distal end 72 of the hook 14 is resting on the upper surface 38 of the cavity 16 and that the lower distal end 31 of the step 28 is resting on the plateau 69 of the first step 68.

The outer surface of the hook 14 consists of a uniform laterally curved panel 65, which, has a curved surface corresponding to the curve within the cavity 16 of the step 28, so as to provide a congruent surface between the hook 14 and cavity 16 when the dispenser 10 is mounted in the bracket 12.

Figure 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the wall mountable storage bracket 12. This embodiment consists of a similar backing panel structure as the previously described embodiment. However, the hook structure 14 differs in that the hooks comprise two spaced apart posts 14A and 14B rather than the arcuate stepped panel 14 of the previous embodiment. The posts 14A and 14B can be used in the same mounting cavity 16 as the cap 20 shown in figures 1 and 2. In this regard, the poles are positioned at the dimensional extremities corresponding to the transverse sides of the cavity 16, and therefore engage these sides when slid into the cavity 16. Nevertheless, it can be imagined that a specifically tailored cavity 16 could also be used, being configured as two spaced apart conical holes in which the poles 14A and 14B are inserted. As can be observed in figure 5, the poles are also tapered, starting from a smaller dimension at the distal outer end 70 and progressively tapering to a larger dimension at the lower proximal end 72 of the poles. The progressive taper is used to assist in the mounting and removal of the cavity 16 onto the poles 14A and 14B. It is thought that without the taper, it would be more difficult to insert the poles 14A and 14B into the narrow slit defined by the cavity 16.

In order to use the illustrated storage system, a user must first mount the storage bracket 12 in a desired location, preferably on a substantially vertical wall in this location. This is achieved by firstly attaching one side of the double sided adhesive 54 to the backing panel 50 of the storage bracket 12. The storage bracket 12 is then positioned in an upright vertical orientation with the top side 51 on top and the distal end 72 of the hook 14 pointing in an upwardly direction and attached to the wall by firmly affixing the other side of the double sided adhesive 54 to the desired position in this location. Enough space should be left below the storage bracket 12 to allow the container 18 of the spray dispenser 10 to be suspended below the bracket 12.

The spray dispenser 10 can then be mounted on the storage bracket 12 by orienting the front face 26 towards the front face of the bracket 12. The curved front face 30 of the step can then be brought in the proximity of the curved front face 59 of the backing panel 50 so as to position the opening 42 of the cavity 16 over the top of the hook 14. The spray dispenser 10 is then moved downwardly, so as to enclose the hook 14 within the cavity 12. As shown in figure 6, this results in the lower distal end 31 of the step 28 is resting on the plateau 69 of the first step 68 and the upper distal end 72 of the hook 14 is resting on the upper surface 38 of the cavity 16. The actual fit of the hook 14 within the cavity 16 is not tight, with the supporting nature of the connection reliant on the leverage caused by the mass of the spray dispenser 10 to retain the spray dispenser 10 on the hook 14. The spray dispenser 10 can therefore be easily removed from the storage bracket 12 by a upward movement which extracts the hook 14 from the cavity 16. In this case, the user would place their hand on the rear side 27 of the container 18 and lift the spray dispenser 10 off the hook 14. The particular orientation of the button 24 and nozzle 22 relative to the hook 14 in this storage position result in the container being orientated in the user's hand ready for use - i.e. with the nozzle 22 facing away from the user in a forwardly direction and the button 24 position near the users fingers at the rear 27 of the spray dispenser 10. However, it is to be understood that the nozzle 22 could be orientated in any direction relative to the bracket, for example perpendicular to bracket such that the nozzle is directed in an upwardly direction relative to the ground along the axis X-X when the dispenser 10 is mounted on the mounting bracket 12. The mounting bracket 12 and spray dispenser 10 can be sold in combination with the hook 14 of the mounting bracket 12 connected to the spray dispenser 10 such as by the hook 14 being inserted in the cavity 16 or one or more of the mounting brackets 12 being provided loose in the product package. However, understandably the mounting bracket 12 and spray dispenser 10 could also be sold separately, allowing the sale of replacement spray dispensers 10 for use with an existing mounting bracket 12 and the replacement, purchase or free supply of additional mounting brackets 12.

The mounting bracket 12 would typically be supplied with one or more strips of adhesive backing 54. The user can then position the mounting bracket 12 in a strategic position, in the bathroom other such room housing the toilet neatly on the wall near for example the main point of usage. Therefore, for example if the spray dispenser 10 comprised a toilet deodoriser, the mounting bracket 12 could be positioned in the bathroom or other such room housing the toilet. If the spray dispenser 10 comprised a spray paint can, the mounting bracket 12 could be positioned on a wall in the garage, workshop, boat or otherwise where the spray can is typically used.

The spray dispenser 10 would be typically removed and replaced on the mounting bracket 12 many times during the life of the dispenser 10 for use. If desirable the mounting bracket 12 could also be moved if a new position is more desirable, or a further mounting bracket 12 be placed in a new location for use with the dispenser 10. At the end of the life of the dispenser 10, the dispenser 10 can be disposed of leaving the empty mounting bracket 12 as a reminder that a new spray product is needed to be mounted on the mounting bracket 12.

Obviously, many other modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above description. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts specifically described or illustrated, and that within the scope of the appended claims, it may be practised otherwise than as specifically described or illustrated. For example, a person skilled in the art would understand that the hook 14 and cavity 16 could be modified to incorporate an interlocking device such as a snap fitting latch, buckle or other such releasably engaging/capturing connection in order to provide a more secure connection between the spray dispenser 10 and storage bracket 12. Furthermore, it would also be understood that the backing panel 50 of the storage bracket 12 could be formed of various shapes, such as circles, triangles, stars or the like and would still perform the same function of engaging the back wall/adhesive and supporting the hook 14 of the storage bracket 12.

In the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

1. A spray cap for an aerosol container, the spray cap having a top portion and a skirt extending downwardly therefrom and adapted to mount on an aerosol container, wherein the spray cap has an integrally formed and downwardly extending hook which projects outside the skirt through a slot therein, whereby the hook is adapted to removably hold an aerosol container in a vertical direction longitudinal to and substantially parallel to a wall when the spray cap is mounted on an aerosol container.

2. A spray cap according to claim 1, wherein the downwardly extending hook of the cap is adapted to removably engage with a complementary upwardly extending hook of a support plate adapted to fix to the wall.

3. A spray cap according to claim 2, wherein the support plate has an adhesive strip to fix to the wall.

4. A spray cap according to any preceding claim, wherein the spray cap and an aerosol container on which it is mountable have a horizontal section shape that is generally circular or generally ovoid.

5. A spray cap according to claim 4, wherein the complementary hooks of the spray cap and the support plate are arcuate in horizontal section with a curvature generally corresponding to the curvature of the spray cap and an aerosol container on which it is mountable.

6. A spray cap according to claim 5, wherein the hook of the support plate is provided by upstanding posts arcuately spaced apart from one another.

7. A spray cap according to any preceding claim, wherein the spray cap has an actuator adapted to engage a valve on an aerosol container on which the spray cap is mounted, wherein the actuator is provided with a nozzle directed through the slot in the skirt and a conduit forming a liquid communication between the nozzle and the valve, wherein the actuator pivotally extends from the skirt opposite the slot.

8. A spray cap according to claim 7, wherein the downwardly extending hook is a continuation of the actuator.

9. A spray cap according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the actuator is provided between two spaced internal transverse walls lying in vertical plane and extending downwards from the top portion of the spray cap.

10. A spray cap according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the spray cap and its hook, actuator and nozzle are integrally moulded plastic.

11. A kit of parts for holding an aerosol container in a vertical direction longitudinal to and substantially parallel to a wall, the kit including a spray cap according to any preceding claim, and a support plate according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

12. A kit of parts according to claim 11, further including an aerosol container.

13. A spray cap substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

14. A kit of parts substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.