Disposable actuator with cap opener for aerosol cans

Details Disposable actuator with cap opener for aerosol cans Disposable actuator with cap opener for aerosol cans

2000-11-27

2001-10-09

Shaver, Kevin (Department: 3754)

Dispensing

With discharge assistant

Fluid pressure

C222S192000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06299032

ABSTRACT:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
U.S. Pat. No.
Issued
Inventor
Search Field
2877934
03/1959
Wallace
222/402.15
3096002
07/1963
Focht
222/402.15
3112849
12/1963
Wallace
222/402.15
3172582
03/1965
Belpedio
222/473
3317092
05/1967
Jursdek
222/402.13
3967763
07/1976
Focht
222/402.15
4432474
02/1984
Hutchinson
222/402.15
4449647
05/1984
Reed
222/153
5323937
06/1994
Brody
222/402.11
5992707
11/1999
Galchuk
222/402.13
5992708
11/1999
Galchuk
222/402.13
6016938
01/2000
Elchorst
222/402.15
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to disposable actuators to be attached to aerosol spray cans. Conventional aerosol spray cans of various sizes generally operate by depressing a button type valve nozzle, situated of the top of the can, using the forefinger of the hand grasping the can. The position of the nozzle causes the user to place the forefinger in an awkward and somewhat tiring position and many times spray exhaust gets onto the fingers of the user due to the close proximity of the fingers to the spray exhaust.
Several types of aerosol cans are provided with a cap covering the spray nozzle for safety and shipping concerns. These caps require removal by twisting or prying with an external tool, such as a small slotted screwdriver. A search for a suitable tool to remove the cap from a spray can is sometimes a time consuming task.
It is known in the prior art that hand held actuation devices, made in the configuration of a pistol grip with trigger mechanism, have been patented and some are commercially available. These devices are cumbersome to attach to the spray cans, bulky, expensive to manufacture, and not readily disposable. No actuators were found that provide a means of removing the cap from aerosol spray cans.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The purpose of this invention is to provide an inexpensive disposable actuator that may be readily attached to a variety of spray cans. The actuator provides a mechanical leverage enabling the user to use less force to initiate spray action while the handle of the actuator, being positioned approximately perpendicular to the direction of the spray exhaust, keeps fingers away from the path of the spray exhaust. The end of the actuator handle is narrowed to form a tool, much like a slotted screwdriver, which is effective in removing the cap on an aerosol spray can when twisted or used as a pry.
The actuator utilizes a toe, as a pivot point, to engage the inside recess of the cup rim bead of the spray can, and a heel portion that extends and slides against the valve stem mount. The body and handle of the actuator extend upward from the toe and heel to above the top of the spray nozzle with the body of the actuator having a protrusion that contacts the top of the spray nozzle. The handle of the actuator is curved, formed with a recess for the finger of the user, and is terminated above the top outer wall seam of the can.
The actuator is formed as a single piece and is small enough to be attached on the spray can or cap. The cost of producing the actuator in quantity is low, making it practical for use as a disposable item.


REFERENCES:
patent: 2685989 (1954-08-01), Samuels
patent: 2877934 (1959-03-01), Wallace
patent: 2941700 (1960-06-01), Gable
patent: 3096002 (1963-07-01), Focht
patent: 3112849 (1963-12-01), Wallace
patent: 3172582 (1965-03-01), Belpedio
patent: 3317092 (1967-05-01), Jursdek
patent: 3478938 (1969-11-01), Krause
patent: 3611820 (1971-10-01), Hempel
patent: 3967763 (1976-07-01), Focht
patent: 4432474 (1984-02-01), Hutchinson
patent: 4449647 (1984-05-01), Reed
patent: 5323937 (1994-06-01), Brody
patent: 5992707 (1999-11-01), Galchuk
patent: 5992708 (1999-11-01), Galchuk
patent: 6016938 (2000-01-01), Elchorst

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