Dispensing – Processes of dispensing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-01
2001-06-19
Kaufman, Joseph A. (Department: 3754)
Dispensing
Processes of dispensing
C222S153130, C222S321900
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247613
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a spray dispensing device with a closure for the spray nozzle. In particular, the present invention relates to a closure which includes structure to provide a seal for a dispensing nozzle to prevent air or contaminants from causing clogging, and which may lock the dispensing actuator when it is not in use.
2. Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,211 shows a mechanism for sealing the outlet nozzle of a spray actuator when the dispenser is not in use, to prevent accidental discharge of liquid. The mechanism for sealing the dispensing orifice prevents drying of the contents of the container in the spray orifice, thereby preventing clogging of the spray orifice. However, the device of U.S. Pat. No. 5,128,211 requires that the actuator be rotated to a non-dispensing position for the sealing device to seal the orifice. Furthermore, the device of that patent has a break-away tab for the dispensing position. Such a break-away tab leaves an opening in the actuator shroud which can be the repository for dirt or dust, which can interfere with operation of the actuator or nozzle.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention includes spray dispensing devices with nozzle closures which are mounted for pivoting movement from a closed to an open position. In the open position, the nozzle closure moves away from the spray nozzle on an actuator and a spray opening in a surrounding wall, allowing fluid to dispensed through the nozzle, as the actuator is depressed. In the closed position, the nozzle closure pivots into a position where a projection enters at least partially into the spray nozzle. The projection acts to seal the spray nozzle against air, thereby preventing drying of any fluid in the nozzle and reducing the chance that the spray nozzle will become clogged. The projection also serves to provide resistance against depression of the actuator, thereby providing a locking function for the actuator to prevent accidental discharge from the spray nozzle. In addition, the nozzle closures of the present invention are designed so that the sealing finger completely covers a spray opening in a wall surrounding the actuator. By covering this opening, the nozzle closures of the present invention serve to prevent contaminants from gathering in the spray opening.
The nozzle closures of the present invention may also include additional features which lock the actuator against depression when the nozzle closure is in the closed position, thereby preventing accidental discharge. The nozzle closures additionally may include a structure which prevents the actuator from rotation away from a position where the spray nozzle is aligned with the spray opening. The nozzle closures can be provided with structures which allow locking of the nozzle closures in the open position during spraying. The nozzle closures may be mounted to the mounting cup which holds the pump and actuator-or alternatively, an integral upper portion of the container-through various mounting arrangements.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4506805 (1985-03-01), Marcon
patent: 5158233 (1992-10-01), Foster et al.
patent: 5603434 (1997-02-01), Von Schuckmann
Kaufman Joseph A.
Kenyon & Kenyon
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