Spray Control Device for Aerosol Cans

Abstract

A spray control apparatus for aerosol cans has a can coupling cap with a segmented and discontinuous aerosol can engaging ring. The cap top lip has a locking ledge having a bearing surface facing away from the can engaging ring, a cam track having a bearing surface facing toward the can engaging ring, and a guide slot therebetween. A plurality of generally planar reinforcing ribs radiate inwardly from the cap side wall. An actuator is concentrically within the cap, and has at least one cam protruding radially into the cap top lip. The cam engages the locking ledge bearing surface in a first rotary position and is thereby blocked from axial movement, and engages the cam track bearing surface in a second rotary position and is thereby driven axially toward the can engaging ring, and passes though the guide slot when rotated between the first and second rotary positions.

Claims

1. A spray control apparatus for aerosol cans, comprising: a dispersion nozzle; a conduit configured to couple a fluid and propellant contained within a spray container to said dispersion nozzle; a can coupling cap having an outer perimeter and an interior surface defining an interior space, a base, a sidewall rising from said base, a top lip distal to said base, and a can engaging ring adjacent to said base, said can coupling cap configured to couple rigidly to said spray container; said top lip comprising a locking ledge having a bearing surface facing away from said can engaging ring, a cam track having a bearing surface facing toward said can engaging ring, and a guide slot therebetween; and an actuator affixed to said conduit and dispersion nozzle and located concentrically within said can coupling cap sidewall, said actuator having a generally cylindrical body and at least one cam protruding radially from said generally cylindrical body into said top lip; said at least one cam engaging said locking ledge bearing surface when said actuator is in a first rotary position relative to said can coupling cap and thereby blocked from axial movement toward said can engaging ring, engaging said cam track bearing surface when in a second rotary position relative to said can coupling cap and thereby driven toward said can engaging ring, and passing though said guide slot when rotated between said first and second rotary positions.

2. The spray control apparatus of claim 1, wherein said can engaging ring further comprises a segmented and discontinuous can engaging ring.

3. The spray control apparatus of claim 1, wherein said can coupling cap further comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs of generally planar geometry radiating inwardly from said can coupling cap side wall and extending generally along said sidewall from adjacent said segmented can engaging ring to adjacent said top lip.

4. The spray control apparatus of claim 2, wherein said can coupling cap further comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs of generally planar geometry radiating inwardly from said can coupling cap side wall and extending generally along said sidewall from adjacent said segmented can engaging ring to adjacent said top lip.

5. The spray control apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one cam moves said closer to said can engaging ring when in said second rotary position, said actuator thereby configured to control a spray container valve to adjust flow of said fluid and propellant out from said spray container.

6. A can coupling cap configured to engage with a spray control apparatus actuator and an aerosol can, comprising: an outer perimeter; an interior surface defining an interior space; a base; a sidewall rising from said base; a top lip distal to said base; and a segmented can engaging ring adjacent to said base, said segmented can engaging ring configured to couple rigidly to said aerosol can; and a plurality of reinforcing ribs of generally planar geometry radiating inwardly from cap side wall and extending generally along said sidewall from adjacent said segmented can engaging ring to adjacent said top lip.

7. The can coupling cap of claim 6, wherein individual ones of said plurality of reinforcing ribs are coplanar with a radial plane.

8. The can coupling cap of claim 6, wherein said top lip further comprises a locking ledge having a bearing surface facing away from said can engaging ring, a cam track having a bearing surface facing toward said can engaging ring, and a guide slot therebetween.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The foregoing and other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention can be understood and appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment cap that may be engaged with a modern paint can and which has been designed in accord with the teachings of the invention, from a bottom projected view looking diagonally up into the cap.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates the preferred embodiment cap of FIG. 1 from a top projected view looking diagonally down into the cap.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates the preferred embodiment cap of FIG. 1 from bottom plan view.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates the preferred embodiment cap of FIG. 1 from top plan view.

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment actuator suitable for use in further combination with the preferred embodiment cap of FIG. 1, from projected view.

[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates the preferred embodiment actuator of FIG. 5 from top plan view.

[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates the preferred embodiment actuator of FIG. 5 from bottom plan view.

[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates a preferred embodiment spray control device for aerosol cans designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention comprising the preferred embodiment cap of FIG. 1 in combination with the preferred embodiment actuator of FIG. 5 and a prior art spray nozzle, the combination operable with a modern paint can, from an exploded and slightly projected view.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0034] A preferred embodiment aerosol can spray control device 20 designed in accord with the teachings of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 8. A preferred embodiment cap 100, also illustrated separately in FIGS. 1-4, is configured to engage with a prior art spray can and also encompasses a preferred embodiment actuator, illustrated separately in FIGS. 5-7, and is further combined with a prior art spray nozzle. This combination defines preferred embodiment aerosol can spray control device 20, which is operable with a modern paint can. While such a paint can is not separately illustrated herein, my U.S. Pat. No. 8,333,304 entitled “Select-a-spray”, the teachings and contents which were incorporated herein above by reference, illustrates a related aerosol can spray control device, and teaches therein the features of such modern but prior art paint cans and so will be understood herein. Spray nozzle 10 incorporates a conduit, which is of the type which may be commonly found inserted partially into a prior art spray can, and incorporates a pushbutton which is moved or pressed upon to activate the release of spray from the spray can, and which will additionally transport paint and propellant through to a dispersion nozzle for spraying or dispersion therefrom.

[0035] The particular design of conduit, nozzle, and pushbutton that make up spray nozzle 10 will vary greatly depending upon the particular matter being sprayed and even upon individual manufacturers and their preferences. However, and as will be apparent upon a review hereof, the present invention is well suited to any type of spray container which requires actuator depression to invoke the dispersion of the spray container contents.

[0036] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a preferred embodiment cap 100 that is configured to be engaged with a modern paint can. Along the inner circumference adjacent to base 102 of cap 100 is a can engaging ring 103. The particular geometry of this can engaging ring 103 is not critical to the present invention. Nevertheless, there are several beneficial features found therein.

[0037] As illustrated, can engaging ring 103 is divided into several discrete segments, and has a cross-section generally in the shape of a triangular prism. This allows base 102 of cap 100 to be stretched over a rim on a prior art spray can, so that as cap 100 is pressed onto the spray can rim, the slope of the cap engaging rim gradually forces base 102 of cap 100 in the areas adjacent to the segments of can engaging ring 103 to expand. Once can engaging ring 103 passes the largest part of the paint can cap engaging rim, the slope will allow base 102 of cap 100 to return to original shape and “snap” onto the paint can cap engaging rim. This same stretch and return can be completed in reverse, allowing cap 100 to be removed from a standard prior art spray can when desired. Otherwise, cap 100 will be securely held to the paint can cap engaging rim.

[0038] As illustrated best in FIGS. 1 and 3, the preferred embodiment can engaging ring 103 is broken into three segments, which allows the cap to expand adjacent to the can engaging ring 103 segments, and be drawn from the circular curve into a more nearly into a straight line between these can engaging ring segments adjacent to base 102. Since the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, this gap between can engaging ring 103 segments allows expansion of base 102 at the can engaging ring 103 segments, while the gaps between straighten out. In other words, by breaking ring 103 into distinct segments and providing gaps between, the cap itself acts as a spring, helping to secure the cap to the rim. The particular use of three segments is not critical to the present invention, and more or fewer segments may be provided.

[0039] Intermediate between base 102 and top lip 106 of cap 100 are a number of reinforcing ribs 105. As noted, pressing cap 100 onto a prior art can rim and removing it therefrom requires a particular combination of ability to straighten or otherwise flex between ring 103 segments, while still retaining general shape when being pressed on from top lip 106, for exemplary purposes. In other words, there must be sufficient flexibility radially to allow can engaging ring 103 to function, while also allowing a person to press hard enough on top lip 106 to cause the required flexure. Unfortunately, the vertically rising side wall 104 cannot be too thick, or the gaps between can engaging ring 103 segments will not be sufficiently flexible. Yet, this same vertically rising side wall 104 must also withstand the greatest pressing forces that a person might reasonably apply, which can be quite substantial. In order to ensure both radial flexibility and vertical stiffness, these reinforcing ribs 105 provide stiffness along the vertical axis, while ensuring flexure transverse thereto.

[0040] Adjacent to the top of cap 100, generally distal to base 102, top lip 106 incorporates a number of inventive features. On the top surface thereof, there will preferably be provided some simple labels 107 that designate the operation of the present invention, determined by the rotational orientation of actuator 120 relative to cap 100. For exemplary purposes, “off” in the illustrations designates a locked non-spray position, “man” designates manual spray operation, and “auto” for a continuous spray, the volume which is adjusted by relative rotation between cap 100 and actuator 120.

[0041] A plurality of locating detents 42, 44, 46 are preferably provided to provide tactile feedback for the locked, manual, and auto positions, respectively. These locating detents 42, 44, 46 in preferred embodiment cap 100 are simply troughs cut into the interior vertical face of top lip 106, but any suitable means or geometry that will provide the detent function is contemplated and will be considered to be incorporated herein.

[0042] The bottom surface of top lip 106 provides a face that serves as actuator retaining ridge 45. Once again, the geometry is not critical. Formed into top lip 106 are some cut-outs that in the locking position are adjacent the top of the top lip and in the manual and auto positions, adjacent to the bottom of the top lip. In the locking position, the non-cutout ledge formed in top lip 106 serves as locking ledge 41. In the manual and auto positions, the non-cutout portion forms a cam track 43.

[0043] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate a preferred embodiment actuator 120 suitable for use in further combination with preferred embodiment cap 100 of FIGS. 1-4. Actuator 120 has a retaining clip 122 that in the preferred embodiment is cantilevered, which enables spring-like resiliency. The bottom of retaining clip 122 is “L” shaped, and designed to engage with actuator retaining ridge 45 to hold actuator 120 from releasing when rotated to the “off” position.

[0044] Rotary movement of actuator 120 relative to cap 120 is accomplished by a person manually pressing against one or more rotary grips 130 preferably provided about the top periphery of actuator 120. In the preferred embodiment, two of these rotary grips 130 are provided oppositely of each other relative to the central spray conduit passageway 150, but any number and geometry of such rotary grips 130 are contemplated herein.

[0045] Extending radially from the base of actuator 120 are three cams 127 each which also include a bulging locating detent 124, 125, 126 therein. As may be appreciated, the bulging locating detents 124, 125, 126 are cooperative with cap locating detents 42, 44, 46 to provide tactile identification of the three relative rotary positions between cap 100 and actuator 120.

[0046] A small gap 134 in spray nozzle ring 132, or any other suitable visual indicator such as a scribe mark or other suitable indicator, may be used to provide visual alignment with labels 107 on the top surface of top lip 106, so both visual and tactile indicators are preferably provided. Quite simply, any suitable techniques may be used which will help a user recognize the current direction or orientation of actuator 120 with respect to cap 100, which will in turn then indicate the current setting of spray nozzle 10.

[0047] Actuator cams 127 are operative with cap cam tracks 43 to control the vertical position of actuator 120 relative to cap 100. When cams 127 are immediately above and adjacent to locking ledge 41, locking ledge 41 prevents actuator 120 from being pressed down relative to cap 100 toward a spray can. Consequently, in this position no spray may be emitted from spray nozzle 10, regardless of whether force is applied or not. This then acts as a safety lock, to prevent accidental or unintentional emission of spray, or unwanted use by a young child.

[0048] As actuator 120 is rotated from the “off” position with cams 127 engaged with locking ledge 41 to the manual position, cams 127 pass through guide slot 40 and cams 127 are now below cam track 43. In the “manual” position, cam track 43 is high enough that actuator 120 will not actuate spray nozzle 10 to trigger any release of spray from a spray can. However, since there is no ledge beneath the cam track 43 surfaces, a person pressing down on actuator 120, indirectly by pressing on spray nozzle 10, will actuate a spray can to release and spray the contents.

[0049] Further rotation of actuator 120 relative to cap 100 into the “auto” position will cause cam track 43 in contact with actuator cams 127 to drive actuator 120 down toward can engaging ring 103, and so toward a paint can. This in turn will cause the spray can to actuate. Since cam track 43 is sloped, the extent of rotation of actuator 120 will open a spray can valve more with greater relative rotation between actuator 120 and cap 100, meaning greater rotation will lead to a heavier spray. In the “auto” range of rotation, cap 100 provides all of the force driving actuator 120 toward can engaging ring 103 needed to cause the spray can to spray. This means a person can rotate actuator 120 to a desired volume of spray without ever having to press down on spray nozzle 10. In light of the present design, it will be recognized that when an operator wishes to spray for an extended period of time, a simple twist of actuator 120 to the “auto” label will cause spray to be continuously emitted, unless or until the operator again twists actuator 120 or the spray can runs out of propellant.

[0050] While only three distinct detent points are illustrated, defining the off, manual, and auto spray modes, it should also be apparent that more or fewer detent points may be provided, such as enabling an operator to spray in the automatic mode both in the full-on position and alternatively with only partial opening of the spray can. Such additional set points may be very desirable for certain applications.

[0051] The geometry of cam track 43 may be designed to provide more intuitive operation with a particular valve or family of valves. In other words, cam track 43 may be sloped such that the flow rate varies linearly for a particular number of degrees of rotation. In this case, it is likely that cam track 43 will not have a linear slope, since most spray can valves do not change volume in an entirely linear manner for a given amount of depression of the spray nozzle. Alternatively, cam track 43 may be shaped to produce other desired spray volume changes, such as exponential changes or other desired change.

[0052] Since spray nozzle 10, actuator 120, and cap 100 are already designed in preferred embodiment aerosol can spray control device 20 to be independent from a prior art spray can, another conceived combination of features is enabled by the present invention. More particularly, in the prior art can, the manufacturer had to decide for a particular spray can exactly what nozzle and spray characteristics to use. This naturally limits both the spray pattern and volumes of paint that may be emitted therefrom, and may also impact the fineness of the mist. Preferably, the present preferred embodiment aerosol can spray control device 20 is designed to accommodate a prior art spray nozzle 10 from a prior art can as a replacement for the like component used within the spray can of choice. So, if desired, a user may use exactly the nozzle chosen by the manufacturer. However, most preferably the user may also remove the spray nozzle from the conduit. The operator may also be provided with a variety of differing nozzles from which to select the most optimum spray pattern and volume for a given application, particular paint viscosity, and propellant characteristic. From a reading of the present disclosure, those reasonably skilled in the art will be able to select a suitable method of coupling actuator 120 to spray conduit. This may range from semi-permanent or permanent couplings such as adhesive or ultrasonic bonding or welding to removable and resizable couplings or methods of engagement, such as the provision of variably dimensioned fittings, o-rings, or compression fittings that engage and lock conduit to actuator 120. Where removable and resizable couplings are used, it will be understood that the conduit may be provided in different diameters, so to cooperate with different cans, simply by replacing the conduit, or, if necessary, swapping both the conduit and the couplings for other suitable combinations. While a few coupling methods are described, it will be apparent that there exist a myriad of appropriate coupling techniques in the more general joints and fittings technologies too numerous to individually enumerate herein.

[0053] An aerosol can spray control device designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention may be manufactured from a variety of materials, including metals, resins and plastics, ceramics, or even combinations or composites. The specific material used may vary, though the materials selected should be suitably solvent resistant to remain compatible with both the contents of the spray can and any cleaning solvents that may be used to clean a spray nozzle 10. The most preferred materials for the major components are polymers, which may or may not include various reinforcing fibers or particles, and other ingredients known to enhance the properties and characteristics of the composition and resulting product. The use of polymers permits volume manufacturing of suitable and relatively complex piece part geometries at relatively low cost using known techniques. Furthermore, there are a number of polymers that are resistant to nearly all solvents.

[0054] A variety of designs have been contemplated for the preferred cap and actuator, and so are not limited to the purely utilitarian appearance illustrated herein. Simulations or fantasy creations may be incorporated into the exterior appearance of the preferred cap and actuator as desired, and the materials and colors used for a particular design may be chosen not only based upon factors such as ease of manufacture and chemical resistance, but may also factor in the particular design.

[0055] While the foregoing details what is felt to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, no material limitations to the scope of the claimed invention are intended. Further, features and design alternatives that would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be incorporated herein. The scope of the invention is set forth and particularly described in the claims hereinbelow.