Actuator and tube overcap assembly

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6708849
  • Patent Number
    6,708,849
  • Date Filed
    Monday, March 18, 2002
    22 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, March 23, 2004
    20 years ago
Abstract
An actuator and tube overcap assembly has an actuator having an inlet and an outlet. A tube has a fluid passageway therethrough and an inlet end connected to the outlet of the actuator and an extension portion extending therefrom. An overcap is removably affixed to the actuator and has a top and a side extending therefrom. The top and side of the overcap have an inner surface. The overcap has internal tube retaining portions having a tube retaining surface. The tube retaining surface extends away from the inner surface of the top and is spaced from the inner surface of the side with the tube extension positioned therebetween. A valve is provided by substantially closing the fluid passageway of the tube. A method for making the assembly is also provided.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




The present invention relates in general to actuator and tube overcap assemblies adapted for installation onto a pressurized container and more particularly to actuator and tube overcap assemblies that can be installed onto the pressurized container with automated machinery.




A wide variety of actuators and tubes for selectively releasing material from a pressurized container and conducting that material to a selected destination are known. One specific application for these actuators or valves and tubes is tire inflator containers that contain various tire inflator and sealant products.




Modern pneumatic tires are designed for extended use on vehicles, such as automobiles and trucks, over many miles. Regardless of how well these tires are designed, they can still be punctured by sharp objects inadvertently left on the roadway and go flat. When the tire is punctured, the motorist must change the tire if he has a spare or have another tire put on the vehicle. In some instances, it is difficult to change the tire due to the location of the vehicle, such as when the puncture occurs on roadway which is not flat and the vehicle cannot be safely raised with a jack to change the tire. Other instances are dangerous to change the tire, such as for example, when the tire is punctured on a heavily traveled roadway and there is insufficient space to change the tire safely.




Various tire inflator and sealant products have been developed for both sealing the puncture in a tire and also inflating the tire so that it can be used to resume travel. These tire inflator and sealant products generally include a container having a inflator and sealant composition contained therein under pressure. This composition is releasable through an upstanding valve in the discharge end of the container. These compositions in the container typically include a liquefied gas in a sufficient quantity to reinflate the tire to a driveable condition and a sealant material for sealing the puncture when introduced into the tire.




An actuator is provided for attachment to the pressurized container to activate the upstanding valve of the container so that the inflator and sealant composition passes through the valve and then through the actuator to a discharge tube attached to the valve on the tire. In operation, the motorist attaches the discharge tube to the valve on the punctured tire and then properly positions the canister to maximize the flow of the inflator and sealant composition into the tire.




Since such tire inflator products contain the tire inflator and sealant material in the pressurized container under high-pressure, it is desirable to attach the discharge tube to the actuator when the actuator and tube product is manufactured. By providing a secure connection between the discharge tube and actuator, a connection is provided that prohibits leakage of material at that connection when material is discharged from the pressurized container.




One such design is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,784, issued to one of the inventors of the present invention, and provides for the attachment of a flexible tube to a valve. Another such design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,466. Another design for attaching the tube to the valve includes positioning the tube over a barbed outlet of the valve and then fitting a non-flexible sleeve over the end of the tube attached to the barbed outlet.




The actuator and tube product is then provided to the manufacturer of the tire inflator product where the actuator and tube product is assembled with a pressurized canister having tire inflator and sealant material therein. General this assembly process is performed by hand since automation of the assembly process is difficult due to the nonsymmetrical shape of the actuator and tube assembly. The flexible tube extending from the actuator creates this nonsymmetrical configuration that makes it difficult to automatically assemble the actuator tube product to the pressurized container. Accordingly, these actuator tube products have necessarily been mounted on the pressurized container manually.




Additionally, the flexible tube requires additional manufacturing operations. Since the tube is not secured, it is free to move. To avoid this problem, the tube has been temporarily secured to the pressurized container by manually putting a rubber band around both the container and the tube. After this assembly process, the assembled tire inflator product must be hand packed for shipping since the temporarily attached tube prevents automated packaging. Then, when the assembled tire inflator product is displayed in a store on shelves, it can be difficult to arrange them neatly on the shelves and they can also take up more shelf space due to the tube secured to the side of the container. After the consumer purchases the tire inflator product, it is generally placed in the trunk where the tube can get tangled up with other objects in the trunk and damage the connection between the tube and the actuator or the actuator and the pressurized container.




It is desirable to provide an actuator and tube overcap assembly which can be assembled with a pressurized canister by automatic machinery. It is also desirable to provide an actuator and tube overcap assembly which contains the tube in a position that allows for automated packing, ease of display on store shelves, and avoids tangling the tube with other objects.




Known designs have provided overcap assemblies that can be assembled with a pressurized container by automatic machines, generally referred to as “capping machines”. Generally, overcap assemblies that can be readily assembled with automatic machinery have a symmetrical configuration and a top surface that can be used to urge the overcap assembly into engagement with the pressurized canister without actuating the actuator.




Wells, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,601, describes a valve and tube assembly in which a conduit is attached to the actuator body and a protective cap is preassembled onto the actuator body in overlying relationship to the conduit. The conduit described in Wells extends axially away from the pressurized container when mounted thereon and may be coiled or of other nonlinear configurations. The conduit provided by Wells is relatively short and is made from a resilient material, typically a polymer, such as polyvinyl chloride, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, or polypropylene. The protective cap described in Wells fits over the conduit, which is free to move inside the protective cap, and is attached to the actuator. The cap disclosed in Wells is attached to the actuator and not the canister with a limited amount of space which accordingly limits the length of the conduit.




Another known overcap assembly is described in Hsiao, U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,739 B1. The Hsiao design provides a base having a skirt that extends over the lower rim of the canister when they are mounted together. The base is bulky and large in size and in fact is the diameter of the entire cannister. A valve is provided in the top of the base with a flexible tube attached to the outlet of the valve. A cap is attached to the base with the tube positioned between the base and the cap and free to move in that space. In other embodiments, Hsiao discloses not providing an overcap and affixing the tube to the base with an adhesive, mechanical fasteners, such as flexible wires, or a shrink sleeve. Attaching the tube around the exterior of the valve without a base and cap is also disclosed. Such alternative embodiments without an overcap are difficult to use with automated machinery due to the unsymmetrical configuration thereof and the need for a top surface to press the assembly into engagement with a pressurized canister.




The known art does not disclose an actuator and tube overcap assembly in which the tube is removably secured to the inside of an overcap to allow automatic assembly thereof and subsequently allow automated machinery to assemble it with a pressurized container. It is desirable to provide an actuator and tube overcap assembly that provides for securing the tube to the overcap without the need for additional components, such as a adhesives, mechanical fasteners or shrink sleeves or the like. Such additional components do not lend themselves to automatic assembly of the actuator and tube and also increase the costs of such a product. It is desirable to provide an actuator and tube overcap assembly in which the actuator, tube and overcap can be assembled with automatic equipment.




It is also desirable to provide an actuator and tube overcap assembly which has a top surface that can be used to urge the overcap assembly into engagement with a pressurized canister without actuating the actuator. It is desirable to provide an actuator and tube overcap assembly that effectively transmits the force exerted on the top surface of the overcap to the actuator.




Various applications in which an actuator and tube overcap assembly is used require tubes of differing lengths. For example, some tire inflator products require the pressurized container to be inverted and other tire inflator products require the pressurized container to be in an upright position. Yet other tire inflator products use different actuators or valves to release the pressurized contents from the pressurized container. Another application for an actuator and tube overcap assembly is for use with an air conditioning recharge container. Depending on the design of the application, differing lengths of tubes are preferable. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an actuator and tube overcap assembly where the tube can be of differing lengths depending on the specific application.




After the actuator and tube overcap assembly is assembled with the pressurized canister, it is desirable to avoid discharge of the contents of the pressurized container until the tube is attached to the tire and the actuator is intentionally actuated. It should be recognized that a variety of circumstances exist in which the pressurized contents of the container are inadvertently or accidentally released. Accordingly it is desirable to provide a secondary valve in addition to the actuator to seal the pressurized contents in the container.




The known overcap art strives to keep the fluid passage of the tube open when it is assembled with the actuator and overcap. In fact, Hsiao even provides a stress relief spring to be affixed around the hose to avoid kinking. Due to the high pressures in the pressurized container, the tube must have sufficient strength to handle these pressures and allow the pressurized material to flow through the tube. The known art, as described in Wells, has provided a tube of resilient material, typically a polymer, such as polyvinyl chloride, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene or polypropylene. These materials when bent, take a permanent set and resist the flow of pressurized material therethrough. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a tube that can be deformed to seal the passageway therethrough and when no longer deformed allows the pressurized material to flow therethrough.




SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION




The present invention provides the above described desirable features with an improved actuator and tube overcap assembly for automated installation onto a pressurized container. In addition, the actuator and tube overcap assembly of the present invention is capable of assembly with automated equipment.




The actuator or valve of the assembly of the present invention has an inlet end for attachment to the pressurized container. When the actuator is activated, material is released from the container and flows through the actuator and out the outlet end of the actuator. The flexible discharge tube has an inlet end fluidically connected to the outlet of the actuator and an extension portion extending from the inlet end of the tube. The extension portion terminates in an outlet end that has a connector attached thereto. The connector is provided for attachment to a fitting on the destination of the pressurized material, such as a tire or air conditioning system.




An overcap is removably affixed to the actuator with a latch which allows for attachment and detachment of the overcap from the actuator. When the overcap is to be affixed to the actuator, an axial force urges the overcap and actuator together so that the latch engages and holds the actuator and overcap together. The overcap has stabilizer portions extending from the overcap which contact the actuator to restrain movement of the overcap in the attached position. These stabilizer portions effectively transmits the force exerted on the top surface of the overcap to the actuator when the actuator and tube overcap assembly is assembled with the container. Such a design allows for automated assembly of the actuator and overcap without the need for other components. As will be hereinafter more fully described, in the assembled position the tube is removably attached to the overcap.




The latch allows for disengagement of the actuator and overcap so that the overcap may be unattached from the actuator. In the unattached position, the tube may be removed from the overcap, the connector attached to a fitting on the destination of the pressurized material and pressurized material transferred from the pressurized container.




To secure the tube to the overcap when the actuator, tube and overcap are assembled, the overcap has a top and a side extending at an angle from the top to a bottom edge. The top and side of the overcap both have inner surfaces contiguous with each other. The overcap has internal tube retaining portions, each of which have a tube retaining surface. The tube retaining surfaces extend away from the inner surface of the top and are spaced from the inner surface of the side. The tube is positioned between the tube retaining surface and the inner surface of the side of the overcap. The tube has an undeformed diameter and the tube retaining surfaces are spaced from the the side a distance less than the undeformed diameter of the tube extension portion to hold the tube therebetween.




Accordingly, when the tube is positioned between the internal tube retaining portions and the side of the overcap, it is removably affixed to the overcap. By so removably affixing the tube to the overcap, an actuator and tube overcap assembly is provided without the need for additional components, such as a base, adhesives, mechanical fasteners or shrink sleeves or the like. Such a design allows for automatic assembly of the actuator and tube overcap assembly.




Another feature of the present invention that provides for the automatic assembly of the actuator and tube overcap assembly is restraining the movement of the connector on the tube outlet end with either the overcap or actuator and without additional components. The connector has a circumference greater than the circumference of the tube. When the tube is positioned between the tube retainers and the side with the connector above the actuator, the connector is held in position by contact with the top of the actuator and the side of the overcap. When it is desirable to position the connector in other positions, a tube holding protrusion is provided on the inner surface of the overcap side which holds the connector in position. Such designs in the present invention provides for constraining movement of the connector on the tube to with the overcap and/or the actuator without additional components.




Another feature of the present invention that provides for the automatic assembly of the actuator and tube overcap assembly of the present invention is that the overcap side and the tube retaining surface diverge as they extend away from the inner surface of the top to the bottom of the tube retaining surface. The tube is automatically assembled between the space between the tube retaining surface and the overcap side by positioning the tube adjacent the bottom of the tube retaining surface. The tube extension is then urged towards the top of the overcap in the space therebetween. As the tube extension moves towards the top of the overcap, the converging tube retaining surface and overcap side grip the tube so that it is removably retained therein. Since the space is greater between the bottom of the tube retaining surface and the side, automatic assembly of the tube and the overcap is more readily provided.




The actuator and tube overcap assembly of the present invention allows for the use of tubes of differing lengths so that it can be used in a variety of different applications. By changing the height of the overcap or the outside periphery of the overcap or in other instances simply using additional tube lengths, tubes of widely varying lengths can be removably attached to the overcap.




The actuator and tube overcap assembly of the present invention provides a secondary valve, in addition to the actuator, to seal the pressurized contents in the container. This secondary valve is provided by the tube which can be deformed to seal the passageway therethrough and when no longer deformed allows the pressurized material to flow therethrough. To achieve this secondary valve feature, the side of the overcap is positioned adjacent the outlet of the actuator a distance that closes the fluid passageway of the tube positioned between the overcap side and the outlet of the actuator. It has been found that plastic material having particular material characteristics achieves the above described features of providing a secondary valve and is also capable of handling the pressures exerted thereon when the material is discharged from the container. A tube having these particular material characteristics is sufficiently flexible to seal when deformed by the overcap forcing the tube against the actuator outlet. In addition, when such a tube is disassembled from the overcap it allows pressurized material to flow therethrough and has sufficient strength to handle the pressure of the pressurized material.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of the actuator and tube overcap assembly of the present invention attached to a pressurize container.





FIG. 2

is an enlarged perspective view of the actuator and tube overcap assembly shown in FIG.


1


.





FIG. 3

is a cross sectional view of the actuator shown in the actuator and tube overcap assembly shown in FIG.


1


.





FIG. 4

is a bottom view of the actuator and tube overcap assembly shown in FIG.


1


.





FIG. 5

is a sectional view of the actuator and tube overcap assembly shown in FIG.


4


and take along lines


5





5


thereof.





FIG. 6

is a sectional view of the actuator and tube overcap assembly shown in FIG.


4


and take along lines


6





6


thereof.





FIG. 7

is a sectional view of the actuator and tube overcap assembly shown in FIG.


4


and take along lines


7





7


to the thereof.





FIG. 8

is a sectional view of the actuator and tube overcap assembly shown in FIG.


4


and take along lines


8





8


to the thereof.





FIG. 9

is a sectional view of the actuator and tube overcap assembly shown in FIG.


4


and take along lines


9





9


to the thereof.





FIG. 10

is an enlarged perspective view of a second embodiment of the actuator and tube overcap assembly of present invention.





FIG. 11

is an enlarged perspective view of a second embodiment of the actuator and tube overcap assembly of present invention.





FIG. 12

is a sectional view of the second embodiment of the actuator and tube overcap assembly shown in FIG.


11


and take along lines


12





12


thereof.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION




The present invention provides an improved actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


for automated installation onto a pressurize container


12


, as shown in

FIGS. 1 and 2

, which actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


is capable of assembly with automated equipment.




The pressurized container


12


on which the actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


is mounted may be of a wide variety of constructions and designs and for different purposes. The container


12


contains pressurized material, such as for example, tire inflator and sealant compositions, air conditioning recharge material and other aerosol dispensing applications. For purposes of illustration, the pressurize container


12


will be described as a tire inflator product in which the pressurize container


12


has an inflator and sealant composition contained therein under pressure. This composition is releasable through an upstanding valve


14


in the discharge end


16


of the container


12


, as shown in FIG.


3


. These compositions typically include a liquefied gas in a sufficient quantity to reinflate the tire to a driveable condition and a sealant material for sealing the puncture when introduced into the tire.




The pressurize container


12


shown is generally recognized as an aerosol can and has an outer peripheral surface


18


which generally extends the length of the container from its bottom


20


to the discharge end


16


of the container. The outer peripheral surface


18


terminates at an upper rim


22


of the discharge end


16


. The discharge end


16


includes a discharge end surface


24


extending generally upwardly and radially inwardly of the upper rim


22


. The discharge end surface


24


terminates in a top rim


26


having a radially inward depression


28


formed therein. The valve


14


of the container


12


is generally centrally located in and extends from the top rim


26


. It should be understood that the valve


14


in the discharge end


16


of the pressurize container


12


and the construction of the discharge end may be of a variety of known constructions and designs and for different purposes and applications.




The improved actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


of the present invention has an actuator


30


, a flexible discharge tube


32


and an overcap


34


, as shown in

FIGS. 1-3

. The actuator


30


may be of any design, such as the actuator described in applicants allowed copending United States Patent Application entitled “Tire Inflation Actuator”, Ser. No. 09/919,548, filed Jul. 31, 2001 which describes the operation thereof and movement of the actuator between a closed and a discharge position and is incorporated herein by reference.




The actuator


30


has a generally cylindrical body


35


having an inlet end


36


for attachment to the discharge end


16


of the container


12


and is in fluid communication with the valve


14


of the container as will hereinafter be more fully described. It should be understood that the actuator


30


includes any valve movable between a closed and a discharge position in which the contents of the pressurized container


12


are discharged therefrom.




The actuator


30


has a valve portion


38


housed in a finger tab


40


. The valve portion


38


has an inlet


42


and an outlet


44


with a fluid passageway


46


connecting the inlet and outlet of the valve portion. When the actuator


30


is mounted on the container


12


, as will be hereinafter described, the finger tab


40


is depressed and the actuator is activated. The valve


14


of the canister


12


is thereby activated so that pressurized material flows through the passageway


46


and out the outlet end of the actuator.




It is within the contemplation of this invention to utilize the invention with a variety of different actuators that are securable to the discharge end


16


of the container


12


and are operable to discharge the contents of the container into the tube


32


. It is also within the contemplation of this invention to utilize the invention with a variety of different canister valves.




The flexible discharge tube


32


has an inlet end


48


, an extension portion


50


and an outlet end


52


with a fluid passageway


54


passing between the ends


48


,


52


. To connect the tube


32


to the outlet


44


of the actuator


30


so that the passageways


46


and


54


are connected, the inlet end


48


of the tube is slid over the outside surface


56


of the barbed connector portion


58


defining the outlet


44


. The inner wall


60


defining the passageway


54


contacts the outside surface


56


of the barbed connector portion


58


. The outside surface


56


has barbs


62


thereon which allow for movement of the inlet end


48


of the tube


32


onto the barbed connector portion


58


and restrain movement in the opposite direction.




The outside surface


56


is larger than the passageway


54


and the barbs


62


are even larger. The tube


32


is flexible and is deformed when it is moved over the barbed connector portion


58


. In this assembled position, the tube


32


is frictionally attached by frictional force to the barbed connector portion


58


. A securing ring


64


is then positioned around the outside


66


of the tube


32


to secure the tube and actuator


30


together. Accordingly, the passageways


46


and


54


are connected. Known automatic equipment provides for accomplishing this connection between the actuator


30


and tube


32


. It is within the contemplation of this invention to attach the tube


32


and actuator


30


in any known manner in which the fluid passageways


46


and


54


are connected.




The extension portion


50


of the flexible discharge tube


32


terminates in an outlet end


52


that has a connector


68


attached thereto. The connection between the outlet end


52


of the tube


32


and a connector


68


is similar to that described above in connection with the connection between the outlet


44


of the actuator


30


and the inlet end


48


of the tube. The connector


68


is provided for attachment to a fitting on the destination of the pressurized material, such as a tire or air conditioning system. The connector


68


is adapted to connect with a tire valve and fluidically connect the tire valve to the outlet end


52


of the tube


32


. The connector


68


is provided for conducting the material passing through the tube


32


into the destination of the pressurized material, such as the tire valve.




The connector


68


as an outer periphery


70


which is larger than the outer periphery


72


of the tube


32


, defined by the outside


66


of the tube


32


. The outer periphery


70


of the connector


68


is generally knurled to allow ready gripping thereof by the operator so that the inner threaded surface


74


can threadedly engage the tire valve, not shown. In an undeformed condition, the outer periphery


72


of the tube


32


is generally circular, as is the outer periphery


70


of the connector


68


. Known automatic equipment provides for assembling the connection between the connector


68


and tube


32


. It is within the contemplation of this invention to attach the tube


32


and connector


68


in any known manner in which the fluid passageway


54


it is connected to the connector


68


. It should be understood that it is also within the contemplation of this invention to utilize connectors of a wide variety of designs and constructions, for example tire inflator and sealant compositions, air conditioning recharge material and other aerosol dispensing applications.




The overcap


34


of the present invention is provided to hold the tube


32


in an assembled position


76


when the overcap


34


is removably attached to the actuator


30


. Accordingly, the actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


may be automatically assembled with the pressurize container


12


without requiring additional components to hold the tube


32


in an assembled position as will hereinafter be more fully described.




As shown in the drawings, the overcap


34


is preferably made from transparent or translucent material so that the consumer can identify the product. Of course, the overcap


34


may be of any other material. The overcap


34


has a top


78


and a side


80


extending at an angle from the top


78


to a bottom edge


82


. The top


78


of the overcap has an outer and inner surface


84


,


86


respectively and the side


80


has an inner and outer surface


88


,


90


respectively. The inner surface


88


of the side


80


is contiguous with the inner surface


84


of the top


78


and extends at an angle thereto.




The overcap


34


has internal tube retaining portions


92


,


94


,


96


, and


98


as shown in

FIGS. 1-8

to hold the tube


32


in an assembled position


76


. The internal tube retaining portions


92


,


94


,


96


, and


98


are positioned about the periphery of and adjacent to the inner surface


88


of the side


80


to hold the tube


32


in the assembled position


76


.




As shown in

FIGS. 2

,


4


and


6


, the internal tube retaining portion


92


is formed integrally with the overcap


34


and has a tube retaining surface


100


which extends from the inner surface


86


of the overcap top and terminates at an unattached lower edge


102


. The tube retaining surface


100


has a width


103


that spreads the retaining force over a distance of the tube that is sufficient to avoid kinking of the tube and hold it in position as described below. It is within the contemplation of this invention that the tube retaining surface


100


may be of any width.




The tube retaining surface


100


is spaced from the inner surface


88


of the side


80


. The distance between the surfaces


100


,


88


is greater at the unattached lower edge


102


than at the inner surface


86


of the overcap top. The tube retaining surface


100


extends at substantially


90


degrees from the inner surface


86


of the top while the inner surface


88


of the side


80


extends at substantially


90


degrees plus the angle A, shown in

FIG. 6

, from the inner surface


86


of the overcap top. Accordingly, the inner surface


88


of the side


80


extends at an angle greater than


90


degrees from the inner surface


86


of the overcap top.




It should be understood that it is within the contemplation of this invention to provide any combination of angles at which the tube retaining surface


100


and inner surface


88


of the side


80


extends from the inner surface


86


of the overcap top so that the distance between the surfaces


100


,


88


is greater at the lower edge


102


than where those surfaces


100


,


88


are closer to the inner surface


86


of the overcap top. The surfaces


100


,


88


diverge in a direction away from the inner surface


86


of the overcap top. It should also be understood that while it is preferable for the surfaces


100


,


88


to so diverge, it is within the contemplation of this invention that they may be parallel to each other or even converge with respect to each other. It is also within the contemplation of this invention that the inner surface


88


of the side


80


may extend at a range of both obtuse or acute angles with respect to the inner surface


86


of the overcap top.




The extension portion


50


of the tube


32


has an undeformed diameter D as shown in FIG.


6


. The distance between the surfaces


100


,


88


is greater than the undeformed diameter D at the lower edge


102


of the internal tube retaining portion


92


. The lower edge


102


of the internal tube retaining portion


92


defines the beginning of the lower portion


101


of the tube retaining surface. The lower portion


101


of the tube retaining surface is spaced from the inner side


88


of the overcap a distance greater than the undeformed diameter D. It should be understood that the lower portion


101


may extend upwardly from the lower edge


102


of the internal tube retaining portion


92


a small distance so as to allow entry of the tube extension


50


into the space between the surfaces


100


,


88


.




The distance between the surfaces


100


,


88


as they are closer to the inner surface


86


of the overcap top are less than the undeformed diameter D to hold the tube in an assembled position. The upper portion


105


of the tube retaining surface


100


is defined by the portion of the tube retaining surface that is spaced from the inner surface


88


a distance less than the undeformed diameter D. The upper portion


105


of the tube retaining surface


100


extends from the inner surface


86


of the overcap top to the lower portion


101


and includes the portion of the tube retaining surface


100


that contacts the tube extension


50


when in an assembled position


76


.




To assemble the tube and the overcap, the tube


32


is positioned in an assembly position


104


in a perimeter to fit in the space between the surfaces


100


,


88


and is positioned adjacent the lower edge


102


and the lower portion


101


of the tube retaining surface. The tube


32


may be positioned between the surfaces


100


,


88


by urging the tube towards the overcap top. As the tube is so moved, it is compressed from its undeformed diameter D when in the upper portion


105


of the tube retaining surface


100


to a deformed diameter E and frictional forces hold the tube in the space between the surfaces


100


,


88


.




When the tube is so positioned between the internal tube retaining portion


92


and the side


88


of the overcap, it is removably affixed to the overcap. By so removably affixing the tube to the overcap, an actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


is provided without the need for additional components, such as adhesives, mechanical fasteners or shrink sleeves or the like. Furthermore, this design and assembly process provides an actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


which may be assembled with automated equipment.




The other internal tube retaining portions


94


,


96


, and


98


are shown in

FIGS. 2

,


4


,


7


and


8


and are similar in construction to the tube retaining portion


92


. For ease of description, the tube retaining portions


94


,


96


, and


98


are numbered with the same numerals as used in connection with the internal tube retaining portion


92


to denote common portions where appropriate and followed by a the suffixes a, b, c respectively.




The internal tube retaining portions


94


,


96


, and


98


are formed integrally with the overcap


34


and have tube retaining surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


respectively which extend from the inner surface


86


of the overcap top and terminate at the unattached lower edges


102




a


,


102




b


,


102




c


respectively. The tube retaining surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


have a width


103




a


,


103




b


,


103




c


respectively, that spreads the retaining force over a like distance of the tube that is sufficient to avoid kinking of the tube and hold it in position as described herein. It is within the contemplation of this invention that the tube retaining surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


may be of any width.




The tube retaining surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


are spaced from the inner surface


88


of the side


80


wherein the distance between the surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


and the inner surface


88


of the side


80


is greater at the lower edges


102




a


,


102




b


,


102




c


than at the inner surface


86


of the overcap top. The tube retaining surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


extend at substantially 90 degrees from the inner surface


86


of the top


78


while the inner surface


88


of the side


80


extends at substantially 90 degrees plus the angle A from the inner surface


86


of the overcap top.




It should be understood that it is within the contemplation of this invention to provide any combination of angles at which the tube retaining surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


and the inner surface


88


of the side


80


extends from the inner surface


86


of the overcap top wherein the distance between the surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


and the inner surface


88


of the side


80


is greater at the lower edges


102




a


,


102




b


,


102




c


than as the surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


and the inner surface


88


are closer to the inner surface


86


of the overcap top. The tube retaining surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


and the inner surface


88


diverge in a direction away from the inner surface


86


of the overcap top.




It should also be understood that while it is preferable for the surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


and the inner surface


88


to so diverge, it is within the contemplation of this invention that they can be parallel to each other or even converge with respect to each other. It is also within the contemplation of this invention that the tube retaining portions are formed integrally with the side of the overcap, for example where they extend upwardly toward the top of the overcap and terminating at the unattached lower edges.




The distance between the tube retaining surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


and the inner surface


88


of the side


80


is greater than the undeformed diameter D at the lower edges


102




a


,


102




b


,


102




c


respectively. The lower edges


102




a


,


102




b


,


102




c


of the internal tube retaining portions


94


,


96


, and


98


define the beginning of their respective lower portions


101




a


,


101




b


,


101




c


of their tube retaining surfaces. The lower portions


101




a


,


101




b


,


101




c


of the tube retaining surfaces are spaced from the inner side


88


of the overcap a distance greater than the undeformed diameter D. It should be understood that the lower portions


101




a


,


101




b


,


101




c


may extend upwardly from their respective lower edges


102




a


,


102




b


,


102




c


of the internal tube retaining portions


94


,


96


, and


98


a small distance so as to allow ready entry of the tube extension


50


into the space between the surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


and the inner surface


88


of the overcap.




The distance between the surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


and the inner surface


88


as they are closer to the inner surface


86


of the overcap top are less than the undeformed diameter D to hold the tube in an assembled position. The upper portions


105




a


,


105




b


,


105




c


of the tube retaining surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


are defined by the portion of the tube retaining surface that is spaced from the inner surface


88


a distance less than the undeformed diameter D. The upper portions


105




a


,


105




b


,


105




c


of the tube retaining surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


extend from the inner surface


86


of the overcap top to the lower portions


101




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


respectively and includes the portion of the tube retaining surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


respectively and inner surface


88


of the overcap side that contacts the tube extension


50


when in an assembled position


76


.




To assemble the tube and the overcap, the tube


32


is positioned in an assembly position


104


in a perimeter to fit in the space between the surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


and the inner surface


88


and is positioned adjacent the lower edges


102




a


,


102




b


,


102




c


and the lower portions


101




a


,


101




b


,


101




c


respectively, of the tube retaining surfaces. The tube


32


may be positioned between the surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


and the inner surface


88


of the side


80


by urging the tube towards the overcap top. As the tube


32


is so moved, it is compressed from its undeformed diameter D to its deformed diameter E and frictional forces hold the tube in the space between the surfaces


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


and the inner surface


88


of the side


80


.




When the tube is so positioned between the internal tube retaining portions and the side of the overcap, it is removably affixed to the overcap. By so removably affixing the tube to the overcap, an actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


is provided without the need for additional components, such as adhesives, mechanical fasteners or shrink sleeves or the like. Furthermore, this design and assembly process provides an actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


which may be assembled with automated equipment.




The overcap


34


is removably attached to the actuator


30


and is supported thereon. When the overcap


34


is so attached to the actuator


30


, movement between the overcap and actuator is stabilized. The overcap


34


has actuator stabilizer portions


92




a


,


94




a


,


96




a


, and


98




a


formed integrally with the internal tube retaining portions


92


,


94


,


96


, and


98


respectively. The stabilizer portions


92




a


,


94




a


,


96




a


, and


98




a


have stabilizer surfaces


92




b


,


94




b


,


96




b


, and


98




b


, respectively which contact the outer surface


106


of the actuator body


35


. The outer surface


106


has upper and lower surfaces


108


,


110


respectively, which are generally in alignment with the central axis


112


of the actuator with the upper surface


108


having a smaller periphery than the lower surface


110


as shown in

FIGS. 3

,


5


-


8


. The upper and lower surfaces


108


,


110


are interconnected with a radial surface


114


of the outer surface


106


which extends generally upwardly and away from the lower surface


110


to the upper surface


108


. The stabilizer surfaces


92




b


,


94




b


,


96




b


, and


98




b


are formed to contact the outer surface


106


of the actuator body


35


when the overcap


34


is attached to the actuator


30


. It should be understood that it is within the contemplation of this invention to alternatively form stabilizers with the side of the overcap


34


or with the actuator


30


to contact the overcap.




The overcap


34


also has interconnecting stabilizer portions


116


,


118


which stabilize movement between both the overcap and actuator


30


and the internal tube retaining portions


92


,


94


,


96


, and


98


as seen in

FIG. 2 and 6

. The interconnecting stabilizer portion


116


is formed integrally with the top


78


of the overcap and interconnects the tube retaining portions


92


,


94


. The interconnecting stabilizer portion


116


has a stabilizing surface


120


which contacts the radial surface


114


of the outer surface


106


of the actuator body


35


.




The interconnecting stabilizer portion


118


is similarly formed, interconnecting the tube retaining portions


96


,


98


and having a stabilizing surface which contacts the radial surface


114


of the actuator body


35


. When the overcap


34


is mounted on the actuator


30


, the stabilizer surfaces


92




b


,


94




b


,


96




b


, and


98




b


,


120


restrict and restrain relative movement of the overcap and actuator. It is within the contemplation of this invention that the outer surface


106


of the actuator body


35


may have a wide variety of configurations and that the stabilizer surfaces


92




b


,


94




b


,


96




b


, and


98




b


,


120


are formed to contact at least a portion of the outer surface of the actuator body. Is also within the contemplation of this invention to position the stabilizer surfaces


92




b


,


94




b


,


96




b


, and


98




b


so as to accommodate various configurations of the actuator body.




When the actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


of the present invention is assembled with the container


12


with automated machinery, a force is exerted on outer surface


84


the top


78


and the container


12


urging them together. The stabilizers


92




a


,


94




a


,


96




a


,


98




a


are formed integrally with the top of the overcap and their stabilizer surfaces


92




b


,


94




b


,


96




b


, and


98




b


are in contact with the actuator. The stabilizers transmit the force exerted on the top of the cap to the actuator and provide rigidity to the actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


. Such rigidity in the direction of relative movement of the assembly


10


and the container


12


during assembly provides a more predictable distance of movement for the automated machinery. This predictability in the distance of movement allows automated machinery to be more accurately set and assures assembly of the actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


with the container


12


. For example, if there is flexure between the overcap


34


and the actuator


30


, the automated assembly machine must accommodate the range of flexure.




The overcap


34


is removably affixed to the actuator


30


with a latch device


122


which allows for attachment and detachment of the overcap from the actuator as shown in

FIGS. 2-5

. The latch device


122


includes a locking depression


124


in the lower attachment skirt


126


of the actuator body


35


. The locking depression


124


has a locking surface


128


. The latch device


122


also has a movable latch portion


130


formed integrally with inner surface


86


of the top


78


of the overcap and extending from the inner surface thereof and terminates in a retaining portion


132


. The retaining portion has a locking surface


134


for engagement with the locking surface


128


of the actuator body


35


. A chamfered surface


136


is provided on the unattached end


138


of the retaining portion


132


.




When the actuator and overcap are moved from an unlatched position in which the retaining portion


132


is disengaged from the locking surface


128


, to the latched position


139


, the chamfered surface


136


contacts the outer surface


106


of the actuator to move the movable latch portion


130


along the outer surface of the actuator. When the locking surfaces


128


,


134


of the actuator


30


and overcap


34


respectively are adjacent each other, the movable latch portion


130


moves radially inwardly so that the locking surfaces


128


,


134


are in engagement and are in the locked or latched position


139


. In the latched position


139


the overcap


34


is removably attached to the actuator


30


.




The movable latch portion


130


has reinforcing members


140


formed integrally with the top


78


of the overcap and the movable latch portion


130


. These reinforcing members


140


create resistance to movement of the movable latch portion


130


as it is moved along the outer surface


130


of the actuator body


35


. These reinforcing members


140


operate to urge the locking surfaces


128


,


134


into the locking position


139


so that they are in engagement with each other.




It should be understood that the size and number of the reinforcing members


140


are dependent on the amount of resistance desired to be created on the retaining portion


132


. This amount of resistance must be sufficient to hold the overcap


34


and actuator


30


in the locked or latched position


139


even against incidental impacts yet not so much resistance so as to prohibit intentional removal of the overcap from the actuator. In the locking position


139


, the overcap


34


and actuator


30


are releasably stabilized with each other with the stabilizer surfaces


92




b


,


94




b


,


96




b


, and


98




b


,


120


in contact with the outer surface


106


of the actuator body


35


. Such a design holds the overcap and actuator in the locked or latched position


139


against incidental impacts.




The latch


122


also allows for disengagement of the actuator


30


and overcap


34


so that the overcap may be detached from the actuator. The overcap


34


is detached from the actuator


30


by relative movement of the overcap and actuator which deforms the latch


122


, thereby allowing detachment of the actuator and overcap. Such relative movement may occur by bending the actuator and overcap so the locking surfaces


134


,


128


are no longer in engagement with each other.




In the unattached position, the tube


32


may be removed from the overcap


34


. The connector


68


may then be attached to a fitting on the destination of the pressurized material and pressurized material transferred from the pressurized container. Such a design also allows for automated assembly of the actuator and overcap without the need for other components.




The actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


of the present invention is particularly adapted for automated assembly thereof. As described above, the actuator


30


and the tube


32


may be assembled by automated equipment. After this assembly is completed, the actuator and tube assembly


142


, shown in

FIG. 3

, may be assembled with the overcap


34


by an automated process.




To accomplish this assembly, the extension portion


50


of the tube


32


is positioned in the assembly position


104


in a perimeter to fit in the space between the surfaces


100


,


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


and the inner surface


88


of the overcap


34


. The tube is then held in that assembly position after wrapping the tube to that perimeter. The connector


68


is positioned above the radial surface


114


of the outer surface


106


of the actuator. The tube


32


is then positioned adjacent the lower edges


100


,


102




a


,


102




b


,


102




c


of the tube retaining surfaces


100


,


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


respectively. The actuator


30


is positioned in axial alignment with the overcap


34


so the outer surface


106


of the actuator body


35


is in alignment with the stabilizer surfaces


92




b


,


94




b


,


96




b


, and


98




b


,


120


. In addition, the latch device


122


is in the unlatched position in which the retaining portion


132


is disengaged from the locking surface


128


and the chamfered surface


136


of the latch device is spaced from and in alignment with the outer surface


106


of the actuator and the locking depression


124


of the actuator.




The tube


32


is then moved toward the top of the overcap to the assembled position


76


. As the tube is so moved, it is compressed from its undeformed diameter D to its deformed diameter E and frictional forces hold the tube in the space between the surfaces


100


,


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


in the overcap surface


88


. In the assembled position


76


the extension portion


50


of said tube


52


is positioned substantially above the valve portion


38


of the actuator


30


and substantially between the valve portion and the top


78


of said overcap


34


.




The actuator


30


is moved toward the top


78


of the overcap


34


to the assembled position


76


. As the actuator is so moved, the locking surfaces


128


,


134


of the actuator


30


and overcap


34


respectively, are positioned adjacent each other and the movable latch portion


130


moves radially inwardly so that the locking surfaces


128


,


134


are in engagement and in the locking position


139


. The movement of the tube and actuator toward the top of the overcap may be performed either sequentially or simultaneously.




The present invention provides a method for assembling an actuator and tube overcap assembly by attaching the inlet end of the tube to the outlet of the actuator, positioning the tube in the assembly position within a perimeter to fit between the space between the tube retaining surfaces and the side of said overcap, holding the tube in the assembly position, and positioning the tube between the side and the tube retaining surfaces of the overcap. The step of positioning the tube between the side and the tube retaining surfaces of the overcap includes the step of deforming the tube by contact between the side and the tube retaining surfaces of the overcap. The step of removably affixing the actuator to the overcap is performed after the step of positioning the tube in the assembly position and preferably is performed simultaneously with the step of positioning the tube between the side the tube retaining surfaces of the overcap but may be performed either before or after the step of positioning the tube between the side of the tube retaining surfaces of the overcap.




Accordingly the actuator


30


is removably affixed to the overcap


34


. In the locked position


139


, the overcap


34


and actuator


30


are releasably stabilized with each other and the stabilizer surfaces


92




b


,


94




b


,


96




b


, and


98




b


,


120


are in contact with the outer surface


106


of the actuator body


35


. In the affixed or locking position


139


, the tube extension extension portion


50


is positioned substantially above the valve portion


38


of the actuator


30


. It should be understood that it is within the contemplation of this invention to position the tube


32


at any position with respect to the actuator


30


and the overcap


34


and in the space between the surfaces


100


,


100




a


,


100




b


,


100




c


, and the inner surface


88


of the overcap side


80


.




As shown in

FIGS. 4 and 9

, the actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


of the present invention provides a secondary valve


144


, in addition to the valve portion


38


of the actuator


30


, to seal the pressurized contents in the container of


12


when the actuator and tube overcap assembly is in the assembled position


76


. This secondary valve


144


is provided by the tube


32


which can be deformed to seal the passageway


54


. When the tube


32


is disassembled from the overcap


34


for use, the tube recovers from its deformed position


146


and allows the pressurized material to flow therethrough. It has been found that a tube


32


having a particular combination of physical characteristics will achieve this feature and also meet the other requirements of a tube used with the assembly


10


.




To achieve this secondary valve feature, the inner side


88


of the side


80


of the overcap is positioned adjacent the outlet


44


of the actuator


30


a distance that the substantially or completely closes the fluid passageway


54


of the tube positioned between the overcap side and the outlet


52


of the actuator. When the actuator and tube assembly


142


is assembled with the overcap


34


, the valve portion


148


of the tube


32


is deformed so that its outer surface


66


contacts the inner side


88


of the overcap. As the actuator and tube assembly


142


is moved to the assembled position


76


, the side


80


of the overcap being at an angle as described above, continues to deformed the valve portion


148


of the tube so that the inner wall


60


defining the passageway


54


in the tube is sealed in its deformed position


146


. In the deformed position


146


, pressurized material is restricted from flowing through the tube.




The distance that the inner side


88


of the side


80


is spaced from the outlet


52


of the actuator may be modified for the particular tube being used, such as tubes having different diameters and tube thicknesses. It should also be understood that for purposes of describing the deformation of the tube to the deformed position


146


, the term overcap includes other devices that are used to deformed the valve portion


148


of the tube so that the inner walls


60


defining the passageway


54


in the tube are sealed or substantially sealed in the deforming position. It is also within the compilation of this invention that such other devices could be attached to either the actuator


30


, pressurized canister


12


or other component of the assembled product.




When it is desirable to use the tube


32


, it is disassembled from the overcap


34


and extended for use. When so disassembled it is desirable that the valve portion


148


no longer be deformed and allow pressurized material to flow therethrough. A tube having these material characteristics is sufficiently flexible to seal when deformed by the overcap which forces the tube against the actuator outlet. Is within the contemplation of this invention for the overcap to force the tube against another component so that this secondary valve


144


is accordingly provided. When used in connection with the secondary valve


144


, the term outlet of the actuator includes such other components. In addition, when such a tube is disassembled from the overcap it allows pressurized material to flow therethrough and also has sufficient strength to handle the pressure of the pressurized material and sufficient flexure to attach to the actuator. The tube must be made from a material that has recovery characteristics that allow material to flow therethrough when removed from the overcap.




It has been found that plastic material having the following material characteristics achieves the above described features of providing a secondary valve


144


and is also capable of handling the pressures exerted thereon when the material is discharged from the container


12


. The thermoplastic tube material having this combination of material characteristics has a specific gravity from between about 0.98 glcc and 1.21 g/cc using the ASTM D 792 test method, a durometer hardness of from between about 50 Shore A to 55 Shore D using the ASTM D 2240 test method, and ultimate elongation (%@Break) of from between about 250% to 2,000% using the ASTM D 412 test method, a compression set (after 22 hours@approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit) of from between about 2% to 38% using the ASTM D 395 method B test method and a low temperature brittle point of from between about −22 degrees Fahrenheit and −110 degrees Fahrenheit using the ASTM D 746 test method. One such thermoplastic material that may be formulated to meet these physical characteristics is polyurethane.




A tube having this combination of material characteristics is sufficiently flexible to seal when deformed by the overcap forcing the tube against the actuator outlet. In addition, when such a tube is disassembled from the overcap, it allows pressurized material to flow therethrough and has sufficient strength to handle the pressure of the pressurized material.




It has been found that a material having these material characteristics may also be used in other actuator and tube overcap assembly designs in which the tube is bent. In the past, designs have recognized the problem created by kinking the tube and have taken various steps to avoid that kinking.




The present invention provides for removably securing the connector


68


to either the overcap


34


or the actuator


30


without additional components. In the assembled position


76


, the tube extension portion


50


and the connector


68


are positioned substantially above the valve portion


38


of the actuator


30


as seen in FIG.


8


. As described above, the connector


68


has an outer periphery


70


greater than the outer periphery


72


of the tube


32


. A tube holding protrusion


150


is formed on the inner surface


88


of the side


80


of the overcap and extends towards the actuator


30


to contact the outer periphery


70


of the connector


68


. The outer periphery


70


of the connector


68


also contacts outer surface


106


of the actuator body


35


.




It should be understood that it is within the contemplation of this invention to form the tube holding protrusion on the tube retaining surfaces


100


,


100




a


,


100




b


, or


100




c


. It should also be understood that it is within the contemplation of this invention that the outer periphery


70


of the connector


68


may be held in position by contact with the inner surface


88


and the outer surface


106


of the actuator body


35


without a protrusion


150


. In this case, the space between the inner surface


88


and the outer surface


106


where the connector is positioned is less than the size of the outer periphery


70


of the connector


68


. Accordingly, the connector


68


is releasably secured between the actuator


30


and the side


88


when the actuator and tube overcap assembly is in the assembled position. This design provides a unitary assembly


10


which can be handled by automatic equipment for assembly to the pressurized container


12


.




The assembly of the actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


to the pressurized container


12


is dependent on the connection between the assembly


10


and container


12


. The embodiment disclosed in

FIGS. 1-9

provides a container


12


that has the upper rim


22


and the top rim


26


, as seen in

FIGS. 2

,


3


and


5


. The top rim


26


has a generally circular side portion


152


with the radially inward depression


28


formed therein. The upstanding valve


14


in the container


12


is centrally located with respect to the top rim


26


.




The cylindrical body


35


of the actuator


30


has a lower attachment skirt


126


having an inner surface


156


. The inner surface


156


has a circumference slightly larger than the circumference of the circular side portion


152


and is formed to mate therewith. The inner surface


156


of the actuator's attachment skirt


126


is formed to be received by the side portion


152


of the rim


26


. The attachment skirt


126


of the actuator has an inwardly extending flange


158


adjacent the bottom edge


160


for attaching the actuator


30


to the container


12


.




The actuator and tube assembly


10


of the present invention is particularly adapted to the assembled with the container


12


with automatic machinery. To connect the actuator and tube assembly


10


to the container


12


, the assembly


10


is oriented in a predetermined position that allows for automatic assembly with the container


12


. As can be seen, the uniform shape of the assembly


10


readily allows for such automated orientation. Likewise, the container


12


may also be oriented by automated equipment.




The inner surface


156


of the actuators attachment skirt


126


is then aligned with the side portion


152


of the top rim


26


, and the valve


14


of the container


12


is aligned with the inlet


42


of the valve portion


38


. A force is then exerted on the top


78


of the overcap


34


and the bottom


20


of the pressurized container


12


. This force is transmitted from the top


78


to the actuator


30


by the stabilizer surfaces


92




b


,


94




b


,


96




b


, and


98




b


, and


120


which are in contact with the outer surface


106


of the actuator body


35


. The stabilizer portions and their complementary surfaces provide an overcap assembly


10


that effectively transmit the forces exerted on the top of the overcap to the actuator.




Due to the flexibility of the lower attachment skirt


126


, the inwardly extending flange


158


expands when it is pressed onto the top rim


26


. The assembly


10


moves toward the container


12


and the inwardly extending flange


158


slides across the side portion


152


of the top rim


26


until it is received in the depression


28


thereof. When the flange


158


is so engaged by the depression


28


, the assembly


10


is secured to the container


12


. When the assembly


10


and canister


12


are assembled, the bottom edge


82


of the overcap is adjacent the upper rim


22


and is spaced therefrom. It is within the contemplation of this invention that the bottom edge


82


of the overcap may also be in contact with or attached to the upper rim


22


as will hereinafter be more fully described. It should be understood that the actuator may be attached to the container with a wide variety of connector designs.




The finished product resulting from the assembly of the actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


and the container


12


has a uniform configuration that can easily automatically packed, efficiently stored on shelves and does not get tangled up with other objects in a vehicle's trunk and damage the connection between the tube and the actuator or the actuator and the pressurized container.




The actuator and tube overcap assembly of the present invention allows for the use of tubes of differing lengths so that it can be used in a variety of different applications such as tire inflator products, air conditioning recharge products and other aerosol applications. The present invention provides an actuator and tube assembly


10


in which the tube can be of differing lengths depending on the specific application. By changing the height of the overcap or the outside periphery of the overcap, tubes of widely varying lengths can be removably attached to the overcap. For example if the overcap height is increased, additional coils or partial coils of the tube can be secured by the overcap as described above.




Another embodiment of the actuator and tube overcap assembly of the present invention is shown in FIG.


10


. For ease of description, the actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


′ is numbered with the numerals the same as used in connection with the actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


to denote common parts where appropriate and followed by a prime (′) mark to denote the actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


′.




The present invention provides an actuator and tube overcap assembly which allows the tube to be wrapped in opposite directions with the connector above or below the tube. The actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


′ provides a tube


32


′ that is wrapped in the opposite direction, counter clockwise as viewed from the top


78


′ of the overshell


34


′, than the tube


32


which is wrapped in a clockwise direction as shown in FIG.


1


.




The actuator and tube assembly


10


′ positions the connector


68


′ above the tube


32


′. The tube


32


′ has an inlet end


48


′, extension portion


50


′ and outlet end


52


′. The inlet end


48


′ of the tube is fluidically connected to the outlet


44


′ of the actuator


30


′. In the assembled position


76


′, the extension portion


50


′ is secured in the assembled position by being positioned between and in contact with the tube retaining surfaces


100


′,


100




a


′,


100




b


′,


100




c


′ and the inner surface


88


′ of the side


80


′ of the overcap


34


′. The outlet end


52


′ has the connector


68


′ attached thereto.




In the actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


′, the connector


68


′ is positioned above the extension portion


50


′ of the tube and adjacent the top


78


′ of the overshell


34


′ when in the assembled position


76


′. The connector


68


′ is held in the assembled position


76


′ by the extension portion


50


′ of the tube. The extension portion


50


′ of the tube is held in the assembled position by the frictional forces exerted on the extension portion by the retaining surfaces


100


′,


100




a


′,


100




b


′,


100




c


′ and the inner surface


88


′ of the overcap


34


′ as described above in connection with the assembly


10


.




A protrusion


150


′ is formed in the overcap


34


′ and extends from the inner surface


88


′ thereof The protrusion


150


′ is formed to contact the extension portion


50


′ of the tube so that stays in the assembled position


76


′. It should be understood that it is within the contemplation of this invention that the frictional forces exerted by the retaining surfaces


100


′,


100




a


′,


100




b


′,


100




c


′ and the inner surface


88


′ may hold the tube


32


′ and connector


68


′ in place.




Another embodiment of the actuator and tube overcap assembly of the present invention is shown in

FIGS. 11-12

. For ease of description, the actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


″ is numbered with the numerals the same as used in connection with the actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


to denote common parts where appropriate and followed by a double prime (″) mark to denote the actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


″.




As seen in

FIGS. 11 and 12

, the present invention provides an actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


″ which provides a tube


32


″ that is wrapped in the counter clockwise direction as viewed from the top


78


″ of the overcap


34


″. The connector


68


″ is positioned below the tube


32


″. The tube


32


″ has an inlet end


48


″, extension portion


50


″ and outlet end


52


″. The inlet end


48


″ of the tube is fluidically connected to the outlet


44


″ of the actuator


30


″. In the assembled position


76


″, the extension portion


50


″ is secured in the assembled position by being positioned between and in contact with the tube retaining surfaces


100


″,


100




a


″,


100




b


″,


100




c


″ and the inner surface


88


″ of the overcap


34


″. The outlet end


52


″ has the connector


68


″ attached thereto.




In the actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


″, the connector


68


″ is positioned below with the extension portion


50


″ of the tube. The extension portion


50


″ of the tube is positioned between the connector


68


″ and the top


78


″ of the overshell


34


″ when in the assembled position


76


″. The extension portion


50


″ of the tube is held in the assembled position by the frictional forces exerted on the extension portion by the retaining surfaces


100


″,


100




a


″,


100




b


″,


100




c


″ and the inner surface


88


″ of the side


80


″ of the overcap


34


″ as described above in connection with the assembly


10


.




A protrusion


150


″ is formed in the overcap


34


″ and extends from the inner surface


88


″ thereof The protrusion


150


″ is formed to contact with the outer periphery


70


″ of the connector


68


″ so that the connector is secured in the assembled position


76


″. The outer periphery


70


″ of the connector


68


″ is also in contact with the outer surface


106


″ of the actuator body


35


″. By so securing the connector


68


″ in the assembled position


76


″, the tube extension portion


50


″ is also held in the assembled position


76


″.




In the embodiment shown in

FIGS. 11 and 12

, the overcap


34


″ of the actuator and tube overcap assembly


10


″ has a top


78


″ and a side


80


″ which terminates in the bottom edge


82


″. Container engaging protrusions


162


are provided adjacent the bottom edge


82


″ for engaging the depression


161


of the upper rim


22


″ of the container


12


″ and provide an additional mechanism to hold the overcap


34


″ to the container.




While the latch device


122


″ is shown in

FIG. 11

, it is within the contemplation of this invention to hold the actuator


30


″ in the assembled position


76


″ by securing the connector and tube to the overshell with the retaining surfaces and the inner surfaces of the overcap and the protrusion as described above. In such a design, the actuator is removably attached to the overcap with a friction fit therebetween. For example, the stabilizer would frictionally engage the actuator. In such a design, the overcap is removably attached to the pressurized container


12


by the container engaging protrusions


162


engaging the upper rim


22


″.




The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the specification. It is our intention to include all modifications and alterations in so far as they are within the scope of the appended claims or equivalents thereof.



Claims
  • 1. An actuator and tube overcap assembly for installation onto a pressurized container, said assembly comprising:an actuator having an inlet and an outlet, a flexible discharge tube having an inlet end fluidically connected to said outlet of said actuator, an extension portion extending from said inlet end of said tube and a fluid passageway therethrough, and an overcap removably affixed to said actuator, said overcap having a top and a side extending at an angle from said top, each of said top and said side having an inner surface, said overcap having at least one tube retaining portion extending from at least one of said top and said side, said one tube retaining portion having an unattached end, said one tube retaining portion having a tube retaining surface, said tube retaining surface extending from said unattached end and spaced from said inner surface of said side, said extension portion of said tube positioned between said tube retaining surface and said inner surface of said side of said overcap.
  • 2. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which said side contacts said tube and is positioned adjacent said outlet of said actuator a distance that substantially closes said fluid passageway of said tube positioned between said side and said outlet of said actuator.
  • 3. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which said inner surface of said side of said overcap and said tube retaining surface diverge as they extend away from said unattached end of said one tube retaining portion.
  • 4. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which said inner side of said overcap is at an angle greater than 90 degrees from said inner surface of said top.
  • 5. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which said extension portion of said flexible discharge tube has an undeformed diameter, at least a portion of said tube retaining surface spaced from said inner surface of said side a distance less than said undeformed diameter of said extension portion of said tube.
  • 6. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 5 in which said tube retaining surface has an upper portion, said upper portion spaced from said inner surface of said side a distance less than said undeformed diameter of said extension portion of said tube.
  • 7. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 5 in which said tube retaining surface has a lower portion, said lower portion adjacent said unattached end of said one tube retaining portion and spaced from said inner surface of said side a distance greater than said undeformed diameter of said extension portion of said tube.
  • 8. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which said one internal tube retaining portion includes a plurality of internal tube retaining portions.
  • 9. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which said actuator has a valve portion, said extension portion of said tube positioned substantially above said valve portion of said actuator and substantially between said valve portion and said top of said overcap.
  • 10. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 1 including a connector and in which said tube has an outlet end opposite said inlet end, said connector attached to said outlet end of said tube, said connector positioned above said tube extension.
  • 11. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 1 including a connector and in which said tube has an outlet end opposite said inlet end, said connector attached to said outlet end of said tube, said connector positioned below said tube extension.
  • 12. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said side extends from said top of said overcap and terminates at a bottom edge, said overcap having a tube holding protrusion extending from one of said tube retaining surface and said inner surface of said side and spaced between said bottom edge of said side and said top of said overcap.
  • 13. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 12 in which said tube has an outlet end opposite said inlet end, said actuator and tube overcap assembly including a connector attached to said outlet end of said tube, said connector positioned between said tube holding protrusion and said top of said overcap.
  • 14. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 12 in which said tube holding protrusion contacts said extension portion of said tube.
  • 15. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said tube is made from a thermoplastic material having a specific gravity from between about 0.98 g/cc and 1.21 g/cc using the ASTM D 792 test method, a durometer hardness of from between about 50 Shore A to 55 Shore D using the ASTM D 2240 test method, and ultimate elongation (% @Break) of from between about 250% to 2,000% using the ASTM D 412 test method, a compression set (after 22 hours@approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit) of from between about 2% to 38% using the ASTM D 395 method B test method and a low temperature brittle point of from between about −22 degrees Fahrenheit and −110 degrees Fahrenheit using the ASTM D 746 test method.
  • 16. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 1 having a latch device for removably affixing said actuator to said overcap, said latch device having a locking depression, said locking depression on one of said actuator and said overcap having a locking surface, said latch device having a latch on the other of said actuator and said overcap, said latch movable between an unlatched and latched position, said latch having a retaining portion engaging said locking surface when in said latched position and movable to said unlatched position in which said retaining portion is disengaged from said locking surface.
  • 17. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which said overcap has at least one stabilizer extending from one of said inner surfaces of said overcap, said stabilizer and having a stabilizing surface contacting said actuator.
  • 18. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which one of said top of said overcap and said actuator has at least one stabilizer extending to the other of said top of said overcap and said actuator, said one stabilizer having a stabilizing surface contacting said other of said top of said overcap and said actuator.
  • 19. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 18 in which one of said top of said overcap and said actuator has a plurality of stabilizers extending to the other of said top of said overcap and said actuator, said stabilizers having a stabilizing surface contacting said other of said top of said overcap and said actuator, said one of said top of said overcap and said actuator having an interconnecting stabilizer formed integrally with two of said stabilizers and extending therebetween, said interconnecting stabilizer having a stabilizing surface contacting said other of said top of said overcap and said actuator.
  • 20. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which said actuator and tube overcap assembly is configured to allow the operable assembly of said actuator and tube overcap assembly with the container by automated machinery.
  • 21. An actuator and tube overcap assembly for installation onto a pressurized container, said assembly comprising:an actuator having an inlet and an outlet, a flexible discharge tube having an inlet end fluidically connected to said outlet of said actuator and an extension portion extending from said inlet end of said tube and a fluid passageway therethrough, an overcap removably affixed to said actuator, said overcap having a top and a side extending at an angle from said top to a bottom edge, one of said top and said actuator has at least one stabilizer extending to the other of said top and said actuator, said one stabilizer having a stabilizing surface contacting said other of said top and said actuator.
  • 22. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 21 in which said one stabilizer includes a plurality of stabilizers.
  • 23. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 22 in which one of said top of said overcap and said actuator has a plurality of stabilizers extending to the other of said top of said overcap and said actuator, said stabilizers having stabilizing surfaces contacting said other of said top of said overcap and said actuator, said one of said top of said overcap and said actuator having an interconnecting stabilizer formed integrally with two of said stabilizers and extending therebetween, said interconnecting stabilizer having a stabilizing surface contacting said other of said top of said overcap and said actuator.
  • 24. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 22 in which each of said top and said side has an inner surface, said overcap having at least one tube retaining portion extending from at least one of said top and said side, said one tube retaining portion having an unattached end, said one tube retaining portion having a tube retaining surface, said tube retaining surface extending from said unattached end and spaced from said inner surface of said side, said extension portion of said tube positioned between said tube retaining surface and said inner surface of said side of said overcap.
  • 25. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 24 in which said extension portion of said flexible discharge tube has an undeformed diameter, at least a portion of said tube retaining surface spaced from said inner surface of said side a distance less than said undeformed diameter of said extension portion of said tube.
  • 26. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 24 in which said tube retaining surface has an upper portion, said upper portion spaced from said inner surface of said side a distance less than said undeformed diameter of said extension portion of said tube.
  • 27. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 24 in which said tube retaining surface has a lower portion, said lower portion adjacent said unattached end of said one tube retaining portion and spaced from said inner surface of said side a distance greater than said undeformed diameter of said extension portion of said tube.
  • 28. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 24 in which said inner surface of said side of said overcap and said tube retaining surface diverge as they extend away from said unattached end of said one tube retaining portion.
  • 29. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 24 in which said inner side of said overcap is at an angle greater than 90 degrees from said inner surface of said top.
  • 30. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 24 wherein said side extends from said top of said overcap and terminates at a bottom edge, said overcap having a tube holding protrusion extending from one of said tube retaining surface and said inner surface of said side and spaced between said bottom edge of said side and said top of said overcap.
  • 31. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 30 in which said tube has an outlet end opposite said inlet end, said actuator and tube overcap assembly including a connector attached to said outlet end of said tube, said connector positioned between said tube holding protrusion and said top of said overcap.
  • 32. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 30 in which said tube holding protrusion contacts said extension portion of said tube.
  • 33. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 21 in which said side contacts said tube and is positioned adjacent said outlet of said actuator a distance that substantially closes said fluid passageway of said tube positioned between said side and said outlet of said actuator.
  • 34. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 21 wherein said tube is made from a thermoplastic material having a specific gravity from between about 0.98 g/cc and 1.21 g/cc using the ASTM D 792 test method, a durometer hardness of from between about 50 Shore A to 55 Shore D using the ASTM D 2240 test method, and ultimate elongation (%@Break) of from between about 250% to 2,000% using the ASTM D 412 test method, a compression set (after 22 hours@approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit) of from between about 2% to 38% using the ASTM D 395 method B test method and a low temperature brittle point of from between about −22 degrees Fahrenheit and −110 degrees Fahrenheit using the ASTM D 746 test method.
  • 35. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 21 having a latch device for removably affixing said actuator to said overcap, said latch device having a locking depression, said locking depression on one of said actuator and said overcap having a locking surface, said latch device having a latch on the other of said actuator and said overcap, said latch movable between an unlatched and latched position, said latch having a retaining portion engaging said locking surface when in said latched position and movable to said unlatched position in which said retaining portion is disengaged from said locking surface.
  • 36. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 21 in which said actuator and tube overcap assembly is configured to allow the operable assembly of said actuator and tube overcap assembly with the container by automated machinery.
  • 37. An actuator and tube overcap assembly for installation onto a pressurized container, said assembly comprising:an actuator having an inlet and an outlet, a flexible discharge tube having an inlet end fluidically connected to said outlet of said actuator and an extension portion extending from said inlet end of said tube and a fluid passageway therethrough, and an overcap removably affixed to said actuator, said overcap having a side in contact with said tube and positioned adjacent said outlet of said actuator a distance that substantially closes said fluid passageway of said tube positioned between said side and said outlet of said actuator.
  • 38. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 37 wherein said tube is made from a thermoplastic material having a specific gravity from between about 0.98 g/cc and 1.21 g/cc using the ASTM D 792 test method, a durometer hardness of from between about 50 Shore A to 55 Shore D using the ASTM D 2240 test method, and ultimate elongation (%@Break) of from between about 250% to 2,000% using the ASTM D 412 test method, a compression set (after 22 hours@approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit) of from between about 2% to 38% using the ASTM D 395 method B test method and a low temperature brittle point of from between about −22 degrees Fahrenheit and −110 degrees Fahrenheit using the ASTM D 746 test method.
  • 39. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 37 in which said overcap has a top, said side extending at an angle from said top to a bottom edge, one of said top and said actuator has at least one stabilizer extending to the other of said top and said actuator, said one stabilizer having a stabilizing surface contacting said other of said top and said actuator.
  • 40. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 37 in which one of said top of said overcap and said actuator has a plurality of stabilizers extending to the other of said top of said overcap and said actuator, said stabilizers having a stabilizing surface contacting said other of said top of said overcap and said actuator, said one of said top of said overcap and said actuator having an interconnecting stabilizer formed integrally with two of said stabilizers and extending therebetween, said interconnecting stabilizer having a stabilizing surface contacting said other of said top of said overcap and said actuator.
  • 41. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 37 in which said overcap has a top, said side extending at an angle from said top to a bottom edge, each of said top and said side having an inner surface, said overcap having at least one tube retaining portion extending from at least one of said top and said side, said one tube retaining portion having an unattached end, said one tube retaining portion having a tube retaining surface, said tube retaining surface extending from said unattached end and spaced from said inner surface of said side, said extension portion of said tube positioned between said tube retaining surface and said inner surface of said side of said overcap.
  • 42. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 41 in which said extension portion of said flexible discharge tube has an undeformed diameter, at least a portion of said tube retaining surface spaced from said inner surface of said side a distance less than said undeformed diameter of said extension portion of said tube.
  • 43. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 41 in which said actuator has a valve portion, said extension portion of said tube positioned substantially above said valve portion of said actuator and substantially between said valve portion and said top of said overcap.
  • 44. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 41 in which said side of said overcap and said tube retaining surface diverge as they extend away from said unattached end of said tube retaining portion.
  • 45. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 41 in which said inner side of said overcap is at an angle greater than 90 degrees from said inner surface of said top.
  • 46. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 41 wherein said side extends from said top of said overcap and terminates at a bottom edge, said overcap having a tube holding protrusion extending from one of said tube retaining surface and said inner surface of said side and spaced between said bottom edge of said side and said top of said overcap.
  • 47. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 46 which includes a connector, said tube having an outlet end opposite said inlet end, said connector attached to said outlet end of said tube, said connector positioned between said tube holding protrusion and said top of said overcap.
  • 48. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 46 in which said tube holding protrusion contacts said extension portion of said tube.
  • 49. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 37 having a latch device for removably affixing said actuator to said overcap, said latch device having a locking depression, said locking depression on one of said actuator and said overcap having a locking surface, said latch device having a latch on the other of said actuator and said overcap, said latch movable between an unlatched and latched position, said latch having a retaining portion engaging said locking surface when in said latched position and movable to said unlatched position in which said retaining portion is disengaged from said locking surface.
  • 50. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 37 in which said actuator and tube overcap assembly is configured to allow the operable assembly of said actuator and tube overcap assembly with the container by automated machinery.
  • 51. An actuator and tube overcap assembly for installation onto a pressurized container, said assembly comprising:an actuator having an inlet and an outlet, a flexible discharge tube having an inlet end fluidically connected to said outlet of said actuator, an extension portion extending from said inlet end of said tube and a fluid passageway therethrough, and an overcap removably connected to said actuator, said overcap having a having a top and a side extending at an angle from said top to a bottom edge, each of said top and said side having an inner surface, said tube positioned between said inner surface of said side of said overcap, said tube made from a thermoplastic material having a specific gravity from between about 0.98 g/cc and 1.21 g/cc using the ASTM D 792 test method, a durometer hardness of from between about 50 Shore A to 55 Shore D using the ASTM D 2240 test method, and ultimate elongation (%@Break) of from between about 250% to 2,000% using the ASTM D 412 test method, a compression set (after 22 hours@approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit) of from between about 2% to 38% using the ASTM D 395 method B test method and a low temperature brittle point of from between about−22 degrees Fahrenheit and −110 degrees Fahrenheit using the ASTM D 746 test method.
  • 52. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 51 wherein each of said top and said side have an inner surface, said overcap having at least one tube retaining portion extending from at least one of said top and said side, said one tube retaining portion having an unattached end, said one tube retaining portion having a tube retaining surface, said tube retaining surface extending from said unattached end and spaced from said inner surface of said side, said extension portion of said tube positioned between said tube retaining surface and said inner surface of said side.
  • 53. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 51 wherein one of said top and said actuator has at least one stabilizer extending to the other of said top and said actuator, said one stabilizer having a stabilizing surface contacting said other of said top and said actuator.
  • 54. An actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 51 wherein said inner surface of said side of said overcap is in contact with said tube and positioned adjacent said outlet of said actuator a distance that substantially closes said fluid passageway of said tube positioned between said side and said outlet of said actuator.
  • 55. A method for assembling an actuator and tube overcap assembly comprising the steps of:attaching one end of a tube to an outlet of an actuator, positioning said tube in an assembly position within a perimeter to fit between the space between at least one tube retaining surface and the side of said overcap, said overcap having a top and said side extending at an angle from said top, said overcap having at least one internal tube retaining portion having said one tube retaining surface, said one tube retaining surface spaced from said side for receiving said tube therebetween, positioning said tube between said side and one tube retaining surface of said overcap.
  • 56. The product of the method as claimed in claim 55.
  • 57. A method for assembling an actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 55 which includes the step of holding said tube in said assembly position after the step of positioning said tube in said assembly position.
  • 58. A method for assembling an actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 55 which includes the step of removably affixing said actuator to said overcap after the step of positioning said tube in said assembly position.
  • 59. A method for assembling an actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 55 which includes the step of removably affixing said actuator to said overcap simultaneously with the step of positioning said tube between said side and said one tube retaining surface of said overcap.
  • 60. A method for assembling an actuator and tube overcap assembly as claimed in claim 55 in which the step of positioning said tube between said side and said one tube retaining surface of said overcap includes the step of deforming said tube by contact between said side and said one tube retaining surface of said overcap.
  • 61. A method for assembling an actuator and tube overcap assembly with a pressurized container comprising the steps of:attaching one end of a tube to the outlet of an actuator, wherein said actuator is not attached to said container, positioning said tube in an assembly position within a perimeter to fit between the space between at least one tube retaining surface and the side of said overcap, said overcap having a top and said side extending at an angle from said top, said overcap having at least one internal tube retaining portion having said one tube retaining surface, said one tube retaining surface spaced from said side for receiving said tube therebetween, attaching said tube and said actuator to said overcap wherein said tube is positioned between said side and said tube retaining portions, and operably attaching said actuator and tube overcap assembly to said pressurized container.
  • 62. The product of the method as claimed in claim 61.
  • 63. The method for assembling an actuator and tube overcap assembly with a pressurized container as claimed in claim 61 wherein said step of operably attaching said actuator and tube overcap assembly to said pressurized container is performed by automatic machinery.
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3055556 Hester Sep 1962 A
4096974 Haber et al. Jun 1978 A
4305528 Craig Dec 1981 A
4315576 Murphy Feb 1982 A
4664300 Strickland May 1987 A
4819838 Hart Apr 1989 A
5098603 Perlman Mar 1992 A
5305784 Carter Apr 1994 A
5611466 Hsiao Mar 1997 A
5765601 Wells et al. Jun 1998 A
6260739 Hsiao Jul 2001 B1
6382469 Carter et al. May 2002 B1