AEROSOL ACTUATOR

Abstract

An aerosol dispenser is disclosed for actuating an aerosol valve comprising a base and an actuator. A container mount secures the base to an aerosol container. A base opening is in the base. A nozzle coupled to the actuator extends between the aerosol valve and a terminal orifice. An actuator mount secures the actuator to the base. The terminal orifice aligns with the base opening for defining a dispensing position. The terminal orifice is non-aligning with the base opening for defining a non-dispensing position. The actuator is pivotably displaced for positioning the actuator between the dispensing position and the non-dispensing position. A primary base pivot terminator is in the base. A primary actuator pivot terminator is in the actuator. The primary base pivot terminator abuts with the primary actuator pivot terminator for defining an interlock and terminating pivoting of the actuator in the dispensing position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to dispensing of an aerosol product and more particularly to an improved aerosol actuator having an actuator button being rotatable relative to a base for enabling and inhibiting the dispensing of the aerosol product from an aerosol container and incorporating a safety actuator.

Description of the Related Art

An aerosol dispenser comprises an aerosol product and an aerosol propellant contained within an aerosol container. An aerosol valve is provided to control the discharge of the aerosol product from the aerosol container through the fluid pressure provided by the aerosol propellant.

The aerosol valve is biased into a closed position. A valve stem cooperates with the aerosol valve for opening the aerosol valve. An actuator engages with the valve stem to open the aerosol valve for dispensing the aerosol product and the aerosol propellant from the aerosol container. The aerosol product and the aerosol propellant are dispensed from the aerosol valve through a spray nozzle. Typically, the aerosol product and the aerosol propellant are contained in a common portion of the aerosol container.

In some occasions, an invention results in products that have desirable characteristics resulting in wide spread use and universal acceptance in a marketplace. These illusive desirable characteristics are the result of a combination of elements that collectively work together to produce the totality of the product. Like all successful products, a successful product may be further improved in one or more aspects of the product.

One specific example of an aerosol product that has achieved wide spread use and universal acceptance in a marketplace is an aerosol actuator sold under the trademark Moritz by the Aptargroup, Inc. This aerosol actuator was the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 7,487,891.

The Moritz aerosol actuator includes an actuator button orifice defined in the sidewall of the actuator button. The actuator button is rotatable relative to a base for movement between a locked rotational position and an unlocked rotational position. The actuator button is tiltable relative to the base for actuating the aerosol valve to dispense the aerosol product from a terminal orifice and through the actuator button orifice when the actuator button is rotated into the unlocked rotational position. The actuator button is inhibited from actuating the aerosol valve when the actuator button is moved into the locked rotational position whereat the actuator button orifice is moved away from the terminal orifice.

Although the Moritz aerosol actuator achieved wide spread use and universal acceptance in a marketplace, further improvement may be made to this successful product.

Firstly, in some instances, the actuator button orifice could be slightly misaligned from the terminal orifice in the unlocked rotational position by an unintended movement of the actuator button. This slight defect only related to the appearance of the actuator and did not affect the function of the Moritz aerosol actuator

Secondly, the many retail home delivery retail vendors required a strict non-spill requirement of all liquid products. In many cases, this non-spill requirement of liquid products was solved by overwrapping the product with a plastic covering. This plastic covering significantly added to the overall cost of the product.

Thirdly, many manufactures of aerosol products desired to ship the aerosol products in a stacked shipping container. This stacking of the aerosol products in a shipping container raised the concern of accidental actuator of the aerosol product during shipping and delivery.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention make improvements to the aerosol actuators of the prior art by providing an aerosol safety actuator that overcome the difficulties set forth above and provides an advancement to the aerosol dispensing art.

Another object of the invention is to provide an aerosol safety actuator that inhibits the unintentional misalignment between the actuator button orifice and the terminal orifice in the unlocked rotational position.

Another object of the invention is to provide an aerosol safety actuator that provides a secondary accurate projection coacting between the base and the actuator button for inhibiting unintended movement of said actuator button from the locked rotational position.

Another object of the invention is to provide an aerosol safety actuator that provides an arcuate projection coacting between the base and the actuator button for inhibiting accidental action of the aerosol valve.

Another object of the invention is to provide an aerosol safety actuator that provides does not change the outward appearance of the original aerosol actuator.

Another object of the invention is to provide an aerosol safety actuator that made be undertaken with a simple modification of existing manufacturing tooling.

Another object of the invention is to provide an aerosol safety actuator that made be undertaken without any major increase in material manufacturing cost.

The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed as being merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by modifying the invention within the scope of the invention. Accordingly other objects in a full understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention, the detailed description describing the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is defined by the appended claims with specific embodiments being shown in the attached drawings. For the purpose of summarizing the invention, the invention relates to an improved an aerosol dispenser. The aerosol dispenser actuates an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container. The aerosol dispenser comprises a base having a base wall defining an interior surface, an exterior surface, an upper edge and a lower edge. A container mount secures the base to the aerosol container. A base opening is in the base. An actuator has an actuator wall defining an interior surface, an exterior surface, an upper surface and a lower edge. A nozzle is coupled to the actuator and extends between the aerosol valve and a terminal orifice. An actuator mount secures the actuator to the base. The terminal orifice aligns with the base opening for defining a dispensing position of the actuator relative to the base. The terminal orifice non-aligns with the base opening for defining a non-dispensing position of the actuator relative to the base. The actuator is displaced vertically relative to the base for actuating the aerosol valve and dispenses the aerosol product from the aerosol container in the dispensing position. The actuator is pivotably displaced relative to the base for positioning the actuator between the dispensing position and the non-dispensing position. A primary base pivot terminator is in the base. A primary actuator pivot terminator is in the actuator. The primary base pivot terminator abuts with the primary actuator pivot terminator for defining an interlock and terminating pivoting of the actuator relative to the base in the dispensing position.

In one embodiment of the invention, a secondary base pivot terminator is in the base. A secondary actuator pivot terminator is in the actuator. The secondary base pivot terminator abuts with the secondary actuator pivot terminator for defining a second interlock and terminating pivoting of the actuator relative to the base in the non-dispensing position.

In another embodiment of the invention, the primary base pivot terminator includes a base notch in the base. The primary actuator pivot terminator includes an actuator step coupled to the exterior surface of the actuator. The actuator step extends into the base notch and the actuator step abuts with the base notch for defining the interlock and terminating pivoting of the actuator relative to the base in the dispensing position. The actuator step traverses in the base notch for permitting the actuator being pivotably displaced relative to the base between the dispensing position and the non-dispensing position.

In another embodiment of the invention, the actuator step includes a step height for protruding the actuator step above the exterior surface of the base. The actuator step defines a rotation tab for pivoting the actuator relative to the base.

In another embodiment of the invention, a symbol is coupled to the exterior surface of the actuator and is visible in the dispensing position for providing a visible indication the actuator is in the dispensing position relative to the base.

In another embodiment of the invention, a second symbol is coupled to the exterior surface of the actuator and is visible in the non-dispensing position for providing a visible indication the actuator is in the non-dispensing position relative to the base.

In another embodiment of the invention, the primary base pivot terminator includes a base notch in the base. An upper notch and a lower notch are in the base notch. The primary actuator pivot terminator includes an actuator step coupled to the exterior surface of the actuator. The actuator step extends into the base notch and the actuator step abuts with the base notch for defining the interlock and terminating pivoting of the actuator relative to the base in the dispensing position. The actuator step is positioned into the lower notch upon the actuator being displaced vertically relative to the base for actuating the aerosol valve and dispensing the aerosol product. The actuator step traverses in the base notch for permitting the actuator being pivotably displaced relative to the base between the dispensing position and the non-dispensing position. The actuator step abuts with the base notch for defining a second interlock and terminating pivoting of the actuator relative to the base in the non-dispensing position. The upper notch abuts the actuator step for preventing the actuator being displaced vertically relative to the base.

In another embodiment of the invention, a base shoulder is coupled to the base. An actuator tab is coupled to the actuator. The base shoulder abuts with the actuator tab in the non-dispensing position for defining an interior dispensing lock and preventing vertical displacement of the actuator relative to the base and preventing dispensing of the aerosol product from the aerosol container. The second interlock coincides with the interior dispensing lock for defining a double interlock for preventing vertical displacement of the actuator relative to the base and preventing dispensing of the aerosol product from the aerosol container.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top isometric view of a first embodiment of an aerosol dispenser in a non-dispensing position;

FIG. 2 is a bottom isometric view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a left side view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a right side view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view along line 9-9 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view along line 10-10 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view along line 11-11 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 11A is an enlarged portion of FIG. 11;

FIG. 12 is a top isometric view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating the aerosol dispenser in a dispensing position;

FIG. 13 is a bottom isometric view of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a front view of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a rear view of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a top view of FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of FIG. 12;

FIG. 18 is a left side view of FIG. 14;

FIG. 19 is a right side view of FIG. 14;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view along line 20-20 in FIG. 14;

FIG. 21 is a sectional view along line 21-21 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view along line 22-22 in FIG. 14;

FIG. 22A is an enlarged portion of FIG. 22;

FIG. 23 is a top isometric view similar to FIG. 12 illustrating the aerosol dispenser in an actuating position;

FIG. 24 is a bottom isometric view of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a front view of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a rear view of FIG. 23;

FIG. 27 is a top view of FIG. 23;

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of FIG. 23;

FIG. 29 is a left side view of FIG. 25;

FIG. 30 is a right side view of FIG. 25;

FIG. 31 is a sectional view along line 31-31 in FIG. 25;

FIG. 32 is a sectional view along line 32-32 in FIG. 27;

FIG. 33 is a sectional view along line 33-33 in FIG. 25;

FIG. 33A is an enlarged portion of FIG. 33;

FIG. 34 is a top isometric view of a base in FIG. 1;

FIG. 35 is a bottom isometric view of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a front view of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a rear view of FIG. 34;

FIG. 38 is a top view of FIG. 34;

FIG. 39 is a bottom view of FIG. 34;

FIG. 40 is a left side view of FIG. 36;

FIG. 41 is a right side view of FIG. 36;

FIG. 42 is a sectional view along line 42-42 in FIG. 36;

FIG. 43 is a rear isometric view of FIG. 34;

FIG. 44 is a top isometric view of an actuator in FIG. 1;

FIG. 45 is a bottom isometric view of FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is a front view of FIG. 44;

FIG. 47 is a rear view of FIG. 44;

FIG. 48 is a top view of FIG. 44;

FIG. 49 is a bottom view of FIG. 44;

FIG. 50 is a left side view of FIG. 46;

FIG. 51 is a right side view of FIG. 46;

FIG. 52 is a sectional view along line 52-52 in FIG. 46;

FIG. 53 is a front bottom isometric view of FIG. 44;

FIG. 54 is a rear bottom isometric view of FIG. 44;

FIG. 55 is a rear view of a second embodiment of the aerosol dispenser in a non-dispensing position;

FIG. 56 is a view similar to FIG. 55 illustrating the aerosol dispenser in a dispensing position; and

FIG. 57 is a view similar to FIG. 56 illustrating the aerosol dispenser in an actuating position.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several Figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

FIGS. 1-57 illustrate an aerosol dispenser 10 actuating an aerosol valve 20 for dispensing an aerosol product 22 from an aerosol container 24. The aerosol valve 20 may include structure known in the art having a mounting cup 30, valve body 32 and a gasket 34. A dip tube 36 may position the aerosol product 22 into the valve body 32. A spring 38 may bias the valve body 32 into a closed position.

The aerosol dispenser 10 comprises a base 50 having a base wall 52 defining an interior surface 54, an exterior surface 56, an upper edge 60 and a lower edge 62. A container mount 70 secures the base 50 to the aerosol container 24. More specifically, the container mount 70 may include an annular base groove 72 positioned between an upper annular ridge 74 and a lower annular ridge 76. The upper annular ridge 74 and the lower annular ridge 76 abut with the mounting cup 30 and position a portion of the mounting cup 30 into the annular base groove 72. The base 50 includes a base opening 80. The base opening 80 may include an elongated opening. Alternatively, the base opening 80 may include a circle, square, rectangle, elliptical, rectangle, diamond or other geometric shapes.

An actuator 100 has an actuator wall 102 defining an interior surface 104, an exterior surface 106, an upper surface 110 and a lower edge 112. A nozzle 114 is coupled to the actuator 100 and extends between the aerosol valve 20 and a terminal orifice 40. An actuator mount 120 secures the actuator 100 to the base 50.

As best shown FIGS. 11-32, 56 and 57, the terminal orifice 40 aligns with the base opening 80 for defining a dispensing position 300 of the actuator 100 relative to the base 50. As best shown in FIGS. 1-10, and 55, the terminal orifice 40 non-aligns with the base opening 80 for defining a non-dispensing position 312 of the actuator 100 relative to the base 50. As best shown in FIGS. 23-32 and 57, the actuator 100 is displaced vertically relative to the 50 base for actuating the aerosol valve 20 and dispenses the aerosol product 22 from the aerosol container 24 in the dispensing position 130.

The aerosol dispenser 10 is shown as a vertical aerosol dispenser 12. The range of vertical displacement of the vertical aerosol dispenser 12 may include between 2.0 mm to 3.5 mm. A sample of products requiring long ravel valves from an aerosol dispenser include but not limited to: medicated powder sprays, dry shampoos, antiperspirants, foot or shoe powder sprays, bakers release sprays, and paint with high solids content. The aerosol dispenser 10 may alternatively include a tilting aerosol dispenser or other aerosol dispensers.

The actuator 100 is pivotably displaced relative to the base 50 for positioning the actuator 100 between the dispensing position 130 and the non-dispensing position 132. A primary base pivot terminator 150 is in the base 50. A primary actuator pivot terminator 170 is in the actuator 100. As best shown in FIG. 15, the primary base pivot terminator 150 abuts with the primary actuator pivot terminator 170 for defining an interlock 190 and terminating pivoting of the actuator 100 relative to the base 50 in the dispensing position 130.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the aerosol dispenser 10 may further include a secondary base pivot terminator 160 in the base 50. A secondary actuator pivot terminator 180 may be in the actuator 100. The secondary base pivot terminator 160 abuts with the secondary actuator pivot terminator 180 for defining a second interlock 192 and terminating pivoting of the actuator 100 relative to the base 50 in the non-dispensing position 132.

The primary base pivot terminator 150 may include a base notch 152 in the base 50. The primary actuator pivot terminator 170 may include an actuator step 172 coupled to the exterior surface 106 of the actuator 100. The actuator step 172 extends into the base notch 152 and the actuator step 172 abuts with the base notch 152 for defining the interlock 190 and terminating pivoting of the actuator 100 relative to the base 50 in the dispensing position 130. The actuator step 172 traverses in the base notch 152 for permitting the actuator 100 to be pivotably displaced relative to the base 50 between the dispensing position 130 and the non-dispensing position 132. More specifically, the base notch 152 may include a first notch edge 154, a second notch edge 156 and a bottom notch edge 158. The actuator 100 is prevented from further rotation relative to the base 50 upon the actuator step 172 contacting at the first notch edge 154 and defining the interlock 190. The interlock 190 coincides with aligning the base opening 80 in the base 50 with the nozzle 114 for dispensing the aerosol product 22. Furthermore, the actuator 100 is prevented from further rotation relative to the base 50 upon the actuator step 172 contacting the second notch edge 156 and defining the second interlock 192. The second interlock 192 coincides with the removal of the nozzle 114 from the base opening 80 in the base 50 for shielding and/or preventing dispensing of the aerosol product 22.

The actuator step 172 may include a step height 174 for protruding the actuator step 172 above the exterior surface 56 of the base 50. The actuator step 172 defines a rotation tab 176 for pivoting the actuator 100 relative to the base 50. The actuator step 172 may include a step top surface 178. The step top surface 178 has a textured surface 179 for frictionally engaging the actuator 100 for pivoting the actuator 100 relative to the base 50.

The upper edge 60 of the base 50 may include an arcuate upper edge 64. The arcuate upper edge 64 defines a tapering edge 66 and allows a descending force upon the actuator 100 to extend relative the base 50. The tapering edge 66 exposes a portion of the actuator 100. The exposed portion of the actuator 100 may define an actuator grip surface 108 in the exterior surface 106 of the actuator 100. The actuator grip surface 108 allows grasping of the actuator 100 for pivotably displacing the actuator 100 relative to the base 50.

As best shown in FIG. 15, a symbol 200 is coupled to the exterior surface 106 of the actuator 100 and is visible in the dispensing position 130 for providing a visible indication the actuator 100 is in the dispensing position 130 relative to the base 50. The symbol 200 may be visible within the base notch 152 in the base 50. The symbol 200 may include but limited to an unlocked pad lock symbol 202, a color 204, a green color 205, a texture 206, a binary code 1208 or other symbols.

As best shown in FIG. 4, a second symbol 210 may be coupled to the exterior surface 106 of the actuator 100 and is visible in the non-dispensing position 132 for providing a visible indication the actuator 100 is in the non-dispensing position 132 relative to the base 50. The second symbol 210 may be visible within the base notch 152 in the base 50. The second symbol 210 may include but limited to a locked pad lock symbol 212, a second color 214, a red color 215, a second texture 216, a binary code O 218 or other symbols.

As best shown in FIGS. 1-3, a third symbol 220 may be coupled to the exterior surface 106 of the actuator 100 and is visible in the non-dispensing position 132 for providing a visible indication the actuator 100 is in the non-dispensing position 132 relative to the base 50. The third symbol 220 is visible within the base opening 80 in the base 50. The third symbol 210 may include but limited to a locked pad lock symbol 222, a third color 224, a red color 225, a third texture 226, a binary code O 228 or other symbols.

A base tab 250 is coupled to the base 50. An actuator tab 300 is coupled to the actuator 100. As best shown in FIG. 9, the base tab 250 abuts with the actuator tab 300 for defining an interior interlock 350 and terminating pivoting of the actuator 100 relative to the base 50 in the non-dispensing position 132. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 9, the second interlock 192 coincides with the interior interlock 350 for defining a dual interlock 352 for terminating pivoting of the actuator 100 relative to the base 50 in the non-dispensing position 132.

Abase shoulder 260 is coupled to the base 50. An actuator tab 310 is coupled to the actuator 100. As best shown in FIG. 9, the base shoulder 260 abuts with the actuator tab 310 in the non-dispensing position 132 for defining an interior dispensing lock 354 and preventing vertical displacement of the actuator 100 relative to the base 50 and preventing dispensing of the aerosol product 22 from the aerosol container 24.

A base channel 270 is coupled to the base 50. The base channel 270 is defined by a first base channel wall 262 and a second base channel wall 264. A primary ramp portion 266 and a secondary ramp portion 268 may link the first base channel wall 262 and the second base channel wall 264 respectively with the base shoulder 260.

An actuator tab 320 is coupled to the actuator 100. As best shown in FIGS. 20, 31 and 32, the base channel 270 receives the actuator tab 320 upon the actuator 100 being displaced vertically relative to the base 50 for defining an interior aligning guide 356 and guiding the actuator 100 relative to the base 50 during vertical displacement of the actuator 100 relative to the base 50. The interior aligning guide 356 coincides with the dispensing position 130. The primary ramp portion 266 and the secondary ramp portion 268 may facilitate the insertion of the actuator tab 320 into the base channel 270.

As best shown FIGS. 11, 11A, 22, 22A, 33, 33A, 53 and 54, the interior surface 104 of the actuator 100 may include one or more interior guide platforms 126. The one or more interior guide platforms 126 frictionally abut one or more of the base tabs 250. More specifically, the base tabs 250 are positioned adjacent to the interior guide platforms 126. The contact between the base tabs 250 and the interior guide platforms 126 permits a guided vertical displacement of the actuator 100 relative to the base 50 and assists in preventing wedging of the actuator 100 with the base 50 during vertical displacement of the actuator 100 relative to the base 50. More specifically, the contact between the base tabs 250 and the interior guide platforms 126 defines an anti-rock guide for aligning the actuator 100 relative to the base 50 during vertical displacement of the actuator 100 relative to the base 50.

As best shown in FIGS. 11, 11A, 22, 22A, 33 and 33A the base shoulder 260 may include a detent 82. A first interior rib 128 may be coupled to the interior surface 104 of the actuator 100. A second interior rib 129 may be coupled to the interior surface 104 of the actuator 100. As shown in FIGS. 22, 22A, 33 and 33A, the first interior rib 128 is positioned into the detent 82 for positioning and locking the actuator 100 relative to the base 50 in the dispensing position 130. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 11A, the second interior rib 129 is positioned into the detent 82 for positioning and locking the actuator 100 relative to the base 50 in the non-dispensing position 132.

The nozzle 114 may include a vertical nozzle member 116 and a horizontal nozzle member 118. An arcuate nozzle member 119 may couple the vertical nozzle member 116 and the horizontal nozzle member 118 for producing more laminate aerosol product flow between the aerosol valve 20 and the terminal orifice 40.

As best shown in FIGS. 21 and 32, a base preventer tab 280 may be coupled to the base 50. An actuator preventer tab 330 is coupled to the actuator 100. The base preventer tab 280 abuts with the actuator preventer tab 330 for defining a resistance interlock 358 and requiring added rotation force for displacing the actuator preventer tab 330 over the base preventer tab 280. The resistance interlock 358 prevents inadvertent positioning of the actuator 100 from the non-dispensing 132 into the dispensing position 130. The displacing of the actuator preventer tab 330 over the base preventer tab 280 may create an audible clicking sound indicating the rotational displacement of the actuator 100 relative to the base 50 from the non-dispensing position 132 into the dispensing position 130 and from the dispensing position 130 into the non-dispensing position 132.

The base 50 may include a second base preventer tab 280A for abutting with the actuator preventer tab 330 for defining a second resistance interlock 358A and requiring continued added rotation force for displacing the actuator preventer tab 330 over the second base preventer tab 280A. The resistance interlock 358 prevents inadvertent positioning of the actuator 100 from the non-dispensing 132 into the dispensing position 130. The displacing of the actuator preventer tab 330 over the second base preventer tab 280A may create a second audible clicking sound indicating the rotational displacement of the actuator 100 relative to the base 50 from the non-dispensing 132 into the dispensing position 130 and from the dispensing position 130 into the non-dispensing position 132.

The upper surface of the actuator 100 may include a concave surface 122 for centering a descending force upon the actuator 100. The concave surface 122 may include a textured surface or a non-skid layer 124 for frictionally engaging the actuator 100 for applying a descending force upon the actuator 100.

As shown in FIGS. 55-57, the base notch 152 may include an upper notch 162 and a lower notch 164. The lower notch 164 may include a general V-shaped notch 166. As described above, the primary actuator pivot terminator 170 includes the actuator step 172 coupled to the exterior surface 106 of die actuator 100. The actuator step 172 extends into the base notch 152 and the actuator step 172 abuts with the base notch 152 for defining the interlock 190 and terminating pivoting of the actuator 100 relative to the base 50 in the dispensing position 130. The actuator step 172 may include a general V-shaped step 173.

The actuator step 172 is positioned into the lower notch 164 upon the actuator 100 being displaced vertically relative to the base 50 for actuating the aerosol valve 20 and dispensing the aerosol product 22. More specifically, the general V-shaped notch 166 receives the general V-shape step 173 upon the actuator 100 being displaced vertically relative to the base 50 for actuating the aerosol valve 20 and dispensing the aerosol product 22.

As described above, the actuator step 172 traverses in the base notch 152 for permitting the actuator 100 being pivotably displaced relative to the base 50 between the dispensing position 130 and the non-dispensing position 132. The actuator step 172 abuts with the base notch 152 for defining the second interlock 192 and terminating pivoting of the actuator 100 relative to the base 50 in the non-dispensing position 132. The upper notch 162 abuts the actuator step 172 for preventing the actuator 100 being displaced vertically relative to the base 50.

As described above, the base shoulder 260 is coupled to the base 50. The actuator tab 300 is coupled to the actuator 100. The base shoulder 260 abuts with the actuator tab 300 in the non-dispensing position 132 for defining the interior dispensing lock 354 and preventing vertical displacement of the actuator 100 relative to the base 50 and preventing dispensing of the aerosol product 22 from the aerosol container 24. The second interlock 192 coincides with the interior dispensing lock 354 for defining a double interlock 360 for preventing vertical displacement of the actuator 100 relative to the base 50 and preventing dispensing of the aerosol product 22 from the aerosol container 24.

The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol dispenser for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container, comprising: a base having a base wall defining an interior surface, an exterior surface, an upper edge and a lower edge;a container mount for securing said base to the aerosol container;a base opening in said base;an actuator having an actuator wall defining an interior surface, an exterior surface, an upper surface and a lower edge;a nozzle coupled to said actuator and extending between the aerosol valve and a terminal orifice;an actuator mount for securing said actuator to said base;said terminal orifice aligning with said base opening for defining a dispensing position of said actuator relative to said base;said terminal orifice non-aligning with said base opening for defining a non-dispensing position of said actuator relative to said base;said actuator being displaced vertically relative to said base for actuating the aerosol valve and dispensing the aerosol product from the aerosol container in said dispensing position;said actuator being pivotably displaced relative to said base for positioning said actuator between said dispensing position and said non-dispensing position;a primary base pivot terminator in said base;a primary actuator pivot terminator in said actuator; andsaid primary base pivot terminator abutting with said primary actuator pivot terminator for defining an interlock and terminating pivoting of said actuator relative to said base in said dispensing position.

2. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, further including a secondary base pivot terminator in said base; a secondary actuator pivot terminator in said actuator; andsaid secondary base pivot terminator abutting with said secondary actuator pivot terminator for defining a second interlock and terminating pivoting of said actuator relative to said base in said non-dispensing position.

3. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein said primary base pivot terminator including a base notch in said base; said primary actuator pivot terminator including an actuator step coupled to said exterior surface of said actuator;said actuator step extending into said base notch and said actuator step abutting with said base notch for defining said interlock and terminating pivoting of said actuator relative to said base in said dispensing position; andsaid actuator step traversing in said base notch for permitting said actuator being pivotably displaced relative to said base between said dispensing position and said non-dispensing position.

4. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 3, wherein said actuator step includes a step height for protruding said actuator step above said exterior surface of said base; and said actuator step defining a rotation tab for pivoting said actuator relative to said base.

5. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 3, wherein said actuator step includes a step top surface; and said step top surface having a textured surface for frictionally engaging said actuator for pivoting said actuator relative to said base.

6. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, further including an arcuate upper edge in said upper edge of said base; and said arcuate upper edge defining a tapering edge and allowing a descending force upon said actuator to extend relative said base.

7. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, further including an arcuate upper edge in said upper edge of said base; said arcuate upper edge defining a tapering edge;said tapering edge exposing a portion of said actuator for defining an actuator grip surface in said exterior surface of said actuator; andsaid actuator grip surface allowing grasping of said actuator for pivotably displacing said actuator relative to said base.

8. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, further including a symbol coupled to said exterior surface of said actuator and visible in said dispensing position for providing a visible indication said actuator is in said dispensing position relative to said base.

9. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 3, further including a symbol coupled to said exterior surface of said actuator and visible in said dispensing position for providing a visible indication said actuator is in said dispensing position relative to said base; and said symbol visible within said base notch in said base.

10. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 8, further including a second symbol coupled to said exterior surface of said actuator and visible in said non-dispensing position for providing a visible indication said actuator is in said non-dispensing position relative to said base.

11. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 9, further including a second symbol coupled to said exterior surface of said actuator and visible in said non-dispensing position for providing a visible indication said actuator is in said non-dispensing position relative to said base; and said second symbol visible within said base notch in said base.

12. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, further including a symbol coupled to said exterior surface of said actuator and visible in said non-dispensing position for providing a visible indication said actuator is in said non-dispensing position relative to said base; and said symbol visible within said base opening in said base.

13. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 2, further including a base tab coupled to said base; an actuator tab coupled to said actuator;said base tab abutting with said actuator tab for defining an interior interlock and terminating pivoting of said actuator relative to said base in said non-dispensing position; andsaid second interlock coinciding with said interior interlock for defining a dual interlock for terminating pivoting of said actuator relative to said base in said non-dispensing position.

14. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, further including a base shoulder coupled to said base; an actuator tab coupled to said actuator; andsaid base shoulder abutting with said actuator tab in said non-dispensing position for defining an interior dispensing lock and preventing vertical displacement of said actuator relative to said base and preventing dispensing of the aerosol product from the aerosol container.

15. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 13, further including a base channel coupled to said base; an actuator tab coupled to said actuator;said base channel receiving said actuator tab upon said actuator being displaced vertically relative to said base for defining an interior aligning guide and guiding said actuator relative to said base during vertical displacement of said actuator relative to said base; andsaid interior aligning guide coinciding with said dispensing position.

16. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein said nozzle includes a vertical nozzle member and a horizontal nozzle member; and an arcuate nozzle member coupling said vertical nozzle member and said horizontal nozzle member for producing more laminate aerosol product flow between the aerosol valve and said terminal orifice.

17. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, further including a base preventer tab coupled to said base; an actuator preventer tab coupled to said actuator;said base preventer tab abutting with said actuator preventer tab for defining a resistance interlock and requiring added rotation force for displacing said actuator preventer tab over said base preventer tab; andsaid resistance interlock preventing inadvertent positioning of said actuator from said non-dispensing into said dispensing position.

18. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein said upper surface of said actuator includes a concave surface for centering a descending force upon said actuator.

19. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 17, wherein said concave surface includes a textured surface for frictionally engaging said actuator for applying a descending force upon said actuator.

20. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein said primary base pivot terminator including a base notch in said base; an upper notch and a lower notch in said base notch;said primary actuator pivot terminator including an actuator step coupled to said exterior surface of said actuator;said actuator step extending into said base notch and said actuator step abutting with said base notch for defining said interlock and terminating pivoting of said actuator relative to said base in said dispensing position;said actuator step positioned into said lower notch upon said actuator being displaced vertically relative to said base for actuating the aerosol valve and dispensing the aerosol product;said actuator step traversing in said base notch for permitting said actuator being pivotably displaced relative to said base between said dispensing position and said non-dispensing position;said actuator step abutting with said base notch for defining a second interlock and terminating pivoting of said actuator relative to said base in said non-dispensing position; andsaid upper notch abutting said actuator step for preventing said actuator being displaced vertically relative to said base.

21. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 20, further including a base shoulder coupled to said base; an actuator tab coupled to said actuator;said base shoulder abutting with said actuator tab in said non-dispensing position for defining an interior dispensing lock and preventing vertical displacement of said actuator relative to said base and preventing dispensing of the aerosol product from the aerosol container; andsaid second interlock coinciding with said interior dispensing lock for defining a double interlock for preventing vertical displacement of said actuator relative to said base and preventing dispensing of the aerosol product from the aerosol container.

22. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein said actuator is vertical displaced relative to said base for dispensing the aerosol product from the aerosol container; and said vertical displacement of said actuator relative to said base has a range between 2.0 mm to 3.5 mm.

23. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, further including a base tab coupled to said base; an interior guide platform coupled to said interior surface of said actuator; andsaid interior guide platform abutting said base tab for defining an anti-rock guide and preventing wedging of said actuator with said base during vertical displacement of said actuator relative to said base.

24. The aerosol dispenser as set forth in claim 1, further including a base shoulder coupled to said base; a detent in said base shoulder;a first interior rib coupled to said interior surface of said actuator;a second interior rib coupled to said interior surface of said actuator;said first interior rib positioned into said detent for positioning and locking said actuator relative to said base in said dispensing position; andsaid second interior rib positioned into said detent for positioning and locking said actuator relative to said base in said non-dispensing position.