Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CAP FOR DISPENSING LIQUIDS OR GELS
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
1. Field of the Disclosure
[0001]The present disclosure relates to an assembly for storing and
dispensing liquids or gels. More particularly, the present disclosure relates
to
a cap for dispensing liquids or gels.
2. Description of Related Art
[0002] Containers that store and dispense liquids or gels include aerosol
containers as are known in the art. Aerosol containers hold a product, for
example, a liquid or gel, and a propellant, for example, liquefied-gas
propellant under pressure. The propellant urges the product out of the
container through an aperture in a cap connected to the container upon a user
activating the actuator, such as by a pushbutton located in the cap, to open a
valve. Conventional caps undesirably accumulate build-up of the product
around the aperture after use. This build-up can lead to clogging of the
aperture which is detrimental to operation of the aerosol container and, thus,
raises sanitation concerns.
[0003] Conventional aerosol containers allow access to the actuator, such as
the pushbutton located in the cap, in both open and closed positions. Such
containers require a device that prevents movement of the pushbutton even if
a force is applied to the pushbutton by the user in the closed position. In
addition, these containers do not indicate to a user whether the container has
been tampered with prior to use.
[0004]Therefore, it has been determined by the present disclosure that there
is a need for a cap, which minimizes build-up. There is a further need for a
cap that minimizes or prevents a user from accessing the actuator in the
closed position. There is a still further need for a dispenser cap with a
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tamper indicator that minimizes or prevents a user from accessing the actuator
prior to use.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] The present disclosure provides a cap for a container that stores and
dispenses fluids or gels. The cap includes a shroud having a shroud wall
surrounding an opening and a collar connected on the shroud so that the collar
selectively rotates relative to the shroud in a first direction and a second
direction
opposite the first direction. The collar is rotatable between a closed
position and an
open position, the rotation restricted in the first direction in the open
position and
restricted in the second direction in the closed position. An actuator is
connected to
the shroud, and the actuator has a contact portion that is in the opening of
the
shroud. The actuator is movable in both the closed position and the open
position by
a force that is applied to the contact portion. At least a portion of the
actuator is
uncovered by the cover in the closed position and in the open position
[0006] The above-described and other features and advantages of the present
disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from
the
following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a top side perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment
of a
dispenser cap in an open position and having a tab in a connected position.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a top view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a top side perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 1 in
the
open position and having the tab removed.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 4.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a top view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 4.
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[0013]FIG. 7 is a top side perspective view of a dispenser cap that is similar
to the dispenser cap of FIG. 1 in a closed position and having the tab
removed.
[0014]FIG. 8 is a top view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 7.
[0015]FIG. 9 is a rear view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 7.
[0016]FIG. 9a is a bottom view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 7.
[0017]FIG. 10 is a top side perspective view of an actuator of FIG. 1.
[0018]FIG. 10a is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 7
in
the open position with the tab being in the connected position.
[0019]FIG. 11 is a bottom side perspective view of a collar of the dispenser
cap of FIG. 1 having the tab in the connected position.
[0020]FIG. 12 is bottom front perspective view of the collar of FIG. 11.
[0021]FIG. 13 is a partial enlarged portion of the collar designated by A in
FIG. 12.
[0022]FIG. 14 is a rear side perspective view of the collar of FIG. 11.
[0023]FIG. 15 is a top side perspective view of a shroud of the dispenser cap
of FIG. 1.
[0024]FIG. 16 is a partial top view of the shroud of FIG. 15.
[0025]FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dispenser cap of FIG.
1.
[0026]FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dispenser cap of FIG.
1.
[0027]FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dispenser cap of FIG.
1.
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[0028] FIG. 20 is a top side perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 1
with the collar shown as transparent.
[0029] FIG. 21 is a partial side view of FIG. 20.
[0030] FIG. 22 is a top side perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 1
with the collar shown as transparent and the tab removed.
[0031] FIG. 23 is a top side perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 1
with the collar shown as transparent, in the closed position and having the
tab
removed.
[0032] FIG. 24 is a partial side view of FIG. 23.
[0033] FIG. 25 is a side view of a conventional spray assembly.
[0034] FIG. 26 is a side view of a spray assembly having the dispenser cap of
FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 27 is a top front perspective view of a second exemplary
embodiment of a dispenser cap of the present disclosure in an open position
and having a tab in a connected position.
[0036] FIG. 28 is a top rear perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 27.
[0037] FIG. 29 is a top view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 27.
[0038] FIG. 30 is a bottom view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 27.
[0039] FIG. 31 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 27.
[0040] FIG. 32 is a top front perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 27
in the open position and having and the tab removed.
[0041] FIG. 33 is a top rear perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 32.
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[0042] FIG. 34 is a top view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 32.
[0043] FIG. 35 is a top front perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 27
in a closed position and having the tab removed.
[0044] FIG. 36 is a top rear perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 35.
[0045] FIG. 37 is a top view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 35.
[0046] FIG. 38 is a top front perspective view of a collar of the dispenser
cap
of FIG. 27.
[0047] FIG. 39 is a top rear perspective view of the collar of FIG. 38.
[0048] FIG. 40 is a top view of the collar of FIG. 38.
[0049] FIG. 41 is a bottom view of the collar of FIG. 38.
[0050] FIG. 42 is a side cross-sectional view of the collar of FIG. 38.
[0051] FIG. 43 is a top front perspective view of a shroud of the dispenser
cap
of FIG. 27.
[0052] FIG. 44 is a top view of the shroud of FIG. 43.
[0053] FIG. 45 is a top cross-sectional view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 35.
[0054] FIG. 46 is a top cross-sectional view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 32.
[0055] FIG. 47 is a right side view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 32 with a
portion of the collar and shroud cut away in the open position.
[0056] FIG. 48 is a top front perspective view of a third exemplary
embodiment of a dispenser cap in an open position and having a tab in a
connected position.
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[0057] FIG. 49 is a top rear perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 48.
[0058] FIG. 50 is a top view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 48.
[0059] FIG. 51 is a top front perspective view of a collar of the dispenser
cap
of FIG. 48.
[0060] FIG. 52 is a top view of the collar of FIG. 51.
[0061] FIG. 53 is a bottom view of the collar of FIG. 51.
[0062] FIG. 54 is a side cross-sectional view of the collar of FIG. 51.
[0063] FIG. 55 is a top front perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 48
in an open position and having the tab removed.
[0064] FIG. 56 is a top rear perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 55.
[0065] FIG. 57 is a top view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 55.
[0066] FIG. 58 is a top front perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 48
in a closed position and having the tab removed.
[0067] FIG. 59 is a top rear perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 58.
[0068] FIG. 60 is a top view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 58.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0069] Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, a first
exemplary
embodiment of a dispenser cap according to the present disclosure is shown
in an opened position and is generally referred to by reference numeral 10.
Dispenser cap 10 has a collar 12, a shroud 14, an actuator 16 and an insert
18. Dispenser cap 10 connects to a container, for example, an aerosol
container as is known in the art, for holding a product, for example, a liquid
or
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gel, and a propellant, for example, liquefied-gas propellant under pressure.
The propellant may be a hydrocarbon, hydroflourocarbon, carbon dioxide,
nitrogen or any other suitable compressed gas. When dispenser cap 10 is
connected to an aerosol container, a user applies a force, as shown by arrow
F in FIG. 1, to actuator 16 to open a passageway for the product and/or
propellant to pass through actuator 16 and insert 18. For example, a vertical
force of 4.5 pounds is a sufficient force to depress actuator 16. Collar 12,
shroud 14, actuator 16 and insert 18 are made of plastic, for example,
polypropylene. Collar 12 and shroud 14 may be polypropylene with an
erucimide coating.
[0070] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, collar 12 has a hole 13 through a collar wall
13a
to provide access to actuator 16 and insert 18, and is connected to a tab 20
in
a connected position. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 14, collar 12 is connected to
tab 20 in the connected position by one or more connectors 22. Connector 22
is made of a material and/or is sized so that each connector 22 is frangible
or
able to be broken by a user. The user grasps tab 20 and applies a force, for
example, as shown by arrow A in FIG. 1, to break connector 22 and remove
tab 20 from collar 12. Connector 22 is made of a material, for example,
Homo-Polymer PolyPropylene. Connector 22 may be sized to have, for
example, 0.9 millimeter depth by 1.30 millimeter width by 1.80 millimeter
length. In the connected position, tab 20 and connector 22 indicate to a user
that dispenser cap 10 has not been used and provides evidence to the user
that dispenser cap 10 has not been tampered with.
[0071] Referring again to FIG. 1, shroud 14 has an opening 28a surrounded
by shroud wall 25 and a hole 23 through shroud wall 25. Collar 12 is
connected to shroud 14 so that shroud 14 has a top shroud portion 24 on a
first side of collar 12 and a bottom shroud portion 26 on an opposite side of
collar 12. Shroud 14 has a shape that forms a space 28 between a first side
portion 30 and a second side portion 32.
[0072] Collar 12 is connected to shroud 14 so that collar 12 can rotate
relative
to shroud 14, as shown by arrow B in FIG. 2. In the connected position, tab
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20 has a top tab portion 34 that is sized to fit between first side portion 30
and
second side portion 32 of top shroud portion 24 of shroud 14 to minimize or
prevent rotation of collar 12 on shroud 14.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 2, top tab portion 34 and top shroud portion 24 are
sized to minimize or prevent user access to actuator 16 between top tab
portion 34 and top shroud portion 24 to minimize or prevent the force, as
shown by arrow F in FIG. 1, from being applied to actuator 16 thereby
preventing the contents of the container connected to dispenser cap 10 from
being dispensed. Top tab portion 34 is about 30 percent a size of opening
28a.
[0074] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, once tab 20 is removed, collar wall 13a forms a
space 31 between a first collar portion 33 and a second collar portion 35.
Space 31 may be U-shaped. Space 31 is aligned with space 28 in shroud 14
so that space 31 and space 28 allow greater access to actuator 16 ("the open
position"). Thus, the force, shown by arrow F in FIG. 1, can be applied to
actuator 16 to dispense the contents of the container connected to dispenser
cap 10. For example, a finger of the user can extend through space 31 in
collar 12 and space 28 in shroud 14 to contact actuator 16. Once tab 20 is
removed, collar 12 can rotate relative to shroud 14, as shown by arrow B in
FIGS. 2 and 6.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 7, a dispenser cap 10a is shown that is similar to
dispenser cap 10, however, some of the dimensions and colors differ from
dispenser cap 10. Features of dispenser cap 10a that are the same as
dispenser cap 10 are identified by the same reference numerals. Dispenser
cap 10a has tab 20 removed and collar 12 is rotated, as shown by arrow B in
FIGS. 2 and 6, thereby moving hole 13 of collar 12 to a position as shown in
FIG. 8. In this position, hole 13 of collar 12 and hole 23 of shroud 14 are no
longer aligned and collar 12 covers hole 23 of shroud 14. This is the closed
position. Referring to FIG. 9, space 31 of collar 12 is moved after rotation
of
collar 12 so that it is no longer aligned with space 28 of shroud 14 in this
closed position. A finger of the user can no longer extend through space 31 in
collar 12 and space 28 in shroud 14 to contact actuator 16.
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[0076] Referring to FIG. 8, collar 12 has a shape that reduces in size from a
bottom edge 12a to atop edge 12b. Top edge 12b of collar 12 covers a
portion of space 28 above actuator 16 in the closed position to minimize or
prevent the finger of the user from accessing actuator 16 between top edge
12b of collar 12 and shroud 14 to apply the force, as shown by arrow F in FIG.
1, on actuator 16.
[0077] Referring to FIGS. 9a-10, actuator 16 has a contact portion 36 that is
in
opening 28a. Contact portion 36 is connected to a connection portion 38.
Referring to FIG. 10, a first end 40 of connection portion 38 connects to the
container connected to dispenser cap 10, for example, connection portion 38
connects to a tube that receives the propellant and/or product being
dispensed from the container. A second end 42 of connection portion 38 is
connected to a first end 46 of a conduit 44. First end 46 of conduit 44 also
connects to contact portion 36. Conduit 44 has a second end 48 that
connects to an insert portion 50.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 9a, insert portion 50 is connected to protrusions 50a
and 50b on opposite sides of insert portion 50. Protrusions 50a and 50b each
fit in one of holders 51 and 53 connected to shroud 14. Holders 51 and 53
are C-shaped so that each has an opening. Protrusions 50a and 50b and/or
holders 51 and 53 may be flexible so that protrusions 50a and 50b each fit
through the opening of one of holders 51 and 53 and are held therein by snap
fit. Protrusions 50a and 50b and holders 51 and 53 form a cantilevered
connection between shroud 14 and actuator 16 so that a force, as shown by
arrow F in FIG. 1, may be applied to contact portion 36 to move contact
portion 36 while protrusions 50a and 50b maintain a connection with holders
51 and 53. Actuator 16 has flexibility so that when the force, as shown by
arrow F in FIG. 1, is no longer applied to actuator 16, actuator 16 moves in a
direction opposite to the force, as shown by arrow F in FIG. 1, and returns to
its initial position prior to the force being applied.
[0079] Insert portion 50 receives insert 18 therein. Conduit 44 connects
connection portion 38 to insert portion 50 so that fluid can flow from
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connection portion 38 through conduit 44, through insert portion 50, and
through insert 18 out of dispenser cap 10. As discussed above, the user
applies a force, as shown by arrow F in FIG. 1, to actuator 16 to open a
passageway for the product and/or propellant to pass through actuator 16 and
insert 18. Referring to FIG. 10a, dispenser cap 10a is connected to an
aerosol container 200.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 11, collar 12 has a protrusion 52 on an interior
surface 54 thereof. Protrusion 52 is adjacent bottom edge 12a, and is
continuous about a perimeter of collar 12. Alternatively, but less preferably,
protrusion 52 may be discontinuous. Collar 12 has ridges 56 on an exterior
surface 58. Ridges 56 can assist for gripping by the user during rotation of
collar 12.
[0081] Referring to FIGS. 12-13, interior surface 54 has a collar rib 60.
Collar
rib 60 protrudes from interior surface 54. Collar rib 60 extends in a
direction
from top edge 12b to bottom edge 12a of collar 12. Collar rib 60 has a tip 61
that is flexible. Collar 12 may have collar rib 60 molded on interior surface
54.
[0082] Referring to FIGS. 15-16, shroud 14 has a middle shroud portion 62
between top shroud portion 24 and bottom shroud portion 26. Middle shroud
portion 62 has an outer surface 64 that forms a depression 66. Depression
66 has a first side wall 66a, a second side wall 66b and a bottom wall 66c
between first side wall 66a and second side wall 66b. Middle shroud portion
62 has a first shroud rib 68 and a second shroud rib 70 in depression 66.
First
shroud rib 68 and second shroud rib 70 may be rigid. First shroud rib 68 and
second shroud rib 70 may be molded in depression 66. Outer surface 64 of
middle shroud portion 62 forms a groove 72. Groove 72 is adjacent to bottom
shroud portion 26. Groove 72 is sized and shaped to receive protrusion 52 of
collar 12 as shown in FIGS. 12-13.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 17, collar 12 is connected to shroud 14 by
positioning
protrusion 52 of collar 12 in groove 72 of shroud 14. This connection can be,
for example, a snap fit. Groove 72 and protrusion 52 allow for rotation of
collar 12 relative to shroud 14. Groove 72 and protrusion 52 maintain collar
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12 connected to shroud 14. Collar 12 and shroud 14 include erucamide slip
additive, for example, 4 grams per kilogram of polypropylene that achieves
ease of rotation of collar 12 while not affecting the retention of collar 12
on
shroud 14.
[0084] Referring to FIGS. 18-19, collar 12 is connected to shroud 14 so that
collar rib 60 extends into depression 66 formed by outer surface 64 of shroud
14. Collar rib 60 extends into depression 66 so that during rotation tip 61 of
collar rib 60 contacts first shroud rib 68 and second shroud rib 70 deforming
tip 61 of collar rib 60 and/or collar 12 allowing tip 61 of collar rib 60 to
pass
around each of first shroud rib 68 and second shroud rib 70. Collar rib 60 and
tip 61 may be made of material, for example, homo-polymer polypropylene.
The contact between tip 61 of collar rib 60 and each of first shroud rib 68
and
second shroud rib 70 generates an audible noise or "click".
[0085] Referring to FIGS. 20-21, when tab 20 is in the connected position,
dispenser cap 10 is in the open position. When dispenser cap 10 is in the
open position, collar rib 60 is between second shroud rib 70 and second
sidewall 66b of depression 66 formed in shroud 14. Top tab portion 34 and
top shroud portion 24 are sized to minimize or prevent user access to actuator
16 between top tab portion 34 and top shroud portion 24 to thereby minimize
or prevent the force, as shown by arrow F, from being applied to contact
portion 36 of actuator 16 that would dispense the contents of the container
connected to dispenser cap 10 when tab 20 is connected. The user grasps
tab 20 and applies the force, for example, as shown by arrow A, to break
connectors 22 and remove tab 20 from collar 12. Tab 20 has an indicator 34a
indicating to a user a direction to apply a force to tab 20 to remove tab 20,
for
example, "TEAR OFF" with an arrows in the direction A is molded into tab
portion 34.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 22, once tab 20 is removed, the finger of the user
can
extend through space 31 in collar 12 and space 28 in shroud 14 to contact
actuator 16 to apply the force, as shown by arrow F, to dispense the contents
of the container connected to dispenser cap 10. Dispenser cap 10 is
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maintained in the open position until a predetermined force is applied
sufficient to move tip 61 of collar rib 60 to pass around second shroud rib
70.
[0087] Once tab 20 is removed, collar 12 can rotate relative to shroud 14, as
shown by arrow B, by application of a predetermined force. Shroud 14 has an
indicator 15 to indicate to a user a direction to rotate collar 12 to move to
the
closed position, for example, "CLOSE" with an arrow is molded into top
shroud portion 24. As collar 12 is rotated, for example, about 60 degrees, tip
61 of collar rib 60 passes over each of first shroud rib 68 and second shroud
rib 70 to move to the closed position, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. The
contact between tip 61 of collar rib 60 and each of first shroud rib 68 and
second shroud rib 70 generates two audible noises or "clicks". The first click
of the two clicks is generated as tip 61 of collar rib 60 is moved from the
open
position, and, then, the second click is generated as tip 61 of collar rib 60
is
moved into the closed position. In the closed position, tip 61 of collar rib
60 is
between first shroud rib 68 and first sidewall 66a of depression 66. Dispenser
cap 10 is maintained in the closed position until a predetermined force is
applied sufficient to move tip 61 of collar rib 60 to pass around first shroud
rib
68. Top edge 12b of collar 12 covers a portion of contact portion 36 and
space 31 of collar 12 is moved after rotation of collar 12 so that it is no
longer
aligned with space 28 of shroud 14 in the closed position. Access to actuator
16 is prevented or minimized in the closed position so that the user cannot
apply the force, shown by arrow F, to dispense the contents of the container
as collar 12 blocks access to actuator 16 and covers or hides hole 23 in
shroud 14. However, contact portion 36 is movable in the closed position.
Collar wall 13a may contact shroud wall 25 surrounding hole 23 in the closed
position.
[0088] Collar 12 can rotate relative to shroud 14, as shown by arrow C in FIG.
23. As collar 12 is rotated, for example, about 60 degrees, collar rib 60 pass
around each of first shroud rib 68 and second shroud rib 70 to move to the
open position, as shown in FIG. 22. Shroud 14 has an indicator 17 for
indicating to a user a direction to rotate collar 12 to move to the open
position,
for example, "OPEN" with an arrow is molded into middle shroud portion 62.
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The contact between tip 61 of collar rib 60 and each of first shroud rib 68
and
second shroud rib 70 generates two audible noises or "clicks". The first click
of the two clicks is generated as tip 61 of collar rib 60 is moved from the
closed position, and, then, the second click is generated as tip 61 of collar
rib
60 is moved into the open position. Once tab 20 is removed, dispenser cap
can selectively move to and from the open and closed positions as the
user desires. Collar rib 60 rotates between first side wall 66a and second
side
wall 66b of depression 66 so that first side wall 66a and second side wall 66b
restrict rotation of collar rib 60.
[0089]Referring to FIG. 25, a conventional gel dispenser is shown. After use,
there is a build-up of gel. In contrast, FIG. 26 shows a dispenser assembly
including dispenser cap 10. After use, there is no build-up of gel on
dispenser
cap 10 in contrast to FIG. 25, or is hidden from view by collar 12 covering
hole
23 in shroud 14. Advantageously, dispenser cap 10 minimizes or prevents
undesirable build-up as well as minimizes or prevents dispensing of contents
of a container connected to dispenser cap 10 by obstructing access to
actuator 16 in the closed position or prior to use.
[0090]Referring to FIG. 27, a second exemplary embodiment of a dispenser
cap according to the present disclosure is shown in an opened position and is
generally referred to by reference numeral 210. Dispenser cap 210 has a
collar 212, a shroud 214, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, an actuator 216 and,
as shown in FIG. 27, an insert 218. Dispenser cap210 connects to a
container, for example, an aerosol container as discussed above for
dispenser cap 10. Collar 212, shroud 214, actuator 216 and insert 218 are
made of plastic, for example, polypropylene. Collar 212 and shroud 214 may
be polypropylene with an erucimide coating.
[0091]Referring to FIGS. 27-29, collar 212 has a hole 213 through a collar
wall 213a to provide access to actuator 216 and insert 218, and is connected
to a tab 220 in a connected position. As shown in FIG. 28, collar 212 is
connected to tab 220 in the connected position by one or more connectors
222. Connector 222 is made of a material and/or is sized so that each
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connector 222 is frangible or able to be broken by a user. The user grasps
tab 220 and applies a force, for example, as shown by arrow A2 in FIG. 27, to
break connector 222 and remove tab 220 from collar 212. Connector 222 is
made of a material, for example, homo-polymer polypropylene. Connector
222 may be sized to have, for example, 0.9 millimeter depth by 1.30 millimeter
width by 1.80 millimeter length. In the connected position, tab 220 and
connector 222 indicate to a user that dispenser cap 210 has not been used
and provides evidence to the user that dispenser cap 210 has not been
tampered with.
[0092] Referring again to FIG. 27, shroud 214 has an opening 228a
surrounded by shroud wall 225 and a hole 223 through shroud wall 225.
Collar 212 is connected to shroud 214 so that shroud 214 has a top shroud
portion 224 on a first side of collar 212 and a bottom shroud portion 226 on
an
opposite side of collar 212. Shroud 214 has a shape that forms a space 228
between a first side portion 230 and a second side portion 232.
[0093] Collar 212 is connected to shroud 214 so that collar 212 can rotate
relative to shroud 214, as shown by arrow B2. In the connected position, tab
220 has a top tab portion 234 that is sized to fit between first side portion
230
and second side portion 232 of top shroud portion 224 of shroud 214 to
minimize or prevent rotation of collar 212 on shroud 214. Top tab portion 234
is between 20 percent to 100 percent of a size of opening 228a, and, most
preferably 75 percent to 95 percent the size of opening 228a.
[0094] Referring to FIGS. 29 and 31, top tab portion 234 and top shroud
portion 224 are sized to minimize or prevent user access to actuator 216
between top tab portion 234 and top shroud portion 224 to minimize or
prevent the force, as shown by arrow F2 in FIG. 32, from being applied to
actuator 216 thereby preventing the contents of the container connected to
dispenser cap 210 from being sprayed. For example, a vertical force of 4.5
pounds is a sufficient force to depress actuator 216. Shroud has two or more
protrusions 277 to support the underside of top tab portion 234 and minimize
or prevent top tab portion 234 from being depressed. Top shroud portion 224
has a depression 275 that provides a space 276 between top shroud portion
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224 and top tab portion 234. Top tab portion 234 has a planar portion 263
that connects to side tab portion 221 and a protruding portion 265 that
protrudes away from side tab portion 221 and is a free end of tab 220, as
shown in FIG. 42. The user inserts a finger in space 276 to apply a force, for
example, as shown by arrow A2, to break connector 222 and remove tab 220
from collar 212. The user may also place a portion of the user's finger under
protruding portion 265 of top tab portion 234 while applying the force, for
example, as shown by arrow A2, to break connector 222 and remove tab 220
from collar 212. Depression 275 allows a contact portion 236 of actuator 216
to be entirely covered by top tab portion 234 to prevent access to contact
portion 236 prior to removal of tab 220.
[0095] Referring to FIGS. 32-34, once tab 220 is removed, collar wall 213a
forms a space 231 between a first collar portion 233 and a second collar
portion 235. Space 231 may be U-shaped. Space 231 is aligned with space
228 in shroud 214 so that space 231 and space 228 allow greater access to
actuator 216 ("the open position"). Thus, the force, shown by arrow F2 in FIG.
32, can be applied to actuator 216 to dispense the contents of the container
connected to dispenser cap 210. For example, a finger of the user can
extend through space 231 in collar 212 and space 228 in shroud 214 to
contact actuator 216. Once tab 220 is removed, collar 212 can rotate relative
to shroud 214, as shown by arrow B2. When dispenser cap 210 is connected
to an aerosol container, a user applies a force, as shown by arrow F2 in FIG.
32, to actuator 216 to open a passageway for the product and/or propellant to
pass through actuator 216 and insert 218.
[0096] Referring to FIGS. 35-37, dispenser cap 210 has tab 220 (not shown)
removed and collar 212 is rotated, as shown by arrow B2 in FIGS. 32-34,
thereby moving hole 213 of collar 212 to a position as shown in FIGS. 35-37.
In this position, hole 213 of collar 212 and hole 223 of shroud 214 are no
longer aligned and collar 212 covers hole 223 of shroud 214. This is the
closed position. Space 231 of collar 212 is moved after rotation of collar 212
so that it is no longer aligned with space 228 of shroud 214 in this closed
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position. A finger of the user can no longer extend through space 231 in
collar 212 and space 228 in shroud 214 to contact actuator 216.
[0097] Collar 212 has a shape that reduces in size from a bottom edge 212a
to a top edge 212b. Top edge 212b of collar 212 covers a portion of space
228 above actuator 216 in the closed position to minimize or prevent the
finger of the user from accessing actuator 216 between top edge 212b of
collar 212 and shroud 214 to apply the force, as shown by arrow F2 in FIG.
36, on actuator 216.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 30, actuator 216 is the same as actuator 16 and has
a contact portion 236 that is in opening 228a. Contact portion 236 is
connected to a connection portion 238. A first end 240 of connection portion
238 connects to the container connected to dispenser cap 210, for example,
connection portion 238 connects to a tube that receives the propellant and/or
product being dispensed from the container. A second end 242 of connection
portion 238 is connected to a first end 246 of a conduit 244. First end 246 of
conduit 244 also connects to contact portion 236. Conduit 244 has a second
end 248 that connects to an insert portion 250.
[0099] Insert portion 250 is connected to protrusions 250a and 250b on
opposite sides of insert portion 250. Protrusions 250a and 250b each fit in
one of holders 251 and 253 connected to shroud 214. Holders 251 and 253
are C-shaped so that each has an opening. Protrusions 250a and 250b
and/or holders 251 and 253 may be flexible so that protrusions 250a and
250b each fit through the opening of one of holders 251 and 253 and are held
therein by snap fit. Protrusions 250a and 250b and holders 251 and 253 form
a cantilevered connection between shroud 214 and actuator 216 so that a
force, as shown by arrow F2 in FIG. 32, may be applied to contact portion 236
to move contact portion 236 while protrusions 250a and 250b maintain a
connection with holders 251 and 253. Actuator 216 has flexibility so that
when the force, as shown by arrow F2 in FIG. 32, is no longer applied to
actuator 216, actuator 216 moves in a direction opposite to the force, as
shown by arrow F2 in FIG. 32, and retums to its initial position prior to the
force being applied.
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[00100] Insert portion 250 receives insert 218 therein. Conduit 244
connects connection portion 238 to insert portion 250 so that fluid can flow
from connection portion 238 through conduit 244, through insert portion 250,
and through insert 218 out of dispenser cap 210. As discussed above, the
user applies a force, as shown by arrow F2 in FIG. 32, to actuator 216 to open
a passageway for the product and/or propellant to pass through actuator 216
and insert 218. Dispenser cap 210 is connected to an aerosol container the
same as dispenser cap 10a.
[00101] Referring to FIGS. 38-42, collar 212 has a protrusion 252 on an
interior surface 254 thereof. Protrusion 252 is adjacent bottom edge 212a,
and is continuous about a perimeter of collar 212. Alternatively, but less
preferably, protrusion 252 may be discontinuous. Collar 212 has ridges 256
on an exterior surface 258. Ridges 56 can assist for gripping by the user
during rotation of collar 212.
[00102] Referring to FIGS. 41-42, interior surface 254 has a collar rib
260. Collar rib 260 protrudes from interior surface 254. Collar rib 260
extends in a direction from top edge 212b to bottom edge 212a of collar 212.
Collar rib 260 provides a stop to prevent rotation of collar 212 and stiffens
a
flexible rib 260a. Collar 212 may have collar rib 260 molded on interior
surface 254. Flexible rib 260a is flexible and deflects during rotation and
creates a "click" sound or audible sound.
[00103] Referring to FIGS. 43-44, shroud 214 has a middle shroud
portion 262 between top shroud portion 224 and bottom shroud portion 226.
Middle shroud portion 262 has an outer surface 264 that forms a depression
266. Depression 266 has a first side wall 266a, a second side wall 266b and
a bottom wall 266c between first side wall 266a and second side wall 266b.
Middle shroud portion 262 has a post 267 that is a single rib in depression
266. Post 267 may be rigid. Post 267 may be molded in depression 266.
Outer surface 264 of middle shroud portion 262 forms a groove 272. Groove
272 is adjacent to bottom shroud portion 226. Groove 272 is sized and
shaped to receive protrusion 252 of collar 212.
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[00104] Referring to FIG. 44, shroud 214 has an inner wall 273 that
surrounds opening 228a. Inner wall 273 has protrusions 277. Protrusions
277 provide support to top tab portion 234 when tab 220 is in the connected
position. Protrusions 277 increase resistance of top tab portion 234 to
deflection under load, and, in particular, increases a top load strength of
top
tab portion 234.
[00105] Referring to FIG. 31, collar 212 is connected to shroud 214 by
positioning protrusion 252 of collar 212 in groove 272 of shroud 214. This
connection can be, for example, a snap fit. Groove 272 and protrusion 252
allow for rotation of collar 212 relative to shroud 214. Groove 272 and
protrusion 252 maintain collar 212 connected to shroud 214. Collar 212 and
shroud 214 include erucamide slip additive, for example, 4 grams per
kilogram of polypropylene that achieves ease of rotation of collar 212 while
not affecting the retention of collar 212 on shroud 214.
[00106] Referring to FIGS. 45-47, collar 212 is connected to shroud 214
so that flexible rib 260a extends into depression 266 formed by outer surface
264 of shroud 214. Flexible rib 260a extends into depression 266 so that
during rotation a portion of flexible rib 260a contacts post 267 deforming
flexible rib 260a and/or collar 212 allowing flexible rib 260a to pass around
post 267. Flexible rib 260a may be made of material, for example, homo-
polymer polypropylene. The contact between flexible rib 260a and post 267
generates an audible noise or "click".
[00107] Referring to FIG. 46, when tab 220 is in the connected position,
dispenser cap 210 is in the open position. When dispenser cap 210 is in the
open position, flexible rib 260a is between post 267 and second sidewall 266b
of depression 266 formed in shroud 214. Top tab portion 234 and top shroud
portion 224 are sized to minimize or prevent user access to actuator 216
between top tab portion 234 and top shroud portion 224 to thereby minimize
or prevent the force, as shown by arrow F2, from being applied to contact
portion 236 of actuator 216 that would dispense the contents of the container
connected to dispenser cap 210 when tab 220 is connected. The user grasps
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tab 220 by inserting a finger in space 276 and applies the force, for example,
as shown by arrow A2, to break connectors 222 and remove tab 220 from
collar 212.
[00108] As shown in FIG. 29, tab 220 has an indicator 234a indicating to
a user a direction to apply a force to tab 220 to remove tab 220, for example,
"TEAR OFF" with an arrow in the direction A2 is molded into tab portion 234.
[00109] Referring back to FIG. 33, once tab 220 is removed, the finger
of
the user can extend through space 231 in collar 212 and space 228 in shroud
214 to contact actuator 216 to apply the force, as shown by arrow F2, to spray
the contents of the container connected to dispenser cap 210. Dispenser cap
210 is maintained in the open position until a predetermined force is applied
sufficient to move flexible rib 260a to pass around post 267.
[00110] Once tab 220 is removed, collar 212 can rotate relative to
shroud 214, as shown by arrow B2, by application of a predetermined force.
Shroud 214 has an indicator 215 to indicate to a user a direction to rotate
collar 212 to move to the closed position, for example, "CLOSE" with an arrow
is molded into top shroud portion 224. As collar 212 is rotated, for example,
about 60 degrees, flexible rib 260a passes around post 267 to move to the
closed position, as shown in FIGS. 35-37. The contact between flexible rib
260a and post 267 generates an audible noise or "click". Flexible rib 260a
interacts with post 267 by creating a single pronounced clicking positional-
indicating noise each time the rotation of collar 212 in either direction
moves
flexible rib 260a past post 267. As shown in FIG. 45, in the closed position,
flexible rib 260a is between post 267 and first sidewall 266a of depression
266. Dispenser cap 10 is maintained in the closed position until a
predetermined force is applied sufficient to move flexible rib 260a to pass
around post 267. Top edge 212b of collar 212 covers a portion of contact
portion 236 and space 231 of collar 212 is moved after rotation of collar 212
so that it is no longer aligned with space 228 of shroud 214 in the closed
position. Access to actuator 216 is prevented or minimized in the closed
position so that the user cannot apply the force, shown by arrow F2, to
dispense the contents of the container as collar 212 blocks access to actuator
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216 and covers or hides hole 223 in shroud 214. However, contact portion
236 is movable in the closed position. Collar wall 213a may contact shroud
wall 225 surrounding hole 223 in the closed position.
[00111] Collar 212 can rotate relative to shroud 214, as shown by arrow
C2 in FIG. 35-36. As collar 212 is rotated, for example, about 60 degrees,
flexible rib 260a passes around post to move to the open position, as shown
in FIG. 32. As shown in FIG. 35, shroud 214 has an indicator 217 for
indicating to a user a direction to rotate collar 212 to move to the open
position, for example, "OPEN" with an arrow is molded into middle shroud
portion 262. The contact between flexible rib 260a and post 267 generates an
audible noise or "click". Flexible rib 260a interacts with post 267 by
creating a
single pronounced clicking positional-indicating noise when flexible rib 260a
passes post 267. Once tab 220 is removed, dispenser cap 210 can
selectively move to and from the open and closed positions as the user
desires. Flexible rib 260a rotates between first side wall 266a and second
side wall 266b of depression 266 so that first side wall 266a and second side
wall 266b restrict rotation of flexible rib 260a and collar 212.
[00112] Referring to FIGS. 48-50, a third exemplary embodiment of a
dispenser cap according to the present disclosure is shown in an opened
position and is generally referred to by reference numeral 310. Dispenser cap
310 is the same as dispenser cap 210, however, dispenser cap 310 has a
collar 312 that is different than collar 212. Collar 312 is the same as collar
212 except collar 312 has a top collar portion 380 instead of top edge 212b.
Accordingly, the same reference numerals from dispenser cap 210 will be
used for dispenser cap 310 for the same features.
[00113] Top collar portion 380 has a wall 382. Wall 382 of top collar
portion has a depression 384. Wall 382 and depression 384 of top collar
portion 380 have a complementary shape to top shroud portion 224.
[00114] Referring to FIGS. 51-54, wall 382 of top collar portion 380 has
an outer surface 385 and inner surface 386. Outer surface 385 of top collar
portion has an indicator 315 to indicate to a user a direction to rotate
collar
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312 to move to the closed position, for example, "CLOSE" with an arrow is
molded into top collar portion 380.
[00115] As shown in FIGS. 48-50 and 55-57, top collar portion 380
covers top shroud portion 224 in the open position.
[00116] As shown in FIGS. 58-60, top collar portion 380 covers a portion
of space 228 above actuator 216 in the closed position to minimize or prevent
the finger of the user from accessing actuator 216 between top collar portion
380 and shroud 214 to apply the force, as shown by arrow F2 in FIG. 36, on
actuator 216. Hole 213 is positioned over recess 266 in the closed position.
[00117] A dispenser assembly including caps 210 and 310 reduces
build-up of gel on dispenser caps 210 and 310 in contrast to FIG. 25, or any
build-up of gel is hidden from view by collars 212 and 312 covering hole 223
in shroud 214. Advantageously, dispenser caps 210 and 310 minimize or
prevent undesirable build-up as well as minimize or prevent dispensing of
contents of a container connected to dispenser caps 210 and 310 by
obstructing access to actuator 216 in the closed position or prior to use.
[00118] Dispenser caps 10, 210 and 310 deter in store spraying by
consumers or users by tabs 20 and 220. Dispenser caps 10, 210 and 310
prevent unintentional actuation by users by tabs 20 and 220 as well as collars
12, 212 and 312 blocking access to actuator 16 and 216 and covering or
hiding hole 23 and 223 in shroud 14 and 214.
[00119] Dispenser cap 10 has actuator 16 and dispenser caps 210 and
310 have actuator 216 that is moveable in both the open position and the
closed position. This feature allows use of existing actuators with these
dispenser caps. Further, dispenser caps 10, 210 and 310 do not require
mechanisms to prevent movement of actuators 16 and 216, respectively,
increasing ease of manufacture and assembly of these dispenser caps over
prior art dispenser caps that prevent movement of actuators in a non-use
position. Enhanced ergonomics are also provided by the position of actuator
16 being recessed in shroud 14 and actuator 216 being recessed in shroud
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214. If a user does not wish to exert the effort to move collars 12, 212 and
312, actuators 16 and 216 may always be depressed.
[00120] It should also be noted that the terms "first", "second",
"third",
"upper", "lower", and the like may be used herein to modify various elements.
These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to
the
modified elements unless specifically stated.
[00121] While the present disclosure has been described with reference
to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled
in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a
particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without
departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present
disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the
best
mode contemplated, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments
falling within the scope of the appended claims.
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