Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Actuator Cap for a Fluid Dispenser
The present invention is concerned with an actuator cap for a fluid container
that
allows the contents of the container to be sprayed without the cap having to
be
removed. The invention is of particular use in the field of home and personal
care
when it may be used as part of a hand held aerosol dispenser. A particular
aspect
of the invention is that the actuator enables the dispenser with which it is
associated to be interchangeably converted between operative and inoperative
states.
Sprays through actuator caps enabling conversion between operative and
inoperative states, optionally for use with pressurised fluid containers, have
been
described in the prior art.
US 4,542,837 (Metal Box) discloses an actuator having upper and lower
rotatable
parts which may be rotated between operative and inoperative positions.
EP 2,049,415 B1 (Valois) discloses a fluid dispensing head comprising actuator
means for driving a pushbutton in axial displacement relative to the valve
rod, the
pushbutton being used to trigger dispensing.
It as an object of the present invention to provide a robust, yet
ergonomically
attractive dispensing means for spraying fluid products, particularly products
intended for application to the surface of the human body.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for
opening the
valve stem of a pressurised container that reduces the effort required by the
consumer and protects the valve stem from damage.
The invention is particularly suitable for applying cosmetic products to the
surface
of the human body, especially to the underarm regions of the human body.
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In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for
opening a
valve stem on a pressurised aerosol container, said method comprising the use
of
an actuator button that pivots about its front edge such that downward force
on
the rear edge of the actuation button causes an increased downward force on
the
valve stem, the total downward force on the valve stem being at least 10 N,
characterised in that the downward force on the actuator button forces it
downwards across its full length and thereby opens the valve stem.
In the above first aspect of the invention, the user opens a valve stem on a
pressurised aerosol container by pressing on an actuator button that pivots
about
its front edge such that downward force exerted by said user on the rear edge
of
the actuation button causes an increased downward force on the valve stem, the
total downward force on the valve stem being at least 10 N, characterised in
that
the downward force exerted on the actuator button forces it downwards across
its
full length and thereby opens the valve stem.
The full length of the actuator button is that length separating its front
edge from
its rear edge; "front" and "rear" being defined further herein (vide infra).
In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an actuator cap
for
a pressurised aerosol container comprising an actuator button that, during
actuation, pivots about its front edge such that downward force upon the rear
edge of the actuation button is capable of causing an increased downward force
of at least 10 N upon a valve stem of an associated aerosol container, the
actuation button also moving downwards across its full length during
actuation.
In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for
applying
a cosmetic product to the surface of the human body comprising the use of an
actuator cap according to the second aspect of the invention.
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In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol
composition comprising a liquefied propellant contained in a pressurised
aerosol
container in combination with an actuator cap according to the second aspect
of
the invention.
The method and actuator cap of the present invention are designed for use with
a
supply of fluid product, particularly fluid cosmetic product for use on the
surface of
the human body. The fluid product is supplied from a container to which the
actuator cap is attached.
The present invention serves to ease the force required by a consumer to
depress
the valve stem on a pressurised aerosol container, the valve stem being a key
element of a valve enabling the containment and release of the contents of the
pressurised aerosol container.
The force required to depress the valve stem on a typical pressurised aerosol
container is at least 10 N. Naturally, the greater the force required to
depress the
valve stem, the greater the benefit in being able to reduce the force required
by
the consumer to do this.
The present invention requires that the downward force exerted on the valve
stem
is at least 10 N, preferably at least 15 N and more preferably 20 N.
The present invention reduces the force required by a consumer to depress the
valve stem by means of an actuator button having a degree of pivotal action.
The
invention comprises the use of an actuator button that pivots about its front
edge
such that downward force on the rear edge of the actuation button causes an
increased downward force on the valve stem.
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In pivoting about its front edge, the actuator button must have motion in more
than
one dimension. Motion in a lateral direction, i.e. orthogonal to the axis of
the valve
stem, could potentially damage the valve stem. This potential damage is
minimised in the present invention by ensuring that the downward force on the
actuator button forces it downwards across its full length. In preferred
embodiments of the invention, this means that the pivot point at the front
edge of
the actuator button is a sliding, rather than fixed, pivot point. In such
embodiments, the front edge of the actuator button typically abuts a wall,
against
which it is able to both pivot and slide downwards as the actuator button is
depressed.
In the present invention, the downward pressure exerted by the user on the
rear
edge of the actuator button is translated into downward pressure on the valve
stem of the associated aerosol can and is preferably increased by 10% or
greater,
more preferably 20% or greater and most preferably 25% or greater in said
translation.
In preferred embodiments the downward force upon the actuation button is
translated into downward force upon the valve stem via a vertical section of a
spray channel, said spray channel being in fluid communication with the
contents
of the aerosol container when the valve stem is depressed.
In particularly preferred embodiments, the vertical section of a spray channel
referred to in the above paragraph passes through a snugly fitting gap in a
chassis
sat above the valve stem. This serves to further protect the valve stem from
lateral forces.
A preferred feature of the invention is that the rear edge of the actuation
button is
raised relative to its front edge when it is depressed to cause opening of the
valve
stem. It is particular preferred that the actuator button is a rising actuator
button
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and that when the actuator button is not raised, the device is incapable of
operation, giving it a safe transit and storage position. This position is
additionally
safe because the actuator button itself is protected from damage in this
position,
being surrounded by the outer body. There are also advantages with regard to
stacking devices incorporating the 'closed' actuator button and associated
fluid
container.
A further benefit of preferred embodiments of the present invention is that
the
spray channel assembly, typically the most fragile element of spray through
caps,
is always enclosed by the actuator cap and does not itself need to rise
through the
cap in preparation for actuation. Designs in which the spray channel assembly
needs to rise significantly to achieve activation are prone to stresses that
the
actuator caps of the present invention avoid.
When the actuator button is raised, this gives a visible and tactile
indication to the
user that the device is ready for operation. It also has the psycho-ergonomic
benefit that it is the part that has changed, i.e. raised, that needs to be
pressed for
the device to be actuated.
In preferred embodiments, the actuator button is tilted and raised in its
operative
position, the actuator button being rotatable between:
a first position in which the actuator button is non-elevated, the actuator
button being incapable of depression in this position;
a second position in which the actuator button is elevated across its full
length and width relative to top surface of the outer body, the button still
being incapable of depression in this position; and
a third position in which the actuator button is elevated across its full
length
and width and tilted relative to top surface of the outer body, the button
being capable of depression in this position.
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In preferred embodiments, the actuator cap comprises means for driving
rotation
of the outer body towards completion. This can be to complete rotation to the
primed position and/or rotation towards the fully closed position. This is
typically
achieved by means of leaf springs and/or rotational tension between non-
circulation as described in more detail later.
Herein, references to the "device" are the actuator cap in combination with a
container of the fluid to be dispensed.
Herein, orientation terms such as "horizontal/vertical" and "upper/lower"
should be
understood to refer to the actuator cap oriented in an upright manner as it
would
be on top of an upright aerosol can with which it is designed for use.
Herein, the "front" of the actuator cap refers to the face bearing the spray
outlet;
the "sides" are the faces orthogonal to this face and the "rear" is the face
parallel
to, but away from that bearing spray outlet. These terms have the same meaning
(mutatis mutandis) when used with reference to components of the actuator cap
and relate to the actuator cap in its "primed" position.
Herein, the actuator cap should be understood to be "primed", i.e., ready for
actuation, when the actuator button is in its raised and tilted position ready
for
depression.
The components of the actuator cap are typically made from plastic. The outer
body and chassis may be made from polypropylene, as may the spray channel.
The swirl chamber, if employed, is typically made using a spray insert
preferably
made from acetal.
The features described with reference to the following specific embodiment may
be incorporated independently into the generic description given above and/or
as
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given in the claims.
Figure 1 is a view of an actuator cap (1) according to the present invention.
Figures 2 is a view of the actuator cap (1) with the outer body (2) made
invisible.
Figures 3 is a view of the actuator cap (1) with the outer body (2) and
actuator
button (3) made invisible.
Figures 4, 5, and 6 are views of the chassis (5) from above and to the side
(Figure
4), from the top (Figure 5) and from the bottom (Figure 6).
Figure 7 is a view of the outer profile of the skirt (34) section of chassis
(5) and
how it differs from circular.
Figure 8 is a view of the outer body (2) from above, front, and side.
Figure 9 is a view of the outer body (2) from below and side and Figure 10 is
a
view of the outer body (2) from below.
Figure 11 is a view of the actuator button (3) from above, front and side and
Figure 12 is a view of the actuator button (3) from below, front and side.
Figures 13, 14, and 15 are each views of the spray channel assembly (6);
Figure
13 is a side view with the nozzle projecting to the left; Figure 14 is a side
view with
the nozzle projecting to the right and Figure 15 is view from below and side,
with
slight offset to the rear.
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Figure 16 are torque profiles of several actuators according to the invention
illustrating the varying torque as the outer body (2) is rotated the 900 from
its first
position to its second.
Figure 1 shows an actuator cap (1) comprising a rotatable outer body (2),
actuator
button (3) and collar (4). The collar (4) is designed to fit over a
pressurised fluid
container (not shown) with which the actuator cap (1) is designed to be used.
In
this Figure, the actuator button (3) is in a raised and tilted position in
preparation
for actuation (vide infra). From this Figure and many of the others, it is
clear that
the overall cross-sectional shape of the actuator (1), in a horizontal plane,
is non-
circular, having what might be termed a rounded rectangular shape. Both the
collar (4) and the outer body (2) have this cross-sectional shape.
Figure 2 shows the actuator cap (1) of Figure 1 with the outer body (2) made
invisible, revealing some of the internal features of the device. The collar
(4) is
part of a much more involved component, the chassis (5), more about which is
said below. Many of the components of the chassis (5) sit on a platform (7)
that is
held in a raised position above the collar (4) by several connecting ribs (8
and 9),
two of which (one illustrated, 9) are wider than the others and project
outwards
from the platform (7). The narrower connecting ribs (8), of which there are
four
(two shown), are recessed. These features are further illustrated in Figures
4, 5,
and 6. These features are important to the interaction of the outer body (2)
with
the chassis (5) (vide infra). Visible in part in Figure 6 is the spray channel
assembly (6).
Figure 3 illustrates the spray channel assembly (6) held snugly in the chassis
(5).
Figure 3 also shows one of two cam surfaces or drive ramps (10) present on the
chassis (5) and one of two cam surfaces or return ramps (11) present on the
spray channel assembly (6). These cam surfaces are key to the operation of the
actuator (vide infra). Also shown is a low wall (12) of convoluted shape rises
from
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the platform (7) of the chassis (5) and extends approximately two-thirds the
way
around the platform (7), close to but not at its periphery. This wall (12) is
important in the rotational operation of the actuator (1) (vide infra).
Figure 4 illustrates several of the features of the chassis (5). Features not
previously discussed are the screen (13) and blanking plate (14). The blanking
plate (14) serves to block off the aperture (16) in the skirt (17) of the
outer body
(2) when the actuator (1) is in its fully closed position (vide infra). The
screen (13)
serves a similar purpose when the actuator (1) is part way between its fully
closed
and fully open positions. There is a cut away section (22) at the end of the
screen
(13) farthest from the blanking plate (14) in which an obscuring plate (23) of
the
spray channel assembly (6) sits when the actuator cap (1) is fully assembled
(vide
infra).
Also illustrated in Figure 4 are two cam surfaces or drive ramps (10 and 18).
The
drive ramps (10 and 18) protrude from the platform (7) and curve around facing
portions of the edge of an aperture (26) in the chassis (5) (see Figure 5),
increasing in height in an anticlockwise direction. One of these drive ramps
(10) is
shorter than the other (18), as a result of starting at a higher point up the
wall (12),
of which they are both continuations. The shorter drive ramp (10) is truncated
at
its top, terminating in a short horizontal section (19) anticlockwise from the
ramped section. Leading in to each of the drive ramps (10 and 18) from an
anticlockwise direction are flat sections (10A and 18A, respectively. The
drive
ramps (10 and 18) have the same slope and terminate at the same height above
the platform (7). The drive ramps (10 and 18) serve to force the actuator
button
(3) upwards by interaction with drive lugs (20 and 21) projecting inwards from
the
actuator button (3) when the actuator button (3) is rotated by turning the
outer
body (2) anticlockwise (vide infra).
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Also illustrated in Figure 4 is one of two retaining clips (33) that help hold
the
spray channel assembly (6) in place. These clips (also illustrated in Figures
5 and
6), have a top surface that slopes downwards towards the centre of aperture
(26),
this feature assisting the assembly of the actuator cap (1), in particular the
insertion of the spray channel assembly (6) into the aperture (26) in the
chassis
(5).
The outer edge of the chassis (5) at its lower end is defined by the collar
(4).
Immediately above the collar (4) there is a short peripheral skirt (34) of
almost
circular profile. This skirt (34) projects upwards from a horizontal
peripheral ledge
(35) which links the bottom of the peripheral skirt (34) to the top of the
collar (4).
When the actuator cap (1) is assembled, the lower edge of the outer body (2)
sits
upon the peripheral ledge (35). Interaction between the inner surface of the
outer
body (2), which has "rounded rectangular" cross-section and the outer surface
of
the peripheral skirt (34), which has an almost but not quite circular profile
(see
Figure 7), leads to rotational tensioning. Tension is reduced when the
"corners" of
the outer body (2) are located adjacent to the outer edge of the peripheral
skirt
(34) at its wider points, such that the narrower cross-sectional dimensions of
the
outer body (2) are located adjacent to the skirt (34) where it has its
narrower
cross-sectional dimensions. These interactions tend to ease rotation of the
outer
body (2) towards its positions where the tensions are minimised. The design is
such that these tensions are minimised when the actuator cap (1) is in its
fully
open or fully closed position; hence, the outer body (2) is encouraged towards
these rotational positions when close thereto.
There are two slots (40) between the platform (7) and the peripheral ledge
(35).
These slots (40) comprise gaps existing in both vertical and horizontal
planes.
The vertical gap is constant across the full dimensions of the components, the
platform (7) being held at the same height above the surrounding peripheral
ledge
(35) across all its extent. The radial gap between the platform (7) and the
ledge
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(35) varies radially, decreasing steadily in width in a clockwise direction
starting
from the points adjacent to the clockwise edges of the wider connecting ribs
(9).
This may most clearly be seen in Figures 5 and 6. The decreasing width of the
slots (40) in this plane is caused by a corresponding increase in the size of
the
platform (7). This variation in the radial width of the slots (40) has marked
advantage in the balance between ease of manufacture and the in use robustness
of the assembled actuator cap (1) (vide infra).
Figure 5 shows the path of the low wall (12) of convoluted shape that rises
from
the platform (7) of the chassis (5). This wall interacts with two leaf springs
(24)
projecting downwards from the inside surface of the top wall (25) of the outer
body
(2) (vide infra). The lower ends of the leaf springs (24) sit outside of the
low wall
(12) and are tensioned when outside the sections of the wall (12) farthest
from the
centre (labelled 12A). The tension in the leaf springs (24) serves to drive
rotation
of the outer body (2) towards the positions in which the leaf springs (24) sit
outside the sections of the wall (12) nearest to the centre (labelled 12B)
when the
rotational of the outer body (2) is such that the lower ends of the leaf
springs (24)
are located on sections of the wall (12) sloping between the sections farthest
(12A) and nearest (12B) to the centre.
The location of the leaf springs (24) is such that their lower ends sit
outside the
sections of the low wall (12B) nearest to the centre of the chassis (5) when
the
actuator cap (1) is in its fully open or fully closed position; hence, the
leaf springs
serve to drive the outer body (2) towards these rotational positions when
close
thereto.
The chassis has a central aperture (26) into which the spray channel assembly
(6)
is designed to fit snugly. The aperture (26) is roughly circular in cross-
section, but
has distinct narrowed sections (27) that interact with narrowed sections on
the
body (28) (see Figure 15) of the spray channel assembly (6) to restrict
rotation of
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the latter when in the aperture (26). From the edge of the central aperture
(26), a
wall (29) of varying height (most clearly seen in Figure 4) rises from the
platform
(7). The aforementioned drive ramps (10 and 18) are extensions of this wall
(29)
where it surrounds the narrowed sections (27) of the aperture (26). At these
sections (27), the wall (29) has strengthening support struts (30) radiating
outwards from its outer edge and abutting the platform (7), as illustrated in
Figures
4 and 5. Each of the drive ramps (10 and 18) has a vertical edge (36), see
Figure
4, at its anticlockwise extremity, this being important in the achieving spray
release when the actuator cap (1) is primed (vide infra). At a location on the
wall
(29) radially matching the position of the cut-away section (22) at the end of
the
more externally located screen (13), the wall (29) has a concave cut (41) for
retention of a cross-stem (42) of spray channel assembly (6) when at its
lowest
(dispensing) position (vide infra). The radial position of the concave cut
(41) is
shortly anticlockwise of the vertical edge (36) defining the anticlockwise
extremity
of the longer drive ramp (18), this drive ramp (18) radially matching the
position of
the more externally located screen (13).
Figure 6 shows a valve cup ring (31) which protrudes downwards from the
underside of the chassis (5) and which fastens to the valve cup of an aerosol
can
when the actuator cap (1) is in use. The valve cup ring (31) has an internal
bead
(32) to help facilitate this fastening. Figure 6 also illustrates the
underside of the
connecting ribs (8 and 9). The narrower ribs (8) project radially from the
outer
edge of valve cup ring (31) to the inner edge of the peripheral skirt (34) and
collar
(4). The wider ribs (9) are comprised of curved peripheral sections (9A)
linking
the edge of the platform (7) to the top edge of the peripheral skirt (34) and
inwardly angled support projections (9B) connecting the outer edge of the
valve
cup ring (31) to the inner edge of the peripheral skirt (34) and the collar
(4).
Figure 8 shows that the outer body (2) has an upper surface (25) and a skirt
(17)
dependent therefrom. In a front portion of the skirt (17) there is an aperture
(16)
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for the spray channel assembly (6) to be able to discharge from when the
actuator
cap (1) is primed. The upper surface (25) and an upper rear part of the skirt
(17)
facing the aperture (16) have a cut-away segment for incorporation of the
actuator
button (3) (vide infra). The part cut-away from the upper surface (25) has
parallel
edges towards the sides and a roughly orthogonal, but outwardly curved, edge
towards the front.
One of the two leaf springs (24) is part illustrated in Figure 8, as is one of
two
downward projections (37) from the middle of both parallel edges of the cut-
away
segment of the upper surface (25). There are also downward projections (38)
from either side of the parallel edges of the cut-away segment that border the
cut-
away segment in the skirt (17). These downward projections (37 and 38) serve
to
help guide the actuator button (3).
Figure 8 also illustrates one of two retaining clips (39) that help hold the
outer
body (2) in place on the chassis (5). These clips (39) fit into the slots (40)
between the platform (7) and the skirt (34) of the chassis (5) and are
circumferentially bounded by the edges of the wider connecting ribs (9)
between
these features (see Figure 4). Rotation of the clips (39) between the bounds
of
the connecting ribs (9) is possible in part because of the recessed nature of
the
narrower connecting ribs (8) located in-between.
During the manufacture of the dispensing cap (1), the retaining clips (39) are
pushed through the slots (40) in the chassis (5) where the latter have their
maximum radial width (vide supra), this easing manufacture. This corresponds
to
a radial positioning of the outer body (2) relative to the chassis (5) as
present
when the actuator cap is in its primed position. Following insertion, the
retaining
clips (39) are rotated in the slots (40) in the chassis (5) to the position
where the
latter have their minimum radial width, this corresponding to a radial
positioning of
the outer body (2) relative to the chassis (5) as present when the actuator
cap is in
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its fully closed position. This serves to provide a high strength link between
the
outer body (2) and the chassis (5) when it is most needed, the consumer
typically
receiving the actuator cap (1) in a fully closed condition, together with an
associated aerosol can, and proceeding to mistakenly attempt to pull off the
actuator cap (1), believing it to be a conventional over-cap.
Figure 9 illustrates that between the downward projections (37 and 38) from
each
side of the upper surface (25) of the outer body (2) bordering the cut-away
segment thereof, there is a concave curved depression or yoke (43). These
concave yokes (43) (only one visible in Figure 9) serve an important function
in
conjunction with elements of the actuator button (3) (vide infra).
Figures 9 and 10 illustrate several of the strengthening features of the outer
body
(2). The leaf springs (24) are each reinforced by four support struts (44)
projecting from their outer surfaces are bracing against the inside surface of
the
top wall (25).
The retaining clips (39) are each strengthened by three support struts (45)
that
project downwards from their lower surfaces and brace against the inside of
the
skirt (17) at its front and rear. Two of the support struts (45) for the
retaining clips
(39) are located at the edges of the retaining clips (39) and project upwards
as
well as downwards. These edge support struts (45) also serve as rotational
stops
when they come up against an the edges of the wider connecting ribs (9) that
define the edge of the slots (40) in the chassis (5) into which the retaining
clips
(39) are designed to fit. The retaining clip support struts (45) are chamfered
on
their lower edges to ease insertion of the clips (39) into the slots (40) in
the
chassis (5).
The downward projections (37) from the middle of both parallel edges of the
cut-
away segment of the upper surface (25) are strengthened by orthogonal walls
(46)
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that project outwards from their rear edges. These orthogonal walls (46) also
help
to guide the actuator button (3) in its movement within the actuator cap (1)
(vide
infra).
The front segment of the upper surface (25) of the outer body (2) is
reinforced on
its inner side by four support ribs (47) running in parallel from front to
back.
Figure 11 shows some of the top and side features of the actuator button (3).
There is a finger pad (48) upon its top face (50) and pinions (49) (one shown)
are
symmetrically disposed upon its side walls (51). The top face (50) is of same
dimensions as the cut-away segment of the top wall (25) of the outer body (2)
and
completely fills this aperture when the actuator cap (1) is in its fully
closed
position. During anticlockwise rotation, the top face (50) of the actuator
button (3)
rises from being in the same plane as the upper surface (25) of the outer body
(2),
when the cap (1) is fully closed, through a position in which the top face
(50) is
raised but parallel to the upper surface (25), to a fully open or primed
position in
which the top face (50) is raised and sloping upwards (rear to front) relative
to the
upper surface (25). In the latter two positions, the side walls (51) of the
actuator
button (3) are visible in part, the actuator button protruding from the top
surface
(25) of the outer body (2) in these positions.
The side walls (51) of the actuator button (3) bearing the pinions (49) are
actually
located towards the front and rear of the actuator cap (1) when it is in its
fully
closed position; however, anticlockwise rotation of the upper body (2) and
associated actuator button (3) through 90 puts the device in its fully open
or
primed position, in which position the pinions (49) are located towards the
sides of
the actuator cap (1) as a whole. During the aforementioned rotation, the
pinions
(49) move up the channels existing between the downward projections (37 and
38) from the middle and rear (respectively) of the parallel edges of the cut-
away
segment of the upper surface (25) of the outer body (2), guided in part by the
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orthogonal walls (46) projecting outwards from the rear edges of the middle
projections (37), and when fully elevated, sit in the concave depressions or
yokes
(43) at the top of said channels. In this latter position, the final
anticlockwise
rotation of the upper body (2) and associated actuator button (3) causes the
actuator button (3) to pivot, resulting in the actuator button (1) becoming
raised at
its front edge (vide infra).
Key components of the actuator button (3) shown in Figure 12 are inward
projecting drive lugs (20 and 21). Projecting from a downwardly projecting
front
plate (52) of the button (3) is the front drive lug (20). Projecting from the
front-
facing surface of an internal cross-wall (53) just behind the axis between the
pinions (49) of the button (3) is the rear drive lug (21). The front-back
positioning
of the rear drive lug (21) is in the same vertical plane as the axis between
the
pinions (49).
The drive lugs (20 and 21) are of the same dimensions and face one another in
the same front-back plane; however, the front drive lug (20) is located
somewhat
lower in the actuator button (3) than the rear drive lug (21). The front drive
lug
(20) sits on the longer drive ramp (18) of the chassis (5) and the rear drive
lug (21)
sits on the shorter drive ramp (10) of the chassis (5). When the actuator cap
(1) is
in its fully closed position, the actuator button (3) is level with the top
wall (25) of
the outer body (2) because the height difference between the front drive lug
(20)
and the rear drive lug (21) equates to the height difference at which the
longer
drive ramp (18) and the shorter drive ramp (10) commence. As anticlockwise
rotation of the outer body (2) and associated the actuator button (3)
commences,
the actuator button (3) rises without slanting because the drive ramps (18 and
10)
upon which the drive lugs (20 and 21) sit have the same slope. When the rear
drive lug (21) reaches the horizontal section (19) of the shorter drive ramp
(10), it
does not rise further, unlike the front drive lug (20) which continues to rise
further
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along the longer drive ramp (18), thereby producing a tilt in the actuator
button (3),
it being raised at the front at this rotational position.
When the drive lugs (20 and 21) have passed just beyond the end of their
corresponding drive ramps (18 and 10), further anticlockwise rotation is
prevented
by the retaining clips (39) abutting the edges of the wider connecting ribs
(9)
spanning the slots (40) in the chassis (5). In this position, the actuator cap
(1) is
primed and the actuator button (3) may be depressed. The drive lugs (20 and
21)
serve a second but equally important function during actuation. Having passed
beyond the vertical edges (36) at the anticlockwise ends of their drive ramps
(18
and 10), they are not blocked from depression. Downward force on the actuator
button (3) causes the drive lugs (20 and 21) to press down upon the spray
channel assembly (6) and this leads to actuation and release of product
through
the spray channel assembly (6).
If the actuation button (3) were to be pressed centrally, depression would in
theory
occur in a balanced fore and aft manner, each of the drive lugs (20 and 21)
bearing down on the actuation spray assembly (6) and thereby avoiding possible
lateral stress on the valve stem associated with the spray channel assembly
(6)
(vide infra).
In reality, the consumer tends to press the actuator button (3) more towards
its
rear, behind the axis of the pinions (49). This causes the actuator button (3)
to
pivot on its front edge and for pressure to be applied to the spray channel
assembly (6) through the rear drive lug (21) rather than the front drive lug
(20).
This leads to distinct mechanical advantage because pressure is brought to
bear
on the spray channel assembly (6) closer to the pivot point than where the
pressure is actually applied. Indeed, it has been found that operation of
actuator
cap (1) in this manner can lead to an up to 1.6 times mechanical advantage.
Fortunately, this "uneven" pressure application upon the spray channel
assembly
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(6) is minimised by the actuator button being able to move downwards across
its
full length, the front edge of the actuator button (3) not only pivoting upon
the
internal front wall of the skirt (17) of the outer body (2), but sliding down
said wall.
Further, any lateral forces that do exist are not transferred to the valve
stem with
which it is in use associated because the spray channel assembly (6) is held
snugly in the aperture (26) in the intervening chassis (5).
Other components of the actuator button (3) are as follows. There is a rear
wall
(54) that is designed to fill the cut-away section in the upper rear part of
the skirt
(17) facing the aperture (16). There is a front wall (55). The downwardly
projecting front plate (52) is a partial continuation of this front wall (55).
The is a
platform (56) extending forward from the front wall (55) and also outwards
front
the side walls (51) as flexible wing structures (57) which slope upwards as
they
extend outwards. The platform (56) and associated flexible wing structures
(57)
are designed to fit under the top wall (25) of the outer body (2) and the
front-back
angle of these features is such that they are in the same plane as the top
wall (25)
of the outer body (2) when the actuator button (3) is fully tilted and the
actuator
cap (1) is primed. In this position, the platform (56) and associated flexible
wing
structures (57) are pressed against the under surface of the top wall (25) of
the
outer body (2), flattening out the upward slope of the flexible wing
structures (57).
In addition, the actuator button (3) has multiple (six) outward projecting
strengthening ribs (58) on the upper surface of the part of the platform (56)
extending forward from the front wall (55). The downwardly projecting front
plate
(52) has two support wedges (59) between it and the lower side of the platform
(56) extending forward from the front wall (55). The internal cross-wall (53)
has
support ribs (60) projecting fore and aft. The side walls (51) each have a
thin,
outward-projecting, vertical rib (61) located just to the rear of the pinions
(49).
These ribs (61) lightly contact the inner faces of the downward projections
(38)
from the parallel edges of the segment cut-away from the top wall (25) of the
outer
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body (2) and help to prevent undesirable sideways roll of the actuator button
(3)
when it is depressed.
Figures 13 to 15 illustrate various aspects of the spray channel assembly (6).
The
main body (28) is of roughly circular cross-section, but has narrowed sections
(28A) that fit within the narrowed sections of the aperture (26) in the
chassis (5)
(vide supra). Projecting outwards from the upper region of the main body (28)
is a
radial nozzle tube (62), terminating in the spray orifice (63). The spray
issuing
from the spray orifice (63) further atomised by a spray chamber (64) sitting
at the
end of the radial nozzle tube (62). The radial nozzle tube (62) slopes
slightly
upwards as it extends outwards. The spray orifice (63) is surrounded by the
obscuring plate (23) that fills the cut away section (22) at the end of the
screen
(13) farthest from the blanking plate (14) of the chassis (5) (vide supra).
From the underside of the spray channel assembly (6) in the centre there
protrudes a tubular stem socket (68), designed to accommodate the valve stem
of
an associated aerosol container. The stem socket (68) is in fluid
communication
with the spray orifice (63) through the spray chamber (64) and other internal
channels not illustrated but common in the art.
From the outer surface of the main body (28) at its lower end, two retaining
clips
(69) protrude from the "non-narrowed" or wider segments (28B) of the main body
(28), on opposite sides of said main body (28). These retaining clips (69) fit
underneath the corresponding retaining clips (33) that protrude into the
central
aperture (26) of the chassis (5) (vide supra) and help to hold the spray
channel
assembly (6) and the chassis (5) together.
There are two return ramps (11 and 65) of the same slope curving around
opposite outside surfaces of the main body (28). These return ramps (11 and
65)
sit above the drive lugs (21 and 20, respectively) projecting inwards from the
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actuator button (3) and serve to force the actuator button (3) downwards when
the
outer body (2) is rotated clockwise. The return ramp (65) to the left of the
spray
orifice (63) is longer than the return ramp (11) to the right of the spray
orifice (63),
viewing the actuator cap (1) from the front. The length of the longer return
ramp
(65) corresponds to the length of the longer drive ramp (18) and the front
(lower)
drive lug (20) sits between these ramps. The length of the shorter return ramp
(11) corresponds to the length of the shorter drive ramp (10) and the rear
(higher)
drive lug (20) sits between these ramps.
The return ramps (11 and 65) have flat sections (66 and 67) at their upper and
lower ends (respectively). The gap between the lower flat sections (67) and
the
flat sections (10A and 18A) leading into the corresponding drive ramps (10 and
18) on the chassis (5) is slightly less than the height of the drive lugs (21
and 20)
that is forced between them as the outer body (2) is rotated to its fully
clockwise
position. As the chassis (5) is in fixed axial position, this causes an upward
force
on the spray channel assembly (6), resulting in a slight lifting of the stem
socket
(68) from the valve stem (not illustrated) with which it is associated in use,
creating a "safety gap" when the actuator is in its closed position.
