REUSABLE AEROSOL ACTUATOR DEVICES
According to certain embodiments of the invention, an aerosol trigger actuator may be removably connected to an aerosol container. In some instances, an attachment adapter may be fixed to an aerosol container and a trigger actuator may be configured to snap onto, twist onto, or otherwise attach to the attachment adapter so that the trigger actuator is attached to the container. In other embodiments, an attachment adapter and trigger actuator may be assembled together and then assembled to a container.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to aerosol actuators and connections for the same to containers.
2. State of the Art
Aerosol actuators include designs from simple finger actuated buttons to more complex and aesthetically pleasing trigger actuated devices. The more complicated trigger actuated devices offer many advantages over the button actuated alternatives; however, the cost associated with using a trigger actuated device may be prohibitive.
Furthermore, consumers may perceive the size of the trigger actuated devices as being a negative when it comes to disposal of the package. In many instances, an aerosol trigger actuator is attached to a container and when the container is empty, both the container and trigger actuator are disposed.
Therefore, it may be advantageous to develop devices and methods for reducing the overall cost of trigger actuated devices. It may also be advantageous to develop designs and methods for reducing waste associated with the use of trigger actuated aerosol devices.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to certain embodiments of the invention, an aerosol trigger actuator may be removably connected to an aerosol container. In some instances, an attachment adapter may be fixed to an aerosol container and a trigger actuator may be configured to snap onto, twist onto, or otherwise attach to the attachment adapter so that the trigger actuator is attached to the container. In other embodiments, an attachment adapter and trigger actuator may be assembled together and then assembled to a container.
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming particular embodiments of the present invention, various embodiments of the invention can be more readily understood and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art from the following descriptions of various embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
According to embodiments of the invention, an aerosol package 100 may include a conventional aerosol container 900 and valve 910, an attachment adapter 200 attached to the container 900, and a trigger actuator 800 attached to the attachment adapter 200 as illustrated in
According to various embodiments of the invention, a conventional aerosol container 900 and valve 910 may be used. A container 900 may include an aerosol valve 910 and a can rim or chime 920 about a circumference of the container as illustrated in
According to various embodiments of the invention, a trigger actuator 800 may include any trigger actuated aerosol distribution system desired. For example, a trigger actuator 800 such as those described in PCT Application PCT/US11/048816, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, may be used with various embodiments of the invention. In other embodiments of the invention, a pushbutton-type actuator may be used with various embodiments of the invention.
A blown-up view of an attachment adapter 200 according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in
A cross-sectional view of an attachment adapter 200 according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in
In other embodiments of the invention, an attachment adapter 200 may include one or more snap-fit or bayonet connections 220 configured to removably snap fit with a trigger actuator 800. For example, one or more bayonet connections 220 such as those used with trigger sprayers and bottles may be included on an outer radius of the attachment adapter 200. A trigger actuator 800 having one or more lugs or corresponding bayonet connections may then be snapped onto the attachment adapter 200 and used. When use is complete, the trigger actuator 800 may be twisted or rotated off of the attachment adapter 200.
The components of an unassembled aerosol package 100 are illustrated in
In other embodiments of the invention, an attachment adapter 200 may first be assembled with a trigger actuator 800 and the combination of the attachment adapter 200 and trigger actuator 800 may be attached to a chime 920 on the container 900.
Upon completion of use, a user may remove the trigger actuator 800 from the container 900 and reattach the trigger actuator 800 to another container 900 having an attachment adapter 200 assembled therewith. Alternatively, a user may attach a new attachment adapter 200 to the trigger actuator 800 and snap the combined trigger actuator 800 and attachment adapter 200 to a container 900.
Cross-sectional views of an aerosol package 100 according to various embodiments of the invention are illustrated in
While a particular trigger actuator 800 is illustrated, any trigger actuator 800 or button-type actuator may be used with various embodiments of the invention. In addition, the trigger actuator 800 illustrated in
According to various embodiments of the invention, an attachment adapter 200 may also include features to assist with alignment of a trigger actuator 800 on a container 900. In some embodiments, an attachment adapter 200, a chime 920, or both an attachment adapter 200 and chime 920 may include features to prevent rotation of the attachment adapter 200 about the chime 920 once snap fit or otherwise secured to the chime 920.
Having thus described certain particular embodiments of the invention, it is understood that the invention defined by the appended claims is not to be limited by particular details set forth in the above description, as many apparent variations thereof are contemplated. Rather, the invention is limited only be the appended claims, which include within their scope all equivalent devices or methods which operate according to the principles of the invention as described.
Claims
1. An aerosol package, comprising:
- a container having a valve and a chime;
- an attachment adapter attached to the chime; and
- a trigger actuator removably attached to the attachment adapter.
2. The aerosol package of claim 1, wherein the trigger actuator comprises an attachment feature on an interior of the trigger actuator configured to mate with the attachment adapter.
3. The aerosol package of claim 2, wherein the attachment feature comprises threading.
4. The aerosol package of claim 1, further comprising a threaded attachment feature on an exterior surface of the attachment adapter and a corresponding threaded feature on an interior surface of the trigger actuator, configured to removably attach the trigger actuator to the attachment adapter.
5. The aerosol package of claim 1, further comprising at least one bayonet feature on an exterior surface of the attachment adapter and at least one corresponding lug on an interior surface of the trigger actuator, the at least one lug configured to removably attach the trigger actuator to the at least one bayonet feature of the attachment adapter.
6. The aerosol package of claim 1, wherein the attachment adapter comprises at least one channel on an interior surface thereof.
7. The aerosol package of claim 1, wherein the attachment adapter comprises a channel on an interior surface of the attachment adapter and at least one latch adjacent to the channel.
8. The aerosol package of claim 7, wherein the channel encompasses at least a portion of the chime and the at least one latch secures the attachment adapter to the chime.
9. An attachment adapter for an aerosol package, comprising:
- a circular ring;
- a channel on an interior of the circular ring;
- at least one latch positioned next to the channel; and
- an attachment feature on an outer surface of the circular ring.
10. The attachment adapter of claim 9, wherein the attachment feature comprises a twist-on attachment feature.
11. The attachment adapter of claim 9, wherein the attachment feature comprises a bayonet attachment feature.
12. The attachment feature of claim 9, wherein the attachment feature comprises a thread.
13. The attachment feature of claim 9, wherein the attachment feature comprises a snap-fit feature to accept a latch.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 22, 2013
Publication Date: Jan 1, 2015
Inventor: Steven A. Sell (Lee's Summit, MO)
Application Number: 14/376,320
International Classification: B65D 83/20 (20060101); B65D 83/14 (20060101);