Abstract: A manually manipulable actuator mechanism includes a body and a manually manipulable element. The body has at least one wall element having a length extending along a first axis and a height extending along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The manually manipulable element has a button portion adapted for human digital manipulation and at least one wing portion extending outwardly from the button portion. The manually manipulable element is movable along the first axis between a first position in which an operative element is in a non-actuated condition and a second position in which the operative element is in an actuated condition. The wall element, which has a first height at the first position and a different second height at the second position, cooperates with the wing portion to constrain movement of the manually manipulable element at least along a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes while the manually manipulable element is moved between the first and second positions.

Abstract: The inventive dispenser comprises a cap and dispenser tube assembly for delivering a foamed product below the surface of a liquid through the dispenser tube. The dispenser tube pivots between a dispensing position and a non-dispensing stowed position, which allows for convenient cleaning of the dispensing tube. The cap further comprises a removable portion between a first and second section of the cap that restricts movement to prevent operation of the dispensing valve until the removable portion is detached by the consumer. The cap also includes a tamper resistant removable pull tab for securing the dispenser tube in the stowed position until the pull tab is detached by the consumer.

Abstract: A handle assembly for engaging a pressure container having an outlet valve, the handle assembly including a base for engaging the pressure container and a handle pivotally connected to the base so as to locate the pivotal connection at least proximal to a vertical projection of a center of mass of the pressure container. The handle assembly also includes a flow control mechanism for continuous operable engagement with the outlet valve independent of the orientation of the handle and the container about a pivot axis.

Abstract: A hand-held pressurized product dispenser including a container containing a product under pressure, a valve mechanism and base structure at the top of the container, a nozzle that moves between an unactuated position and a discharge position, and a side lever that extends along the can and is movable to move the nozzle from the unactuated position to the discharge position. The dispenser also has a dome that is rotatably connected to the base structure and surrounds the nozzle and interacts with the nozzle to cause rotation of the nozzle between a locked position and an unlocked position. The nozzle has one or more downwardly directed feet that align with solid areas of an upwardly directed surface in the locked position and that align with open areas of the base structure in the unlocked position, such that the nozzle is free to move into the discharge position.

Abstract: A spray can holding and actuation device comprises a rim engagement element and a locking mechanism for compressing the rim engagement element against the rim surrounding the push-button valve on the can. The rim engagement element includes a compressible collar that is joined to a shroud that depends downwardly from a front portion of the device. The collar is dimensioned to fit around the rim, and it has a pair of opposed ends separated by a gap. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a locking element that is attachable to the opposed collar ends when the ends are urged together to compress the collar against the rim. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a latch that is pivotably attached to one of the collar ends and that is pivotable to a position in which it engages the other collar end and rim, whereby the collar ends are urged together to compress the collar against the rim.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises an actuator assembly for an aerosol container in which a collar is attached to the aerosol container and substantially encloses an actuator. The actuator is functionally attached to an aerosol valve and includes slots that contact a plurality of guide rails attached to the inner surface of the collar as well as a passage from the valve to a nozzle shaped opening. When the actuator is pushed down, the downward movement is controlled by the interaction of the slots with the guide rails. Also provided is a cover that guards against accidental force being applied to the actuator.

Abstract: Beverage container (3) provided with a dispensing valve (7) and a dispensing channel (31) connected to said dispensing valve, wherein an operating arm (41) is provided which, in a position of rest, includes an angle with a plane at right angles to a longitudinal axis (L) of the dispensing valve, wherein a pressure body (19) is provided between the pivoting arm (41) and said valve (7), such that upon a pivotal movement of the arm from said position of rest the pressure body (19) is moved and the valve is opened by the pressure body.

Abstract: Beverage container provided with a dispensing valve (7) and a dispensing channel (31, 33) connected to said dispensing valve, wherein an operating arm (41) is provided which, in a position of rest, includes an angle with a plane at right angles to a longitudinal axis (L) of the dispensing valve, wherein a pressure body (19) is provided between the pivoting arm and the valve, such that upon a pivotal movement of the arm from the position of rest the pressure body is moved and the valve is opened by the pressure body.

Abstract: A spraying cap for a spray container with a valve includes an attachment for the spray container with a connection piece that is connectable with the valve, which runs into a spray nozzle. The spraying cap further includes an actuator element, slewably mounted on the attachment, which in a locked position at least partly covers the spray nozzle and in an opened position sticks off from the spraying cap, and a pressure region in the attachment proximate to the connection piece. A force on the pressure region or on the actuator element in its opened position, wholly or partly pointing into the actuation direction of the valve, opens the valve.

Abstract: A PU foam rubber fluid applicator includes a handle, the handle having a receptacle adapted to accommodate a PU foam rubber can, a nozzle connected to the valve tube of the loaded PU foam rubber can, a lever pivoted to the receptacle and supported on a return spring and controlled by one finger of the user's hand holding the handle to lift the nozzle and to further open the valve tube of the PU foam rubber can, and a retaining block pivoted to the receptacle and forced by a spring member to lock the PU foam rubber can.

Abstract: A spray can holding and actuation device comprises a rim engagement element and a locking mechanism for compressing the rim engagement element against the rim surrounding the push-button valve on the can. The rim engagement element includes a compressible collar that is joined to a shroud that depends downwardly from a front portion of the device. The collar is dimensioned to fit around the rim, and it has a pair of opposed ends separated by a gap. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a locking element that is attachable to the opposed collar ends when the ends are urged together to compress the collar against the rim. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a latch that is pivotably attached to one of the collar ends and that is pivotable to a position in which it engages the other collar end and rim, whereby the collar ends are urged together to compress the collar against the rim.

Abstract: A liquid mist fire extinguisher, comprising a container for holding a gas and a liquid under pressure. The extinguisher has valve assembly at the upper end of the container, a valve for simultaneously releasing said gas and said liquid separately from the container, and a hose for feeding said gas and said liquid separately through a nozzle. The nozzle assembly includes means for feeding said gas and said liquid separately through a mixing chamber, and exiting orifices in an end surface of said nozzle assembly for issue of mixed gas and liquid in a fine mist.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an aerosol spray can such that the can may be activated to dispense product from the can at a remote location to the user. The apparatus has a handle, a can base support, a body member and a trigger lever. The lever is pivotably attached to the body member such that it moves a trigger hammer to engage and depress the can push-button to discharge the contents of the pressurized can. The lever has first and second arms disposed at an angle in the range of 91° to 101°.

Abstract: A fluid spray device including a reservoir containing fluid, a dispenser head including a dispenser orifice, and an actuator device being on the dispenser head and co-operating with a fixing ring in order to actuate a pump or the valve, said actuator device including at least one actuator element pivotally mounted on said dispenser head, each actuator element including an actuator portion cooperating with said fixing ring, and a presser element on which the user exerts an actuation force, said presser element being pivotally mounted with respect to said dispenser head and extending firstly radially away from said dispenser head, and secondly axially towards the reservoir beyond said fixing ring, said actuator portion being pivotally mounted on said presser element and extending radially and axially towards the fixing ring so as to co-operate with said ring from below, when the device is in the upright position.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing a product from a container is disclosed. The dispenser includes a product chamber within the container; a valve adjacent to the product chamber; a hinge assembly secured to the opening of the container and to which is connected a nozzle assembly; and a lever attached by means of the hinge assembly. The nozzle assembly includes an actuator portion provided with a lever bearing surface which co-operates with a bearing portion on the lever such that operation of the lever causes movement of the actuator portion to open the valve and permit flow of the product out of the container. The nozzle assembly includes at least one dog tooth and the hinge assembly includes at least one slot, such that the valve can open only when the dog tooth is aligned with the slot.

Abstract: A plastic dispensing actuator for a pressurized container used to dispense product has a dispensing nozzle that is mounted on the tilt valve of the container and a lever attached to the dispensing nozzle. The lever is attached by a living hinge to the wall of the nozzle. The lever is in the normal vertically aligned state for storage and shipment. It is rotated about the hinge to a horizontal dispensing state whereby actuation of the lever by depressing it causes the nozzle and the valve to tilt thereby dispensing product.

Abstract: A trigger-actuated cleaning device dispenses an aerosol cleaning agent from a pressurized canister. The canister has a female valve assembly. In one form an over cap fits onto the canister over the valve and has a male stem on a pivotable part of the over cap that opens the valve when moved by a rod linked to a remote trigger. The stem is either formed integrally with the over cap or is removably attached to a stem socket formed in the over cap. In another form the actuator is a button having a stem that fits in the female valve.

Abstract: Fluid dispenser device having a body (1), a fluid reservoir (3), a dispensing member, such as a pump or a metering valve having a piston or a valve member that is mounted to move axially, which dispensing member is fitted to the reservoir (3), and an actuating element (5) mounted to move between a rest position and an actuating position, for actuating the dispensing member and thus for selectively dispensing the fluid contained in the reservoir (3). In the fluid dispenser device, the direction in which the actuating element (5) moves is different from, and preferably perpendicular to, the axial direction in which the piston or the valve member of the dispensing member moves.

Abstract: An axially actuated valve assembly for use in a pressurized container that is easily actuated and controlled by a user to dispense the amount of product desired. The valve stem is moved in an up and down direction so that when dispensing, the user can control amount of the valve openings that are in communication with the material to be dispensed. The flexible boot surrounds the valve stem by having an upper edge that engages the valve actuating ledge and a lower edge that engages the button when in the non-dispensing state. The boot has a squared off lower interior edge engaging the stem and the button of the valve member when in the non-dispensing state. The button of valve is small in diameter and less than the surface of the boot that the button engages. The boot has a substantially straight thin wall neck below the upper edge. Two slits in the neck reduce hoop strength to facilitate outward bowing of the mark when the valve is depressed.

Abstract: A self metering dispensing device for dispensing a predetermined quantity of material from an aerosol container. First and second actuating members are pivotally connected to a housing for the container and a nozzle actuating member is connected to the first actuating member. A pneumatic member in the form of a cylinder with a piston or a telescoping valve is operatively associated with the first and second actuating members. A compressive force placed on the second actuating member causes the nozzle activating member to contact the container valve to dispense product from the container. A controlled metering of product is produced by an air regulator connected to the pneumatic member.

Abstract: A fabric paint delivery system includes a container storing fabric paint under nitrogen pressure, the container having an opening for discharge of the paint therethrough; a valve operative for receiving the paint from the opening; a trigger assembly having a nozzle operative for discharging the paint received from the container through the valve, the trigger assembly having a trigger for opening and closing the valve to selectively discharge the paint from an opening of the nozzle as a mist in a spray cone; wherein the trigger is operable by pulling the trigger towards the container using one's index finger for opening the valve and for closing the valve by releasing the trigger.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus (10) for dispensing a product from a container (12) includes: a product chamber within the container (12); a valve (14) adjacent to the product chamber; a hinge assembly secured to the opening of the container and to which is connected a nozzle assembly (20); and a lever (18) attached by a hinge assembly. The nozzle assembly (20) is rotatable between open and closed positions and includes an actuator portion provided with a cam surface (96, 98) which co-operates with a bearing portion (100) on the lever (18) such that, when the nozzle assembly (20) is in the open position, operation of the lever (18) causes movement of the actuator portion to open the valve (14) and permit flow of the product out of the container (12).

Abstract: A sprayer actuator, a sprayer, and a method of making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sprayer includes an ergonomic sprayer actuator with a housing having an upper portion, a lower portion for fitting over a can, and a narrowed waist portion between the upper portion and the lower portion.

Abstract: A packaging unit has a cartridge for storing material and pressurized gas operating with it and a dispensing head connected to the cartridge. A sliding piston is positioned in the internal space of the cartridge, the piston divides the internal space into a product chamber and a pressurized gas chamber that have a gas-tight seal between them. A plug is fitted into the pressurized gas chamber end of the cartridge and a valve to the product chamber end, the valve has a valve house, a valve stem, and a disc spring with plate segments. The valve stem has a discharge opening at the end coming out of the cartridge, the end in the product chamber of the cartridge has a conical surface, the plate segments of the disc spring are pushed up against the conical surface of the valve stem, while the disc spring is snapped onto the valve house.

Abstract: An overcap for use with a spray canister includes a peripheral wall adapted to attach to the spray canister, a cantilevered lever arm hingedly attached to the peripheral wall, and a nozzle within the cantilevered lever arm. The nozzle includes a stem socket adapted to receive a valve stem of the spray canister and adapted to provide a fan-shaped spray.

Abstract: An actuator cap for use in radially locating a pressurized can in a sprayer device having a cradle for receiving the can. The actuator cap has a recess that engages an engagement land of the cradle and an actuator arm that is so located as to be movable by an actuation pin located in the engagement land. By such movement, the can's valve can be activated and its contents released. A method is also disclosed for activating a pressurized, axially extending can having a forwardly presenting valve while the can is held in pre-determined radial orientation within a sprayer device.

Abstract: A packaging unit has a cartridge for storing material and pressurized gas operating with it and a dispensing head connected to the cartridge. A sliding piston is positioned in the internal space of the cartridge, the piston divides the internal space into a product chamber and a pressurized gas chamber that have a gas-tight seal between them. A plug is fitted into the pressurized gas chamber end of the cartridge and a valve to the product chamber end, the valve has a valve house, a valve stem, and a disc spring with plate segments. The valve stem has a discharge opening at the end coming out of the cartridge, the end in the product chamber of the cartridge has a conical surface, the plate segments of the disc spring are pushed up against the conical surface of the valve stem, while the disc spring is snapped onto the valve house.

Abstract: A hand-held pressurized product dispenser that includes a container with a hand-engageable body portion, a valve mechanism at the top of the container that is movable with respect to the container to cause pressurized discharge of the product, and a valve actuation lever that is connected to the valve mechanism and extends along the container body such that a larger displacement of the end of the lever causes a controlled, relatively smaller displacement of the valve mechanism, permitting adjustable “throttled” delivery of the product.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus (10) for dispensing a product from a container (12) includes: a product chamber within the container (12); a valve (14) adjacent to the product chamber; a hinge assembly secured to the opening of the container and to which is connected a nozzle assembly (20); and a lever (18) attached by means of the hinge assembly. The nozzle assembly (20) is rotatable between open and closed positions and includes an actuator portion provided with a cam surface (96, 98) which co-operates with a bearing portion (100) on the lever (18) such that, when the nozzle assembly (20) is in the open position, operation of the lever (18) causes movement of the actuator portion to open the valve (14) and permit flow of the product out of the container (12).

Abstract: A spray can holding and actuation device comprises a rim engagement element and a locking mechanism for compressing the rim engagement element against the rim surrounding the push-button valve on the can. The rim engagement element includes a compressible collar that is joined to a shroud that depends downwardly from a front portion of the device. The collar is dimensioned to fit around the rim, and it has a pair of opposed ends separated by a gap. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a locking element that is attachable to the opposed collar ends when the ends are urged together to compress the collar against the rim. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a latch that is pivotably attached to one of the collar ends and that is pivotable to a position in which it engages the other collar end and rim, whereby the collar ends are urged together to compress the collar against the rim.

Abstract: An aerosol container for dispensing material or fluid such as an adhesive under pressure is retrofitted with an adapter means for preventing clogging of the discharge valve with old hardened materials or fluid after use. The adapter means comprises an interior sleeve inserted within an exterior dispensing tip where the assembly is retrofitted into the discharge valve of the aerosol container. A trigger mechanism attached to the top of the aerosol container engages the aerosol can discharge valve to facilitate bias engagement of the discharge valve of the aerosol container.

Abstract: A self metering dispensing device for dispensing a predetermined quantity of material from an aerosol container. First and second actuating members are pivotally connected to a housing for the container and a nozzle actuating member is connected to the first actuating member. A pneumatic member in the form of a cylinder with a piston or a telescoping valve is operatively associated with the first and second actuating members. A compressive force placed on the second actuating member causes the nozzle activating member to contact the container valve to dispense product from the container. A controlled metering of product is produced by an air regulator connected to the pneumatic member.

Abstract: A hand-held pressurized product dispenser that includes a container with a hand-engageable body portion, a valve mechanism at the top of the container that is movable with respect to the container to cause pressurized discharge of the product, and a valve actuation lever that is connected to the valve mechanism and extends along the container body such that a larger displacement of the end of the lever causes a controlled, relatively smaller displacement of the valve mechanism, permitting adjustable “throttled” delivery of the product.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus (10) for dispensing a product from a container (12) includes: a product chamber within the container (12); a valve (14) adjacent to the product chamber; a hinge assembly secured to the opening of the container and to which is connected a nozzle assembly (20); and a lever (18) attached by means of the hinge assembly. The nozzle assembly (20) is rotatable between open and closed positions and includes an actuator portion provided with a cam surface (96, 98) which co-operates with a bearing portion (100) on the lever (18) such that, when the nozzle assembly (20) is in the open position, operation of the lever (18) causes movement of the actuator portion to open the valve (14) and permit flow of the product out of the container (12).

Abstract: A hand-held pressurized product dispenser that includes a container with a hand-engageable body portion, a valve mechanism at the top of the container that is movable with respect to the container to cause pressurized discharge of the product, and a valve actuation lever that is connected to the valve mechanism and extends along the container body such that a larger displacement of the end of the lever causes a controlled, relatively smaller displacement of the valve mechanism, permitting adjustable “throttled” delivery of the product.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing a product from a container under pressure of a propellant by means of a composite piston. The apparatus has a valve operated by means of an actuator and a lever. The actuator co-operates with the valve and lever by means of a screw thread arrangement, such that turning actuator relative to the lever varies the flow rate of product out of the apparatus. The valve is a hollow cylindrical tube which is open at one end and closed at the second end, either permanently or by means of a flap valve which allows insertion of the product. A number of ports are arranged around the circumference of the tube adjacent to the second end to allow product to flow through the valve when the lever is operated. The composite piston comprises a first piston coupled to a second piston by mutually engageable central stems and enclosing between the pistons a viscous substance which contacts the inside wall of the container to provide an effective seal.

Abstract: A valve for a pressurized dispensing container has one or two dispensing openings through the wall of the valve stem. A dispensing nozzle with an actuating handle has a predetermined alignment with the opening or openings in the valve stem so that actuation of the nozzle will assure that one and only one full opening is presented to the product during dispensing. This keeps the leg or wall area between openings out of the path of the product being dispensed and avoids the build up of fiber that tends to clog the opening. A small retaining wall between the valve seat.at the bottom of the valve stem and the lower edge of the opening or openings provides a wall that prevents the flexible rubber-like seal from being distorted under pressure and setting in a position where it blocks the opening when product is to be dispensed. Each of the dispensing openings in the two opening embodiment extends at least 90° around the valve stem and the single opening embodiment may extend as much as 180°.

Abstract: A pistol-type device for a plunger actuated aerosol can. The device has a hand-gripping portion with a hollow battery storage area and a pair of dual mounted holes. To power the device a power supply is mounted in the storage area. A plunger actuating lever extends through the hand gripping portion to contact the plunger of the aerosol can and actuate the plunger for spraying an area. The barrel of the pistol-type device extends from the hand-gripping portion and is in electrical communication with the power supply. The barrel holds the illuminating parts such as a light bulb and a lens for producing a light beam to illuminate the area. A can-engaging clip has a locking mechanism for locking the clip around the aerosol can and positioning the plunger actuating lever in direct contact with the plunger of the can. An extension member securely connects the barrel to the clip for solidifying the aerosol can and the pistol-type device as a single unit.

Abstract: An accessory for an aerosol container intended for use in an inverted attitude comprises a cradle to support the container and a lever and cam actuating mechanism to effect opening of the aerosol valve. The cradle comprises two clips detachably fitted to a pistol-type hand grip. The actuating mechanism comprises a double-armed trigger and a pivotable double-armed toggle in engagement therewith. Squeezing of the trigger causes a thrust surface or surfaces of the toggle to press against the nozzle of the container and open the valve.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing a product from a container under pressure of a propellant by means of a composite piston (138). The apparatus has a valve (104) operated by means of an actuator (108) and a lever (166). The actuator cooperates with the valve and lever, by means of a screw thread arrangement (110), such that turning actuator relative to the lever varies the flow rate of product out of the apparatus. The valve is a hollow cylindrical tube (104) which is open at one end and closed at the second end, either permanently or by means of a flap valve (112) which allows insertion of the product. A number of ports (116) are arranged around the circumference of the tube (104) adjacent to the second end to allow product to flow through the valve when the lever is operated.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism for a pressurized container employs a platform which sits on and engages the valve cap. A lever pivoted on the platform extends from its pivot point up and around the nozzle to terminate in the handle that is adjacent to the sidewall of the pressurized container. The upper portion of the lever engages the shoulder on the nozzle so that when the handle is manually squeezed against the sidewall of the container, the lever pushes down on the nozzle thus pushing the nozzle and valve in a downward axially direction thereby dispensing the pressurized contents of the container. It is when the nozzle is screwed into a dispensing state that the handle or the lever is pivoted away from the sidewall of the can so that it can be squeezed against the can to effect the dispensing of the contents.

Abstract: An aerosol container for dispensing adhesives under pressure is retrofitted with an adapter means for preventing clogging of the discharge valve with old adhesive after use. The adapter means comprises an interior sleeve inserted within an exterior dispensing tip where the assembly is retrofitted into the discharge valve of the aerosol container. A trigger mechanism attached to the top of the aerosol container engages the aerosol can discharge valve to facilitate bias engagement of the discharge valve of the aerosol container.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing shaving cream or other aerosol dispensed products from cans having different heights and diameters. The device can be easily mounted on a wall or retained on a counter for easy dispensing of the can's contents through the use of only one finger. The device provides a simple mechanical dispensing member which can accommodate cans of a given diameter and different heights and can also accommodate cans having a shorter height and wider diameter, and which is configured so that each specific can is brought into alignment so that its dispensing nozzle is aligned with the dispensing peg on the transverse handle.

Abstract: An actuator for aerosol spray cans utilizing a toe, as a pivot point, to engage the inside recess on the cup rim bead of the can (the bead which surrounds the spray nozzle) and a heel portion that extends against the valve stem mount. The body and handle of the actuator extend from the toe and heel upward and over the spray nozzle of the can with the handle being positioned approximately perpendicular to the direction of the spray exhaust of the can. Spray action is initiated by depressing the handle of the actuator with forefinger or thumb, causing the toe of the actuator to act as a pivot in the inside recess of the cup rim bead and the heel to slide against the valve stem mount. A protrusion on the body of the actuator depresses the aerosol spray nozzle creating a spray exhaust. The end of the actuator handle is formed to insert into the spray can cap and is used as a pry for removing the cap from the can.

Abstract: Improvements in valve heads for soft drink bottles and the like, of the kind which may be coupled to the neck of a bottle containing carbonated liquid, including a valve body crossed by a liquid circulation channel communicating an outer spout with the inner outlet of a dip tube which ends inside the bottle; a check valve which, mounted in the circulation channel, has a normally closed valve blocker the stem of which has a sliding guide in the upper portion of the valve body; the improvements comprising a covering hood having substantially a frustoconical shape, a command element constituting a second genus lever, a removable band constituting a folding strap for the foldable articulated arm, a mouth constituting a passage for the outer spout, and connecting element between the hood and the valve body.

Abstract: A liquid mist fire extinguisher, comprising a container for holding a gas and a liquid under pressure. The extinguisher has valve assembly at the upper end of the container, a valve for simultaneously releasing said gas and said liquid separately from the container, and a hose for feeding said gas and said liquid separately through a nozzle. The nozzle assembly includes longitudinal and radial inlets for feeding said gas and said liquid separately through a mixing chamber, and exiting orifices in an end surface of said nozzle assembly for issue of mixed gas and liquid in a fine mist.

Abstract: A operating handle device for a pressurized cheese dispensing container for actuating the dispensing system of a cheese dispensing container. The operating handle device for a pressurized cheese dispensing container includes a tubular member. The tubular member has a pair of open ends. A peripheral wall extends between the open ends. Each of the open ends has perimeter edge. The tubular member has a break therein. The break generally extends between the open ends. The tubular member has a size adapted to removably receive the container. A protruding member is integrally attached to and extends away from the peripheral wall of the tubular member. The protruding member is positioned generally adjacent to a first of the open ends of the tubular member and generally opposite of the break. The protruding member has a slot therein. An actuating means for actuating the dispensing tube of the container comprises a rod. The rod is positioned in the slot in the protruding member and hingedly coupled thereto.