Abstract: An aerosol powder valve has a valve housing, a valve body with an upstanding valve stem, radial stem orifices, and an annular tight-fitting gasket with a central opening forming the sole seal for the stem orifices. The valve stem is straight-sided above and below the stem orifices and is characterized by the absence of a gasket-receiving groove encircling the stem. The valve body has a plurality of narrow splines spaced around its periphery, the top spline surfaces being of minimal area in relation to the area of the circumferential spaces between the tops of the splines. The spline top surfaces abut the gasket underside when the valve is closed, and the minimal top spline areas prevent powder build-up to adversely affect full sealing of the valve. Other lateral surfaces on the valve body near the gasket are eliminated to likewise avoid powder build-up thereon. The spline sides may diverge outwardly and downwardly from the spline top surfaces.

Abstract: An aerosol tilt valve has an integrated molded hollow stem shaft and molded conical stem cup. An upper outer circumferential edge of the stem cup normally fully seals, except when the valve is tilted, against a gasket surrounding the stem shaft. The outer lower wall of the stem shaft and the inner wall of the stem cup define an annular space. At least one molded metering orifice below the upper edge of the stem cup extends from the annular space through the stem shaft. The stem shaft is molded with a molded annular recess about the lower shaft end and with the at least one molded metering orifice. The molded stem shaft is inserted in a mold cavity. A lower portion of an annular shield blocks the metering orifice, and together with the mold cavity and lower part of the stem shaft, defines the stem cup shape. The stem cup is molded having an annular projection extending into the annular recess to form a strong and fully integrated stem cup and stem shaft functioning essentially as one piece.

Abstract: This invention is a total release actuator having a structure that provides a time delay between the activation of an aerosol valve in an associated aerosol container and the discharge of product through the actuator. The structure effecting the time delay is an inflatable and movable component which slowly expands and moves upwardly when product is slowly introduced from the container to a closed chamber defined in part by the inflatable and movable component; the closed chamber being initially out of registry with a discharge conduit and orifice but which, after the chamber is slowly filled with product, moves into register with the said discharge conduit and orifice and product is discharged.

Abstract: A pinch operated dispensing actuator for dispensing materials from a container is disclosed with a first arm for engagement by one's thumb and a second arm for supporting one's index finger. The first arm is part of a lever arm which rotates about a hinge under pressure to provide a mechanical advantage easing actuation of the outlet means of the container. The container is actuated by pinching one's thumb and index finger together. The discharge duct of the dispensing actuator can be part of the first or second arm, which enables dispensing of material in the same direction as the person actuating the container, preferably into the same hand that actuates the container. The discharge duct can also be located at other portions of the dispensing actuator, for all types of dispensing, including dispensing of product into one's free hand, onto objects such as a toothbrush, onto surfaces or into the air.

Abstract: A multi-layer gasket for providing a seal between a mounting cup and a container comprising a middle layer of rigid plastic material and inner and outer layers of softer plastic material. The middle layer supports the inner and outer layers, which provide sealing surfaces with the mounting cup and the container bead. A gasketed mounting cup comprising a panel, a skirt integral with and depending from the periphery of the panel, wherein the skirt is outwardly flared to form an annular channel for receiving a container bead that defines the container opening and a multi-layer gasket positioned in the channel portion of the mounting cup, which gasket comprises a middle layer of rigid plastic material, an inner layer of soft plastic material adjacent the channel of the mounting cup and an outer layer of soft plastic material for engaging the container bead. The middle layer is preferably high density polyethylene or polypropylene and the inner and outer layers are preferably linear low density polyethylene.

Abstract: A gasketed mounting cup for an aerosol container having at least one annular sealing bead of gasket material in the channel portion of the mounting cup and method for making same.

Abstract: A gasket for sealing a channel of a mounting cup to a container bead including at least one protrusion at an end of the gasket for retaining the mounting cup in position on a container bead prior to clinching. Six such protrusions can be equidistantly positioned about the gasket. A gasketed mounting cup including such protrusions is also disclosed. A method for manufacturing such a gasketed mounting cup is disclosed as well.

Abstract: A disc for mounting a valve onto a spray can which is capable of engaging a standard-sized protective cap such that the cap fills all the space between the disc and the top of the spray can regardless of variations in the thickness of the disc or the seal. The disc has a central body portion and an annular groove disposed at the periphery of the central body portion. The bead of the spray can sits within the annular groove. A seal is positioned between the annular groove and the bead. A spacer is positioned in the annular groove such that the spacial relationship between the bead and the annular groove is predetermined, i.e., the distance between the annular groove and the top of the can is a predetermined distance. Consequently, a standard-sized protective cap can be used for spray cans in which the seal thickness and disc thickness vary, wherein the cap fits snugly on the disc and fills the entire space between the disc and the top of the can.

Abstract: A pump sprayer for pharmaceutical or cosmetic products provides for consistent spray regardless of the orientation of the container. A gravity-actuated valve element coacts with a valve seat to close a secondary passage to the pump when the container is in a normal upright position. In an inverted position the valve opens and the pump intakes from the secondary passage which draws from the area of the top of the container, opposite the primary pump dip tube intake at the base of the container. The valve casing which includes the valve seat has an insertion aperture for the valve element, as well as an axial slot to insure communication of the secondary passage with the pump when the container is in the inverted position.

Abstract: A mounting cup for closing an aerosol container is strengthened by configuring the terminal end of the profile portion of the mounting cup contiguous to the body portion of the mounting cup with an "S"-like shaped segment. The "S"-like shaped segment comprises a section contiguous to the body portion and a section distal to the body portion. The contiguous section is disposed a greater distance from the top of the body portion than the distal section, creating a panel depth in the "S"-like shaped segment contiguous to the body portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying gasket material to the skirt of a gasket for the mounting cup of an aerosol container, wherein the gasket material is mechanically applied to the mounting cup through the use of a novel mandrel and cutting arrangement. A mounting cup, having a uniquely placed gasket, the gasket extending from the skirt into the channel of the mounting cup.

Abstract: A one piece tire valve adaptor for connection to an aerosol container including a base with a means for attachment to a mounting cup, a hollow tube connected to said base and including a spout for connection to a tire valve, and a flow passage extending from said first end to said second end. The spout includes three sealing surfaces for engaging three surfaces of the tire valves, to prevent air leakage during inflation. The flow passage includes a post centrally located within said flow passage and extending into said spout, for engaging the pin of a tire valve. The base further includes a flexible diaphragm connected to the first end of said tube. Sufficient pressure on said spout of the adaptor flexes the diaphragm, causing the tube of the adaptor to engage and push the actuator into the aerosol container, opening the valve of the container. The release of pressure on the spout allows the diaphragm to return to its original position, causing the tube to allow the valve to close.

Abstract: A metering actuator for dispensing the pressurized contents of an aerosol container through a tubular valve stem associated therewith, the actuator having a valve-opening member to receive the valve stem and conduct the contents of the container to a metering chamber formed between the valve-opening member and a surrounding finger-bearing member, which finger-bearing member has a conduit connecting the metering chamber and a discharge orifice; wherein a seal is effected between a dome shaped portion of the valve-opening member and a hub on the finger-bearing member to close off the conduit from the metering chamber to the discharge orifice, and wherein, there is a seal effected between a mating annual wall and recess disposed on the outer portions of the finger-bearing and valve-opening members.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying gasket material to the skirt of a gasket for the mounting cup of an aerosol container, wherein the gasket material is mechanically applied to the mounting cup through the use of a novel mandrel and cutting arrangement. A mounting cup, having a uniquely placed gasket, said gasket extending from the skirt into the channel of the mounting cup.

Abstract: A cup-shaped, doubled-walled actuator for a pressurized aerosol dispenser for the dispensing of a foam product as a wad or pad including providing a venting path through the cup-shaped surface of the actuator, through the space defined by the cup-shaped surface and an outer cylindrical wall and beneath the outer wall to the outside of the container when the actuator is mounted in position on the container. An inner cylindrical wall suitable for affixing the actuator to the outside of the bead formed by the mouth of the container and the mounting cup resiliently urges the actuator toward valve closure.