Abstract: A spring mechanism comprising a spring element having a pair of arms separated by a gap, a tapered flexible tongue with an enlarged tip, and a tapered slot extending longitudinally through the tongue, wherein the tapered flexible tongue is operatively arranged to bend such that the tip enters the gap and engages the pair of arms. A case for a canister capable of dispelling material is also disclosed using the spring mechanism to bias a lid in a closed position.

Abstract: A bushing for insertion into a cylindrical opening is disclosed having a first radius, the bushing comprising a cylindrical base having a top surface, an axial bore through the base, a plurality of walls extending axially from the top surface of the base to a first axial extent and circumscribing the bore, a plurality of locking fingers extending axially from the base and circumscribing the bore alternatingly with the plurality of walls, the plurality of locking fingers extending axially to a second axial extent less than the first axial extent and each locking finger having a tapered outer surface tapering outward from the base, wherein the plurality of locking fingers compress toward the bore when a force is applied to the tapered outer surface. A collar assembly is also disclosed utilizing the bushing to permanently lock the collar to a container such as an aerosol container.

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.