Abstract: A spray control apparatus for aerosol cans has a can coupling cap with a segmented and discontinuous aerosol can engaging ring. The cap top lip has a locking ledge having a bearing surface facing away from the can engaging ring, a cam track having a bearing surface facing toward the can engaging ring, and a guide slot therebetween. A plurality of generally planar reinforcing ribs radiate inwardly from the cap side wall. An actuator is concentrically within the cap, and has at least one cam protruding radially into the cap top lip. The cam engages the locking ledge bearing surface in a first rotary position and is thereby blocked from axial movement, and engages the cam track bearing surface in a second rotary position and is thereby driven axially toward the can engaging ring, and passes though the guide slot when rotated between the first and second rotary positions.

Abstract: A spray control apparatus for aerosol cans has a can coupling cap with a segmented and discontinuous aerosol can engaging ring. The cap top lip has a locking ledge having a bearing surface facing away from the can engaging ring, a cam track having a bearing surface facing toward the can engaging ring, and a guide slot therebetween. A plurality of generally planar reinforcing ribs radiate inwardly from the cap side wall. An actuator is concentrically within the cap, and has at least one cam protruding radially into the cap top lip. The cam engages the locking ledge bearing surface in a first rotary position and is thereby blocked from axial movement, and engages the cam track bearing surface in a second rotary position and is thereby driven axially toward the can engaging ring, and passes though the guide slot when rotated between the first and second rotary positions.

Abstract: A spray control device for aerosol cans is provided having three or more dispensing positions. The positions in the preferred embodiment include “automatic” for continuous spray, “manual” for normal push-button control, and “off” to prevent spraying. Adjustment between the various positions is achieved by rotation of a centrally located, floating spray button device that nests on top of an aerosol can. The central spray button device floats within a can coupling ring to accommodate any misalignment between the spray control device and spray can, and movement of the central spray button device is guided by a pin and track combination for predictable and repeatable control over paint or other fluid application. A guide ring is press-fit into the can coupling ring, and both act as a part of the guide track for the central spray button device. The guide ring may optionally be removable to permit complete disassembly and cleaning.