Abstract: A manually operable trigger sprayer is capable of dispensing a liquid with the trigger sprayer held in an upright orientation, in a downturned orientation and in an inverted orientation. In operation of the trigger sprayer in all three orientation positions, the liquid in the container to which the trigger sprayer is attached is prevented from leaking through the vent passage of the trigger sprayer.

Abstract: A low cost trigger sprayer has a housing with a first liquid passage containing a spinner assembly. A pump element is positioned generally horizontally such that pulling the trigger contracts or retracts the element and releasing the trigger permits the element to return to an extended position. An elastomeric spring is positioned between the housing and pump element to improve the return characteristics of the pump element. The sprayer includes a low cost spinner assembly and low cost valving to control the flow of liquid within the sprayer. In one aspect of the invention, the housing has front and rear sections with the rear section having a saddle portion and being hinged to the front section for pivotal movement from an open position for molding the housing to a closed position for operating the sprayer.

Abstract: A manually operated reciprocating liquid pump employs both a priming valve and a check valve where the priming valve performs the dual functions of priming the pump and sealing the pump to prevent inadvertent leakage of liquid through the pump when it is not in an upright orientation.

Abstract: A low cost trigger sprayer has a housing with a first liquid passage containing a spinner assembly. An elastomeric pump element is positioned generally horizontally such that pulling the trigger retracts the element and releasing the trigger allows the element to extend. The sprayer includes a low cost spinner assembly and low cost valving to control the flow of liquid within the sprayer. In one aspect of the invention, the housing has front and rear sections with the rear section having a saddle portion and being hinged to the front section for pivotal movement from an open position for molding the housing to a closed position for operating the sprayer. In another aspect of the invention, the container has a rear portion which extends upwardly past the neck and defining a saddle recess, with the housing connected to the neck of the container and positioned forwardly of the upwardly extending container portion.

Abstract: The invention is particularly directed to a trigger sprayer having screen support structure for foaming a dispensed liquid where the support structure is comprised of a plurality of annular shoulders of varying diameters adapted to screens of differing diameters such that the distance between the nozzle and screen may be varied and thereby change the foam pattern of the dispensed liquid to obtain an optimum foam pattern for any particular liquid, and to the incorporation of a door connected with the sprayer nozzle housing for sealing the opening of a foam dispensing passage of the foamer trigger sprayer.

Abstract: An improved trigger sprayer apparatus is comprised of a venting system that allows air to enter a liquid container connected to the apparatus as the apparatus dispenses liquid from the container, a trigger member of the apparatus that provides reliable operation and prevents the inadvertent disconnection of the trigger member from the apparatus, a gasket connected to the apparatus between the liquid container and the apparatus, and a fluid conduit communicating with a nozzle orifice of the apparatus that centers a fluid spinner of the apparatus relative to the orifice.

Abstract: A cap, spinner, and discharge nozzle assembly for use with a liquid dispensing apparatus such as a trigger sprayer. The spinner assembly can be externally fitted to the discharge nozzle, and includes an annular chamber surrounding a central post having a swirl chamber in its top. The central post includes longitudinal grooves, communicating with tangential grooves in an annular wall defining the swirl chamber. Apertures are provided in the base of the annular chamber such that pressurized liquid flows through the apertures and into the annular chamber, with a resulting reduction of velocity, and then along the longitudinal grooves and through the tangential grooves into the swirl chamber. A cap is provided which variably engages the discharge nozzle and which has at least a central projection on the inner side of its front face, and preferably an annular groove formed by an outer projection surrounding the central projection.

Abstract: A trigger sprayer having a nozzle assembly with a foam-inducing tube in front of its nozzle outlet orifice, an elongated pin having a convex tip for sealing the orifice, a door supporting the pin, and a hinge connecting the door to the nozzle assembly and strategically located to prevent interference between the pin and the tube when the door is swung about its hinge.

Abstract: A relatively small product dispenser for cosmetics such as creams and lotions and adapted to be carried in a handbag or purse has a locking ring which is rotatable to a first orientation that prevents depression of an actuator and which is also rotatable a second orientation enabling actuator movement. The locking ring is coupled to a closure element in such a fashion that the element covers a discharge opening of the dispenser when the actuator is locked in position in order to retard the drying and consequent hardening of any products remaining within a passageway adjacent the discharge opening. As the locking ring is turned to its second orientation enabling the actuator to be depressed, the closure element moves away from the discharge opening to permit full flow of products therethrough.