The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 14, 1995
Filed:
Nov. 10, 1993
Joe L Abbott, Cumberland, RI (US);
Michael S Andrade, Central Falls, RI (US);
Enviro Pac International L.l.c., Lincoln, RI (US);
Abstract
A lockable actuator mechanism for an aerosol or pump dispensing canister is disclosed. The lockable actuator comprises a collar fixedly mounted to a canister and an actuation plunger concentrically mounted in the collar. The collar includes a shoulder onto which the actuation plunger may be rotated into a locked, safety position to prevent depression of the plunger. Tabs located on the collar above the plunger prevent the plunger from being removed from the housing and cooperate with a detent on the shoulder to wedge the plunger over the shoulder and prevent the plunger from rotating back into the operative position. The tabs also eliminate the need for a friction fit of the actuation plunger on the valve stem. The actuation plunger has an internal annular shoulder against which the valve stem abuts in the depressed position. In the non-dispensing position, a clearance gap is provided between the valve stem and the annular shoulder to prevent accidental depression or tilting of the valve stem by jostling of the actuation plunger. A strong spring aids in biassing the valve stem against the annular shoulder to form a tight seal against leaks during actuation and closes the valve mechanism when the plunger is not depressed.