Aerosol fluid dispenser

Abstract

An apparatus for dispensing an aerosol container's pressurized fluid contents includes a base; a first, outer sleeve mounted on the base; a second, inner sleeve nested within the outer sleeve and defining a bore adapted to receive the container; and a plurality of retainers pivotally mounted to the base within the outer sleeve so as to move from a radially inward position to a radially outward position relative to the centerline of the two sleeves. The inner sleeve is biased away from the base by a first spring, such that a first internal camming surface on the inner sleeve engages each retainer to urge it radially inwardly into engagement with the container's external curl upon advancement of the container into the nested sleeves, thereby securing the container proximate to the base. Upon moving the inner sleeve towards the base, the sleeve's first internal camming surface disengages the retainers to permit their radial expansion and, hence, the release of the container's external curl. Further relative movement of the inner sleeve permits a second internal camming surface on the inner sleeve to engage a radial extension of each retainer thereby to further urge each retainer free and clear of the container's external curl. An annular valve-actuating piston, slidably mounted within a tubular guide projecting from the base in alignment with the centerlines of the two sleeves, is biased away from the base and into engagement with the container's integral valve by a second spring interposed between the piston and the base. A length of flexible tubing is attached to the piston to receive the contents of the container released by the piston.