Lockable spray system actuator

Abstract

A lockable actuator assembly comprising a base assembly defining an axial through bore. An actuator is accommodated within the through bore and is pivotably supported by the base assembly in a cantilevered fashion. The actuator has an inlet communicating with a discharged outlet via a central bore and a radial bore. A base portion of the base assembly has a plurality of ribs to facilitate engagement with an exterior surface of a mounting cap. An opposed top portion of the base assembly has a plurality of outwardly facing protrusions which facilitate engagement with an annular elongate member, rib or recess of an over cap to rotatably secure the over cap to the base assembly. The over cap is provided with a cutout to facilitate rotation of the over cap relative to the base assembly. The over cap is also provided with a cam member which is located to engage with a cam surface, provided on the actuator once the over cap is sufficiently rotated relative to the base assembly, to facilitate biasing of the actuator in a dispensing position and provide continuous dispensing of the product contents of the container to which the actuator assembly is affixed. When the over cap is rotated back to its initial inactive position, the actuator and stem are allowed to return back to their initial inactive positions.