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:
Nov. 16, 2004
Filed:
Mar. 20, 2003
Philip Meshberg, Palm Beach, FL (US);
Dispensing Patents International LLC, Boynton Beach, FL (US);
Abstract
In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus includes an actuator with a spray nozzle and an opening adjacent the spray nozzle. The actuator dispenses spray through an orifice in the spray nozzle when the actuator is depressed to operate a pump or an aerosol valve. A wall including the spray opening at least partially surrounds the actuator and the spray nozzle is aligned with the spray opening during dispensing whereby spray exiting the spray nozzle orifice passes through the spray opening. Also included is a nozzle closure, with a first projection and a second projection. The first projection, forming a sealing rim with an inner recess, fits into the opening adjacent the spray nozzle thereby sealing the spray nozzle. The nozzle closure has a hinge allowing pivotal movement of the nozzle closure from a closed position, at which the first projection fits into the opening in the wall adjacent the spray nozzle and the nozzle closure closes the spray opening, to an open position, where the spray opening is open to permit the spray to pass through the spray opening when the actuator is depressed. The second projection fits within the inner recess of the first projection, and, when the nozzle closure is in a closed position, the second projection sealingly engages the orifice of the spray nozzle and displaces any spray deposits that may have accumulated therein. In another embodiment, a third projection may also be provided on the nozzle closure. The third projection may be located on the closure between the hinge and the first projection and may fit in a recess in the actuator, engaging the recess when the nozzle closure is in a closed position and preventing actuation of the actuator when the nozzle closure is closed.