Valve actuator for pressure container

Claim 1

In combination a pressure container having a centrally located normally upright tubular outlet disposed within an upstanding annular rim and a valve actuatable to open position by tilting said outlet away from upright position, an actuating member engaging said outlet and extending outwardly and downwardly beyond said rim in proximity to said container to provide a lever arm movable toward said container for tilting said outlet to open said valve, said lever arm being in position to be engaged by a thumb or finger when the container is grasped in one hand, said actuating member including a portion extending radially from said outlet and bearing upon a portion of said rim when said outlet is in normal upright position to prevent tilting of said outlet in any direction except toward said downwardly extending lever arm, and a releasable locking member mounted on said lever arm and extending between said lever arm and the adjacent part of the container to obstruct movement of said lever arm toward said adjacent part and prevent opening of said valve.