US4171758A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Child-safe actuator for pressurized container
Assignee: SC Johnson and Son Inc
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Filing: 1977-04-11
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Granted: 1979-10-23
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Expires: 1997-04-11
Abstract
Abstract An actuator for mounting on the end of a pressurized container from which a centrally located, depressible valve stem protrudes. The actuator is characterized by a base surrounding the axis defined by the stem, an actuator tab hinged to the base and extending across the axis to terminate in a finger-depressible free end, a stem-engaging member on the tab which forms with the tab a passageway terminating in a discharge orifice, and a disabling member on the base adjacent the free end and moveable between a locked position blocking tab depression and an unlocked non-blocking position. Other preferred features relate to a hinge attachment of the disabling member to the base, a snappingly engageable catch on the disabling member to engage the tab, a cam on the disabling member to direct the tab upwardly as the disabling member is moved to the locked position, a ledge at the tab free end blocking access to the catch means, and a one-piece construction of the entire structure.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert E. Corba
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 10:37
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D83/00; B65D83/14; B65D83/28; B65D83/30; B65D83/16; B65D83/20; B65D83/206; B65D83/22; B65D2215/00; B65D2215/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
178 words
An actuator of the type for mounting on a pressurized container at the end thereof from which a centrally located, depressible valve stem protrudes, comprising: a base attachable to a container at a position radially spaced from and surrounding an axis defined by said stem; an actuator tab hinged to said base and extending across said axis to terminate in a finger-depressible free end, said tab forming a second class lever for depressing said stem; a stem-engaging member on said tab, forming with the tab a passageway terminating in a discharge orifice; and disabling means connected through a pivot to said base adjacent to said free end and comprising a lever having first and second finger-engageable surfaces on opposite sides of said pivot, the first surface depressible to pivot the disabling means to a locked position blocking depression of said tab and the second surface depressible to pivot the disabling means to a non-blocking unlocked position, whereby said disabling means can conveniently be moved to either position by the operator's trigger finger while gripping said container for spraying.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
178 words
An actuator of the type for mounting on a pressurized container at the end thereof from which a centrally located, depressible valve stem protrudes, comprising: a base attachable to a container at a position radially spaced from and surrounding an axis defined by said stem; an actuator tab hinged to said base and extending across said axis to terminate in a finger-depressible free end, said tab forming a second class lever for depressing said stem; a stem-engaging member on said tab, forming with the tab a passageway terminating in a discharge orifice; and disabling means connected through a pivot to said base adjacent to said free end and comprising a lever having first and second finger-engageable surfaces on opposite sides of said pivot, the first surface depressible to pivot the disabling means to a locked position blocking depression of said tab and the second surface depressible to pivot the disabling means to a non-blocking unlocked position, whereby said disabling means can conveniently be moved to either position by the operator's trigger finger while gripping said container for spraying.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
9 words
The actuator of claim 1 made in one-piece construction.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The actuator of claim 1 wherein the disabling means has catch means and the tab has means snappingly engageable with said catch means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
9 words
The actuator of claim 3 made in one-piece construction.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The actuator of claim 1 wherein said disabling means pivots about a line substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by said axis and a radius along said tab.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The actuator of claim 5 wherein said free end has ledge means which covers said catch means when the disabling means is in locked position, thereby to prevent fingernail access to said catch means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The actuator of claim 4 wherein said disabling means pivots about a line substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by said axis and a radius along said tab.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-10-22 | 1983-04-23 | 1983-10-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-10-22 | 1987-04-23 | 1987-10-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-10-22 | 1991-04-23 | 1991-10-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |