Sprayhead for a spray device.

(54) Title: SPRAYING HEAD FOR A SPRAYING DEVICE.

(54) Title: SPRAYHEAD FOR A SPRAY DEVICE.

(57) Summary

A rolling head (1) is described for use with an aerosol container (2), comprising a central valve stem, said spraying head (1) comprising a chassis (3) being attached to the valve cup of an aerosol container (2); a rotary circular collar (4) comprising a bridge (16) spanning a diameter of the collar (4); and a spray channel (8) and an associated actuator button (39), said spray channel (8) being designed to pass through a central opening in the bridge (16) spanning a diameter of the collar (4), and can be connected to the central valve stem of an aerosol container (2); the chassis (3) holding the spray channel (8) and the actuator button (39) in a non-rotating manner and the collar (4) being rotatable between operable and inoperable positions; wherein the chassis (3) comprises an annular skirt (14) enclosing at least 90% of the circumference of the valve cup and holding the valve cup so that the torque required to rotate the chassis (3) around of the valve cup is at least twice that required to rotate the rotating circular collar (4) around the chassis (3); and that the bridge (16) that spans a diameter of the collar (4) sits above an upper surface (12) of the chassis (3).

(57) Abstract

A sprayhead (1) for use with an aerosol container (2) comprising a central valve stem, said sprayhead (1) comprising: a chassis (3) attaching to the valve cup of an aerosol container (2); a rotatable circular collar (4) comprising a bridge (16) spanning a diameter of the collar (4); and a spray channel (8) and associated actuator button (39), said spray channel (8) being designed to pass through a central aperture in the bridge (16) spanning a diameter of the collar (4), and being connectable to the central valve stem of an aerosol container (2); the chassis (3) holding the spray channel (8) and actuator button (39) in a non-rotatable manner and the collar (4) being rotatable between operable and inoperable positions; wherein the chassis (3) comprises an annular skirt (14) encircling at least 90% of the circumference of the valve cup and gripping the valve cup such that the torque required to turn the chassis (3) around the valve cup is at least twice that required to turn the rotatable circular collar (4) around the chassis (3); and in that the bridge (16) spanning a diameter of the collar (4) sits above an upper surface (12) of the chassis (3).

I MPI ..........................

, IM 'eOaTOf

PATENT TITLE No. 348264

Owner (s): UNILEVER NV

Address: Weena 455, NL-3013, AL Rotterdam, THE NETHERLANDS

D nomination: SPRAY HEAD FOR A SPRAY DEVICE.

Classification:

CIP:

CPC:

Inventor (s):

MY T

B65D83 / 20; B65D83 / 22 ..........,

Β650β3 / 2φ; IV arora: kassie terra-lynn β

<img file="MX348264B_D0001.tif" />

LEWIS BILTON; JOSEPH JMJIAN

MX / a / 2014/007660

Country:

Validity: Twenty years'

BUTLERj-OHRlSTOPHER JOHXd © f «S¿GARE

Number:

EP

EP

VeeciAii date

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ieqt ^ re of 2032

Industrial

Date of Expvdlc ^ ó

The referencUrü otgyga patent with fundameflfee ^^ ertí ^ ulos 1 °, Ikfcgcc ^ I In accordance with article® ♦ the SaANi ^ wedi ^ MndiStriáPWlítJnte Law, as of the filing date, explicitly and M ^ írviajel ^ al

Whoever signs this title is based on ^ o disrauestoWo ^ os article (Official Gazette of the Federation (D &amp; F) &lt;27 / Q £ / 11 &lt;el ® / te ^ 994, JE /

01/25/2006, 05/06/2009, 01/06/2010, Tffi6420K |, «/ O6 £ i» ^, and 99X) 4 / 201¡yfa Regulations of the Mexican Institute of Kapiety Ιηφstltel (DO. ^ WISÜ ···: refo articles 1 °, 3^or, 4°, 5^or fraction V subsection a), * 18 fraeWhC ^ lIte 12/27/1999, amended on 10/10/2002, 07/29/2002 ^ 8¾ ^ ¾ ^

Deputy Generals, Coordinator, Directors DivSnáfes Jr ituleféyjg ^.

Departmental and other subordinates of the Instituto Mexicano de la .Mapegoad InMastnal. 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007).^{; J} n International • · 7

We faith /¹Je la de vei in force those of / ech * J .. ·^,( '

<img file="MX348264B_D0003.tif" />

<img file="MX348264B_D0004.tif" />

091.1 i2.0 can be extended, counted to the Industrial Property Law 999, 01/26/2004, 06/16/2005, a), 4th and 12th sections I and lll of 07/07/2004, 07/28 2004 and 9/7/2007); lexicon of Industrial Property (DOF Agreement that delegates powers to the Directors, Divisional Deputy Directors, Coordinators F. 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004,

This document is signed with an advanced electronic signature (FIEL), based on articles 7 BIS 2 of the Industrial Property Law; 3 of its Regulations, and 1 fraction lll, 2 fraction V, 26 BIS and 26 TER of the Agreement establishing the guidelines for the use of the Payment and Electronic Services Portal (PASE) of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property, in the procedures indicated.

THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS

NAHANNY CANAL REYES

Ξ Original Chain:

: »NAHANNY MARISOL CANAL REYES | 00001000000403252793 | Administration Service

Tr¡butaria | 1695 || MX / 2017/43519 | MX / a / 2014/007660 | PCT patent title | 1220 | RRGO | Page (s) 2 | OqVQOkjgLCkpjM9mL6YCRbB / thY =

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Digital stamp:

bAj5lekDAs7F sUlyMNRd6DswcsT + / + or + OIRO8N2TVDIvbgu6LIGdY2ue4Fb08oRE FPkaE7x / jthjr4GmFuzjbRmfJc ίΐ pVCdaKZVF3CUJy6FnpgktPJhlcqJinZ0sBb3actKz3Rt9Jjgrgo3 / OrvmDUgErcyDwvGm / AT5CJPJVDwxWrSDOJJ09 iqilPYAHNDOKOwMBNR3wZL90gbuwktlTVVNMqOeAngxy26 cQJslU3Kd8eaaRnkZQDWNPvk9tTmyE278 rHK8aEEzdAQkmK8kxVjNj5QkzHOylwEALWkJz8rDBEf + + + ZGyw9h4AJ4fA qfogZ6aSSfFgr778wl6Zgl52t == 'Information additional reverse

Arenal No 550, Floor 1. Pueblo Santa María Tepepan. Xochimilco, 16020, Mexico City.

(55 (53340700 www gob.mx/impí iniiiniiiiii

MX / 2017/43519 —t ^ tdahoLalo ^ a ^

IMPIO ^

Mexican INSTITUTE Vy ^ Lyj <yír> ΛΛ

SPRAY HEAD FOR A ROTUTOIM DEVICE

The present invention concerns an actuator cap or spray head for a fluid container which allows the contents of the container to be atomized without the cap having to be removed. The invention is of particular use in the personal and home care field when it can be used as part of a hand held aerosol dispenser. A particular aspect of the invention is that the spray head enables the dispenser with which it is associated 10 to convert interchangeably between operable and inoperable states.

Sprinklers through actuator caps that allow conversion between operational and inoperative states, optionally for use with containers of pressurized fluid, have been described in the prior art.

WO 2004/078635 (Seaquist) describes an actuator for an aerosol valve comprising an actuator button rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

EP 1,040,055 B1 (Unilever) describes a spray head 20 comprising a rotatable top cap between a first position in which actuation is possible and a second position in which actuation is not possible.

US 4,542,837 (Metal Box) describes an actuator having upper and lower rotary parts, which can be rotated between operative and inoperative positions.

<img file="MX348264B_D0006.tif" />

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

EP 2,049,415 B1 (Valois) describes a fluid head comprising actuating means for driving a pressure knob in axial displacement relative to the valve stem, the push button being used to trigger the dispensing.

WO 07/120570 (Precision Valve) describes a block aerosol dispenser with a dome attached to a base latch member and also attached to an aerosol valve mounting cup of an aerosol can.

An object of the present invention is to provide a robust, yet ergonomically attractive dispensing means 10 for spraying fluid products, in particular products intended for application to the surface of the human body.

The invention is particularly suitable for applying cosmetic products to the surface of the human body, especially to the armpit regions of the human body.

In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided: a spray head suitable for use with an aerosol container comprising a central valve stem, said spray head comprising:

A chassis capable of attachment to the valve cup of an aerosol container;

A rotating circular collar comprising a bridge spanning a diameter of the collar; Y

A spray channel and associated actuator button, said spray channel being designed to pass through an opening

ΙΛ1ΡI central in the bridge spanning a diameter ofi^N^ í ^^ $ ^ connectable to the central valve stem of an aerosol container with which the spray head is designed to be used;

The chassis that supports the spray channel and associated actuator button in a non-rotational manner and the collar being rotatable between a first position in which the spray channel is prevented from being depressed by interaction of a feature in the spray channel with a characteristic in the bridge that encompasses a diameter of the collar and a second position in which the spray channel is not prevented from being depressed; characterized in that:

The chassis comprises an annular skirt that encloses at least 90% of the circumference of the valve cup and which supports the valve cup so that the torque required to rotate the chassis around the valve cup is at least twice that required. to rotate the rotary circular collar around the chassis; and the bridge spanning a diameter of the collar sits above an upper surface of the chassis.

In a second aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for applying a cosmetic composition to the surface of the human body comprising the use of a spray head in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

The spray head of the present invention is designed for use with a fluid product delivery, in particular fluid cosmetic composition for use on the surface of the human body. The fluid product is supplied from a container to which it is attached

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO _ --U - ^ - -: -, 1 -, - DE LA PR OHEUAP SPRAY HEAD. industrial

The spray head is particularly suitable for nen rnn - a pressurized aerosol can containing the product to be dispensed.

A key feature of the invention is that the spray head can be easily swapped between a first position in which it is inoperable and a second position in which it is operable; that is, between a first position in which the spray channel can not be depressed and a second position in which the spray channel can be depressed. This change is accomplished not by means of a component that the operator uses to actuate the spray head, but by means of a rotating collar that the operator turns manually to switch the device between inoperable and operable states.

In certain minor variants of the spray head described herein, the rotation of the rotary collar leads to unwanted rotation of the chassis holding the spray channel and associated actuator button. This leads to the problem that the rotation of the collar relative to the chassis, spray channel and associated actuator button does not occur to the desired degree. This in turn means that the spray head cannot be easily switched between its operable and inoperable states.

In order to address this problem, the present inventors devised a way to achieve a chassis-to-valve cup joint, which is significantly rotationally stronger than the joint between the rotary collar and the chassis.

<img file="MX348264B_D0007.tif" />

full performance and robustness of the spray head.

The benefits of the present invention include the ability to transform the spray head between operable and inoperable states by a simple twist of an easily clamped and turned collar.

Furthermore, rotation of the spray channel itself is not required and does not occur, protecting this sometimes delicate component from damage.

When in the inoperable state, the spray channel is prevented from being depressed by interaction of a feature in the spray channel with a feature in a bridge spanning a diameter of the collar. This mechanism requires the inclusion of a bridge spanning a diameter of the collar, and the location of this bridge is critical to the present invention.

WO 07/120570 (Precision Valve) describes a spray head with a rotating collar that serves to transform the spray head between operable and inoperable states. The spray head disclosed there also has a bridge spanning a diameter of the rotating collar and the means for preventing depression of the spray channel is associated with this bridge element.

In both the spray head of the present invention and that described in WO 07/120570, the actuator button is located above the "lock" ring, one that is ergonomically desirable. A significant difference between the two is that in the spray head according to the present invention, the bridge spanning a diameter of

IMPIOS rotary collar sits atop a supeffil ^^^ gfó ^ 'INDUSTRIAL chassis which is relatively firmly attached to the valve cup of an associated aerosol container.

The bridge characteristic of spanning a rotary collar diameter that sits above an upper surface of a chassis allows for improved chassis grip on the valve cup by means of an annular skirt that is capable of extensive contact with the valve. circumference of the valve cup. The annular skirt depends downward on the main element of the chassis. The skirt encloses at least 90% of the circumference of the valve cup and supports it so that the chassis is relatively difficult to rotate relative to it. In preferred embodiments, the annular skirt encloses and supports at least 95% of the circumference of the valve cup and in more preferred embodiments, the annular skirt completely encloses the circumference of the valve cup and supports the valve cup at all points. around its circumference.

The torque required to rotate the chassis around the valve cup is at least twice that required for the rotating collar around the chassis. In many embodiments, the rotating collar has characteristics that provide resistance to rotation (vide infra). When such features are present, it should be understood that the torque required to rotate the chassis around the valve cup is still at least twice that required for the rotary collar around the chassis.

The torque required to rotate the chassis around the valve cup is measured where the torque is at its minimum, be any angular variation by this amount. __________________,

The torque required for the rotating collar around the chassis is measured where the torque is at its maximum, there should be some angular variation in this amount.

In preferred embodiments, the torque required to rotate the chassis around the valve cup is at least three times that required for the cylinder to rotate around the chassis and in more preferred embodiments, the torque required to rotate the chassis around the valve cup valve is at least five times that required to rotate the rotating collar around the chassis.

The torque required to rotate the chassis around the valve cup is normally at least 50 N.cm. This torque can be as high as 200 N.cm in some modalities.

The torque required to rotate the rotating collar around the chassis is normally from 0 to 30 N.cm. In preferred embodiments, there is a feature that provides resistance to rotation of the rotary collar and the torque then required for rotation is typically 5 to 30 N.cm and more typically 15 to 30 N.cm.

An additional benefit of the present invention is that the spray channel, normally the most fragile spray element through lids, is always held tightly and enclosed by the chassis and upper body respectively. Additionally, the spray channel does not need to move in preparation for actuation.

In preferred embodiments, the spray channel ^^ h¹-c connectable to a central valve stem of an aorooGÍ container with which the spray head is designed to be used, passes through both a central opening in a circular platform of the chassis and a central opening in the bridge spanning a diameter of the collar. This dual central support of the spray channel avoids any lateral pressure "in use" on the valve of the aerosol container with which the spray head is designed to be used. Most importantly, this mechanical interaction between these three essential components of the spray head and the valve stem of the associated aerosol container gives great robustness and strength "in use".

Herein, orientation terms such as "top" and "bottom", "top" and "bottom" should be understood to refer to the spray head in position 15 that it would occupy in normal use seated on the top. top of a vertically oriented aerosol can with which it is designed to be used, as illustrated in Figure 1, for example.

When the outlet of the spray channel has a radially arranged outlet, the "front" of the spray head should be understood to be in the same radial direction as said outlet. By analogy, the "back" of the spray head should be understood to be in the opposite radial direction. "Sides" of the spray head should be understood as "faces" radially orthogonal to the front-to-rear axis.

Herein, the term "central" is used in reference to a plane orthogonal to the "long" axis of "top-to-bottom" of a vertically oriented aerosol can with which the roller head is designed to be used. It should also be understood that it refers to this plane of the rolling head as a whole, rather than any particular component thereof.

Herein, the term "main axis" should be understood as the top-to-bottom "long" axis of a vertically oriented aerosol can with which the nozzle is designed to be used and the top-to-bottom axis of bottom of the spray head itself.

The bridge spanning a diameter of the collar need not be a single element and need not be directly attached to the extreme radial edges of the collar. In preferred embodiments, the bridge spans the collar at the upper end thereof. It is especially preferred that the bridge abuts a section protruding from the top of the circular platform of the chassis, said protruding section limiting the rotational movement of the collar due to its interaction with the bridge thereof. However, it is essential that the collar retain the ability to rotate between a first position in which the spray head is inoperable and the bridge preferably abuts a first edge of a section protruding from the top of the circular chassis deck and a second position in which the spray head is operable and the bridge preferably abuts a second edge of a section protruding from the top of the circular platform of the chassis.

ΙΜΡΙ ^> ^

MEXICAN INSTITUTE .4

Say THE PROCEDURE!) JSj¡ |

In preferred embodiments, the spray head ctfMp ^ hde '^^ McFourth essential component: an upper body discusses -ajttstaroo ---- on the chassis and spray channel, the upper body defining a first opening, optionally covered by a flexible membrane, located on the actuator button associated with the spray channel and a second opening surrounding an outlet of the spray channel such as to allow passage of a product from the spray channel to the outside.

In preferred embodiments, the spray channel comprises a vertical central segment, connectable at its lower end to a valve stem of an associated aerosol can and connecting at its upper end to a segment projecting radially outward from the central segment. . In such embodiments, the central segment is in fluid connection with the radially outwardly projecting segment therefrom and also with the valve stem, when connected thereto. The radially outward projecting segment of the spray channel need not be in the plane orthogonal to the main axis of the spray head, but it does need to have a component of its projection in that plane.

The components of the spray head are normally made of plastic. The chassis can be made of polypropylene, as can the spray channel and the upper body, when present. When the upper body has a flexible membrane covering a first opening located on the actuator button associated with the spray channel, it is normally made of an elastomer

—.—. Η—,.

INSTITUTO MEXICANC DE LA PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL thermoplastic. industrial '«• c.—

The features described with reference to the following specific niuddliehrel * may be considered preferred features of the generic description given above and / or may be independently incorporated into the subject matter as described in the following claims.

Figure 1 is an angled view of the spray head (1) from the top, along with a partial view of an associated aerosol can (2).

Figures 2 and 3 are angled views of a chassis (3) of the spray head (1) from above and from below, respectively.

Figures 4 and 5 are angled views of a rotating circular collar (4) of the spray head (1) from above and below, respectively.

Figure 6 is a view of a spray channel (8) and associated elements of the spray head (1).

Figures 7 and 8 are views of an upper body (42) of the spray head (1) from above and from below respectively.

Figure 1 illustrates the spray head (1) seated on top of a vertically oriented aerosol can (2) (shown in part) with which it is designed to be used. The characteristics of the spray head (1), which can be seen in part are a chassis (3), a rotating circular collar (4), and an upper body (5) that defines a front opening (6) through which an outlet (7) at the end of a spray channel (8) can be seen. Upper body (5)

HBai · ι> Γ Π ~ »also defines an upper opening (9) covered by uσρβίϊδflexible (10) and two lateral openings (11), one of which can be. seen in Figure 1, which reveals the chassis (3) below.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the chassis (3) in more detail. It can be seen that the chassis (3) has a circular platform (12) extending through its central region perforated by a central opening (13) and that there is a circular wall (12A) depending on its edge. The chassis (3) also has a peripheral skirt (14) around its circumference. The upper edge of the peripheral skirt (14) is separated from the lower edge of the circular wall (12A) depending on the circular platform (12) by an annular platform (14A).

Projecting upward from the circular platform (12) are two sections (15), which are diagonally opposite on either side of the central opening (13). Between these two protruding sections (15), a bridge (16) of the rotary collar (4) sits on the upper surface of the circular platform (12) when the spray head is fully assembled (vide infra). The inner surface (15A) of each of these protruding sections (15) has the shape of the inner surface of a tube having its central axis as the main axis of the spray head (1) and each having the same radius of curvature. Each inner surface (15A) supports a guide groove (17) between each of two inner projections (18) of said inner surface (15A). Guide grooves (17) are diagonally opposite on either side of the central opening (13) and are designed to accommodate wing elements (19) projecting from a central vertical segment (20) of a channel of

<img file="MX348264B_D0008.tif" />

The interaction between the guide grooves (17) in the chassis (3) and wing elements (19) of the spray channel (8) serves to restrict the rotational movement of the spray channel (8) in relation to the frame (3) .

The outer surface (15B) of each of the projecting sections (15) is an extension of the circular wall (12A) at the edge of the circular platform (12).

Figure 2 also illustrates three peripheral projections (22A, 22B and 22C) equally spaced circumferentially around the upper edge of the peripheral skirt (15). One of these projections (22A) is located towards the rear of the collar (4) and does not radially overlap the projecting sections (15). The other two projections (22B and 22C) are arranged radially at 120 ° from the first (22A) and radially overlap the projecting sections (15).

Each of these projections (22A, 22B and 22C) has a bead (23) on its outer surface near its upper end designed to interact with the rotary collar (4) and restrict axial movement between the chassis (3), the rotating collar (4) and the upper body (42) (vide infra).

The peripheral projections (22A, 22B and 22C) are connected to the circular platform (12) by link walls (24) that run from their radial ends to the circular wall (12A) depending on the circular platform (12). For the two peripheral views (22B and

IMPI ^ í

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

22C) radially overlapping the envelope sections^Dá (ien £ e &amp; V (f5 ^^^ connecting walls (24) are also attached to the exterior-surface (15.B) of the projecting section (15). These two peripheral projections (22B and 22C) each have arched platform (22D) running part of the way from its inner surface towards the outer surface (15B) of the projecting section (15). These arched platforms (22D) form the upper surface of each peripheral projection (22B or 22C) of which they are a part, other than a short wall (22E) extending upward at the outer edge of the peripheral projections (22B and 22C). The short walls (22E) each carry one of the aforementioned beads (23) on their outer surface and each has struts (22F) on their inner surfaces. Similarly, but longer struts (22G) exist on the inner surface of a wall (22H) that extends upward at the outer edge of the peripheral projection (22A) that does not radially overlap the projecting sections (15).

Figure 3 shows that the chassis (3) has an internal skirt (24) located somewhat within the peripheral skirt (15) and linked to it by numerous support bridges (25) (some labeled).

The inner skirt (24) has an annular valve cup lock bead (26) around its inner surface near its lower end designed to hold the chassis firmly to the valve cup of an aerosol can with which the spray head (1) is designed to be used.

Figure 3 also illustrates that the bottom surface of the

<img file="MX348264B_D0009.tif" />

OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY circular platform (12) of the chassis (3) has several strengthening struts (27) (some labeled) that serve to increase the robustness of the spray head (1).

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate characteristics of the rotary circular collar (4) in more detail. The collar (4) has a ridged outer wall (28) bearing a left-right double headed arrow graphic (29) to indicate to the user that the collar (4) is rotatable. Linked to the outer wall (28) at its upper end by three bridge elements (30), equally spaced radially around the collar (4), is a circular disk (31). The circular disk (31) is supported somewhat above the outer wall (28) by the bridging elements (30) and is designed to sit on the arched platforms (22D) of the peripheral projections (22B and 22C) that are radially overlap the projecting sections (15) of the chassis (3). The inner edge of the circular disc (31) abuts the outer surface (15B) of each of the protruding sections (15) and the outer edge is within the walls (22E and 22H), which extend upward at the edge exterior of the peripheral projections (22A, 22B and 22C).

Suspended from the circular disc (31) by diagonally opposite links (31A) is a bridge (16), spanning a diameter of the circular disc (31). Links (31A) support the main body of the bridge (16) at a height approximately equal to the top of the upper wall (28).

The bridge (16) comprises an annular ring (32) at its center, through

IMPI

INSTιώΙΟ MrXICANC

OF THE AVERAGE;. CL.aJiLÍ through which a central vertical segment (20) d sprinkler (8) is designed to fit (vide infra ^ —Ebpuent6- (16) and »designed to sit on the circular platform (12) of the chassis (3) and to be rotatable thereon between the confines imposed by the sections (15) that protrude from the circular platform (12). Projecting from the upper surface of the bridge (16) and bordering the annular ring (32) of the same are two truncated wedge elements (33).

The spray channel (8) illustrated in Figure 6 comprises a central vertical segment (20) and a radial segment (34) that slopes upward as it radiates outward. The radial segment (34) is terminated by an expanded section (35), which can accommodate a vortex chamber (not shown) and which has the outlet (7) of the spray channel (8) at its end. Radial segment (34) has stiffening strut (34A) protruding upward from its outer surface.

Radial segment (34) is in fluid communication with central vertical segment (20) which is itself in fluid communication with a valve stem of an associated aerosol can (2) (not shown) via a socket valve stem (36) when the spray head (1) is in use.

The central vertical segment (20) has wing elements (19) that project radially outward from its side wall in opposite directions orthogonal to the radial direction of the radial segment (34) of the spray channel (8). These wing elements (19) are designed to fit into the guide grooves (17) at any

IMPIOS Mexican institute

FROM THE MOHEDAL side of the central opening (13) of the chassis (3) (vide 'SüpPá¹). Wing tesselements (19) extend outward through the entire lower fegiéri --— of the central vertical segment (20).

The central vertical segment (20) also has front and rear projections (37 and 38, respectively) from its side wall.

The front projection (37) has the same radial direction as the radial segment (34) of the spray channel (8) and the rear projection (38) projects outward in the opposite radial direction. Front projection (37) has a T-shaped cross section at its lower end. The front and rear projections (37 and 38, respectively) extend outward from the lower region of the central vertical segment (20), both terminating at the same axial height at which the wing elements (19) orthogonal thereto terminate .

At their upper ends, the wing elements (19) project outwardly distinctively as well, to give what might be called upper wing extensions (19A).

Associated with the spray channel (8) at its upper end is an actuator button (39) which curves down towards the rear and has a domed shape when viewed from above.

On the underside of the actuator button (39), there are several strengthening struts, of which only two (40 and 41) are illustrated.

Seated on all the other components of the spray head (1), is an upper body (42) as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. The upper body (42) defines a first opening (43) located on the actuator button (39) associated with the channel

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO sprinkler (8) and a second opening (44) that surrounds sprinkler channel (8). —— ---- The upper body (42) also defines two side openings (45 and 46) which give the consumer a view of the internal characteristics of the spray head (1).

The first opening (43) is covered by a flexible membrane (47), which has ridges (47A) on its upper surface and is normally made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

The upper body (42) has a peripheral skirt (48) of circular cross section. This skirt (48) overlaps the three arcuate peripheral projections (22A, 22B and 22C), which extend upward from the peripheral skirt (15) of the chassis (3). The peripheral skirt (48) of the upper body (42) has three inward projecting ridges (49) equally spaced around its inner edge. One of these ridges (49) is illustrated in Figure 8.

These three ridges (49) are designed to hold under the beads (23) on the outer surface of each of the peripheral projections (22A, 22B and 22C) from the chassis (3) and therefore support the upper body (42) and the chassis (3) axially together.

The lower edges of the inward projecting ridges (49) sit on the upper edge of the ridged outer wall (28) of the collar (4), but do not restrict rotation thereof.

Figure 8 illustrates two of three ridges (49A) projecting downward from the bottom of the inner surface of the upper body (42). These downward projecting ridges (49A) are aligned

INSTITUTO MIXICANO radially with the ridges projecting inward from the peripheral skirt (48) of the upper body (42) and are designed to interact with the struts (22F and 22G) on the interior surfaces of the walls (22E and 22H) at the edges of the arched platforms 5 (22) of the chassis (3) and thus intensify the robustness of the connection between the upper body (42) and the chassis (3).

Other features of the upper body (42) that can be seen in Figure 8 are two downwardly projecting slots (50) between the projections (51) of the edge of the first opening (43) in the upper body (42), it is that is, the opening located on the actuator button (39). These slots (50) are designed to accommodate the upper wing extensions (19A) of the wing extensions (19) from the side wall of the central vertical segment (20) of the spray channel (8). This interaction between the upper body (42) and the spray channel (8) aids in good rotational alignment between the two.

Another feature that aids in good rotational alignment between the upper body (42) and the spray channel (8) is a peripheral wall projecting downward (52) around the edge of the first opening (43) in the upper body. (42) and the fact that the actuator button (39) has the same shape as said first opening (43).

The lower side of the upper body (42) also comprises three sets of two struts (53), some of which are illustrated in Figure 8. These project inward from the peripheral skirt 25 (48) and are positioned to interact with link walls (24)

WICKED

INSTITUTE; MEXICAN OF THE PROWEDAt 'which form the radial edges of the peripheral projections? 7 £ fStf (2ZA; -'

22B and 22C) from the chassis (3) and thereby prevent the rotation CTeT upper body (42) in relation to the chassis (3).

Actuation of the spray head (1) and release of the contents of its associated aerosol can (2) is achieved by depression of the spray channel (8) by applying pressure on the associated actuator button (39). This can be achieved only when the collar (3) is rotated so that the truncated wedge elements (33) protruding from the upper surface of the bridge (16) are not abutting the underside of the front and rear projections ( 37 and 38, respectively) from the side wall of the central vertical segment (20) of the spray channel (8). In this position, the central vertical segment (20) of the spray channel (8) is capable of being pressed down through the central opening (13) in the chassis (3) and through the annular ring (32) in the center of the bridge (16) that spans the collar (4), to apply pressure on the valve stem of an associated aerosol can and thereby release the contents of the same through the spray channel (8).

The depression of the spray channel (8), when the collar is turned 20 as described in the paragraph just above, is limited by the bottoms of the front and rear projections (37 and 38, respectively) and by the bottoms of the elements. wing (19), all abutting the upper surface of the annular ring (32) on the central bridge (13) that encompasses the collar (4). This feature further protects the valve stem of the associated aerosol can.

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The front and rear projections (37 and 38, respectiv ^ hYéMe) and mo? ^ Wing elements (19) all extend to the same piüfUlUflÜSTl 3ÜáJü ““ “of the central vertical segment (20) of the sprinkler channel (8) to help this.

When the pressure is removed from the actuator button (39), a spring in the valve stem of the associated aerosol can forces the spray channel (8) to rise to its original position and the collar (3) can be rotated back to the position. in which the depression of the spray channel is prevented by the projections (33) of the upper surface 10 of the bridge (16) that adjoin the lower side of the front and rear projections (37 and 38, respectively) of the central vertical segment (20) of the sprinkler channel (8).