WO2006113685A2

WO2006113685A2 - Spray dispensing device with nozzle closure

Info

Publication number: WO2006113685A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/014509
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philip Meshberg
Original assignee: Dispensing Patents International, Llc
Priority date: 2005-04-20
Filing date: 2006-04-18
Publication date: 2006-10-26
Also published as: WO2006113685A3

Abstract

An apparatus includes an actuator with a spray nozzle and an opening adjacent the spray nozzle. Also included is a nozzle closure with a first projection and a second projection. The first projection fits into a first opening adjacent the spray nozzle thereby sealing the spray nozzle, while the second projection fits into a second opening, below the first opening, thereby locking the actuator. The nozzle closure has a hinge allowing pivotal movement of the nozzle closure from a closed position, at which the spray opening is open, to a closed position, at which the spray opening is closed. In one embodiment, in the closed position, the locking ridge of a third projection engages a vertical wall in the actuator to prevent rotation of the nozzle closure and provide a measure of child-resistance.

Description

SPRAY DISPENSING DEVICE WITH NOZZLE CLOSURE

Related Applications This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Applications

60/691,787 filed June 20, 2005 and 60/672,882 filed April 20, 2005.

Background of the Invention

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a spray dispensing device with a closure for the spray nozzle. In particular, the present invention relates to a nozzle closure which includes structure to provide a seal for a dispensing actuator to prevent air or contaminants from causing clogging, which may lock the dispensing actuator when not in use and which also is arranged to be child-resistance.

Description of the Prior Art

[0002] In U.S. Patent No. 5,158,211 (the "'211 patent"), issued October 27, 1992, a mechanism is disclosed for sealing the outlet nozzle of a spray actuator when the dispenser is not in use to prevent accidental discharge of liquid. The mechanism for sealing the dispensing orifice prevents drying of the contents of the container in the spray orifice, thereby preventing clogging of the spray orifice. However, the device disclosed in the '211 patent requires that the actuator be rotated to a non- dispensing position for the sealing device to seal the orifice. Furthermore, this device has a removable tab for the dispensing position. Such a removable tab leaves an opening in the actuator shroud which can be the repository for dirt or dust, which can interfere with operation of the actuator or nozzle.

[0003] In the U.S. Patent 6,382,463, embodiments of nozzle closures which are mounted for pivoting movement from a closed to an open position are used with a spray dispensing device. In the open position, the nozzle closure moves away from the spray nozzle on an actuator and a spray opening in a surrounding wall, allowing fluid to dispensed through the nozzle, as the actuator is depressed. In the closed position, the nozzle closure pivots into a position where a projection enters at least partially into the spray nozzle. The projection acts to seal the spray nozzle against air, thereby preventing drying of any fluid in the nozzle and reducing the chance that the spray nozzle will become clogged. The nozzle closure in these embodiments also serves to provide resistance against depression of the actuator, to prevent accidental discharge from the spray nozzle.

[0004] The arrangement in U.S. Patent 6,739,481 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 is 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.

[0005] Although, these embodiments have proven effective, and provide some measure of child resistance, the hinged closure can be opened with relatively little difficulty by a child. Thus, there is a need for a better nozzle closure which is more positively child resistant.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] 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 or sealing finger. In one embodiment, it has 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 5 spray opening when the actuator is depressed. The second projection is 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. In addition, above the orifice is a child resistant locking mechanism made up of cooperating

10 . parts of the closure and the actuator. In one embodiment,. a slot is formed in the . wall of the actuator. A further projection with an enlarged outer part at the outer

•. ^' , end of the closure snaps into the slot. In another embodiment the further projection . has. a part at its end which snaps over ah upstanding wall On the actuator. The . closure cannot be disengaged from the actuator unless the locking projection is

15 released, while, at the same time the closure is pulled away from the orifice, an operation requiring two hands.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a nozzle closure of the 20 present invention, in an open position.

[0008] Fig. 2 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 , in a closed position.

25 [0009] Fig. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 , in a closed position.

[0010] Fig. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a nozzle closure of the present invention, in a closed position.

30 [0011] Fig. 5 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of Fig. 4, in a closed position.

[0012] Fig. 6 is a side elevation view of the spray dispensing device of the present invention mounted on an aerosol container. 35

[0013] Fig. 7 is an enlarged side elevation view of the embodiment of Fig. 6 showing the attachment of the tab to the wall. [0014] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the mounting cap of the embodiment of Fig. 6.

[0015] Fig. 9 is a front elevation view of the mounting cap of Fig. 8.

[0016] Fig. 10 is an elevation view of the collar of the embodiment of Fig. 6.

[0017] Fig. 11 is cross-sectional plan view, with the nozzle closure shown in phantom, of the embodiment of Fig. 6

[0018] Fig. 12, which is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 11.

• . [0019] Fig. 13 is a front perspective view of a tilt valve actuator assembly according to the present invention. . ^■ • • ^{■ • ■}. .

[0020] Fig. 14 a rear perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 13.

[0021] Fig 15 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figs. 13 and 14, with the actuator in the operated position.

Detailed Description

[0022] The present invention is an improvement on the embodiments disclosed in U.S. Patent 6,739,481 , the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The present invention is directed to an actuator that may be used with both aerosol and pump-type dispensers, Only the actuator will be described in detail. The manner in which such actuators are mounted to aerosol or pump containers is well know and described in the aforementioned patent.

[0023] FIGS. 1-2 show details of an embodiment of the spray nozzle closure for sealing a nozzle 109 on an actuator 6. An upstanding wall 103 on a mounting cap 117 has mounted thereon, by way of a horizontal hinge 107, a sealing finger 104. Hinge 107 can be of any known type. In the present embodiment it is a living hinge formed by a narrowed section of plastic. In the manner described in the aforementioned patent, since it is part of the mounting cap 117, wall 103 is mounted on and fixed to a container. In the present embodiment, the sealing finger 104 has a base portion 106 that is welded to the wall 103, which remains fixed, for example, to an aerosol container. As compared the arrangement in U.S. Patent 6,739,481 , this sort of hinge and mounting of the sealing finger 104 assure that it cannot be detached from the wall 103. Although the illustrated mounting cap 117 is adapted to be mounted on an aerosol container, alternatively, the mounting structure may be a screw-on cap containing threads for screwing onto a container having a threaded neck.

[0024] Upstanding wall portion 103 of mounting cap 117 includes a spray opening 125. Horizontal hinge 107 permits rotating motion of sealing finger 104 with respect to the upstanding wall portion 103. Hinge 107 therefore allows sealing finger 104 to rotate relative to wall portion 103 from an open position (FIG. 1) to a closed position (FIG. 2). Sealing finger 104 includes a projection in the form of an annular sealing rim 145 which is shaped so as to sealingly fit within the opening 147 surrounding the spray orifice 109 on the actuator 6. Sealing finger 104 also may include a tapered projection 46 which is shaped so as to tightly fit within an opening 48 on the actuator 6 to positively prevent accidental discharge when the sealing finger 104 is in the closed position. . .

[0025] Accordingly, in the position shown in FIG. 2, (Also see Fig. 4 in which this part is identical) the annular sealing rim 145 projects into, and seals, the opening around the spray orifice 109, preventing air from entering the spray orifice 109 and drying out the liquid in the dispenser. This sealing rim prevents any potential clogging of the spray orifice 109. At the same time, in the position shown in FIG. 1 , the sealing finger 104 is moved to a position away from the spray orifice 109, where the sealing finger 104 will not interfere with the spray from the spray orifice and does not block the spray opening 125. Furthermore, sealing finger 104 has a rectangular opening 206 formed between sealing rim 145 and projection 46. In the open position, a projection 208 on the mounting cap 117 projects through the opening 206. The projection has an enlarged outer portion 210 forming retaining ridges 212 on both sides, over which the opening 206 snaps and is held in place to prevent accidental closing when the dispenser is in use.

[0026] Sealing finger 104, when it is desired to dispense fluid, in the form of spray is pivoted away from the spray nozzle 109, to the position shown in FIGS. 1 and is locked into the open position by projection 208 snapping through opening 206. Thereafter, the actuator is depressed, and spray exits the spray nozzle 109 through spray opening 125. After dispensing, the sealing finger 104 is pivoted towards spray nozzle 109, so that the projection in the form of an annular sealing rim 145 engages opening 147 adjacent the spray nozzle 109. This engagement seals the nozzle 109 from the encroachment of air or other debris into spray nozzle 109, thereby preventing clogging of the nozzle 109 between dispensing strokes. In the closed position, shown in FIG. 2, the sealing finger 104 completely covers spray opening 125. In this closed position the engagement of projection 46 with recess 48 acts to prevent the actuator 6 from being depressed, thereby locking the 5 actuator 6 against accidental discharge. These elements may also be seen in the cross section of Fig. 4. What has been described so far is the same for both the embodiments of Figs. 1-3 and that of Figs. 4 and 5.

[0027] Sealing finger 104 is designed so that front surface 108 lies flush with the 10 outer surface of upstanding wall 103. Furthermore, sealing finger 104 completely

• fills the spray opening 125 when annular sealing rim 145 is engaged with the spray ^{■ '} orifice ;109 opening on the actuator 6 so that dirt, sand, or lint does not clog spray . opening 125.

15 [0028] As noted above, the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 also includes a feature for positively locking the actuator 6 in a child resistant manner against accidental opening of the sealing finger 104 and thus accidental discharge. Actuator 6 is formed with an upwardly extending wall 220 above the recess 147 and spray nozzle 109. Sealing finger 104 includes a locking projection 146 at its outer end extending

20 in a direction generally perpendicular to the sealing finger 104. At its end, locking projection 146 is rounded and has a locking ridge 201. The locking projection 146 fits into a slot 148 formed in the outwardly extending wall 220 of actuator 6 when the sealing finger 104 is in the closed position (FIG. 2). In this position, the locking ridge 201 is locked in place on the inside of the wall 220 as seen in the top view of 5 Fig. 3. The locking ridge 201 at the end of the locking projection 146 in this position therefore prevents the sealing finger from being rotated into a dispensing position unless one presses down on the locking ridge 201 with one hand, while rotating the sealing finger 104 with the other, something difficult for a child. So long as the sealing finger is in place, the projection 46 prevents actuator 6 from being 0 depressed downwardly, thereby preventing accidental discharge from the spray orifice 109. In the open positions shown in FIGS. 1 , the locking projection 146 moves away from the actuator 6, as does the projection 46, thereby allowing depression of the actuator 6 and spray dispensing through the spray orifice 109.

5 [0029] Another embodiment for locking the sealing finger is shown in the cross- section of Fig. 4 and front elevation view of Fig. 5. This embodiment has two differences from that of Figs. 1 -3 relating to the locking structure. In this embodiment, the actuator 6 in the area directly above the nozzle has an upwardly extending projection 301 , rounded in the front and forming a vertical rear wall 303. At the top of the sealing finger 104 is a locking projection 346 extending inwardly in a direction generally perpendicular to the sealing finger 104. At its end locking projection 346 is rounded and has a downwardly extending locking ridge 305, which snaps behind the wall 303 in the closed position. The actuator 6 cannot move downwardly because of the projection 46 in slot 48. Thus, to move the sealing finger 104 to the operating position the operator must use one hand to pull up on the locking projection 346 until the locking ridge 305 clears the wall 301 , while trying to rotate the sealing finger 104 outwardly with the other hand, movements difficult for a child.

/ [0030] As seen in Fig. 5, .the locking projection 346 is connected to the bottom part of sealing finger 104 only by portions 350 and 352 at the edges of sealing finger 104. This forms a connection that is more flexible to allow the projection 346 to rotate so that its locking ridge can be disengaged form behind the wall 303.

[0031] As seen in Fig. 4, the actuator includes a downwardly extending projection 8, in fluid communication with the spray nozzle 109, to sealingly engage an upwardly projecting stem of, for example, an aerosol valve. In an arrangement to be used with a pump and in which the mounting cap 117 is replaced with a screw- on or snap on cap for a bottle with a pump, the projection 8 would engage the pump stem. These arrangements are shown in the aforementioned U.S. Patent 6,739,481, which is incorporated by reference.

[0032] Further embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in Figs. 6-12 . Fig. 6 is a side elevation view of the spray dispensing device of the present invention mounted on an aerosol container 201. Visible in this view is the mounting cap 117 that includes wall 103 containing a spray opening 125 covered by the sealing finger 104 (see Figs. 1 and 2). In this embodiment, the spray opening is covered by a tear-away safety tab 203 to insure that the dispenser has not been tampered with. Also included in the embodiment of Fig. 6 is a collar 208 provide for decorative purposes. It is held in place by the snap-on mounting cap 117, as will be seen in more detail below.

[0033] Fig. 7 is an enlarged side elevation view of the embodiment of Fig. 6 showing the attachment of the tab 203 to the wall 103. Specifically, it is attached by four thin connections 207, which can be easily broken prior to a first use. As can be seen from the perspective view of the mounting cap shown in Fig. 8, and the front perspective view of Fig. 9, the tab 203 with its thin connectors to the wall 103 and covering the opening 125 can be molded with the mounting cap 117.

[0034] An elevation view of the collar 208 is shown in Fig. 10. The base portion 210 is of a cylindrical shape. Portion 210 is joined to a frustro-conical upper portion 212 by a fillet portion 214. Portion 212 is rounded off at the top with a portion 216. Fig. 11 is cross-section of the upper part of the aerosol can 210 with the collar 203, mounting cap 117 and actuator 6 in place. The aerosol can has a domed top 215 that terminates in an upwardly extending cylindrical bead 217. An aerosol valve 219 is crimped into a mounting cup 221 in conventional fashion. The mounting cup 221 , in turn, is crimped to the beaded top 217 of the aerosol container 201. . . ,

[0035] The section of the aerosol can 210 between the lower cylindrical portion 223 and the domed portion 215 is in the form of a cylindrical recess or gutter 225 having an outer vertical cylindrical wall 227. The collar 203 is placed over the top of the aerosol can 201 with an annular portion 213 extending inwardly from portion 216 resting on a horizontal ledge 229 formed between the dome 215 and the bead 217. The lower cylindrical portion 210 is inserted in the gutter 225 with its outer wall abutting against the wall 227 of the gutter 225. The mounting cap 117 is snapped over the bead 217 and has a lower edge 231 contacting or in close proximity to the top of portion 213 to hold the collar 203 in place on top of the aerosol can. When the actuator 6 is put in place, the downwardly extending projection 8 engages the stem 235 of the aerosol valve.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 12, which is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 11 , the collar 203 provides a more attractive appearance than the metal dome that it covers. Furthermore, the collar can be labeled with information, which can even be molded into it, such as the name of the product or manufacturer, a patent number, patents pending, etc. [0037] A further embodiment is shown in Figs. 13-15. The previously discussed embodiments are for vertical aerosol valves (or for pumps) where the actuation in a vertical, downward direction. The embodiment of Figs. 13-15 is for what is called a tilt valve, where the aerosol valve is operated by displacing the projecting valve stem from the vertical, i.e., by tilting it. Fig. 13 is a front perspective view of the tilt valve actuator assembly, Fig. 14 a rear perspective view and Fig 15, a cross- sectional view with the actuator in the operated position.

[0038] The essential elements making up the arrangement are similar to those previously described. Thus, there is shown a further embodiment of the spray nozzle closure for sealing a nozzle 309 on an actuator 306 for a tilt valve. An upstanding wall 303 of generally cylindrical shape on a mounting cap 317 has in its front portion an opening 325 to expose the the nozzle for spraying when a sealing finger 304 forming the nozzle closure is an open position as shown in Fig. 15. A recess 307 is formed at the top of the wall 303 in the front, defining two vertical walls 308 and 309. The sealing finger 304 is mounted to the wall by way of hinges 310 and 311. Hinges 310 and 311 extend perpendicularly from the finger 304. Cooperating dimples and projections on the hinges and vertical wall, for example, can be used to permit rotation of sealing finger between the closed and open positions. In the manner described in the aforementioned patent, since it is part of the mounting cap 317, wall 303 is mounted on and fixed to a container.

[0039] Upstanding wall portion 303 of mounting cap 317 includes spray opening 325. Hinge 310 and 311 permit rotating motion of sealing finger 304 with respect to the upstanding wall portion 303. Hinges 310 and 311 therefore allow sealing finger 304 to rotate relative to wall portion 303 from an open position (FIG. 15) to a closed position (FIGS. 13 and 14). Sealing finger 304 includes a projection in the form of an annular sealing rim 345 which is shaped so as to sealingly fit within the opening 347 surrounding the spray orifice 309 on the actuator 306.

[0040] Accordingly, in the position shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the annular sealing rim 345 projects into, and seals, the opening around the spray orifice 309, preventing air from entering the spray orifice 309 and drying out the liquid in the dispenser. This sealing rim prevents any potential clogging of the spray orifice 309. On the other hand, in the position shown in FIG. 15, the sealing finger 304 is moved to a position away from the spray orifice 309, where the sealing finger 304 will not interfere with the spray from the spray orifice and does not block the spray opening 325. [0041] Sealing finger 304, when it is desired to dispense fluid,* in the form of spray is pivoted away from the spray nozzle 309, to the position shown in FIG. 15.

Thereafter, the actuator 306 is rotated to tilt the tilt valve, and spray exits the spray nozzle 309 through spray opening 325. To permit tilting, actuator 306 has diametrically opposed pinions 313 inserted into small openings 314 in the wall 303.

An opening 315 is formed in wall 303 to exposed a portion 316 of actuator 306 so that the operator can push the actuator inwardly and upwardly to rotate it and carry out the desired tilting operation. . .

[0042] After dispensing, the sealing finger 304 is pivoted towards spray nozzle 309, so that the projection in the form of an anηular. sealing rim_; 345 engages opening ^■ 347 adjacent the spray nozzle 309. This engagement seals the nozzle 309 from the encroachment of air or other debris into spray nozzle 309, thereby preventing clogging of the nozzle 309 between dispensing strokes. In the closed position, shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the sealing finger 304 completely covers spray opening

325.

[0043] The embodiment of FIGS. 13-15 may also include a feature for positively locking the actuator 306 in a child resistant manner against accidental opening of the sealing finger 304 and thus accidental discharge. Sealing finger 304 includes portions 320 on each side to be gripped when opening. One of these snaps behind a locking projection 321with a locking ridge 322 at its end. The end of the locking projection 321 in this position therefore prevents the sealing finger 304 from being rotated into a dispensing position unless one presses on the locking projection 321 with one hand, while rotating the sealing finger 304 with the other, something difficult for a child.

[0044] Of course, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a variety of variations may be made in the construction of the above invention without departing from the claims. As such, the scope of the above invention is be limited only by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus, comprising: an actuator having a wall, including: a spray nozzle formed in the wall, and a first opening surrounding the spray nozzle, a mounting member including: an upstanding outer wall surrounding said actuator and having a spray opening adjacent to the spray nozzle, a sealing finger having: a first projection, fitting into the first opening, to seal the spray nozzle when the sealing finger is in the closed position, a hinge, mounted to the .actuator., to allow pivotal movement of the sealing finger from an open position, at which the spray . opening is open, to a closed position, at which the spray opening is closed and the first projection engages the first opening in the actuator wall, and cooperating portions of said sealing finger and mounting cap, when the sealing finger is in the closed position, preventing the sealing finger from being rotated into a dispensing position without the use of two hands.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said cooperating portions comprise a vertical wall portion formed above the spray nozzle and a second projection having on its end a locking ridge and the locking ridge of said second projection engages said vertical wall to prevent rotation of said sealing finger.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the closed position defines a press fit between the actuator and at least one of the sealing finger and the first projection.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 and further including: a second opening in the wall of the actuator below the first opening, and a third projection on the sealing finger, fitting into the second opening and interposing between the downwardly extending projection of the actuator and the aerosol valve, to prevent actuation of the actuator when the sealing finger is in the closed position.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 or 4, wherein said actuator has an upwardly extending projection disposed above said nozzle forming said vertical wall.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein a slot is formed in said projection and said third projection extends through said slot with the locking ridge engaging behind said wall when in a closed position.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said third projection extends over said projection with the locking ridge engaging behind said wall at the inside of said projection when in a closed position.

8. The apparatus of claim 2 or 4, wherein the first projection is an annular sealing rim.

9. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the third projection is tapered.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein an end of the third projection is concave.

11. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the closed position defines a press fit between the actuator and at least one of the sealing finger, the first projection and the second projection. ^{• •} • . .- . < ^{• ■}

12. The apparatus of claim 2 or 4and further including a tear-away safety tab covering the spray opening

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said tear-away safety tab is attached to the actuator wall by four thin connections, which can be easily broken prior to a first use.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the mounting member is made of molded plastic and the tab with its thin connections to the wall are molded integrally with the mounting cap.

15. The apparatus of claim 2 or 4 wherein said mounting member is a mounting cup is adapted to snap onto a container and further including an aerosol container onto which said apparatus in mounted and a collar provided for decorative purposes.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said collar is held in place by the snap-on mounting cap.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said collar includes: a base portion of a cylindrical shape, a frustro-conical upper portion rounded off at the top, a fillet portion joining said base portion and frustro-conical portion, and an annular portion extending inwardly from said top of said frustro- conical portion.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein: the aerosol can has a domed top that terminates in an upwardly extending cylindrical bead, an aerosol valve having a projecting stem is crimped into a mounting cup said mounting cup being crimped to the cylindrical bead of the aerosol container, the aerosol can having the lower cylindrical portion, the domed top 5 forming, between it and the lower cylindrical portion a cylindrical recess having an outer vertical cylindrical wall. the collar disposed over the top of the aerosol can with said annular portion on a horizontal ledge formed between said dome and said bead, the lower cylindrical portion inserted in the gutter with its outer wall abutting a wall of the 10 ^• gutter, the mounting cap snapped over the bead , said mounting cup having a ^■ : . lower edge contacting or in close proximity to the annular portion to hold the collar in. place on top of the aerosol can, and ^{• ■}. ^{■ •} • •.. the actuator having a downwardly extending projection engages a stem 15 of the aerosol valve.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1 comprising: said mounting member having an upstanding outer wall of generally cylindrical shape surrounding said actuator, said actuator supported for a tilting 20 rotation in said mounting cap, a recess formed at a top of the wall, defining two vertical walls engaging said sealing finger hinges, said hinges extending perpendicularly from the finger

20. The apparatus of claim 19, comprising cooperating dimples and projections on the hinges and vertical walls to mount the sealing finger to the

25 actuator.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said cooperating portions of said sealing finger and mounting member comprise portions on each side of said sealing finger to be gripped when opening said sealing finger, and a locking projection with a locking ridge at its end formed in the 30 upstanding wall, an end of the locking projection, when the sealing finger is in the closed position, preventing the sealing finger from being rotated into a dispensing position unless the locking projection is pressed with one hand, while rotating the sealing finger with the other.