FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a spray can nozzle actuator, and more particularly, to an actuator including a leverage arm operable to effect actuation of a spray can valve when depressed, the actuator requiring reduced effort to achieve a particular flow rate of liquid through the spray can nozzle as compared with directly pressing the nozzle, thereby improving fine line control and comfort, and maximising line of sight to the front of the nozzle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Spray cans (also commonly referred to as aerosol cans) of the type that contain a liquid substance and a hydrocarbon propellant are widely used for a broad range of products, e.g. spray paints, cleaning materials and insecticides. Although can designs can vary somewhat, most have a dome-like top valve portion joined to the perimeter of a cylindrical can body, and a valve receptacle at the upper centre of the dome. Spray cans that are typically available for purchase are either “female” cans, in which the valve receptacle is empty and thereby requires a male stem of a push nozzle to be inserted, or the more common “male” cans, in which the valve receptacle already includes an inserted stem. For simplicity, the push nozzle of such spray cans will be referred to herein as a “nozzle”.

[0003] Such spray cans function by displacing (depressing) the nozzle in a direction towards the can body, which causes the stem in the valve receptacle to move down and open a spring-biased valve mechanism disposed in the dome-like top. By opening the valve, pressure inside the can body is reduced and allows the contents to escape in a controlled and measured manner up through a dip tube and out through the nozzle. Once the nozzle is released, the valve closes again and contains the material and pressure within the can.

[0004] More particularly, some of the propellant exists as a gas under pressure in the headspace of the can above a liquid mixture of propellant and product (e.g. paint), and the gas pushes down on the liquid forcing it up through the dip tube and through the valve when it is opened. As it is released, the liquid propellant becomes a gas and helps break up the product (e.g. paint) into a fine mist or spray. The amount of propellant in such cans differs depending on the product with which the propellant is mixed (e.g. paint) and the desired output of the can, i.e. fine mist, foam, etc.

[0005] There are various applications in which a spray can needs to be utilised to dispense product onto a surface in a controlled manner. One example is a paint spray can utilised by artists to paint outdoor surfaces by hand using spray cans containing paint, e.g. decorative and artistic outdoor murals on large structures such as walls and buildings. Such murals typically convey different themes including, for example, socially responsible, political, product advertising or purely artistic themes. They can be highly detailed and realistic, and often require an individual artist or multiple artists to dedicate numerous hours to completing the painting task. In this particular application, spray cans configured to spray a fine mist are utilised with a ball bearing inside so that when the spray can is mixed, the ball bearing assists with mixing the propellant and paint product. Different flow rates are achievable by applying different amounts of pressure onto the nozzle, i.e. the lower the pressure on the nozzle, the narrower the spray angle and hence the thinner the line, and the higher the pressure on the nozzle, the wider the spray angle and hence the wider the line.

[0006] There are various factors that can impact upon or at least limit one’s ability to effectively utilise the above described spray cans to apply liquid to a surface in a controlled manner. For example, the requirement to press directly down onto a spray can nozzle, particularly over a significant period of time, is known to cause pain and injury to users including regular joint pain, muscular discomfort, and nerve damage to fingertips. Furthermore, artists are often required to hold down the nozzle in a depressed state over an extended period of time, and due to the small vertical range of motion of the nozzle, this can test the artist’s endurance and lead to physical and mental fatigue.

[0007] For a user who is new to spray painting, painting for more than approximately 30 minutes starts to become difficult due to the pain that can arise in the user’s trigger finger (usually the index finger). Such problems also extend to elderly people and individuals with hand injuries and/or disabilities who may not have the means (or who may be in too much pain) to engage in the movements and control required to using a conventional spray can nozzle without pain and/or discomfort. Similar problems also extend to children who may be reluctant to take up spray painting due to having insufficient strength to depress the nozzle or who may not be able to reach the spray nozzle with their trigger finger.

[0008] In order to address some of the above problems, various solutions have been proposed including pulling back on the nozzle to ease tension on any one part of the trigger finger, or using another finger in place of the main trigger finger such as the thumb. However, these solutions can give rise to additional problems including potentially damaging the spray can nozzle, and reducing the level of accuracy and control afforded to the user due to having to utilise a different part of their trigger finger, or a finger other than their trigger finger.

[0009] In addition to the above problems, conventional spray cans often fail to provide users with the ability to spray with sufficient control and accuracy, e.g. the ability to press the nozzle with the pressure sensitivity required to paint with fine line control to achieve a desired spray pattern. Typically, artists require significant experience before they can spray paint with competence, since spray painting requires very fine motor skills to achieve different line weights and to also form more complex patterns such as continuous lines in which the line weight varies along the length of the line. Such skills can take several years to develop, and many beginner artists give up on spray painting since it too difficult for them to paint with such fine line control.

[0010] In order to achieve different line weights, spray paint artists can utilise removable nozzle tips that are configured to attach to standard nozzles to cause the nozzle to spray a particular line weight or line pattern. For example, different tips can represent different line weights ranging from “super skinny” to “super wide”. There are thousands of different tip attachments that can be utilised to alter the output of a standard spray can nozzle. However, regularly purchasing such tip attachments can become expensive, and transporting multiple different tip attachments to each painting location is cumbersome. Furthermore, to replace the tip attachments multiple times during the painting process is time consuming and is often messy since existing tip attachments can be difficult to remove and swap over.

[0011] The use of tip attachments also gives rise to inconsistency and the need to understand the action of a particular tip attachment prior to each use. For example, when a high flow (e.g. “super wide”) tip is attached to the nozzle, the user will initially press slowly on the rear of the nozzle to determine a desired flow rate before deciding how to utilise the particular tip’s potential to achieve a desired result.

[0012] Yet another problem experienced by users of conventional spray cans is that, due to the requirement to use their finger to press directly down on the spray can nozzle, the line of sight to the front of the nozzle where paint is released can be obstructed. This can be problematic for spray paint artists who are generally able to paint with increased control and accuracy when they have an unobstructed view of the front of the nozzle where paint is released. The distance between the nozzle and the surface being painted is very important for an artist to observe during painting since this distance will ultimately affect the resulting pattern, including the line weight for example.

[0013] The spray can nozzle actuator of the present invention seeks to address or at least ameliorate some of the above identified problems.

[0014] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any suggestion, that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In one aspect, the present invention provides a spray can nozzle actuator for use with a spray can that includes a valve operable to cause liquid from inside an associated container to exit the can through a nozzle in a generally forward direction when the nozzle is caused to be displaced in a first direction along a first axis extending substantially perpendicularly to said forward direction, to thereby actuate the valve, wherein the flow rate of liquid exiting through the nozzle is dependent upon an extent to which the nozzle is displaced along said first axis in said first direction, the actuator including, a leverage arm that extends in a generally rearward direction relative to the nozzle, the leverage arm configured such that when a force is applied on the leverage arm in a direction that substantially corresponds with said first direction, the nozzle is caused to be displaced along said first axis in said first direction, the leverage arm thereby providing an extended surface upon which to apply a force a spaced apart distance away from said first axis and, by lever action, effecting displacement of said nozzle along said first axis in said first direction, wherein a reduced force is required to effect displacement of said nozzle to achieve a particular flow rate of liquid when the force is applied at said spaced apart distance as compared with applying a force directly on the nozzle along said first axis.

[0016] Accordingly, due to the distance between the first axis and the position at which a force is applied on the leverage arm, reduced effort is required to effect displacement of said nozzle to achieve a particular flow rate of liquid as compared with applying a force directly on the nozzle along said first axis.

[0017] By providing a leverage arm that is operable to actuate the can nozzle from a location that is set back from the nozzle, finer line control is possible due to the ability to operate the nozzle by lever action rather than by direct force. This also results in minimal strain to fingers and joints, and allows the user to see the tip of the nozzle as opposed to this line of sight being obstructed by the user’s trigger finger when depressing the nozzle directly.

[0018] In an embodiment, the nozzle is in operable communication with the spray can valve that is opened when the nozzle is displaced along said first axis in said first direction, thereby causing liquid inside the container to travel through the valve and exit out through the nozzle in a fine mist or spray, and is closed when the nozzle is not displaced along said first axis in said first direction.

[0019] In an embodiment, the nozzle includes a male stem and is attached directly to the spray can valve by insertion of the male stem into a female receptacle associated with the spray can valve.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the nozzle includes a female receptacle and the spray can valve includes a male stem, and the nozzle is attached directly to the spray can by insertion of the male stem of the spray can valve into the female receptacle of the nozzle.

[0021] In either of the embodiments described in the two preceding paragraphs, the leverage arm includes, a front portion disposed directly above the nozzle, and an elongate rear portion including a press pad that extends rearwardly from the front portion, the press pad configured to be depressed to cause the front portion to move and thereby press against the nozzle and effect actuation of the spray can valve.

[0022] In this embodiment, the front portion of the leverage arm includes at least one engagement pin suspended therefrom and positioned to make direct contact with an upper surface of the nozzle. For example, the front portion of the press pad includes two suspended engagement pins which facilitate direct contact and hence engagement between the leverage arm and the spray can nozzle.

[0023] In another embodiment, the nozzle includes a male stem and is attached to the nozzle actuator, which provides a means of attachment between the nozzle and the spray can valve, by insertion of the male stem into a first female receptacle associated with the actuator, the actuator further including either, a male stem configured for insertion into a female receptacle associated with the spray can valve, or a second female receptacle for receiving a male stem associated with the spray can valve.

[0024] In another alternative embodiment, the nozzle includes a female receptacle and the nozzle actuator, which provides a means of attachment between the nozzle and the spray can valve, includes a first male stem configured for insertion into the female receptacle associated with the nozzle, the actuator further including either, a second male stem configured for insertion into a female receptacle associated with the spray can valve, or a female receptacle for receiving a male stem associated with the spray can valve. [0025] In an embodiment, the leverage arm includes, a front portion which houses said means of attachment between the nozzle and the spray can valve, the means of attachment including a hollow chamber that allows fluid communication between the spray can valve disposed below the front portion of the actuator and the nozzle disposed above the front portion of the actuator, and an elongate rear portion including a press pad that extends rearwardly from the front portion, the press pad configured to be depressed to cause the front portion to move and thereby effect actuation of the spray can valve which causes liquid to travel through the chamber and exit through the nozzle.

[0026] The skilled addressee will appreciate that a user may depress the elongate rear portion of the press pad using a desired level of force and at any desired distance away from the nozzle in order to achieve a desired flow rate through the nozzle. The user is thereby afforded finer control over the flow rate, as well as the ability to transition between different flow rates by reducing/increasing the amount of force on the press pad and/or altering (e.g. sliding) the position of their trigger finger forwardly/rearwardly therealong.

[0027] By pressing down on the elongate rear portion of the press pad, a more consistent line thickness (quality) can be achieved for outlining artwork. Furthermore, the use of the actuator does away with the need to carry/use multiple tip attachments, since the actuator provides the ability to create multiple width values in a way that is near impossible for even professional spray painters utilising spray cans with conventional nozzles or nozzle tip attachments. This is achievable by sliding the trigger finger forwardly and rearwardly along the rear portion of the press pad with comfort and precision in each direction.

[0028] In an embodiment, an upper end of the hollow chamber is configured for attachment to the nozzle and a lower end of the hollow chamber is configured for attachment to the spray can valve. For example, where the upper end is to receive a male stem of a nozzle, the upper end includes a socket that is correspondingly shaped with the male stem of the nozzle. Where the lower end is to receive a male stem of a spray can, the lower end includes a socket that is correspondingly shaped with the male stem of the spray can. [0029] In an embodiment, the spray can nozzle actuator further includes a base configured for removable attachment to an upper rim of the spray can valve.

[0030] In an embodiment, the leverage arm front and rear portions are maintained in an elevated position relative to the spray can valve by two support arms that extend upwardly and rearwardly from a front region of the base. The shape of the leverage arm thereby substantially resembles an inverted V-shape similar to the shape of a wishbone.

[0031] In an embodiment, the two support arms are pivotably attached to the base portion and thereby enable the leverage arm to rotate relative to the base portion about a pivot axis.

[0032] In an embodiment, the two support arms extend from a front region of the base portion, hence the pivot axis of the leverage arm is disposed forwardly of the nozzle.

[0033] In an embodiment, the front region of the base includes two spaced apart, upwardly extending slots configured to receive correspondingly shaped and spaced apart knobs associated with the base of each support arm. The slots and knobs may be dimensioned to allow the knobs to be inserted and received in the slots by compression fit, thereby allowing the leverage arm to rotate about the pivot axis.

[0034] In an embodiment, applying a force on the press pad in a direction corresponding with said first direction causes the leverage arm to rotate about the pivot axis which causes the front portion of the leverage arm to be displaced along said first axis in said first direction and thereby causing the spray can valve to be actuated.

[0035] In an embodiment, rotating the press pad in an opposite direction enables the leverage arm to be lifted away from the spray can valve and thereby facilitates nozzle replacement.

[0036] In an embodiment, the elongate rear portion of the press pad is dimensioned wider than the nozzle and includes a smooth surface substantially contoured to a human finger to enable a user to comfortably press the pad to actuate the nozzle.

[0037] In an embodiment, the nozzle actuator further includes a base configured for removable attachment to an upper rim of the spray can valve. [0038] In an embodiment, the upper rim of the spray can valve includes a raised shoulder, and the actuator base includes a correspondingly shaped channel configured to laterally engage said upper rim.

[0039] In an embodiment, the base channel is open at a front end thereof and is made of a resilient material such that the base channel is configured to be laterally opened before being lowered and then closed onto the rim.

[0040] In an embodiment, the base is dimensioned to facilitate the automatic lateral opening of the front end of the base when the actuator is pressed down onto the upper rim of the spray can valve.

[0041] In an embodiment, the base further includes one or more lugs required to clear the upper rim as the actuator is pressed down before snapping back into a position that substantially prevents retrieval of the actuator. For example, the base may include three radially spaced apart lugs (clips).

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the base includes two lugs that extend an increased radial distance around the base as compared with the radial distances of spaced apart lugs, wherein the lugs that include an increased radial distance are more difficult to pull off the rim and thereby incentivise the user to remove the actuator by laterally opening the actuator base rather than pulling the actuator off which may damage the lugs.

[0043] In another aspect, the present invention provides a spray can nozzle configured to be affixed to a spray can, the spray can nozzle including a spray can nozzle actuator configured in accordance with any one of the preceding statements of invention.

[0044] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a spray can including, a valve operable to cause liquid from inside an associated container to exit the can through a nozzle in a generally forward direction when the nozzle, or an attachment used to connect the nozzle to the valve, is caused to be displaced in a first direction along a first axis extending substantially perpendicularly to said forward direction, to thereby actuate the valve, wherein the flow rate of liquid exiting through the nozzle is dependent upon an extent to which the nozzle or attachment therefor is displaced along said first axis in said first direction, and a spray can nozzle actuator configured in accordance with any one of the preceding statements of invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Features of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not limited in the following figure(s), in which like numerals indicate like elements, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 illustrates a front, top perspective view of a spray can nozzle actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2 illustrates a rear, top perspective view of the spray can nozzle actuator of Figure 1.

[0048] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the spray can nozzle actuator of Figure 1.

[0049] Figure 4 illustrates an underside view of the spray can nozzle actuator of

Figure 1.

[0050] Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the spray can nozzle actuator of Figure 1.

[0051] Figure 6 illustrates a front view of the spray can nozzle actuator of Figure 1.

[0052] Figures 7A to 7C illustrate the sequential assembly of the leverage arm to the base of the spray can nozzle actuator of Figure 1 according to an embodiment.

[0053] Figure 8 illustrates the attachment of the spray can nozzle actuator of Figure 1 to the upper rim of a spray can.

[0054] Figure 9 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the spray can nozzle actuator of Figure 1 attached to a spray can, including an enlarged view illustrating the engagement between a lug associated with the base of the actuator and the upper rim of the spray can.

[0055] Figure 10 illustrates an underside view of the spray can nozzle actuator of Figure 9 including three lugs at the base of the actuator.

[0056] Figure 11 illustrates a perspective of the spray can nozzle actuator of Figure 9 attached to the upper rim of a spray can and the manual action required to remove the spray can nozzle actuator.

[0057] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of the positioning of a user’s trigger finger when depressing the nozzle of a conventional spray can. [0058] Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of the positioning of a user’s trigger finger when depressing a leverage arm associated with a spray can nozzle actuator of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 14 illustrates the sequential depressing of the spray can nozzle actuator leverage arm using a particular force at a particular distance away from the spray can nozzle axis in order to effect actuation of the spray can nozzle.

[0060] Figure 15 also illustrates the sequential depressing of the spray can nozzle actuator leverage arm but using an alternative force and at an alternate spaced apart distance away from the spray nozzle axis as compared with the force and the spaced apart distance shown in Figure 14.

[0061] Figure 16 illustrates a comparative side view of a spray can nozzle actuator leverage arm configured according to a particular embodiment of the present invention depressed gradually to an extent that forms a continuous spray line of increasing width, as compared with the extent to which a conventional spray nozzle would need to be directly depressed to form a similar line.

[0062] Figure 17 illustrates in perspective view the sequential opening of the spray can nozzle actuator leverage arm.

[0063] Figure 18 illustrates in exploded perspective view the replacement of a standard spray can nozzle with an alternative spray can nozzle whilst the leverage arm is in the open position shown in Figure 17.

[0064] Figure 19 illustrates multiple views of an embodiment in which the actuator is configured to accommodate a male spray can and a male spray can nozzle.

[0065] Figure 20 illustrates multiple views of an embodiment in which the actuator is configured to accommodate a male spray can and an alternatively configured spray can nozzle having a long male stem. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

[0066] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the present disclosure is described by referring to embodiment(s) thereof. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be readily apparent, however, that the present disclosure may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, some features have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.

[0067] The present invention relates to a spray can nozzle actuator (10) for use on a spray can nozzle (12) of the type associated with a spray can container (14) having a valve mechanism contained within a dome-like top (15) joined to the upper perimeter of the container (14). When utilising spray cans in the conventional manner (without actuator (10)), the nozzle (12) of the spray can is depressed to actuate the valve mechanism and cause liquid from inside the container (14) to be sprayed through the nozzle (12) in a generally forward direction (16), i.e. when the nozzle is displaced in a first direction (18) towards the container (14) along a first axis (20) which extends substantially perpendicularly to the forward direction (16).

[0068] Figures 1 to 6 illustrate a spray can nozzle actuator (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention in various views. The various axes and directions associated with the actuator (10) described throughout this specification, including said first axis (18) and said first direction (16), are depicted most clearly in Figures 1 and 9.

[0069] The flowrate of liquid through a spray can nozzle is dependent upon an extent which the nozzle (12) is displaced along the first axis (20) in the first direction (18), and the purpose of the actuator (10) is to provide an extended surface (through use of a leverage arm (22) that extends in a generally rearward direction (24) relative to the nozzle (12)) upon which to apply a force (26) in a direction corresponding with the first direction (18) but at a distance (28) away from the first axis (20).

[0070] Accordingly, by lever action, displacement of the nozzle (12) may be effected along the first axis (20) in the first direction (18) by depressing the leverage arm (22), and due to the distance between the first axis (20) and the position at which a force (26) is applied on the leverage arm (22), reduced effort is required to effect displacement of the nozzle (12) to achieve a particular flow rate of liquid as compared with applying a force directly on the nozzle (12) along the first axis (20). Accordingly, users such as children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities or hand injuries can utilise the spray can with reduced pain and/or discomfort. For example, the leverage arm (22) allows children to reach the nozzle trigger much more easily whilst holding the can, and depress the trigger using less strength as compared with a conventional spray can/nozzle. Similarly, those with injuries or disabilities can utilise aerosol cans with improved comfort and control. Given that the actuator (10) is configured to accommodate a wide variety of different spray cans and nozzles, the actuator (10) can be used across a very broad range of applications involving the use of aerosol products.

[0071] The skilled addressee will appreciate that by providing a leverage arm (22) that is operable to actuate the nozzle (12) from a location that is set back from the nozzle (12), finer line control is possible due to the ability to operate the nozzle (12) by lever action rather than by direct force. As a result, there is minimal strain on fingers and joints, and further, users can see the tip of the nozzle (12) where liquid exits which has significant benefits, particularly to those who use the spray can for creating artistic works where fine line control and the ability to see the tip of the nozzle (12) is of critical importance. This line of sight is usually obstructed by the user’s trigger finger when depressing a conventional nozzle (12) directly.

[0072] As shown in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6, the actuator (10) may include a substantially circular base (30) configured for removable attachment to an upper rim (32) of a spray can. In this regard, the upper rim (32) of the spray can is typically in the form of a substantially circular raised shoulder, and the actuator base (30) includes a correspondingly dimensioned channel (34) configured to engage the upper rim (32), as described in greater detail below with reference to Figure 9.

[0073] The leverage arm (22) of the actuator (10) may include a front portion (36) which, when the actuator (10) is mounted to the upper rim (32) of the spray can and according to a particular embodiment, is disposed directly above the nozzle (12), and an elongated rear portion (38) in the form of a press pad that extends rearwardly from the front portion (36). The elongated rear portion (38) is configured to be depressed by a user to effect actuation of the nozzle (12), namely, displacement of the nozzle (12) along the first axis (20) in the first direction (18). Alternative embodiments in which the nozzle (12) is disposed above the front portion of the leverage arm are illustrated in Figures 19 and 20 and also described in greater detail below.

[0074] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the leverage arm (22) further includes two support arms (40) and (42) that extend upwardly and rearwardly from a front region (44) of the base (30) and along either side of the nozzle (12) when the actuator (10) is mounted. The shape of the leverage arm (22) thereby substantially resembles an inverted V-shape, similar to the shape of a wishbone. The two support arms (40) and (42) are pivotally attached to the base portion (30) and thereby enable the leverage arm (22) to rotate relative to the base portion (30) about a pivot axis (46). In the embodiment shown, the pivot axis (46) of the leverage arm (22) is disposed forwardly of the nozzle (12) when the actuator (10) is mounted.

[0075] Figures 7A to 7C illustrate the sequential attachment of the leverage arm (22) to the base (30) according to an embodiment. In particular, it will be appreciated that the front region (44) of the base (30) includes two spaced apart, upwardly extending slots (47) into which outwardly extending and correspondingly spaced apart knobs (48) associated with the lower end of each support arm (40) and (42) are configured to be inserted. The slots (47) are configured such that upon sufficient insertion force applied to the knobs (48), the knobs (48) will snap fit into the upwardly extending slots (47) by way of a compression fit. It is to be understood that this means of connecting the leverage arm (22) to the base (30) is but one of several means by which the leverage arm (22) may be connected and made rotatable with respect to the base (30). Alternative means of causing the leverage arm (22) to connect and rotate relative to the base (30) could equally be implemented.

[0076] In order to mount the actuator (10) onto the spray can upper rim (32), a user may fit the actuator (10) over the rim (32) as shown in Figures 8 to 10, and the actuator is also removeable by detaching the actuator (10) from the rim (32) as shown in Figure 11.

[0077] It will be appreciated that the base (30) configured in accordance with the particular embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 11 is open at its front region (44) and is made of a resilient material such that the base (30) is configured to be laterally opened before being lowered onto the rim (32) along said first axis (20) before returning back to its original shape. The opening of the base (30) could be achieved manually, or the opening of the base (30) may occur automatically in embodiments where the base (30) is constructed to snap fit onto the upper rim (32), i.e. when a sufficient force is applied on the actuator (10) in the first direction towards the spray can. For example, the base (30) may be dimensioned along its lower edge to cause the base to separate apart as it continues its abutment with the upper rim (32) as the actuator is lowered, and then automatically snap fit closed once lugs (50) have cleared the upper rim (32). This is shown most clearly in the enlarged view of Figure 9.

[0078] The skilled addressee will appreciate that once the actuator (10) has been snap fit closed onto the upper rim (32) of the spray can, it will at least remain prevented from movement along axis (20), i.e. prevented from being removed from the upper rim (32) of the spray can. As shown in Figure 11 , to remove the actuator (10) from the spray can, a user may separate the support arms (40) and (42) at the front region (44) until the lugs (50) have cleared the upper rim (32), at which point the actuator (10) can be moved once again along axis (20) and thereby removed from the spray can.

[0079] As shown in the embodiment of Figure 10, the base (30) may include three radially spaced apart lugs which as described above act as clips for retaining the base to the spray can. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the base (30) may include two lugs that extend around the perimeter of the base an increased radial distance as compared with the three spaced apart lugs shown in Figure 10. In this way, the two lugs that include an increased radial distance are more difficult to pull off the rim and may thereby incentivise the user to remove the actuator only by laterally opening the actuator base rather than pulling the actuator off which may damage the lugs.

[0080] When the actuator (10) is mounted and the spray can is ready to use, a user may apply a force on the press pad (i.e. elongate rear portion (38)) in a direction corresponding with the first direction (18). Such force will cause the leverage arm (22) to rotate about the pivot axis (46), and the front portion (36) of the press pad disposed substantially above the nozzle (12) will be displaced along the first axis (20) in the first direction (18), thereby causing the nozzle (12) to be actuated.

[0081] Due to the design of the actuator (10), and in particular the fact that most of the components are set back from the nozzle, there is a clear line of sight between the user’s eyes and the tip of the nozzle (12) and the spray width can also clearly be visualised since there are no fingers or parts of the actuator itself obstructing such view. This is shown by way of example in Figure 13. It will be appreciated, by comparing Figure

13 (which illustrates use of the spray can with actuator (10)) with prior art Figure 12 (which demonstrates use of the spray can without actuator (10)), that the line of sight to the tip of the nozzle (12) is not obstructed when using the actuator (10) whereas the line of sight is obstructed by the user’s trigger finger when the actuator (10) is absent.

[0082] Figures 14 and 15 demonstrate how a user may depress the elongate rear portion (38) of the leverage arm (22) using a desired level of force (26) and at any desired distance (28) away from the nozzle axis (20) in order to achieve a desired flow rate through the nozzle (12) and hence a desired spray of liquid out from the nozzle. Accordingly, the user is afforded finer control over the flow rate, including for example, the ability to transition between different flow rates by either reducing or increasing the amount of force on the press pad at any one position therealong, and/or moving (e.g. sliding) the position of their trigger finger forwardly or rearwardly along the press pad.

[0083] Figure 14 demonstrates an example in which a particular flow rate may be achieved by depressing the press pad at a location that is quite close to the nozzle (12), whilst Figure 15 demonstrates how the same flow rate may be achieved when pressing down on the press pad at a spaced apart distance (28) from the nozzle (12) by applying a reduced force at the spaced apart distance. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the user could slide their finger further away from the nozzle (12) and by gradually reducing the force as the distance between the user’s trigger finger is shifted away from the nozzle (12), a particular flow rate could be maintained. In this way, a user is able to maintain a consistent flow rate despite starting closer to the nozzle and then gradually sliding their trigger finger rearwardly from the nozzle (12). There may be reasons as to why a user would prefer to shift their finger in this manner without taking their finger off the press pad. For example, a user may be attempting to form a line of continuous width whilst preparing to make use of the leverage advantages of the actuator (10) after that line has been completed (which advantages are described in greater detail below with respect to Figure 16).

[0084] It should therefore be apparent that similar flow rates are achievable and maintainable irrespective of where along the press pad the user elects to apply a force. A user may prefer to press the pad in position closer to the nozzle (12) as shown in Figure

14 or a position further away from the nozzle (12) as shown in Figure 15, to achieve a particular flow rate, hence the user may learn through extended use of the actuator (10) which position(s) they prefer and how best to prepare for the new line that is required after a current line has been completed. In this regard the actuator (10) provides significant flexibility. There are clearly benefits that arise from enabling the user not to lift their finger from the nozzle during the creation of multiple lines when creating an artistic work, including for example line work that graduates from thick to thin in a single line segment.

[0085] Further, the ability to depress the spray can nozzle using reduced strength means that an artist can achieve particular results with minimal strain on their fingers and joints. In addition, users have the option to hold and utilise a spray can in their opposing weaker hand with far greater ease as compared with utilising a conventional spray can nozzle. The ability to utilise both hands is useful since the artist is no longer limited to the use of one hand when creating an artistic work. For example, an artist could utilise two spray cans simultaneously (where one or both cans include actuator (10)). Alternatively, one spray can (with a mounted actuator (10)) could be used utilising one hand until that hand becomes fatigued, and the artist may then swap the spray can over to their opposing hand such that the opposing hand may be utilised as a backup.

[0086] The elongate rear portion (38) of the leverage arm (22) may be dimensioned wider than the nozzle (12) and includes a smooth surface substantially contoured to a human finger (49) to enable a user to comfortably press the pad to actuate the nozzle (12). The press pad may be made of a rigid plastic material, although the material may have a slight resilience along its length to enable the press pad to flex slightly when the pad is depressed adjacent its rearward end. The skilled person would appreciate that by providing the pad with the ability to slightly flex when depressed provides yet a further level of fine control.

[0087] The front portion (36) of the leverage arm (22) may also include at least one suspended engagement pin (52) positioned to make direct contact with an upper surface of the nozzle (12). In the particular embodiment shown in Figures 14 and 15, the front portion (36) of the leverage arm (22) includes two suspended engagement pins (52). The skilled addressee will appreciate that the leverage arm (22), when attached to the base (30), will rest above the nozzle (12) in its normal operational state and hence the pins (52) are positioned to directly contact the nozzle (12) and slightly elevate the leverage arm (22) there above. By ensuring that the nozzle (12) is contacted by the pins, the force is exerted at a point on the nozzle and ensures more precise actuation thereof along axis (20) (as compared with using, for example, the flat surface at the underside of the leverage arm (22) to exert force onto the nozzle (12)).

[0088] Figure 16 demonstrates more clearly the level of fine line control that is achievable by using the actuator (10) as compared with depressing a standard spray can nozzle (12). In this regard, what is shown in Figure 16 is the action required on the actuator (10) as compared with the nozzle (12) in order to achieve a continuous line (54) having an expanding thickness. As shown in Figure 16, the nozzle 12 needs to be depressed gradually as the line progresses in order to achieve the expanding line pattern. When an actuator (10) is not used, the range of vertical displacement of the nozzle (12) is minimal as compared with the range of vertical displacement of the leverage arm at the point at which a force is applied away from the nozzle (12).

[0089] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 16, a standard nozzle is displaced by a total of approximately 3 millimetres along axis (20) in direction (18) to achieve the widening continuous line shown in Figure 16 (i.e. to gradually move from one flow rate to a higher flow rate). In contrast, when using actuator (10), and in particular by depressing the rearward end of the leverage arm (22) a spaced distance (28) away from the nozzle axis (20), the leverage arm needs to be displaced by a greater distance (e.g. by 8 millimetres), thereby affording a greater range of motion and hence fine line control. The difference in vertical displacement will vary depending upon a number of factors, including the materials used in the manufacture of the leverage arm (22), and the distances shown in Figure 16 are indicative only.

[0090] The skilled person will appreciate that by using the actuator (10), the flow rate of liquid out of the container can be more finely controlled since the user has a greater finger displacement range to work with as compared with the displacement range that is afforded by actuating the nozzle (12) directly along axis (20). The ability of the press pad to flex slightly when depressed provides an additional level of control. In the example shown in Figure 16, it is more difficult to directly depress nozzle (12) through a range of 0 millimetres to 3 millimetres gradually during the creation of a continuous line (from the start to the end of the line), as compared with the increased range of motion (0 millimetres to 8 millimetres) afforded by depressing the leverage arm (22) a spaced distance away from axis (20) to achieve the same line width. Indeed, since the smooth transition from one flow rate (at the start of the line) to an increased flow rate (at the end of the line) is improved using actuator (10), the overall line quality is also likely to significantly improve.

[0091] Accordingly, by pressing down on the elongated rear portion (38) of the press pad, a more consistent line thickness and quality can be achieved for applications such as outlining artwork. Furthermore, the use of the actuator (10) does away with the need to carry/use multiple different tip attachments, since the actuator (10) provides the ability to create multiple width values in a way that is near impossible for even professional spray painters utilising spray cans with conventional nozzles or nozzle tip attachments. This is achievable by providing the user with a far greater range of finger displacement to achieve even the slightest change (increase or decrease) in flow rate. Further, the user is afforded maximum flexibility by allowing them to slide their trigger finger forwardly and rearwardly along the press pad with comfort and precision in each direction.

[0092] It will also be appreciated that when the leverage arm (22) is lifted (rotated in an opposite direction) away from the base (30) whilst the base (30) remains mounted to the upper rim (32), the leverage arm (22) can be rotated to an almost vertical position, as shown in Figure 17. This provides additional space for actions such as removing the actuator (10) from the upper rim (32) as described earlier, or cleaning or replacing the nozzle (12) whilst the actuator (10) remains mounted. Figure 18 illustrates how the leverage arm (22) may be lifted to replace (or “reload”) the standard nozzle (12) with an alternative spray nozzle (56).

[0093] It will be appreciated that the spray can nozzle actuator (10) may be configured for use with any type of spray can, including female spray cans (those having a female receptacle) and male spray cans (those having a projecting male stem), and also utilising any nozzle type including male nozzles (those having a male stem configured for insertion into a female spray can receptacle) and female nozzles (those having a female receptacle configured to receive the male stem of a spray can).

[0094] In the embodiments described earlier, the spray can valve mechanism was of the type having a female receptacle, wherein the male stem associated with nozzle (12) is configured to be inserted into the female receptacle (as shown in nozzle (12) of Figure 18). The actuator (10) described was configured to press down on the nozzle (12) in order to actuate the nozzle (12). However, a user may have a preference to utilise a male rather than a female spray can, or even an alternatively configured nozzle (eg a long stem nozzle such as those commonly used in the United States). It will be appreciated that the actuator (100) can be adapted to accommodate such preferences.

[0095] For example, Figure 19 illustrates a spray can nozzle actuator (100) that includes a leverage arm front portion (102) comprising a hollow chamber having an upper chamber portion (104) and a lower chamber portion (106), wherein the upper chamber portion (104) is configured to receive the male stem (110) of a male nozzle (108) and the lower chamber portion (106) configured to receive a male stem (112) associated with a male spray can. Accordingly, Figure 19 provides an example of how the actuator (100) could be configured to accommodate a user preference to utilise male rather than female spray cans. In this embodiment, depressing the leverage arm (22) causes the front portion (102), and hence the male stems (110) and (112) accommodated therein to move towards the spray can container and thereby cause the spray can valve to be actuated. Upon actuation, liquid from inside the spray container (15) travels up through the actuator chamber and then into the nozzle (108). In this way, the actuator (100) provides a means of indirectly attaching the nozzle (108) to the spray can, wherein the actuator (100) itself is utilised as a means of directing liquid into the nozzle (102).

[0096] In another example, Figure 20 illustrates a spray can nozzle actuator (120) that includes a front portion (122) comprising a hollow chamber having an upper chamber portion (124) configured to receive a long stem (130) associated with a United States style male nozzle (128) and a lower chamber portion (126) again configured to receive a male stem (132) associated with a male spray can. Accordingly, Figure 20 provides an example of how the actuator (100) could be configured to accommodate a user preference to utilise male rather than female spray cans, and an alternatively configured type of nozzle (128) in this case being a US-style aerosol can nozzle having an extended male stem (130).

[0097] The reader will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to use on any one particular type or configuration of spray can or any one particular type or configuration of spray can nozzle. For example, whilst not shown, the actuator and in particular the front portion of the leverage arm may also be configured to accommodate spray cans having a female rather than a male nozzle receptacle, wherein the front portion of the actuator would include a male stem configured to move into the female receptacle of the spray when the leverage arm is depressed in order to actuate the nozzle.

[0098] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant field of technology that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as detailed in the embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0099] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to mean the inclusion of a stated feature or step, or group of features or steps, but not the exclusion of any other feature or step, or group of features or steps.