ACTUATOR FOR AN AEROSOL CONTAINER
Field of Invention
The present invention relates to an actuator for an aerosol container, in particular
an aerosol container holding a cosmetic composition, and the use of such
actuators for the release of the contents of said container. The invention is
especially concerned with actuators having an actuator button requiring
independent slide movement and depression to achieve activation.
Background
Certain aerosol actuators having good ergonomics have been designed with
actuator buttons that have a sliding movement.
US 6,398,082 discloses an actuating mechanism for a hand held canister in which
a slider is moveable by finger pressure from a valve-disengaged position into a
valve-engageable position and a concealed spring returns the slider to a valvedisengaged
position when finger pressure is removed.
US 2,678,147 discloses a slider fitting over an actuator having a base profile
which rests on a shoulder surrounding a plunger in an inoperable position and
which is slid forwards to an operable position in which the slider base rests on the
plunger and is spaced above the shoulder allowing depression of the slider.
US 3,734,353 discloses an actuator in which a button is slid forward beyond the
edge of the tab and over an aerosol valve, so that the button can be depressed.
US 4,325,497 discloses an actuator which is child-resistant in which an actuator
button is simultaneously slid forward and downward to actuate the device and is
returned to its original position by a spring arrangement.
WO 2010/0521 68, published on 14.05.1 0 and claiming priority dates of 05.1 1.08
and 03.07.09, discloses a hand held aerosol dispenser comprising an actuator
sharing some common features with that of the present invention, but lacking
independent slide movement and depression of an actuator button to achieve
activation, particularly with the slide movement requiring significant force.
US 2004/01 64103 discloses a cap for mounting on an aerosol container that
enables automatic release of residual propellant from the container before it is
discarded.
US 2,678,147 discloses foam dispenser head for an aerosol dispenser having
actuator button that requires sliding forwarding before it can be depressed.
General Description
An object of the present invention is to provide an actuator for an aerosol
dispenser that has good ergonomics and robustness of operation. A key feature
of the robustness of operation is the avoidance of lateral pressure upon the
dispensing valve and more specifically the valve stem of the aerosol container
upon which the actuator is used.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an actuator for an aerosol
dispenser that has good resistance to premature discharge, that is to say, good
resistance to release of the dispenser's contents before desired; for example,
during manufacture or transit.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an actuator for an aerosol
dispenser that has good ergonomics and robustness of operation.
A feature of the invention that aids the resistance to premature discharge is an
actuator button that requires significant force to move it to a position in which it is
operable. It is essential that this first movement is independent of the movement
that causes release of the contents of the aerosol dispenser.
In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an actuator for a hand
held aerosol container fitted centrally at its top with a dispensing valve, said
actuator comprising:
(i) . a cup-shaped over-cap attachable to the container and comprising a sidewall
defining a spray aperture through which a spray can be directed and a top wall
defining a gap through which the spray channel passes, said gap restricting lateral
movement of the spray channel;
(ii) . a spray channel in fluid connection with the valve and adapted to spray
through the spray aperture in the sidewall of the over-cap;
(iii) . an actuator button comprising a finger pad from which a keel depends;
actuation requiring a first slide movement of the button and second depression
movement of the button, the keel dependent from the finger pad of the button
being able to press down onto the spray channel and the spray channel on to the
valve after the first slide movement of the button, but not before;
characterised in that:
the actuator button has a distinct first slide movement that puts it into an
orientation in which an independent second depression movement causes release
of the contents of the associated dispenser and in that the force required for the
first slide movement of the actuator button is at least 5N.
In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of
applying a cosmetic aerosol composition to the human body comprising the use of
an actuator according to the first or second aspect of the invention.
Detailed Description
Throughout this description, orientation terms such as "top", "upper", "vertical",
and "horizontal" should be understood to be referring to the actuator in its "in use"
position sat on top of an upright aerosol container as illustrated in Figure 1.
The term "depend" should be understood to refer to features that project
downwards from others.
The term "lateral" should be understood to refer to the plane approximately
orthogonal to the vertical axis of the actuator when oriented as described in the
paragraph before last.
The actuator's vertical axis may be thought of as its principle axis and the term
"horizontal" refers to the plane orthogonal to this axis.
"Front" should be understood to be with reference to a horizontal plane and to be
towards the spray aperture and "rear" away there from.
Aerosol actuators that function by use of an actuator button that has a lateral
movement element are prone to exert lateral pressure, either directly or indirectly,
upon the valve, in particular the valve stem, of the aerosol container to which they
need to be attached. Whilst this is perfectly acceptable for tilt valves, valves that
operate by being pressed downwards can be damaged by such lateral pressure
and it is desirable to avoid this happening. The present invention is most
advantageously used with valves that operate by being pressed downwards.
In addition, it is desirably that aerosol actuators are not able to cause premature
discharge of the contents of the dispenser.
The present invention addresses the above desires by providing an actuator that
has a distinct first slide movement of an actuator button that puts it into an
orientation in which a second depression movement causes release of the
contents of the associated dispenser. By keeping these movements independent,
lateral force on the valve stem is minimised and a means for avoiding premature
discharge is provided.
In preferred embodiments, the slide movement of the actuator button does not
have a return mechanism; that is to say, once the actuator button has been slid to
its operational position, it stays there. This feature has the benefit of avoiding the
need for the button to be slid forward to be operational on subsequent uses of the
dispenser.
The avoidance of premature discharge is enhanced by setting a suitable minimum
force for the first slide movement of the actuator button, which moves it from its
inoperable position to its operable position. This force is at least 5N, preferably at
least 10N, and more preferably at least 15N. The higher forces mentioned are
particularly suitable for avoiding accidental discharge during assembly of the
dispenser.
Lateral force on the valve stem is further minimised by having it pass through a
gap or aperture in a fixed platform, the gap or aperture typically being close-fitting
or snug. The fixed platform is the top wall of the over-cap of the actuator.
It is particularly important that lateral movement of the spray channel is restricted
in the direction in which the actuator button is operated, which is typically in a
direction towards and away from the spray aperture.
The width of the spray channel in a front-back direction, at the point where it
passes through the gap, typically fills at least 90%, more typically at least 95%,
and most preferably at least 98% of the width of the gap in the front-back direction
at said point.
The gap in the top wall is preferably an aperture that completely surrounds the
spray channel. Preferably the aperture has a circular cross-section.
When the gap in the top wall is an aperture of circular cross-section, the crosssectional
area of the spray channel at the point where it passes through the
aperture typically fills at least 95%, more typically at least 97%, and most
preferably at least 99% of the cross-sectional area of the aperture at said point.
The "point" where spray channel passes through the gap or aperture should be
understood to relate to the actuator in its "at rest" condition and, preferably, also to
relate to the actuator when the spray channel is in its fully depressed condition.
In certain embodiments of the invention, rotational movement of the spray channel
is also restricted. Such embodiments tend to have desirably additional robustness
of operation.
In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the actuator button is
associated with the top wall of the over-cap. In this position, the actuator has
particular good ergonomics, that is to say, ease of use.
When the actuator button is associated with the top wall of the over-cap, it
preferable that the movement of the actuator button from its first position to its
second is in a direction towards the spray aperture.
The invention is particularly suitable for use with actuators having an angled
actuator button, more particularly when located on an angled segment of the top
wall of the over-cap supporting said actuator button. The angled segment of the
top wall of the over-cap is preferably angled upwards at from 10° to 50° from the
horizontal and more preferably at from 25° to 40° from the horizontal.
The keel normally depends from the finger pad in a central zone. It desirably has
a wedge-shaped lower surface in profile, tapering from rear to front, i.e., is deeper
at the back.
In preferred embodiments, the keel is prevented from pressing down onto the
spray channel when the button is in its inoperative position by a projection that
depends from the finger pad of the actuator button and interacts with a projection
that rises from the top face of the top wall. Preferably there are two sets of such
projections.
In more preferred embodiments, the dependent projection or projections
mentioned in the preceding paragraph is/are able to slide downwardly past the
projection or projections that rises/rise from the top face of the top wall when the
actuator button is in its operative position.
ln preferred embodiments, the over-cap is lockable into place on top of the
aerosol container. This may be achieved by means of beading around the bottom
inside edge of the over-cap and an associated groove towards the top of the
aerosol container. By having the over-cap "locked" into place on top of the
aerosol container, operational robustness is improved.
The spray channel used in accordance with the present invention is in fluid
connection with the valve of the container with which the actuator is used. It
typically comprises two segments that are in fluid connection with each other and
with the valve. Typically the spray channel has a vertical segment designed to fit
on top of the valve stem of the valve at the top of the aerosol container with which
the actuator is used. In operation, it is normal for the keel to bear down upon the
top of this vertical segment.
The spray channel typically comprises a vertical segment and a segment at an
angle to said vertical segment, the two segments being in fluid connection. The
angle between the sections is typically from 100° to 130° and preferably from 110°
to 120°. The features mentioned in this paragraph work in conjunction with the
top wall of the over-cap having an angled segment (vide supra) to aid the
ergonomics of use of the actuator.
The actuator is typically made of plastic and most commonly by a method
involving injection moulding. The spray channel and over-cap may be made of
polypropylene. The majority of the actuator button may be prepared from an
acetal copolymer; however, the top surface of the actuator button is preferably
made of a thermoplastic elastomer in order to give increased grip.
The aerosol container for use with the actuator preferably contains a cosmetic
composition for application to the surface of the human body. With such use and
such compositions the ergonomic and robustness benefits of the present invention
are particularly advantageous.
The container for use with the actuator is typically made of tin-plate or aluminium.
Specific Embodiment
The features described with reference to the following specific embodiment may
be incorporated independently into the generic description given above and/or as
given in the claims.
Figure 1 is a rear/side view of the actuator ( 1 ) in place on top of a typical aerosol
container (2).
Figure 2 is a front/side view of the actuator ( 1 ) in place on top of a typical aerosol
container (2).
Figure 3 is an exploded rear/side view of the actuator ( 1) together and a typical
aerosol container (2) upon which is sits.
Figure 4 is a rear/side/top view of the over-cap (3).
Figure 5 is a front view of the over-cap (3).
Figure 6 is a top view of the over-cap (3) with section lines A-A, B-B, and C-C
indicated.
Figure 7 is a bottom view of the over-cap (3).
Figures 8 and 9 are sections across the beading ( 10 and 11, respectively) at the
bottom of the over-cap (3).
Figure 10 is a section through the over-cap (3) along A-A.
Figure 11 is a section through the over-cap (3) along B-B.
Figure 12 is a section through the over-cap (3) along C-C.
Figure 13 is a front/side view of the spray channel (4).
Figure 14 is a front/side view of the actuator button (5) from slightly underneath.
Figure 15 is a longitudinal section through the actuator button (5).
Figure 16 is a detailed section through one of the hinge housings (30).
The actuator ( 1 ) is composed of three components: a cup-shaped over-cap (3), a
spray channel (4), and actuator button (5).
The over-cap (3) and features thereof are illustrated in Figures 4 to 12 . The overcap
(3) has a circular cross-section, defined by a side-wall (6), the diameter of the
over-cap (3) decreasing towards its upper end. The side-wall (6) defines an oval
spray aperture (7) which is to be considered to be at the front of the actuator ( 1 ) .
The oval spray aperture (7) has its short axis in the horizontal direction and is
located towards the upper end of the side-wall (6).
Projecting inwardly from the side-wall (6) on either side of the spray aperture (7)
are two support wings (8). These support wings (8) are thin walls extending from
the top of the side-wall (6) to a point approximately half way down its length.
From the side of each of the support wings (8) facing the spray aperture (7) there
projects a spray channel guide wall (9). These spray channel guide walls (9) are
in a vertical plane orthogonal to the front-back axis (A-A) of the actuator ( 1 ) . They
extend from the support wing (8) towards one another in the vicinity of the spray
aperture (7). The spray channel guide walls (9) terminate leaving a gap between
them that is always slightly greater than the short axis of the oval spray aperture
(7).
At the bottom of the side-wall (6) there is beading (10 and 11) intended to enable
the over-cap (3) to snap lock onto the top of an aerosol container ( 1 ) . The
beading consists of six smooth beads ( 10) equally distributed around the bottom
inner surface of the side-wall (6) and interspersed by corrugated beading ( 11) .
Detailed cross-sections of the beading ( 10 and 11) is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9
respectively. The beading snap-fits into an indentation ( 12) around the top of the
aerosol container 1 (see Figure 3).
The over-cap (3) also has a top wall ( 13) defining an aperture (14); the aperture
being intended to accommodate a segment of the spray channel (4) (vide infra).
The top wall ( 13) is linked to the side-wall (6) by an inner wall ( 15) that varies in
height from front to back, being relatively high at the front and decreasing towards
the back.
The top wall ( 13) has a major segment (16) that is angled upwards towards the
front of the actuator at an angle of approximately 32° from the horizontal and a
minor segment (17) that is approximately horizontal. (See Figure 11) . The minor
segment ( 17) is present at the front end of the top wall ( 13). The aperture ( 14) in
the top-wall (13) is located centrally where the major ( 16) and minor ( 17)
segments join, but is largely defined by the latter.
On either side of the aperture (14), in a directional orthogonal to the direction of
movement of the actuator button (5), two projections ( 18) rise from the minor
segment (17) of the top wall ( 13). The projections ( 18) each have raised ridge
(19) on their side adjacent to the aperture (14).
A largely circular aperture wall (20A and 20B) lines the aperture (14) and both
depends from and rises from the top wall ( 13) in a vertical direction. (See Figure
12). The lower segment (20A) depending from the top wall ( 13) is longer than the
upper segment (20B) rising from the top wall ( 13). The lower segment (20A)
depending from the top wall ( 13) has a gap (21 ) at its front, parallel further walls
(22) extending from the edges of the gap (21 ) towards the spray aperture (7).
These parallel further walls (22) have lower edges (23) that slope upwards in the
direction of the spray aperture (7). The parallel further walls (22) terminate level
with the outer edge (24) of the inner wall ( 15).
The upper segment (20B) of the aperture wall that rises from the top wall ( 13) is
abutted by the aforementioned projections ( 18) that also rise from the top wall
(13). From the front of upper segment (20B), there extends a raised vault (25),
linking upper segment (20B) to the inner wall ( 15) and bridging a "gap" in the
minor segment ( 17) of the top-wall ( 13) and the upper segment (20B) of the
aperture wall. The raised vault (25) is domed at its top and its inner faces (26) are
contiguous with the inner faces of the parallel further walls (22) extending from the
edges of the gap (21 ) in the lower segment (20A) of the aperture wall depending
from the top wall ( 13). The raised vault (25) is designed to accommodate a
segment of the spray channel (4) (vide infra).
The inner face (20C) of the largely circular aperture wall (20A and 20B) is
contiguous and has vertical recessions (20D) on either side aligned with the two
projections ( 18) that rise from the top wall ( 13) on either side of the aperture (14).
From the major segment ( 16) of the top wall (13), a central projection (27) rises
and has a rear face (28) that extends through a gap (29) in the top wall ( 13). This
extensive rear face (28) forms a substantial bearing wall and will be referred to as
such subsequently.
Towards the back of the major segment ( 16) of the top wall ( 13) are hinge
housings (30). These are intended for restraining hinge segments of the actuator
button (5) (vide infra). The housings (30) sit over parallel slits (31 ) in the top wall
(13) that extend backwards under the hinge housings (30) - i.e. in the direction
away from that in which the actuator button (5) is pushed. The housings (30) are
later described in further detail with reference to Figure 16 .
Towards the back of the major segment ( 16) of the top wall ( 13) are hinge
housings (30). These are intended for restraining hinge segments of the actuator
button (5) (vide infra). The housings (30) sit over parallel slits (31 ) in the top wall
( 13) that extend backwards under the hinge housings (30) - i.e. in the direction
away from that in which the actuator button (5) is pushed. The housings (30) are
later described in further detail with reference to Figure 16 .
Two further parallel slits (32) are present in the major segment ( 16) of the top wall
( 13). These further parallel slits (32) also run from front to back and are located
on either side of the central projection (27), extending from immediately behind
the projections ( 18) that rise from the top wall (13) to a point level with the rear
face (28) of central projection (27).
The spray channel (4) is illustrated in Figure 13. It is comprised of a vertical
segment (33) and a segment (34) at an angle of approximately 114° to the vertical
segment (34), i.e., 24° from the horizontal. The vertical segment (33) and the
angled segment (34) are in fluid connection.
The vertical segment (33) of the spray channel (4) is designed to fit onto the valve
stem (VS) of an aerosol container ( 1 ) (see Figure 3) and is flared at its base (36V)
to aid said fitting. The vertical segment (33) of the spray channel (4) is also
designed to fit snugly within the aperture (14) in the top wall (13) of the over-cap
(3) (vide supra). In this manner, lateral movement of the spray channel (4) is
restricted. The vertical segment (33) of the spray channel (4) has a resilient area
(35) at its top upon which a segment of the actuator button (5) presses when the
actuator ( 1 ) is operated.
The vertical segment (33) of the spray channel (4) has a vertically orientated
oblong block (33A) projecting from either of its sides, i.e., in a directional
orthogonal to the direction of movement of the actuator button (5). These oblong
blocks (33A) are designed to be able to slide within the vertical recessions (20D)
in the inner face (20C) of the largely circular aperture wall (20A and 20B). By
such means, rotational movement of the spray channel (4) is restricted.
The vertical segment (33) of the spray channel (4) has two small retaining clips
(33B), each present a little way above the oblong blocks (33A) on either of its
side. These clips (33B) serve to hold the spray channel (4) in place during
manufacture and snap out of the way on first use of the actuator ( 1) .
The angled segment (34) of the spray channel (4) is narrower than the vertical
segment (33), both internally and externally. The angled segment (34) leads from
the top of the vertical segment (33) towards to the spray aperture (7). At the spray
aperture end of the angled segment (34), there is an oval disc (36D), designed to
fit immediately behind the oval spray aperture (7) and leave no gap visible from
the outside at any time. There is also a conventional swirl chamber (37) at the
end of the angled segment (34), designed to improve spray quality.
The actuator button (5) is illustrated in Figure 14. It is comprised of a finger pad
(38) and various features dependent therefrom. The finger pad (38) is longer in
the front-back direction, i.e. the direction in which it is designed to slide. The
finger pad is designed to sit on the top wall ( 13) of the over-cap (3). The finger
pad (38) curves upwards at its front end (39) in order to increase ergonomics of
use. There are also curved projections (38A) on its top surface for this same
purpose. (See Figures 1 and 3 for these features).
Vertically dependent from the finger pad (38) are two orientation clips (40) that are
designed to pass through the two further parallel slits (32) that are present in the
major segment ( 16) of the top wall ( 13) located on either side of the central
projection (27). The clips (40) have outwardly facing wedges (41 ) that aid their
insertion into the slits (32), the clips (40) being temporarily bent inwards when this
is done. When the actuator button (5) is moved forwards from its first position to
its second, the retaining clips (40) slide forwards within their respective slits (32).
Depending from the finger pad (38) along its central front-back axis is a keelshaped
structure (43). Said structure slopes outwards from the lower side of the
finger pad (38) near its front end and terminates approximately half way along the
length of the finger pad (38). The lowest part (44) of the keel-shaped structure
(43) is designed to press down upon the resilient area (35) at the top of the
vertical segment (33) of the actuator button (5) when the actuator ( 1 ) is operated.
From the front of the finger pad (38) there depend two projections (46) that are
designed to interact with the two projections ( 18) that rise from the minor segment
pushed forwards, the lower part of the projections (46) depending from the finger
pad (38) slide along the top part of the projections ( 18) that rise the top wall ( 13) of
the over-cap (3) until said depending projections (46) have gone past said rising
projections ( 18). The raised ridges ( 19) on the projections ( 18) rising from the top
wall ( 13) of the over-cap (3) serve to guide the projections (46) depending from
the finger pad (38) during this process. When said depending projections (46)
have gone past said rising projections ( 18) the actuator button (5) may be
depressed.
From the rear of the finger pad (38) there depend two struts (47) bearing hinge
joints (48) that are designed to fit into the hinge housings (30) located towards the
back of the major segment ( 16) of the top wall ( 13) of the over-cap (3).
Also from the rear of the finger pad (38) there depends a tensioning strut (45).
This interacts with the rear face (28) of the central projection (27) of the over-cap
(3) when it has been slid forwards. The tensioning strut (45) serves to reduces
the looseness of the over-cap (3) when its second position and thereby avoids any
rattling thereof.
Also from the rear of the finger pad (38) there depends a restraining clip (49) (see
Figure 15). This interacts with the restraining clip (50) (see Figures 6 and 16)
rising upwardly from the top surface of the over-cap (3) and can help to provide
resistance to the forward movement of the over-cap (3). It may also serve to
resist any movement of the over-cap (3) back to its first position.
Figure 16 is a detailed projection through one of the hinge housings (30). In this
illustration, the front the actuator is towards the right. The hinge housing (30) has
two internal beads (51 ) and (52) that reduce the height of housing and provide
resistance to the movement of the hinge joints (48) and the associated over-cap
(3) from their first position to their second. They may also serve to resist any
movennent of the hinge joints (48) and the associated over-cap (3) back to their
first position.
Figure 16 illustrates the restraining clip (50) rising upwardly from the top surface of
the over-cap (3) (vide supra).
When the actuator button (5) is slid forward from its first position to its second, the
projections (46) depending from the front of the finger pad (38) ride along the
projections (18) that rise from the minor segment ( 17) of the top wall ( 13) of the
over-cap (3). Simultaneous to this, the two orientation clips (40) depending from
the finger pad slide forward within the two parallel slits (32) that are present in the
major segment ( 16) of the top wall ( 13) located on either side of the central
projection (27) and the hinge joints (48) depending from the rear of the finger pad
(38) move within their housings (31 ) as described in further detail with reference to
Figure 16 .
When the projections (46) depending from the front of the finger pad (38) have slid
passed the projections ( 18) that rise from the minor segment ( 17) of the top wall
( 13), the actuator button (5) is able to be depressed. At this time, the hinge joints
(48) depending from the rear of the finger pad (38) have moved into the front part
(30F) of their housings (30) (vide infra). When the finger pad (38) is subsequently
depressed, the keel-shaped structure (43) dependent therefrom bears down upon
the resilient area (35) at the top of the vertical segment (33) of the spray channel
(4). This causes the spray channel (4) to bear down upon the valve stem (VS) of
the container ( 1 ) upon which it sits, thereby opening the valve and allowing
discharge of the product within the container ( 1 ) . During the depression of the
vertical segment (33) of the spray channel (4), the angled segment (34) of the
spray channel (4) slides downwards within the vault (25) that links the upper
segment (20B) of the aperture wall to the inner wall ( 15) and the oval disc (36) at
the end of the spray channel (4) slides downwards immediately behind the oval
spray aperture (7).
When pressure is removed from the actuator button (5), the spring associated with
the valve stem (VS) of the container ( 1 ) forces the spray channel (4) upwards.
CLAIMS
1. An actuator for a hand-held aerosol container fitted centrally at its top with
a dispensing valve, said actuator comprising:
(i). a cup-shaped over-cap attachable to the container and comprising a sidewall
defining a spray aperture through which a spray can be directed and a top wall
defining a gap through which the spray channel passes, said gap restricting lateral
movement of the spray channel;
(ii) . a spray channel in fluid connection with the valve and adapted to spray
through the spray aperture in the sidewall of the over-cap;
(iii) . an actuator button comprising a finger pad from which a keel depends;
actuation requiring a first slide movement of the button and an independent
second depression movement of the button, the keel dependent from the finger
pad of the button being able to press down onto the spray channel and the
spray channel on to the valve after the first slide movement of the button, but not
before;
characterised in that:
the actuator button has a distinct first slide movement that puts it into an
orientation in which a second depression movement causes release of the
contents of the associated dispenser and in that the force required for the first
slide movement of the actuator button is at least 5N.
2 . An actuator according to claim 1, wherein the actuator button is associated
with the top wall of the over-cap.
3 . An actuator according to claim 2, wherein the first slide movement of the
button is in a direction towards the spray aperture.
4 . An actuator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the keel is
prevented from pressing down onto the spray channel before the first slide
movennent of the button by a projection that depends from the finger pad of the
actuator button and interacts with a projection that rises from the top face of the
top wall.
5 . An actuator according to claim 4, wherein the projection that depends from
the finger pad of the actuator button is able to slide downwardly past the
projection that rises from the top face of the top wall after the first slide movement
of the actuator button.
6 . An actuator according to claim 4 or 5, wherein there are two projections
depending from the finger pad of the actuator button independently interacting
with two projections that rises from the top face of the top wall on opposite sides
of the aperture in the top wall.
7 . An actuator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gap
through which the spray channel passes is an aperture that completely surrounds
the spray channel.
8 . An actuator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spray
channel comprises a vertical segment upon the top of which the keel dependent
from the finger pad of the actuator button is able to press following the first slide
movement of the actuator button.
9 . An actuator according to claim 8, wherein the spray channel comprises a
segment contiguous with the vertical segment that leads from the vertical segment
towards the spray aperture and is angled upwards at from 5° to 45° from the
horizontal.
10 . An actuator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the top wall
of the over-cap has a segment that is angled upwards at from 10° to 50° from the
horizontal.
11. An actuator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first slide
movement of the actuator button requires a force of at least 10N.
12 . An actuator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator
button lacks a mechanism for returning it to its first position.
13 . A method of applying a cosmetic aerosol composition to the human body
comprising the use of an actuator according to any of the preceding claims.