Aerosol actuators and improved aerosol assemblies

Abstract

According to certain embodiments of the invention, a valve guide or raised boss may be connected to or integral with a base or body of an aerosol actuator. In various embodiments, a valve guide may include a raised boss associated with a grip or body of an aerosol actuator. The valve guide or raised boss may align a manifold with a valve when an aerosol actuator is assembled to a container containing a product. In addition, a valve guide or raised boss may limit the movement of a portion of a manifold in a defined direction or defined plane such that the load on a valve by a manifold is controlled. For example, a valve guide may ensure a top load on a valve during actuation or may minimize side loads on a valve during actuation.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An aerosol actuator, comprising:
 a body, comprising:
 an opening; and 
 a raised boss; 
   a manifold, comprising:
 an input end positioned in at least a portion of the raised boss; 
 a discharge end positioned in the opening; and 
 at least one manifold bearing rib between the input end and discharge end; and 
   a trigger, comprising at least one trigger bearing rib.   
     
     
         2 . The aerosol actuator of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one trigger bearing rib contacts the at least one manifold bearing rib during actuation of the trigger. 
     
     
         3 . The aerosol actuator of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a container;   a product in the container;   a valve connected to the container; and   wherein the aerosol actuator is connected to the container and the manifold input end is in communication with the valve.   
     
     
         4 . The aerosol actuator of  claim 3 , wherein actuation of the trigger creates a top load on the valve by the manifold. 
     
     
         5 . The aerosol actuator of  claim 3 , wherein the input end of the manifold comprises a female end. 
     
     
         6 . The aerosol actuator of  claim 3 , wherein the input end of the manifold comprises a male end. 
     
     
         7 . The aerosol actuator of  claim 3 , wherein the valve comprises a female valve system. 
     
     
         8 . An aerosol actuator, comprising:
 a manifold comprising an input end and a discharge end;   a body having an opening and a raised boss; and   a cap over the body wherein the discharge end of the manifold is positioned within the opening between the body and the cap such that the manifold may move within the opening upon actuation.   
     
     
         9 . The aerosol actuator of  claim 8 , wherein the input end of the manifold is positioned in an interior of the raised boss. 
     
     
         10 . The aerosol actuator of  claim 8 , wherein the manifold comprises a manifold having a male input end.