Aerosol Spray Device Resembling a Writing Instrument

Abstract

A device configured for delivery of an aerosol spray payload is disclosed herein. The spray device may be only the size of an ordinary pen, marker, or other writing device. A smaller spray device may be more easily manipulated by the human hand, and may take up a much smaller volume than a typical can of aerosol. Furthermore, the aerosol spray device may be disguised as a pen or marker, so that a bystander may be unable to tell the difference between the spray device and a writing device without close inspection or without removing the cap. The cap and clip may also aid in storage and securing the spray device within a pocket, to a keychain or lanyard, or to another available surface or securing point. The cap may prevent accidental discharge of the spray payload by covering the device's actuator.

1 . An aerosol spray device comprising:
 a cylindrical housing, the housing comprising an external diameter between 10 and 25 millimeters, a length of 70 to 140 millimeters and an end section tapering to a reduced diameter, the end section comprising an opening of a second diameter smaller than the external diameter and a raised lip;   a concealed actuator removably coupled to the housing and configured to release an aerosol spray stored within a cavity defined by at least a portion of the housing;   a cap; and   a valve assembly comprising:
 a valve stem coupled to the concealed actuator; 
 a securing cylinder enclosing at least part of the valve stem and coupled to the housing; 
 a chamber; 
 a dip tube; and 
 a compression element; 
   wherein the compression element is coupled to a bottom of the valve stem within the chamber;   wherein the securing cylinder comprises an upper portion and a lower portion;   wherein the valve stem comprises a height of 6 mm or less above a top of the upper portion;   wherein the upper portion has a height of 4 mm or less;   wherein the lower portion has a height of 15 mm or less;   wherein the concealed actuator is concealed by the cap, the concealed actuator is revealed by removing the cap, and the concealed actuator may be re-concealed by placing the cap back on the device;   wherein the cap has a diameter sized to form a frictional fit with the housing;   wherein the cap comprises a cylindrical body defining a cavity configured to accept at least a portion of the housing and a clip oriented parallel to a central axis of the housing;   wherein the aerosol spray comprises a propellant and a hair spray;   wherein a length of the end section of the cylindrical housing with the tapering comprises less than one eighth of a length of the housing; and   wherein the concealed actuator has a height of 10 to 20 mm.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the clip has a flange extending to or near an exterior surface of the cylindrical body of the cap, wherein the clip is configured to grip a planar surface or other objects when positioned between the clip and the cylindrical body of the cap. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cap has a length of 50 to 60 millimeters. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing has a diameter of between 13 and 19 millimeters. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing has a length of 100 to 110 millimeters. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the concealed actuator is coupled to the housing via a metal cylinder crimped over the raised lip. 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cap comprises a parabolic shape tapering along a at least a portion of a cap length of 50 to 70 millimeters from a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the housing to a rounded top. 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the clip is configured to prevent or limit movement of the device when gripping an object. 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the clip is configured to grip one side of the object with the flange. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing has a diameter of between 13 and 19 millimeters and a length of 100 to 110 millimeters. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled)