Handheld spray receptor

Abstract

The handheld spray receptor provides an apparatus which, when used with a supply of a liquid under pressure, dispenses a liquid material in a pattern that is controlled by an inexpensive and disposable actuator. Such actuators are employed as an industry standard part that would be found on any aerosol spray can, and feature small cylindrical actuators that may be easily interchanged, so as to provide varied spray patterns. A purging model provides for a quick and convenient method of purging liquid from the actuator, so as to prevent hardening of liquid material exposed to the atmosphere, and a subsequent clogging of the receptor. When used with a supply of liquid under pressure and access to a propellant, the handheld spray receptor significantly reduces the amount of hazardous waste, in the form of partially consumed aerosol cans, that would otherwise enter landfills or hazardous waste recycling facilities.

1 . A handheld receptor consisting of a cylindrical receptor body with a threaded upper end, a commercially available vertical action valve assembly, and a valve locking ring,
 said valve locking ring threaded to mate with said threaded upper end of said receptor body, and having an opening through which said vertical action valve may extend, configured so that when said valve locking ring is tightened to said threaded upper end of said receptor body,   said vertical action valve is seated firmly to said receptor body, said receptor body configured to receive said vertical action valve into a chamber that is configured to receive said vertical action valve with a minimum of space and volume between said vertical action valve and said receptor body,   said receptor body having a bore through the center of said cylindrical receptor body from the top to the bottom flat surface, through which a liquid material may be supplied under pressure and dispensed by an operator, through the activation of an actuator on said vertical action valve assembly.   
   
   
       2 . (canceled) 
   
   
       3 . A handheld receptor as in  claim 1 , wherein an insert is placed between said vertical action valve and said valve locking ring,
 (a) said insert having a cylindrical portion configured to fit snugly within the well of said vertical actuator valve and having an outer lip and an inner lip,   (b) said outer lip extending outward from said cylindrical portion and resting on the top cylindrical surface of said vertical action valve so as to secure said insert on top of said vertical action valve,   (c) said inner lip extending inward so as to form a lip suitable for attaching a spray nozzle assembly, said inner lip and said outer lip presenting a flat surface when viewed from above,   (d) said inner lip defining a circular opening modified by two extended edges which define two straight opposing edges, said straight edges providing a front and back edge for securing said spray nozzle assembly securely to said handheld receptor,   (e) said spray nozzle assembly attaching to said handheld receptor by inserting said spray nozzle assembly into the elongated opening defined by said insert, and thereafter rotating said spray nozzle assembly one quarter turn, so that the front and back edges of said spray nozzle assembly grip to the lips defined by the straight edges of said insert.   
   
   
       4 . A handheld receptor as in  claim 1 , wherein an insert is placed between said vertical action valve and said valve locking ring,
 (a) said insert having a flat upper and lower surface, parallel to one another, and a circular outer edge, of a diameter which fits snugly within said valve locking ring, said insert having an inner opening consisting of two circular edges of a diameter that is slightly larger than that of the crimped edge of an aerosol can, said circular edges being opposite of one another and each occupying approximately ninety degrees of said opening,   (b) said insert having two straight edges connecting said circular edges one to another, providing a narrower opening suitable for gripping by an external pistol grip assembly, when said pistol grip assembly is inserted parallel to said straight edges and thereafter twisted ninety degrees.   
   
   
       5 . A handheld receptor as in  claim 1 , wherein said receptor body is comprised of machined aluminum, machined brass, or injection molded plastic materials, said injected molded part being molded in two parts and thereafter assembled. 
   
   
       6 . (canceled) 
   
   
       7 . (canceled) 
   
   
       8 . A handheld receptor as in  claim 1 , for which a tubing connector assembly is threaded and inserted in the bottom of said handheld receptor body, in a female threaded seat configured to provide a tight and leakproof seat, configured to provide a tight mechanical coupling to an inlet tube that supplies liquid material to be dispensed. 
   
   
       9 . (canceled)