Emergency aerosol retainer: rapid, secure access for crowd control, fire suppressant, wildlife deterrent, and other safety sprays

Abstract

The invention described herein relates to an emergency aerosol retainer, designed to securely hold the aerosol canister while providing quick access in emergency situations. The aerosol retainer features a durable and lightweight construction with an ergonomic design which allows for easy attachment to belts, backpacks, vehicles, or structures. The aerosol retainer facilitates rapid deployment in emergency situations by minimizing interference when deploying the aerosol spray. This invention offers enhanced safety and convenience for hikers, campers, motorists, law enforcement, firefighters, and others by ensuring that emergency aerosol sprays are always within reach. The primary initial application for this invention is for wildlife deterrent spray, such as bear spray.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for securely retaining an emergency aerosol canister, comprising:
 a framework configured to engage the spray head of the canister assembly, the framework shaped and dimensioned to securely hold the spray head in place while allowing for rapid deployment.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the framework includes an armature shaped to conform to the exterior contours of the spray head. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the framework includes a support structure that engages only the neck or nozzle components of the spray head. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a retaining feature, such as but not limited to live hinges, springs, cams, tension clasps, or locking pins, to secure the canister within the framework. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the framework is made of durable materials such as but not limited to nylon, metal, ceramic, or composite materials. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a secondary attachment mechanism adaptable for mounting to a variety of structures, including but not limited to backpack straps, bicycle frames, utility belts, vests, camping gear, boating equipment, and vehicles. 
     
     
         7 . A method for securely positioning a bear spray canister for rapid deployment, comprising:
 providing an apparatus as recited in  claim 1 ;   inserting the spray head of the canister into the framework by engaging specific structures of the spray head;   wherein the canister is held securely in place without the need for additional straps, fasteners, or collars; and   wherein the canister can be rapidly removed from the framework in emergency situations.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the framework includes an upper horizontal support containing a cutout shaped to engage the superior surface of the cylindrical neck of the spray head body, a lower horizontal support containing a cutout shaped to engage the inferior surface of the spray head, and a vertical support connecting the upper and lower horizontal supports to stabilize the assembly. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the cutouts conform to the shape of the canister and range in size from ½ inch to 2 inches in diameter to allow insertion and removal of the canister without additional straps or fasteners. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising mounting the apparatus to a structure using a secondary attachment mechanism adaptable for mounting to a variety of structures, including but not limited to backpack straps, strollers, bicycle frames, utility belts, camping gear, boating equipment, vehicles, walls or door frames. 
     
     
         11 . A system for retaining and mounting a bear spray canister, comprising:
 a retention apparatus configured to engage the spray head of the canister as recited in  claim 1 ;   a mounting assembly operatively connected to the retention apparatus, the mounting assembly configured for attachment to soft or rigid structures.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the mounting assembly includes adjustable mounting brackets or adapters, such as but not limited to pivot joints, sliding tracks, or straps, to secure the apparatus in place. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the mounting assembly allows for adjustment of the orientation of the canister relative to the mounting structure. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the retention apparatus and the mounting assembly are made of durable materials such as but not limited to nylon, metal, ceramic, or composite materials. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the system allows for insertion and removal of the canister by movement in a single direction without the need to manipulate retention mechanisms. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the mounting assembly is adaptable for mounting to structures including but not limited to backpack straps, Molle, webbing, bicycle frames, utility belts, camping gear, boating equipment, vehicles, and interior or exterior walls of buildings. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the mounting assembly is adaptable for adding electronics such as, but not limited to lighting.