Automatic pump-type spray dispenser

A fluid spray dispenser comprising:

• container means for containing a fluid to be sprayed, said container means including a spray pump having a depressible spray head disposed outside said container means, and having orifice means for spraying said fluid when said spray head is depressed with sufficient force;
• housing means for supporting said container means;
• a cam rotatably affixed to said housing means and rotatable around a central axis, said cam having an outer surface having a first portion formed generally in the shape of a spiral having an inner endpoint and an outer endpoint such that the radius of said cam outer surface increases as said cam is rotted about said central axis in a first direction, said cam outer surface further having a second portion formed as a generally flat surface and connecting said spiral inner and outer endpoints;
• means for periodically rotating said cam in said first direction at a constant rate of rotation;
• a lever arm having first and second end portions and a major longitudinal axis located between aid first and second end portions, said first end portion having an outermost lever tip, said second end portion pivotally affixed to said housing mean s such that said lever tip is adapted to contact said cam outer surface, and such that a portion of said lever arm is adapted to engage with and depress said spray head;
• and
• spring means for providing a force on said lever arm such that said lever tip is biased toward said spray head,
• said lever arm, cam, and spring means operatively connected such that said lever tip of said lever arm contacts and follows said first portion of said cam outer surface during a first part of said cam rotation to move said lever arm away from said container means, and such that said lever tip contacts and follows said second portion of said cam outer surface during a second part of said cam rotation to allow said lever arm to move toward said container means and depress said spray head with a controlled force, wherein said lever tip slides along at least a portion of said generally flat surface in a controlled manner so as to reduce the impact of said lever arm on said spray head.

An actuation mechanism for a pump-type spray container having a spray head constructed and arranged to spray a fluid form said container when said spray head is depressed toward said container, said actuation mechanism comprising:

• a base;
• an electric motor mounted to said base;
• an electric power source;
• electronic circuitry for applying and controlling the electric power from said electric power source to said electric motor;
• a cam assembly having a cam and plurality of drive gears engaging said motor and said cam for providing an internal force for rotating said cam in a first direction, said motor and cam assembly operatively connected to provide a counteracting force to any external force providing additional rotation to said cam in said first direction;
• a lever arm having a major longitudinal axis and a first portion pivotally mounted to said base, and a movable end having a tip portion constructed and arranged to cooperate with said cam to move said lever arm as said cam rotates, and an actuator portion constructed and arranged to depress said spray head of said pump-type spray container;
• and
• a spring coupled between said lever arm and said base for providing a spring force to said lever arm for depressing said spray head;
• said lever arm contacting said cam such that said lever arm moves with the rotation of said cam by forcing said lever tip portion away from said spray head during a first phase of cam rotation, and by substantially but not entirely releasing said lever tip portion during a second phase of cam rotation such that said spring force causes said lever arm to quickly depress said spray head;
• said cam preventing said lever tip portion from being entirely released from said cam during said second phase of cam rotation such that said spring force on said lever arm provides said external force on said cam, and such that said motor and cam assembly provide said counteracting force to provide a slight damping action to said lever arm movement during at least a portion of said second phase of cam rotation.

A method of operation of a pump-type fluid spray dispenser having a pump actuation mechanism wherein the noise and impact force of said actuation mechanism is controlled, said pump-type fluid spray dispenser including a cam and lever assembly constructed and arranged to provide an inward force on a container spray head for a first period of time, and to release the inward force on said container spray head for a second period of time by forcing said lever away from said spray head by cooperating with said cam, said cam having an outer surface with a maximum radius point between an increasing diameter surface portion and a decreasing diameter surface portion, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) turning said cam in a first direction and forcing said lever away from said spray head using said cam;
• (b) further turning said cam in said first direction until said lever passes maximum radius point of said cam outer surface;
• and
• (c) controlling the impact of said lever on said container spray head by maintaining said lever in sliding contact with said decreasing diameter surface portion of said cam for a predetermined time period after said lever arm passes over said maximum radius point.