Insert with nozzle formed by micro stepped and conical surfaces

An actuator which comprises an actuator outlet, a post located within the actuator outlet which extends normal to a base surface of the actuator outlet, and the post comprises diametrically opposed first and second alignment protrusions. An insert is mounted and securely retained within the actuator outlet by an interference fit and the base of the insert has a discharge nozzle formed therein. First and second alignment protrusions space the insert away from the post and define a partially restricted flow passages while unobstructed product flow passages are defined one either side of the second alignment protrusions. The first and second stepped shoulders are axially respectively aligned with the first partially restricted flow passage while the first and second conical surface are respectively axially aligned with unobstructed flow passages so that the product to be dispensed, upon being discharged, is sprayed by the nozzle in a fan spray pattern.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a fluid dispensing device for dispensing a product and producing a desired spray pattern.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Spray actuators/nozzles are used to dispense fluids from a variety of different containers. The product dispensing containers may hold one or a combination of different ingredients, and typically use a permanent or temporary pressure force to discharge the product contents from the container. If the container is an aerosol can, for example, one or more chemicals or other active ingredients to be dispensed are usually mixed in a solvent and are typically further mixed with a propellant to pressurize the container. Known propellants include, for example, carbon dioxide, various hydrocarbon gases, or mixtures of hydrocarbon gases such as a propane/butane.

The active/propellant mixture may be stored under constant, but not necessarily continuous, pressure in an aerosol can. A dispensing valve is mounted in the top end of the container and is normally located in a closed position. An actuator is coupled to the dispensing valve for actuating the dispensing valve into the open position. The sprayed product to be dispensed may exit in an emulsion state, single phase, multiple phase, and/or partial gas phase and may include insect control agents (such as propellant, insecticide, or growth regulator), fragrances, sanitizers, cleaners, waxes or other surface treatments, and/or deodorizers.

The spray patterns generated by conventional nozzles are not particularly well suited for many household applications. Conventional nozzles typically generate a conical spray jet which, in turn, leads to inconsistent, uneven coverage of a surface. Additionally, when treating a flat surface of a rectangular shape, for example, it is often very difficult to reach and spray the entire surface with a conical-shaped spray jet. More specifically, a conical-shaped spray jet cannot reach corners without also partially reaching adjacent surfaces, leading to overspraying. Other nozzles are known which produce a relatively flat fan-shaped spray jet. While a fan-shaped jet is able to reach corners more reliably without overspraying, the product to be dispensed is not distributed uniformly across the entire spray pattern and the relatively flat pattern requires excessive movement by the user to reach the entire surface to be covered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Wherefore, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the above mentioned shortcomings and drawbacks associated with the prior art.

The present invention also relates to an actuator comprising: an actuator outlet being formed within the actuator; a post being centrally located within the actuator outlet of the actuator and extending normal to a base surface of the actuator outlet toward an open end of the actuator outlet; an insert being mounted and securely retained within the actuator outlet by an interference fit, and a base of the insert having a rectangular-shaped discharge nozzle formed therein; first and second alignment protrusions being sized and shaped so as to assist with spacing an inwardly facing cylindrical surface of the insert away from an exterior surface of the post and respectively define a first and second partially restricted flow passages between the inwardly facing cylindrical surface and the exterior surface of the post, with first and second unobstructed product flow passages being defined one either side of the first and the second alignment protrusions; and the nozzle being defined within the base of the insert by diametrically opposed first and second stepped shoulders and diametrically opposed first and second conical surfaces, the first stepped shoulder being axially aligned with the first partially restricted flow passage and the first conical surface being axially aligned with the first unobstructed flow passage while the second stepped shoulder being axially aligned with the second partially restricted flow passage and the second conical surface being axially aligned with the second unobstructed flow passage so that the product to be dispensed, upon flowing through the actuator and being discharged from the nozzle, is sprayed by the nozzle in a desired fan spray pattern.

The present invention also relates to a method of discharging a product to be dispensed from an actuator in a fan spray pattern, the method comprising: forming an actuator outlet within the actuator; centrally locating a post within the actuator outlet of the actuator and so as to extend normal to a base surface of the actuator outlet toward an open end of the actuator outlet; mounting and securely retaining an insert within the actuator outlet by an interference fit, and a base of the insert having a rectangular-shaped discharge nozzle formed therein; sizing and shaping first and second alignment protrusions so as to assist with spacing an inwardly facing cylindrical surface of the insert away from an exterior surface of the post and respectively define a first and second partially restricted flow passages between the inwardly facing cylindrical surface and the exterior surface of the post, with first and second unobstructed product flow passages being defined one either side of the first and the second alignment protrusions; and defining the nozzle within the base of the insert by diametrically opposed first and second stepped insert shoulders and diametrically opposed first and second conical surfaces, the first stepped shoulder being axially aligned with the first partially restricted flow passage and the first conical surface being axially aligned with the first unobstructed flow passage while the second stepped shoulder being axially aligned with the second partially restricted flow passage and the second conical surface being axially aligned with the second unobstructed flow passage so that the product to be dispensed, upon flowing through the actuator and being discharged from the nozzle, is sprayed by the nozzle in a desired fan spray pattern.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be understood by reference to the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It is to be appreciated that the following detailed description of various embodiments is by way of example only and is not meant to limit, in any way, the scope of the present invention.

An exemplary embodiment of a nozzle20, for an aerosol container, is illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. It will be appreciated, however, that other types of containers and discharging devices, such as trigger pumps, may be used with the improved dispensing nozzle20without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

As is conventional in the art, the aerosol/pressurized dispenser typically includes a container, such as a conventional metal (e.g., aluminum or steel) container or can, that defines an internal chamber therein which is capable of storing a desired material to be dispensed under pressure. The container includes a base and a cylindrical side wall that is typically closed, along an upper edge thereof, by a dome. The upper portion of the cylindrical wall is joined to the dome by a chime. As is conventional in the art, a mounting cup, supporting a dispensing valve, is secured to a central opening of the dome, by a conventional crimping process, to permanently connect the mounting cup to the dome sealing the container. The dispensing valve has a valve stem that is hollow and projects axially upward out from the dispensing valve and a free end of the valve stem is designed to support the actuator22. If desired, a dip tube may be connected to an inlet of the dispensing valve to facilitate supplying the product to be dispensed to the dispensing valve.

Turning now toFIGS. 1-11, a brief description concerning the various components of the present invention will be discussed. The actuator22is mounted on the upper end of the valve stem to facilitate dispensing of the product contents. As is conventional in the art, upon depressing the actuator/valve stem downwardly or side ways, the dispensing valve is opened/activated. Upon such opening/activation of the dispensing valve, the pressurized product to be dispensed, contained within the metal can or container, is delivered from the internal chamber through the dispensing valve and the valve stem and into the actuator22for dispensing.

As shown inFIGS. 8 and 12, the actuator22has a centrally located socket/inlet24, in a base portion thereof, which receives and sealingly engages with the free end of the valve stem in a fluid-tight manner. The socket/inlet24of the actuator22communicates with a vertical passage28that extends from the socket/inlet24to an actuator outlet30, typically formed in a side wall of the actuator22. The actuator outlet30comprises a generally cylindrical opening with a substantially flat base surface33. A post34extends normal to the base surface33and is centered within the cylindrical opening of the actuator outlet30.

The insert32is mounted in and securely retained within the actuator outlet30by an interference fit. The insert32comprises an elongated, generally tubular body which is close by a base36of the insert32. The dispensing nozzle2is centrally formed in the base36of the insert32. The outlet of the nozzle2has a length of about 0.055 inches and a width of about 0.015 inches. The insert32is typically manufactured by conventional injection molding process and manufactured from a resilient plastic, such as acetal, polypropylene or polyethylene.

When the dispensing valve is activated, the product to be dispensed is released by the valve and travels through the actuator22, via the passage28, into the actuator outlet30for ultimate discharge into atmosphere after exiting through the nozzle2, as described below in further detail, formed in the base36of the insert32.

As is conventional in the art, the outwardly facing cylindrical surface38of the insert32is sized and shaped so as to frictionally engage with an inwardly facing surface40of the actuator outlet30while the inwardly facing surface42of the insert32is cylindrical and designed to surround and engage with selected regions of the post34of the actuator22. That is, as can be seen inFIGS. 13 and 14, the post34has first and second diametrically opposed post shoulders44,46which are sized and shaped to engage with the inwardly facing surface42of the insert32and space a portion of the inwardly facing surface42of the insert32, located between the first and the second post shoulders44,46, away from a partially recessed outwardly facing surfaces48,50of the post34. As a result of the first and the second post shoulders44,46spacing of a portion of the inwardly facing surface42of the insert32away from the partially recessed outwardly facing surfaces48,50of the post34, a pair of first and second separate and distinct product flow passages/paths52,54are defined on either side of the first and the second diametrically opposed post shoulders44,46, between the inwardly facing surface42of the insert32and the partially recessed outwardly facing surfaces48,50of the post34.

The outwardly facing cylindrical surface56, of each of the first and the second diametrically opposed post shoulders44,46, is cylindrically shaped so as to matingly engage and seal with a corresponding inwardly facing surface42of the insert32and prevent the flow of any product to be dispensed between those mating surfaces42and56. Due to such sealing engagement, all of the product to be dispensed through the insert32is thus redirected and channeled along either one of the first or the second product flow passages/paths52,54defined primarily within the partially recessed outwardly facing surfaces48,50of the post34. As shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, for example, a first transverse dimension of the post34, from the outwardly facing cylindrical surface56of the first post shoulder44to the outwardly facing cylindrical surface56of the second post shoulder46is about inches 0.118 inches (3 mm) while a second transverse dimension of the post34, normal to the first transverse dimension, from one section of the partially recessed outwardly facing surfaces48or50of the post34to a diametrically opposed partially recessed outwardly facing surface50or48of the post34is about 0.094 inches (2.4 mm).

It is to be appreciated that the first and second separate and distinct product flow passages/paths52,54are only completed and defined when the insert32is coupled to or engaged with the actuator22so that the insert32closes and seals the outer perimeter surface of the first and the second product flow passages/paths52,54. As a result, the product to be dispensed from the container flows substantially along and essentially through passages formed within the post34and is merely confined by the cylindrical inwardly facing surface42of the insert32.

If desired, either a leading or a trailing end of the inwardly facing surface42of the insert32may support a pair of diametrically opposed alignment members58which assist with properly aligning the insert32with the post34, during assembly of the insert32with the actuator22, in order to achieve the desired flow through the nozzle2of the insert32, as will be described in further detail below.FIGS. 3, 6, 8, 10 and 11show a trailing end of the inwardly facing surface42of the insert32being provided with a pair of diametrically opposed alignment members. However, depending upon the product to be dispensed, in the event that such diametrically opposed alignment members58significantly alters or effects the flow of the product to be dispensed along either the first and/or the second product flow passages/paths52,54, one or both alignment members may be eliminated, as shown inFIGS. 12-14,

As noted above, the nozzle2is formed in base36of the insert32(seeFIGS. 3, 5-8) and designed to dispense the product to be dispensed at a larger discharge angle, thereby to generate a spray having a non-conical shape. An inwardly facing surface60of the base of the insert32is spaced from an outwardly facing end surface62of the post34so as to define a flow redirecting dispensing area or chamber64therebetween. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 5, the nozzle2, formed in the base36of the insert32, is generally rectangular in shape. First and second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulders66,68are formed within the base36of the insert and arranged to receive the product to be dispensed, supplied by a respective one of the first and second product flow passages/paths52,54, and redirect such product to be dispensed toward the nozzle2.

A first conical surface70is integrally formed and joined with a first end of each of the first and second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulders66,68while an opposed second conical surface72is integrally formed and joined with an opposite second end of each of the first and second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulders66,68. The first and the second conical surfaces70,72each have a radius of curvature of between 0.050 inches and 0.100 inches, more preferably a radius of curvature of about 0.075 inches. The first and second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulders66,68and the first and second diametrically opposed conical surfaces70,72are designed to channel the product to be dispensed toward and out through the nozzle2achieve a desired substantially rectangular fan spray pattern. In order to facilitate the desired spray pattern, the first stepped insert shoulder66is directly axially aligned with the first product flow passage/path52, which is primarily formed in the post34, while the second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulder68is directly axially aligned with the second product flow passage/path54, which is primarily formed in the post34, and the first conical surface70is directly axially aligned with the first diametrically opposed post shoulder44, which minimizes the flow of the product to be dispensed toward the first conical surface70, while the diametrically opposed second conical surface72is directly axially aligned with the second diametrically opposed post shoulder46, which minimizes the flow of the product to be dispensed toward the second conical surface72. As a result of such arrangement, the product to be dispensed, which flows along either the first or the second product flow passages/paths52,54, is respectively channeled and directed toward the respective one of the first and the second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulders66,68while only a very small or minor amount of the product to be dispensed, once such product enters into the flow redirecting dispensing chamber64, is directed toward and flows over either the first and/or the second diametrically opposed conical surfaces70,72.

As the product to be dispensed flows over the first and second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulders66,68toward the nozzle2, turbulence is induced and created within the product to be dispensed. Such turbulence is believed to assist with improving the formation and shape of the spray pattern of the product to be dispensed, once the same is discharged from the nozzle2. The minor amount of the product to be dispensed, which is directed toward and flows along either the first and/or the second diametrically opposed conical surfaces70,72, generally assist with controlling width of the spray pattern of the product being dispensed, as the product to be dispensed is discharged from the nozzle2.

As generally shown, each of the first and the second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulders66,68has a total of seven micro steps and each one of the micro steps becomes progressively becomes narrower, e.g., shorter in both length and height, in the direction toward the nozzle2. The micro steps are generally formed by a series of curved surfaces interconnecting a series of generally flat surfaces with one another which eventually transitions into a relative smooth surface at an outlet of the nozzle2. It is to be appreciated that the number, size and spacing of the micro steps can vary, from application to application, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 6A, a largest micro step, of the plurality of micro steps, has a length of about 0.012 inches and this largest micro step is spaced from an adjacent second largest micro step by a distance of about 0.005 inches and each remaining micro step has a shorter length and is spaced closer to adjacent micro steps by a smaller distance than the spacing of the largest micro step to the next largest micro step.

During dispensing of the product to be dispensed, the first and second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulders66,68and the diametrically opposed first and second conical surfaces70,72combine with one another, as the product to be dispensed flows over those insert shoulders and conical surfaces, to generate a spray jet having a generally well-defined substantially rectangular discharge spray pattern. That is, the nozzle2has an elongate, rectangular shape which has a width that is greater than its length, i.e., the insert32produces a spray pattern that is generally rectangular in shape and has a dimension in a first length direction which is greater than its dimension in an opposite, second width direction.

During dispensing, the actuator22is activated to open the dispensing valve thereby releasing the product to be dispensed from the pressurized container, through the actuator22and into the external environment. During discharge, the product to be dispensed travels through the passage28and into the actuator outlet30. The product to be dispensed then flows along either the first or the second product flow passages/paths52,54, along and substantially within the post34while the inwardly facing surface42of the insert32merely confines the product flow. The product to be dispensed continues flowing along either the first or the second product flow passages/paths52or54and eventually flows into the flow redirecting dispensing chamber64. Upon entering the flow redirecting dispensing chamber64, the product to be dispensed is then redistributed but primarily flows over either the first or the second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulders66,68, while only a minor amount/quantity of product flows over either the first or the second diametrically opposed conical surfaces70or72. Such redistribution of the product to be dispensed causes the product to be dispensed to be discharged through the nozzle2in a desired spray discharge pattern, e.g., a generally rectangular shape.

FIG. 12is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view, similar to the view along section line9-9ofFIG. 8, showing a second embodiment of the improved fan spray insert which does not include any alignment tabs or members, whileFIGS. 13 and 14are cross-sectional views along section lines13-13and14-14, respectively, ofFIG. 12. That is, alignment members which assist with aligning the insert32with the post34, during assembly of the insert32with the actuator22, are eliminated in this embodiment. Since there are not any alignment members, the first and/or the second product flow passages/paths52,54do not include any component which could hinder, obstruct, after or effect the flow of the product to be dispensed along either one of these passages/paths.

Turning now toFIGS. 15-20, a brief description concerning a still further embodiment of the present invention will now be discussed. As this embodiment is very similar to both of the previously discussed embodiments, generally only the differences between this embodiment and the previous embodiments will be discussed in detail while identical elements will be given identical reference numerals.

As with the previous embodiments, the actuator22is mounted on the upper end of the valve stem to facilitate dispensing of the product contents. Upon such opening/activation of the dispensing valve, the pressurized product to be dispensed, contained within the container, is delivered from the internal chamber through the dispensing valve and the valve stem and into the actuator22for dispensing.

As shown inFIG. 17, the actuator22has a centrally located socket/inlet24, in a base portion thereof, which receives and sealing engages with the free end of the valve stem in a fluid-tight manner. The socket/inlet24of the actuator22communicates with a passage that extends from the socket/inlet24to an actuator outlet30, typically formed in a side wall of the actuator22. The actuator outlet30comprises a generally cylindrical opening with a substantially flat base surface33. A post34extends normal to the base surface33and is centered within the cylindrical opening of the actuator outlet30.

The insert32is mounted in and securely retained within the actuator outlet30by an interference fit. The insert32generally comprises an elongated, generally tubular body which is dose by a base36of the insert. The dispensing nozzle2is centrally formed in the base36of the insert32. The insert32is typically manufactured by conventional injection molding process and manufactured from a resilient plastic, such as acetal, polypropylene or polyethylene.

When the dispensing valve is activated, the product to be dispensed is released by the valve and travels through the actuator22, via a passage28, into the actuator outlet30for ultimate discharge into atmosphere after exiting through the nozzle2formed in the base36of the insert32, as described below in further detail.

As is conventional in the art and shown inFIG. 20for example, the outwardly facing cylindrical surface38of the insert32is sized and shaped so as to frictionally engage an inwardly facing surface40of the actuator outlet30while the inwardly facing surface42of the insert32is cylindrical and designed to surround and be spaced from exterior surface of the post34of the actuator22. That is, as can be seen inFIGS. 17-20, the post34is cylindrical and is designed, according to this embodiment, to be spaced away from the inwardly facing surface42of the insert32so as to generally avoid engagement therewith and define a flow passage therebetween.

The inwardly facing surface42of the insert32has a pair of opposed alignment protrusions58(seeFIGS. 18, 18A and 19) which assist with maintaining the post34generally centered with respect to inwardly facing surface42of the insert32so as to achieve the desired flow therebetween. It is to be appreciated, however, that an inwardly facing surface59of each one of the two opposed alignment protrusions58is designed to be spaced away from the outwardly facing surface40of the post34by a distance of between 0.002 and 0.005 of an inch, as shown inFIG. 18. As a result of such arrangement, the two opposed alignment protrusions58generally assist with spacing a remainder of the inwardly facing cylindrical surface42of the insert32sufficiently away from the exterior surface of the post34so as to define a partially restricted flow passage61, between each inwardly facing surface59of the alignment protrusion58and the outwardly facing surface40of the post34. As with the previous embodiments, the leading open side of the post passage30is sealed or closed when the insert32is assembled within the actuator22.

As a result of the first and the second alignment protrusions58facilitate spacing the inwardly facing surface42of the insert32away from the post34so that a pair of first and second separate and distinct product flow passages/paths52,54are defined on either side of the first and the second diametrically alignment protrusions58, between the inwardly facing surface42of the insert32and the outwardly facing surface of the post34.

According to this embodiment, the post34does not sealingly engage with any portion of the inwardly facing surface42of the insert32nor does the inwardly facing surface42of the insert32sealingly engage with the post34. This embodiment only provides a partial obstruction, i.e., partially restricted flow passages61formed between each inwardly facing surface59of the respective alignment protrusion58and the outwardly facing surface40of the post34which still permits a limited amount of the product to flow therebetween. As a result, most of the product to be dispensed through the insert32is channeled along either one of the first or the second product flow passages/paths52,54while only a minor portion of the product to be dispensed flows between the inwardly facing surfaces61of the alignment protrusions58and the outwardly facing surface40of the post34.

It is to be appreciated that the first and the second separate and distinct product flow passages/paths52,54are completed and defined when the insert32is coupled to or engaged with the actuator22and the inwardly facing surface61of each one of the two opposed alignment protrusions58is located and spaced from the outwardly facing surface40of the post34by a distance of between 0.002 and 0.005 of an inch. As a result, the product to be dispensed from the container primarily flows substantially along either the first or the second product flow passages/paths52,54while only a small percentage of the product to be dispensed from the containerflows between the inwardly facing surfaces61of the alignment protrusions58and the outwardly facing surface40of the post34.

As noted above, the nozzle2is formed in base36of the insert32and designed to dispense the product to be dispensed at a larger discharge angle, thereby to generate a spray having a non-conical shape. An inwardly facing surface60of the base of the insert32is spaced from an outwardly facing end surface62of the post34so as to define a flow redirecting dispensing chamber64therebetween. As shown inFIG. 16, an opening of the nozzle2, formed in the base36of the insert32, is generally rectangular in shape. As with the previous embodiments and generally shown inFIG. 20, first and second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulders66,68are formed within the base36of the insert and arranged to receive the product to be dispensed and redirect such product to be dispensed toward the nozzle2.

A first conical surface70is integrally formed and joined with a first end of each of the first and second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulders66,68while an opposed second conical surface72is integrally formed and joined with an opposite second end of each of the first and second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulders66,68. The first and second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulders66,68and the first and second diametrically opposed conical surfaces70,72are designed to channel the product to be dispensed toward and out through the nozzle2achieve a desired substantially rectangular fan spray pattern. In order to facilitate the desired spray pattern, the first conical surface70is directly axially aligned with the first unobstructed product flow passage/path52, while the second diametrically opposed second conical surface72is directly axially aligned with the second unobstructed product flow passage/path54, while the first stepped insert shoulder66is directly axially aligned with the first alignment protrusion58, which partially restricts/minimizes the flow of the product to be dispensed toward the first stepped insert shoulder66, while the second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulder68is directly axially aligned with the diametrically opposed second alignment protrusion58, which partially restricts/minimizes the flow of the product to be dispensed toward the stepped insert shoulder68. As a result of such arrangement, the product to be dispensed, which flows along either the first or the second product flow passages/paths52,54, is respectively channeled and generally directed toward the respective one of the first and the second diametrically opposed conical surfaces70,72while a restricted portion of the product to be dispensed is directed toward and flows over either the first and the second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulders66,68.

As the product to be dispensed flows over the first and second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulders66,68toward the nozzle2, turbulence is induced and created by the micro steps into the product to be dispensed. Such turbulence is believed to assist with improving the formation and shape of the spray pattern of the product to be dispensed, once the same is discharged from the nozzle2. The product to be dispensed, which is directed toward and flows along either the first and/or the second diametrically opposed conical surfaces70,72, generally assist with controlling width of the spray pattern of the product being dispensed, as the product to be dispensed is discharged from the nozzle2.

As with the previous embodiments, each of the first and the second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulders66,68typically has a total of seven micro steps and each one of the micro steps becomes progressively becomes smaller, e.g., shorter in both length and height, in the direction of the nozzle2. The micro steps are generally formed by a series of curved surfaces interconnecting a series of generally flat surfaces with one another which eventually transitions into a relative smooth surface at the nozzle2. It is to be appreciated that the number, size and spacing of the micro steps can vary, from application to application, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

During dispensing of the product to be dispensed, the first and second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulders66,68and the diametrically opposed first and second conical surfaces70,72combine with one another, as the product to be dispensed flows over those insert shoulders and conical surfaces, to generate a spray jet having a generally well-defined substantially rectangular discharge spray pattern. That is, the nozzle2has an elongate, rectangular shape which has a width that is greater than its length, i.e., the insert32produces a spray pattern that is generally rectangular in shape and has a dimension in a first length direction which is greater than its dimension in an opposite, second width direction.

During dispensing, the actuator22is activated to open the dispensing valve thereby releasing the product to be dispensed from the pressurized container, through the actuator22and into the external environment. During discharge, the product to be dispensed travels through the passage28and into the actuator outlet30. The product to be dispensed then flows along either the first or the second product flow passages/paths52,54, along the exterior surface of the post34and the inwardly facing surface42of the insert32. The product to be dispensed continues flowing along either the first or the second product flow passages/paths52or54and eventually flows into the flow redirecting dispensing chamber64. Upon entering the flow redirecting dispensing chamber64, the product to be dispensed is then redistributed but primarily flows over either the first or the second diametrically opposed stepped insert shoulders66,68, while only a minor amount/quantity of product flows over either the first or the second diametrically opposed conical surfaces70or72. Such redistribution of the product to be dispensed causes the product to be dispensed to be discharged through the nozzle2in a desired spray discharge pattern, e.g., a generally rectangular shape.