Patent Description:
The present invention generally relates to a retaining apparatus, and more specifically, to an apparatus for retaining an aerosol container within a dispenser housing to emit materials into the surrounding environment.

Fluid dispensers are common devices used for the emission of volatile materials into the surrounding environment, such as the release of a pest control agent or the release of a pleasant aroma or odor absorbing agent. Dispensers configured to accept refill containers are an economical way for consumers to re-use a dispenser without having to re-purchase a device. Further, refills afford the user the possibility to change the properties of the fluid that are emitted.

One of the challenges faced by some manufacturers of dispensers and dispenser refills is preventing the use of unapproved or improper refills in the dispensers, e.g., preventing the dispensing of an external use insecticide into an interior environment or dispensing an air freshener when an odor absorber was desired. In many instances the improper spraying of such materials may result in a user being dissatisfied with their experience or the malfunction, destruction, or reduced operability of the dispenser because of the use of an improper material.

Therefore, there is a need for a retaining apparatus that overcomes one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks of dispenser refills. In particular, there is a need for a retaining apparatus that retains and positions an appropriate container for use in a designated dispenser and that prevents the misuse of the container in other applications.

In order to solve the problem posed, a retaining apparatus according to claim <NUM> is provided.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, wherein similar structures have similar reference numerals.

The proper securing of a container into an appropriate dispenser by way of a retention apparatus enhances the user's ability to safely operate a dispenser for emitting a material. For example, a retaining apparatus should preferably only be capable of fitting retention in an identified corresponding dispenser. In many instances the improper spraying of such materials may result in a user being dissatisfied with their experience or the malfunction, destruction, or reduced operability of the dispenser because of the use of an improper material.

Referring to <FIG>, an embodiment of a container <NUM> is depicted. For purposes of the discussion herein, a particular exemplary embodiment will be expounded upon, which utilizes an aerosol-based volatile active-containing composition. However, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, regardless of whether described in connection with an aerosol, a volatile, a composition, etc., are not so bound and may be utilized with any number of liquids or fluids, which may be discharged by one or more of an aerosol system, a compressed gas system, a pump-type sprayer system, or any other means as known to one of ordinary skill.

The aerosol container <NUM> includes a reservoir or lower portion <NUM> and a sealing cap or upper portion <NUM>. A lower rim <NUM> of the sealing cap <NUM> and an upper tapered portion <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> define a retaining notch <NUM> that circumscribes the aerosol container <NUM>. A valve stem <NUM> extends vertically from an upper portion <NUM> of the sealing cap <NUM>. It is contemplated that in some embodiments that the valve stem <NUM> may be a vertically actuated valve stem. In other embodiments, the valve stem <NUM> may be a tilt-actuated valve stem.

The container <NUM> holds and/or stores a fluid product such as a fragrance, an insecticide, a deodorizer, a fungicide, a bactericide, a sanitizer, a pet barrier, another active volatile or other compound disposed within a carrier liquid (for example, an oil-based and/or water-based carrier), a deodorizing liquid, or the like. For example, the liquid may comprise PLEDGE®, a surface cleaning active, RAID®, a pest control active, OUST®, an air and carpet sanitizer, or GLADE®, a deodorant, all sold by S. Johnson and Son, Inc. , of Racine, Wisconsin, for household, commercial, or institutional use. The liquid may also comprise other actives, such as sanitizers, air and/or fabric fresheners, cleaners, odor eliminators, mold or mildew inhibitors, insect repellents, and the like, or others that have aromatherapeutic properties. The liquid alternatively comprises any fluid known to those skilled in the art that can be dispensed from the container <NUM>. The container <NUM> may employ a propellant such as, for example, compressed gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and/or one or more additional and/or alternative propellants to facilitate dispensing of the fluid product from the container <NUM>.

The dispensers described herein may be used as stand-alone devices, which may be placed on a table, shelf, or other flat surface. Alternatively, the dispensers may be utilized as hand-held devices. The dispensers may be used in an interior room or office and/or outside on a table or other surface. With reference to <FIG>, one particular embodiment of a dispenser <NUM> is illustrated that generally includes a base <NUM> designed to accommodate the container <NUM> with a flowable medium (not shown). The dispenser <NUM> further includes a sleeve <NUM> that extends upwardly from the base <NUM>.

Now turning to <FIG>, the base <NUM> is depicted without the sleeve <NUM>. The base <NUM> includes a top cover <NUM>. One or more dispensing apertures <NUM> may be defined by or provided within the top cover <NUM>. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, which illustrate the base <NUM> without the top cover <NUM>, a base plate <NUM> is depicted. The base plate <NUM> includes a sleeve <NUM>, which in the present embodiment is a central cylindrical wall <NUM>. A volume <NUM> (see <FIG>) is defined by the central cylindrical wall <NUM> and receives the lower portion <NUM> of the aerosol container <NUM> when the container <NUM> is mounted in the dispenser <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a first embodiment of a retaining apparatus <NUM> is shown retaining the aerosol container <NUM>. The retaining apparatus <NUM> includes a lower portion <NUM> with a flange <NUM> extending radially outward therefrom. In the present embodiment, the flange <NUM> rests on an upper end of the cylindrical wall <NUM> to hold the container above the base plate <NUM>. Retaining tabs <NUM> extend radially inward from the lower portion <NUM> of the retaining apparatus <NUM>. The retaining tabs <NUM> are configured to hold the aerosol container <NUM> within the retaining apparatus <NUM> by snapping into the retaining notch <NUM>, as best seen in <FIG>. The retaining apparatus <NUM> and the sealing cap <NUM> are dimensioned so that the lower rim <NUM> of the sealing cap <NUM> is immovably retained between the retaining tabs <NUM> and an upper lip <NUM> extending inwardly over the lower rim <NUM>, as best seen in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Returning to <FIG> and <FIG>, the retaining apparatus <NUM> also includes an upper portion <NUM>. A plurality of upwardly facing teeth <NUM> are circumferentially disposed around a central tube <NUM> that defines a discharge bore <NUM>.

Now turning to <FIG> and <FIG>, a discharge portion <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> is depicted. The discharge portion <NUM> may be disposed on an underside of the top cover <NUM> in order for the discharge portion <NUM> to interface with the retaining apparatus <NUM>.

A plurality of downward facing teeth <NUM> depend from a bottom surface <NUM> of the discharge portion <NUM> and are disposed circumferentially around a central dispensing bore <NUM>. It is contemplated that the discharge portion <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> may be a separate piece as depicted here. In such a scenario, the discharge portion <NUM> may be press fit into a receiving aperture (not shown) of the top cover <NUM> or attached by any other means as would be known by one of ordinarily skill. In other embodiments, the discharge portion <NUM> may be integrally formed with the top cover <NUM> or attached in some other manner.

Turning again to <FIG>, the retaining apparatus <NUM> is depicted with the discharge portion <NUM> assembled such that the upward facing teeth <NUM> are positioned between respective pairs of the downward facing teeth <NUM>. In one aspect, the upward facing teeth <NUM> are sized to form an interference fit between the respective pairs of downward facing teeth <NUM>. In another aspect, and as shown in the figures, the upward facing teeth <NUM> are sized to provide circumferential and/or longitudinal clearance between the respective pairs of downward facing teeth <NUM>. For example, the tips of the upward facing teeth <NUM> and a bottom surface <NUM> of the discharge portion <NUM> may be distanced from one another. Regardless of whether the teeth <NUM>, <NUM> are in contact, one or both of the upward facing teeth <NUM> and the downward facing teeth <NUM> may have ramped surfaces to facilitate engagement between the teeth.

The retaining apparatus <NUM> includes a bridge portion <NUM> that includes a plurality of resilient arms <NUM> coupling the upper portion <NUM> to the lower portion <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the upward facing teeth <NUM> are circumferentially aligned with a respective plurality of resilient arms <NUM>. The lower portion <NUM>, bridge portion <NUM>, and upper portion <NUM> define a cavity <NUM> configured to receive and retain the sealing cap or upper portion <NUM> of an aerosol container <NUM>.

As best seen in <FIG>, the valve stem <NUM> of the aerosol container <NUM> is positioned within the discharge bore <NUM> of the central tube <NUM> of the retaining apparatus <NUM> upon insertion of the container <NUM> therein. When the top cover <NUM> including the discharge portion <NUM> is assembled over the base plate <NUM>, the central tube <NUM> of the retaining apparatus <NUM> is received within the central dispensing bore <NUM> of the discharge portion <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, it has been contemplated that when a user grasps the top cover <NUM> and presses downward, the force is transferred from the top cover <NUM> to the central discharge portion <NUM> and subsequently on to the upper portion <NUM> of the retaining apparatus <NUM>. The flange <NUM> of the retaining apparatus <NUM> prevents the container <NUM> from moving during the actuation of the dispenser <NUM>. Additionally, the resilient arms <NUM> of the bridge section <NUM> deform, thereby allowing the downward force to translate to the vertical movement of the valve stem <NUM> within the central tube <NUM> of the retaining apparatus <NUM>. This, in turn, opens a valve within a valve assembly (not shown) of the aerosol container <NUM> to allow for the dispensing of the flowable medium contained therein. Upon release of the top cover <NUM>, the spring force of the valve assembly (not shown) returns the dispenser to the pre-actuated position. The resilient arms <NUM> of the bridge section <NUM> also return to their pre-actuated position and, in some embodiments, may assist in returning the dispenser to the pre-actuated position. It is further anticipated that a resilient member(s) or other means within the dispenser may assist or solely cause the dispenser to regain a pre-actuated position. In this state, the dispenser <NUM> is ready for use and the emission of material.

While the embodiment depicted in <FIG> includes a container <NUM> that extends almost completely to the base plate <NUM>, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, the container <NUM> may extend the entire length of the wall <NUM> to the base plate <NUM>. Further, in other embodiments the container <NUM> may be significantly shorter than the central cylindrical wall so as to be raised above the base plate <NUM>.

It is contemplated that one or more aspects of the upper portion <NUM> of the retaining apparatus <NUM> overcomes the drawbacks to refill containers described above. First, the upward facing teeth <NUM> can serve multiple purposes. The length of the central tube <NUM> to the teeth <NUM> may provide a structural relationship such that a seal is impossible to form between the central tube <NUM> and an improper dispenser. Further, the appearance in general of the upward facing teeth <NUM> and the retaining apparatus <NUM> may serve as a visual indicator to a user about the purpose of the refill. Also, the enlarged diameter of the central tube <NUM> of the retaining apparatus <NUM> in comparison to a diameter of the valve stem <NUM> of the container <NUM> may also prevent different containers from establishing fluid communication with unintended dispensers. As configured in the present embodiment, any dispenser that receives the retaining apparatus <NUM> will need a receptacle that is configured to receive the central tube <NUM>, which has a larger diameter than the valve stem <NUM>.

Now referring to <FIG>, the central tube <NUM> may include an upper tapered or angled section <NUM>, thereby forming a frustoconical shoulder depending downward from an upper edge of the central tube <NUM>. The angled section <NUM> is angled inward at an angle A toward a central axis <NUM> of the retaining apparatus <NUM>. The angled section <NUM> is configured to form a seal with a tapered or angled portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) disposed around the circumference of the central dispensing bore <NUM> of the discharge portion <NUM> of the base. As an alternative to the frustoconical surface shown in <FIG>, the angled section <NUM> (and/or the angled portion <NUM> of <FIG>) may be replaced with a curved profile (not shown) to enhance the sealing relationship. The curved profiles in some embodiments may have a radius of curvature of about <NUM> millimeters (mm). In other embodiments the radius of curvature R is between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In yet other embodiments the radius of curvature R is between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In some embodiments the angle A is about <NUM>° (degrees). In certain embodiments the angle A is between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°. In other embodiments the angle A is between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°. In a particular embodiment the angle is at least about <NUM>°. Although shown and described in connection with the embodiments of <FIG>, the central tube <NUM> in each of the following embodiments described herein may include the same or a similar angled portion or rounded portion.

With reference still to <FIG>, and in general to all embodiments that include teeth <NUM>, the central tube <NUM> may extend a length L upwardly beyond the uppermost edges of the plurality of upward facing teeth <NUM>. It is contemplated that in some embodiments the length L is about <NUM> millimeters (mm). In other embodiments the length L is between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In still other embodiments the length L is between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. The length L of the central tube <NUM> above the plurality of upward facing teeth <NUM>, or in an embodiment with no upward facing teeth <NUM> the entire length of the conduit, can be configured so as to prevent the angled section <NUM> from forming a seal in improper devices. As discussed previously, by making the distance L shorter than the extent a valve stem <NUM> is traditionally inserted into a device, the functionality of such containers <NUM> that do not utilize the retaining apparatus <NUM> is reduced. Another embodiment of the retaining apparatus <NUM> is depicted in <FIG>, that is structurally and operationally identical to the embodiment depicted in <FIG> except that there are no upward facing teeth <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a second embodiment of a retaining apparatus <NUM> is depicted. The retaining apparatus <NUM> comprises a lower portion <NUM> that includes a flange <NUM> extending circumferentially therefrom. The lower portion <NUM> also includes inward facing retaining tabs <NUM>. A container <NUM> is retained within the retaining apparatus <NUM> by the retaining tabs <NUM> snapping into place in the retaining notch <NUM> of the container <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). The lower portion <NUM> defines an interior volume <NUM> (see <FIG>). The lower portion <NUM> includes a lip <NUM> extending into the interior volume <NUM> configured to abut the lower rim <NUM> of the sealing cap <NUM>. Thus, when a container <NUM> is inserted into the retaining apparatus <NUM>, the lower rim <NUM> of the sealing cap <NUM> is retained between the retaining tabs <NUM> and the lip <NUM> of the lower portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). The lower portion <NUM> includes rounded protrusions <NUM> that extend inward from an interior surface <NUM> of the lower portion <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). The rounded protrusions <NUM> are configured to support the lower rim <NUM> of the container <NUM> by extending into the retaining notch <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The embodiments depicted in <FIG> include a separate upper portion <NUM>. As best seen in <FIG>, the upper potion <NUM> is slidably or telescopically disposed within a bridge section <NUM> of the lower portion <NUM>.

The bridge section <NUM> includes a cylindrical side wall <NUM> and upper retaining lips <NUM>, as seen in <FIG>. The upper retaining lips <NUM> and the side wall <NUM> define an aperture <NUM> through which the upper portion <NUM> extends.

Turning again to <FIG>, the upper portion <NUM> includes a sidewall <NUM> having a lower flange <NUM>. The lower flange <NUM> of the upper sidewall <NUM> catches the upper retaining lips <NUM> of the bridge section <NUM> (see <FIG>). The upper portion <NUM> includes a top wall <NUM>. A central tube <NUM> is disposed on the top wall <NUM> of the upper portion <NUM>. A dispensing bore <NUM> is defined by the central tube <NUM>. A lower portion <NUM> of the dispensing bore <NUM> is configured to receive the valve stem <NUM> of the container <NUM>. An upper portion <NUM> of the dispensing bore <NUM> is in fluid communication with the valve stem <NUM> and the central discharge bore <NUM> of the discharge portion <NUM> of the top cover <NUM>.

A plurality of upward facing teeth <NUM> are disposed on the top wall <NUM> and are coupled to or integrally formed with the central tube <NUM>. In certain embodiments there may only be a single upward facing tooth <NUM> and the corresponding discharge portion <NUM> of the base <NUM> would be configured to receive it.

Another embodiment of the retaining apparatus <NUM> is depicted in <FIG>. This embodiment may be substantially the same structurally and operationally as the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, except that there are no upward facing teeth <NUM> in <FIG>.

Regardless of the embodiment, it is contemplated that the actuation of the valve stem <NUM> of the container <NUM> is similar to the interaction of the retaining apparatus <NUM> with the discharge portion <NUM>. Instead of the resilient arms <NUM> deforming, the upper portion <NUM> is displaced downward into the bridge portion <NUM> to allow for actuation of the valve stem <NUM>. It is also contemplated that the retaining apparatus <NUM> may retain the container <NUM> in the same configurations as the retaining apparatus <NUM> within the dispenser <NUM>.

Now turning to <FIG>, a fourth embodiment of a retaining apparatus <NUM> is depicted. The retaining apparatus <NUM> includes a base plate <NUM>. A central tube <NUM> extends upwards from a top surface <NUM> of the base plate <NUM>. The central tube <NUM> defines a dispensing bore <NUM> having an inside diameter ID (see <FIG>). An outside diameter OD is defined by an outer surface <NUM> of the central tube <NUM> (see <FIG>). A wall thickness WT is defined as half the difference between the inner diameter ID and the outer diameter OD (see <FIG>). The retaining apparatus <NUM> also includes a plurality of upward facing teeth <NUM> that are coupled to the top surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM>. The central tube may include an upper tapered portion <NUM>. The upper tapered portion <NUM> serves the same purpose as the angled section <NUM> of the retaining apparatus <NUM>, which is to form a seal with the angled section <NUM> of the discharge portion <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM>.

With reference still to <FIG>, it is contemplated that the inner diameter ID of the dispensing bore <NUM> is dimensioned to receive the valve stem <NUM> of the aerosol container <NUM>. It is also contemplated that by either a friction fit, adhesive, ultra-sonic welding, or any other means know to one having skill in the art, that the inner diameter ID will grip the valve stem in a fashion to support the entire weight of the aerosol container <NUM> and still maintain a fluid tight seal. Further, the retaining apparatus <NUM> will form a similar seal and retention relationship between the outer surface <NUM> of the central tube and the central dispensing bore <NUM> of the discharge portion <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM>. It is contemplated that in some embodiments the retaining apparatus <NUM> may be integrally formed with the valve stem <NUM>.

The inside diameter ID is contemplated to be about <NUM> millimeters (mm). In one embodiment the inside diameter ID is between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In a different embodiment the inside diameter ID is between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. It is also contemplated that the outside diameter OD be about <NUM>. In some embodiments the outside diameter OD is between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In other embodiments the outside diameter OD is between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In one particular embodiment, the inside diameter ID and the outside diameter OD are at least about <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. As mentioned above, the wall thickness WT of the central tube <NUM> is defined as half of the difference between the outside diameter OD and the inside diameter ID. In some embodiments the wall thickness WT is about <NUM>. In other embodiments, the wall thickness WT is between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In still other embodiments, the wall thickness is at least about <NUM>. It is contemplated that the wall thickness WT impacts the ability of the retaining apparatus <NUM> to survive the insertion process of the valve stem <NUM> and the insertion of the central tube <NUM> in the central dispensing bore <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM>. In fact, insufficient wall thickness WT may result in cracks or failure that prevent the appropriate seals to be formed.

It is also contemplated that the upper tapered portion <NUM> has a discharge aperture <NUM> with an aperture diameter AD (see <FIG>). The aperture diameter AD may be smaller than the inner diameter ID of the dispensing bore <NUM>. However, the discharge aperture <NUM> allows for the dispensing of fluid that has not fully volatilized or atomized in contrast to many prior art sprayers that include an area of flow restriction provided immediately downstream of the valve stem of an aerosol container to atomize the ejected fluid. The aperture diameter AD is contemplated to be about <NUM> millimeters (mm). In some embodiments the aperture diameter AD is between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In other embodiments the aperture diameter AD is between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In one particular embodiment the aperture diameter AD is at least about <NUM>. It is also contemplated that the aperture diameter AD is related to the exit orifice of the valve stem of the container used in conjunction with the retaining apparatus <NUM>. In fact, it is contemplated that the aperture diameter AD be selected to prevent or substantially prevent the atomization of fluid during dispensing from the valve stem <NUM> through the discharge aperture <NUM>. Subsequent to the fluids passage though the discharge aperture <NUM>, the fluid may be atomized downstream through other structure. For example, further atomization and/or impartation of certain flow or turbulence characteristics may be imparted to the fluid at the dispensing apertures <NUM> that are farther downstream from the discharge aperture <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the dispensing bore <NUM> has a vertical length VL of about <NUM> millimeters (mm). In some embodiments the vertical length VL is between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In certain embodiments the vertical length VL is between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In one particular embodiment, the vertical length VL is at least about <NUM>. It is contemplated that the valve stem <NUM> may be inserted into the dispensing bore <NUM> about <NUM> and, in one embodiment, at least about <NUM>. In some embodiments, the valve stem <NUM> may be inserted into the dispensing bore <NUM> between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In yet other embodiments the valve stem <NUM> may be inserted into the dispensing bore <NUM> between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In a particular embodiment, the valve stem <NUM> is inserted into the dispensing bore <NUM> by at least about <NUM>. It is contemplated that in a pre-assembled and pre-actuated state the valve stem <NUM> will not be fully seated in the dispensing bore <NUM>. The first actuation of the dispenser <NUM> after purchase or after a new refill is loaded will fully insert the valve stem <NUM> of the container <NUM> into the dispensing bore <NUM>. After the first actuation, the friction fit between the valve stem <NUM> and the dispensing bore <NUM> will maintain the valve stem <NUM> fully inserted into the dispensing bore.

Now referring to <FIG>, another embodiment of the retaining apparatus <NUM> is depicted. This embodiment may be substantially the same structurally and operationally as the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, except that the upper tapered portion <NUM> of the central tube <NUM> has been replaced with a curved portion <NUM>. The curved portion may have a radius of curvature of about <NUM>. In other embodiments the radius of curvature R is between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In yet other embodiments the radius of curvature R is between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. It is contemplated that the curved portion <NUM> will provide a seal in a similar manner as the upper tapered portion <NUM> during an actuation step.

It is also anticipated that upon the provision of a container with a retaining apparatus to a consumer, e.g., at a store or through an online purchase, that instructions on how to use the container with retaining apparatus and/or dispenser will be provided. For example, the instructions may indicate that a user is to remove the container with the pre-attached retaining apparatus from a package or to otherwise prepare it for insertion into a dispenser. The instructions may also instruct a user to insert or otherwise place the container and retaining apparatus in functional communication with a dispenser. For example, in connection with the dispenser <NUM>, a user is instructed to: <NUM>) remove the sleeve <NUM> and top cover <NUM> from the base plate <NUM>; <NUM>) place the container within the cylindrical wall <NUM> and rest the flange <NUM> of the retaining apparatus <NUM> on an upper end of the wall <NUM>; and <NUM>) place the sleeve <NUM> and top cover <NUM> onto the base plate <NUM>. Thereafter, the instructions may inform a user that the device is to be activated to effect a certain outcome within an indoor or outdoor environment. For example, in connection with the dispenser <NUM>, a user may be instructed to press down on the top cover <NUM> twice to activate the dispenser <NUM> and cause fluid to be emitted to provide up to eight hours of insect repellency.

A retaining apparatus is presented that retains an aerosol container for dispensing aerosol material into the surrounding environment from a fluid dispenser. Thus, a user may experience the benefits provided by the material being introduced into the surrounding environment.

Claim 1:
A retaining apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to couple to a valve stem (<NUM>) of an aerosol container (<NUM>) and to interface with a dispenser (<NUM>) to actuate the valve stem (<NUM>), comprising:
a body portion defined between an exterior surface (<NUM>) and an internal bore (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to receive a valve stem, the body portion further comprising an upper surface and a frustoconical surface or a shoulder (<NUM>, <NUM>) between the upper surface and an exterior surface (<NUM>),
wherein the frustoconical surface or the shoulder (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to interface with an angled or rounded surface (<NUM>) on a dispenser (<NUM>) in order to actuate a valve stem (<NUM>); and
characterized in that
the body portion further includes an aperture (<NUM>) having a diameter selected to avoid atomization of fluid travelling through the aperture (<NUM>).