Abstract text

An improved valve assembly for use in a pressurized dispenser is disclosed. The disclosed valve assembly may include a valve housing and a blocking member operatively associated with the valve housing, wherein the wall of the valve housing includes at least one transverse primary opening and at least one transverse secondary opening thereon. The blocking member is slidable from a filling position, in which fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the valve housing is established through both primary and secondary openings, to a dispensing position, in which fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the valve housing is established only through the primary opening and not through the secondary opening. The blocking member may include a slidable sleeve, a slidable piston plate, or a combination of both. In operation, the disclosed valve member may provide an increased flow rate during product and/or propellant filling while retaining a regular flow rate during dispensing.