Abstract:
A retaining apparatus configured to couple to a valve stem of an aerosol container and to interface with a dispenser to actuate the valve stem. The apparatus includes a body portion having an internal bore configured to receive a valve stem. The internal bore has an internal diameter. A wall has a thickness defined between the internal bore and an exterior surface of the body portion. The body portion further includes an aperture having a diameter selected to avoid atomization of fluid travelling through the aperture. The wall thickness is selected to prevent collapsing of the wall when the valve stem is actuated.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable 
       REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable 
       SEQUENCE LISTING 
       [0003]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present disclosure 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. 
         [0006]    2. Description of the Background of the Invention 
         [0007]    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. 
         [0008]    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. 
         [0009]    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. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    According to one aspect, a retaining apparatus is configured to couple to a valve stem of an aerosol container and to interface with a dispenser to actuate the valve stem. The apparatus includes a body portion having an internal bore configured to receive a valve stem. The internal bore has an internal diameter. A wall has a thickness defined between the internal bore and an exterior surface of the body portion. The body portion further includes an aperture having a diameter selected to avoid atomization of fluid travelling through the aperture. The wall thickness is selected to prevent collapsing of the wall when the valve stem is actuated. 
         [0011]    According to another aspect, a retaining apparatus is configured to couple to a valve stem of an aerosol container and to interface with a dispenser to actuate the valve stem. The apparatus includes a body portion having an internal bore configured to receive a valve stem. The internal bore has an internal diameter and length. The body portion further includes an aperture having a diameter selected to avoid atomization of fluid travelling through the aperture. The valve stem extends at least about 1.7 mm into the internal bore. 
         [0012]    According to a further aspect, a retaining apparatus is configured to couple to a valve stem of an aerosol container and to interface with a dispenser to actuate the valve stem. The apparatus includes a body portion defined between an exterior surface and an internal bore configured to receive a valve stem. The body portion further comprises an upper surface and a frustoconical surface or a shoulder between the upper surface and an exterior surface. The frustoconical surface or the shoulder is configured to interface with an angled or rounded surface on a dispenser in order to actuate a valve stem. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is an elevational view of an aerosol container; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a dispenser assembly; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a dispenser base of the dispenser assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a lower housing of the dispenser base of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a partial, side elevational view of a portion of the lower housing and a portion of an upper housing of the dispenser base of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a portion of an upper housing of the dispenser base of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser base of  FIG. 3  taken along the line  7 - 7  thereof with portions of the container removed for purposes of clarity; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8 . is an isometric view of one embodiment of a retaining apparatus; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is another isometric view of the retaining apparatus of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of the retaining apparatus of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a top plan view of the retaining apparatus of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a bottom elevational view of the retaining apparatus of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the retaining apparatus of  FIG. 8  taken along the line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the retaining apparatus of  FIG. 13  mounted on the aerosol container of  FIG. 1  with portions of the container removed for purposes of clarity; 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is an isometric view of another embodiment of a retaining apparatus; 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is an isometric view of still another embodiment of a retaining apparatus; 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is another isometric view of the retaining apparatus of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is a side elevational view of the retaining apparatus of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a top plan view of the retaining apparatus of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is a bottom elevational view of the retaining apparatus of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the retaining apparatus of  FIG. 16  taken along the line  21 - 21  thereof of  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of the retaining apparatus of  FIG. 21  taken along the line  22 - 22  of  FIG. 19  and further mounted on the aerosol container of  FIG. 1  with portions of the container removed for purposes of clarity; 
           [0035]      FIG. 23  is an isometric view of another embodiment of a retaining apparatus similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 24  is an isometric view of yet another embodiment of a retaining apparatus; 
           [0037]      FIG. 25  is a side elevational view of the retaining apparatus of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 26  is a top plan view of the retaining apparatus of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view of the retaining apparatus of  FIG. 24  taken along the line  27 - 27  of  FIG. 26 ; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment similar to the one shown in  FIG. 27 . 
       
    
    
       [0041]    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. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    The proper securing of a container into an appropriate dispenser by way of a retention apparatus enhances the user&#39;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. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a container  100  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. 
         [0044]    The aerosol container  100  includes a reservoir or lower portion  102  and a sealing cap or upper portion  104 . A lower rim  106  of the sealing cap  104  and an upper tapered portion  108  of the reservoir  102  define a retaining notch  110  that circumscribes the aerosol container  100 . A valve stem  112  extends vertically from an upper portion  114  of the sealing cap  104 . It is contemplated that in some embodiments that the valve stem  112  may be a vertically actuated valve stem. In other embodiments, the valve stem  112  may be a tilt-actuated valve stem. 
         [0045]    The container  100  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. C. 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  100 . The container  100  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  100 . 
         [0046]    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  FIGS. 2-7 , one particular embodiment of a dispenser  200  is illustrated that generally includes a base  202  designed to accommodate the container  100  with a flowable medium (not shown). The dispenser  200  further includes a sleeve  204  that extends upwardly from the base  202 . 
         [0047]    Now turning to  FIG. 3 , the base  202  is depicted without the sleeve  204 . The base  202  includes a top cover  206 . One or more dispensing apertures  208  may be defined by or provided within the top cover  206 . With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , which illustrate the base  202  without the top cover  206 , a base plate  210  is depicted. The base plate  210  includes a sleeve  212 , which in the present embodiment is a central cylindrical wall  212 . A volume  214  (see  FIG. 7 ) is defined by the central cylindrical wall  212  and receives the lower portion  102  of the aerosol container  100  when the container  100  is mounted in the dispenser  200 . 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 4, 5, 7 and 14 , a first embodiment of a retaining apparatus  216  is shown retaining the aerosol container  100 . The retaining apparatus  216  includes a lower portion  218  with a flange  220  extending radially outward therefrom. In the present embodiment, the flange  220  rests on an upper end of the cylindrical wall  212  to hold the container above the base plate  210 . Retaining tabs  222  extend radially inward from the lower portion  218  of the retaining apparatus  216 . The retaining tabs  222  are configured to hold the aerosol container  100  within the retaining apparatus  216  by snapping into the retaining notch  110 , as best seen in  FIG. 5 . The retaining apparatus  216  and the sealing cap  104  are dimensioned so that the lower rim  106  of the sealing cap  104  is immovably retained between the retaining tabs  222  and an upper lip  224  extending inwardly over the lower rim  106 , as best seen in  FIGS. 7 and 14 . 
         [0049]    Returning to  FIGS. 4 and 8-14 , the retaining apparatus  216  also includes an upper portion  230 . A plurality of upwardly facing teeth  232  are circumferentially disposed around a central tube  234  that defines a discharge bore  236 . 
         [0050]    Now turning to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a discharge portion  240  of the top cover  206  is depicted. The discharge portion  240  may be disposed on an underside of the top cover  206  in order for the discharge portion  240  to interface with the retaining apparatus  216 . 
         [0051]    A plurality of downward facing teeth  242  depend from a bottom surface  244  of the discharge portion  240  and are disposed circumferentially around a central dispensing bore  246 . It is contemplated that the discharge portion  240  of the top cover  206  may be a separate piece as depicted here. In such a scenario, the discharge portion  240  may be press fit into a receiving aperture (not shown) of the top cover  206  or attached by any other means as would be known by one of ordinarily skill. In other embodiments, the discharge portion  240  may be integrally formed with the top cover  206  or attached in some other manner. 
         [0052]    Turning again to  FIG. 5 , the retaining apparatus  216  is depicted with the discharge portion  240  assembled such that the upward facing teeth  232  are positioned between respective pairs of the downward facing teeth  242 . In one aspect, the upward facing teeth  232  are sized to form an interference fit between the respective pairs of downward facing teeth  242 . In another aspect, and as shown in the figures, the upward facing teeth  232  are sized to provide circumferential and/or longitudinal clearance between the respective pairs of downward facing teeth  242 . For example, the tips of the upward facing teeth  232  and a bottom surface  244  of the discharge portion  236  may be distanced from one another. Regardless of whether the teeth  232 ,  242  are in contact, one or both of the upward facing teeth  232  and the downward facing teeth  242  may have ramped surfaces to facilitate engagement between the teeth. 
         [0053]    The retaining apparatus  216  includes a bridge portion  250  that includes a plurality of resilient arms  252  coupling the upper portion  230  to the lower portion  218 . As seen in  FIG. 4 , the upward facing teeth  232  are circumferentially aligned with a respective plurality of resilient arms  252 . The lower portion  218 , bridge portion  250 , and upper portion  230  define a cavity  254  configured to receive and retain the sealing cap or upper portion  104  of an aerosol container  100 . 
         [0054]    As best seen in  FIG. 7 , the valve stem  112  of the aerosol container  100  is positioned within the discharge bore  236  of the central tube  234  of the retaining apparatus  216  upon insertion of the container  100  therein. When the top cover  206  including the discharge portion  240  is assembled over the base plate  210 , the central tube  234  of the retaining apparatus  216  is received within the central dispensing bore  246  of the discharge portion  240 . 
         [0055]    With continued reference to  FIG. 7 , it has been contemplated that when a user grasps the top cover  206  and presses downward, the force is transferred from the top cover  206  to the central discharge portion  240  and subsequently on to the upper portion  230  of the retaining apparatus  216 . The flange  220  of the retaining apparatus  216  prevents the container  100  from moving during the actuation of the dispenser  200 . Additionally, the resilient arms  252  of the bridge section  250  deform, thereby allowing the downward force to translate to the vertical movement of the valve stem  112  within the central tube  234  of the retaining apparatus  216 . This, in turn, opens a valve within a valve assembly (not shown) of the aerosol container  100  to allow for the dispensing of the flowable medium contained therein. Upon release of the top cover  206 , the spring force of the valve assembly (not shown) returns the dispenser to the pre-actuated position. The resilient arms  252  of the bridge section  250  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  200  is ready for use and the emission of material. 
         [0056]    While the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7  includes a container  100  that extends almost completely to the base plate  210 , it is contemplated that in some embodiments, the container  100  may extend the entire length of the wall  212  to the base plate  210 . Further, in other embodiments the container  100  may be significantly shorter than the central cylindrical wall so as to be raised above the base plate  210 . 
         [0057]    It is contemplated that one or more aspects of the upper portion  230  of the retaining apparatus  216  overcomes the drawbacks to refill containers described above. First, the upward facing teeth  232  can serve multiple purposes. The length of the central tube  234  to the teeth  232  may provide a structural relationship such that a seal is impossible to form between the central tube  234  and an improper dispenser. Further, the appearance in general of the upward facing teeth  232  and the retaining apparatus  216  may serve as a visual indicator to a user about the purpose of the refill. Also, the enlarged diameter of the central tube  234  of the retaining apparatus  216  in comparison to a diameter of the valve stem  112  of the container  100  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  216  will need a receptacle that is configured to receive the central tube  234 , which has a larger diameter than the valve stem  112 . 
         [0058]    Now referring to  FIG. 13 , the central tube  234  may include an upper tapered or angled section  260 , thereby forming a frustoconical shoulder depending downward from an upper edge of the central tube  234 . The angled section  260  is angled inward at an angle A toward a central axis  262  of the retaining apparatus  216 . The angled section  260  is configured to form a seal with a tapered or angled portion  264  (see  FIG. 6 ) disposed around the circumference of the central dispensing bore  246  of the discharge portion  240  of the base. As an alternative to the frustoconical surface shown in  FIG. 13 , the angled section  260  (and/or the angled portion  264  of  FIG. 6 ) 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 0.5 millimeters (mm). In other embodiments the radius of curvature R is between about 0.4 mm and about 1.0 mm. In yet other embodiments the radius of curvature R is between about 0.2 mm and about 1.5 mm. In some embodiments the angle A is about 15° (degrees). In certain embodiments the angle A is between about 12° and about 18°. In other embodiments the angle A is between about 10° and about 20°. In a particular embodiment the angle is at least about 10°. Although shown and described in connection with the embodiments of  FIGS. 4-15 , the central tube  234  in each of the following embodiments described herein may include the same or a similar angled portion or rounded portion. 
         [0059]    With reference still to  FIG. 13 , and in general to all embodiments that include teeth  232 , the central tube  234  may extend a length L upwardly beyond the uppermost edges of the plurality of upward facing teeth  232 . It is contemplated that in some embodiments the length L is about 2.6 millimeters (mm). In other embodiments the length L is between about 1 mm and about 3 mm. In still other embodiments the length L is between about 2 mm and about 3 mm. The length L of the central tube  234  above the plurality of upward facing teeth  232 , or in an embodiment with no upward facing teeth  232  the entire length of the conduit, can be configured so as to prevent the angled section  260  from forming a seal in improper devices. As discussed previously, by making the distance L shorter than the extent a valve stem  112  is traditionally inserted into a device, the functionality of such containers  100  that do not utilize the retaining apparatus  216  is reduced. Another embodiment of the retaining apparatus  216  is depicted in  FIG. 15 , that is structurally and operationally identical to the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 4-15  except that there are no upward facing teeth  232 . 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIGS. 16-23 , a second embodiment of a retaining apparatus  300  is depicted. The retaining apparatus  300  comprises a lower portion  302  that includes a flange  304  extending circumferentially therefrom. The lower portion  302  also includes inward facing retaining tabs  306 . A container  100  is retained within the retaining apparatus  300  by the retaining tabs  306  snapping into place in the retaining notch  110  of the container  100  (as shown in  FIG. 22 ). The lower portion  302  defines an interior volume  308  (see  FIG. 17 ). The lower portion  314  includes a lip  310  extending into the interior volume  308  configured to abut the lower rim  106  of the sealing cap  104 . Thus, when a container  100  is inserted into the retaining apparatus  300 , the lower rim  106  of the sealing cap  104  is retained between the retaining tabs  306  and the lip  310  of the lower portion  302  (see  FIG. 22 ). The lower portion  302  includes rounded protrusions  312  that extend inward from an interior surface  314  of the lower portion  302  (see  FIGS. 17 and 21 ). The rounded protrusions  312  are configured to support the lower rim  106  of the container  100  by extending into the retaining notch  110  (see  FIG. 22 ). 
         [0061]    The embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 16-23  include a separate upper portion  330 . As best seen in  FIG. 21 , the upper potion  330  is slidably or telescopically disposed within a bridge section  332  of the lower portion  302 . 
         [0062]    The bridge section  332  includes a cylindrical side wall  334  and upper retaining lips  336 , as seen in  FIG. 16 . The upper retaining lips  336  and the side wall  334  define an aperture  338  through which the upper portion  330  extends. 
         [0063]    Turning again to  FIG. 21 , the upper portion  330  includes a sidewall  340  having a lower flange  342 . The lower flange  342  of the upper sidewall  340  catches the upper retaining lips  336  of the bridge section  332  (see  FIG. 21 ). The upper portion  330  includes a top wall  344 . A central tube  346  is disposed on the top wall  344  of the upper portion  330 . A dispensing bore  348  is defined by the central tube  346 . A lower portion  350  of the dispensing bore  348  is configured to receive the valve stem  112  of the container  100 . An upper portion  352  of the dispensing bore  348  is in fluid communication with the valve stem  112  and the central discharge bore  246  of the discharge portion  240  of the top cover  206 . 
         [0064]    A plurality of upward facing teeth  360  are disposed on the top wall  344  and are coupled to or integrally formed with the central tube  346 . In certain embodiments there may only be a single upward facing tooth  360  and the corresponding discharge portion  240  of the base  202  would be configured to receive it. 
         [0065]    Another embodiment of the retaining apparatus  300  is depicted in  FIG. 23 . This embodiment may be substantially the same structurally and operationally as the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 16-22 , except that there are no upward facing teeth  360  in  FIG. 23 . 
         [0066]    Regardless of the embodiment, it is contemplated that the actuation of the valve stem  112  of the container  100  is similar to the interaction of the retaining apparatus  216  with the discharge portion  240 . Instead of the resilient arms  252  deforming, the upper portion  330  is displaced downward into the bridge portion  332  to allow for actuation of the valve stem  112 . It is also contemplated that the retaining apparatus  300  may retain the container  100  in the same configurations as the retaining apparatus  216  within the dispenser  200 . 
         [0067]    Now turning to  FIGS. 24-27 , a fourth embodiment of a retaining apparatus  500  is depicted. The retaining apparatus  500  includes a base plate  502 . A central tube  504  extends upwards from a top surface  506  of the base plate  502 . The central tube  504  defines a dispensing bore  508  having an inside diameter ID (see  FIG. 27 ). An outside diameter OD is defined by an outer surface  510  of the central tube  504  (see  FIG. 27 ). A wall thickness WT is defined as half the difference between the inner diameter ID and the outer diameter OD (see  FIG. 27 ). The retaining apparatus  500  also includes a plurality of upward facing teeth  512  that are coupled to the top surface  506  and the outer surface  510 . The central tube may include an upper tapered portion  514 . The upper tapered portion  514  serves the same purpose as the angled section  260  of the retaining apparatus  216 , which is to form a seal with the angled section  264  of the discharge portion  240  of the dispenser  200 . 
         [0068]    With reference still to  FIG. 27 , it is contemplated that the inner diameter ID of the dispensing bore  508  is dimensioned to receive the valve stem  112  of the aerosol container  100 . 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  100  and still maintain a fluid tight seal. Further, the retaining apparatus  500  will form a similar seal and retention relationship between the outer surface  510  of the central tube and the central dispensing bore  246  of the discharge portion  240  of the dispenser  200 . It is contemplated that in some embodiments the retaining apparatus  500  may be integrally formed with the valve stem  112 . 
         [0069]    The inside diameter ID is contemplated to be about 1.4 millimeters (mm). In one embodiment the inside diameter ID is between about 1.1 mm and about 1.7 mm. In a different embodiment the inside diameter ID is between about 0.8 mm and about 2.0 mm. It is also contemplated that the outside diameter OD be about 4.6 mm. In some embodiments the outside diameter OD is between about 4.4 mm and about 4.8 mm. In other embodiments the outside diameter OD is between about 4.2 mm and about 5.0 mm. In one particular embodiment, the inside diameter ID and the outside diameter OD are at least about 0.8 mm and 4.2 mm, respectively. As mentioned above, the wall thickness WT of the central tube  504  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 1.6 mm. In other embodiments, the wall thickness WT is between about 1.45 mm and about 1.75 mm. In still other embodiments, the wall thickness is at least about 1.45 mm. It is contemplated that the wall thickness WT impacts the ability of the retaining apparatus  500  to survive the insertion process of the valve stem  112  and the insertion of the central tube  504  in the central dispensing bore  246  of the dispenser  200 . In fact, insufficient wall thickness WT may result in cracks or failure that prevent the appropriate seals to be formed. 
         [0070]    It is also contemplated that the upper tapered portion  514  has a discharge aperture  520  with an aperture diameter AD (see  FIG. 27 ). The aperture diameter AD may be smaller than the inner diameter ID of the dispensing bore  508 . However, the discharge aperture  520  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 0.9 millimeters (mm). In some embodiments the aperture diameter AD is between about 0.8 mm and about 1.0 mm. In other embodiments the aperture diameter AD is between about 0.6 mm and about 1.2 mm. In one particular embodiment the aperture diameter AD is at least about 0.6 mm. 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  500 . 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  112  through the discharge aperture  520 . Subsequent to the fluids passage though the discharge aperture  520 , 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  208  that are farther downstream from the discharge aperture  520 . 
         [0071]    Still referring to  FIG. 27 , the dispensing bore  508  has a vertical length VL of about 1.7 millimeters (mm). In some embodiments the vertical length VL is between about 1.5 mm and about 1.9 mm. In certain embodiments the vertical length VL is between about 1.3 mm and about 2.1 mm. In one particular embodiment, the vertical length VL is at least about 1.3 mm. It is contemplated that the valve stem  112  may be inserted into the dispensing bore  508  about 1.7 mm and, in one embodiment, at least about 1.7 mm. In some embodiments, the valve stem  112  may be inserted into the dispensing bore  508  between about 1.5 mm and about 1.9 mm. In yet other embodiments the valve stem  112  may be inserted into the dispensing bore  508  between about 1.3 mm and about 1.9 mm. In a particular embodiment, the valve stem  112  is inserted into the dispensing bore  508  by at least about 1.3 mm. It is contemplated that in a pre-assembled and pre-actuated state the valve stem  112  will not be fully seated in the dispensing bore  508 . The first actuation of the dispenser  200  after purchase or after a new refill is loaded will fully insert the valve stem  112  of the container  100  into the dispensing bore  508 . After the first actuation, the friction fit between the valve stem  112  and the dispensing bore  508  will maintain the valve stem  112  fully inserted into the dispensing bore. 
         [0072]    Now referring to  FIG. 28 , another embodiment of the retaining apparatus  500  is depicted. This embodiment may be substantially the same structurally and operationally as the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 24-27 , except that the upper tapered portion  514  of the central tube  504  has been replaced with a curved portion  522 . The curved portion may have a radius of curvature of about 0.5 mm. In other embodiments the radius of curvature R is between about 0.4 mm and about 1.0 mm. In yet other embodiments the radius of curvature R is between about 0.2 mm and about 1.5 mm. It is contemplated that the curved portion  522  will provide a seal in a similar manner as the upper tapered portion  514  during an actuation step. 
         [0073]    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  200 , a user is instructed to: 1) remove the sleeve  204  and top cover  206  from the base plate  210 ; 2) place the container within the cylindrical wall  212  and rest the flange  220  of the retaining apparatus  216  on an upper end of the wall  212 ; and 3) place the sleeve  204  and top cover  206  onto the base plate  210 . 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  200 , a user may be instructed to press down on the top cover  206  twice to activate the dispenser  200  and cause fluid to be emitted to provide up to eight hours of insect repellency. 
         [0074]    Any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in connection with different embodiments. Further, the present disclosure is not limited to fluid dispensers or fluid dispenser aerosol refill retaining apparatuses of the type specifically shown. Still further, the aerosol refill retaining apparatuses of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be modified to work with any type of fluid dispenser that utilizes a refill container. 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0075]    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. 
         [0076]    Numerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention and to teach the best mode of carrying out same. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.