Patent Publication Number: US-8967436-B2

Title: Dispensing system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable 
     REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     SEQUENTIAL LISTING 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a dispensing system including an overcap with an actuator for placement on a container, and more particularly, to an actuator having at least one tab with a plurality of angled and flat surfaces for engagement with a flange extending from a sidewall of an overcap. 
     2. Description of the Background of the Invention 
     Aerosol containers are commonly used to store and dispense a product such as air freshening agents, deodorants, insecticides, germicides, decongestants, perfumes, or any other known products. The product is forced from the container through an aerosol valve by a hydrocarbon or non-hydrocarbon propellant. Typical aerosol containers comprise a body with an opening at a top end thereof. A mounting cup is crimped to the opening of the container to seal the top end of the body. The mounting cup is generally circular in geometry and may include an outer wall that extends upwardly from a base of the mounting cup adjacent the area of crimping. A pedestal also extends upwardly from a central portion of the base. A valve assembly includes a valve stem, a valve body, and a valve spring. The valve stem extends through the pedestal, wherein a distal end extends upwardly away from the pedestal and a proximal end is disposed within the valve body. The valve body is secured within an inner side of the mounting cup and a dip tube may be attached to the valve body. The dip tube extends downwardly into an interior of the body of the container. The distal end of the valve stem is axially depressed along a longitudinal axis thereof to open the valve assembly. In other containers, the valve stem is tilted or displaced in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis to radially actuate the valve stem. When the valve assembly is opened, a pressure differential between the container interior and the atmosphere forces the contents of the container out through an orifice of the valve stem. 
     Aerosol containers frequently include an overcap that covers a top end of the container. Typical overcaps are releasably attached to the container by way of an outwardly protruding ridge, which circumscribes the interior lower edge of the overcap and interacts with a crimped seam that circumscribes a top portion of the container. When the overcap is placed onto the top portion of the container, downward pressure is applied to the overcap, which causes the ridge to ride over an outer edge of the seam and lock under a ledge defined by a lower surface of the seam. 
     In some systems, the overcap includes a dispensing orifice to allow product to escape therethrough. In such systems, an actuator typically interacts with the valve stem to release product into the actuator and out through the dispensing orifice of the overcap. Further, such actuators typically include an actuation mechanism, such as a button or trigger, that is integral with the actuator. 
     Numerous problems arise with prior art actuation systems during the manufacturing process. In particular, prior art actuators, such as actuator buttons, may be secured to the overcap via ultrasonic welding, interference fit, pin and socket, or other methods during manufacture. Such securement techniques do not allow the actuator button the freedom to flex during the actuation process when used by a consumer. The actuator buttons of such systems are typically secured to a front sidewall directly adjacent the dispensing orifice of the overcap. This rigid connection may lead to the actuator button breaking upon very little force being applied thereto. Also, anchoring the actuator button to the sidewall in such a manner ultimately causes fatigue in the actuator button, which may result in the breakage and/or distortion of the button or connection point. 
     A different problem associated with such prior art systems is that applying force to the actuator button to effectuate actuation oftentimes causes the actuator to misalign with the dispensing orifice, thereby causing product to be sprayed on internal portions of the overcap as opposed to through the dispensing orifice. 
     A further problem associated with such prior art systems occurs when the overcap is retained (or seated) onto the container during an assembly process. Given the varying manufacturing tolerances of the actuator and/or valve stem of the container, placement of the overcap on the container may force the actuator into an undesired operative position when first placed on the container. Misalignment leads to more overcaps being miscapped and/or breakage of the actuator. Such problems slow the manufacturing line during the assembly process, which results in lost profits to the manufacturer. Still further, during use, downward pressure exerted by a user on a button of the actuator may cause the actuator to become misaligned with the valve stem given varying manufacturing tolerances. 
     Therefore, a solution is provided herein that provides for a dispensing system that includes a container, an overcap, and an actuator at least partially disposed within the overcap. The actuator includes a plurality of angled and flat surfaces that are adapted to interact with channels disposed in flanges that extend from the overcap. The interaction between the angled and flat surfaces of the actuator and the channels of the flanges specifically provide the actuator with alignment capabilities before, during, and after actuation. 
     Further, the present disclosure provides novel ways to retain the actuator within the flanges of the overcap that require a more streamlined and cost effective manufacturing process. 
     Still further, allowing the overcap to flex and pivot during actuation extends the life of the actuator, while at the same time still retaining proper spray angles, preventing the actuator from being misaligned from the dispensing orifice, and preventing miscapping, breakage, or actuation during the manufacturing process. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the invention, an actuator includes a conduit and first and second tabs protruding from the conduit. Each tab includes a first angled face and a first flat face disposed adjacent a first end of the tab and a second angled face and a second flat face disposed adjacent a second end of the tab. 
     According to a different aspect of the invention, an overcap for a container has a sidewall forming a chamber. A dispensing orifice is provided within the sidewall of the overcap. First and second flanges each have a channel formed therein. The first and second flanges extend from the sidewall. An actuator has first and second tabs protruding therefrom. Each tab includes a first and a second flat face and a first and a second angled face. 
     According to a further aspect of the present invention, an overcap for a container includes a sidewall having a dispensing orifice formed therein. An actuator has first and second tabs protruding therefrom. First and second flanges extend from the sidewall, wherein each flange has a channel formed therein. The first and second tabs are retained within the channels of the first and second flanges by first and second movable posts extending from the first and second flanges, respectively. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a method of seating an overcap on a container includes the steps of providing a container with a valve stem and providing an overcap having a dispensing orifice and first and second flanges extending therefrom, wherein the flanges each include a channel disposed therein. Another step includes providing an actuator, which includes a conduit with an outlet orifice and a valve seat, wherein first and second tabs extend from the conduit, and wherein each tab includes two flat faces and two angled faces. The method further includes the step of positioning the first and second tabs within the first and second flanges, respectively, wherein the first and second flat faces of each tab substantially prevent clockwise rotational movement, thereby placing the outlet orifice of the conduit in substantial alignment with the dispensing orifice of the overcap. Another step of the method includes mating the overcap to the container, whereby the valve stem is seated within the valve seat of the conduit. Counter-clockwise rotational movement imparted to the conduit by the mating provides for the constrained movement of the first and second tabs by way of the first and second angled faces within the first and second flanges, respectively, thereby preventing substantial misalignment of the outlet orifice of the conduit with the dispensing orifice of the overcap. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front isometric view of a product dispensing system that includes a container and an overcap attached thereto; 
         FIG. 2  is a front isometric view of the container of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2   a  is cross-sectional side view of the product dispensing system of  FIG. 1  taken generally along the line  2   a - 2   a  shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front isometric view of the overcap of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom front isometric view of the overcap of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom rear isometric view of the overcap of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the overcap of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the overcap of  FIG. 1  taken generally along the line  7 - 7  shown in  FIG. 3  without an actuator; 
         FIG. 7   a  is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the overcap of  FIG. 7 , with some portions removed for the purpose of clarity; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged isometric view of a flange depicted within the overcap of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric view of an actuator adapted to be used in the product dispensing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of the actuator of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of the actuator of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the overcap of  FIG. 3  taken along the line  12 - 12  thereof; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged side elevational view of a tab that extends outwardly from the actuator of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial cross-sectional view of the dispensing system of  FIG. 1  in a first non-actuation state; 
         FIG. 15  is a partial cross-sectional view of the dispensing system of  FIG. 1  in a second pre-actuation state; 
         FIG. 16  a partial cross-sectional view of the dispensing system of  FIG. 1  in a third actuation state; 
         FIG. 17  is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of a different embodiment of an overcap, with some portions removed for the purpose of clarity; and 
         FIG. 18  is an isometric view of an actuator for use with the overcap of  FIG. 17 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  depicts a product dispensing system  50  that includes a container  52  and an overcap  54  disposed thereon. An actuator  56  is at least partially disposed within the overcap  54  and facilitates the product being dispensed from the dispensing system  50 . In use, the product dispensing system  50  is adapted to release a product from the container  52  upon the occurrence of a particular condition, such as the manual activation of the overcap  54  by a user of the dispensing system  50 . The product discharged may be a fragrance or insecticide disposed within a carrier liquid, a deodorizing liquid, or the like. The product may also comprise other actives, such as sanitizers, air fresheners, cleaners, odor eliminators, mold or mildew inhibitors, insect repellents, and/or the like, and/or that have aromatherapeutic properties. The product alternatively comprises any solid, liquid, or gas known to those skilled in the art that may be dispensed from a container. It is also contemplated that the container may contain any type of pressurized or non-pressurized product and/or mixtures thereof. The product dispensing system  50  is therefore adapted to dispense any number of different products. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 2 , the container  52  comprises a substantially cylindrical body  58  with an opening  60  at a top end  62  thereof. A mounting cup  64  is crimped to a tapered portion of the container  52 , which defines the opening  60 . The mounting cup  64  seals the top end  62  of the body  58 . A second crimped portion at a bottom end of the tapered portion defines a seam  66 . The seam  66  and/or mounting cup  64  provide a location in which the overcap  54  may be attached thereto, as is known in the art. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the mounting cup  64  is generally circular-shaped and may include an annular wall  68  that protrudes upwardly from a base  70  of the mounting cup  64  adjacent the area of crimping. A central pedestal  72  extends upwardly from a central portion  74  of the base  70 . A conventional valve assembly (not shown in detail) includes a valve stem  76 , which is connected to a valve body (not shown) and a valve spring (not shown) disposed within the container  52 . The valve stem  76  extends upwardly through the pedestal  72 , wherein a distal end  78  extends upwardly away from the pedestal  72  and is adapted to interact with the actuator  56  disposed within the overcap  54 . A longitudinal axis A extends through the valve stem  76 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 2   a , prior to use, the actuator  56  is placed in fluid communication with the distal end  78  of the valve stem  76 . A user may manually or automatically operate the actuator  56  to open the valve assembly, which causes a pressure differential between the container interior and the atmosphere to force the contents of the container  52  out through an orifice  80  of the valve stem  76 , through the overcap  54 , and into the atmosphere. While the present disclosure describes the applicants&#39; invention with respect to the aerosol container  52 , the present invention may be practiced with any type of container known to those skilled in the art. 
     Now turning to  FIGS. 3-7 , the overcap  54  is described with greater particularity. The overcap  54  includes a substantially cylindrical bulbous body  90  comprising a sidewall  92  that extends upwardly from a lower edge  94  and tapers inwardly toward a top wall  96 . The top wall  96  slopes downwardly from a front edge  98  to a rear edge  100  thereof and includes an opening  102  (see  FIG. 7 ) disposed therein. The opening  102  is adapted to receive portions of the actuator  56  as will be described in more detail hereinbelow. The overcap  54  further includes a dispensing orifice  104  disposed in the sidewall  92  adjacent the front edge  98  of the overcap  54 , which allows the emission of product outwardly therethrough. 
     The overcap  54  further includes an opening  110  adjacent the lower edge  94  for receiving portions of the container  52 . As best seen in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  7 , the overcap  54  includes a plurality of outwardly extending securement ribs  112  disposed around an interior surface  114  thereof. The securement ribs  112  are oriented in a manner substantially parallel with the lower edge  94 . A plurality of rectilinear protrusions  116  are disposed between the securement ribs  112  and are adapted to allow for variances of different container sizes for use with the overcap. Specifically, the protrusions  116  relieve pressure on the sidewall of the overcap in the event that a container having a larger diameter (i.e., a diameter that is substantially similar to that of the overcap) is inserted into the overcap. In traditional systems, overcaps are unable to be mated with larger containers because of the limited flexibility of the overcap. Further, excessive outward stresses on these traditional overcaps may cause them to crack. Additionally, the alternating structure of securement rib  112 /protrusion  116  allows for the overcap to be mated to a container having a smaller diameter. The securement rib  112 /protrusion  116  setup provides enough interference action with the container to retain the overcap thereon. 
     The interior surface  114  of the sidewall  92  further includes a plurality of equidistantly spaced elongate secondary stabilizing ribs  120  that extend radially inwardly toward the center of overcap  54 . The stabilizing ribs  120  are substantially parallel with one another and are provided above the securement ribs  112 . In a preferred embodiment an equal number of ribs  112  and  120  are provided, wherein each stabilizing rib  120  is substantially aligned with a central portion  122  of a corresponding securement rib  112 . As best seen in  FIG. 2   a , upon placement of the overcap  54  onto a container  52 , the seam  66  thereof is fittingly retained within an annular gap  124  (see  FIG. 5 ) provided between the securement ribs  112  and the stabilizing ribs  120  in a snap-fit type manner. Any number and size of ribs  112 ,  120  may be included that circumscribe the interior surface  114  of the overcap  54  to assist in attaching the overcap  54  to the container  52 . Alternatively, other methods may be utilized to secure the overcap  54  to the container  52  as known in the art. 
     The stabilizing ribs  120  may also provide additional structural integrity to the overcap  54  for allowing increased top-loads on the overcap  54 . Specifically, bottom surfaces of the stabilizing ribs  120  interact with portions of the container  52  to assist in spreading forces exerted on upper portions of the overcap  54  about the container  52 . Further, the stabilizing ribs  120  assist in aligning and positioning the overcap  54  in the proper position during and/or after the capping process. Such alignment assistance helps to ensure that the actuator  56  is positioned correctly onto the valve stem  76 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 5 , two similarly shaped elongate flanges  130   a ,  130   b  extend downwardly from the interior surface  114  of the sidewall  92  of the overcap  54 . The flanges  130   a ,  130   b  are attached to the sidewall  92  at a first end  132 . A second end  134  of the flanges  130   a ,  130   b  is spaced from the sidewall  92 . The first end  132  of the flanges  130  are connected to the sidewall  92  at a point adjacent the dispensing orifice  104  and extend downwardly in a manner substantially parallel with the stabilizing ribs  120 . A gap  136  (see  FIGS. 7 and 7   a ) is formed between a front edge  138  of each of the flanges  130   a ,  130   b  and the interior surface  114  of the sidewall  92 . The gap  136  allows the flanges  130   a ,  130   b  to flex and act as a hinge during the actuation process, as opposed to the flanges  130  being secured to the overcap  54  along the length of the front edge  138 . The width of the gap  136 , as measured between an axis “B” and “C” that are parallel with one another, is preferably at least about 0.2 mm. In a particular embodiment, a preferred range of the gap  136  is between about 0.2 mm and about 10 mm, more preferably about 0.8 mm to about 3 mm, and most preferably about 1 mm. The axis “B” intersects the sidewall  92  and the axis “C” runs longitudinally parallel through the front edge  138  of the flanges  130   a ,  130   b . The spacing of the gap  136  is specifically sized to allow the appropriate amount of flexing of the actuator  56  while still providing the guiding functions as discussed herein. The size of the gap  136  may be adjusted to an appropriate size such that the advantages described herein may be realized. Various manufacturing considerations may be taken into account such as the container size, the overcap size, the type of product being dispensed, the actuator size, the manufacturing materials of the components, and the like. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 5 , the flanges  130   a ,  130   b  are each defined by an outer sidewall  140  having movable posts  142   a ,  142   b  extending therefrom and an inner sidewall  144  having channels  146   a ,  146   b  formed therein, respectively. Distal ends  148  of the posts  142   a ,  142   b  extend downwardly past the second ends  134  of the flanges  130   a ,  130   b . The distal ends  148  of the movable posts  142   a ,  142   b  are adapted to be folded over and at least partially cover a portion of the channels  146   a ,  146   b  accessible through the second ends  134  of the flanges  130   a ,  130   b . In a different embodiment, the distal ends  148  of the movable posts  142   a ,  142   b  cover at least all of the portions of the channels  146   a ,  146   b  accessible through the second ends  134  of the flanges  130   a ,  130   b . In some embodiments, the posts  142   a ,  142   b  are integral with the flanges  130   a ,  130   b , whereas in other embodiments the posts  142   a ,  142   b  are separate structures attached to the flanges  130   a ,  130   b . The posts  142   a ,  142   b  may be formed utilizing any process known to those of skill in the art, such as heat staking, cold forming, rolling over, swedging, or the like. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , each channel  146   a ,  146   b  is rectilinear and extends from a point adjacent the first end  132  of the flange  130   a ,  130   b  downwardly toward the second end  134  of the flange  130   a ,  130   b . Referring to  FIG. 8 , the channels  146   a ,  146   b  are defined by interior surfaces  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c  and an end wall  162 . Prior to manufacturing, the channels  146   a ,  146   b  are open at the second end  134  to allow for the insertion of portions of the actuator  56 . In the present embodiment, the interior surfaces  160   a - c  have a length dimension of between about 2 mm to about 10 mm and a width dimension of between about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm, and more preferably of between about 4 mm to about 8 mm and between about 0.75 mm to about 2 mm, respectively. Each of the channels  146   a ,  146   b  further includes a depth dimension of between about 0.2 mm to about 1 mm, and more preferably about 0.4 mm. In a different embodiment, the channels  146   a ,  146   b  comprise interior surfaces with varying cross-sections and sizes, which are adapted to interact with corresponding parts on the actuator  56 . The channels  146  act as an alignment and guidance mechanism for the actuator  56  as will be described in greater detail hereinbelow. 
     Now turning to  FIGS. 9-12 , the actuator  56  is shown to include a button  180  disposed on a conduit  182  and an elongate body  184  extending therefrom. The button  180  is integral with the conduit  182  and the body  184 . The button  180  includes a complementary shape to the opening  102  in the top wall  96  of the overcap  54  (see  FIG. 3 ) and extends partially therethrough. The conduit  182  in the present embodiment comprises a vertical conduit  186 , which is in fluid communication with the valve stem  76  of the container  52  at a first end thereof and attached to the button  180  at a second end thereof. The body  184  of the present embodiment comprises a horizontal conduit  188  that is in fluid communication with the vertical conduit  186  at a first end thereof. The vertical conduit  186  includes an inlet orifice  190  (see  FIG. 12 ) that is sized to receive the valve stem  76  from the container  52 . The inlet orifice  190  allows fluid to pass through a passageway  192  (see  FIGS. 2   a  and  12 ) that extends through the conduits  186 ,  188  to an outlet orifice  194 . A truncated cylindrical head  196  is disposed adjacent a second end of the horizontal conduit  188  and includes the outlet orifice  194  extending therethrough. Various components as known in the art may be optionally included in portions of the actuator  56  such as, for example, a swirl chamber, a nozzle insert, and the like. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 9 ,  11 , and  13 , two elongate tabs  200   a ,  200   b  protrude outwardly from the head  196  of the actuator  56  on opposing sides of the outlet orifice  194 . The tabs  200   a ,  200   b  each include a first flat face  202  and a first angled face  204  disposed adjacent a first end  206  of the tabs  200   a ,  200   b , and a second flat face  208  and a second angled face  210  disposed adjacent a second end  212  of the tabs  200   a ,  200   b . The first end  206  of the tabs  200   a ,  200   b  each include a rounded edge that assists in centering the actuator  56  within the overcap  54  as will be described in more detail hereinbelow. The first and second flat faces  202 ,  208  extend in a substantially parallel manner with respect to an axis  218 , which is defined by a center point of the tabs  200   a ,  200   b  (see  FIG. 13 ). The first flat face  202  and the second angled face  210  are coextensive with each other and form a first side  214  of the tabs  200   a ,  200   b . The first angled face  204  and the second flat face  208  are coextensive with each other and form a second side  216  of the tabs  200   a ,  200   b . The second flat face  208  and the second angled face  210  have length dimensions that are greater than the corresponding length dimensions of the first flat face  202  and the first angled face  204 , respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the second flat face  208  has a length dimension of between about 1 mm to about 4 mm and the second angled face  210  has a length dimension of between about 1 mm to about 4 mm. Further, the first flat face  202  preferably has a length dimension of between about 1 mm to about 4 mm and the first angled face  204  has a length dimension of between about 1 mm to about 4 mm. In the present embodiment, the first flat face  202  has a length dimension of about 2.0 mm, the first angled face  204  has a length dimension of about 2.0 mm, the second flat face  208  has a length dimension of about 3.0 mm, and the second angled face  210  has a length dimension of about 3.0 mm. It has been found advantageous to have a ratio of the lengths of the first flat and angled faces  202 ,  204  to the second flat and angled faces  208 ,  210  of between about 0.25:1 to about 1.5:1. In the present embodiment the ratio of lengths is about 2:3. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 13 , the first and second angled faces  204 ,  210  define an angle  220  with respect to axes  222 , which are parallel with respect to the first and second flat faces  202 ,  208  of the tabs  200   a ,  200   b . In a preferred embodiment, the angle between the axes  222  and the first or second angled faces  204 ,  210  is between about 2 degrees to about 10 degrees. In the present embodiment, the angle is about 5 degrees. The angles  220  for both the first and second angled faces  204 ,  210  are preferably the same with respect to each other. In a different embodiment, the angles  220  for the first and second angled faces  204 ,  210  are different with respect to one another. 
     To place the overcap  54  into an operable condition, the tabs  200   a ,  200   b  of the actuator  56  are slid or otherwise press fit into the channels  146   a ,  146   b  of the flanges  130   a ,  130   b  in the overcap  54 . Once the tabs  200   a ,  200   b  are disposed within the channels  146   a ,  146   b , the posts  142   a ,  142   b  are folded, staked, or otherwise formed inwardly (see arrow  230  of  FIG. 12 ) over the second end  134  to cover the channels  146   a ,  146   b  and retain the actuator  56  therein. The posts  142   a ,  142   b  can be crimped to cover the channels  146   a ,  146   b  such that the actuator  56  is unable to be removed therefrom. The actuator  56  may be retained within the channels  146   a ,  146   b  in any number of ways including, for example, cold staking, heat staking, forming or rolling over the extended walls of the flanges  130   a ,  130   b , and swedging. The posts  142   a ,  142   b  block a portion of the channels  146   a ,  146   b , which provides important benefits during the manufacturing process. In particular, the actuator  56  is held within the overcap  54  during the manufacturing process and is retained therein throughout. The securement of the actuator  56  within the overcap  54  allows containers  52  to be mated to overcaps  54  and properly aligned during the assembly process, which reduces the possibility of misalignment and breakage of the actuator  56 . 
     The assembled overcap  54  is thereafter seated and retained on the container  52  in a similar manner as noted above, i.e., ribs  112 ,  120  of the overcap  52  interact with the seam  66  of the container  52  to secure the overcap  54  to the container  52  in a snap-fit type manner. In this condition, the button  180  of the actuator  56  extends upwardly through the overcap  54  and out through the opening  102  disposed in the top wall  96  of the overcap  54 . When seated properly, the button  180  extends up through the opening  102  to create a surface in which a user can apply pressure to effectuate the actuation process. Further, in this condition the valve stem  76  of the container  52  is seated within the inlet orifice  190 , whereby surfaces defining the inlet orifice  190  and the conduit  186  provide a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween. The dimensions and placement of the valve stem  76 , the ribs  112 ,  120  and the actuator  56 , e.g., the inlet orifice  190 , are critical in maintaining a proper fluid seal between the conduit  186  and the valve stem  76  and in preventing misalignment of the actuator  56 , e.g, the outlet orifice  194  being misaligned with the dispensing orifice  104 . In conventional overcap construction, varying manufacturing tolerances typically resulted in defective overcaps, wherein the alignment of the aforementioned components resulted in broken components, premature evacuation of the container, or improper spray angles. For example, if the valve stem in a conventional overcap was manufactured with a height component larger than the overcap was designed for, seating the overcap on the container may result in breaking the valve stem or actuator, accidental evacuation of the contents of the container, and/or the misalignment of the dispensing orifice to spray at an improper angle or within the overcap itself. 
     Various advantages are realized by the dispensing system  50  when the actuator  56  is inserted into the overcap  54  and retained therein. Specifically, surfaces defining the channels  146   a ,  146   b  of the flanges  130   a ,  130   b  are not attached to the overcap  54  in areas directly adjacent the second ends  134  thereof. This separation allows the channels  146   a ,  146   b  to flex, thereby allowing the outlet orifice  194  of the actuator  56  to be properly aligned within the dispensing orifice  104 . 
     Another advantage is that the actuator  56  is retained in an upright manner in a non-actuation position, while still allowing for limited upward movement of the actuator  56  by way of rotational or pivoting movement of the tabs  200   a ,  200   b  within the channels  146   a ,  146   b  during and after the mating operation in which the overcap  54  is joined to the container  52 . The allowance of limited upward travel by the actuator  56  allows for the overcap  54  to adjust for tolerance stack-ups and pre-load conditions without actuating during or after the mating operation. More specifically, when the overcap  54  is mated to the container  52 , the rounded edge of the first end  206  of the tabs  200   a ,  200   b  helps guide the actuator  56  into the channels  146   a ,  146   b . The first and second flat faces  202 ,  208  of each tab  200   a ,  200   b  substantially prevent clockwise rotational movement and keep the actuator  56  in an upright position (see  FIG. 2   a ) by the interaction of the first and second flat faces  202 ,  208  with the interior surfaces  160   c ,  160   a . Pressure applied to the button  180  causes the tabs  200   a ,  200   b  to reverse cam into the channels  146   a ,  146   b  to retain the actuator  56  therein. At the same time, the outlet orifice  194  of the conduit  188  is positioned in substantial alignment with the dispensing orifice  104  and the valve stem  76  is seated within the inlet orifice  190  of the vertical conduit  186 . Any counter-clockwise rotational movement imparted to the conduit  186  by the seating, e.g., by a valve stem that is too large or an inlet orifice that extends too low, provides for the constrained movement of the first and second tabs  200   a ,  200   b  by way of the first and second angled faces  204 ,  212  impinging upon the interior surfaces  160   a ,  160   c  of the channels  146   a ,  146   b . This constrained movement prevents substantial misalignment of the outlet orifice  194  of the horizontal conduit  188  with the dispensing orifice  104  of the overcap  54  and maintains a proper fluid seal between the inlet orifice  190  and the valve stem  76 . 
     With specific reference to  FIGS. 14-16 , the dispensing system  50  is shown in various pre-actuation states and an actuation state. As best seen in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , exerting a force on the actuator  56  of the dispensing system  50  pivots the actuator  56  from a first non-actuation state ( FIG. 14 ) to a second pre-actuation state ( FIG. 15 ). When in the second pre-actuation state, the inlet orifice  190  and the outlet orifice  194  of the actuator  56  are moved from a first position to a second position. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the inlet orifice  190  pivots around the valve stem  76  between the first non-actuation state and second pre-actuation state. Further, in a particular embodiment, the outlet orifice  194  moves when the actuator  56  is transitioned from the first position to the second position. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the outlet orifice  194  be disposed in substantial alignment with a dispensing orifice  104  of the overcap  54  in the second position. In a different embodiment, the outlet orifice  194  is not transitioned into substantial alignment with the dispensing orifice  104  until the actuator  56  is in a third actuation state. A substantially fluid tight connection is maintained between the inlet orifice  194  and the valve stem  76  of the container  52  during the first non-actuation state, the second pre-actuation state, and the third actuation state. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 14-16 , a particular embodiment is shown, wherein a longitudinal axis D is defined by a central axis of a channel  300  that extends through the vertical conduit  186 . As best seen in  FIG. 14 , the axis D is offset from the axis A, which indicates that the actuator  56  is not in a substantially perfect vertical alignment with the channel  300  of the vertical conduit  186 . As the actuator  56  pivots, the axis D is aligned with axis A at approximately a midpoint, or second pre-actuation state. Finally, in the third, actuating position, the axis D is offset from axis A on the opposing side of the axis A, which indicates the actuator  56  has fully pivoted into the actuating position. 
     As the actuator  56  pivots, the spray angle of the actuator  56  also changes. The spray angle x of the actuator  56  before actuation, in the first non-actuation position, is between about 90 degrees to about 100 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis A (see  FIG. 14 ). When the actuator  56  is transitioned to the second pre-actuation position the spray angle is between about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis A (see  FIG. 15 ). In one embodiment, it is preferable that the spray angle not change when in the third actuation state, however, in other embodiments the aforementioned spray angle range for the second position may not be met until the actuator  56  is in the third actuation state or the spray angle may be even greater insofar as the outlet orifice  194  is in substantial alignment with the dispensing orifice  104  (see  FIG. 16 ). 
     In use, the material is sprayed from the dispensing system  50  by exerting a force on the actuator  56 . The force causes the actuator  56  to pivotally rotate so that the inlet orifice  190  is moved to a second pre-actuation position (see  FIG. 15 ). In a preferred embodiment, the actuator  56  pivots between about 2 degrees to about 15 degrees from the first position to the second position. Thereafter, the actuator  56  undergoes flexure to move the inlet orifice  190  to a third actuation state and position (see  FIG. 16 ), whereby material is dispensed therefrom. In the third actuation state, portions of the actuator  56  are elastically deformed to allow downward travel of the inlet orifice  190  for effecting proper impingement of the valve stem  76 . In one embodiment, placement of the actuator  56  in the third position causes the actuator  56  to be offset from the longitudinal axis the same amount as in the second position. However, in other embodiments the actuator  56  is offset from the longitudinal axis between about 1 degree to about 20 degrees. 
     Upon removal of force from the actuator  56 , the inlet orifice  190  returns to the first non-actuation position. The actuator  56  is moved to the first non-actuation position by one or more of the resilient nature of the actuator  56  and the force of the valve stem  76  moving upwardly by the valve spring to close the valve assembly within the container  52 . 
     Now turning to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , a different embodiment of the dispensing system  50 ′ is shown that includes an overcap  54 ′ and an actuator  56 ′ similar to the overcap  54  and actuator  56  described previously herein. In particular, the overcap  54  includes an elongate protrusion  350  that extends outwardly from the flange  130 ′. The protrusion  350  may include a plurality of flat and angled surfaces as described with respect to the previous embodiments. The actuator  56 ′ includes a channel  146 ′ and may optionally include a movable post (not shown). The function of the dispensing system  50 ′ is similar to the dispensing system  50  described herein. Specifically, the protrusion  350  of the flange  130 ′ is slid into the channel  146 ′ disposed in the actuator  56 ′ to retain the actuator  56 ′ on the overcap  54 ′. 
     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 aerosol containers of the type specifically shown. Still further, the overcaps of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be modified to work with any type of aerosol or non-aerosol container. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     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.