CONTAMINATION FREE LIQUID-SPRAY DISPENSING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

The present invention is a fluid dispensing apparatus, and method of use, e.g. for mouthwash and medicine, for dispensing a sterile liquid in single doses to prevent bacterial growth from un-used portions pored back into the apparatus. The apparatus has a hollow flexible cap enclosure surrounding a one-way valve inside of a bladder and a push rubber surface for liquid release. When the cap is removed, both the container body and the cap remain sealed from exposure to contaminates. Liquid is first dispensed from the container by inverting the container until a quantity of sterile liquid collects in the cap. The container is then positioned in an upright position and the fluid filled cap is removed from the container. The cap is then inverted again and a pushbutton pressed to dispense sterile liquid from a cap spray nozzle without requiring the user's lips to touch the cap.

Claims

1. A contamination free liquid dispensing apparatus (10) comprising: a) a main container body (20) having: i) a top and a bottom, the top of said main body having a flat engagement surface (21) from which a hollow upstanding post (25) with a fluid outlet extends, the post in fluid communication with a first circular aperture (29) formed therein; b) a dispensing cap enclosure (22) having: i) a top and a bottom, the bottom of said dispensing enclosure having a flat engagement surface (28) with a second circular aperture (26), said dispensing cap enclosure removably attached to said main container body and wherein the first and second apertures are aligned to allow a sterile liquid to pass from the main container body into the dispensing cap enclosure; ii) a spray nozzle (45) positioned on a bottom corner of the dispensing cap enclosure; c) whereby the sterile fluid is able to be expressed from said dispensing cap enclosure as a spray by inverting said main container body to allow liquid to accumulate in the dispensing cap enclosure, then removing the dispensing cap enclosure and inverting it without spillage to spray the fluid from the spray nozzle; and d) wherein the sterile fluid within said apparatus is not contaminated by exposure to air, or a user's mouth or fingers, or a backflow from the dispensing cap enclosure into the main container body.

2. The contamination free liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein atop the upstanding post (25) on the main container body is positioned a dispensing outlet (24) with an endpoint opening (27), the upstanding post acting as a conduit to allow fluid to flow from the main body through to fill the dispensing enclosure.

3. The contamination free liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the endpoint opening (27) is covered by a one-way valve (34) able to prevent fluid from dripping back out of the dispensing outlet (24) when the dispensing cap enclosure (22) is removed from the main container body (20); and able to prevent the sterile fluid from re-entering the main container body (20) when the dispensing cap enclosure (22) is re-attached.

4. The contamination free liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the dispensing cap enclosure (22) further comprises a bladder (36) lining the cap inner walls and attached to the one-way valve (34), the bladder able to provide a seal to keep the liquid from leaking when the apparatus is inverted, and to provide a pressure to eject a spray from the spray nozzle.

5. The contamination free liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an opening (38) in said dispensing cap enclosure flat engagement surface (28), said opening covered by an actuator (40) for expressing under pressure the fluid from said dispensing cap enclosure (22).

6. The contamination free liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spray nozzle (45) in the dispensing cap enclosure (22) further comprises a plurality of small apertures (46) able to produce an aerosolized mist when the liquid is expressed from the dispensing cap enclosure (22).

7. The contamination free liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising on the dispensing cap enclosure (22) one or more graduated markings (32) able to allow a user to measure a fluid dose when said apparatus is turned upside down for filling of the fluid.

8. The contamination free liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dispensing enclosure is made of flexible transparent material allowing a user to see the amount of the fluid within, and to apply pressure to said cap enclosure (22) to facility ejecting the spray.

9. The contamination free liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or both sidewalls of the main container body are curved inward to enable a user to grasp said apparatus.

10. A contamination free liquid dispensing apparatus (10) comprising: a) a main container body (20) having a top and a bottom, the top of said main container body having a flat engagement surface (21) from which an upstanding post (24) extends, the post in fluid communication with an opening (29) formed therein; b) a dispensing cap enclosure (22) removably attached to said main container body (20) and having a first opening (26) for receiving said upstanding post, said enclosure having a hollow main body for receiving a quantity of sterile liquid, said liquid contained inside a bladder (36) which lines said hollow main body; c) a second opening (38) in said dispensing cap enclosure covered by an actuator (40) for expressing sterile fluid from said cap enclosure; and d) whereby the sterile fluid is expressed from said cap closure as a spray by inverting said main container body to allow the sterile liquid to accumulate in the cap enclosure, then removing the cap enclosure and depressing the actuator.

11. A method of dispensing a sterile fluid from a dispensing apparatus without contaminating the sterile fluid or the inner walls of the dispensing apparatus, comprising: 1) providing a liquid dispensing apparatus comprising: a) a main container body (20) having: i) a top and a bottom, the top of said main body having a flat engagement surface (21) from which a hollow upstanding post (25) with a fluid outlet extends, the post in fluid communication with a first circular aperture (29) formed therein; b) a dispensing cap enclosure (22) having: i) a top and a bottom, the bottom of said dispensing enclosure having a flat engagement surface (28) with a second circular aperture (26), said dispensing cap enclosure removably attached to said main container body and wherein the first and second apertures are aligned to allow a sterile liquid to pass from the main container body into the dispensing cap enclosure; ii) a spray nozzle (45) positioned on a bottom corner of the dispensing cap enclosure; c) whereby the sterile fluid is able to be expressed from said dispensing cap enclosure as a spray by inverting said main container body to allow liquid to accumulate in the dispensing cap enclosure, then removing the dispensing cap enclosure and inverting it without spillage to spray the fluid from the spray nozzle; and d) wherein the sterile fluid within said apparatus is not contaminated by exposure to air, or a user's mouth or fingers, or a backflow from the dispensing cap enclosure into the main container body; 2) inverting said apparatus, and allowing a quantity of the sterile fluid to flow into the dispensing cap enclosure; 3) removing the dispensing cap enclosure from the main container body without exposing an inner apparatus walls or the sterile fluid to contaminates; 4) inverting the dispensing cap enclosure and positioning the spray nozzle near a site of administration; 5) ejecting from the dispensing cap enclosure, the sterile fluid as a spray into or onto a site of administration without touching said site; and 6) replacing the dispensing cap enclosure onto the main container body.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein atop the upstanding post (25) on the main container body is positioned a dispensing outlet (24) with an endpoint opening (27), the upstanding post acting as a conduit to allow fluid to flow from the main body through to fill the dispensing enclosure.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the endpoint opening (27) is covered by a one-way valve (34) able to prevent fluid from dripping back out of the dispensing outlet (24) when the dispensing cap enclosure (22) is removed from the main container body (20); and able to prevent the sterile fluid from re-entering the main container body (20) when the dispensing cap enclosure (22) is re-attached.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the dispensing cap enclosure (22) further comprises a bladder (36) lining the cap inner walls and attached to the one-way valve (34), the bladder able to provide a seal to keep the liquid from leaking when the apparatus is inverted, and to provide a pressure to eject a spray from the spray nozzle.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising an opening (38) in said dispensing cap enclosure flat engagement surface (28), said opening covered by an actuator (40) for expressing under pressure the fluid from said dispensing cap enclosure (22).

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the spray nozzle (45) in the dispensing cap enclosure (22) further comprises a plurality of small apertures (46) able to produce an aerosolized mist when the liquid is expressed from the dispensing cap enclosure (22).

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising on the dispensing cap enclosure (22) one or more graduated markings (32) able to allow a user to measure a fluid dose when said apparatus is turned upside down for filling of the fluid.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the dispensing enclosure is made of flexible transparent material allowing a user to see the amount of the fluid within, and to apply pressure to said cap enclosure (22) to facility ejecting the spray.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein one or both sidewalls of the main container body are curved inward to enable a user to grasp said apparatus.

20. A method of dispensing a quantity of a sterile fluid from a dispensing apparatus without contaminating the sterile fluid or the inner walls of the dispensing apparatus, comprising: 1) providing a liquid dispensing apparatus comprising: a) a main container body (20) having a top and a bottom, the top of said main container body having a flat engagement surface (21) from which an upstanding post (24) extends, the post in fluid communication with an opening (29) formed therein; b) a dispensing cap enclosure (22) removably attached to said main container body (20) and having a first opening (26) for receiving said upstanding post, said enclosure having a hollow main body for receiving a quantity of sterile liquid, said liquid contained inside a bladder (36) which lines said hollow main body; c) a second opening (38) in said dispensing cap enclosure covered by an actuator (40) for expressing sterile fluid from said cap enclosure; and d) whereby the sterile fluid is expressed from said cap closure as a spray by inverting said main container body to allow the sterile liquid to accumulate in the cap enclosure, then removing the cap enclosure and depressing the actuator; 2) inverting the apparatus, and allowing the sterile fluid to flow into the dispensing cap enclosure; 3) removing the dispensing cap enclosure from the main container body without exposing an inner apparatus walls or the sterile fluid to contaminates; 4) inverting the dispensing cap enclosure and positioning near a site of administration; 5) ejecting the sterile fluid as a spray from the dispensing cap enclosure into or onto the site of administration without touching by depressing the actuator; and 6) replacing the dispensing cap enclosure when empty onto the main container body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawing herein.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary liquid dispensing apparatus.

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the cap detailing the dispensing mechanism.

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cap detailing the dispensing mechanism, one-way valve, and bladder.

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the top of the container with the cap removed showing the sealed top surface with a dispensing outlet, and how the flat engagement surface seals the container from contaminates.

[0026] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate the method of use steps for the contamination free liquid spray apparatus.

[0027] FIG. 5A illustrates turning the apparatus upside down to fill the cap.

[0028] FIG. 5B illustrates removing the cap, where both the cap bottom and the container top side are sealed from contaminates and to prevent dripping and spilling of the sterile fluid due to the two parallel flat engagement surfaces.

[0029] FIG. 5C illustrates turning the cap upside down again without any spillage.

[0030] FIG. 5D illustrates a user being able to pour and/or squeeze the cap sterile fluid contents from the spray nozzle into their mouth without touching to their lips.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Before the present invention is described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited.

[0032] As used herein, the term “sterile” refers to the liquid inside the apparatus of the present invention being free of pathogens and debris, including liquid and airborne contaminates, because both the main body container and the cap enclosure are sealed from exposure to the air and user contamination, even when separated; and because the backflow of liquid, such as for a partially used dose, is prevented from pouring back into the container from the cap.

[0033] The present invention is directed to various embodiments of a liquid dispensing apparatus that stores and dispenses as a spray a sterile liquid, such as mouthwash or medicine, as depicted in the exemplary embodiment(s) of FIGS. 1-8.

[0034] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5A, and 5B, the liquid dispenser apparatus is generally indicated by the numeral 10, and it comprises: 1) a container having an elongated main body 20 for containing a volume of fluid; and 2) a separable cap enclosure 22. In the exemplary embodiment, one side of the container body 20 is curved inward, so as to fit a user's fingers to assist in holding the vessel. Other shapes are envisioned within the scope of the present invention, such as both container sides are curved or straight.

[0035] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the dispenser 10 is used to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid into a sealed cap enclosure 22, e.g. when turned upside down by allowing gravity to pull fluid down from container 20 into the cap 22. The apparatus may be used to dispense any sterile fluid that needs to be used or consumed in controlled or dosed amounts without contaminating the dispensed fluid or the fluid remaining in the container, and has particular utility for dispensing mouthwash and oral rinses without contact with the user's mouth.

[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the sealing and dispensing mechanism within the cap and container are shown in detail. The main body of container 20 terminates at its upper end in a flat engagement surface 21 upon which the dispensing enclosure 22 (i.e. the cap) rests. Both the main body 20 and the enclosure 22 have a flat engagement surface, 21 and 28, respectively, that touch and/or are positioned in parallel when the cap is on the container. Then when the cap enclosure 22 is removed, the inside of the main body 20 and the cap enclosure 22 remain sealed from being contaminated, and prevent fluid from dripping or spilling from the cap. The edge 23 of the cap enclosure is also sized for snap fit engagement with the edge of the container's flat engagement surface 21, as is known in the art.

[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 4, an upstanding dispensing outlet 24 is formed on the container engagement surface 21. In one embodiment, the main body 20, the flat engagement surface 21, and the dispensing outlet 24 are formed via injection molding, as a single unitary piece. The upstanding dispensing outlet 24 is positioned to slide into a similarly shaped outlet within a cap bladder 36, which lines the cap's inner walls to prevent fluid seepage.

As further illustrated in FIG. 3, a substantially circular aperture 26 is formed in the cap flat engagement surface 28 of the enclosure 22, and is aligned with a second circular opening 29 formed in the top surface of the main container body 20. The apertures 26, 29 are of matching sizes and aligned to allow the container's dispensing outlet 24 and post 25 to be inserted therethrough aperture 26 into bladder 36. The fluid is thus able to pass from the main body container 20 through aperture 29, then aperture 26, through post 25 and into the outlet 24. As shown in FIG. 4, dispensing outlet 24 positioned atop the upstanding post 25, terminates with an increased diameter portion 48 having an endpoint opening 27, the post acting as a conduit to allow fluid to flow through to the opening 27 and into a one-way valve 34, which is connected to the bladder 36 (see FIG. 3).

[0038] As previously stated, the apparatus 10 is designed to allow the user to dispense or squeeze out a desired amount of liquid in a spray or flowing liquid form. To that end, cap enclosure 22 is transparent and may include graduated markings 32 to allow the user to measure the dose when the apparatus is turned upside down for filling. Alternatively, the user may just fill the entire cap enclosure 22 and pour or spray out the contents (e.g. into a user's mouth without touching their lips or skin) until the cap enclosure is empty, and then refill it. Cap enclosure 22 is filled by inverting the main body 20 and allowing the contents of the container 20 to flow into the cap enclosure 22 by way of one-way valve 34. The valve 34 is formed at the end of bladder 36, the bladder lining the enclosure 22 to provide a way to seal to keep the liquid from leaking when the vessel is inverted, and also to provide pressure to create a spray and express the liquid from the enclosure 22. The bladder 36 and valve 34 may be created as an integrated single component, and installed by insertion through the (third) substantially oval shaped aperture or opening 38 formed for pushbutton 40 (see FIG. 2).

[0039] Pushbutton 40 is located on the cap flat engagement surface 28, next to aperture 26. It is flat and flexible enough to be deflected and cause pressure to build within cap enclosure 22, in cooperation with the bladder 36. The pushbutton 40 is made from rubber or similar flexible material, which can deform or deflect substantially without permanently deforming. As illustrated in FIG. 2, pushbutton 40 is situated approximately centrally of a larger portion of relatively thin flexible material 42, which material is the same as that used for the pushbutton 40. Thus pushbutton 40 is essentially an actuator for expressing fluid from the enclosure. Depressing pushbutton 40 also causes deflection of the material 42 to generate pressure (by way of displacement) for expelling the contents of the enclosure 22. Full depression of the pushbutton 40 will always displace the same amount of liquid and thus the amount of spray or dosage can be metered using this method, e.g., 2 pushes for ⅛ ounce of fluid.

[0040] Spray or dispensing nozzle 45 is formed in the sidewall and/or bottom corner of the cap enclosure 22, the dispensing nozzle having an array of fine apertures 46 to produce an aerosolized mist when liquid is expressed from the enclosure 22 (see FIGS. 2, 3, 5D).

[0041] A key aspect of the invention is that the contents of the apparatus can be completely consumed without backflow or other debris (from opening the vessel) contaminating the liquid contents. While spray bottles can ordinarily perform this function, they are particularly cumbersome when dispensing mouthwash or oral rinses. Accordingly, even if mouthwash or breath freshener is dispensed from a spray bottle, the bottle is always made relatively small. Otherwise, mouthwash, oral rinses, breath fresheners etc., are usually dispensed from a bottle cap. The present invention allows the user to fill and then detach a relatively small cap enclosure 22, and then dispense a measured amount of liquid in the desired orifice.

Method of Use

[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D, the method of use basically comprises: inverting container 20; filling the cap enclosure 22 with the sterile fluid; removing the cap enclosure 22 from the container 20, wherein the cap is sealed so no spillage is possible; pouring or spraying the fluid contents from the cap into a user's mouth or onto skin without touching the user; and reattaching the empty or partially filled cap to the container while preventing any remaining fluid from leaving the cap and draining back into the container.

[0043] In FIG. 5A, the user inverts the container 20 allowing a desired amount of fluid to fill cap enclosure 22. The user may squeeze the sides of the container to accelerate the fluid filling. Graduated markings 32 on the cap 22 may be used to gauge the amount of fluid, or the user may opt to fill the entire enclosure 22.

[0044] In FIG. 5B, the enclosure 22 is then removed from the main body container for dispensing, and itis flipped upside down (see rotation in FIG. 5C showing no spillage due to the flat engagement surface 28).

[0045] In FIG. 5D, the user then simply depresses pushbutton 40 to dispense or spray the contents of the enclosure 22 out of spray nozzle 45, which is located on the bottom corner of the cap 22, opposite aperture 26.

CONCLUSION

[0046] It will be appreciated that the methods and apparatuses of the present disclosure can be incorporated in the form of a variety of embodiments, only a few of which are disclosed herein. It will also be apparent for the expert skilled in the field that other embodiments exist and do not depart from the spirit of the invention. Thus, the described embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as restrictive.

[0047] Accordingly, the preceding exemplifications merely illustrate the principles of the various embodiments. It will be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the embodiments and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and conditional language recited herein are principally intended to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure. The scope of the various embodiments, therefore, is not intended to be limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein.

[0048] The technology illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element(s) not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, in each instance herein any of the terms “comprising,” “consisting essentially of,” and “consisting or” may be replaced with either of the other two terms. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and use of such terms and expressions do not exclude any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technology claimed. The term “a” or “an” can refer to one of or a plurality of the elements it modifies (e.g., “a reagent” can mean one or more reagents) unless it is contextually clear either one of the elements or more than one of the elements is described.

[0049] The term “about” as used herein refers to a value within 10% of the underlying parameter (i.e., plus or minus 5%), and use of the term “about” at the beginning of a string of values modifies each of the values (i.e., “about 1, 2 and 3” refers to about 1, about 2 and about 3).

[0050] Thus, it should be understood that although the present technology has been specifically disclosed by representative embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and such modifications and variations are considered within the scope of this technology.

[0051] As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to approximately the same shape as stated, and recognizable by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0052] Trademarks: the product names used in this document are for identification purposes only; and are the property of their respective owners.