U.S. patent application number 13/008121 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-03 for spring loaded fluid safety dispenser system.
Invention is credited to Paul Schlie, Robert Terwilliger.
Application Number | 20120103469 13/008121 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44114279 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120103469 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Terwilliger; Robert ; et
al. |
May 3, 2012 |
Spring loaded fluid safety dispenser system
Abstract
A fluid safety dispenser system having a fluid storage container
keyed to a fluid dispenser. The container having a valve body
positionable in the opening of the container, the valve body having
a spring loaded displacement valve to allow fluid passage through
the opening of the container when in a displaced and to eliminate
fluid passage through the opening of the container when the
displacement valve is seated. The keyed fluid dispenser assimilates
a syringe and is releasably securable to the valve body for use in
depressing the displacement valve by compression of a spring when
the keyed fluid dispenser is in position. The keyed fluid dispenser
has indicia to provide for exact measurement and can be temporarily
coupled to the container to provide a dripless transfer of
fluids.
Inventors: |
Terwilliger; Robert; (Palm
Beach Gardens, FL) ; Schlie; Paul; (Durham,
NH) |
Family ID: |
44114279 |
Appl. No.: |
13/008121 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12981040 |
Dec 29, 2010 |
|
|
|
13008121 |
|
|
|
|
61407775 |
Oct 28, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/346 ;
141/372; 222/547; 222/548 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 1/14 20130101; A61J
1/2037 20150501; A61J 1/2051 20150501; A61J 1/2096 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/346 ;
141/372; 222/547; 222/548 |
International
Class: |
B65B 3/30 20060101
B65B003/30; B65D 50/00 20060101 B65D050/00; B65D 47/00 20060101
B65D047/00 |
Claims
1. A fluid safety dispenser system comprising: a container having a
bottom, a top, and a continuous side wall there between for storage
of fluids, said top having an opening formed from an inner side
wall to provide a passageway for the fluids stored therein; a valve
body positionable in said opening, said valve body having a
centrally disposed opening; a displacement valve constructed and
arranged to seal said opening in said valve body, a spring for
biasing said displacement valve against said valve body sealing
fluids stored in said container from passing through said opening;
a fluid dispenser releasably securable to said valve body, said
fluid dispenser formed from a vessel having a syringe to draw
fluids from said container; and means for keying said fluid
dispenser to said valve body wherein a properly keyed fluid
dispenser is used for coupling to said valve body and drawing fluid
from said container.
2. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 1
wherein valve body is constructed and arranged to be sealingly
secured to said inner side wall of said opening at a predetermined
position from a top edge of the container.
3. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 1
wherein said fluid dispenser includes measurement indicia to
indicate the amount of fluid drawn from said container.
4. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 1
wherein said valve body and said displacement valve are
preassembled as an assembly, said assembly insertable into said
opening and sealing the fluids held within the container.
5. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 1
wherein said valve body is secured to said top.
6. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 1
wherein said valve body include a notched area beneath said top,
said notched area receptive to said protrusions for temporarily
securing said fluid dispenser to said valve body.
7. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 1
wherein said upper portion of said container is threaded for
receipt of a cap.
8. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 1
wherein said valve body includes at least one groove operatively
associated with at least one protrusion positioned on said fluid
dispenser wherein said fluid dispenser can be attached to said
valve body only when said protrusion and said fluid dispenser are
matched.
9. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 8
wherein said groove and said protrusion are constructed and
arranged to provide a security match wherein said top must include
a matching groove to allow insertion of said fluid dispenser.
10. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 1
wherein said valve body includes at notch means for receipt of said
protrusions wherein said fluid dispenser can be temporarily
attached to said valve body.
11. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 1
wherein said displacement valve includes at least one groove
operatively associated with at least one protrusion positioned on
said fluid dispenser wherein said fluid dispenser can be attached
to said dispensing valve only when said protrusion and said groove
are matched.
12. A fluid safety dispenser system comprising: a container having
a bottom, a top, and a continuous side wall there between for
storage of fluids, said top having an opening formed from an inner
side wall to provide a passageway for the fluids stored therein; a
keyed valve body positionable in said opening, said keyed valve
body having a centrally disposed opening; a displacement valve
constructed and arranged to seal said opening in said valve body, a
spring for biasing said displacement valve against said keyed valve
body sealing fluids stored in said container from passing through
said opening; a keyed fluid dispenser releasably securable to said
keyed valve body, said keyed fluid dispenser formed from a vessel
having a syringe to draw fluids from said container; wherein said
keyed fluid dispenser is used for drawing fluid from said container
through said keyed valve body.
13. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 12
wherein said fluid dispenser includes measurement indicia to
indicate the amount of fluid drawn from said container.
14. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 12
wherein said valve body includes at least one groove geometrically
configured to at least one protrusion positioned on said fluid
dispenser wherein said fluid dispenser can be attached to said
valve body only when said groove and said fluid dispenser are
matched.
15. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 12
wherein said valve body includes at notch means for receipt of said
protrusions wherein said fluid dispenser can be temporarily
attached to said valve body.
16. A fluid safety dispenser system comprising: a container having
a bottom, a top, and a continuous side wall there between for
storage of fluids, said top having an opening formed from an inner
side wall to provide a passageway for the fluids stored therein; a
valve body positionable in said opening, said valve body having a
centrally disposed opening; a keyed displacement valve constructed
and arranged to seal said centrally disposed opening in said valve
body, a spring for biasing said displacement valve against said
valve body sealing fluids stored in said container from passing
through said opening; a keyed fluid dispenser releasably securable
to said keyed valve body, said keyed fluid dispenser formed from a
vessel having a syringe to draw fluids from said container; wherein
said keyed fluid dispenser is used for drawing fluid from said
container through said keyed valve body.
17. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 16
wherein said fluid dispenser includes measurement indicia to
indicate the amount of fluid drawn from said container.
18. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 16
wherein said displacement body includes at least one groove
geometrically configured to at least one protrusion positioned on
said fluid dispenser wherein said fluid dispenser can draw fluid
only when said groove and said fluid dispenser are matched.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/981,040, filed Dec. 29, 2010 and entitled
"Fluid Safety Dispenser System" claiming the priority date of Nov.
28, 2010 based upon Provisional Patent Application No. 61/407,775
entitled Fluid Safety Dispenser System, the contents of the
applications are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to fluid safety dispensers
and, in particular, to a child resistant container having a
dispensing valve that is operated by an independent keyed fluid
dispenser.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The packaging for liquid medications used for children,
adults, geriatrics and animals has always been vague and included a
wide range of dosing. The problem is especially pronounced in
pediatric elixirs wherein the dosing recommendations are by age,
which can lead to improper dosing for children. Although there
currently exists weight-specific dosage calculations presented on
charts and pinwheels, they are not readily available to the general
public. Even if available, the charts could present a confusing
array of dosages that may not be understood by the general
consumer. The Physician's Desk Reference may be used for the
calculation, but such a reference book is not typically purchased
or understood by the average consumer. It should be noted that even
though an individual reaches maturity, dosing levels should still
be of concern. Adults are of all sizes, and the elderly can be just
as susceptible to overdosing as can a child.
[0004] While the instant invention is specifically applicable to
liquid medications for children, adults, geriatrics and animals, it
will be obvious to one skilled in the art that the disclosed system
can be utilized with any liquid dispenser. However, for ease of
explanation, this disclosure will exemplify pediatric elixirs as an
example of use.
[0005] Applicant's U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,276,533 and 6,581,773
recognized the need for a weight based dosing regimen for pediatric
elixirs, and disclosed a container mounted apparatus to accomplish
the proper dosing; the contents of the patents are incorporated
herein by reference. These disclosures address the dosing
recommendations on containers that are based on the child's age;
unfortunately the significant variations of weights of children of
the same age makes dosage determination based on age not only
inaccurate but most dangerous. For instance, when a child's
physician instructs a child's guardian to deliver a certain amount
of elixir to a child on a certain date. Should the guardian
continue to give the child the same amount of medication months
later, the dosage may not be correct if the child's weight has
changed. A child's weight can change quickly, and if the guardian
does not inform the physician of the weight change, the dosage will
be improper. Continual adjustments in dosing, necessitated by the
child's rapidly changing body weight, are important to ensure
maximum therapeutic response to a medication.
[0006] Thus, while the aforementioned addresses proper dosing, a
problem remains in that a child may access the medication or fails
the proper dosing amount is not properly measured. While known
child resistant containers exist, they are only as secure as the
closure top is installed properly. For instance, if the closure top
is not properly engaged after opening, the safety aspect of the
closure top is defeated and a child can easily access the
medication. Further, once the cap is removed there is nothing to
prevent the entire contents of the container from being poured out
and ingested, e.g., by children who may not comprehend the threat
of serious injury from improper use.
[0007] Even if the medication is in the hands of a guardian, the
guardian may not have a measuring cup or understand liquid
conversions. For instance, if a guardian is instructed to provide
20 ml of medication but has misplaced or was not provided with a
measuring cup, the guardian may assume 1 ounce (over dosing) or 1
tablespoon (under dosing) is acceptable. Similarly, a guardian only
conversant in the English system may receive instructions in ml and
attempt to estimate the equivalent in teaspoons. Another example
would be if a guardian is instructed to provide two teaspoons but
employs a tablespoon. It is not uncommon for someone to believe one
tablespoon equals two teaspoons (under dosing). Further, the use of
a teaspoon or tablespoon used for eating is not accurate as there
is no required standard in the industry. Conventional eating spoons
are shaped for aesthetic appearance, not for medical dosing.
[0008] Some medication containers rely upon the use of the
container cap as a measuring cup, again the medication is estimated
as it is not possible to end with full caps unless the dosing is
rounded upward or downward. Medication containers may include a
measurement container; however, they can be displaced or intermixed
with other measuring containers, again risking improper dosing.
[0009] The criticality of dosing is compounded by the readily
available liquid medications which are marketed for treating,
management or mitigation of most any ailment. For instance, novel
pharmaceutical compositions such as Coricidin.RTM., Coricidin
D.RTM., Comtrex.RTM., Dristan.RTM., Daycare.RTM., Cotylenol.RTM.,
Sinubid.RTM. and the like are now well known OTC products. These
formulations generally contain aspirin, ibuprofen, salicylamide or
acetaminophen, one or more conventional antihistaminics,
decongestants, cough suppressants, antitussives and expectorants,
and are designed to address cough, cold, cold/like and/or flu
symptoms, discomfort, pain, headache, fever or any number of
aliments and the general malaise associated therewith. When used
properly, these medications are very predictable and beneficial.
When improper dosing occurs, it is not uncommon to hear a guardian
inquire as to why their child's fever has not gone down despite the
use of medication prescribed (typically underdosing). Or more
critically, why a child's fever increased shortly after receiving a
dose of acetaminophen (typically overdosing). Combinations of such
compositions are commonly recommended under a physician's
supervision; the combination only heightens the need for proper
dosing. Well known measures are milliliters, ounces, teaspoons,
tablespoons, capfuls, drops, cc's, all of which are simply poured
or otherwise dispensed from the medicine container which compound
the inaccuracies.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 3,240,373 discloses a container with a side
type dispenser wherein a release lock tab prevents opening of the
slide unless first released.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 3,160,301 discloses a container which uses a
key and slot wherein the key is attached to an outer cap with a
resilient, flexible strap.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 3,501,041 discloses a bottle cap having an
inner cap member is enclosed by a sleeve member, and connecting
means carried by the members provides for relative rotational and
axial movement there between. Engagement of a separable locking
means with the cap and sleeve members locks the members against
relative rotational movement and thus permits threaded engagement
or disengagement of the cap from the bottle.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 3,684,115 discloses a safety container having
a skirt with internal screw threads to form a conventional screw
cap closure, and an overcap completely covering the threaded
closure member and being freely rotatable in relationship thereto.
The overcap has on its top a projecting stud and a similar shaped
opening which serves as a key for unscrewing the inner closure
member of another closure of similar construction.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 3,698,585 discloses an inner cap member
adapted for being threaded onto the neck of a bottle for closing
the opening therein. An outer cap member interlocks with the inner
cap member when it is turned in a direction to apply the inner cap
member to the bottle. When turned in the opposite direction, the
outer cap member normally does not interlock with the inner cap
member.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 3,869,058 discloses a safety closure for a
container to prevent inadvertent opening of the container. The
closure includes an inner cap having an internal threaded portion
to be attached to the threads on the neck of the container and an
outer cap overlying the inner cap. The top of the inner cap has a
raised plate or ledge which is tapered and is provided with notches
extending inwardly of the outer rim and a spring centrally located
on the top of the inner cap. The underside of the top of the outer
cap has tracks to form a guideway and a stop. A slide is disposed
on the guideway between the inner and outer cap and engages the
stop to prevent lateral movement of the slide. When normally
assembled, the outer cap will freely rotate around the inner cap
without moving the inner cap. When the slide is depressed by
pressure exerted through the aperture against the action of the
spring, the slide is moved to disengage the slot from the stop and
partially out of the guideway.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,771 discloses a child-resistant cap
closure with incorporated means for over-ride of conventional
normally disengaged torque couplings which includes a hole formed
in the top surface of the outer cap, a formed plug having a locking
protuberance and removal ring, and a plurality of spaced stop lugs
formed annularly on the top surface of the inner cap. The free and
separate movement of the outer cap is prevented in either direction
of rotation by the plug's insertion into the hole of the outer cap
as to place the base of the plug in the space between the stop lugs
of the inner cap, rendering the cap non-child-resistant at the time
of consumer purchase.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 4,854,459 discloses a container having a
cylindrical neck at the top and threads molded about the exterior
of the neck, as well as an inner cap and outer cap. The inner cap
has a top and cylindrical side wall with threads molded on the
inside of the side wall so as to mate with the threads of the
container. The top or side of the inner cap has ratchet type
segments on its outside and the outer cap has ratchet type segments
on the inside of its top or side. The outer cap has a cylindrical
side wall and is usually freely rotatable about the inner cap so as
to be childproof. When in the childproof configuration as
described, downward pressure is required by the user so as to
engage the two ratchet type segments and thereby engage the two
caps to permit opening.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,115,928 discloses a child-resistant closure
and shell. The shell mounts a latching key and the closure provides
a complementary latch. An alignment structure provides for aligning
the latch and key for movement of the latching key from a mode in
which the key is inactive to a mode in which it engages the latch
to inactivate the child-resistant function of the closure. In that
position the shell and closure are movable in both clockwise and
counter-clockwise directions. Spring fingers may be provided to
elevate the shell relative to the closure to provide an additional
child-resistant function. The latching key may be hingedly or
slideably secured to the shell.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,070 discloses a container having a
syringe tip connector for coupling to a container, the device
directed to aspirating medication into a syringe for oral
administration to children, adults or animals.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 7,111,746 discloses a child resistant closure
having a pair of nested inner and outer caps. The inner cap is
coaxially positioned and nested within the outer cap such that a
row of angular abutments on the inner cap engage a row of angular
abutments on the outer cap when engaged to allow rotation of the
cap.
[0021] While the prior art is directed to assuring that the
consumer is knowledgeable of the proper amount of medication and
the need for child resistant closures to the medication, no known
prior art exists for keying a dosing container to a medication
container. Thus, what is needed is a dosing syringe that is used to
draw an exact amount of fluid needed to medicate an individual
while assuring that only the proper dosing syringe will operate
with the medication container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The present invention provides a container and keyed fluid
dispenser to inhibit inadvertent access to unmeasured quantities of
potentially dangerous products, such as medicines, by requiring the
user to repeat one or more deliberate steps before fluid can be
extracted from the container.
[0023] The fluid safety dispenser system of the instant invention
includes a container for storage of fluids having an opening in the
container for passageway of the fluids stored therein. A dispensing
valve is positionable in the opening employing a spring loaded
valve member capable of displacement between an open position to
allow fluid passage and a closed position to eliminate fluid
passage, and a keyed fluid dispenser releasably securable to the
dispensing valve for use in drawing fluid from the container.
[0024] An objective of the instant invention is to disclose a
dispensing valve having a spring loaded valve member forming a flow
through chamber when displaced by a keyed fluid dispenser, the
dispensing valve forming a child resistant protector.
[0025] Another objective of the instant invention is to disclose
the use of a keyed fluid dispenser that can be temporarily secured
to a container having a matched dispensing valve.
[0026] Another objective of the instant invention is to disclose
the use of a keying receptacle positioned on keyed fluid dispenser
wherein the keyed fluid dispenser must be attached to a container
before fluid can be drawn from the container, and the keyed fluid
dispenser must be detached before the fluid from the keyed fluid
dispenser can be released, wherein the fluid container is
maintained in a closed position when the keyed fluid dispenser is
detached.
[0027] Still another objective of the instant invention is to
disclose the use of a geometrically keyed syringe dispenser and
fluid container.
[0028] Yet another objective of the instant invention is to
eliminate the need for a sealing cap.
[0029] Yet still another objective of the instant invention is to
disclose the use of a keyed syringe dispenser having measurement
indicia for use in measuring the amount of fluid drawn from a
container.
[0030] Another objective of the invention is to provide a container
that is economical to manufacture and easy to use.
[0031] Other objectives and advantages of this invention will
become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction
with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of
illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.
Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this
specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present
invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the container and keyed
fluid dispenser of the instant invention;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container and keyed
fluid dispenser in an engaged configuration;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a first embodiment
having a dispenser valve with the syringe disengaged;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the dispenser valve with
the syringe partially inserted;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the dispenser valve with
the syringe fully inserted;
[0037] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the dispenser valve;
[0038] FIG. 7 is a perspective view thereof;
[0039] FIG. 8 is a pictorial view of a capped container;
[0040] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a
dispenser valve with the valve member in an open position;
[0041] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view thereof with the valve
member in a closed position;
[0042] FIG. 11 is an exploded view thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0043] Now referring to the Figures, set forth is a container
defined by a bottom 12, a continuous sidewall 14, and an upper
section 16. The container may contain most any fluid, but for
purposes of illustration, the container detailed in this
specification will be a bottle used for storing liquid medicines
for children. The upper section 16 of the container resembles a
conventional bottle having a mouth 18 with threads 20 for receipt
of a threaded cap 21. A valve assembly 22 is inserted into an
opening of the mouth of the container for use in combination with a
keyed fluid dispenser 24 allowing controlled retrieval of the
fluids stored within the container. The keyed fluid dispenser of
the instant invention is defined by a handle 26 having a shaft 28
coupling the handle to a plunger 30 that is used for drawing fluid
into the chamber 32 by pulling a vacuum in the dispenser. The end
of the keyed fluid dispenser includes a receptacle insert 34
specifically designed to engage the valve assembly 22. But for the
receptacle insert, the keyed fluid dispenser assimilates a
conventional syringe type device.
[0044] The dispenser valve assembly 22 has an aperture 31 for
receipt of the receptacle insert 34. The aperture includes grooves
41 which operate as a keying mechanism for receipt of matched
protrusion 42 arranged on the receptacle insert 34. When keyed
alike, the grooves 41 and protrusions 42 cooperate for temporarily
accessing the fluid held within the container 10.
[0045] The aperture 31 and protrusions 42 are geometrically
arranged to create a mating receptacle for use forming a dripless
interface. Although simple protrusions are depicted, it will be
recognized to those skilled in the art that the protrusions can be
of any shape, size, position, or combination thereof so as to
provide a keyed locking mechanism unique to a keyed fluid dispenser
for either a particular manufacturer, line of products, or type of
product.
[0046] The keyed fluid dispenser 24 permits a child's guardian to
insure that the medication to be dosed to a child can be performed
without displacing all medication held in a cabinet or
refrigerator. If all medication containers are keyed, only the
proper keyed fluid dispensers need be provided, thereby assuring
that only the particular medication is utilized. This has
particular benefit for medication that must be refrigerated, as it
is difficult to hide medication in an unlocked refrigerator, and
expensive to have a locked refrigerator for medicine only. Further,
most medicine cabinets are unlocked and become a facilitator for
selecting the wrong medicine. The keyed fluid dispenser is not
affected by temperature and can be left on a counter to provide a
visual reminder of medication due. The keyed fluid dispenser would
have no other use and preferably be discarded or recycled after
use.
[0047] The top 56 of the valve assembly forms a cover over a valve
body 50. The upper surface 52 of the valve body 50 has a notched
area 54 for receipt of the protrusions 42, and is designed to allow
the protrusions to rotate beneath the lower surface 58 of the top,
temporarily securing the keyed fluid dispenser 24 to the valve
assembly. Securing the keyed fluid dispenser to the valve assembly,
and thus the bottle, insures proper alignment of the receptacle to
the bottle by forcing a proper seal necessary during the draw of
fluid from the container. As the level of fluid in the bottle is
consumed, it may be more convenient to invert the bottle to draw
fluid into the keyed fluid dispenser with the assistance of
gravity. In such instances, a proper seal during the transfer
necessitates that the alignment between the bottle and the keyed
fluid dispenser is maintained while the bottle is inverted. If
large volumes of fluid are drawn, the lower surface 60 of the keyed
fluid dispenser 24 and the upper surface 52 of the top 56 permit
venting of the container while secured together; venting is
permitted by spacing the lower surface 60 and upper surface 52 in
an amount sufficient to allow air to be drawn in when fluid is
removed, yet insufficient to allow fluid to escape.
[0048] The outer surface of the valve body 50 is circular in shape
and employs an interior chamber 62 for receipt of displacement
valve 64. The displacement valve 64 has a frusta-conical upper 66
to permit self-alignment into a circular 68 that adjoins notched
area 54 and aperture 31. The displacement valve 64 includes a top
sealing surface 70 that is juxtaposition against lower surface 72
of the valve body 50 creating a fluid seal for containing the
fluids within the bottle until otherwise drawn. A spring 76 is
positioned between a bottom surface 78 of valve body 64 and a
spring ramp 80. The spring 76 maintains the valve body 64 in a
sealed position when the keyed fluid dispenser 24 is removed from
the aperture 31. It should be noted that the upper 66 on the valve
body 64 is sized to open only when the keyed fluid dispenser 24 has
been inserted far enough so that the receptacle end is depressed
firmly against the upper 66 to create a fluid seal. In an
embodiment that includes a notched area 54, the protrusions must be
inserted into the notched area 54 for a proper seal to occur. The
spring can be made of a higher tension to further inhibit children
from accessing the fluids by requiring a higher fluid dispenser
mounting pressure.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 3, the keyed fluid dispenser 24 is
illustrated as being disengaged from the container 10, the
protrusions 42 aligned for immediate insertion into grooves 41. The
upper 66 of displacement valve 64 fits within the aperture 31, the
frusta-conical shape of the upper 66 and top sealing surface 70
create a fluid seal. The spring 76 is biasing the displacement
valve 64 against the valve body 50. FIG. 4 depicts the keyed fluid
dispenser 24 partially engaging the aperture 31 of the container
10, the protrusions 42 are shown partially inserted into the length
of the grooves 41, allowing the receptacle 34 to engage the upper
66 of displacement valve 64. The displacement valve 64 is also
shown partially displaced wherein fluid can be drawn into the
opening 73 which is fluidly connected with the upper chamber 75.
During this time, air is allowed to escape or enter the bottle so
as to prevent a vacuum lock from occurring. The upper 66 and top
sealing surface 70 are shown separated, allowing fluid to be drawn
into the keyed fluid dispenser by drawing of the plunger to create
a vacuum. Fluid can then be drawn through the opening 73 into the
upper chamber 75 for entry into the keyed fluid dispenser 24
through receptacle 34. FIG. 5 depicts the keyed fluid dispenser 24
fully engaging the container 10, the protrusions 42 have passed
through the grooves 41 and are now inserted into the notched area
54 allowing the receptacle 34 to fully engage the upper 66 of
displacement valve 64 creating a seal between mating surfaces. The
displacement valve 64 is shown fully displaced wherein fluid can be
drawn into the opening 73 which is fluidly connected with the upper
chamber 75. The upper 66 and top surface 70 are now separated
allowing fluid, including fluids having the thickness of syrup, to
be drawn into the keyed fluid dispenser. Fluid can then be drawn
through the opening 73 into the upper chamber 75 for entry into the
keyed fluid dispenser 24 through receptacle 34. In this position,
the spring 76 is fully compressed providing maximum sealing between
the mating surfaces, namely the lower end of the receptacle and the
upper end of the displacement valve. When a proper seal has been
formed, the bottle can be inverted to allow fluid to be drawn into
the fluid dispenser with the assistance of gravity.
[0050] The valve assembly shown in this first embodiment allows for
the temporary securement of the fluid dispenser to the bottle.
While complex components can be used to accomplish this task, a low
cost method of manufacturing employs a top 56 formed from a disk
shape member that is sized to cover the width of the container
opening including the lip 71 of the container 10. The top 56 has a
lower surface 58 that is attached to the upper surface 52 of the
valve body 50. Attachment of the top 56 to the valve body is
preferably by heat weldment, adhesive, or as illustrated in an
alternative embodiment, by a single component. The valve body 50
includes a chamber or notched area 54 that, when the top 56 is
secured to the valve body 50, forms an area that can be further
keyed for receipt of the protrusions. For example, the notched area
may be higher in one area so that a protrusion length must match in
order to rotate. Another example can be the use of ramps wherein
the protrusions assist in creating a pressure gradient for further
sealing of the receptacle to the valve body.
[0051] The keyed fluid dispenser 24 includes a plunger 30 that is
used to draw fluid from the container in a conventional manner by
pulling on the handle 26 which creates a collection area for fluid
beneath the plunger by the use of a vacuum void. The amount of
fluid drawn can be checked against measuring indicia 48 which can
be any type of indicia and is not limited to conventional
measurements. For instance, the measuring indicia could refer to
the third line, alphabet characters, shapes, colors, and so forth.
The use of unique indicia further enhances the security of the
fluid dispenser by informing the guardian that the fluid dispenser
characters must match the medication instructions. Anything that
provides a measurement level corresponding to the required dosing
level is appropriate.
[0052] The protrusions 42 and/or grooves 41 placed in the top can
be keyed to a particular manufacturer or individual products. The
protrusions can be configured to prevent removal of the keyed fluid
dispenser or simply keyed to allow proper displacement of the
dispensing valve. It should be noted that the cap 21 can be
eliminated; however, for aesthetic purposes the cap allows the
container to appear conventional and prevent debris from entering
the aperture when stored. Should the cap be displaced, the bottle
would remain sealed when the fluid dispenser is detached.
[0053] The top 56 is also used to position the valve assembly at
the top of the container, and is preferably oversized so that the
valve assembly cannot be pushed inside the container. The disk
covers the width of the container opening having a lower surface 58
that may be attached to the upper surface 52 of the valve body 50.
Attachment of the top 56 to the valve body is preferably by heat
weldment or adhesive. During installation, the valve assembly 22 is
inserted into a container opening until the edge of the lower
surface 58 of top 56 engages the lip 71 of the container top to
assure proper positioning.
[0054] Referring in general to FIGS. 9-11, set forth is an
alternative embodiment wherein the valve body 90 is defined from a
single piece having a top 92, a bottom 94, outer wall 96 and inner
chamber 98. The valve body 90 has a centrally disposed aperture 100
for receipt of the keyed fluid dispenser shown in the previous
embodiment. The centrally disposed aperture 100 has a chamfered
opening with sealing surface 104 forming the top of chamber 98.
Displacement valve 110 has an upper section 112 with an outer
surface containing grooves 114 for receipt of keyed alike
protrusions placed on the keyed fluid dispenser. A sealing surface
116 is formed along the upper surface of the displacement valve 110
and is constructed and arranged to seal against the sealing surface
104 located at the top of the chamber 98. The grooves 114 are sized
to engage the protrusions on the keyed fluid dispenser; failure to
engage will cause an air gap that prevents fluid from being drawn
from the container by the fluid dispenser or in a controlled
manner. For instance, if the displacement valve is to be engaged,
fluid could not be removed as no seal would be made to a keyed
syringe. Thus, when the container is inverted, the fluid would
likely fall to the floor. Further, if an inappropriate keyed fluid
dispenser is used, without proper engagement of the grooves 100,
the plunger could not draw fluid as no vacuum would be created.
[0055] The keyed fluid dispenser that is properly keyed is then
matched with the grooves 114, wherein an internal spacing of the
grooves is sized to allow fluid to be drawn from the container and
into the keyed fluid dispenser. An upper section 112 of
displacement valve 110 fits within the aperture 100 wherein the
frusta-conical shape of the upper 112 and top surface 104 allow for
a fluid seal. Similar to the previous embodiment, the spring 120 is
used to bias the displacement valve 110 against the valve body 90
when in a closed position. The outer surface 96 of the valve body
frictionally engages the inner surface of the bottle 10. FIG. 10
depicts the displacement valve 110 in a depressed mode wherein
fluid can be drawn into the chamber 98 which is now fluidly
connected with grooves 114. The upper 112 and top surface 104 are
separated allowing fluid, including fluids having the thickness of
syrup, to be drawn into the keyed fluid dispenser by drawing of the
keyed fluid dispenser plunger which creates a vacuum. In this
position, the spring 120 is fully compressed providing a tight seal
between the mating surfaces, namely the end of the upper and the
end of the keyed fluid dispenser receptacle. When a tight seal has
been formed, the bottle can be inverted to allow fluid to be drawn
with the assistance of gravity.
[0056] The two embodiments disclose the use of a multi component
dispensing valve that, which will be obvious to one skilled in the
art, can be made from various manufacturing techniques to lessen
the amount of components used. The valve assembly and keyed fluid
dispenser provide a lock and key type arrangement for the control
of fluids from a container. The use of a keyed fluid dispenser
verifies that the amount of fluid drawn is exact with the
calibration provided by the manufacturer. For instance, if the
fluid drawn is measured in ml, then the indicia on the measuring
indicia will be marked appropriately. This provides further
assurance that the keyed fluid dispenser can only be used in
combination with the container to which fluid is to be drawn and
the keyed fluid dispenser would have no other useful purpose. The
use of all plastic materials allows the container and keyed fluid
dispenser to be recycled.
[0057] While detailed embodiments of the instant invention are
disclosed herein, it is to be understood that the disclosed
embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be
embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional and
structural details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as
limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representation basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure.
[0058] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and
obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent
therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques
described herein are presently representative of the preferred
embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as
limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur
to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit
of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended
claims. Although the invention has been described in connection
with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that
the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such
specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the
described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to
those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *