U.S. patent application number 13/008193 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-03 for fluid safety dispenser.
Invention is credited to Paul Schlie, Robert Terwilliger.
Application Number | 20120103470 13/008193 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44063857 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120103470 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Terwilliger; Robert ; et
al. |
May 3, 2012 |
Fluid safety dispenser
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 plug member biased to allow fluid passage through the opening of
the container when in a displaced position and to eliminate fluid
passage through the opening of the container when the plug member
is in a seated position. The keyed fluid dispenser assimilates a
syringe and is releasably securable to the valve body for use in
depressing the plug member by movement of a leaf 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 ease of fluid transfer.
Inventors: |
Terwilliger; Robert; (Palm
Beach Gardens, FL) ; Schlie; Paul; (Durham,
NH) |
Family ID: |
44063857 |
Appl. No.: |
13/008193 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13008121 |
Jan 18, 2011 |
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13008193 |
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12981040 |
Dec 29, 2010 |
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13008121 |
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61407775 |
Oct 28, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
141/346 ;
141/372; 222/547; 222/548 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 1/2037 20150501;
A61J 1/1437 20130101; 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 therebetween 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 aperture; a plug member constructed and arranged
to seal said aperture, means for biasing said plug member against
said aperture to prevent fluids stored in said container from
removal; and a fluid dispenser formed from a vessel having a
syringe, said vessel including a receptacle insert for displacing
said plug from said aperture and drawing fluids 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 opening of said 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 plug member 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
including a means for keying said fluid dispenser to said valve
body.
6. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 1
wherein said plug member is a substantially round disk shaped
member having a diameter, said diameter further defined by an outer
edge wall securable to said valve body and an inner edge wall with
at least one bridge support extending from said inner edge on one
side to said inner edge on the opposite side; and a plug element
having a lower surface constructed and arranged to engage said
bridge support and an upper surface sized to plug aperture, wherein
said bridge support maintains said plug element in contact with
said aperture to prevent fluid flow whereby displacement of said
plug element allows fluid flow.
7. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 6
wherein said disk member and said plug element are constructed from
a single piece of material and said plug element is folded onto
said bridge support by a living hinge.
8. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 6
wherein said plug element is dome shaped with at least one channel
formed along an upper surface thereof, said dome shape sized to
plug said aperture, said channel facilitating fluid flow when said
plug element is displaced.
9. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 1
wherein said valve member includes a ratchet means for
unidirectional attachment to the container.
10. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 1
wherein said fluid dispenser includes a longitudinal flute
positioned along an outer surface of the receptacle insert and said
aperture includes at least one tang constructed and arranged to
receive said flute.
11. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 10
wherein said flute includes a lateral offset, said lateral offset
receptive to said tang for temporarily securing said fluid
dispenser to said valve body.
12. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 1
wherein said fluid dispenser includes a tang along an outer surface
of the receptacle insert and at least one flute extending along the
length of said aperture constructed and arranged to receive said
tang.
13. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 12
wherein said tang can pass through said aperture for placement
along a lower surface of said valve body, said placement of said
tang along the lower surface allowing for temporary securement of
said fluid dispenser to said valve body.
14. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 1
wherein an inner portion of said valve member is threaded for
securement to a threaded container.
15. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 1
wherein said valve member is available to receive a cap.
16. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 15
wherein said lid is attached to said valve member by a living
hinge.
17. 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 and
threads formed along an outer surface of said opening; a valve body
threadingly secured to said outer surface of said opening, said
valve body having a centrally disposed aperture with at least one
tang extending outwardly therefrom; a plug member constructed and
arranged to seal said aperture in said valve body; a leaf spring
for biasing said plug member against said aperture to prevent
fluids stored in said container from removal; and a fluid dispenser
formed from a vessel having a syringe, said vessel including a
receptacle insert for displacing said plug from said aperture and
drawing fluids from said container, said fluid dispenser having a
longitudinal flute positioned along an outer surface of said
receptacle insert constructed and arranged to receive said
tang.
18. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 7
wherein said fluid dispenser includes measurement indicia to
indicate the amount of fluid drawn from said container.
19. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 7
wherein said valve body and said plug member are preassembled as an
assembly, said assembly insertable into said opening and sealing
the fluids held within the container.
20. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 17
wherein said flute includes a lateral offset, said lateral offset
receptive to said tang for temporarily securing said fluid
dispenser to said valve body.
21. 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 and
threads formed along an outer surface of said opening; a valve body
threadingly secured to said outer surface of said opening, said
valve body having a centrally disposed aperture with at least one
flute extending the length of said aperture; a plug member
constructed and arranged to seal said aperture in said valve body;
a leaf spring for biasing said plug against said aperture to
prevent fluids stored in said container from removal; and a fluid
dispenser formed from a vessel having a syringe, said vessel
including a receptacle insert for displacing said plug from said
aperture and drawing fluids from said container, said fluid
dispenser having at least one tang positioned along an outer
surface of said receptacle insert constructed and arranged to
cooperate with said flute.
22. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 21
wherein said fluid dispenser includes measurement indicia to
indicate the amount of fluid drawn from said container.
23. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 21
wherein said valve body and said plug member are preassembled as an
assembly, said assembly insertable into said opening and sealing
the fluids held within the container.
24. The fluid safety dispenser system as set forth in claim 21
wherein said tang is available for temporarily securing said fluid
dispenser to said valve body.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/008,121, filed Jan. 18, 2011 and entitled
"Spring Loaded Fluid Safety Dispenser System" which 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 patents address proper
dosing, a problem remains in that a child may access the medication
or 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 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 leaf 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
leaf 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. Leaf 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 a controllable
opening in the container for passage of fluids stored therein. A
dispensing valve is positionable in the opening, employing a leaf
spring biasing a plug member wherein an open position allows fluid
passage and a closed position prevents fluid passage. A keyed fluid
dispenser is 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 leaf spring biased plug member forming a
controllable flow through chamber; the plug member can be displaced
by a keyed fluid dispenser forming a child resistant protector.
[0025] Another objective of the instant invention is to disclose
the use of a keyed fluid dispenser in combination with a leaf
spring biased plug member wherein the fluid dispenser can be
temporarily secured to the container to permit inverted fluid
withdrawal.
[0026] Still another objective of the instant invention is to
disclose the use of a geometrically keyed syringe type dispenser
and matched fluid container.
[0027] Yet another objective of the instant invention is to
eliminate the need for a sealing cap.
[0028] Yet still another objective of the instant invention is to
disclose the use of a keyed syringe dispenser having personalized
measurement indicia for use in measuring the amount of fluid drawn
from a container.
[0029] Another objective of the invention is to provide a container
modification that is economical to manufacture and easy to
install.
[0030] 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
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the container and keyed
fluid dispenser of the instant invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container and keyed
fluid dispenser in an engaged configuration;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a top view of the dispenser valve;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a first embodiment
having a dispenser valve with the syringe disengaged;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the dispenser valve with
the syringe inserted;
[0036] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the dispenser valve with
the syringe inserted and locked into position;
[0037] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
dispenser valve;
[0038] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the second embodiment
having a dispenser valve with the syringe disengaged;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the dispenser valve with
the syringe inserted;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the dispenser valve
with the syringe inserted and locked into position;
[0041] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bottle cap;
[0042] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a third embodiment having a
flip top in an open position;
[0043] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the flip top in a closed
position;
[0044] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional side view thereof;
[0045] FIG. 15 is a top plane view thereof;
[0046] FIG. 16 is a top view of the valve member;
[0047] FIG. 17 is a side view of the valve member;
[0048] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the valve member in a
folded position; and
[0049] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view of the flip top and
valve member mounted on a bottle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0050] 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 for receipt of a
threaded cap. A valve assembly 22 is threaded onto 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 24 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.
[0051] The dispenser valve assembly 22 has an aperture 31 for
receipt of the receptacle insert 34. In a preferred embodiment, the
aperture includes at least one flute 41 which operates as a keying
mechanism for receipt of matched tang 42 arranged on the receptacle
insert 34. When keyed alike, the flute 41 and tang cooperate
allowing insertion of the receptacle insert for accessing the fluid
held within the container 10. Alternatively, the receptacle insert
34 may be sized to create a seal, thereby acting as a keying
feature. For instance, the receptacle insert may be 3.5 mm in
diameter, thereby requiring an aperture of the same size less a
space to allow for a close tolerance coupling. If the aperture is
too small, then the receptacle insert will not fit. If the aperture
is too large, then the receptacle insert can be inserted but will
not be able to draw fluids by vacuum. If the container is inverted
with an undersized receptacle insert, fluid will spill around the
fluid dispenser.
[0052] The keying feature may include both a tang/flute and unique
diameter sizing. The dispenser valve assembly includes a body 11
having a threaded inner surface and a lid 13 attached by a living
hinge 15. The lid 13 need not be threaded as the valve assembly
prevents removal of the fluid contents unless the fluid dispenser
is engaged. Rather, the lid prevents debris from collecting around
the aperture and is sized to slip on and off an upper portion of
the body 11.
[0053] The flutes 41 and/or tangs 42 are geometrically arranged to
create a mating receptacle and dripless interface. Although simple
tangs are depicted, it will be recognized to those skilled in the
art that the tangs can be of any shape, size, position, or
combination thereof so as to provide a locking mechanism unique to
a keyed fluid dispenser having a mating receptacle for either a
particular manufacturer, line of products, or type of product.
[0054] 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.
[0055] The body 11 of the valve assembly 22 is further defined by
an outer surface 50 and an inner surface 53. The inner surface
includes a thread channel to cooperate with the thread formed along
the outer surface of the bottle top. The upper surface 52 of the
valve body 11 has a notched area to collect fluid spillage, if any,
when the receptacle insert 34 is removed from the aperture 31. The
aperture 31 includes a flute for receipt of the tang 42. The flute
and tang are constructed and arranged to allow the tang to be
directionally focused through the aperture and rotate beneath the
lower surface 58 of the body 11 when fully inserted. Engagement of
the lower surface with the tang temporarily secures the keyed fluid
dispenser 24 to the valve assembly. Once secured, the keyed fluid
dispenser and the bottle are in alignment forcing a proper seal
necessary to allow the draw of fluid from the container. As the
level of fluid in the bottle is lowered from consumption, it is
more convenient to invert the bottle to allow fluid flow 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 body 11 permit venting of the container
while secured together; venting is permitted by spacing the lower
surface 60 and upper surface in an amount sufficient to allow air
to be drawn in when fluid is removed, yet insufficient to allow
fluid to escape.
[0056] The lower surface 58 includes a plug member 64 that is
biased into the lower opening of the aperture 31. While a round
plug is depicted, the plug can be of any size or shape; and the
function of which is to seal the aperture from fluid flow until the
plug is moved from the aperture. The plug 64 is biased into the
lower end of the aperture by a leaf spring member 76. The leaf
spring member 76 and plug 64 can be attached to the body 11 or,
more preferably, made of resilient material with a distal end of
the leaf spring member positioned along the top edge of the bottle
before the valve assembly is inserted into the bottle opening,
effectively capturing the end of the leaf spring between the bottle
surface and the body surface.
[0057] The plug member 64 is shaped to permit self-alignment into
the lower end of the receptacle and of a material that further
assists in sealing while maintaining integrity of the fluid stored
within the bottle. For instance, if the aperture does not include a
flute, the plug member 64 may consist of a hard plastic ball shaped
member. If the receptacle includes a flute within the aperture, the
plug may include an elastomeric coating or be formed of a softer
material that allows conforming to a non-circular opening. The plug
member 64 is displaced from the aperture 31 by the end 61 of the
receptacle insert 34 when inserted as shown in FIG. 5. The
displacement of the plug member permits fluid flow into the fluid
dispenser. As shown in FIG. 6, the fluid dispenser 24 can be
rotated upon insertion wherein tang 42 is positioned beneath the
surface 58 allowing for the aforementioned temporary securement of
the fluid dispenser to the container. The leaf spring can be made
of a higher tension to further inhibit children from accessing the
fluids by requiring higher fluid dispenser mounting pressure in
order to overcome the leaf spring biasing pressure.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 4, the keyed fluid dispenser 24 is
illustrated as being disengaged from the container 10, the tang
aligned for immediate insertion into flute 41. The upper portion 67
of plug member 64 fits within the aperture 31. The leaf spring 76
is pressing the plug member 64 against the aperture 31 opening in
the normally closed position. FIG. 5 depicts the keyed fluid
dispenser 24 engaging the aperture 31 of the container 10, the tang
42 shown inserted into the aperture allowing the receptacle 34 to
engage the upper portion 67 of plug member 64. The plug member 64
is also shown displaced wherein fluid can be drawn into the opening
73. During the fluid draw, air is allowed to enter the bottle so as
to prevent a vacuum lock from occurring. FIG. 6 depicts the keyed
fluid dispenser 24 fully engaging the container 10. The tang 42 has
passed through the aperture 31 and by rotating of the fluid
dispenser 24, the tang is moved away from the flute that allowed
movement through the aperture and is now used to temporarily secure
the fluid dispenser to the bottle. Placing of the tang beneath the
surface 58 assures proper sealing between the lower surface 60 of
the fluid dispenser 24 and the upper surface 52 of the valve body
11. The plug member 64 is shown fully displaced wherein fluid can
be drawn into the opening 73. 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.
[0059] 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 molded valve body 11 with
the lid 13 attached by a living hinge 15. The upper surface 52
notched area provides the benefit of a drip collection, however,
the notched area is not essential to the primary function of the
fluid dispenser. Alternatively a lid may be sized to fit within the
notched area 52.
[0060] Referring now to FIGS. 7-11, set forth is another embodiment
of the invention having valve body 80 defined by a top surface 82,
lower surface 84 and continuous side wall 86. The side wall 86 has
a lower section 88 sized to frictionally fit within the mouth of a
container and upper section 90 sized to overlap the upper edge of a
container 10. In addition to the upper edge providing a fluid seal,
the upper edge operates as stop measure to prevent the valve body
from falling into the container.
[0061] The previous embodiment employs the use of a tang mounted on
a fluid dispenser. As an alternative, set forth is an embodiment
depicting the placement of a tang on the valve body with a
receptacle flute placed on the fluid dispenser. Also unique to this
embodiment is the use of a separate lid 92 for covering of the
valve body 80 when it is not in use. The lid 92 is of conventional
design having an internal thread groove, not shown, receptive to
the outer screw thread 96 placed on the outer surface of the
bottle. The keyed fluid dispenser 150 includes a plunger that is
used to draw fluid from the container in a conventional manner by
pulling on the handle 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 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.
[0062] The tang 152 and/or flute 154 placed in the top 80 can be
keyed to a particular manufacturer or individual products. The
tangs 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 lid 92 can be
eliminated; however, for aesthetic purposes the lid allows the
container to appear conventional and prevent debris from entering
the aperture when stored. Should the lid be displaced, the bottle
would remain sealed when the fluid dispenser is detached.
[0063] The valve body 80 has a centrally disposed aperture 100 for
receipt of a keyed fluid dispenser. In this embodiment, the
centrally disposed aperture 100 has tangs 102 positional along an
upper area of the aperture 100 for use in aligning to flutes 104 of
the fluid dispenser 150.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 8, the keyed fluid dispenser 150 is
illustrated as being disengaged from a container 10, the tang 152
placed within the aperture 100, the size of which can be used to
block most items from being inserted into the aperture. In this
embodiment, the fluid dispenser 150 has a flute 154 formed into the
receptacle insert 156. The flute 154 must align with the tang to
allow insertion into the aperture. Illustrated is the leaf spring
170 pressing the plug member 177 against the lower opening of the
aperture 100, providing a normally closed position. Shown in FIG.
8, the lid 92 is placed over the end of the bottle preventing entry
of unwanted debris into the bottle. The valve body 80 available for
receipt of the keyed fluid dispenser 150, the lid 92 has been
removed, which engages the aperture 100 wherein tang 152 allows
insertion by cooperating with the flute 154, the end 146 of the
receptacle insert engages the upper portion 112 of plug member 177.
The plug member 177 is displaced wherein fluid can be drawn into
the opening 173. During this time, air is allowed to escape or
enter the bottle so as to prevent a vacuum lock from occurring.
FIG. 10 depicts the keyed fluid dispenser 150 fully engaging the
container 10, the tang has been driven along the length of the
flute and entered a flute offset by rotation of the fluid dispenser
150. The placement of the tang 152 into the flute 154 allows the
movement through the aperture, and by engaging the offset, allows
the fluid dispenser to be temporarily secured to the bottle.
Placing of the tang within the flute offset further assures proper
sealing between the lower surface 146 of the fluid dispenser 150
and the upper surface 82 of the valve body 80.
[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 12-19, set forth is a third
embodiment of the instant invention depicting a valve assembly 200
valve body 210 with an upper surface 212 and centrally disposed
aperture 214. Lid 216 is coupled to the top of the valve body 210
by a living hinge 218. The lid 216 includes a seal 220 and engages
the aperture 214, securing the lid 216 to the valve body 210. An
indentation 222 is provided beneath the lip 224 of the lid 216 for
the ease of lifting.
[0066] FIG. 14 depicts a cross sectional view of the valve body 210
and lid 216. An inner surface of the valve body includes a thread
groove 226 to provide an engaging thread to a bottle top. Upon
entry through the aperture 214, an enlarge opening is defined by
the inner sidewall of the bottle. A base holder 211 is formed along
the upper edge of the side wall and may be formed for a continuous
ledge placed around the inner circumference for holding of a plug
member, or the ledge may consist of a non-continuous ledge.
[0067] FIG. 15 depicts the valve body 210 with a ratchet engagement
230 consisting of about thirty-two ratchets equally spaced around
the circumference so as to allow unidirectional placement of the
valve body 210 onto a bottle. In the preferred embodiment, the
ratchet engagement 230 does not include a means for reversing the
ratchet engagement so as to prevent removal of the valve body once
installed.
[0068] The valve body 210 has a base 240 formed of a single piece
of material, preferable plastic. The base 240 is a substantially
round disk shaped member having a diameter defined by an outer edge
wall 242 securable to a flange member 211. An inner edge wall 243
forms an open area 244 with at least one bridge support 246
extending from the inner edge 247 on one side of the inner edge
wall to an inner edge 248 on the opposite side. A plug element 250
has a lower surface 260 constructed and arranged to engage the
bridge support 246 and an upper surface 254 sized to plug the lower
opening of the aperture 214. The bridge support 246 maintains the
plug element in contact with the aperture to prevent fluid flow
until a displacement of the plug element allows fluid flow. The
base 242 and plug element 250 are preferably molded from a single
piece of material and adjoined by a living hinge 252. The living
hinge 252 is folded over to align the plug element 250 in an
aligned position calculated to present the dome shape plug member
into the lower opening of the aperture. Channels 254 are formed
into the upper surface of the plug member 250 which facilitates
fluid flow when the plug element is displaced by a receptacle
insert 310. The channels allow ease of fluid flow even if the plug
element is only partially displaced.
[0069] FIG. 18 depicts the valve body 240 with the plug element 250
in a folded position along living hinge 252 with the upper surface
260 of the plug 250 engaging the bridge support 246 which operates
as a biasing spring. FIG. 19 depicts the valve body 210 mounted on
a bottle 10 with base member 240 secured to the valve body by
placement with flange member 211, the flange member surrounds at
least a part of the base. The base member is snapped into the
flanges with the dome shape portion of plug member 250 facing
upward in a position that will seal the aperture 214 from fluid
exiting the container. The fluid dispenser 300 has a receptacle
insert 310 that fits within the aperture 214 and depresses plug
member 250 away from the end of the aperture, eliminating the seal
thus allowing fluid to be drawn into the fluid dispenser 300 by use
of a syringe type mechanism as previously mentioned.
[0070] The embodiments disclose the use of a multi component fluid
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.
[0071] 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.
[0072] 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.
* * * * *