TECHNOLOGY FIELD

The present application relates generally to a container with dispensing tip. some embodiments, the dispensing tip is adapted for delivering product from the container in a stream or dropwise fashion.

Often, fluids, such as liquids, semi-liquids and the like, are desired to be held in a container until dispensing is desired. There are a multitude of ways to accomplish storage and dispensing, and a continuing need to refine and redefine these ways, particularly in the competitive world of cosmetics.

This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for medical devices. An example medical device, comprises: a stent including a plurality of longitudinally extending filaments, the stent having an inner surface and an outer surface; a plurality of tubular members extending along the stent; wherein each of the plurality of tubular members is coupled w ith one or more < the plurality of longitudinally extending filaments; and wherein each of the plurality of tubular members is configured to accept a radioactive element, a spacer or both.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the actuator includes a compressible sleeve, and wherein the amount of compressio applied to the sleeve controls the amount of the product dispensed through the tip. Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the tip includes a first flange and wherein the actuator includes a second flange, and wherein the first flange and the second flange are designed to mate.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the bottle includes a third flange and wherein the second flange and the ihird flange are designed to mate.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the mating connection of the first flange and ihe second flange includes a snap fit connection, and wherein the mating connection of the second flange and the third flange includes a snap fit connection.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the snap fit connections are configured such that the tip, the bottle, or both the tip and the bottle are replaceable.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising an upper collar, wherein the upper collar is positioned around the circumference of the tip, and wherein the upper collar is configured to prevent the actuator from moving longitudinally with respect to ihe tip.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising an annular collar, wherein the annular collar includes a first flange, and wherein the bottle includes a second flange, and wherein first flange is designed to mate with the second flange.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the annual collar is coupled to the actuator, the bottle, or both the actuator and the bottle.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the container includes an end cap coupled to an end region positioned opposite the tip. Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the container further comprises a dip tube coupled to the tip, wherein the dip tube extends from the tip toward the end cap.

Another example container for dispensing a cosmetic product, comprises a rigid bottle having at least one sidewaii and at least one opening: a flexible actuator configured to receive a product from the rigid bottle; a tip including an orifice, the tip configured to receive a product from the flexible actuator; and wherein the orifice is configured to dispense product therethrough; wherein the tip, the bottle or both the tip and the bottle are replaceable.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the actuator is positioned between the bottle and the tip such that the actuator is designed to control the amount of product dispensed through the tip orifice.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the flexible actuator is capable of being compressed, and wherein the amount of compression applied to the actuator corresponds to the amount of product dispensed through the tip.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the bottle is coupled to the actuator via a snap connection and wherein the tip is coupled to the actuator via a snap connection.

A lternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising an upper collar positioned adjacent the tip, wherein the upper collar is configured to prevent the actuator from moving longitudinally with respect to the tip.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the bottle includes a first flange and the actuator includes a second flange, and wherein the first flange is designed to mate with the second flange. Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the first flange includes at least one outwardly extending portion, and wherem the second flange includes at least one inwardly extendmg portion, and wherein the inwardly extendmg portion is designed to mate with the outwardly extending portion.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising an annual collar coupled to the actuator, the bottle or both the actuator and the bottle, wherein the annual collar is designed to prevent longitudinal movement of the bottle with respect to the actuator.

Another example container comprises a bottle having at least one rigid sidewall and defining a cavity therein and defining an open end; a dispensing actuator comprising at feast one flexible sidewall defining a cavity therein; and a dispensing tip defining a dispensing orifice permitting the flow of a product therethrough upon application of external pressure upon the dispensing actuator; wherein the dispensing actuator f!uidly connects the bottle and the dispensing tip at opposite ends thereof.

The above summary of some embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures, and Detailed Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the container with quick release base and lid assembly are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. There are shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures.

FIG. 1 A is a side view of an example container.

FIG. I B is a side view of the container of Fig. 1A, with the cap removed. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional side view of the container of Fig. 1A, with the cap removed. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a container in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a cross- sectional vie of a container in accordance with some embodiments.

FTG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a container in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a container in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional vie of a container in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a container in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a container in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a container in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The container and dispensing tip described herein is suitable in a wide-variety of commercial areas, such as cosmetics, medicinal, pharmaceutical, arts, painting, cooking, etc. In short, in any application where a relatively controlled ouiput of product is required. The description herein will focus on the use of the container in the cosmetics industry, but is not meant to so limit the use of the container to that field.

The product to be dispensed can be any desired product which is fluid or flowable. Such products may range from fully liquid to semi-liquid or even a powder. It is contemplated that a wide range of materials and viscosities may be used. An opening in the dispenser can be sized appropriately to facilitate dispensing thicker fluids or to hold back thinner fluids until dispensing is desired.

As shown throughout the figures and described in more detail with respect to various embodiments below, the container comprises a multi-part system including a bottle defining a product reservoir, a dispensing actuator (or squeeze area), and a dispensing tip, such that the dispensing actuator is disposed between the bottle and the dispensing tip, whereby pressure applied to ihe dispensing actuator, rather than the bottle, forces product out through the dispensing tip. The dispensing tip, dispensing actuator, and bottle can be made of any suitable material and may be ftuidly connected to one another via any suitable means. The Figures represent a variety of examples and the descriptions below are meant to be illustrative in nature. Those of skill in the art will appreciate variations in shape, size, configuration, material choice, and other characteristics without deviating from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

As shown in Figs. 1A- 1C, the container 100 comprises a multi-part system, including a bottle 200 for containing the product, a dispensing actuator 300, a dispensing tip 400 (here a nozzle), and at least one collar to connect the various pieces. It will be appreciated that the various parts can be formed in any manner and intercon ected with one another in a variety of ways.

A separate cap 700 may also be pro vided.

The bottle 200 may be a rigid bottle, made of glass, polypropylene, PET, PE ^' TG, PETE, PCTG, SAN, clarified ABS, acrylic (PMMA), or other material suitable for housing the product. The term "rigid," as used herein, means that the bottle's sidewalk may not flex under normal hand pressures. The dimensions of the bottle 200 may remain substantially constant regardless of environment or manual manipulations. In some instances small amounts of expansion and contraction due to environmental forces may occur, however, such changes may occur in all materials and are not expected to alter the performance of the bottle 200. The bottle 200 generally will have at least one sidewall 210 as in the case of a generally cylindrical bottle 200 as shown in Figs, 1A-1C. The bottle 200 may also have a bottom wall 220. In some instances, the at least one sidewall 210 may come together to form a closed bottom, without having a bottom wall, per se. The at feast one sidewall 210 also defines an opening 230 at the end opposite the closed bottom. The opening 230 in the bottle 200 is designed to allow for substantially freeflow of the product contained in the bottle. "Substantially free-flow," as used herein, means that the product moves from the boitle 200 out of the opening 230 by simple inversion of the bottle 2.00. That is, upon completely or partially inverting the bottle 200, the product contained therein will flow through the opening. It will be appreciated that the viscosity of the product will determine the speed with which such flow is accomplished. Tn some embodiments, the bottle 200 may have an inner shoulder 250, as seen in Figs. 1 A-1C. Tn other instances, the bottle may be free of projections (e.g. shoulders) to facilitate more free-ilow of product, as shown in Fig. 2.

At the open end of the bottle 200, the container is provided with a dispensing actuator 300. In the case of Figs. 1 A-1C, the dispensing actuator 300 may be a soft sleeve. As shown in Figs. 1A- 1C, the soft sleeve is affixed to the open end of the bottle 200 such that product may flow from the bottle 200 to a void defined by the soft, sleeve. As used herein, "soft" may indicate that the soft sleeve is compressible under hand, or more particularly finger, pressure. The dispensing actuator 300 is adapted to provide the proper balance of resistance and compressibility to allow for the user to apply pressure to control the amount and/or speed of the product dispensed.

As sho wn in the cross-section of Fig, 1C, the dispensing actuator may be generally cylindrical, defined by a sidewall, which, in turn defines a cavity between. The sidewall defines two opposed open ends. At one end, the dispensing actuator 300 is affixed to the dispensing tip 400. As shown in Fig. 1C, the dispensing tip 400 and the dispensing actuator 300 may be coupled to one another via a pair of mated annular flanges 402 and 302, respectively. An upper collar 404 may also be provided. In addition to being decorative, the upper collar 404 can be used to secure the dispensing actuator 300 to prevent axial movement with respect to the dispensing tip 400. Other arrangements for securing the pieces may also be employed, including overmolding, snap fit, frictional fit, threading, etc., some of which are shown in the rem ining figures and discussed below. In some instances (as shown, for example, in the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1C), the dispensing actuator 300 may be overmokled with an annular collar 406. Although the figure depicts a clear demarcation between the dispensing actuator 300 and the annular collar 406, due to the over molding process, the two are substantially joined by the melting of materials at the interface. The annular collar 406 is generally more rigid than the dispensing actuator 300 to facilitate its connection with the bottle 200. As depicted, the annular collar 406 is coupled to the bottle 200 via a pair of mated flanges, 408 and 208, on the annular collar 406 and bottle 200, respectively. This arrangement permits a snap fit type connection. Fig. 1C also shows an optional decorative collar 410 around the annular collar 406.

Suitable materials for the dispensing actuator 300 include but are not limited to TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), polyethylene, Surlyn ®, rubber, silicone, polypropylene, and the like. As shown in Figs. 1 A-1C, the soft sleeve is a cylindrical shape defined by a sidewall defining two open ends. One end is affixed to and in fluid communication with the bottle 200, and the cavity containing product therein. The opposite end is connected to a dispensing tip 400 (e.g., a nozzle).

The dispensing tip 400 can be any suitable dispensing tip, or possibly a combination of tips, depending upon the desired application . For example, the tip 400 may be a nozzle (as shown in Figs. 1 A-IC) and may include a brush, bristles, a foam applicator, a doefoot, etc. In Figs. 1 A- 1 C, it is contemplated that the nozzle is well- suited for single drop application, or upon exertion of additional pressure on the soft sleeve, a stream of product. As shown in Figs. 1 A-I C, the nozzle 400 is provided with a dispensing orifice 412. The dispensing orifice 412 is sized and configured relative to the product to be dispensed. In sizing the orifice 412, the design must keep in mind the competing goals of keeping product within the nozzle 400 until desired and the need for relative ease of achieving the desired pressure for proper dispensing.

As mentioned abo v e, the container is adaptable to a wide variety of industries and products within those industries. In the cosmetics industry, the product may range from serum, lipgloss, liquid foundation, cream, liquid eyeliner, liquid blush, nail varnish, liquid concealer, etc. More broadly speaking, the product is any material that is flowable. For example, the product may have a viscosity of about 1 (water) to about 100,000 (sour cream). In some embodiments, the viscosity of the product is about 1 (water) to about 1 ,000 (motor oil), in some embodiments, the product viscosity is about 50,000 (ketchup) to about 100,000 (sour cream). In some embodiments, the viscosity of the product may be about 1 , about L000, about 10,000, about 20,000, about 30,000, about 40,000, about 50,000, about 60,000, about 70,000, about 80,000, about 90,000, about 100,000, or any value or range of values between any two of these values.

The dispensing tip 400, dispensing actuator 300, and bottle 200 can be affixed to one another either permanently or removably, and by any suitable means. As shown, one or more of the pieces is provided with mating connectors which are held in place by the upper and lower collars 404/406, which may also provide an aesthetic function. Tn some embodiments, the bottle 200 is removable from the dispensing actuator 300 and/or tip 400. In this manner, either the dispensing actuator 300 and/or tip 400 can be replaced without losing contents remaining in the bottle 200.

Alternatively, when the container nears empty, the container could be inverted, allowing product to flow from the bottle 200 into the dispensing actuator 300. The bottle 2.00 could then be removed, and a refill bottle attached. In this manner, minimal product is lost, and the consumer does not need to squeeze the tube to get the final bit of product from the container.

In another alternative, the dispensing tip 400 could be removed and replaced in the event of a clog, or if there is a need to use a different type of applicator. The ability to change dispensing tips gives tremendous flexibility to the single bottle of product.

As depicted in Figs. 1A-1C, a cap 700 may also be provided such that it seals the dispensing orifice 412 in the dispensing tip 400, to prevent accidental leakage or dispensing.

In use, the bottle 200 may be filled with product and sold to consumers, or in some embodiments, may be tillable by consumers. In use, the user may shake the bottle 200 to redistribute any settling of product that may have occurred (if necessary depending on the product type). The container may then be fully or partially inverted and, depending on factors such as the product viscosity, any remaining amount left in the bottle 200 may flow into ihe actuator 300, The user then applies appropriate pressure/compression (e.g. sqeezing the actuator) to the dispensing actuator 300. The combination of the applied pressure and the resistance provided by one or more of the dispensing aciuaior 300, the dispensing tip 400 (and orifice 412), and/or the product viscosity results in product flowing (e.g., dispensing) from the cavity defined by the dispensing actuator 300 into the dispensmg tip 400 and out the dispensing nozzle 412. The flow (e.g. dispensing) of product can be controlled by the manual pressure applied by ihe user.

The remaining figures illustrate various embodiments, particularly with respect to how the various pieces are interconnected. Fig. 2 depicts an alternative embodiment, wherein the dispensing actuator 300 may be a silicone sleeve fitted over a neck 260 on the bottle 200 at one end and a neck 460 on the dispensing tip at ihe other. The sleeve 310 is secured in place at either end by a collar 800. The flexible sleeve 310 then defines a cavity for housing product for dispensing and a flexible sidewall 312 to allow for movement of product through the dispensing actuator 300 upon exertion of physical pressure upon the flexible sidewall 310, Annular collar 800 may be used to secure the slee ve 310 to each of the neck 460 and neck 260.

Figs. 3-5 depict various embodiments employing snap fit connections as well as overmolding techniques described above in relation to Fig. 1. Figs. 3 and 4 depict an arrangement similar to that of Fig. 1 for connecting the dispensing tip 400 to the dispensing actuator 300. In each case, the dispensing tip 400 and the dispensing actuator 300 are coupled to one another via a pair of mated annular flanges 402 and 302, respectively. An upper collar 404 is also provided. In addition to being decorative, the upper collar 404 can be used to secure the dispensmg actuator 300 to prevent axial movement with respect to the dispensing tip 400. Fig. 5 depicts a similar arrangement, except that the upper collar 404 of Figs. 3 and 4, is integrally formed with the dispensing tip 400, and forms shoulder 414 which permits the snap fit closure between flanges 402 and 302.

Figs. 3-5 also depict variations on the connection between the dispensing actuator 300 and the bottle 200. As discussed with regard to Figs. 1 A- 1 C, Figs. 3-5 depict the dispensing actuator 300, affixed to a lower collar 306. The overmolding process makes the dispensing actuator 300 and the lower collar 306 a unitary piece, with intermingling of materials at the interface which will be well known to those in the art. As with the embodiment described in Figs. 1A-1C, the lower collar 306 is coupled to the bottle 200 v ia a pair of mated flanges, 408 and 208, on the low er collar 306 and bottle 200, respectively. Figs. lA-lC, 3, and 5 each depict an optional decorative collar 4.10. Fig. 4 does not show the decorative collar, rather, lower collar 306 is thicker (e.g., the approximate thickness of the lower collar 306 combined with decorative collar 410).

Fig. 6 depicts another embodiment showing connection of the dispenser actuator 300 to the dispensing tip 400 at one end, and the bottle 200 at the other via a snap fit arrangement employing a series of mated flanges as described in the various embodiments above. In Fig. 6, an annular collar 600 is provided with mated annular flange or barb 602 to mate with flanges 314 provided on the dispenser actuator 300, and also with mated annular flange or barb 608, to mate with flange 208 on the bottle 200.

It should be appreciated from the above description that any suitable arrangement or combination of arrangements may be used to secure the various parts of the multi-part system.

Fig. 7 depicts another embodiment which employs overmolding techniques to join the various parts. In this instance, a lower collar 506 is overmolded with and becomes part of the dispenser actuator section 508, so as to have a uniform outward appearance. As with other designs, a combination of annular ribs, barbs, or other projections are employed in a mated fashion to hold the various parts together. Fig. 8 illustrates another example container 100 including dispensing tip 400 and bottle 200. As shown in Fig. 8, in some instances bottle 200 may include an openmg 822. Openmg 822. may be posit ioned at an end of bottle 200 opposite dispensing tip 400 (e.g., which may be the "bottom" of bottle 200). For example, in some instances opening 822 may be defined as an aperture (e.g., absence of a bottom portion) of bottle 200. In other words, opening 822 may considered an extension of lumen 826 extending within bottle 200.

In some instances, bottle 200 may be coupled to an end cap 820. It is contemplated for purposes of this disclosure that the embodiments disclosed herein may include a bottom opening 82.2. and corresponding end cap 82.0. As shown in Fig. 8, end cap 820 may be configured to mate with the end portion 824 of bottle 820. Find cap 820 may be coupled to bottle 200 via a variety of connections. For example, end cap 82.0 may be coupled to bottle 2.00 via a snap-fit, threads, friction fit, overmolding, or the like. In some instances, end cap 820 may be releasably (e.g., removably) secured to bottle 200. For example, end cap 820 may be removed to facilitate the refilling of bottle 200. After bottle 200 has been refilled, end cap 820 may be reattached to bottle 200.

Fig. 9 illustrates another example container 100 including dispensing tip 400 and bottle 200. Fig, 9 shows container 100 including tube member 900 coupled to dispensing tip 400. ^' Tube member 900 may be referred to as a "dip tube" in some examples. As shown in Fig. 9, tube member 900 may extend from dispensing tip 400 to end portion 824 of bottle 200. In some examples, tube member 900 may extend through lumen 82.6 of bottle 200. Further, tube member 900 may extend from dispensing tip 400 to a position adjacent end cap 820.

Tube member 900 may be configured to draw, pull, convey, channel, transfer and/or move material from the end portion 824 (e.g., adjacent end cap 820) to the dispensing tip 400. For example, in some examples a vacuum pressure may be created within bottle 200 that draws material through tube member 900. While generally shown as a cylinder (e.g., having a circular cross section) in Fig. 9, it is contemplated that tube member 900 may be any shape and/or size. For example, the cross section of tube 900 may be ovular, triangular, square, or the like. Further, while the discussion herein has described tube member 900 as extending through bottle 200 to a posiiion adjacent the boitom of bottle 200, it is further eoniempiated ihai iube 900 may extend from dispensing tip 400 to any location within container 100 and/or bottle 200.

Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. t is therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.