FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to dispensing system. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved dispensing system inlcuding a dispenser cap for dispensing various items in form of solid, liquid and gas or a combination thereof in specific quantity from said single dispenser cap. The invention also relates to methods associated with said dispensing system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional dispensers are used to serve a fixed or adjustable portion of material from a connected volume of material. Most of such dispensers have a complex design and comprise multiple parts making them a complex product both ways i.e. in terms of manufacturing and in terms of use by a user. Also, every dispenser does not indicate the schedule of dispensing which is necessary for every user; more particularly for a user having short memory sufferings. Such feature is available in some expensive dispensers; however, it is essential that such feature should also be a part of every dispenser mainly in dispensers which are used for medication purpose.

An access to the count number or schedule of medication on dispensers should be readable to people in order to ascertain correct amount of dosage needed for use. Also, there should be an easily accessible clicking/ticking sound with every dispensing, locking & unlocking action for safe handling of the material which will be helpful for a person having disabilities for example a person having poor vision, or hearing problems.

There remains a need, therefore, for a dispenser which overcomes the above discussed problems and shortcomings. The present invention, thus, provides a new and improved dispensing system including a dispenser cap for dispensing various items in specific quantity from said single dispenser cap. The items of use may include for example capsules, tablets, pills, granules, powder, etc. as solids & syrups, shampoo etc. as liquids/fluids, perfumes etc. as gas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a dispensing system for dispensing including a dispenser cap comprising: a top part; a carrier member movably received in the top part; and a base part movably receiving the top part containing the carrier member, wherein the dispenser cap being movably received by a container to dispense. The dispenser cap is provided with connection structure for fitment of the container in a leak proof manner wherein fitment arrangements include screw fit, interference fit, snap-fit, lock fit or the like and/or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the present invention the top part of dispensing cap has a circular shape having a top wall with a mouth adjoined with a peripheral wall, each having an inner surface and an outer surface. The top wall on its outer surface provided with a pair of arrows being positioned opposite to each other showing the direction of rotation of the top part and outer surface of the peripheral wall is provided with a pointer and a pair of holding members facing each other integrally provided in the inner surface of the peripheral wall. The top part is further, provided with at least one hanging wall having a curved shape alongside of the mouth being adjoined to the inner surface of the top wall.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral wall of the top part of the dispensing cap has a protruded end forming an engaging ring to fixedly and movably engage with a recess of the base part of the dispenser cap formed on the side of inner surface of the peripheral wall having a round profile.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the carrier member in the dispensing cap has an outer wall adjoining to side walls on both ends forming a chamber and wherein the outer wall has an opening providing access to the chamber and wherein the carrier member provided with or without a pair of handles at both ends. A gear is integrally formed on one side of the carrier member in between the handle and side wall to engage mechanically with gear rail provided on the periphery of the base part. The carrier member is having a first projection and a second projection provided on the outer wall running between side walls provided at both ends wherein the first projection has a straight edge in comparison to the second projection which has a slanted edge. The carrier member having a cylindrical shape has its center axis offset or may have its center axis collinear to the center axis of handles provided therewith. In an embodiment of the present invention, in the dispensing system, the carrier member is provided with a roller or wheel to engage mechanically with circular track provided on the base part.

In an embodiment of the present invention, in the dispensing system the base part provided with a peripheral wall having an inner surface and an outer surface having a circular shape with a hollow cylindrical profde and wherein texts are embossed and/or debossed on an outer surface and/or inner surface. The base part on its inner periphery at its distal end is provided with a gear rail and a recess provided in between the inner periphery and outer periphery to movably and fixedly receive the protruded end of the carrier member and wherein the recess has a ring like structure which runs through the entire periphery of the base part.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the top part provided with a seal along with a hook to get locked or attached permanently with the seal and a tear hole(s) provided to the seal to facilitate removal of the seal.

In an embodiment of the present invention, in the dispensing system, the base part is optionally manufactured integrally to form container or may be as an independent part.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser cap is optionally provided with a funnel member to guide material to be dispensed there through.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing system is provided with the top part of a circular shape having a uniform top wall without a mouth having an inner surface and an outer surface.

The dispenser cap and the container for the purpose of the present invention are made of polymeric material including plastic and/or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 (a), (b) & (c) illustrate a top, side and perspective views respectively of a dispensing system including a container fitted with a dispenser cap of the present invention according to one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 1(d) illustrates an exploded view of the dispensing system of Fig. 1 (a).

Fig. 2 (a-h) illustrate different complete and cross-sectional views of top part of the dispenser cap.

Fig. 3 (a-h) illustrate complete and partial views of carrier member of the dispenser cap according to the present invention.

Fig. 4 (a-d) illustrate complete and partial views of base part of the dispenser cap according to the one embodiment of present invention.

Fig. 5 (a) and (b) illustrate a complete and cross-sectional view of the top part movably containing the carrier member.

Fig. 6 (a) to (f) illustrate complete and partial views of the dispenser cap having the top part with a carrier member movably retained with the base part according to the present invention.

Fig. 7 (a), (b) and (c), they illustrate atop, front and perspective view respectively of another embodiment of the dispensing system.

Fig. 8 (a) illustrates an exploded view according to an embodiment of the dispensing system. Fig. 8 (b) and (c) illustrate a detail view of seal and seal gate respectively of an embodiment of the dispensing system.

Fig. 9 (a-i) illustrate complete and partial views of assembled dispensing system of Fig. 7. Fig. 10 (a) and (b) shows perspective views of top part of another embodiment of dispensing system.

Fig. 11 (a) illustrates a sagittal sectioned view of another embodiment of dispensing system, wherein a chamber of carrier member provided with material (solute) and container is provided with material (solvent).

Fig. 11 (b) illustrates a sagittal sectioned view of another embodiment of dispensing system, wherein the carrier member being rotated for dispensing the material (solute) from chamber into the material (solvent) of container.

Fig. 12 (a) and (b) illustrate complete and partial views of another embodiment of the top part.

Fig. 13 (a) illustrates a straight position of dispensing system with pills stored in the container. Fig. 13 (b) illustrates the inverted position of dispensing system with pills in dispensing cap. Fig. 13 (c) illustrates the top view of dispensing system with an alternative position of arrows and carrier member to show a slight movement of carrier member in clockwise direction. Fig. 13 (d) illustrates the inverted position of dispensing system with pill falling out from dispensing cap.

Fig. 13 (e) illustrates detail U of Fig. 13 (d).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements. In the drawings and in the description, the term "container", "bottle", “dispensing bottle” or the like refers to the dispenser bottle or container of the dispensing system of the present invention.

Moreover, the figures are exemplary in nature and in no way limits the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims appearing herein below. It should also be understood that the invention is a new and improved dispensing system including a dispenser cap which is used to dispense various items of use which may be in any form such as solid, liquid and gas or a combination thereof, when needed in specific quantity from said single dispenser. The dispensing system can be used by hand or attached through a machine to dispense from containers or pipes or channels as a complete product or may be a part of manufacturing machine or other machine for dispensing.

Referring now to Figs. 1(a), (b) & (c), it illustrates an exemplary embodiment showing atop, side and perspective views respectively of a dispensing system 10 including a container 12 fitted with a dispenser cap 14 of the present invention.

As can be seen in Fig. 1 (d) which illustrates an exploded view of the dispensing system 10, the container 12 has a proximal end 26 forming the base and a distal end 24 with an opening 22. The container 12 has a neck 16 having connection structure 18 at its outer surface 20 near distal end 24. The items to dispense through the container 12 are poured in through said opening 22. In this embodiment, the connection structure 18 includes spiral threads which screw fits into the connection structure 18 provided in the inner wall of the dispenser cap 14 in a leak proof manner. However, the connection structure 18 is not limited to spiral threads and may include other shape and structures and/or arrangements and means of connection for example snap fit, interference fit etc.

The dispenser cap 14 comprises a top part 30, a base part 34 and a carrier member 32 arranged in-between the top 30 and base 34 parts as shown in Figs. 1 (d). The top part 30 houses the carrier member 32 in a movable manner such that the top part 30 is snap fitted with the base part 34 of the dispenser cap 14. Being snap fitted with the base part 34 the top part 30 is movable in one direction in this embodiment. However, the top part 30 may have freedom of moving in both directions in alternative embodiment.

Referring now to Fig. 2(a)-(e) illustrate the top part 30 of the dispenser cap 14 in various positions. As can be seen, Fig. 2(a) illustrates a perspective view showing a front of the top part 30 of the dispenser cap 14. The top part 30 has a circular shape having a top wall 36 adjoined with a peripheral wall 38 each having an inner surface 40 and an outer surface 42. The top wall has a mouth 44 in the shape of a rectangular cut-out for dispensing in specific quantity when required. The shape of top part 30 and mouth 44 is not limited to shape as disclosed herein, and may be of any geometrical shape serving the functionality of dispensing.

The top wall 36 on its outer surface 42 is also provided with a pair of arrows 46 on both sides of the mouth 44 which are positioned opposite to each other showing the direction of rotation of the top part 30 in this embodiment. The arrows 46 are indicative of a clock-wise direction. In alternative arrangements, the arrows can also be used to show anti-clock wise direction. The outer surface 42 of the peripheral wall 38 is provided with a pointer 48 in the form of a triangle. The pointer 48 is determinative of the dose to a user which is available on the base part 34 which will be discussed in coming paragraphs. A side view of the top part 30 showing the peripheral wall 38 is shown in Fig. 2(b). Each of the arrows 46 and the pointer 48 has an embossed design which assists a user of special abilities, for example a blind person to easily be aware about them and to ascertain the correct doses.

Referring now to Fig. 2 (c) and (d), a rear view of the top part 30 of Fig. 2 (a) is illustrated. A hanging wall 50 along a side of the mouth 44 being adjoined to the inner surface 40 of the top wall 36 is provided. The hanging wall 50 has a curved shape which assists the carrier member 32 to be stable in its place. The top part 30 in Fig 2 (c) to (g), showing one hanging wall 50 of the dispensing cap 14 is allowing to perform the dispensing of only solid forms of material, however, a pair of two hanging walls 50 allows the dispensing of all forms including solid, liquid, gas and combination thereof as shown in Fig. 2 (g). In addition, the hanging wall 50 provides a constant closure to the opening 58 of the carrier member 32 while being in rotation. A pair of holding members 52 facing each other is integrally provided in the inner surface 40 of the peripheral wall 38 in this embodiment; however, these holding members 52 may be eliminated in alternative embodiments with a pair of hanging walls 50 or may be designed integrally apart from the peripheral wall 38 which is discussed in coming paragraphs in alternative embodiment. The carrier member 32 is held in position through the holding members 52. The mouth 44 is positioned in between the holding members 52. The position of curved hanging wall 50 vis-a-vis the holding member 52 is seen in Fig. 2 (e). The hanging wall 50 is flexible such that once the carrier member 32 is retained in the holding members 52 the hanging wall 50 safely accommodates and does not hinder the movement of carrier member 32.

As can be seen, Fig. 2 (e) indicates details AQ and AR showing detailed profdes in Fig. 2 (f) and (g) respectively. The detail AQ in Fig. 2 (f), shows a proximal end 26 of the peripheral wall 38 which has a protruded end 28 formed on the side of inner surface 40 of the peripheral wall 38. The protruded end 28 of the top part 30 forms an engaging ring to fixedly and movably engage in a snap fit arrangement with the base part 34 of the dispenser cap 14. The protruded end 28 has a round profile or may be in any other shape such as triangular etc. ensuring the objective of a leak proof seal with the base part 34.

The detail AR as shown in Fig. 2 (g) illustrates the profile of hanging wall 50 and its position with respect to mouth 44. The position of the hanging wall 50 vis-a-vis the holding member 52 indicates the positioning of carrier member 32 being supported by curved hanging wall 50. The holding members 52 are provided with resting slots to receive the handles 62 of carrier member 32 as discussed below. Further, in an alternative embodiment, another hanging wall 32 as shown in Fig. 2 (h) forming a pair can be provided such that the carrier member 32 is received in between said pair of hanging wall 50. In such a case, the carrier member 32 can be without the need of handles 62 on both side ends and be pushed to snap fit between the flexible hanging walls 50 in a rotatable manner along with the gear 64 discussed below. The alternative shapes of the hanging wall 50 for example, hanging wall 50 with interval cuts or the like are also encompassed within the present disclosure. Referring now to Fig. 3 (a), (b) and (c), a perspective, cross-sectional and front views respectively of the carrier member 32 is shown. The carrier member 32 has an outer wall 54 adjoining to side walls 56 on both ends forming a chamber 60. The carrier member 32 has a cylindrical profile or may include oval, circular or any other shapes which can rotate on its axis in 360 degrees. In alternative embodiments the carrier member 32 may have other geometrical shaped boundaries running around the axis having the handle 62 or offset to handle’s axis being formed a cavity as a chamber 60 along with an opening 58 to cater the same functionality of the dispensing system. The outer wall 54 has an opening 58 providing access to the hollow chamber 60. The carrier member 32 is provided with a pair of handles 62 at both ends.

The handles 62 with gear 64 are having same center axis as Y-Y as shown in Fig. 3(c) which is slightly offset to the center axis of main cylindrical body of the carrier member 32 having chamber 60 in a way so that the carrier member 32 being received in the top part 30 can push the top part 30 outward with a pressure to seal the mouth 44 in an air tight and leak proof manner with a tight interference of the carrier member 32 in lock position. Lock position will be discussed later in the specification. The offset positions of the handles 62 also assist in the sealing of top part 30 and base part 34 with the help of protruded end 28 as shown in Fig. 2(f).

The carrier member 32 through the handles 62 is pushed into the holding members 52 of the top part in a rotatable manner. The handles 62 assist in rotation of the carrier member 32 and in engagement of the carrier member 32 with the top part 30. A gear 64 is integrally formed on one side of the carrier member 32 in between the handle 62 and side wall 56; however, a gear 64 can be retrofitted to the carrier member 32 to perform the same functionality of dispensing system 10 in alternative embodiments. The gear 64 ensures the rotation of the carrier member 32. Due to the presence of the gear 64, the mouth 44 of the top part 30 is positioned leaving some space and not exactly in a center position as shown in Fig. 2(c), however, the mouth 44 of top part 30 may be positioned in center in alternative embodiments.

The chamber 60 of the carrier member 32 is configured to hold for dispensing a specific number or amount of any item in the form of solid, liquid, gas or combination thereof. The inner profile of chamber 60 may vary according to the items and the amount intended to be used i.e., the chamber 60 may have plurality of cavities or partitions or pockets or can have any internal shape to accommodate various items. For instance, the various items may include pills, capsules, tablets of different shapes & sizes or any other item having a physical shape & size and bodies or items in powders forms or items in granule forms or a mixture thereof.

The chamber 60 can be further altered by adding or adjusting one or more additional components being arranged externally which can be used to add items for dispensing through external means.

The collection and free fall dispensing of the items from the chamber 60 of the carrier member 32 takes place due to the gravitational force exerted on such items expect for gaseous nature/form of material to be dispensed therethrough the dispensing system 10.

Referring now to Fig. 3 (d) and 3 (e) a left side and right-side views respectively of the carrier member 32 is illustrated. A first projection 66 and a second projection 68 is provided on the outer wall 54. The first 66 and second 68 projections runs between side walls 56 provided at both ends as shown in Fig. 3 (h) in this embodiment, however the first 66 and second 68 projections may run partially in between side walls 56 provided at both ends of carrier member 32 in alternative embodiments. A detailed profile of first 66 and second 68 projections is provided as detailed AB in Figs. 3 (f) and (g) which show the cross-sectional view of the carrier member 32 along Z-Z. As can be seen, the first projection 66 has a straight edge in comparison to the second projection 68 which has a slanted edge. The first 66 and second 68 projections play a critical role in the locking and unlocking feature of the dispensing system 10.

Referring now to Fig. 4 (a) to 4(d) a perspective, side and cross-sectional views respectively of the base part 34 of the dispenser cap 14 are shown. The base part 34 is provided with a peripheral wall 38 having an inner surface 40 and an outer surface 42. The base part 34 is circular in shape and has a hollow cylindrical profile. Texts 70 are embossed on the outer surface 42 of thereof in a regular fashion in this embodiment. As seen the embossed text 70 includes days of week such as Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday being arranged with equidistant spacing in a circular fashion on the outer surface 42 of the peripheral wall 38. Further, the embossed text 70 may have other impressions or marks or counting numerals or brail marking or anything arranged with equidistant spacing in a circular fashion on outer surface 42 and/or inner surface 40 of the base part 34 or top part 32.

The inner periphery 77A of the base part 34 at its distal end 24 is provided with a gear rail 72 which movably receives the gear 64 of carrier member 32. A recess 74 is provided at the distal end 24 in between the inner periphery 77A and outer periphery 77B. The recess 74 movably and fixedly receives the protruded end 28 of the carrier member 32 once the top part 30 containing the carrier member 32 is movably snap fitted with the base part 34. The recess 74 has a ring like structure which runs through the entire periphery of the base part 24 as shown in Fig. 4(c) and 4(d) to receive the protruded end 28 of the carrier member 34 which is also structured as a ring. The top part 30 along the side of its proximal end 26 is movably received along the side of distal end 24 of the base part 34.

Fig. 5(a) and (b) illustrates a perspective and cross-sectional view respectively showing the rear side of the top part 30 movably containing the carrier member 32. The carrier member 32 through its pair of handles 62 is movably received in the pair of holding member 52 of the top part 30. Once the handles 62 are received by the holding member 52 the carrier member being supported by the hanging wall 50 remains in position in a stable manner and is rotatable.

Referring now to Fig. 6 (a), it shows a side-view of the dispenser cap 14 having the top part 30 with a carrier member 32 movably retained with the base part 34 is shown. The top part 30 retaining the carrier member 32 is movably snap fitted with its protruded end 28 by use of slight force into the recess 74 of the base part 34 such that the gear 64 of the carrier member 32 is movably received on gear rail 72 of the base part 34 as shown in Fig. 6(b).

It is to be noted that rotation of carrier member 32 in hanging wall(s) 50 plays an essential role to dispense the items through the dispensing cap 14. Further, in alternative embodiments, the gear 64 and gear rail 72 may be replaced with roller or wheel and circular track respectively to perform the same function. The center axis of said roller may be collinear or offset to the center axis of main cylindrical body of carrier member 32 without limiting the scope of the invention. Further, the said roller or wheel member can be manufactured integrally with the carrier member 32 or may be retrofitted to improve the functionality of the dispensing system 10. Also, the said roller or wheel member can be provided with slip resistant outer surface to roll over the provided circular track which also can be provided with slip resistant mating surface. These slip resistant surfaces can be achieved by adding external membrane of anti-slip materials such as rubber, silica or like material and/or combination thereof. In this embodiment of the dispensing system 10, the gear 64 is replaced with roller which can roll over to rotate on the surface of circular track provided circumferentially on the base 34 in place of gear rail 72. Further, roller or wheel may be applied on both ends of the carrier member 32, wherein the roller at one end can be fixed with the carrier member which rolls over on the circular track provided in the base 34 in the place of gear rail 72 with the rotation of top part 30 and other roller or wheel can be applied to rotate freely relative to the carrier member 32 which can support or balance the rotation of carrier member while rolling over the common circular track provided on the top end of the base part 34 of dispensing system 10.

The engagement of protruded end 28 into the recess 74 of the base part 34 is shown in Fig. 6(f). The top part 32 is snap fitted with the base part 34 with a specific clearance in a way that the top part 30 is rotatable with respect to the base part 34 and slightly moveable in linear direction on the aligned center axis of top part 30 & base part 34. The position of pointer 48 aligned in between the two embossed texts 70 of base part 34 such as in between Monday and Tuesday denotes the open position in which the items as per pre-decided dose are dispensed from the dispenser cap 14 of the dispensing system 10.

Once the top part 30 with the carrier member 32 is snap fitted into the base part 34, the dispenser cap 14 is ready for use with the container 12 as shown in Fig 6 (c).

In an alternative embodiment, a protective wall in retrofit and/or integrally manufactured configuration can be provided around the gear 64 and/or around the gear rail 72 such that the items to be dispensed through the dispensing system 10 do not chock or jam the gear 64 obstructing the movement of top part 30 with respect to the base part 34 once in use. For example, a funnel 98 is provided in an alternative embodiment of dispensing system 10 to prevent chocking or jamming the gear 64 and its movement on gear rail 72 and provide directions for dispensing of items into the chamber 60 through the opening 58 of the carrier member 32.

Due to the offset position of the handles 62, the carrier member 32 once received in the top part 30 pushes the top parts’ 30 body in outward direction with a pressure at the mouth 44 of the top part 30 in lock position as shown in Fig. 6(c). From the details K and M of Fig 6 (c) shown in Fig. 6 (d) and (e) respectively, it can be further seen that the first projection 66 has a straight (standing) edge as shown in Fig. 6 (e) in comparison to the second projection 68 which has a slanted (smoother) edge as shown in Fig. 6(d). The first 66 and second 68 projections in lock position abuts the opening of the mouth 44 sealing the dispenser cap 14.

The sealing or air tight locking of the mouth 44 with carrier member 32 is caused due to the outward pressure to the top part 30 by the rotation of the carrier member 32. This outward pressure is exerted due to the mechanical cam like behavior of main cylindrical body’s profile of carrier member 32 as shown in figure 3 (d) & (e) which carries an uplifted surface as outer wall 54 which lies in between the first 66 and second 68 projections which pushes the top part 30 outwardly during rotation of carrier member 32. This outward pressure on top part 30 simultaneously creating a force between protruded end 28 and recess 74 for causing an air tight seal concentrically between the snap fitted top part 30 and base part 34 as shown in fig. 6 (f).

The first 66 projection also create sound (clicking sound) indicating the locking or unlocking of dispenser cap 14 which is helpful for a user especially to users having disabilities. The carrier member 32 rotates in only clockwise direction as the first 66 projection of carrier member 32 restricts the anti-clockwise rotation, as the long edge of mouth 44 is standing against the first 66 projection’s face as shown in detail M of figure 6 (e). Thus, the rotation of top part 30 in clock wise direction rotates the gear 64 of the carrier member 32 in clockwise direction on gear rail 72 in which the first 66 and second 68 projections can move and overtake the edges of mouth 44. This first 66 projection causes sound (clicking sound) due to a sudden drop in height of wall (from outer wall 54 to side wall 56), here, the edge of mouth 44 with hanging wall 50 suddenly hits to the side wall 56 just after the crossing of the mouth edge 44 by outer wall 54 during the clockwise rotation of carrier member 32. The rotation of first 66 and second 68 projections vis-a-vis the edge of mouth 44 create a lock and unlock position with a click sound.

For safety and to prevent misuse or accidental use by children, the dispensing system 10 is provided with a locking mechanism as shown in Figs. 6(c) which requires an adult like manual dexterity to operate its functionality. In order to unlock and dispense from the dispenser cap 14, the dispensing system 10 is first kept in an inverted position, in which the container 12 is rotated so that the base of the container 12 is in the position of dispenser cap 14 as shown in Fig. 1(c) and also shown with material to dispense in Fig. 13 (b). The movement of the top part 30 causes gear 64 to move on the gear rail 72 as shown in Fig. 6(b) and also shown in Fig. 13 (c) and in turn causes movement of the carrier member 32. Being in inverted position, the items to be dispensed are collected in the chamber 60 through the opening 58 of the carrier member 32. Thereafter, the available outer wall 54 outside the mouth 44 of top part 30 is slightly pushed and rotated with top part 30 in a clock- wise direction indicated by the arrows 46 which causes the first 66 and second 68 projections to move out of the edge of the mouth 44 with a click sound. In such a position, 180-degree rotations of the carrier member 32 brings the opening 58 of the carrier member in alignment with the mouth 44 of the top part 30 and dispense the item as per the user’s requirement as shown in Fig. 13 (d) and (e). In lock position, the pointer 48 is aligned with the embossed text 70 such as Monday as shown in Fig. 6 (a), shifts to get aligned with next embossed text 70 such as Tuesday at the end of dispensing cycle with lock position.

A further, 180-degree rotation of the carrier member 32 brings the first 66 and second 68 projections in the lock position abutting the edge of the mouth 44 and thus sealing the mouth 44 of the dispenser cap 14 with a click sound. The straight and slanted edges of the first 66 and second 68 projections also causes the need for manual dexterity to move the dispenser cap 14 from open to close position and vice versa. Further, in alternative embodiments, the first 66 and second 68 projections may have other profiles such as curve, straight etc. Further, the running length of projections may vary relative to the length in between the side walls 56 of main cylindrical body of carrier member 32.

Thus, the carrier member 32 remains in closed position due to the straight and slanted edges of the first 66 and second 68 projections until a slight push on the carrier member 32 is exerted from outside simultaneously with a slight rotation of the top part 30 in a clock wise direction. The straight edge of the first projection 66 has a sharp profile which restricts it to move in an opposite direction as it will get stuck with the edge/lip of the mouth 44 if the top part 30 is moved in an anti-clock wise direction. On the other hand, slanted edge of second projection 68 has a round and smooth profile which can move freely with slight push to unlock once the top part 30 is moved in a clock wise direction as denoted by arrows 46.

Reference is now made to Fig. 13 (a) to Fig. 13 (e) which illustrates an exemplary embodiment of present invention with steps included in dispensing -cycle of an item/material out of the dispensing system 10. The dispensing system 10 comprises a dispenser cap 14 which is movably received on container 12 in a leak proof arrangement. The container 12 is capable of carrying different forms of materials which may include solid, liquid, and gas or a combination thereof. For example, as shown in Fig. 13 (a), a plurality of pills 88 is stored in the base of the container 12 in its straight position. To dispense a pill, it is required to put the dispensing system 10 in an inverted position as shown in Fig. 13 (b) such that the volume of pills get collected in the dispensing cap 14. By keeping the dispensing system 10 in inverted position, a slight movement of top part 30 in clockwise direction with hand simultaneously moves carrier member 32 in clockwise direction as shown in Fig. 13 (c). A further slight rotation of top part 30 cause a 180 degree of rotation of carrier member 32 aligning the opening 58 of carrier member 32 with the edge of mouth 44 of top part 30 and the required collected quantity of pills falls out of the mouth 44 either in hand or the mouth of the user as illustrated in. Fig. 13 (d) and Fig. 13 (e). A next half rotation of carrier member 32 with a slight movement of top part 30 in clockwise direction takes the dispensing system 10 back to lock position to seal the edge of mouth 44 with carrier member 32 and simultaneously the circumferential periphery of protruded end 28 with recess 74.

The entire cycle of rotation is repeated to take pointer 48 from one embossed text 70 to another embossed text 70 such as from Monday to Tuesday from lock position to next lock position which comes after unlocking position for dispensing and thus the dispensing system is used by a user. A user can keep track on his/her consumption of medicine as per the prescribed requirements. For example, one can know whether he or she has taken the prescribed dosage or not by looking at the pointer 48 and the embossed text 70 on the dispenser cap 14 which shifts from Monday to Tuesday and so on after dispensing a dose.

In case a user intends to put any item already dispensed back into the container 12, the dispensing system 10 is kept in its straight upward position as shown in Fig. 1 (c) and with the rotation of the top part 30 the opening 58 of the carrier member 32 is aligned with the opening of the mouth 44 of the top part 30 and then the user can put the item back into chamber 60 of the carrier member through the mouth 44 and with a further rotation of the top part 30 the item stored in the chamber 60 falls into the container 12. As discussed above, the chamber 60 is designed to hold a specific number or amount of items to be dispersed.

The locking mechanism may include other positions of the projections 66, 68 for example the projections to achieve a similar locking effect can also be provided on handles 62 in alternate embodiments. Also, in alternate embodiments, it is possible to form such structures on another area of the carrier member 32 or top part 30 to provide one way locking or to produce sound upon locking and unlocking.

Referring now to Fig. 7 (a), (b) and (c), they illustrate top, front and perspective view receptively of another embodiment of dispensing system 10. In this embodiment of dispensing system 10, the base part 34 is manufactured integrally with container 12 to eliminate the need of separate bottle or container 12 for storing the material.

Referring to Fig. 8 (a), it illustrates an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the dispensing system 10 with a base part 34 manufactured integrally with container 12, a funnel 98, a carrier member 32 and a top part 30. In this embodiment, the need to have a separate container 12 is removed in that as shown the base part 34 is extended in the shape of a container which is used to hold the various items to be dispensed. Thus, as can be seen the dispensing system has a simplified shape and structure. In this embodiment the funnel 98 an optional member which is provided to direct the material for entering in chamber 60 of carrier member 32 from container 12 without causing any chance of chocking or jamming of the internal machinery which comprised a gear arrangement The entire functionality of the dispensing system 10 of this embodiment remains the same as discussed in for above embodiment s).

Referring to Fig. 8 (b) and (c), they illustrate a tamper evident seal arrangement referred as a seal 90 and seal gate 92 respectively in order to make sure that the original purity of the material in the dispensing system 10 remains intact, which is intended for the customer. The seal 90 is a long hanging wall like structure having a notch in its end which is referred as a hook 106 as shown in Fig. 9 (e), to create a seal position of the dispensing system by making a constraint connection with seal gate 92 of base 34 manufactured integrally with container 12

Referring again to Fig. 8 (a), it illustrates an optional member as a funnel 98 provided with flaps 102 to overlap the hanging walls 50 of the top part 30 to keep the internal machinery of the dispensing system 10 complete separate from material to be dispensed therethrough the dispensing system 10 as per the need of the user. The main body of funnel 98 is a circular body to make a concentric mate with the inner surface of the base part 34 manufactured integrally with container 12 with or without in a leak proof manner to facilitate an overall smooth flow of material from container 12 to chamber 60 of carrier member 32 in an inverted position of the dispensing system 10. Referring to Fig. 9 (d), it illustrates sagittal sectioned view M-M of assembled dispensing system 10, wherein an optional part as a funnel 98 is provided to guide the material to the chamber 60 of the carrier member. The placement position of funnel 98 is shown in cross-section M-M in Fig. 9(d). This funnel 98 can be introduced in other embodiment(s) to improve the functionality of the dispensing system 10.

Referring to Fig. 9 (a) to (i), In this embodiment of dispensing system 10, the base 34 is manufactured integrally with container 12 comprising a gear rail 72 to movably engage with gear 64 of carrier member 32, a recess 74 to movably receive a top part 30 and a seal gate 92 to receive seal 90 of top part 30 of dispensing system 10. Hence there is no requirement to attach base part 34 to container 12 as they are manufactured integrally in a single part, therefore eliminating the attachment arrangements such as spiral screw arrangement etc. which is described in above embodiment(s). Fig. 9 (e) illustrates a detail view of seal position of the dispensing system 10 of Fig. 9 (b), wherein the seal 90 of top part 30 being inserted in the seal gate 92 is in fully constraint motion to ensure the seal position of the dispensing system 10. The seal 90 is provided with a hook 106 which is a protruded notch like member to allow the seal 90 member to enter to seal gate 92 without allowing the seal 90 member to come out of the seal gate 92 without the removal of the seal 90. Thus, the seal 90 ensures the seal of the dispensing system 10 and required to be removed or tom to dispense the material therethrough from dispensing system 10. A slight force is required to perform the functionality of the dispensing system 10 at the first dispensing to get the seal removed and separated from the dispensing system 10. The seal 90 of the top part 30 is provided with tear holes 94 patterned in a line to facilitate the removal of the seal while be exerted with force due to the rotation of top part 30 to dispense the material. The entire functionality of the dispensing system 10 of this embodiment remains the same as discussed in above embodiment(s).

Referring to Fig. 10 (a) and (b), they illustrate another embodiment of the top part 30 of the dispensing system 10, wherein all the features of alternative embodiments of top part 30 with top wall 36 are provided expect a mouth 44 which is present in above-described embodiments.

Referring to Fig. 11 (a) and (b), this embodiment of the top part 30 configures an assembly of the embodiment of the dispensing system 10, wherein the carrier member 32 is provided with chamber 60 which further can be loaded with any form of material to dispense it into the container 10. This embodiment of the top part 30 provides a feature to dispense the material loaded inside the chamber 60 in the internal side of the dispensing system 10 only to serve another feature of the dispensing system 10. In this embodiment of the top part 30 all the functionality remains the same as described in above paragraphs.

Referring to Fig. 11 (a) and (b), they illustrate a sagittal sectioned view of an assembled embodiment of dispensing system 10 having a base part 34 manufactured integrally with a container 12, a top part 30 and a carrier member 32, wherein a circular shaped carrier member 32 is provided to this embodiment with no first 66 and second projections 68 on the outer wall 54 of the carrier member 32, also the center axis of the main cylindrical shape of the carrier member 32 is collinear to the center axis of the handles.

Fig. 11 (a) is showing the chamber 60 loaded/received with material which can be dispensed to the inner side of the container which is shown in Fig. 11 (b). The chamber 60 shown in Fig. 11 (a) contains some material as solute which can be in any of the form such as solid, liquid, gas and/or combination thereof to dispense into the base part 34 manufactured integrally with container 12 which contains material as solvent This embodiment requires the loading of the material in the chamber 60 of the carrier member 32 during the assembly of the dispensing system 10, wherein any form of the material (solute) can be added into chamber 60 before attaching it to the top part 30 of dispensing system 10 which can be provided with material (solvent) in the base part 34 manufactured integrally with container 12. Now to make a solution as per the need of the user, the leek proof stored solute in the chamber 60 of the carrier member 32 can be dispensed into the base part 34 manufactured integrally with container 12 which carries the solvent through rotation of top part 30. This embodiment may be preferred where it is desired to achieve the freshness of the solution having less shelf life or required to be used instantly or within a short period of time after combination/mixing. For e.g., where medicines are prescribed to be taken instantly after dissolving in water. All the functionality of this embodiment of the dispensing system 10 remain the same.

Figs. 12 (a) illustrates another embodiment of the top part 30 of the dispensing system 10. The top part 30 in this embodiment includes a nozzle or outlet 76 having a mouth 44 to dispense fluid or liquid. The nozzle or outlet 76 has a rectangular profile; however, the shape of nozzle or outlet 76 may include other shapes and profile such as square, circular, linear opening etc. and/or combination thereof. The sleek and thin open profile of the mouth 44 ensures safe dispensing of liquid or fluid thereof, and may also make it easier for user to directly take the fluid or liquid directly from the dispensing system 10 in a convenient manner. An external cover (not shown) can be provided to cover the nozzle or outlet 76 which can be used to safely enclose the mouth 44.

As shown in Fig. 12 (b), the top part 30 instead of a single hanging wall 50 is provided with a pair of hanging walls 50. The embodiment showing two hanging walls 50 including a nozzle/outlet 76 having a mouth 44 discussed above is suitable for dispensing items in liquid/fluid and gaseous forms such as shampoo, deodorant etc. The entire functionality of the dispensing system 10 of this embodiment remains the same as discussed in for above embodiment(s).

The dispensing system 10 of the present invention is capable to dispense a variety of items and/or materials, for example, in case of solid material; the dispensing system 10 is capable of dispensing a specific number of bodies of capsules, tablets or the like.

In the present disclosure, an invention of dispensing system 10 is described with various embodiments to perform the objectives of the invention, wherein the embodiments can be arranged and/or disarranged mutually to serve the above-mentioned functionality of the dispensing system 10 without limitation the scope of the invention.

The embodiment(s) of the dispensing system 10 may be constructed with polymer such as plastic etc. and/or like material or a combination thereof or light or heavy material as per the requirements of the user.

Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the foregoing description be limited to the exact description set forth above, but rather that such description be construed as encompassing such features that reside in the present invention, including all the features and embodiments that would be treated as equivalents thereof by those skilled in the relevant art. The scope of the present invention herein disclosed is not limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above but determined only by a fair reading of the appended claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 10 dispensing system 12 container 40 inner surface 68 second projection

70 embos p 42 outer sur sed text 14 dispenser ca face

44 mouth 72 gear rail 16 neck 46 arrow 74 recess 18 connection 48 pointer 76 outlet/nozzle

77A inner periphery structure 50 hanging wall

77B outer periphery

52 holding member

20 outer surface of 88 pill/pills

54 outer wall container 90 seal

56 side wall 92 seal gate 22 opening 58 opening of carrier 94 tear hole 24 distal end member 96 collar

60 chamber 98 funnel 26 proximal end 62 handle 102 flaps 28 protruded end 64 gear 104 periphery 30 top part 66 first projections 106 hook 32 carrier member 34 base part 36 top wall 38 peripheral wall