US20120282010A1

US20120282010A1 - Liquid, fluid, and lotion container and applicator

Info

Publication number: US20120282010A1
Application number: US13/173,768
Authority: US
Inventors: Oliver Albers
Original assignee: LUFT INDUSTRIE Inc
Current assignee: LUFT INDUSTRIE Inc
Priority date: 2011-05-06
Filing date: 2011-06-30
Publication date: 2012-11-08

Abstract

A re-sealable cap couples to a fluid dispensing container having an opening. The re-sealable cap has an inner cap and outer cap. A fluid path is defined through the inner cap and outer cap when the outer cap is in an open position; the fluid path is closed when the outer cap in the closed position. The inner cap and outer cap can cooperate to provide at least two points of closure of the fluid path. A plurality of different removable applicators can be provided, which can couple to the outer cap. A fluid dispenser can be formed by combining the container and re-sealable cap. And a fluid dispenser kit can include the container, re-sealable cap, and at least one applicator. The fluid can be, as examples, sunscreen, soap, cosmetics, medicine, food, and so on.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from provisional application Ser. No. 61/483389, entitled Liquid, Fluid, and Lotion Container and Applicator, filed on May 6, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present application also claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120, as a continuation-in-part of U.S. design patent application 29/393339, filed Jun. 2, 2011, entitled Liquid, Fluid, and Lotion Container and Applicator, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INTEREST

The present inventive concepts relate to the field of containers, applicators, and dispensers for fluids (e.g., fluids and lotions) for personal, family, and domestic use, as examples, and potentially for other uses.

BACKGROUND

Many types of containers, dispensers, and applicators are in use for various fluids, e.g., liquids and lotions for personal, family, and domestic use. For example, cosmetics, sunscreens, liquid soaps, hand sanitizers, moisturizing lotions, and even some medications are provided in myriad types of containers, such as bottles, tubes, and the like, which can include dispensers and applicators.
Depending on the product and intended use, such containers and dispensers and applicators have varying degrees of portability, durability, reusability, and ease of use. In fact some, like sunscreen lotion containers can be very messy.
It would be advantageous to have a container and dispenser and applicator useful for fluids, such as liquids and lotions, that is non-messy, easy to use, durable and, preferably, and reusable.

SUMMARY

In accordance with various aspects of the invention, provided is a re-sealable cap that couples to a fluid dispensing container having an opening. The re-sealable cap can have an inner cap and an outer cap. The re-sealable cap can also include an applicator portion, which can hold an applicator, e.g., any one of a plurality of different removable applicators. A fluid path can be defined from the container opening through the inner cap, outer cap, and applicator portion (if included) when the outer cap is in an open position and the fluid path can be closed when the outer cap in a closed position. The inner cap and outer cap can cooperate to provide at least two points of closure of the fluid path.
A fluid dispenser can be formed by combining the container and re-sealable cap. And a fluid dispenser kit can include the container, re-sealable cap, and at least one applicator. An applicator can include an applicator surface for receiving a fluid. The fluid can be a lotion (e.g., sunscreen, soap, make-up, medicine, etc.), lubricant, food (e.g., condiment), powder, cosmetics, or any other type of fluid.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, provided is a re-sealable cap for use with a fluid dispensing container having a container top defining an opening. The re-sealable cap includes an inner cap configured to secure to the container opening and an outer cap movable between an open position and a closed position while remaining coupled to the inner cap. A fluid path is defined from the container opening through the inner cap and the outer cap, when the outer cap is in the open position and the fluid path is closed when the outer cap in the closed position.
The inner cap and outer cap can cooperate to provide at least two points of closure of the fluid path.
The re-sealable cap can include an applicator portion configured to hold an applicator.
The applicator portion can be or include a holder cap configured to removably couple the applicator to the outer cap.
The holder cap can removably attach to the outer cap and include a lip that mates with a peripheral indentation formed in the applicator.
The holder cap can be configured to hold any one of a plurality of different removable applicators.
The applicator can include or be least one of a brush, a sponge, and a pad.
The outer cap can be configured to snap into the closed and open positions, wherein the inner cap and outer cap form a push-pull mechanism, where the outer cap can be pushed and pulled between the open and closed positions.
The outer cap can be rotatable with respect to the inner cap between the closed and open positions. At least one of the inner cap and outer cap can include at least one groove and the other of the inner cap and outer cap can include at least one corresponding tongue, which cooperate to limit the rotation of the outer cap with respect to the inner cap.
The limit of the rotation of the outer cap with respect to the inner cap can be about a quarter turn or less.
The inner cap can comprise a protrusion outwardly projected from a well, where the well includes a base having at least one fluid opening. The outer cap can comprise a valve opening surrounded by a wall, wherein the valve opening is closed by the protrusion when the outer cap is in the closed position and is open when the outer cap is in the open position, and wherein the wall fits within the well to form a portion of the fluid path.
The outer cap can further comprise an outlet, opposite the wall, that extends from the valve opening to engage at least a portion of the applicator.
The outlet can form a seal with the applicator, e.g., a substantially no-leak, fluid-tight seal.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, provided is a fluid dispensing apparatus. The apparatus includes a flexible bottle having a bottle top defining an opening and a re-sealable cap. The re-sealable cap comprises an inner cap configured to secure to the bottle top and an outer cap movable with respect to the inner cap between an open position and a closed position. A fluid path is defined from the bottle opening through the inner cap and outer cap when the outer cap is in the open position and the fluid path is closed when the outer cap in the closed position.
The inner cap and outer cap can cooperate to provide at least two points of closure of the fluid path.
The apparatus can further comprise a holder cap configured to removably couple an applicator to the outer cap.
The outer cap can be configured to snap into the closed and open positions, wherein the inner cap and outer cap form a push-pull mechanism, where the outer cap can be pushed and pulled between the open and closed positions with respect to the inner cap.
The outer cap can be rotatable with respect to the inner cap between the closed and open positions, and at least one of the inner cap and outer cap can include at least one groove and the other of the inner cap and outer cap can include at least one corresponding tongue, which cooperate to limit the rotation of the outer cap with respect to the inner cap.
The outer cap can be rotatable with respect to the inner cap to open and close the fluid path. The bottle opening can be threaded and include a first retention member. And the inner cap can be threaded to rotatably engage the bottle opening and can include a second retention member that engages the first retention member to maintain the inner cap in position with respect to the bottle opening when the outer cap is rotated into the open position.
The first retention member can include at least one protrusion and the second retention member can include at least one cutout configured to receive the at least one protrusion.
The inner cap can have a protrusion outwardly projected from a well; the well can have a base with at least one fluid opening. The outer cap can include a valve opening surrounded by a wall, wherein the valve opening is closed by the protrusion when the outer cap is in the closed position and is open when the outer cap is in the open position, and wherein the wall fits within the well to form a portion of the fluid path.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, provided is a fluid dispenser kit. The kit comprises a flexible bottle having a bottle top defining an opening, at least one applicator, and a re-sealable cap. The re-sealable cap includes an inner cap configured to secure to the bottle opening and an outer cap movable with respect to the inner cap between an open position and a closed position. The outer cap is configured to hold an applicator, wherein a fluid path is defined from the bottle opening through the inner cap and the outer cap to the applicator when the outer cap is in the open position.
The inner cap and outer cap can cooperate to provide at least two points of closure of the fluid path.
The re-sealable cap can further include a holder cap configured to removably couple the applicator to the outer cap.
The fluid path can include a valve assembly formed by the inner cap and the outer cap.
The outer cap can further include a valve opening and an outlet that extends from the valve opening to an applicator opening formed in the applicator.
The at least one applicator can be a plurality of applicators including at least one brush or make-up pad.
The outer cap can be rotatable with respect to the inner cap to open and close the fluid path. The bottle opening can be threaded and include at least one protrusion. And the inner cap can be threaded to rotatably engage the bottle opening and include at least one cutout configured to receive the at least one protrusion to maintain the inner cap in position with respect to the bottle opening when the outer cap is rotated between the open and closed positions.
In various forms, the container or bottle can be a tube.
In various forms, the container, bottle, or tube can be hollow and squeezable, and filled with or configured to be filled with any fluid.
In various forms, the fluid can be a lotion, liquid, paste, powder, gel, or ointment.
In various forms, the fluid can be or include a medicating fluid.
In various forms, the fluid can be or include a sunscreen.
In various forms, the fluid can be or include a moisturizer.
In various forms, the fluid can be or include a liquid soap.
In various forms, the fluid can be or include a sanitizer.
In various forms, the fluid can be or include a cosmetic.
In various forms, the fluid can be or include a powder.
In various forms, the fluid can be or include a paint.
In various forms, the fluid can be or include a food.
In various forms, the fluid can be or include a glue or sealant.
In various forms, the fluid can be or include a lubricant or grease.
In various forms, the bottle can be tapered from a first end having the opening to a distal, second end.
In various forms the container or bottle can have a length of about six inches or less.
In various forms, the applicator can be or include a brush.
In various forms, the applicator can be or include a pad.
In various forms, the applicator can be or include a sponge.
In various forms, the applicator can be or include a spray nozzle.
In various forms, the applicator can be or include a dispenser head, tip, or output port.
In various forms, the applicator can be made of or include a silicone.
In various forms, the applicator can be made of or include a rubber.
In various forms, the container or bottle can be made of or include a plastic.
In various forms, the container or bottle can be made of or include a rubber.
In various forms, the container or bottle can be made of or include a vinyl.
In various forms, the container or bottle can be made of or include a silicone.
In various forms, the container or bottle can be made of or include a foil.
In various forms, the re-sealable cap can be made of or include a plastic.
In various forms, the re-sealable cap can be made of or include a metal.
In various forms, the re-sealable cap can be made of or include a wood.
In various forms, the re-sealable cap can be made of or include a plastic.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, provided is an applicator configured to be removably coupled to a fluid dispenser. The applicator includes an applicator surface, an opening for receiving a fluid, and an engagement portion used to couple to the dispenser.
The applicator engagement portion can be or include an indentation formed in a side wall extending down from the applicator surface.
The indentation can be configured to receive a lip of a holder cap that couples to a re-sealable cap.
In various forms, the applicator can be or include a brush.
In various forms, the applicator can be or include a pad.
In various forms, the applicator can be or include a sponge.
In various forms, the applicator can be or include a spray nozzle.
In various forms, the applicator can be or include a dispenser head, tip, or output port.
In various forms, the applicator can be made of or include a silicone.
In various forms, the applicator can be made of or include a rubber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more apparent in view of the attached drawings and accompanying detailed description. The embodiments depicted therein are provided by way of example, not by way of limitation, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating aspects of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a fluid dispenser, showing a bottle and an over cap, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a downward looking perspective view of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an upward looking perspective view of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are different exploded views of an embodiment of a fluid dispenser, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIGS. 7C and 7D are front and side cross-sectional views of the fluid dispenser of FIGS. 7A and 7B in assembled form, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are side views of the re-sealable cap of the fluid dispenser of FIGS. 7A through 7D in closed and open positions, respectively, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D provide a top perspective view, a bottom perspective view, a side view, and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, of an embodiment of an inner cap of the re-sealable cap of the fluid dispenser of FIGS. 7A through 7D, 8A, and 8B, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D provide a top perspective view, a bottom perspective view, a side view, and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, of an embodiment of the outer cap of the re-sealable cap of the fluid dispenser of FIGS. 7A through 7D, 8A, and 8B, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C provide a top view, a bottom view, and a side view, respectively, of an embodiment of a holder cap of the re-sealable cap of the fluid dispenser of FIGS. 7A through 7D, 8A, and 8B, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D provide a top view, a bottom view, a side cross-sectional view, and a side view, respectively, of an embodiment of an applicator for insertion into the holder cap of FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C of the re-sealable cap of the fluid dispenser of FIGS. 7A through 7D, 8A, and 8B, in accordance with aspects of the present invention; and

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C provide a side view, a perspective view, and a top view, respectively, of an embodiment of a top portion of the bottle of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 7A, 7C, and 7D, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Various exemplary embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some exemplary embodiments are shown. The present inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another, but not to imply a required sequence of elements. For example, a first element can be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element can be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” or “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly on or connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like may be used to describe an element and/or feature's relationship to another element(s) and/or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use and/or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” and/or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized exemplary embodiments (and intermediate structures). As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.
FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a fluid dispenser 100, showing a container 102 (or bottle 102) and an optional over cap 110, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the fluid dispenser 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a downward looking perspective view of the fluid dispenser 100 of FIG. 1. And FIG. 4 is an upward looking perspective view of the fluid dispenser 100 of FIG. 1. As is evident with particular regard to FIGS. 2 and 4, in this embodiment, bottle 102 is tapered from a first end, to which the over cap 110 couples, to a distal, second end.
FIG. 5 is a top view of the fluid dispenser 100 of FIG. 1, which shows the top of over cap 110. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the fluid dispenser 100 of FIG. 1, which shows the tapered distal, second end of bottle 102.
Container (or bottle) 102 can be made of any flexible or squeezable holder useful for containing a fluid. As examples, container (or bottle) 102 could also take the form of a tube or the like used for holding any of a number of different types of fluids.
In various embodiments, container 102 could be used to hold any of a variety of kinds of lotions, liquids, pastes, powders, gels, ointments, or food products—preferably without leaking. In various forms, the fluid can be or include a medicating fluid, a sunscreen, a moisturizer, a liquid soap, a hand sanitizer, a cleaner, a polish, a cosmetic, a powder, a paint, a food, a glue or sealant, or a lubricant or grease—as examples. Other examples could also be found, the foregoing not being an exhaustive list.
In various forms, the container or bottle can be made of or include a plastic, a rubber, a vinyl, a silicone, or a durable foil. Other examples could also be found, the foregoing not being an exhaustive list.
In this embodiment, the bottle 102 is made of a flexible plastic, as is over cap 110. Over cap 110 snaps on to container 102, and covers a re-sealable cap 120 not visible in FIGS. 1 through 4, but visible in FIGS. 7A and 7B, as examples. The over cap 110, therefore, can serve the purpose of protecting the re-sealable cap 120 from debris or damage.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are different exploded views of an embodiment of a fluid dispenser 100, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. FIGS. 7C and 7D are front and side cross-sectional views of the fluid dispenser 100 of FIGS. 7A and 7B in assembled form, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
Fluid dispenser 100 includes bottle 102 and over cap 110, as discussed above. Bottle 102 includes a body 104 and a top 106 that forms an opening 101. A fluid (not shown) can be stored in bottle body 104, e.g., added through opening 101. The fluid can also be evacuated from the bottle 102 via opening 101.
A re-sealable cap 120 is configured to couple to bottle top 106. In this embodiment, re-sealable cap 120 is a screw-on cap and bottle top 106 is threaded accordingly. In the exploded views of FIGS. 7A and 7B, re-sealable cap 120 is shown to include an inner cap 130, an outer cap 140, and (optionally) a holder cap 150.
Inner cap 130 and outer cap 140 couple together as shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, as well as in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Inner cap 130 and outer cap 140 remain together for operation, which includes providing a fluid path that can be selectively opened and closed to evacuate fluid from the bottle 102, via bottle opening 101.
In various forms, an applicator 160 can be coupled to re-sealable cap 120. In some of these embodiments, holder cap 150 can be included to couple applicator 160 to outer cap 140. In other embodiments, outer cap 140 can be made to directly receive applicator 160, without the need for a holder cap 150. In other embodiments, the holder cap 150 can be made integral with outer cap 140. An applicator, as used herein, can be any physical component that transfers the fluid from the re-sealable cap to a recipient surface, body, or the like in a specified manner.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A through 7D, applicator 160 has an applicator surface 162 that takes the form of a brush. In other embodiments, applicator 160 could have an applicator surface in the form of a sponge or pad, as examples. For example, see FIGS. 8A and 8B. In yet other embodiments, applicator 160 could take the form of or include a spray nozzle. In some embodiments, applicator 160 could take the form of or include a dispenser head, tip, or output port.
In this embodiment, squeezing provides a mechanism to force a fluid in bottle 102 toward bottle opening 101 and into re-sealable cap 120. An outlet (see 144 in FIG. 10A) from outer cap 140 forms part of the fluid path that outputs the fluid, e.g., to applicator 160 or applicator surface 162. In some embodiments, outlet 144 can be a dispenser tip or output port. In other embodiments, other mechanisms could be provided to force a fluid in bottle 102 toward the bottle opening 101, e.g., a plunger assembly with a more rigid bottle structure. Outlet 144 preferably engages applicator 160 to form a seal between outlet 144 and applicator 160. The seal preferably is a no-leak, fluid-tight seal.
In FIGS. 7C and 7D, the re-sealable cap 120 is shown in assembled form. As can be seen, inner cap 130 is screwed onto a threaded portion 105 of bottle top 106. Outer cap 140 is coupled onto inner cap 130. And applicator 160 is coupled to outer cap 140 using holder cap 150. A fluid path is formed from bottle opening 101 through the re-sealable cap 120, as indicated by the dashed-line oval in FIG. 7C.
FIG. 7D also shows how the structures of inner cap 130 and outer cap 140 cooperate to provide two points of closure when re-sealable cap 120 is in the closed position, according to the present embodiment. A 1^stpoint of closure is achieved by a protrusion 139 of inner cap 130 covering or filling a valve opening 147 in outer cap 140. A 2^ndpoint of closure is achieved by a wall 143 of outer cap 140 enclosing fluid openings 133 in inner cap 130. These particular elements of the inner cap 130 and outer cap 140 are discussed in further detail below, e.g., with respect to FIGS. 9A through 9D and 10A through 10D. When re-sealable cap 120 is in the open position, outer cap 140 is vertically separated from inner cap 130, which opens both closures. In other embodiments a single closure or more than two closures could be used.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are side views of the re-sealable cap of the fluid dispenser of FIGS. 7A through 7D in closed and open positions, respectively, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. FIG. 8A shows outer cap 140 coupled to inner cap 130. Here, applicator 160 takes for the form of a sponge or pad that is removably coupled to outer cap 140 using holder cap 150.
Outer cap 140 is movable with respect to inner cap 130 between open and closed positions. In the open position, shown in FIG. 8B, the fluid path is opened so that fluid from the bottle body 102 is forced through re-sealable cap 120. In the closed position, see FIG. 8A, the fluid path is closed within re-sealable cap 120.
In FIG. 8B, it is evident that in this embodiment, outer cap 140 is rotatable with respect to inner cap 130 to move between the open and closed positions. In FIG. 8B, inner cap 130 includes a groove 132 that defines and limits a rotation of outer cap 140 with respect to inner cap 130. In this embodiment, the rotation of outer cap 140 causes outer cap 140 to move upward and away from inner cap 130, thereby opening the fluid path within re-sealable cap 132. Here, the rotation is limited to not more than a quarter turn, but it could be different in other embodiments.
FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D provide a top perspective view, a bottom perspective view, a side view, and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, of an embodiment of inner cap 130 of the re-sealable cap 120 of the fluid dispenser 100 of FIGS. 7A through 7D, 8A, and 8B, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
In this embodiment, inner cap 130 includes a lower cylindrical wall 131 a and an upper cylindrical wall 131 b. Upper cylindrical wall 131 b has a smaller diameter than lower cylindrical wall 131 a, so that upper cylindrical wall 131 b can be at least partially overlapped by outer cap 140 through the range of motion of outer cap 140 with respect to inner cap 130.
At least one groove 132 is formed in upper cylindrical wall 131 b. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9A through 9D, two grooves 132 are formed in upper cylindrical wall 131 b. As will be discussed below, outer cap 140 can include at least one tongue 142 to fit within each groove 132 to define and limit the movement of outer cap 140 with respect to the inner cap 130.
As is evident from FIGS. 9A through 9D, inner cap 130 comprises a protrusion 139 outwardly projected from a well 134. Well 134 has a base 135 surrounded by a wall 138. Within base 135 is formed at least one fluid opening 133. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9B and 9D, four openings 133 are shown. Openings 133 provide a portion of the fluid path between bottle opening 101 and well 134.
As is evident from FIGS. 9B and 9D, inner cap 130 includes a threaded portion 136 that mates with threaded portion 105 of bottle top 106. Inner cap 130 includes at least one retention member, in the form of at least one cutout 137. Cutout 137 mates with a protrusion 109 of bottle top 106 (see FIG. 13C) to maintain inner cap 130 in position with respect to bottle opening 101 when the outer cap 140 is rotated into the open position.
FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D provide a top perspective view, a bottom perspective view, a side view, and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, of an embodiment of outer cap 140 of the re-sealable cap 120 of the fluid dispenser 100 of FIGS. 7A through 7D, 8A, and 8B, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
Outer cap 140 includes an outer side member 141 that surrounds a substantially planar member 145. The planar member 145 can be formed within side member 141 to form a recess 146, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10D. Recess 146 can be formed to accommodate insertion of applicator 160 and (optionally) holder cap 150, as is shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. To provide a secure stable engagement with holder cap 150, within recess 146 side member 141 includes a ridge 148 that mates with a ring 157 of holder cap 150 (see FIG. 11 C).
Disposed within planar member 145, there is formed a valve opening 147. Extending from valve opening 147 from a top side of planar member 145 is outlet 144, as is shown in FIGS. 10A and 10D. Outlet 144 is configured to deliver or output fluid through re-sealable cap 120. Outlet 144 can deliver fluid to applicator 160 or applicator surface 162, if included. As mentioned above, outlet 144 preferably engages applicator 160 to form a seal between outlet 144 and applicator 160. The seal preferably is a no-leak, fluid-tight seal.
When re-sealable cap 120 is in the closed position, protrusion 139 of inner cap 130 covers or fills valve opening 147 to form a 1^stpoint of closure, as also discussed above with respect to FIGS. 7C and 7D.
As is shown in FIG. 10B and 10D, surrounding and extending from valve opening 147, at a bottom side of planar member 145, is a wall 143. In this embodiment, wall 143 fits within the well 134 of inner cap 130 (see FIGS. 9A and 9D) to form a portion of the fluid path. When re-sealable cap 120 is in the closed position, wall 143 of outer cap 140, which is disposed within well 134 of inner cap 130, encloses fluid openings 133 to form a 2^ndpoint of closure, as also discussed above with respect to FIGS. 7C and 7D.
As is shown in FIG. 10B, at least one tongue 142 is provided on an interior portion of wall 141. As discussed above, tongue 142 fits within groove 132 of inner cap 130. Together tongue 142 and groove 132 cooperate to define and limit rotation of outer cap 140 with respect to inner cap 130.
FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C provide a top view, a bottom view, and a side view, respectively, of an embodiment of holder cap 150 of the re-sealable cap 120 of the fluid dispenser 100 of FIGS. 7A through 7D, 8A, and 8B, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Holder cap 150 includes a substantially planar rim 152, as shown in FIG. 11A. In the bottom view of FIG. 11B and the side view of FIG. 11C, holder cap 150 includes an insertion wall 158 having a ring 157. Insertion wall 158 is configured to fit within recess 146 of outer cap 140. More particularly, in this embodiment, ring 157 is configured to engage ridge 148 on the inner wall 141 of outer cap 140, within recess 146.
Planar rim 152 includes an inner lip 155 that engages and holds applicator 160. Planar rim 152 also includes an outer lip 156 that maintains holder cap 150 with respect to outer cap 140.
FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D provide a top view, a bottom view, a side cross-sectional view, and a side view, respectively, of an embodiment of applicator 160 for insertion into holder cap 150 of FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C of the re-sealable cap 120 of the fluid dispenser 100 of FIGS. 7A through 7D, 8A, and 8B, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view, taken along line X-X shown in FIG. 12B.
Applicator 160 includes applicator surface 162, which is a brush in this embodiment. In this embodiment, there is also a centrally disposed opening 164, which accommodates a fluid flow from re-sealable cap 120. As shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, there are two members, a first member 163 and a second member 165, extending from a bottom of applicator 160. The first member 163 surrounds opening 164, and surrounds outlet 144 of outer cap 140. First member 163 and outlet 144 can form a seal that substantially ensures that fluid from outlet 144 does not flow beneath applicator 160, in this embodiment.
Second member 165 defines a side recess 166 with an applicator top portion 167, which includes applicator surface 162. Recess 166 is configured to receive inner lip 155 of holder cap 150. In this manner, applicator 160 can be stably inserted into holder cap 150, and then holder cap 150 can be stably inserted into outer cap 140. In various embodiments, therefore, many different applicators can be used with holder cap 150, and outer cap 140. To accommodate insertion of applicator 160 into holder cap 150, side member 165 is preferably pliable.
FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C provide a side view, a perspective view, and a top view, respectively, of an embodiment of bottle top 106 of the bottle 102 of the fluid dispenser 100 of FIG. 7A, 7C, and 7D, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
In this embodiment, one or more retention members 109 are formed below threads 105, and on a substantially flat portion 108 of bottle body 104. The inner cap 130 is threaded to rotatably engage the bottle opening threads 105, as discussed above. The inner cap 130 also comprises a second retention member, described as at least one cutaway 137 with respect to FIG. 9B, that engages protrusion 109 to maintain the inner cap 130 in position with respect to the bottle top 106 when the outer cap 140 is rotated to the open position, with respect to the inner cap 130.
While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other preferred embodiments, it is understood that various modifications can be made therein and that the invention or inventions may be implemented in various forms and embodiments, and that they may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim that which is literally described and all equivalents thereto, including all modifications and variations that fall within the scope of each claim.

Claims

1. A re-sealable cap for use with a fluid dispensing container having a container top defining an opening, the re-sealable cap comprising:

an inner cap configured to secure to the container top; and

an outer cap movable between an open position and a closed position while remaining coupled to the inner cap;

wherein a fluid path is defined from the opening through the inner cap and the outer cap, when the outer cap is in the open position and the fluid path is closed when the outer cap in the closed position.

2. The re-sealable cap of claim 1, wherein the inner cap and outer cap cooperate to provide at least two points of closure of the fluid path.

3. The re-sealable cap of claim 1, further comprising:

an applicator portion configured to hold an applicator, the applicator portion comprising a holder cap configured to removably couple the applicator to the outer cap.

4. The re-sealable cap of claim 3, wherein the holder cap removably attaches to the outer cap and comprises a lip that mates with a peripheral indentation in the applicator.

5. The re-sealable cap of claim 3, wherein the holder cap is configured to hold any one of a plurality of different removable applicators.

6. The re-sealable cap of claim 3, wherein the applicator comprises at least one of a brush, a sponge, and a pad.

7. The re-sealable cap of claim 3, wherein the outer cap further comprises an outlet defining part of the fluid path, and the outlet is configured to engage the applicator to form a substantially no-leak seal with the applicator.

8. The re-sealable cap of claim 1, wherein the outer cap is rotatable with respect to the inner cap between the closed and open positions, and at least one of the inner cap and outer cap includes at least one groove and the other of the inner cap and outer cap includes at least one corresponding tongue, which cooperate to limit the rotation of the outer cap with respect to the inner cap.

9. The re-sealable cap of claim 8, wherein the limit of the rotation of the outer cap with respect to the inner cap is about a quarter turn or less.

10. The re-sealable cap of claim 1, wherein:

the inner cap comprises a protrusion outwardly projected from a well, the well having a base comprising at least one fluid opening; and

the outer cap comprises a valve opening surrounded by a wall, wherein the valve opening is closed by the protrusion when the outer cap is in the closed position and is open when the outer cap is in the open position, and wherein the wall fits within the well to form a portion of the fluid path.

11. The re-sealable cap of claim 10, wherein the outer cap further comprises an outlet, opposite the wall, that extends from the valve opening to engage at least a portion of an applicator coupled to the outer cap.

12. A fluid dispensing apparatus, comprising:

a flexible bottle having a bottle top defining an opening; and

a re-sealable cap comprising:

an inner cap configured to secure to the bottle top; and

an outer cap movable with respect to the inner cap between an open position and a closed position;

wherein a fluid path is defined from the opening through the inner cap and outer cap when the outer cap is in the open position and the fluid path is closed when the outer cap in the closed position.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the inner cap and outer cap cooperate to provide at least two points of closure of the fluid path.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:

a holder cap configured to removably couple an applicator to the outer cap.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the outer cap further comprises an outlet defining part of the fluid path, and the outlet is configured to engage an applicator to form a substantially no-leak seal with the applicator.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the outer cap is rotatable with respect to the inner cap between the closed and open positions, and at least one of the inner cap and outer cap includes at least one groove and the other of the inner cap and outer cap includes at least one corresponding tongue, which cooperate to limit the rotation of the outer cap with respect to the inner cap.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein:

the outer cap is rotatable with respect to the inner cap to open and close the fluid path;

the bottle opening is threaded and comprises a first retention member; and

the inner cap is threaded to rotatably engage the bottle opening and comprises a second retention member that engages the first retention member to maintain the inner cap in position with respect to the bottle top when the outer cap is rotated into the open position.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first retention member comprises at least one protrusion and the second retention member comprises at least one cutout configured to receive the at least one protrusion.

19. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein:

the inner cap comprises a protrusion outwardly projected from a well, the well has a base comprising at least one fluid opening; and

20. A fluid dispenser kit, comprising:

a flexible bottle having a bottle top defining an opening;

at least one applicator; and

a re-sealable cap comprising:

an inner cap configured to secure to the bottle opening; and

an outer cap configured to hold an applicator and is movable with respect to the inner cap between an open position and a closed position,

wherein a fluid path is defined from the bottle opening through the inner cap and the outer cap to the applicator when the outer cap is in the open position.

21. The kit of claim 20, wherein the inner cap and outer cap cooperate to provide at least two points of closure of the fluid path.

22. The kit of claim 20, wherein the fluid path comprises a valve assembly formed by the inner cap and outer cap.

23. The kit of claim 22, wherein the outer cap further comprises a valve opening and an outlet that extends from the valve opening to an applicator opening formed in the applicator.

24. The kit of claim 20, wherein the at least one applicator is a plurality of applicators including at least one brush or make-up pad.

25. The kit of claim 20, wherein:

the bottle opening is threaded and comprises at least one protrusion; and

the inner cap is threaded to rotatably engage the bottle opening and comprises at least one cutout configured to receive the at least one protrusion to maintain the inner cap in position with respect to the bottle opening when the outer cap is rotated between the open and closed positions.

26. The kit of claim 20, wherein the outer cap further comprises an outlet defining part of the fluid path, and the outlet is configured to engage the applicator to form a substantially no-leak seal with the applicator.