A cap assembly, a dropper assembly and a container system including the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cover assembly configured to be attached to a container, comprising: a top cover including a static position and a depressible position; a piston rod connected to the top cover, the piston rod being connected to the piston at the bottom to actuate the piston to move vertically, the piston rod also including an inclined upper guide surface; a deformable element, which is supported at the top end against the upper guide surface of the piston rod so that the deformable element can move along the upper guide surface; a support, which can move vertically to move the top cover from the static position to the depressible position and includes an inclined lower guide surface, the bottom end of the deformable element is supported against the lower guide surface of the support so that the deformable element can move along the lower guide surface; when the top cover is pressed, the piston rod moves downward and actuates the piston to move downward to dispense material from the dispensing chamber, while forcing the deformable element to deform from an initial state and move along the upper guide surface and the lower guide surface; and when the top cover is released, the deformable element returns to its initial state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a cap assembly, a dropper assembly including the same, and a container system. More specifically, the dropper assembly including the cap assembly and the dropper is generally attached to a container so that a user can draw and dispense material from the container through the dropper for use, for example, a dropper-type cosmetic container. Background Art

[0002] Many products today use dropper-type containers, which draw the product from the container through a dropper and then dispense it to the desired location. Examples include essential oils, eye creams, serums, foundations, and medications. These products can be expensive and may only be used in small quantities at a time. Furthermore, during the dispensing process, it is necessary to minimize the entry of air into the container or contamination of the dropper, as this can cause the product inside the container to deteriorate or degrade. However, currently used dropper caps typically include a rubber tip. The user squeezes the rubber tip to expel air and releases it to draw the product from the bottle. The user then removes the dropper from the bottle and squeezes the rubber tip again to release the product.

[0003] Typically, this type of aspiration and dispensing process prevents users from accurately controlling the amount drawn and dispensed. On the one hand, if the amount drawn is less than the desired amount, the user must reinsert the dropper into the bottle and repeat the process. This repetitive operation is cumbersome for the user, and moving the dropper in and out of the bottle multiple times can contaminate the product inside. On the other hand, if the amount drawn is greater than the desired amount, the user cannot prevent the excess from being dispensed. Furthermore, if the user inadvertently releases the rubber tip slightly during use, the product can be dispensed unexpectedly in an unintended location, resulting in product waste and a poor customer experience.

[0004] Therefore, current droppers of this type make it impossible for users to control the amount of product needed, which may lead to cumbersome operations or waste of product. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art and provide a cap assembly that allows a user to control the discharge amount, as well as a dropper assembly and a container system including such a cap assembly.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to a cap assembly configured to be attached to a container, the cap assembly comprising:

[0007] a top cover comprising a rest position and a depressible position;

[0008] a piston rod connected to the top cover, the piston rod being connected at a bottom portion to the piston to actuate the piston to move in a vertical direction, the piston rod further comprising an inclined upper guide surface;

[0009] a deformable element bearing at a top end against the upper guide surface of the piston rod so that the deformable element can move along the upper guide surface;

[0010] a support that is vertically movable to move the top cover from a rest position to a depressible position, the support comprising an inclined lower guide surface, the bottom end of the deformable element being supported against the lower guide surface of the support so that the deformable element can move along the lower guide surface;

[0011] wherein, when the top cover is pressed, the piston rod moves downward and actuates the piston to move downward to dispense material from the dispensing chamber, while forcing the deformable element to deform from an initial state and move along the upper guide surface and the lower guide surface; and

[0012] When the top cover is released, the deformable element returns to the initial state.

[0013] By pressing the top cover, the deformable element is deformed and moves along the upper guide surface and the lower guide surface, and the piston rod and the piston are pushed to distribute the sucked material. On the one hand, the user can obtain feedback between the degree to which he pushes the top cover and the amount distributed, so that he can press the top cover to distribute according to the amount he needs.

[0014] On the other hand, when the user releases the top cover, the deformable element returns to its initial state, and the piston rod and piston also return to their upper positions. Due to the pressure, the material is sucked upward. Therefore, the dispensing of the material stops immediately and no further discharge occurs, thus avoiding the waste caused by excessive discharge of material.

[0015] Furthermore, if the amount of one press is less than the amount required by the user, the user can simply press multiple times to discharge the required amount without having to re-insert the assembly into the container to repeat the operation.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, the cover assembly further comprises:

[0017] a rotatable outer cover located below the top cover;

[0018] a rotatable annular member located between the support and the housing and connected to the housing so that the annular member can rotate with the housing;

[0019] at least one raised portion;

[0020] a guide track for guiding the protrusion, wherein the protrusion is movable between a first position and a second position in the guide track;

[0021] wherein, when the outer cover and the ring are rotated in the first direction, the protrusion moves from the first position in the guide track to the second position, and simultaneously causes the support to move upward from the initial position, so that the piston rod, the piston, the deformable element and the top cover all move upward until the top cover reaches the depressible position;

[0022] When the outer cover and the annular member are rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the protrusion returns to the first position and causes the support to move downward to the initial position, so that the piston rod, the piston, the deformable element and the top cover all move downward until the top cover returns to the static position.

[0023] By rotating the lid assembly, the material is easily opened, and the material is simultaneously drawn into the dropper and dispensing chamber, while the top cover moves upward to a pressable position. This eliminates the need to squeeze the rubber tip after rotating the lid assembly, greatly simplifying operation. All components can be easily returned to their original positions by rotating in the opposite direction.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, the protrusion is provided on the outer side of the support, and the guide track is provided on the annular member, wherein the first position is lower than the second position.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, the protrusion is provided on the inner side of the ring and the guide track is provided on the outer side of the support, wherein the first position is higher than the second position.

[0026] By rotating the outer cover and the ring, the protrusion is caused to move in the guide track, which can easily generate a pressure difference in the dispensing chamber to suck the material and simultaneously move the top cover to the pressable position.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, the guide rail includes a first horizontal section, an inclined section, and a second horizontal section, wherein the first horizontal section defines a first position of the protrusion, and the second horizontal section defines a second position of the protrusion.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, the cover assembly includes two symmetrically arranged protrusions, and each protrusion is received in a corresponding guide track.

[0029] According to one aspect of the present invention, the deformable element is C-shaped.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present invention, the deformable element is made of plastic.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, the deformable element is made of elastic material.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, the deformable element includes a locally weakened area so that the deformable element changes diameter when subjected to a force.

[0033] The deformable element can be switched between an initial state and a deformed state, allowing the user to accurately control the amount of material discharged. Furthermore, by providing feedback between the force applied to the deformable element by pressing the top cover and the amount discharged, the user can more accurately determine how to discharge the desired amount.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, the cover assembly further comprises:

[0035] a closure member located at the bottom of the cap assembly and defining a dispensing chamber together with the piston, the closure member including threads on an inner side for threaded connection to the container, the closure member also including an opening for communicating with the dropper;

[0036] A gasket seals the cap assembly to the container when the cap assembly is attached to the container.

[0037] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a dropper assembly comprising:

[0038] a cover assembly as described above;

[0039] At least one dropper includes a first opening, a second opening, and a dropper body between the first opening and the second opening, the dropper being sealingly connected to the bottom of the cap assembly and in communication with the dispensing chamber.

[0040] One aspect of the present invention relates to a container system comprising:

[0041] A dropper assembly as described above; and

[0042] A container defines a storage chamber for containing a material, the dropper assembly being removably connected to the container and the dropper body extending into the container.

[0043] The container system thus provided allows the user to accurately control the dose discharged, thereby greatly improving user operation, avoiding product waste, and avoiding contamination of the product inside the container as much as possible.

[0044] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of using a cap assembly, dropper assembly, or container system as described above.

[0045] Other forms, objects, features, aspects, advantages and other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description and drawings provided herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The disclosure of the present invention will become more apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0047] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a container system according to the present application.

[0048] Figure 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of a container system according to the present application.

[0049] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dropper assembly according to the present application.

[0050] Figure 4 A support and a ring according to one embodiment are schematically illustrated.

[0051] Figure 5a The cooperation between the piston rod, the deformable element and the abutment according to one embodiment is schematically illustrated.

[0052] Figure 5b Shown Figure 5a Exploded diagram of the various components.

[0053] FIG. 6 a schematically illustrates the operation of opening the dropper assembly by rotating the outer cover according to the present application.

[0054] Figure 6b The operation of the dropper assembly according to the present application is schematically illustrated after the housing is rotated and the top cap can be pressed to discharge the material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like or functionally equivalent elements unless otherwise specified. The various elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale but are intended to clearly illustrate the principles of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a container system 100 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 is an exploded schematic diagram of a container system 100, which includes a dropper assembly and a container 400, wherein the dropper assembly includes a cap assembly 200 and a dropper 300. Container 400 includes a container wall 401 and a storage chamber 402 defined by container wall 401. Storage chamber 402 can store desired materials, such as liquids, viscous flowable materials, foams, gels, pastes, and the like, as needed. These materials may include, but are not limited to, essential oils, eye creams, serums, foundations, medications, and other products suitable for dispensing via a dropper.

[0057] The container 400 can be made of plastic, such as polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), so that all components of the entire container system are recyclable. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Similarly, in the embodiment shown, the container 400 and / or other components have a generally cylindrical shape, but it should be understood that they may have different shapes in other variations.

[0058] The container 400 includes a container opening 403 at the top, so that the dropper 300 can be moved into and / or out of the container through the container opening 403. After the dropper assembly is inserted into the container 400, the bottom of the cap assembly 200 can be airtightly engaged with the top of the container 400 to ensure the sealing of the container, such as by threaded engagement or form fit, or any other suitable means.

[0059] Figure 3 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dropper assembly according to one embodiment of the present application. The dropper assembly includes a cap assembly 200 and a dropper 300. The bottom end of the cap assembly 200 is tightly secured to the top end of the dropper 300. The dropper 300 includes a first opening 301, a second opening 302, and a dropper body 303 between the first and second openings 301 and 302. The dropper body 303 defines a passage for material to pass through.

[0060] The top end of the lid assembly 200 includes a top cap 201. When the container 400 is in the storage state, the top cap 201 is in a rest position, serving as part of the container's outer lid. When the container 400 is opened, the top cap 201 moves to a depressible position, enabling it to function as a push button to dispense material from the dispensing chamber and dropper. An outer cover 202 is positioned below the top cap 201 and, together with the top cap 201, forms the outer lid covering the container. A user can rotate the outer cover 202 in a first direction to move the top cap 201 into the depressible position, and can return the top cap 201 to the rest position by rotating the outer cover 202 in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0061] An annular member 203 is provided inside the outer cover 202. The annular member 203 is fixed to the outer cover 202 and can be rotated together with the outer cover 202. A piston rod 204 is arranged below the top cover 201 and is located inside the outer cover 202. The piston rod 204 is connected to the top cover 201 and can move linearly together with the top cover. The bottom end of the piston rod 204 is connected to the piston 207 to actuate the piston to move in the vertical direction. A support 206 that can cooperate with the annular member 203 is also provided between the annular member 203 and the piston rod 204. The support 206 can move in the vertical direction relative to the annular member 203. A closure member 208 for being tightly connected to the container top is provided between the support 206 and the piston. In one embodiment, the closure member 208 may include an internal thread to seal with the external thread at the container top. In one embodiment, a gasket 209 may also be included in the closure member 208 to ensure an airtight seal at the joint when engaging with the container. The closure 208 and the piston 207 together define a dispensing chamber 210. The dispensing chamber 210 is in communication with the first opening 301 of the dropper 300 for drawing material from the storage chamber 402 and dispensing the material.

[0062] A deformable element 205 is also disposed between the piston rod 204 and the support 206. The top end of the deformable element 205 bears against the piston rod 204, and the bottom end bears against the support 206. When at rest, the deformable element 205 is in an initial state. The piston rod 204 includes an inclined upper guide surface 211, along which the deformable element 205 can move. The support 206 may include an inclined lower guide surface 212, along which the deformable element 205 can move. When the top cover 201 is in the depressible position, pressing the top cover 201 applies a vertical force to the deformable element 205 via the piston rod, causing it to deform and move along the upper and lower guide surfaces 211, 212. At this point, the piston rod 204 actuates the piston 207 downward to discharge material from the dispensing chamber 210, without the support 206 moving. When the top cover is released, the deformable element 205 returns to its original state.

[0063] The cooperation between the ring 203 and the support 206 converts the rotational motion of the outer cover and the ring into linear motion of the support, thereby actuating the piston rod, piston, deformable element, and top cover to move vertically, allowing the top cover to switch between a static position and a depressible position. Specifically, the ring and the support cooperate via a protrusion and a guide track for guiding the protrusion. By rotating the outer cover and the ring in different directions, the protrusion can switch between a first position and a second position within the guide track.

[0064] Figure 4Schematically shows a ring 203 and a support 206 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the support 206 includes at least one protrusion 213, preferably two protrusions, on the outside. Preferably, the two protrusions are arranged symmetrically. Accordingly, the ring matched with the support 206 includes at least one guide track 214, preferably two guide tracks, for guiding the protrusion 213. Preferably, the two guide tracks are arranged symmetrically. Specifically, the guide track 214 is arranged on the inside of the ring 203 to accommodate the corresponding protrusion 213. By rotating the outer cover 202 and the ring 203, the protrusion 213 can move between a first position and a second position in the guide track 214. When the top cover is in a stationary position, the protrusion 213 is in a first position in the guide track 214, and when the top cover is in a pressable position, the protrusion 213 is in a second position in the guide track 214.

[0065] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the first position is lower than the second position. When the housing 202 and the ring 203 are rotated in a first direction corresponding to opening, the protrusion 213 slides from the first position to the second position. At this point, the support 206 moves upward from its initial position and actuates the piston rod 204, the piston 207, the deformable element 205, and the top cover 201 to move upward. Conversely, when the housing 202 and the ring 203 are rotated in a second direction corresponding to closing, the protrusion returns to the first position, and the support and other components return to their initial positions.

[0066] In another embodiment not shown, the ring 203 includes at least one protrusion on the inside, preferably two protrusions. Preferably, the two protrusions are arranged symmetrically. Correspondingly, the support 206 includes at least one guide track on the outside for guiding the protrusion, preferably two guide tracks. Preferably, the two guide tracks are arranged symmetrically. In this embodiment, the first position in which the protrusion is initially located is higher than the second position, so that when the outer cover and the ring are rotated in the first direction, the protrusion moves from the first position to the second position, and the support 206 moves upward from the initial position and actuates the piston rod 204, piston 207, deformable element 205, and top cover 201 to move upward. When the outer cover 202 and the ring 203 are rotated in the second direction corresponding to closing, the protrusion returns to the first position, and the support and other components all return to their initial positions.

[0067] Guide track 214 includes a first horizontal section, an inclined section, and a second horizontal section. The first horizontal section defines a first position of protrusion 213, and the second horizontal section defines a second position of the protrusion. Alternative embodiments of protrusion 213 and guide track 214, not shown in the drawings, are also possible, as long as the rotational motion of the housing can be converted into linear motion of the piston rod.

[0068] exist Figure 5a Schematically shows an assembly including a piston rod 204, a deformable element 205, a support 206 and a piston 207, and Figure 5b The above components are shown in exploded form in FIG. The deformable element 205 may be generally annular or C-shaped. When subjected to a vertical force, the annular or C-shaped deformable element 205 deforms, causing its diameter to change, allowing the piston rod to move further downward and actuate the piston. The deformable element 205 may be made of an elastic material or plastic. Moreover, compared to metal materials used in the prior art, deformable elements made of plastic material may facilitate the recycling of the entire container system. In another embodiment, the deformable element may include a localized weakened area, causing its diameter to change when subjected to a force. In one embodiment, the deformable element may include two lateral legs, such that when the top cover is pressed, the two legs are forced to open, and when the top cover is released, the two legs return to their original position. Any embodiment of the deformable element that deforms when the piston rod moves downward and returns to its original position when the top cover is released is acceptable.

[0069] Next, we combine Figure 6a and Figure 6b 6a, when the outer cover 202 is rotated in a first direction, for example, counterclockwise, the outer cover 202 actuates the annular member 203 to rotate together. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , due to the action of the guide track 214 provided on the inner side of the ring 203, the rotation of the guide track 214 forces the protrusion 213 on the support 206 to move out of the first position and along the guide track 214 to a higher second position. The protrusion 213 causes the support 206 to move upward, actuating the piston rod 204, deformable element 205, top cover 201, and piston 207 thereon to move upward until the protrusion 213 reaches the second position. At this point, the top cover also changes from a static position to a pressable position. As the piston 207 moves upward, the pressure in the dispensing chamber 210 decreases, causing material to be drawn from the container 400 into the dropper 300 and then into the dispensing chamber via the dropper 300. Simultaneously, the connection between the container and the dropper is disconnected, allowing the user to remove the dropper assembly from the container 400 to the desired location.

[0070] When the second outlet of the dropper is near the desired location for dispensing material, the user simply presses the top cap 201. This activates the piston rod 204 and piston 207 downward, increasing the pressure in the dispensing chamber 210 and discharging the material from the dispensing chamber 210 and / or the dropper 300 to the desired location. During this process, the deformable element 205 deforms from its initial state, increasing in diameter to allow the piston rod to move downward. The deformable element 205 then moves along the upper guide surface 211 and the lower guide surface 212. During this time, the support 206 remains in place and stably supports the deformable element 205. After dispensing the desired amount of material, the user releases the top cap 201, actuating the piston rod 204 and piston 207 upward, returning the deformable element 205 to its initial state. At this point, any material remaining in the dropper may be drawn upward as the pressure in the dispensing chamber 210 decreases again.

[0071] The container system according to the present invention can be easily opened by rotating in one direction, simultaneously drawing the material into the dropper and / or dispensing chamber and moving the top cap upward to a depressible position. This eliminates the need for the user to squeeze the rubber tip after rotating the outer cover, significantly simplifying operation. Rotating in the opposite direction also allows the various components to be easily returned to their original positions. Furthermore, during dispensing, the user can control the amount dispensed by pressing the tip, eliminating the risk of wasting product by accidentally releasing the tip. The user receives feedback between the degree to which they push the top cap and the amount dispensed, enabling them to press the top cap to dispense the desired amount. Furthermore, even if the user accidentally releases the top cap, the material is simply drawn upward again, remaining in the dropper or dispensing chamber rather than being expelled. Furthermore, if the desired amount of material has not been dispensed in one operation, the user can press the top cap again to repeat the dispensing operation until the desired amount has been dispensed.

[0072] Although shown in the figures as corresponding to opening in a counterclockwise direction, it is not limited to a counterclockwise direction. The various directions in the embodiments of the present application can be changed as needed without departing from the scope of the present application. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and many other modifications and variations can be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that the use of "one" throughout the application does not exclude the plural, and "comprising" does not exclude other elements. In addition, the elements described in conjunction with different embodiments can be combined.

[0073] Reference Signs List

[0074] 100 container system

[0075] 200 cover assembly

[0076] 300 dropper

[0077] 400 containers

[0078] 201 Top Cover

[0079] 202 outer cover

[0080] 203 Ring parts

[0081] 204 piston rod

[0082] 205 Deformable Element

[0083] 206 bearing

[0084] 207 Piston

[0085] 208 closure

[0086] 209 gasket

[0087] 210 Distribution Chamber

[0088] 211 upper guide surface

[0089] 212 lower guide surface

[0090] 213 raised part

[0091] 214 Guide Track

[0092] 301 First Opening

[0093] 302 Second Opening

[0094] 303 dropper body

[0095] 401 container wall

[0096] 402 Storage Chamber

[0097] 403 Container Opening

Claims

1. A cap assembly configured to be attached to a container, the cap assembly comprising: a top cover comprising a rest position and a depressible position; a piston rod connected to the top cover, the piston rod being connected to the piston at a bottom portion to actuate the piston to move in a vertical direction, the piston rod further comprising an inclined upper guide surface; a deformable element bearing at a top end against the upper guide surface of the piston rod so that the deformable element can move along the upper guide surface; a support that is vertically movable to move the top cover from the rest position to the depressible position, the support comprising an inclined lower guide surface, the bottom end of the deformable element being supported against the lower guide surface of the support so that the deformable element can move along the lower guide surface; wherein, when the top cover is in the depressible position, the top cover is pressed, the piston rod moves downward and actuates the piston to move downward to dispense material from the dispensing chamber, and at the same time forces the deformable element to deform from an initial state and move along the upper guide surface and the lower guide surface; as well as When the top cover is released, the deformable element returns to the initial state.

2. The cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein The cover assembly further comprises: a rotatable outer cover located below the top cover; a rotatable ring located between the support and the housing and connected to the housing so that the ring can rotate with the housing; at least one raised portion; a guide track for guiding the protrusion, wherein the protrusion is movable between a first position and a second position in the guide track; wherein, when the outer cover and the annular member are rotated in a first direction, the protrusion moves from a first position in the guide track to a second position, and simultaneously causes the support to move upward from an initial position, so that the piston rod, the piston, the deformable element and the top cover all move upward, and the top cover reaches the depressible position; Wherein, when the outer cover and the ring are rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the protrusion returns to the first position and causes the support to move downward to the initial position, so that the piston rod, the piston, the deformable element and the top cover all move downward until the top cover returns to the static position.

3. The cover assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The protrusion is provided on an outer side of the support, and the guide track is provided on the annular member, wherein the first position is lower than the second position.

4. The cover assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The protrusion is arranged on an inner side of the ring and the guide track is arranged on an outer side of the support, wherein the first position is higher than the second position.

5. The cover assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The guide rail includes a first horizontal section, an inclined section, and a second horizontal section, wherein the first horizontal section defines a first position of the protrusion and the second horizontal section defines a second position of the protrusion.

6. The cap assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The cover assembly includes two symmetrically arranged protrusions, and each protrusion is received in a corresponding guide track.

7. The cap assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The deformable element is C-shaped.

8. The cap assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The deformable element is made of plastic.

9. The cap assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The deformable element is made of elastic material.

10. The cap assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The deformable element includes a locally weakened region such that the deformable element changes diameter when subjected to an applied force.

11. The lid assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a closure member located at the bottom of the cap assembly and defining the dispensing chamber together with the piston, the closure member including threads on the inner side for being threadedly connected to the container, and the closure member also including an opening for communicating with a dropper; A gasket seals the cap assembly to the container when the cap assembly is attached to the container.

12. A dropper assembly comprising: The cover assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11; At least one dropper includes a first opening, a second opening, and a dropper body between the first opening and the second opening, the dropper being sealingly connected to the bottom of the cap assembly and communicating with the dispensing chamber.

13. A container system comprising: The dropper assembly according to claim 12; as well as A container defines a storage chamber for containing a material, the dropper assembly being removably connected to the container and the dropper body extending into the container.

14. A method of using the container system according to claim 13.

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