Cap with vent for dispenser and method of use thereof

Abstract

A vented cap (120) for a dispenser (110) or dispensing system (100) having a cap (210) and a vent plug (250) that engage in a sealed position in a delivery or non-use condition and disengage in a vented condition; the vent plug is movable relative to the cap only after having been engaged by the attached dispenser after removal of a tamper-evident or tear strip (300).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to caps for dispensers, and more particularly to caps having a ventilating feature that allows ventilation of the internal space defined by the cap. Background Technology

[0002] Dispensing devices are well-known and used for a variety of purposes. Many dispensing devices (including sprayers, fine mist sprayers, droppers, and other such products) include or utilize caps to cover the sprayer when not in use, during transport, or when displayed on a shelf at a retail location. Such caps or covers can be removed by the user and discarded or reattached to the dispenser after use for the intended purpose. The construction and use of such caps are well-known and common in industry.

[0003] In some markets, a ventilated cap and its internal portion are desirable. Such ventilation allows air circulation to dry or evaporate product residue on the dispenser surface after use. Ventilation of the internal cap space and evaporation of residual product can also help prevent the growth or formation of bacteria, mold, or other undesirable agents on the dispenser or internal cap surface, and in some markets, ventilation may be necessary. For example, dispensers used in some healthcare or pharmaceutical applications may require a cap with ventilated features to ensure ventilation of the dispenser surface when the cap is placed on the dispenser during non-use or storage. A good example of a product that may require a ventilated cap or may benefit from a dispenser with a ventilated cap is an ophthalmic product. Such products may be preservative-containing or preservative-free. When used, residual product may remain on the surface of the dispenser used to dispense the product. To help reduce the formation, growth, or trapping of bacteria and other agents on or on the dispenser surface, a ventilated cap may be needed to allow airflow through the dispenser head so that residual product can evaporate. This reduces the formation, growth, or capture of unwanted substances on the dispenser that can be passed to the user during subsequent use of the product and dispenser.

[0004] While various ventilator caps or caps with vents exist on the market, there remains a need for improvement. Furthermore, existing ventilator systems can be difficult to manufacture, assemble, and use in conjunction with various dispenser systems. Therefore, alternative designs are desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to certain embodiments of the invention, a cap with a vent includes a delivery state in which the vent cap is not ventilated and a ventilated state in which the vent cap is ventilated. The cap with a vent may include a cap portion and a vent plug portion. The vent plug portion may be assembled to the cap and connected to the cap within the cap's internal space. When assembled and in the delivery state, the vent plug may abut against the cap to seal and prevent air from entering the cap's interior. Movement of the vent plug relative to the cap positions the vent plug to allow air or atmospheric air to enter the cap's internal space in the ventilated state.

[0006] According to various embodiments of the invention, when a user removes the tear strip from the cap, the vent plug can move relative to the cap, thereby exposing a gap that allows the cap to move further relative to the dispenser to which the vented cap is attached. A dispenser flange on the vent plug abuts against the dispenser to which the vented cap is attached. As the cap moves relative to the dispenser after the tear strip is removed, the dispenser flange is stopped by the dispenser, thereby stopping the movement of the vent plug, but not stopping the movement of the cap. Continued movement of the cap causes the connection between the cap and the vent plug to disengage, opening a space between the vent plug and the cap that allows ventilation to the interior of the cap.

[0007] According to various embodiments of the invention, the vent plug can be assembled into the cap by inserting it into an opening in the cap. When the vent plug is inserted, a portion of the vent plug passes through the vent retainer until a connector on the vent plug engages the vent retainer and secures the vent plug in the cap. In this position, the cap seal on the vent plug and the vent seal on the cap also engage, preventing air or atmospheric flow between the vent plug and the cap, thereby preventing ventilation. This is the delivery state.

[0008] The vented cap according to various embodiments of the present invention can be manufactured and sold as a vented cap. In other embodiments, the vented cap can be assembled or attached to a dispenser, and a dispensing product including the dispenser and the vented cap can be sold. For example, an ophthalmic dispenser can be assembled with a vented cap and sold to companies that fill ophthalmic products. The dispensing product can then be assembled into a container containing the product, which can be dispensed by the dispenser in dispensing mode. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Although the specification concludes with claims that specifically point out and clearly claim protection for particular embodiments of the invention, various embodiments of the invention will be more readily understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art from the following description of various embodiments of the invention, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 The illustrations depict various embodiments of the distribution system according to the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2 The illustrations depict caps according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 3 The illustrations show vent plugs according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 4 The illustration shows a cross-sectional view of a cap with a vent in a delivery state according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 5 The illustration shows a cross-sectional view of a cap with a vent on a dispenser in a delivery state according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 6 The illustration shows a cross-sectional view of a cap with a vent on a dispenser in a vented state according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 7 The illustration shows the product being distributed during delivery.

[0017] Figure 8 The illustration shows a dispensed product in its delivery state without a tear strip; and

[0018] Figure 9 The illustration shows the product being dispensed under ventilated conditions. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Figure 1 The figure illustrates a dispensing system 100 according to various embodiments of the present invention. The dispensing system 100 may include a dispenser 110 attached to a container 900 or bottle, and a cap 200 with a vent on the dispenser 110. The cap 200 with the vent may include a cap 210 as illustrated and a vent plug 250. According to various embodiments, the vent plug 250 may be configured as follows: Figure 1 In the delivery state illustrated, the cap 210 is sealed against the surface. In the venting state, the vent plug 250 can be unseated from the cap 210, allowing air or atmospheric air to flow in and out of the interior space of the cap 200 with the vent.

[0020] Figure 2 The illustration shows a cap 210 according to various embodiments of the present invention. The cap 210 may include a cap wall 215 extending between a bottom opening 212 and a top opening 214. Figure 2As illustrated, the cap wall 215 may extend rearward into the interior of the cap 210 to form features for retaining the vent plug 250. The cap 210 may include a vent seal 230 adjacent to the top opening 214. The vent seal 230 may be configured to seal against a portion of the vent plug 250. The cap 210 may also include one or more finger pads 248 located on the cap wall 215 to facilitate gripping of the cap 210 by a user, or to provide the user with markings on how to remove the cap 210 or where to place their fingers to remove the cap 210 from the dispenser 110.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the invention, the cap 210 in the delivery state may further include a tear strip 300. The tear strip 300 provides a visual cues to the user indicating tampering, such that if the tear strip 300 is absent, the user knows that the cap 200 with the vent may have been previously used or removed from the dispenser 110. In some embodiments of the invention, the tear strip 300 may be co-molded as part of the cap 210, having creases or weakened portions or weak lines that allow removal of the tear strip 300 from the cap 210 upon first use. The use of tear strips 300 as illustrated is known and is used to provide evidence of tampering, and any commonly used tear strip 300 construction can be used with various embodiments of the invention.

[0022] While the use of the tear strip 300 for the purpose of tampering with evidence is known, its use in conjunction with embodiments of the present invention provides additional benefits. When removed, the tear strip 300 creates a gap or space between the upper portion of the cap 210 and the lower ring 211, which remains attached to the container 900. When the cap 210 is attached to the dispenser 110 after the gap has been exposed, the cap 210 can be further pressed against the dispenser 110, causing the cap 210 to move into the gap. In doing so, the vent plug 250 can be removed from its seat in the cap 210, thereby forming a vent in the cap 200 with the vent.

[0023] Figure 3 The illustration shows a vent plug 250 according to various embodiments of the present invention. Although the vent plug 250 is... Figure 3 While the vent plug 250 may have a specific construction or aesthetic appearance, it should be understood that the vent plug 250 according to various embodiments of the present invention is not limited to the aesthetics or features illustrated. Furthermore, the vent plug 250 may be configured to facilitate efficient molding of the vent plug 250, efficient assembly of the vent plug 250 with the cap 210, or both.

[0024] As illustrated, a vent plug 250 according to various embodiments of the invention may include a ventilated mask 252 having a cap seal 253 surrounding its edge. The cap seal 253 may be configured to mate with or abut against a vent seal 230 of a cap 210 for sealing. As illustrated, an outer skirt 255 or wall may extend away from or away from the underside of the ventilated mask 252. The outer skirt 255 may define a hollow internal space within the vent plug 250. The outer skirt 255 may terminate at or with a dispenser flange 280. The dispenser flange 280 may be configured to interact with the surface of a dispenser 110 during a delivery state, a ventilated state, or both.

[0025] One or more vent holes 290 may be located in the outer skirt 255, providing an opening from the outside of the outer skirt 255 to the interior of the vent plug 250. In other embodiments, the vent holes 290 may include channels, grooves, or a series of ridges or recesses in the outer surface of the outer skirt 255, which are exposed to the atmosphere when the vent plug 250 is in a venting state, allowing air or atmospheric air to flow into the interior of the cap 210 through one or more vent holes 290.

[0026] According to various embodiments of the invention, the outer skirt 255 of the vent plug 250 may be configured to interact with a vent plug support 220 on the interior of the cap 210. Furthermore, the vent plug 250 may include a connector 275 configured to engage with the vent retainer 220 in a delivery state and to move away from the vent retainer 220 in a venting state. Figure 3 As illustrated, connector 275 may include toothed features, such as teeth having a generally triangular cross-section, surrounding the outer wall 255 of vent plug 250. Connector 275 may snap into place in delivery or otherwise engage vent retainer 225.

[0027] While the connector 275 illustrated in various embodiments of the invention is of the toothed type, it should be understood that other connector 275 shapes or configurations may be used with embodiments of the invention. For example, connector 275 may include one or more snap-fit ​​beads capable of fitting into or snapping into corresponding recesses or features on the interior of cap 210, thereby creating a fixed position between vent plug 150 and cap 210. Furthermore, multiple connectors 275 may be used as desired.

[0028] Figure 4 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the vented cap 200 in the delivery state (or in the state where the vented cap 200 is manufactured before being attached to the dispenser 110). Figure 5 The figure illustrates the same cross-sectional view after connection to dispenser 110. According to various embodiments of the invention, dispenser product 150 may include, for example... Figure 5 The dispenser 110 is connected to a cap 200 with a vent in the delivery state illustrated in the figure. The dispensed product 150 can be manufactured, assembled, and sold to be attached to a container 900 containing the product. For example, the dispensed product 150 can be sold to a filler who obtains the container 900, fills the container 900 with the product, and attaches the dispensed product 150 according to various embodiments of the invention to the filled container 900.

[0029] like Figure 4 As illustrated, a vented cap 200 includes a cap 210 and a vent plug 250 movably attached to the cap 210. The vent plug 250 may include one or more connectors 275 that mate with or are seated within a vent retainer 225 on a vent plug support 220 of the cap 210. As illustrated, the connector 275 may include a toothed structure that mates with an opposing toothed structure defined by the vent retainer 225. In the illustrated embodiment, the vent retainer 225 includes teeth seated in a toothed gap that is part of the connector 275. In the seated position, the vent plug 250 is seated in the cap 210 such that a cap seal 253 mates with and abuts against a vent seal 230 of the cap 210 to seal. In this configuration, the vent plug 250 and cap 210 are sealed adjacent to the ventilation mask 252, preventing air or atmosphere from passing between the vent plug 250 and cap 210. The cap 200 with the vent is in a delivery state in which no ventilation will occur between the cap 210 and the vent plug 250.

[0030] In the delivery state, the cap 210 may also include, for example, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The tear strip 300 is illustrated in the figure. The tear strip 300 may include a strip of material defined by two thinned portions of the material, such that applying force to the tear strip 300 causes the thinned portions of the material to separate from the cap 210, thereby releasing the strip of material or the tear strip 300 from the cap 210.

[0031] According to certain embodiments of the invention, a cap 200 with a vent can be assembled by providing a cap 210, providing a vent plug 250, and inserting the vent plug 250 into an internal portion of the cap 210. The vent plug 250 is inserted into the cap 210 through a bottom opening 212. When the vent plug 250 is inserted into the cap 210, the ventilation mask 252 or the outer skirt 255, or both, can apply force to the vent retainer 225 and the vent support 220, causing them to flex and allowing a portion of the vent plug 250 to pass through the vent retainer 225. Insertion of the vent plug 250 is stopped when the vent plug 250 is in a position where the connector 275 mates with the vent retainer 225 and the cap seal 253 is seated in the vent seal 230, thereby seating the vent plug 250 in the cap 210.

[0032] like Figure 5 As illustrated, the dispensing product 150 may include a vented cap 200 attached to or otherwise locked onto the dispenser 110. Positioning and attachment of the vented cap 200 seals the interior space of the vented cap 200 relative to the atmosphere, preventing air from entering the interior space defined by the vented cap 200, and ensuring that the atmosphere within the dispensing product 150 is constant until the vented cap 200 is removed from the dispenser 110.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the invention, when the cap 200 with the vent is assembled onto the dispenser 110, the dispenser flange 280 is reliably positioned on a portion of the dispenser 110 (such as its upper surface), as... Figure 5 As illustrated in the figure. In other embodiments, in the delivery state in which the cap seal 253 is seated on and engaged with the vent seal 230, the dispenser flange 280 does not need to contact or rest on the dispenser 110.

[0034] Figure 6 The figure illustrates a dispensing product 150 with a vent cap 200 in a vented state. As shown, the tear strip 300 has been removed from the vent cap 200, and the vent plug 250 has been moved relative to the cap 210. In this vented position, the cap seal 253 has also disengaged from the vent seal 230. The cap 210 can be pushed down on the dispenser 110 into a position where the dispenser retainer 240 engages with the dispenser 110. For example, the dispenser retainer 240 may include a protrusion that engages with a groove or channel on the dispenser 110, as illustrated. In this position, the dispenser flange 280 engages with the upper surface of the dispenser 110.

[0035] When the vented cap 200 is first removed from the dispenser 110 and then reattached, the reattachment fixes the position of the vent plug 250, but allows the cap 210 to continue moving. For example, when the vented cap 200 is reattached to the dispenser 110, the dispenser flange 280 engages the surface of the dispenser 110. Continued movement of the cap 210 and the ramp shape of the connector 275 push against the vent retainer 225, allowing the vent retainer 225 and the vent plug support 220 to flex, causing the cap 210 to continue moving until the vent plug 250 connector 275 is positioned above the vent retainer 225. In this position, one or more vent holes 290 are positioned above the surface of the cap 210, allowing air or atmospheric flow into the interior space of the cap 210. The airflow into the cap 210 allows residual product remaining on the dispenser 110 after use to evaporate.

[0036] According to certain embodiments of the invention, once the cap 200 with the vent is moved to the vented state, the vent plug 250 is prevented from moving back to its position during the delivery state. The vent retainer 225 and the connector 275 may be configured such that once the connector 275 has passed the vent retainer 225, it cannot move in the opposite direction. For example, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As illustrated, the vent retainer 225 and connector 275 may include toothed formations that will allow the vent plug 250 to move in one direction rather than in the opposite direction.

[0037] Figures 7 to 9 The illustration shows the dispensing product 150 in both delivery and ventilation states. Figure 7 The illustration shows the dispensed product 150 in a delivery state. As shown, a cap 200 with a vent is attached to a dispenser 110. In this state, the dispensed product 150 can be sold or delivered to a filling line, where it can be attached to a container 900 containing the product. To use the dispenser 110 covered by the cap 210, the tear strip 300 must first be removed. In some embodiments of the invention, the tear strip 300 may include a tear blade 310, which a user can grasp and use to pull the tear strip 300 away from the cap 200 with the vent.

[0038] Figure 8 The dispensed product 150 shown in the diagram is in a delivery state, with the tear strip 300 just removed from the vented cap 200. The removal of the tear strip 300 allows the user to remove the vented cap 200 from the dispenser 110. The removal of the tear strip 300 also creates a gap 301 where the tear strip 300 was previously located. This gap allows the cap 210 to be pushed further onto the dispenser 110.

[0039] Figure 9The illustration shows the product 150 being dispensed in a vented state. With the tear strip 300 removed, the user can push the cap 210 further down along the dispenser 110 into the gap left by the removal of the tear strip 300. This movement of the cap 210 into the gap allows the vent plug 250 to engage with the dispenser 110. For example, the dispenser flange 280 may engage a surface of the dispenser 110, allowing the vent plug 250 to move relative to the cap 210. In the vented state, one or more vent holes 290 are opened relative to the vent plug 250 position on the cap 210, allowing air or atmospheric air to flow between the cap 210 and the vent plug 250 and into the interior space of the cap 210. The flow of air or atmospheric air into and through the interior of the cap 210 can dry the dispenser 110 or promote the evaporation of any residual product on the dispenser 110 after use.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the invention, the vent plug 250 may extend above the vent surface of the cap 210, but not beyond the top opening 214 in the cap 210, such as... Figure 6 As illustrated in the diagram. In the venting state, it is advantageous to position the vent plug 250 below or flush with the edge of the top opening 214 of the cap 210, as this presents a smooth or level upper surface formed by the surface of the vent plug 250 and the edge of the cap 210. In this way, unwanted forces applied to the vent plug 250 can be avoided, and the vent plug 250 is less likely to jam during use. In other embodiments, it may be desirable or advantageous for the vent plug 250 to extend above the upper edge of the top opening 214 of the cap 210.

[0041] The cap 210 and vent plug 250 according to various embodiments of the present invention may be molded from plastic or resin materials. Materials commonly used for molded parts of dispensers, sprayers, pumps, caps, and other such consumer products may be used with various embodiments of the present invention. The cap 210 and vent plug 250 may be molded from the same material or different materials. Furthermore, colorants may be used during molding. In some embodiments, the cap 210 and vent plug 250 may be molded in the same color, and in other embodiments, they may be molded in different colors.

[0042] The cap 210, vent plug 250, or both may also be molded with additives included in or within their structure. For example, antimicrobial additives commonly used with dispensers, droppers, and pumps for healthcare or pharmaceutical formulations, caps, and other components may be molded into the cap 210, vent plug 250, or both. Furthermore, the cap 210, vent plug 250, or both may be coated with an antimicrobial material as desired.

[0043] The vented cap 200 according to various embodiments of the present invention can be used with any type of dispenser, nebulizer, dropper, or other delivery device as needed. In at least some embodiments, the vented cap 200 can be used with dispensers for spraying or otherwise delivering pharmaceutically active products. Dispensers used with the vented cap 200 may include nasal spray dispensers, ophthalmic dispensers, medical drops, or other types of dispensers. For example, the vented cap 200 according to embodiments of the present invention can be used as a capo21_9018_Swith ophthalmic dispenser, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent 10,829,276, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. While certain dispensers are described herein, this is not limited to the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] In the context of the description of certain specific embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that the invention as defined by the appended claims is not limited to the specific details set forth in the foregoing description, as many obvious variations are conceivable. Rather, the invention is limited only by the appended claims, which, within their scope, include all equivalent means or methods operating in accordance with the principles of the invention as described.

Claims

1. A product for distribution, comprising: Distributor; and A vented cap attached to the dispenser, the vented cap comprising: Hat; and A vent plug, wherein the vent plug is movable from a delivery state to a venting state. The distributed products also include: The bottom opening is located within the cap; The top opening is located within the cap; A cap wall that extends between the bottom opening and the top opening; The interior space of the cap, which is defined by the cap wall; A vent holder is positioned within the interior space of the cap; A vent seal is located adjacent to the top opening; A breathable mask, contained in the breathable port plug; A cap seal that surrounds the breathable mask; The outer skirt extends away from the lower surface of the breathable mask; At least one vent is provided in the outer skirt; Connector, which extends away from a portion of the outer skirt; and Distributor flange, which extends away from the bottom of the outer skirt, and The distributed products also include: In the delivery state, the connector is attached to the vent retainer, and the cap seal seat abuts against the vent seal; and In the venting state, the connector is positioned between the vent retainer and the top opening in the cap, and the cap seal is not positioned against the vent seal.

2. The product distribution according to claim 1, wherein, The dispenser includes an ophthalmic dispenser.

3. The dispensing product according to claim 1, further comprising a tear strip in the cap.

4. The product distribution method according to claim 1, further comprising: A vent plug support extends from the top opening away from the cap wall and into the interior space of the cap, wherein the vent plug support terminates in the vent retainer. Dispenser retainer, which surrounds the portion of the cap's internal space adjacent to the bottom opening; and The pad is located on the outer surface of the cap wall.

5. The product distribution according to claim 1, wherein, The connector engages with the vent holder in the delivery state by snapping or otherwise attaching it.

6. A cap with a vent, comprising: cap; and A vent plug, which is movably attached to the cap. The cap also includes: Open at the bottom; Top opening; A cap wall that extends between the bottom opening and the top opening; The interior space of the cap, which is defined by the cap wall; Vent holder, positioned within the internal space of the cap; and Vent seal, which is adjacent to the top opening. The vent plug further includes: Breathable face mask; A cap seal that surrounds the breathable mask; The outer skirt extends away from the lower surface of the breathable mask; At least one vent is provided in the outer skirt; Connector, which extends away from a portion of the outer skirt; and Distributor flange, which extends away from the bottom of the outer skirt, and The cap with the vent further includes: In the delivery state, the connector is attached to the vent retainer, and the cap seal seat abuts against the vent seal; and In the venting state, the connector is positioned between the vent retainer and the top opening in the cap, and the cap seal is not positioned against the vent seal.

7. A method for assembling a dispensing product according to any one of claims 1-5, comprising: Hats are provided; Provide vent plugs; and Insert the vent plug into the cap until the vent plug seals with the cap, thereby forming a cap with a vent.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: Provide a distributor; and Assemble the cap with the vent onto the dispenser.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: Provide a distributor; Assemble the cap with the vent onto the dispenser; and Attach the assembled vented cap and dispenser to the container.

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