Eye drop dispenser

Abstract

A dispenser assembly includes a dispenser bottle having a nozzle for dispensing a solution (e.g., an eye drop solution, an eye wash solution, an eyelid cleanser, and / or a rinse solution) and a cap removably couplable to the dispenser bottle over the nozzle. An eye cup is fixedly coupled to the dispenser bottle about the nozzle. The eye cup can be supported or rested on a periphery of an eye socket to facilitate delivery of the solution onto or over a user's eye.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a dispenser bottle for eye drops, eye wash, or eyelid cleansing agents, and more specifically, to a dispenser for eye drops, eye wash, or eyelid cleansing agents with an eye cup for dispensing eye drops, eye wash, or eyelid cleansing agents. Background Technology

[0002] Eye drops are frequently used to treat eye conditions such as dry eye, bacterial infections, eye injuries, or conditions like glaucoma and cataracts. Existing eye drop dispensers are flawed because they do not deliver the droplet accurately or consistently to the eye (for example, with greater impact on children and the elderly), often delivering the droplet to other parts of the user's face, leading to multiple attempts and making the solution difficult to administer. These multiple attempts result in unnecessary waste of eye drops, thus increasing consumer spending. Another drawback of existing eye drop dispensers is that users can contaminate them by touching their eyes or face with the dispenser, allowing bacteria to grow on the dispenser tip and cause eye infections. Tremors exacerbate the flaws of existing eye drop dispensers when the user experiences hand tremors (e.g., essential tremor disorder or other neurological conditions) while attempting to deliver eye drops. Because existing dispenser designs make eye drop delivery difficult, user adherence to their medication is reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The systems, methods, and apparatuses described herein have innovative aspects, in which no single aspect is indispensable or solely responsible for its desired properties. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some advantageous features will now be summarized.

[0004] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an eye drop dispenser assembly comprising: a dispenser bottle having a nozzle through which solution is dispensed, the nozzle protruding from a surface of the dispenser bottle; and a cap removably attachable to the dispenser bottle above the nozzle. The cap has an outer cap, an inner cap extending within the outer cap, and a seal recessed in a hollow end of the inner cap. The assembly also includes an eye cup fixedly attached to a second surface of the dispenser bottle and configured to fit within the cap when attached to the dispenser bottle. The eye cup has a circumferential wall surrounding the nozzle and a distal edge of the circumferential wall defining an elliptical shape. The distal edge is configured to be positioned above the eye socket to facilitate delivery of solution into the user's eye. The nozzle is disposed between the distal edge of the circumferential wall and the dispenser body. Wherein, when the cap is attached to the dispenser body, the seal is located near the nozzle to prevent leakage of solution from the nozzle, and the distal portion of the inner cap surrounds the nozzle.

[0005] In some respects, the second surface of the dispenser is coplanar with the surface of the dispenser.

[0006] In some configurations, the nozzle is positioned at a height less than half the height of the eye cup above the second surface of the dispenser.

[0007] In some configurations, the nozzle is recessed near the dispenser bottle.

[0008] In some configurations, the seals include rubber.

[0009] In some configurations, the dispenser bottle is made of plastic.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an eye drop dispenser assembly comprising: a dispenser body having a nozzle through which solution is dispensed, the nozzle protruding from the dispenser body; and a cap removably coupled to the dispenser body above the nozzle. The cap has a cavity, a post extending within the cavity, and a seal recessed in a hollow end of the post. The assembly also includes an eye cup fixedly coupled to the dispenser body and disposed around the nozzle. The eye cup has a circumferential wall and a distal edge configured to be disposed above the eye socket to facilitate delivery of solution into the user's eye. The nozzle is disposed between the distal edge of the circumferential wall and the dispenser body. Wherein, when the cap is coupled to the dispenser body, the seal prevents solution leakage from the nozzle, and the distal portion of the post surrounds the nozzle.

[0011] In some configurations, the eye cup is set to prevent the nozzle from coming into contact with the user's eyes.

[0012] In some configurations, the body has a recess from which the nozzle protrudes and faces the distal edge of the eyecup.

[0013] In some configurations, the nozzle is positioned at a height less than half the height of the distal edge of the eyecup above the dispenser body.

[0014] In some configurations, the dispenser body has a recess extending from the distal edge of the eyecup, and the nozzle protrudes from the recess toward the distal edge of the eyecup.

[0015] In some configurations, the circumferential wall of the eye cup is partially set within a recess.

[0016] In some configurations, the distal portion of the column extends beyond the seal.

[0017] In some configurations, the distal portion of the column can be connected to the nozzle.

[0018] In some configurations, the dispenser body has a shoulder, and the cover can be attached to the dispenser body around the shoulder.

[0019] In some configurations, the cover can be attached to the dispenser body via a ring snap.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an eye drop dispenser assembly comprising: a dispenser bottle having a nozzle through which a solution is dispensed, the nozzle protruding from a surface of the dispenser bottle; and a cap removably attachable to the dispenser bottle above the nozzle. The cap has an outer cap, an inner cap extending within the outer cap, and a seal recessed in the inner cap. The assembly also includes an eye cup fixedly attached to a second surface of the dispenser bottle. The eye cup has a distal edge defining an elliptical shape and is circumferentially disposed around the nozzle. The seal is located near the nozzle when the cap is attached to the dispenser body.

[0021] In some configurations, the eye cup is attached to the surface.

[0022] In some configurations, the dispenser assembly is configured to prevent nozzle contamination and to prevent accidental contact between the nozzle and the user's eyes.

[0023] In some configurations, the distal edge of the eye cup is shaped to fit snugly around the eye socket area.

[0024] In some configurations, the surface of the bottle is located in a recess below the shoulder of the bottle.

[0025] In some configurations, the nozzle is located inside the recess.

[0026] In some configurations, the distal edge is shaped relative to an axis defined by the orbital region. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1A This is a schematic front view of one embodiment of an eye drop dispenser assembly.

[0028] Figure 1B This is a schematic front view of a second embodiment of an eye drop dispenser assembly.

[0029] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A A schematic front view of the eye drop dispenser assembly with its cap removed and spaced above the dispenser bottle; the dashed lines show the outline of the cap when it covers the eye cup.

[0030] Figure 2B yes Figure 1A A schematic side view of the eye drop dispenser assembly with its cap removed and spaced above the dispenser bottle.

[0031] Figure 2C yes Figure 1A A schematic cross-sectional view of an eye drop dispenser assembly, in which the section line passes through... Figure 2B The middle plane of the side view.

[0032] Figure 3A yes Figure 1B A schematic front view of the eye drop dispenser assembly with its cap removed and spaced above the dispenser bottle; the dashed lines show the outline of the cap when it covers the eye cup.

[0033] Figure 3B yes Figure 1B A schematic side view of the eye drop dispenser assembly with its cap removed and spaced above the dispenser bottle.

[0034] Figure 3C yes Figure 1B A schematic cross-sectional view of an eye drop dispenser assembly, in which the section line passes through... Figure 3B The middle plane of the side view.

[0035] Figure 4A yes Figure 1A A schematic top view of the eye drop dispenser assembly.

[0036] Figure 4B yes Figure 1B A schematic top view of the eye drop dispenser assembly.

[0037] Figure 5A yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B A schematic top view of the cap of an eye drop dispenser assembly.

[0038] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A schematic bottom view of the cover.

[0039] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A A schematic cross-sectional view of the front view of one embodiment of the cover, wherein the section line passes through the midplane of the side view.

[0040] Figure 5D yes Figure 5A A schematic cross-sectional view of the front view of the second embodiment of the cover, wherein the section line passes through the midplane of the side view.

[0041] Figure 6 yes Figure 1A This is a diagram illustrating an eye drop dispenser positioned upside down above the user's eye to deliver eye drops. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Embodiments of an eye drop dispenser assembly will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements throughout. Although several embodiments, examples, and illustrations are disclosed below, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention described herein extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments, examples, and illustrations, and may include other uses of the invention as well as obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner merely because of its use in conjunction with the detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include several novel features, and no single feature is solely responsible for its desired properties or is essential for practicing the invention described herein.

[0043] Figure 1A , Figure 2A-2C , Figure 4A and Figure 5C Dispenser assembly 100 (i.e., "assembly 100") is shown. Assembly 100 includes a dispenser bottle 150 (e.g., a dispenser body), an eye cup 140, a nozzle 130, and a cap 110. The dispenser bottle 150, eye cup 140, and / or cap 110 may optionally be made partially or entirely of plastic (e.g., polypropylene), silicone, or rubber. However, the dispenser bottle 150, eye cup 140, and / or cap 110 may be made of other suitable materials (e.g., flexible or elastic materials). The eye cup 140 may be formed of a clear or transparent material. Dispenser assembly 100 can contain and deliver a solution (e.g., eye drops, eye wash, eyelid cleanser, and / or cleaning solution) to or above the eye or a portion thereof (e.g., the eyelid).

[0044] Figure 1B , Figures 3A-3C , Figure 4B and Figure 5D A view of dispenser component 100' (hereinafter referred to as "component 100'") is shown, which is a compact (e.g., small or pocket-sized) version of dispenser component 100. Some features of component 100' are similar to Figure 1A , Figure 2A-2C , Figure 4A and Figure 5C The features of component 100. Therefore, the reference numerals used to indicate the various parts of component 100' are used for identification. Figure 1A , Figure 2A-2C , Figure 4A and Figure 5C The corresponding parts of component 100 in the figure have the same reference numerals, the difference being that a single quote (') is added to the numerical identifier. Therefore, Figure 1A , Figure 2A-2C , Figure 4A and Figure 5CThe structure and description of the various features of component 100, and how it is operated and controlled, are to be understood to also apply to the corresponding features of component 100', unless otherwise stated below. Dispenser component 100' may contain and deliver solutions (e.g., eye drops, eye wash, eyelid cleanser, and / or cleaning solution) to the eye or a portion thereof (e.g., eyelid) or above the eye or a portion thereof (e.g., eyelid).

[0045] Dispenser assembly 100 includes a dispenser bottle 150 having a base 152 and a cap 110, the cap 110 being removably coupled to an end of the dispenser bottle 150 opposite to (e.g., away from) the base 152. In some embodiments, the base 152 is flat. In other embodiments, a portion (but not all) of the base 152 is flat. The base 152 allows the dispenser bottle 150 to stand upright when not in use, which advantageously reduces the amount of fluid wasted (e.g., eye drops, eye wash, eyelid cleanser, and / or cleaning solution). The cap 110 is removably coupled to the dispenser bottle 150. Assembly 100 has a height A measured from the base 152 to the top of the cap 110. In one embodiment, the height A is between about 2 inches and 3 inches, for example, 2.5 inches.

[0046] Dispenser assembly 100' includes a dispenser bottle 150' (e.g., a dispenser body) having a base 152' and a cap 110', the cap 110' being removably coupled to an end of the dispenser bottle 150' opposite to (e.g., away from) the base 152'. In some embodiments, the base 152' is flat. In other embodiments, a portion (but not all) of the base 152' is flat. Assembly 100' has a height A' measured from the base 152' to the top of the cap 110'. In one embodiment, the height A' is between approximately 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches, for example, 2 inches.

[0047] Figure 2A It shows Figure 1A The dispenser assembly 100 shown is a front view with the cap 110 removed. The dispenser bottle 150 has a base 152 connected to a sidewall 158. The sidewall 158 is circumferential and extends from the base 152. The dispenser bottle 150 has a nozzle 130 protruding from a surface 164 of the dispenser bottle 150 located at the end of the dispenser bottle 150 opposite to the base 152 (e.g., the distal end). For example, the nozzle 130 may have a circular profile, such as... Figure 4AAs shown; however, nozzle 130 may have other suitable shapes. In some embodiments, circumferential sidewall 158 may be curved (e.g., when dispenser bottle 150 is squeezed). Dispenser bottle 150 also has a shoulder 154 surrounding a second surface 160. Second surface 160 is connected to circumferential sidewall 158. In the illustrated embodiment, surface 164 is coplanar with second surface 160. Cap 110 is removably coupled to dispenser bottle 150 around shoulder 154. In some examples, cap 110 is removably coupled to shoulder 154 with an annular snap engagement. In some embodiments, shoulder 154 is configured to extend over second surface 160. In other embodiments, shoulder 154 is integrally formed with second surface 160 (e.g., second surface 160 forms the upper surface of shoulder 154 such that when cap 110 is on or attached to it, second surface 160 adapts to within cap 110, rather than cap 110 sitting on second surface 160). In the illustrated arrangement, component 100 also includes an eye cup 140 that provides a support structure to the dispenser bottle 150 when the dispenser bottle 150 is inverted to deliver the solution to or above the eye (e.g., the eye cup 140 rests against the user's eye socket to support the dispenser bottle 150 in the inverted position). The eye cup 140 is coupled to a second surface 160 of the dispenser bottle 150 (e.g., coupled to the end of the dispenser bottle 150 opposite the base 152). When the cap 110 is coupled to the dispenser bottle 150, the eye cup 140 can be fitted within the cap 110. In some embodiments, the eye cup 140 is fixedly coupled to the second surface 160 (e.g., such that the eye cup 140 is integral with the dispenser bottle 150 and cannot be detached or removed from the dispenser bottle 150). The eye cup 140 has a circumferential wall 142 extending to an edge 144 remote from the dispenser bottle 150. In one example, the eye cup 140 (e.g., circumferential wall 142) tapers toward the second surface 160. The circumferential wall 142 defines an elliptical shape around the nozzle 130 (e.g., when the dispenser assembly 100 is viewed from above with the cap 110 removed). Figure 4A The circumferential wall 142 surrounds the nozzle 130, and the nozzle 130 is disposed between the distal edge 144 of the circumferential wall and the second surface 160 of the dispenser bottle 150.

[0048] Dispenser bottle 150 may optionally be made of plastic, silicone, rubber, or other suitable elastic or flexible material. Dispenser bottle 150 may optionally be a single piece (e.g., an integral, seamless single piece). In some embodiments, base 152, sidewall 158, surface 164, second surface 160, shoulder 154, nozzle 130, and eyecup 140, or any combination thereof, may be formed as a single piece. The single piece may be an integrated assembly of several parts, or it may be an integral structure formed from a single piece of material. In some embodiments, base 152, sidewall 158, surface 164, second surface 160, shoulder 154, nozzle 130, and eyecup 140 may be made of plastic, rubber, silicone, or any suitable material. Any of these parts may be made of the same material or of different materials.

[0049] In the illustrated arrangement, component 100 has a width C. In one embodiment, the width C is between 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches, for example, 2 inches. Dispenser bottle 150 has a height B measured from base 152 to surface 164. In one embodiment, height B is between 1.25 inches and 2 inches, for example, 1.625 inches. Dispenser bottle 150 also has a height I measured from surface 164 to the top of nozzle 130. Component 100 has a height F measured from second surface 160 to distal edge 144. Advantageously, height F is greater than height I to suppress (e.g., prevent) nozzle 130 from contacting the eyes 200 during use. This positioning advantageously prevents (e.g., suppresses) contamination of nozzle 130 or injury to the eyes 200 during use. Additionally, in some examples, height I may be less than half the height F, which advantageously further reduces the likelihood that nozzle 130 will accidentally contact the user's eyes 200 or be otherwise contaminated. In one embodiment, height I is between 0 inches and 0.4 inches, for example, 0.2 inches, and height F is between 0.25 inches and 0.75 inches, for example, 0.5 inches. Component 100 also has height D. Height D is the height of cover 110. In one embodiment, height D is greater than height F. In one embodiment, height D is between 0.5 inches and 1.0 inches, for example, 0.875 inches.

[0050] refer to Figure 2B Component 100 has a depth G. Base 152 has a depth H. Depth G may be greater than depth H. In one embodiment, depth G is between 1 inch and 1.5 inches, for example, 1.25 inches, and depth H is between 0.5 inches and 1 inch, for example, 0.75 inches. Eyecup 140 has a depth J. Depth J may be less than depth G. In one embodiment, depth J is between 1 inch and 1.25 inches, for example, 1.1 inches. Cap 110 has a depth K (at its distal end). In one embodiment, depth K is between 0.5 inches and 0.75 inches, for example, 0.7 inches.

[0051] Figure 2C It shows Figure 2A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the dispenser assembly 100. The section is taken at the midpoint of the depth G of the assembly 100 (see Figure 100). Figure 2B The dispenser bottle 150 has a chamber 162 that can hold a liquid solution (e.g., eye drop solution, eye wash solution, eyelid cleanser, or cleaning solution). A cap 110 is attached to the dispenser bottle 150. When the cap 110 is removably attached to the dispenser bottle 150, an eye cup 140 is fitted within a cavity 112 of the cap 110. The cap 110 has an outer cap 114 that defines the cavity 112. Within the cavity 112, a post 118 extends from the underside of the outer cap 114. In one example, the post 118 is solid. In another example, the post 118 includes a hollow portion (e.g., at the distal end of the post 118). The post 118 has a seal 120 at its distal end. In one example, the seal 120 is separate from the post 118 and disposed within the hollow portion of the post 118. In another example, seal 120 is separate from and attached to the end of post 118. In another example, seal 120 and post 118 are integral (e.g., single-piece, monolithic) (e.g., seal 120 is the distal portion of post 118 and is made of the same material as post 118). When cap 110 is attached to dispenser bottle 150, outer cap 114 is attached to shoulder 154 of dispenser bottle 150 (e.g., disposed around shoulder 154). Post 118 and seal 120 define inner cap 116, which is attached to nozzle 130 (e.g., disposed around nozzle 130) such that the distal portion of post 118 surrounds and is attached to nozzle 130. Seal 120 is located near the top of nozzle 130 and presses against nozzle 130 to suppress (e.g., prevent) leakage of solution from nozzle 130. In another example, when cap 110 is attached to dispenser bottle 150, seal 120 at the end of column 118 engages (e.g., contacts) nozzle 130 to suppress (e.g., prevent) leakage of solution from dispenser bottle 150. In one example, seal 120 may have a shape similar to that of nozzle 130 (e.g., a mirror image). When cap 110 is attached to dispenser bottle 150, column 118 is arranged within eyecup 140 (e.g., when cap 110 is attached to dispenser bottle 150, column 118 is surrounded by eyecup 140, which is surrounded by outer cap 114).

[0052] Figure 3A It shows Figure 1BThe dispenser assembly 100' shown is a front view with the cap 110' removed. Assembly 100' has a dispenser bottle 150, which includes a base 152' connected to a sidewall 158'. Dispenser bottle 150' has a nozzle 130' protruding from a surface 164' (e.g., a recessed surface) of dispenser bottle 150' located at the end of dispenser bottle 150' opposite the base 152' (e.g., the distal end). For example, nozzle 130' may have a circular profile, such as... Figure 4B As shown; however, the nozzle 130' can have other suitable shapes. The dispenser bottle 150' also has a shoulder 154', which is circumferentially disposed around the second surface 160' and away from the base 152', as shown. Figure 3A As shown. Sidewall 158' is also connected to second surface 160'. In some embodiments, shoulder 154' is configured to extend over second surface 160'. In other embodiments, shoulder 154' is integrally formed with second surface 160' (e.g., second surface 160' forms the upper surface of shoulder 154' such that when cover 110' is on it, second surface 160' adapts within cover 110', rather than cover 110' sitting on second surface 160'). Second surface 160' is parallel to base 152'. Figure 3C In the illustrated arrangement, component 100' also includes an eye cup 140'. The eye cup 140' is fixedly coupled to the dispenser bottle 150'. When the cap 110' is coupled to the dispenser bottle 150', the eye cup 140' can be fitted within the cap 110'. The eye cup 140' has a circumferential wall 142' and an edge 144' (e.g., a top edge) located away from the dispenser bottle 150'. In one example, the eye cup 140' (e.g., the circumferential wall 142') tapers towards a second surface 160'.

[0053] refer to Figure 3A Component 100' has a width C'. In one embodiment, the width C' is between 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches, for example, 1.9 inches.

[0054] refer to Figure 3B Component 100' has a depth G'. Base 152' has a depth H'. Depth G' may be greater than depth H'. In one embodiment, depth G' is between 1 inch and 1.5 inches, for example, 1.2 inches, and depth H' is between 0.5 inches and 1 inch, for example, 0.8 inches. Eyecup 140' has a depth J'. Depth J' may be less than depth G'. In one embodiment, depth J' is between 1 inch and 1.25 inches, for example, 1.1 inches. Cap 110' has a depth K' (at its distal end). In one embodiment, depth K' is between 0.5 inches and 1 inch, for example, 0.9 inches.

[0055] Figure 3C It shows Figure 3A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the dispenser assembly 100'. The section is taken at the midpoint of the depth G' of the assembly 100' (see...). Figure 3B Dispenser bottle 150' has a chamber 162' that can hold liquid. Cap 110' is attached to dispenser bottle 150'. Dispenser bottle 150' has a nozzle 130' that protrudes from surface 164'. Surface 164' is located between second surface 160' and base 152'. The positioning of surface 164' forms a recess 156' around nozzle 130'. Recess 156' extends into dispenser bottle 150' and away from distal edge 144' of eyecup 140'. The positioning of recess 156' allows nozzle 130' to be recessed near dispenser bottle 150' (e.g., nozzle 130' is fitted into recess 156' of dispenser bottle 150') while protruding toward distal edge 144' of eyecup 140', thereby allowing dispenser assembly 100' to be more compact than dispenser assembly 100. An eye cup 140' fits within a cavity 112' of a cap 110', and a circumferential wall 142' defines an elliptical shape surrounding a nozzle 130'. The nozzle 130' is disposed between the distal edge 144' of the circumferential wall 142' and a surface 164' of the dispenser bottle 150'. In one example, the circumferential wall 142' is partially disposed within a recess 156'. The cap 110' has an outer cap 114' that defines the cavity 112'. Within the cavity 112', a post 118' extends from the outer cap 114'. In one example, the post 118' is solid. In another example, the post 118' includes a hollow portion (e.g., at the distal end of the post 118'). The post 118' has a seal 120' at its distal end. In one example, the seal 120' is separate from the post 118' and disposed within the hollow portion (e.g., the distal hollow portion) of the post 118'. In another example, the seal 120' is separate from the post 118' and attached to the end of the post 118'. In yet another example, the seal 120' and the post 118' are integral (e.g., single-piece, monolithic) (e.g., the seal 120' is the distal portion of the post 118' and is made of the same material as the post 118'). The outer cap 114' is disposed around the shoulder 154' of the bottle 150'. The post 118' and the seal 120' define an inner cap 116'. The seal 120' is situated near the top of the nozzle 130' and presses against the nozzle 130' to prevent leakage of solution or liquid from the nozzle 130'. In one example, the seal 120' may have a shape similar to that of the nozzle 130' (e.g., a mirror image). When the cap 110' is connected to the dispenser bottle 150', the post 118' is arranged inside the eye cup 140'.

[0056] In the illustrated arrangement, bottle 150' has a height B' measured from base 152' to second surface 160'. In one embodiment, height B' is between 1 inch and 1.5 inches, for example, 1.25 inches. Component 100' has a height F' measured from surface 164' to distal edge 144' (for eyecup 140'). In one example, eyecup 140' extends from second surface 160' (e.g., eyecup 140' is outside recess 156'). In another example, eyecup 140' extends from surface 164' such that at least a portion of the circumferential wall 142' of eyecup 140' is located within recess 156' of bottle 150'. In one embodiment, height F' is between 0.25 inches and 0.75 inches, for example, 0.4 inches. Component 100' also has a height D'. Height D' is the height of cap 110'. Height D' is greater than height F'. In one embodiment, the height D' is between 0.5 inches and 1 inch, for example, 0.75 inches. The dispenser bottle 150' has a height E' measured from the second surface 160' to the surface 164'. In one embodiment, the height E' is between 0.1 inches and 0.4 inches, for example, 0.25 inches. In some arrangements, the second surface 160' may be coplanar with the surface 164', and the height E' may be zero inches. In some examples, the second surface 160' and the surface 164' may be part of the same surface.

[0057] Figure 4A A top view of component 100 is shown. Dispenser bottle 150 is shown with a distal edge 144 of eye cup 140, the distal edge 144 comprising an elliptical shape and disposed around nozzle 130. In this embodiment, dispenser bottle 150 has an elliptical periphery. In other embodiments, the periphery of dispenser bottle 150 or eye cup 140 may take different forms (e.g., generally polygonal or generally circular).

[0058] Figure 4B A top view of component 100' is shown. Dispenser bottle 150' is shown with a distal edge 144' of eye cup 140', the distal edge 144' comprising an elliptical shape and disposed around nozzle 130'. In this embodiment, dispenser bottle 150' has an elliptical periphery. In other embodiments, the periphery of dispenser bottle 150' or eye cup 140' may take different forms (e.g., generally polygonal or generally circular).

[0059] Figures 5A-5D Cover 110 is shown. Figure 5A A top view of cover 110 is shown. Figure 5B A bottom view of cover 110 is shown. It should be understood that this illustration may be... Figure 1A and Figure 1B Any of the embodiments shown. Figure 5CA cross-sectional front view of one embodiment of the cover 110 is shown. Figure 5D A cross-sectional front view of another embodiment of the cover 110 is shown. It should be understood that... Figure 5A and 5B It can be shown Figure 5C Examples or Figure 5D Any of the embodiments described herein.

[0060] exist Figure 5A In the illustrated arrangement, the cover 110 has an elliptical perimeter. In other embodiments, the perimeter of the cover 110 may take different forms (e.g., generally polygonal or generally circular). The perimeter of the cover 110 has a width C and a depth G. In one embodiment, the width C is between 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches, for example, 2 inches, and the depth G is between 1 inch and 1.5 inches, for example, 1.25 inches. The top of the cover 110 has a generally flat surface with an elliptical perimeter. The perimeter has a width J and a depth K. In one embodiment, the width J is between 1.2 inches and 1.6 inches, for example, 1.4 inches, and the depth K is between 0.5 inches and 1 inch, for example, 0.7 inches.

[0061] Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A The arrangement shown is a bottom view. The cover 110 has an outer cover 114, an inner cover 116 extending within the outer cover 114, and a seal 120 recessed in the inner cover 116. The outer cover 114 defines a cavity 112, and the inner cover 116 is defined by a post 118.

[0062] Figure 5C A cross-sectional front view of one embodiment of the cover 110 is shown. In this embodiment, a post 118 extends into a cavity 112, and a seal 120 is located within the post 118. In one example, the distal portion 122 of the post 118 extends beyond the seal 120.

[0063] Figure 5D A cross-sectional front view of a second embodiment of the cover 110' is shown. In this embodiment, the post 118' extends into the cavity 112', and the seal 120' is located within the post 118'. The seal 120' extends to the extent of the post 118' (e.g., the seal 120' is located at the distal end 122' of the post 118'), and the post 118' extends to the extent of the cavity 112'.

[0064] In some embodiments, the outer cover 114, the inner cover 116, the seal 120, or any combination thereof, may be formed as a single piece. The single piece may be an integrated assembly of several components, or it may be an integral structure formed from a single piece of material. In some embodiments, the seal 120, the outer cover 114, and the inner cover 116 may be made of metal, plastic, rubber, or any suitable material. Any of these components may be made of the same material or different materials.

[0065] like Figure 6 As shown, component 100 can be inverted and positioned above eye 200 such that eye cup 140 is positioned above (e.g., in contact with) the eye socket 210 of eye 200 (e.g., such that eye cup 140 provides a support structure that supports dispenser bottle 150 in an inverted position over the user's eye socket). The user can then squeeze dispenser bottle 150 to dispense one or more drops into eye 200. This arrangement advantageously facilitates self-application of solution to the user's eye 200 and is user-friendly because it does not require the user to assemble the eye cup onto the bottle. Instead, the user simply removes cap 110 from dispenser bottle 150, inverts dispenser bottle 150, places eye cup 140 against the eye socket, and squeezes dispenser bottle 150 to dispense solution. Furthermore, the nozzle 130 is advantageously centered relative to the eye cup 140, such that when the eye cup 140 is supported on the eye socket 210, the nozzle 130 is generally aligned (e.g., centered) with respect to the eye 200, further ensuring that the dispensed solution is delivered to or above the eye 200. Advantageously, the eye cup 140 is sized to position its distal edge 144 above (e.g., in contact with) the eye socket region 210 and to align the nozzle 130 with the center of the eye 200. The distal edge 144 of the eye cup 140 is shaped to fit snugly around the eye socket region 210, advantageously allowing the eye cup 140 to sit or rest comfortably above the eye socket 210. This positioning facilitates alignment of the nozzle 130 with the eye 200, allowing direct dispensing of the eye drops into the eye 200. This positioning limits (e.g., prevents) the eye drops from landing on the user's face, cheeks, eyebrows, ears, etc., resulting in waste. Figure 6 The use of component 100 is shown, but component 100' can be used in the same way, and the advantages listed above also apply to component 100'.

[0066] The profile of the distal edge 144 is defined by two axes. The first axis is defined by the nozzle 130, such that the distal edge 144 is circumferentially shaped around the nozzle 130. The second axis is defined by a point in space that approximates the centroid of the external curvature of the user's orbital region 210. The distal edge 144 is shaped relative to this axis such that the eye cup 140 conforms to the user's face. The eye cup 140 can sit or rest on the orbital region 210, advantageously facilitating the use of the eye drop dispenser assembly 100 to dispense eye drops into the eye by users with hand tremors, neurological disorders, or children. Additionally, supporting (e.g., sitting or resting) the eye cup 140 on the orbital region 210 can suppress (e.g., prevent) injury to the eye during eye drop delivery and suppress contact of the nozzle 130 with the user's eye 200, thereby suppressing (e.g., preventing) contamination of the eye 200.

[0067] The difference between component 100' and component 100 is that distributor component 100' has a smaller outer envelope size. For example... Figure 3C As shown, this is achieved by recessing nozzle 130'. This allows height D' to be less than height D, and height A' to be less than height A. Bottle 150 can hold a larger fluid volume than bottle 150'.

[0068] Components 100, 100' are advantageously easy to use (e.g., caps 110, 110' can be easily removed, positioning eyecups 140, 140' above the eye 200 and dispensing droplets in an optimal position without contaminating nozzles 130, 130'). For example, since eyecups 140, 140' are integrated with (e.g., fixed) dispenser bottles 150, 150', the user can simply remove caps 110, 110', invert dispenser bottles 150, 150' and position them above (e.g., in contact with) the eye socket 210, and squeeze dispenser bottles 150, 150' to dispense solution from them. Additionally, fixing eyecups 140, 140' advantageously reduces the likelihood of eyecups 140, 140' being lost, misused, or nozzles 130, 130' being contaminated.

[0069] While certain embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, the novel methods and systems described herein can be implemented in many other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made to the systems and methods described herein without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover these forms or modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined only by reference to the appended claims.

[0070] Unless incompatible with it, features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example should be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification. All features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstracts, and drawings), and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except for at least some mutually exclusive combinations of these features and / or steps. Protection is not limited to the details of any of the foregoing embodiments. Protection extends to any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstracts, and drawings), or any novel step or any novel combination of steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0071] Furthermore, certain features described in the context of separate embodiments in this disclosure may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented separately or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Moreover, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations, in some cases, one or more features in a claimed combination may be removed from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0072] Furthermore, while operations may be depicted in a specific order in the accompanying drawings or described in a specific order in the specification, these operations do not necessarily need to be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or all operations need not be performed to achieve the desired result. Other operations not depicted or described may be incorporated into the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between any described operations. Furthermore, operations may be rearranged or reordered in other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the illustrated and / or disclosed processes may differ from the steps shown in the accompanying drawings. According to embodiments, some of the above steps may be removed, and other steps may be added. Furthermore, the features and properties of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the above embodiments should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0073] For the purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described herein. It is not necessarily possible to achieve all of these advantages according to any particular embodiment. Therefore, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure may be implemented or performed in a manner that achieves one or a set of advantages as taught herein, without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0074] Conditional language, such as “can,” “may,” “may,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise or understood otherwise in the context in which it is used, is generally intended to express that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not include certain features, elements, and / or steps. Therefore, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are necessary in any way for one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether such features, elements, and / or steps are included in or will be performed in any particular embodiment, regardless of whether there is user input or prompting.

[0075] Connective language, such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z," is, unless otherwise specifically stated, to be understood in the context of its common use as conveying that an item, term, etc., may be X, Y, or Z. Therefore, such connective language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one X, at least one Y, and at least one Z.

[0076] The degree language used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and “roughly”, indicates a value, quantity, or characteristic that is close to the stated value, quantity, or characteristic and still performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and “roughly” can refer to a quantity that is less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, and less than 0.01% of the stated quantity. As another example, in some embodiments, the terms “substantially parallel” and “roughly parallel” refer to a value, quantity, or characteristic that deviates from perfect parallelism by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degrees.

[0077] The scope of this disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosure of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by the claims presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification, or claims to be presented in the future. The language of the claims should be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims, and not limited to the examples described in this specification or during the examination of this application, which should be interpreted as non-exclusive.

[0078] Of course, the foregoing description describes certain features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention, and various changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the device described herein does not need to possess all the objectives, advantages, features, and aspects discussed above. Therefore, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced or performed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one or a set of advantages as taught herein, without necessarily achieving other objectives or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. Additionally, although several variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, those skilled in the art will readily understand other modifications and uses within the scope of the invention based on this disclosure. It is conceivable that various combinations or sub-combinations of these specific features and aspects of the embodiments can be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined or substituted with each other to form different modes of the device under discussion.

Claims

1. A dispenser component, comprising: A dispenser bottle having a nozzle through which a solution is dispensed, the nozzle protruding from the surface of the dispenser bottle; A cap, removably attachable above the nozzle to the dispenser bottle, the cap comprising: Outer cover; Inner cover, the inner cover extending within the outer cover; and A seal, the seal being located at or near the end of the inner cover; and An eye cup, fixedly attached to a second surface of the dispenser bottle and configured to fit within the cap when the cap is attached to the dispenser bottle, the eye cup comprising: Circumferential wall, the circumferential wall being disposed around the nozzle; and The distal edge of the circumferential wall, defining an elliptical shape, is configured to be positioned above the eye socket to facilitate solution delivery to the user's eye, wherein the nozzle is disposed between the distal edge of the circumferential wall and the dispenser bottle. When the cap is attached to the dispenser bottle, the seal is positioned near the nozzle to prevent solution leakage from the nozzle.

2. The dispenser assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The second surface is coplanar with the said surface.

3. The dispenser assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The nozzle is positioned at a height less than half the height of the eye cup above the second surface.

4. The dispenser assembly of claim 1, wherein, The nozzle is recessed near the dispenser bottle.

5. The dispenser assembly of claim 1, wherein, The seal is integral with the inner cover, and the seal comprises rubber or plastic.

6. The dispenser assembly of claim 1, wherein, The dispenser bottle is made of plastic.

7. A dispenser component, comprising: A dispenser body having a nozzle through which a solution is dispensed, the nozzle protruding from the dispenser body; A cap, removably attachable above the nozzle to the dispenser body, the cap comprising: cavity; A column, the column extending within the cavity; and A seal, the seal being located at or near the end of the post; and An eye cup, fixedly connected to the dispenser body and disposed around the nozzle, the eye cup comprising: Zhou Xiangbi; and A distal edge, configured to be positioned above the eye socket to facilitate solution delivery to the user's eye, wherein the nozzle is disposed between the distal edge of the circumferential wall and the dispenser body. When the cap is attached to the dispenser body, the seal prevents the solution from leaking from the nozzle.

8. The dispenser assembly of claim 7, wherein, The eye cup is configured to prevent the nozzle from contacting the user's eyes.

9. The dispenser assembly of claim 7, wherein, The nozzle is positioned at a height less than half the height of the distal edge of the eyecup above the dispenser body.

10. The dispenser assembly of claim 7, wherein the dispenser body further includes a recess extending away from the distal edge of the eyecup, and the nozzle protruding from the recess toward the distal edge of the eyecup.

11. The dispenser assembly of claim 10, wherein, The circumferential wall of the eye cup is partially disposed within the recess.

12. The dispenser assembly of claim 7, wherein, The distal portion of the column extends beyond the seal, and the distal portion of the column is configured to surround the nozzle when the cap is attached to the dispenser body.

13. The dispenser assembly of claim 7, wherein, The distal portion of the column can be connected to the nozzle.

14. The dispenser assembly of claim 7, wherein, The dispenser body has a shoulder, and the cover is attachable to the dispenser body around the shoulder.

15. The dispenser assembly of claim 14, wherein, The cover can be attached to the dispenser body by a ring snap fastener.

16. A dispenser component, comprising: A dispenser bottle having a nozzle through which a solution is dispensed, the nozzle protruding from the surface of the dispenser bottle; A cap, removably attachable above the nozzle to the dispenser bottle, the cap comprising: Outer cover; Inner cover, the inner cover extending within the outer cover; and A seal, the seal being located at or near the end of the inner cover; and An eye cup, fixedly attached to the second surface of the dispenser bottle, the eye cup having a distal edge defining an elliptical shape and disposed circumferentially around the nozzle, When the cap is attached to the dispenser bottle, the seal is located near the nozzle.

17. The dispenser assembly of claim 16, wherein, The eye cup is attached to the surface.

18. The dispenser assembly of claim 16, wherein, The dispenser assembly is configured to prevent the nozzle from becoming contaminated and to prevent the nozzle from accidentally coming into contact with the user's eyes.

19. The dispenser assembly of claim 16, wherein, The distal edge of the eye cup is shaped to fit around the eye socket area.

20. The dispenser assembly of claim 16, wherein, The surface of the dispenser bottle is located in a recess below the shoulder of the dispenser bottle.

21. The dispenser assembly of claim 20, wherein, The nozzle is disposed within the recess.

22. The dispenser assembly of claim 16, wherein, The distal edge is shaped relative to the axis defined by the orbital region.

23. A dispenser component, comprising: The dispenser body and the nozzle through which the solution is dispensed, the nozzle protruding from the dispenser body; A cap, removably attachable above the nozzle to the dispenser body, the cap comprising: cavity; A column, the column extending within the cavity; and A seal, the seal being located at or near the end of the post; and An eye cup, fixedly connected to the dispenser body and disposed around the nozzle, the eye cup comprising: Zhou Xiangbi; and A distal edge, configured to be positioned above the eye socket to facilitate solution delivery to the user's eye, wherein the nozzle is disposed between the distal edge of the circumferential wall and the dispenser body. When the cap is attached to the dispenser body, the seal prevents the solution from leaking from the nozzle, and The dispenser body has a recess extending away from the distal edge of the eye cup, the nozzle protruding from the recess toward the distal edge of the eye cup, and the circumferential wall of the eye cup being partially disposed within the recess.

24. The dispenser assembly of claim 23, wherein, The eye cup is configured to prevent the nozzle from contacting the user's eyes.

25. The dispenser assembly of claim 23, wherein, The nozzle is positioned at a height less than half the height of the distal edge of the eyecup above the dispenser body.

26. The dispenser assembly of claim 23, wherein, The distal portion of the column extends beyond the seal, and the distal portion of the column is configured to surround the nozzle when the cap is attached to the dispenser body.

27. The dispenser assembly of claim 23, wherein, The distal portion of the column can be connected to the nozzle.

28. The dispenser assembly of claim 23, wherein, The dispenser body has a shoulder, and the cover is attachable to the dispenser body around the shoulder.

29. The dispenser assembly of claim 28, wherein, The cover can be attached to the dispenser body by a ring snap fastener.

30. The dispenser assembly of claim 28, wherein, The dispenser assembly is configured to prevent the nozzle from becoming contaminated and to prevent the nozzle from accidentally coming into contact with the user's eyes.

31. The dispenser assembly of claim 23, wherein, The distal edge of the eye cup is shaped to fit around the eye socket area.

32. The dispenser assembly of claim 23, wherein, The distal edge is shaped relative to the axis defined by the orbital region.

33. The dispenser assembly of claim 23, wherein, The central axis of the eye cup is aligned with the central axis of the dispenser body.

34. The dispenser assembly of claim 23, wherein, The nozzle is positioned at a height less than half the height of the distal edge of the eyecup above the dispenser body.

35. A dispenser component, comprising: A dispenser bottle and a nozzle, through which the solution is dispensed, the nozzle protruding from the surface of the dispenser bottle; A cap, removably attachable above the nozzle to a shoulder of the dispenser bottle, the shoulder surrounding the surface, the cap comprising: Outer cover; Inner cover, the inner cover extending within the outer cover; and A seal, the seal being located at or near the end of the inner cover; and An eye cup, fixedly attached to the surface of the dispenser bottle and configured to fit within the cap when the cap is attached to the dispenser bottle, the eye cup comprising: Circumferential wall, the circumferential wall being disposed around the nozzle; and The distal edge of the circumferential wall, defining an elliptical shape, is configured to be positioned above the eye socket to facilitate solution delivery to the user's eye. The nozzle is disposed between the distal edge of the circumferential wall and the surface, and the circumferential wall tapers outward from the surface towards the distal edge. When the cap is attached to the dispenser bottle, the seal is positioned near the nozzle to prevent solution leakage from the nozzle. When the cap is attached to the dispenser bottle, the eye cup is fitted inside the outer cap.

36. The dispenser assembly of claim 35, wherein, When the cap is attached to the dispenser bottle, the nozzle extends within the outer cap.

37. The dispenser assembly of claim 35, wherein, The seal is integral with the inner cover, and the seal comprises rubber or plastic.

38. The dispenser assembly of claim 35, wherein, The dispenser assembly is configured to prevent the nozzle from becoming contaminated and to prevent the nozzle from accidentally coming into contact with the user's eyes.

39. The dispenser assembly of claim 35, wherein, The distal edge of the eye cup is shaped to fit around the eye socket area.

40. The dispenser assembly of claim 35, wherein, The central axis of the eye cup is aligned with the central axis of the dispenser bottle.

41. The dispenser assembly of claim 35, wherein, The nozzle is positioned at a height less than half the height of the distal edge of the eye cup above the dispenser bottle.

42. The dispenser assembly of claim 35, wherein, The cover can be attached to the shoulder by a ring-shaped snap fastener.

43. A dispenser component, comprising: A dispenser bottle and a nozzle, through which the solution is dispensed, the nozzle protruding from the surface of the dispenser bottle; A cover, removably attachable to the surface above the nozzle, the cover comprising: Outer cover; Inner cover, the inner cover extending within the outer cover; and A seal, the seal being located at or near the end of the inner cover; and An eye cup, fixedly attached to the surface of the dispenser bottle and configured to fit within the cap when the cap is attached to the dispenser bottle, the eye cup comprising: Circumferential wall, the circumferential wall being disposed around the nozzle; and The distal edge of the circumferential wall, defining an elliptical shape, is configured to be positioned above the eye socket to facilitate solution delivery to the user's eye. The nozzle is disposed between the distal edge of the circumferential wall and the surface, and the circumferential wall tapers outward from the surface towards the distal edge. When the cap is attached to the dispenser bottle, the seal is positioned near the nozzle to prevent solution leakage from the nozzle; and When the cap is attached to the dispenser bottle, the eye cup is fitted inside the outer cap.

44. The dispenser assembly of claim 43, wherein, The eye cup is configured to prevent the nozzle from contacting the user's eyes.

45. The dispenser assembly of claim 43, wherein, The dispenser bottle is formed of an elastic material.

46. ​​The dispenser assembly of claim 43, wherein, The distal portion of the inner cap extends beyond the seal, and the distal portion of the inner cap is configured to surround the nozzle when the cap is attached to the dispenser bottle.

47. The dispenser assembly of claim 43, wherein, The distal portion of the inner cover can be connected to the nozzle.

48. A dispenser component, comprising: A dispenser bottle and a nozzle, through which the solution is dispensed, the nozzle protruding from the surface of the dispenser bottle; A cover, removably attachable to the surface above the nozzle, the cover comprising: Outer cover; Inner cover, the inner cover extending within the outer cover; and A seal, the seal being located at or near the end of the inner cover; and An eye cup, fixedly attached to the surface of the dispenser bottle and configured to fit within the cap when the cap is attached to the dispenser bottle, the eye cup comprising: Circumferential wall, the circumferential wall being disposed around the nozzle; and The distal edge of the circumferential wall, defining an elliptical shape, is configured to be positioned above the eye socket to facilitate solution delivery to the user's eye. The nozzle is disposed between the distal edge of the circumferential wall and the surface, and the circumferential wall tapers outward from the surface towards the distal edge. When the cap is attached to the dispenser bottle, the seal is positioned near the nozzle to prevent solution leakage from the nozzle.

49. The dispenser assembly of claim 48, wherein, The eye cup is configured to prevent the nozzle from contacting the user's eyes.

50. The dispenser assembly of claim 48, wherein, The height of the nozzle above the surface is less than half the height of the distal edge of the eyecup above the surface.

51. The dispenser assembly of claim 48, wherein, The dispenser bottle has a flat base surface.

52. The dispenser assembly of claim 48, wherein, The distal portion of the inner cover can be connected to the nozzle.

53. The dispenser assembly of claim 48, wherein, The central axis of the eye cup is aligned with the central axis of the dispenser bottle.

54. The dispenser assembly of claim 48, wherein, When the cap is attached to the dispenser bottle, the nozzle extends within the outer cap.

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