Flexible frame for use with flexible fluid dispensers

Abstract

This disclosure relates generally to a flexible frame for use with a flexible container. The frame includes a first member connected to a second member at its proximal end. The proximal end is configured to be adjacent to the base of the flexible container when the flexible container is received by the frame. The first and second members are configured to provide additional resistance to displacement of the flexible container due to external compressive forces, thereby improving the force amplification and control when using the flexible container. In some embodiments, the frame may also help efficiently restore the shape of the flexible container after a compressive force has been applied and / or provide feedback regarding the degree of compressive force applied or the degree of torsion experienced by the flexible container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Background Art Many eye conditions are treated by the direct application of a fluid, such as a liquid eye drop, to the eye. For example, conjunctivitis is treated by directly applying an eye drop containing an antibiotic. Dry eye and glaucoma are also treated using eye drops. Generally, eye drops and other therapeutic fluids can be used as lubricants to relieve eye discomfort and dryness, as well as delivery vehicles for therapeutic substances.

[0002] Eye drops and other therapeutic fluids are typically stored in a flexible container. To apply the therapeutic fluid to the patient's eye, the flexible container is manually compressed by the user to dispense the therapeutic fluid through a nozzle or other opening in the flexible container. However, it is often difficult to accurately and consistently dispense a desired volume of fluid using such a flexible container. For example, if too much compressive force is applied too rapidly to the flexible container, inadvertent over-dispensing or "streaming" of the limited and expensive therapeutic fluid can often occur. Further, if such a flexible container contains multiple doses of fluid for repeated dispensing, variations in the compressive force applied to the flexible container between doses can result in variations in the dosage of the dispensed therapeutic fluid.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an apparatus for a flexible fluid dispenser, and more particularly to an apparatus for use with a flexible container to improve the gripping and control of the dispensing of fluid from the flexible container.

[0004] In a particular embodiment, a frame is provided for use with a container. The frame includes a first member connected to a second member at the proximal end of the frame. The first and second members extend from the proximal end to the distal end of the frame. The frame is configured to receive the container. When the container is received by the frame, the proximal end of the frame is positioned adjacent to the base of the container and opposite the dispensing end of the container, and the first and second members each contact the walls of the body of the container, and the first and second members provide increased resistance to displacement of the outer wall of the container due to external compressive forces.

[0005] In another embodiment, a frame is provided for use with a container. The frame includes a first member connected to a second member at its proximal end. The first and second members extend from the proximal end to the distal end of the frame. The frame is configured for use inside the container. When the frame is positioned inside the container, the proximal end of the frame is adjacent to the base of the container and positioned opposite the dispensing end of the container, and the first and second members each contact the inner surface of the container body, and the first and second members provide increased resistance to displacement of the container body due to external compressive forces.

[0006] In a further embodiment, a frame is provided for use with a container. The frame includes a first spring having a proximal end opposite its distal end, the first spring being curved to form a apex between its proximal and distal ends. A first contact pad is connected to the apex of the first spring. The frame also includes a second spring having a proximal end opposite its distal end, the second spring being curved to form a apex between its proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the second spring is connected to the proximal end of the first spring, and the second contact pad is connected to the apex of the second spring. The frame is configured for use inside a container. When the frame is positioned inside the container, the proximal ends of the first and second springs are positioned adjacent to the base of the container opposite the dispensing end, and the first and second contact pads each contact the inner surface of the container body, and the first and second springs provide increased resistance to displacement of the container body due to external compressive forces.

[0007] To allow for a more detailed understanding of the above-mentioned features of this disclosure, a more specific description of this disclosure, which has been briefly summarized above, can be obtained by referring to embodiments, some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings only illustrate exemplary embodiments and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as other equally effective embodiments are also possible. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1A-1C] An exemplary flexible container according to a particular embodiment described herein is shown. [Figure 2A-2B] The following are perspective and side views of a flexible frame for use with a flexible container, according to a specific embodiment described herein. [Figure 2C] Figure 1A shows a side view of the flexible container in Figure 1A, which is received by the flexible frame in Figures 2A and 2B, according to a particular embodiment described herein. [Figure 3A] The image shows a cross-sectional side view of a flexible container formed by fixing a flexible frame, according to a particular embodiment described herein. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of the flexible frame in a particular embodiment described herein. [Figure 3C] Figure 1A shows a cross-sectional side view of a flexible frame disposed inside a flexible container according to a particular embodiment described herein. [Figure 4A] A perspective view of another flexible frame for use with a flexible container, according to a particular embodiment described herein, is shown. [Figure 4B] A side view of the flexible container in Figure 1A, which is received by the flexible frame in Figure 4A, according to a particular embodiment described herein. [Figure 5A]A perspective view of yet another flexible frame for use with a flexible container, according to a particular embodiment described herein, is shown. [Figure 5B-5C] Figures 5A and 1A show a side view and a front view of the flexible container in Figure 1A, respectively, which is received by the flexible frame in Figure 5A, according to a particular embodiment described herein. [Figure 6A-6B] The following are perspective and front views of yet another flexible frame for use with a flexible container, according to a particular embodiment described herein. [Figure 6C] Figures 6A and 6B show a side view of the flexible container in Figure 1A, which is received by the flexible frame in Figure 6A and 6B, according to a particular embodiment described herein. [Figure 7A] A perspective view of yet another flexible frame having a gripping feature, according to a particular embodiment described herein, is shown. [Figure 7B] Figure 7A shows a cross-sectional side view of the flexible container in Figure 1A, which is received by the flexible frame in Figure 7A, according to a particular embodiment described herein. [Figure 8A] A front view of yet another flexible frame having a rocking feature, according to a particular embodiment described herein, is shown. [Figure 8B] Figure 8A shows a cross-sectional side view of the flexible container in Figure 1A, which is received by the flexible frame in Figure 8A, according to a particular embodiment described herein. [Figure 9A] A perspective view of yet another flexible frame for use with a flexible container, according to a particular embodiment described herein, is shown. [Figure 9B] Figure 9A shows a side view of a flexible frame, indicated by dashed lines, which is disposed inside the flexible container in Figure 1A, according to a particular embodiment described herein. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of yet another flexible frame having a feedback feature, according to a particular embodiment described herein. [Figure 11]An enlarged side view of a portion of a flexible frame having a feedback feature, according to a particular embodiment described herein, is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same elements common to the figures where possible. It is assumed that elements and features of one embodiment may be advantageously incorporated into other embodiments without further mention.

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device for providing improved control over the dispensing of fluids (including, but not limited to, gels, emulsions, suspensions, etc.) from a flexible container. Examples of flexible containers include, but are not limited to, eye drop dispensers, dropper bottles, squeeze bottles, squeeze tubes, etc. To operate the dispensing of the fluid contained inside the flexible container, a portion of the body of the flexible container may be compressed or squeezed by the user. This manual compression increases the pressure inside the flexible container and / or compresses the fluid therein, thereby causing the fluid to be discharged through an opening in the flexible container, such as a nozzle.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the force required to dispense fluid from a flexible container may depend in part on the rigidity of the container's body. For example, the more rigid the container's body, the greater the compressive force required to compress the body and dispense fluid from it. Conventional flexible containers are typically manufactured from flexible, low-density plastics, which allow such containers to be compressed or twisted by only minimal compressive pressure applied by the user. In some examples, the force applied by the user to simply hold the flexible container may be sufficient to dispense fluid from it. However, the flexibility of such plastic materials can lead to accidental or excessive dispensing of fluid in response to even small amounts of pressure applied by the user, thereby making accurate and repeatable dispensing of fluid from it difficult. The embodiments described herein address these problems.

[0012] In certain embodiments, a flexible frame for use with a flexible container is provided to help improve control over fluid dispensing from such a flexible container. In certain embodiments, such a flexible frame may function to compress or deform the flexible container to increase the compressive force required to dispense fluid from it. The flexible frame may also improve the user experience with such a flexible container by, for example, helping to efficiently restore the shape of the flexible container after a compressive force has been applied in order to prepare the flexible container for subsequent use. Certain embodiments of the flexible frame may also be configured to improve the user experience by providing the user with feedback on the degree of compressive force applied by the flexible container or the degree of twisting it experiences. In further embodiments, the flexible frame may also improve the user experience by limiting the flexible container to dispensing a predetermined dose with each compression, thereby enabling repeatable and accurate dispensing when using the flexible container.

[0013] Figures 1A to 1C each show exemplary flexible containers 100A to 100C that may be used in combination with the flexible frames described herein. Figures 1A and 1B show two flexible containers 100A, 100B that show different embodiments of a bottle or dropper container that may be used to dispense fluid through an opening at the dispensing end. Figure 1C shows a flexible container 100C of an embodiment showing another bottle or dropper container that may be used to dispense fluid through a nozzle at the dispensing end. In the description herein, "proximal" with respect to the flexible container should be understood as the end of the flexible container having a base on the opposite side of the dispensing end of the flexible container. "Distal" with respect to the flexible container should be understood as the end of the flexible container from which the fluid contained in the flexible container is dispensed.

[0014] In Figure 1A, the flexible container 100A includes a body 102 having a tapered shape between an opening 103 at the dispensing end 104 and a crimped base 106 at the proximal end 107 of the container 100A. In Figure 1B, the flexible container 100B includes a tubular body 108 having a cylindrical shape extending between an opening 110 at the dispensing end 112 and a proximal end 113 of the container 100B having an annular base 114. In Figure 1C, the flexible container 100C includes a tubular body 116 having an oval surface shape extending between a nozzle 118 at the dispensing end 120 and an annular base 122 at the proximal end 123 of the container 100C. In other embodiments, the flexible containers 100A, 100B may also include nozzles for dispensing fluid from the dispensing ends 104, 112 of the flexible containers 100A, 100B. The fluid from each of the flexible containers 100A, 100B, 100C may be dispensed from the openings / nozzles at the dispensing ends 104, 112, 120 by applying a compressive force against the outer surfaces of the bodies 102, 108, 116 of the flexible containers 100A, 100B, 100C, which may then increase the pressure inside the flexible containers 100A, 100B, 100C to push the fluid out from the openings / nozzles at the dispensing ends 104, 112, 120.

[0015] By increasing the compressive force required to dispense the fluid contained within each of these exemplary flexible containers 100A, 100B, 100C, certain embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent too much fluid from being dispensed or the fluid from being dispensed too quickly due to the flexible containers 100A, 100B, 100C being deformed too easily by the compressive force. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure can also assist in addressing difficulties associated with efficient repeated dosing resulting from delays caused by the flexible containers 100A, 100B, 100C not immediately returning to their original shape after the compressive force is released. For repeated dosing, embodiments of the present disclosure may also assist in ensuring that accurate and consistent dosages are dispensed in each repeated operation of the flexible containers 100A, 100B, 100C; otherwise, different sized dosages may be dispensed if the compressive force applied in each operation inadvertently varies. Only three examples of flexible containers are shown in FIGS. 1A - 1C, but other flexible containers of various dimensional shapes, forms, and sizes are also contemplated for use with the various embodiments of the flexible frame discussed below.

[0016] FIGS. 2A - 2B show a perspective view and a side view of a flexible frame 200 for use with a flexible container, according to certain embodiments. The embodiments of FIGS. 2A - 2B are configured, for example, for use with the flexible container 100A of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2C shows a side view of the flexible container of FIG. 1A received by the flexible frame 200, according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the flexible frame 200 may be configured to be coupled to the flexible container 100A, at least partially, along the outer surface 124 of the body 102 of the flexible container 100A. However, the flexible frame 200 is merely exemplary, and other forms, arrangements, and / or configurations of the flexible frame 200 are also contemplated herein for use with flexible containers having other forms.

[0017] In the description herein, "proximal" with respect to the flexible frame 200 should be understood as the end of the flexible frame 200 that is closer to the user and generally further from the dispensing end 104 of the flexible container 100A when the flexible container 100A is received by the flexible frame 200. "Distal" with respect to the flexible frame 200 should be understood as the end of the flexible frame 200 that is further from the user and relatively close to the dispensing end 104 of the flexible container 100A when the flexible frame 200 is connected to the flexible container 100A.

[0018] Returning to Figures 2A and 2B, the flexible frame 200 includes a first member 202 having a first inner surface 202A and a first outer surface 202B, opposite a second member 204 having a second inner surface 204A and a second outer surface 204B. In some embodiments, the first and second members 202, 204 may be formed as substantially flat members that may extend parallel or non-parallel to each other. For example, as shown in Figure 2A, the first and second members 202, 204 may be planar members connected at a proximal end 206 and extending non-parallel to each other from the proximal end 206. The first and second members 202 and 204, which are connected at the proximal end 206, may extend in substantially the same distal direction toward the distal end 208 of the flexible frame 200, with the first inner surface 202A of the first member 202 positioned opposite and facing the second inner surface 204A of the second member 204.

[0019] The first and second members 202 and 204 may also be configured to be "approximately" planar with a slight curve near the distal end 208 due to the tubular dimensional shape of the flexible container 100A near the dispensing end 104. In other embodiments, the first and second members 202 and 204 may be formed as non-planar members having a curved dimensional shape and configured to correspond to the curved body of the flexible container. For example, the first and second members 202 and 204 may be formed with a concave curved profile to match the curved surfaces of the cylindrical tubular bodies 108 and 116 of the flexible containers 100B and 100C shown in Figures 1B and 1C.

[0020] The flexible frame 200 may be connected to the flexible container 100A by temporarily moving the first and second members 202 and 204 apart from each other so that the flexible container 100A may be received between the inner surfaces 202A and 204A of the first and second members 202 and 204. When the flexible container 100A is received by the flexible frame 200, the proximal end 206 of the flexible frame 200 may engage with the proximal end 107 of the flexible container 100A, while the inner surfaces 202A and 204A of the first and second members 202 and 204 contact the walls of the body 102 of the flexible container 100A. As discussed above, the flexible frame 200 may generally be molded and sized according to the form and dimensions of the body 102 of the flexible container 100A intended to be used with the flexible frame 200. The flexible frame 200 may therefore be formed such that, when the flexible container 100A is received, the first and second members 202, 204 contact a portion of the wall of the body 102 of the flexible container 100A, which is typically handled and compressed by the user to dispense fluid from the connected flexible container 100A.

[0021] In some embodiments, the proximal end 206 of the flexible frame 200 includes a base member 210 extending between the proximal end 202C of the first member 202 and the proximal end 204C of the second member 204. The base member 210 may be configured to match the size and shape of the profile of the base 106 crimped to the proximal end 107 of the flexible container 100A. By matching the base member 210 to the profile of the proximal end 107 of the flexible container 100A, the proximal end 206 of the flexible frame 200 can tightly grip the crimped base 106 and proximal end 107 of the flexible container 100A when the flexible frame 200 is connected to the flexible container 100A, as shown in Figure 1C.

[0022] In some embodiments, the base member 210 may be formed from the same or different materials as those used to form the first and second members 202, 204, which will be further discussed below. In certain embodiments, the base member 210 may be formed from a rigid material that allows for increased tensile force or gripping of the proximal end 107 of the flexible container 100A when the flexible frame is connected to the flexible container. For example, in certain embodiments, the base member 210 may include a rigid metal or thermoplastic polymer material. Examples of rigid metal materials include aluminum, stainless steel, and other metal alloys. Examples of rigid thermoplastic polymers include polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, nylon, acrylic, etc. The increased tensile force or gripping of the proximal end 107 on the flexible container 100A by the base member 210 may help to hold and / or secure the flexible container 100A inside the flexible frame 200 when in use.

[0023] In other embodiments, the base member 210 may be formed from a semi-elastic material. The semi-elastic properties of the base member 210 may allow the base member 210 to stretch and conform to the shape of the proximal end 107 of the flexible container 100A when the flexible container 100A is received by the flexible frame 200. In such embodiments, the base member 210 may be made to have approximately the same dimensions as, or slightly smaller than, the dimensions of the proximal end 107 of the flexible container 100A, so that the base member 210 stretches over the proximal end 107 of the flexible container 100A when the flexible container 100A is connected to the flexible frame 200.

[0024] Now, looking at Figure 2C, the side view of the flexible frame 200 in Figures 2A and 2B is shown connected to the flexible container 100A from Figure 1A. In the embodiment shown, the flexible container 100A is disposed between the first and second inner surfaces 202A and 204A of the first and second members 202 and 204 of the flexible frame 200, the crimping base 106 and proximal end 107 of the flexible container 100A are disposed adjacent to the proximal end 206 of the flexible frame 200, and the opening 103 at the dispensing end 104 of the flexible container 100A may be oriented adjacent to the distal end 208 of the flexible frame 200.

[0025] In some embodiments, the flexible frame 200 may be manufactured and molded to the size and shape of the flexible container 100A used with it. For example, in a particular embodiment, the first and second members 202, 204 may be manufactured to cover substantially the entire length of the body 102 of the flexible container 100A between the dispensing end 104 and the proximal end 107. Alternatively, the first and second members 202, 204 may be manufactured to cover only the portion of the flexible container 100A that is typically compressed by the user when dispensing fluid from the flexible container 100A. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2C, as discussed above, the first and second members 202, 204 are formed in a substantially planar shape to coincide with opposing planes of a portion of the body 102 of the flexible container 100A, as shown.

[0026] The first and second members 202, 204 extending from the proximal end 206 may also extend at an angle with respect to the base member 210 such that their inner surfaces 202A, 204A substantially match the tapered profile of the body 102 of the flexible container 100A. In a particular embodiment, the angles of the first and second members 202, 204 may be formed (in addition to their size and shape) to maximize the contact surface between the inner surfaces 202A, 204A of the first and second members 202, 204 and the outer surface 124 of the flexible container 100A. Alternatively, in certain embodiments of the flexible frame 200, such as those formed for use with the flexible containers 100B and 100C shown in Figures 1B and 1C, the first and second members 202 and 204 may be formed with a substantially concave curved profile due to the rounded cylindrical shape of the bodies 108 and 116 of the flexible containers 100B and 100C.

[0027] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2C, when the flexible container 100A is received by the flexible frame 200, the first and second inner surfaces 202A and 204A of the first and second members 202 and 204 may contact the outer surface 124 of the wall of the body 102 of the flexible container 100A, providing the body 102 with increased resistance to compressive forces. Generally, the materials of the first and second members 202 and 204 may be selected based on the material of the flexible container 100A that is received together with them by the flexible frame 200, the desired amount of resistance applied to the flexible container 100A to counteract compressive forces by the user, and the desired amount of additional gripping and control provided to the user. In certain embodiments, which may be combined with other embodiments herein, the first and second members 202, 204 of the flexible frame 200 are formed of a semi-flexible material having a bending stiffness (e.g., measured as a flexural modulus) greater than the bending stiffness of the material of the body 102 of the flexible container 100A. For example, the first and second members 202, 204 may be formed of a thermoplastic polymer, a flexible metallic material, and / or a combination thereof. Examples of suitable thermoplastic polymers include high-density polyethylene. Examples of suitable metallic materials include nitinol. However, in certain other embodiments, the first and second members 202, 204 may be formed of a semi-flexible material having a bending stiffness similar to or lower than that of the material of the body 102. In certain embodiments, the first and second members 202, 204 may be formed of a single plastic material or a laminated material.

[0028] As described above, when the flexible container 100A is supported by the flexible frame 200, the flexible frame 200 may provide increased resistance and support to the walls of the body 102 of the flexible container 100A that are in contact with the flexible frame 200, compared to when the flexible container 100A is used on its own. This increased resistance and support to the flexible container 100A may therefore displace the corresponding walls of the body 102 of the flexible container 100A and increase the amount of pressure or compressive force required from the user to dispense fluid from the flexible container 100A. This increase in rigidity or resistance may also prevent the user from inadvertently dispensing fluid from the flexible container 100A when handling it. In a particular embodiment, the threshold pressure or compressive force required to operate the dispensing by the flexible container 100A may be increased by the flexible frame 200 to a level that is normally applied only by the user when intentionally applied, thereby advantageously increasing the possibility that the flexible container 100A will dispense fluid only in response to an intentional force applied by the user.

[0029] In some embodiments, requiring increased pressure or compressive force from the user to operate the dispensing mechanism may also advantageously prevent or reduce the risk that the user applies too much force to the flexible container 100A, causing an excessive amount of fluid to be dispensed or a certain amount of fluid to be dispensed too rapidly. For example, the increased resistance or rigidity provided by the flexible frame 200 may reduce the possibility that the user overcompresses the flexible container 100A to the point where a pressure increase occurs inside the flexible container 20, causing the fluid to be dispensed excessively rapidly, for example, in the form of a forced fluid jet.

[0030] In some embodiments, the flexible frame 200 may be further configured to limit the displacement of the walls of the body 102 of the flexible container 100A when compressed by the user. For example, in a particular embodiment, the flexible frame 200 may be configured to compress or displace the walls of the body 102 by a specific distance corresponding to a desired volume of fluid dispensed from the flexible container 100A. In some embodiments, the desired volume of fluid includes a desired dose of therapeutic fluid dispensed from the flexible container 100A. Thus, in a particular embodiment, the flexible frame 200 is configured to facilitate the dispensing of volumetric doses from the flexible container 100A. Thus, the flexible frame 200 enables accurate, consistent, and reproducible dispensing of fluid in predetermined doses or aliquots.

[0031] In some embodiments, the flexible frame 200 is further configured to provide a restoring force to the flexible container 100A so as to help restore the flexible container 100A from a compressed state to an uncompressed state after the flexible container 100A has been compressed by the user. For example, in a particular embodiment, the flexible frame 200 is configured to "spring back" to its original shape or restore itself after being compressed by the user to activate a dispensing action from the flexible container 100A. In such embodiments, which may be combined with other embodiments herein, the flexible frame 200 may include an adhesive layer disposed between the inner surfaces 202A, 204A of the first and second members 202, 204 of the flexible frame 200 and the flexible container 100A so as to bond the first and second members 202, 204 to the outer surface 124 of the flexible container 100A. The adhesive layer that fixes the first and second members 202 and 204 to the wall of the body 102 of the flexible container 100A may provide reliable energy transfer from the first and second members 202 and 204 to the flexible container 100A, such that when the flexible frame 200 is compressed and then springs back to its original shape, the first and second members 202 and 204 bonded to the body 102 also restore the shape of the flexible container 100A. This restoring force provided by the flexible frame 200 may advantageously allow the user to dispense multiple aliquots of fluid from the flexible container 100A in repeated, continuous, and distinct dispensing operations.

[0032] In a further embodiment, which may be combined with other embodiments herein, a separate liner layer may be disposed between the inner surfaces 202A, 204A of the first and second members 202, 204 and the outer surface 124 of the flexible container 100A. The additional liner layer may provide increased tensile, frictional, or gripping force to assist the flexible frame 200 in holding the flexible container 100A received between the inner surfaces 202A, 204A of the first and second members 202, 204. The additional gripping liner may also be removable from the outer surface 124 so that the flexible container 100A can be easily removed from the flexible frame 200 for use with another flexible container.

[0033] Figures 3A and 3B show cross-sectional side views of a flexible container 310 formed by an integrated flexible frame 300 according to a particular embodiment. In the flexible container 310, the flexible frame 300 may be integrated into the interior of the wall of the body 302 of the flexible container 310, for example, by a co-extrusion process. In some embodiments, the first and second members 202, 204 of the flexible frame 300 may optionally be connected at their proximal ends 206. When not connected, the first and second members 202, 204 may each be separately integrated into parts of the wall of the flexible container 310 facing each other. Figure 3A shows the first and second members 202, 204 separately integrated into the wall of the flexible container 310. Alternatively, when the first and second members 202 and 204 are connected at the proximal end 206, the flexible frame 400 may be integrated into the wall of the main body 102 of the flexible container 310, or it may extend through the base of the flexible container 310.

[0034] The flexible frame 300 may provide the body 302 of the flexible container 310A with additional resistance to compressive forces and displacement from the inside of the actually formed portion of the flexible container 310, thereby enabling improved control for the user when dispensing fluid from the flexible container 310. In such embodiments, the flexible container 310 and the flexible frame 300 may be formed as a single, integral, and integrated component. Alternatively, the flexible frame 300 may be integrated inside the flexible container 310 by an overmolding process in which the material used for the first and second members 202, 204 is injected into the body 102 of the flexible container 310.

[0035] Figure 3C shows a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary flexible frame 300C for use inside the flexible container 100A in Figure 1A, according to a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the flexible frame 300C may be configured to be positioned inside the flexible container 100A such that the first and second outer surfaces 202B, 204B of the first and second members 202, 204 are in contact with the inner surface of the body 102 of the flexible container 100A. In such embodiments, the flexible frame 300C may also provide the body 102 of the flexible container 100A with additional resistance to compressive forces and displacements from the inside of the flexible container 100A, thereby enabling increased traction and control for the user when dispensing fluid from the flexible container 100A. In this embodiment, the flexible frame 300C may be compressed and inserted into the flexible container 100A through the opening 103 before the fluid is filled into the flexible container 100A.

[0036] Figure 4A shows a perspective view of an exemplary flexible frame 400 according to a particular embodiment. In this embodiment, in addition to each of the previously described portions of the flexible frame 200, the distal end 208 of the flexible frame 400 may also include a first distal support member 402 and a second distal support member 404 extending between the distal end 202D of the first member 202 and the distal end 204D of the second member 204. The first and second distal support members 402 and 404 may extend between the corners of the first and second members 202 and 204 that directly face each other at the distal end 208 of the flexible frame 400. The first and second distal support members 402, 404 and the base member 210 may each be formed of a semi-flexible elastic material that is stretched to connect the flexible frame 400 to the flexible container and is configured to provide a retracting force to help hold the flexible container when received by the flexible frame 400.

[0037] Figure 4B shows a side view of a flexible container 100A, received by the flexible frame 400 in Figure 4A, according to a particular embodiment. The first and second distal support members 402, 404 may be configured to extend and stretch over the dispensing end 104 of the flexible container 100A to help hold the flexible container 100A against the base member 210 of the flexible frame 400. The elasticity of the support members 402, 404 may also allow for variations in the distance between the inner surfaces 202A, 204A of the first and second members 202, 204, enabling the placement of containers of varying sizes between the inner surfaces 202A and 204A for connection with the flexible frame 400. The first and second distal support members 402, 404 may therefore be made slightly smaller than the dispensing end 104 of the flexible container 100A, similar to how the base member 210 is made to be sized relative to the proximal end 107. Furthermore, when the flexible container is received by the flexible frame 400, for example, the flexible container 100A, the stretching of the first and second distal support members 402, 404 over the dispensing end 104 may help to hold the proximal end 107 of the flexible container 100A against the base member 210 of the flexible frame 200. The stretching of the first and second distal support members 402, 404 between the first and second members 202, 204 may also help to generate a retaining force against the outer surface 124 of the flexible container 100A between the inner surfaces 202A, 204A of the first and second members 202, 204.

[0038] Figure 5A shows a perspective view of an exemplary flexible frame 500 according to a particular embodiment. In this embodiment, in addition to each of the previously described parts of the flexible frame 200, the flexible frame 500 may also include a first side member 504 and a second side member 502 extending between the edges on the sides of the first and second members 202, 204. The first side member 502 may extend between the first and second members 202, 204 on one side of the flexible frame 500, and the second side member 504 may extend between the first and second members 202, 204 on the other side. The first and second side members 502, 504 may each be formed of a semi-flexible elastic material similar to the base member 210 and may be configured to stretch and provide retraction / holding force when a flexible container is received by the flexible frame 500.

[0039] Figures 5B and 5C show a side view and a front view, respectively, of a flexible container 100A that is received by the flexible frame 500 of Figure 5A, according to a particular embodiment. The first and second side members 502, 504 of the flexible frame 500 may be configured to extend across the side of the main body 102 when the flexible container 100A is received by the flexible frame 500. In addition to assisting in holding the flexible container 100A, the elasticity of the side members 502, 504 may also allow the distance between the inner surfaces 202A, 204A of the first and second members 202, 204 to be varied, thereby allowing containers of various sizes to be placed between the inner surfaces 202A, 204A. In such embodiments, the first and second side members 502, 504 may be made to be approximately the same size as, or slightly smaller than, the dimensions of the body 102 of the flexible container 100A, so as to allow the first and second side members 502, 504 to stretch across the body 102 of the flexible container 100A when the flexible container 100A is received by the flexible frame 500. The flexible frame 500 may therefore provide holding force to the inner surfaces 202A, 204A of the first and second members 202, 204 and to the outer surface 124 of the flexible container 100A between the side members 502, 504.

[0040] Figures 6A and 6B show a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of an exemplary flexible frame 600 for use with the flexible container 100A in Figure 1A, according to a particular embodiment. In this embodiment, the flexible frame 600 is formed similarly to the flexible frame 400, except for the base member 210. At the proximal end 206 of the flexible frame 600, the flexible frame 600 includes a first proximal support member 602 and a second proximal support member 604, extending between the proximal ends 202C and 204C of the first and second members 202 and 204. The first and second proximal support members 602 and 604 may extend between the corners of the proximal end 102C of the first member 202 and the proximal end 104C of the second member 204, which are directly opposite each other at the proximal end 206 of the flexible frame 600. The first and second proximal support members 602 and 604 may be formed in the same manner as the first and second distal support members 402 and 404, but they may also be made to a size that conforms to the size and shape of the proximal end 107 of the flexible container 100A.

[0041] Figure 6C shows a side view of a flexible container 100A, supported by the flexible frame 600 in Figures 6A and 6B, according to a particular embodiment. The first and second proximal support members 602, 604 of the flexible frame 600 may contact a portion of the body 102 of the flexible container 100A near the proximal end 107 of the flexible container 100A and extend laterally around it. In this embodiment, the base 106 of the flexible container 100A is positioned proximal to the first and second proximal support members 602, 604. The first and second proximal support members 602, 604 are formed of the same semi-elastic material as the first and second distal support members 402, 404. The extension of the first and second proximal support members 602, 604 may therefore also help generate a holding / gripping force between the first and second members 202, 204 to assist in connecting the flexible container 100A to the flexible frame 600.

[0042] In a particular embodiment, as shown in Figure 6C, the first and second distal support members 402, 404 may both be formed to a length L1, and the first and second proximal support members 602, 604 may be formed to a length L2. The lengths L1, L2 of the support members 402, 404, 602, 604 may be sized based on the elasticity of the material used for the support members and the required distance between the respective ends 208, 206 of the first and second members 202, 204, which are perpendicular to the main longitudinal Y-axis of the flexible container 100A when received by the flexible frame 600. In the illustrated embodiment, L1 may therefore be longer than L2 due to the tapered dimensional shape of the flexible container 100A between the dispensing end 104 and the proximal end 107. In other embodiments, such as when the flexible frame 600 is configured to receive the flexible container 100B in Figure 1B, and the dimensions and shape of the main body 108 are substantially consistent between the dispensing end 112 and the proximal end 113, the L1 of the first and second distal support members 402, 404 and the L2 of the first and second proximal support members 602, 604 may be substantially the same.

[0043] As described above, the first and second distal support members 402, 404, and the first and second proximal support members 602, 604 may be formed from a semi-elastic flexible material that can be stretched to facilitate the connection of the flexible container 100A between the inner surfaces 202A, 204A of the first and second members 202, 204. In such embodiments, the elastic material may allow the support members 402, 404, 602, 604 to accommodate respective portions of flexible containers having different dimensions and sizes. The elasticity of the support members 402, 404, 602, 604 allows for variations in the distance between the first and second members 202, 204, thereby enabling the flexible frame 600 to accommodate flexible containers of various sizes. Furthermore, when the flexible frame 600 engages with a flexible container, for example, the flexible container 600, the support members 402, 404, 602, and 60 hold the flexible container 100A inside the flexible frame 600 by generating a lateral holding force against the outer surface 124 of the flexible container 100A between the first and second members 202 and 204.

[0044] Figure 7A shows an exemplary flexible frame 700 for use with a flexible container according to a particular embodiment. Figure 7B shows a side view of a flexible container 100A to be received by the flexible frame 700 in Figure 7A, according to a particular embodiment. The flexible frame 700 may be formed substantially similarly to any one of the flexible frames 200, 400, 500, and 600 described above. In a particular embodiment, which may be combined with other embodiments herein, the flexible frame 700 includes gripping features 702A, 702B formed on the first and second members 202, 204.

[0045] The gripping features 702A and 702B may be used to assist in the handling and control of the flexible container 100A when it is received by the flexible frame 700. As shown in Figure 7A, the gripping features 702A and 702B may include grooves formed on the first and second outer surfaces 202B and 204B and configured to be held by the user. However, other features such as ridges and protrusions are also conceivable. In addition, or as an alternative, the gripping features 702A and 702B may include, but are not limited to, textured or patterned surfaces, contour shapes and lines and / or any other three-dimensional shapes formed on one or more of the first and second outer surfaces 202B and 204B of the first and second members 202 and 204.

[0046] Figures 8A and 8B show a front and side view of an exemplary flexible frame 800 used with the flexible container 100A shown in Figure 1A, according to a particular embodiment. The flexible frame 800 may include a locking mechanism configured to minimize the displacement of the wall of the body 102 (and thus the dispensing of fluid) when the flexible container 100A is not used and a cap 808 is mounted over the opening 103 of the flexible container 100A. The locking mechanism may include first and second locking members 804A, 804B formed at the distal end 208 of the flexible frame 800 and configured to interact with the dispensing end 104 of the flexible container 100A when the cap 808 is mounted over the opening 103. In some embodiments, the locking members 804A, 804B may extend from the distal ends 202D, 204D of the first and second members 202, 204. In other embodiments, the locking members 804A and 804B, if present, may extend from the first and second distal support members 402 and 404 of the flexible frame 800. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8B, when the flexible container 100A is received by the flexible frame 800, the locking members 804A and 804B extend from the distal ends 202D and 204D of the first and second members 202 and 204 toward the opening 103.

[0047] The first and second locking members 804A and 804B may each include one or more surfaces 806 configured to interact with the cap 808 when the cap 808 is mounted over the opening 103 of the flexible container 100A. The surfaces 806 of the first and second locking members 804A and 804B may each contact and engage with corresponding opposing portions of the outer surface of the cap 808, which is disposed over the opening 103 between the first and second locking members 804A and 804B. The engagement of the first and second locking members 804A and 804B with the cap 808 may therefore act as a lock, preventing the distal ends 202D and 204D of the first and second members 202 and 204 from moving toward each other, thereby generating additional resistance that protects the flexible container 100A from compressive forces. The flexible container 100A, which is received by the flexible frame 800, may thus reduce the possibility of accidental operation of the dispensing action through contact by compressive force when the cap 808 is fixed over the opening 103.

[0048] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 8B, the locking members 804A, 804B may also be configured such that, when the cap 810 is fixed over the opening 103 of the flexible container 100A, the interaction between the locking members 804A, 804B and the cap 810 causes the flexible frame 800 to hold and maintain the flexible container 100A in its original shape, thereby reducing the possibility of accidental movement of the flexible container 100A when not in use. When the cap 808 is not in use, a gap corresponding to the position of the cap 808 around the opening 103 is formed between the locking members 304A, 304B and the opening 103. When the cap 808 is removed from the opening 103, the gap allows the flexible frame 800 to be used and the first and second members 202, 204 to be compressed normally without interference from the locking members 804, 804B.

[0049] In a further embodiment, when the cap 808 is placed on the flexible container 100A, the locking members 804A, 804B may, alternatively, push the flexible frame 800 to a further extended position so as to increase the distance between the distal ends 202D, 204D of the first and second members 202, 204. In a particular embodiment in which the outer surface 124 of the flexible container 100A is bonded to the inner surfaces 202A, 204A of the first and second members 202, 204, increasing the distance between the first and second members 202, 204 may correspondingly reduce the pressure inside the flexible container 100A after the fluid has been dispensed from the flexible container 100A and the cap 808 has been placed. In further embodiments, which may be combined with other embodiments herein, the locking members 804A, 304B may lock the flexible frame 800 in the extended position such that any force applied to the first and second members 202, 204 may be attenuated by an increase in the distance between the distal ends 202D, 204D of the first and second members 202, 204.

[0050] Figure 9A shows a perspective view of an exemplary flexible frame 900 according to a particular embodiment. Similar to the flexible frame 300C in Figure 3C, the flexible frame 900 is configured, according to a particular embodiment, to provide support and resistance from the inside of the flexible container 100A to the walls of the body 102. The flexible frame 900 includes a first contact pad 902 connected to a first spring 904 and a second contact pad 906 connected to a second spring 908. The flexible frame 900 may be disposed inside the flexible container 100A to provide additional resistance to compressive forces to the walls of the body 102 of the flexible container 100A.

[0051] In a particular embodiment, the first and second springs 904 and 908 may each be leaf springs having a rectangular cross-section formed in an arc shape. The first spring 904 includes a apex 910 at the highest point of the arc between its proximal end 912 and distal end 914. The second spring 908 includes a apex 916 at the highest point of its arc between its proximal end 918 and distal end 920. Due to the curvature in the shapes of the first and second springs 904 and 908, each of the springs 904 and 908 is configured to deflect or resist forces applied to the apex 910 and 916 of the springs 904 and 908. The first contact pad 902 may be connected to the first spring 904 at the apex 910, and the second contact pad 906 may be connected to the second spring 908 at the apex 916. The proximal end 912 of the first spring 904 may be connected to the proximal end 918 of the second spring 908. The flexible frame 900 may be configured to be compressible for insertion into the flexible container 100A through the opening 103 at the dispensing end 104 of the flexible container 100A. When the frame 900 is positioned inside the flexible container 100A, the frame 900 may expand inside the flexible container 100A and come into contact with the inner surface of the body 102 of the flexible container 100A.

[0052] Figure 9B shows a side view of the flexible frame 900 in Figure 9A, arranged with the flexible container 100A shown in Figure 1A, according to a particular embodiment. When the frame 900 is inside the flexible container 100A, the first and second contact members 902 and 906 may be positioned facing each other and in contact with the inner surface of the body 102 of the flexible container 100A. The first spring 904 connected to the first contact pad 902 may extend along the longitudinal Y-axis of the flexible container 100A, with the proximal end 912 of the first spring 904 positioned toward the proximal end 107 of the flexible container 100A. The distal end 914 of the first spring 904 may therefore extend toward the dispensing end 104 of the flexible container 100A and be positioned toward the inner surface of the body 102 near the opening 103 of the flexible container 100A. The second spring 908, which is connected to the first spring 904 at its proximal end 107, may be positioned so as to correspond to the inside of the flexible container 100A, with its proximal end 918 positioned toward the proximal end 918 of the flexible container 100A and its distal end 920 positioned toward the inner surface of the main body 102 near the opening 103 of the flexible container 100A.

[0053] When the first and second springs 904 and 908 are arranged inside the flexible container 100A, the springs 904 and 908 may deflect in response to the compressive force applied to the body 102 of the flexible container 100A by the contact between the first and second contact pads 902 and 906 and the inner surface of the flexible container 100A. When the compressive force is applied to the first and second contact pads 902 and 906, and therefore to the tops 910 and 916 of the first and second springs 904 and 908, respectively, the first and second springs 904 and 908 may then deflect in response to the compressive force, thereby providing additional resistance to the compressive force on the walls of the flexible container 100A. When the first and second springs 904 and 908 are deflected, the proximal ends 912 and 918 may be inclined relative to each other, and the distal ends 914 and 920 may be inclined relative to the opposing inner surfaces of the flexible container 100A, in the case of the first and second springs 904 and 908.

[0054] The first and second springs 904 and 908 connected to the first and second contact pads 902 and 906 may therefore support the first and second contact pads 902 and 906 against the inner surface of the flexible container 100A, and may allow the contact pads 902 and 906 to provide an outward resistive force against the wall of the body 102. The resistive deflection force from the springs 904 and 908 may also increase the force and pressure required to be applied by the user to the outer surface 124 of the flexible container 100A in order to actuate and dispense fluid from the flexible container 100A.

[0055] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of an exemplary flexible frame 1000 according to a particular embodiment. The flexible frame 1000 includes a feedback mechanism configured to inform the user of the occurrence of a particular event relating to a flexible container 100A when used by the user. For example, the feedback mechanism may provide feedback to the user when the flexible frame 1000 is operated to actuate and dispense fluid from a flexible container that is received by the flexible frame 1000, for example, a flexible container 100A that is received together with it. In a particular embodiment, the feedback may be provided when a particular force is applied to the flexible frame 1000 by the user during a dispensing operation, when a particular displacement or deformation occurs in the flexible frame 1000, or a combination of both when a particular force is applied and when a particular displacement occurs in the flexible frame 1000. The feedback may be configured such that the amount of fluid inside the flexible container 100A should be dispensed based on either a specific force applied by the user and / or a specific displacement of the flexible frame 1000 in contact with the flexible container 100A. In a particular embodiment, the feedback from the feedback mechanism may be in the form of haptic feedback that the user physically feels when handling the flexible frame 1000. In other embodiments, the feedback may be in the form of audible feedback that the user hears.

[0056] Referring here to Figure 10, in a particular embodiment, the feedback mechanism for the first and second members 202, 204 comprises a blisterable spring member 1002. The blisterable spring member 1002 is operated between two stable states and may "snap" when a certain force is applied during such operation. Integrating the blisterable spring member 1002 into the first and second members 202, 204 allows the blisterable spring member 1002 to be directly contacted by the user when the flexible frame 1000 is operated to actuate a dispensing action from the flexible container. Such "snapping" of the blisterable spring member 1002 when the first and second members 202, 204 are compressed may therefore be used to provide the aforementioned haptic feedback, audible feedback, or both.

[0057] Figure 11 shows a partial side view of an exemplary flexible frame 1100 with a feedback mechanism according to a particular embodiment. The feedback mechanism comprises one or more air pockets 1102 formed in the walls of the first and second members 202, 204, respectively. The air pockets 1102 may be arranged in the first and second members 202, 204 adjacent to their respective outer surfaces 202B, 204B. In such embodiments, the walls of the first and second members 202, 204 may be configured to bend and "snap" into the respective air pockets 1102 when a specific compressive force is applied to the outer surfaces 202B, 204B by the user. The “snapping” of one or more air pockets 1102 in the walls of the first and second members 202, 204 may provide the user with haptic feedback, audible feedback, or both haptic and audible feedback, thereby informing the user that the flexible container, which is received together with the flexible frame 1100, has been compressed by a certain distance (and thus a certain volume of fluid has been dispensed from there). Figures 10 and 11 show flexible frames 1000, 1100 configured to receive a flexible container, but the feedback mechanisms described herein may also be used in combination with flexible frames configured to be disposed inside the flexible container.

[0058] The above description is provided so that those skilled in the art may practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may apply to other embodiments. Accordingly, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, and the entire scope consistent with the language of the claims should be recognized.

Claims

1. A frame for use with a container, The first member and A second member is connected to the first member at the proximal end of the frame opposite to the distal end of the frame, and both the first and second members include a second member that extends from the proximal end toward the distal end, The frame is configured to receive the container, When the container is received by the frame, The proximal end of the frame is positioned adjacent to the base of the container on the opposite side of the dispensing end of the container, The first and second members each contact the wall of the container body, The first and second members provide increased resistance to displacement of the outer wall of the container due to external compressive force. Frame.

2. The frame according to claim 1, wherein, when the container is received by the frame, the connection of the first and second members at the proximal end of the frame comprises one or more flexible support members extending between the first and second members, the one or more flexible support members configured to provide a holding force between the first and second members at the proximal end of the container.

3. The frame according to claim 1, wherein, when the container is received by the frame, the distal end of the frame further comprises one or more flexible support members extending between the first and second members, the one or more flexible support members configured to provide a holding force between the first and second members at the distal end of the container.

4. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the first and second members comprise a single plastic material, a laminated material, a thermoplastic polymer, high-density polyethylene, a flexible metal material, nitinol, and / or a combination thereof.

5. The frame according to claim 1, wherein when the container is received by the frame, the frame further comprises an adhesive between the container and the first and second members.

6. The frame according to claim 1, wherein when the container is received by the frame, the frame further comprises a liner layer between the container and the first and second members, the liner layer providing increased traction, friction, or gripping force between the container and each of the first and second members.

7. The frame according to claim 1, wherein, when the container is received by the frame, the first and second members are made of a semi-flexible material having a bending rigidity greater than the bending rigidity of the body of the container.

8. The frame according to claim 1, wherein, when the container is received by the frame, the first and second members are configured to provide a restoring force to the container, the restoring force assists in restoring the container from the compressed state to its original state after the container has been deformed into a compressed state by an external compressive force.

9. The frame according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second members further comprises a gripping shape for assisting in handling the frame.

10. The frame according to claim 1, further comprising a locking feature at the distal end of the frame, wherein the locking feature is configured to interact with a cap mounted over an opening at the dispensing end of the container, and when the container is received by the frame, the locking feature is configured to hold and maintain the container in an uncompressed state when the cap is mounted over the opening of the container.

11. The frame according to claim 10, wherein the locking feature comprises a first locking member extending from the first member and a second locking member extending from the second member, and the first and second locking members are configured to interact with the cap when the container is received by the frame and the cap is mounted over the opening of the container.

12. The frame according to claim 1, wherein, when the container is received by the frame, at least one of the first and second members further comprises a feedback feature configured to provide feedback when a specific external compressive force is applied to the at least one of the first and second members, when the external compressive force causes a specific displacement or deformation in the container, or both.

13. The frame according to claim 12, wherein the feedback provided by the feedback form includes audible and / or haptic feedback provided by at least one of the first and second members.

14. The frame according to claim 1, wherein, when the container is received by the frame, the first and second members are configured to limit the displacement of the container when an external compressive force is applied to the container through the frame.

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