Dispensers for viscous products

Abstract

A product dispenser comprising: (A) a product reservoir having a cap securing mechanism; (B) a cap, comprising: (B-1) a first assembly having a housing for a sealing element, a chamber volume control mechanism, and a button configured to dispense product through a lower orifice of a pipette when the button is actuated; (B-2) a second assembly having a pipette having an upper orifice and a lower orifice, rigidly connected to the chamber and in fluid communication with the chamber, a sealing element configured to seal against the housing and slide between a high position and a low position within the housing, and a securing mechanism corresponding to the cap securing mechanism of the reservoir; and (B-3) a mechanism for moving the first assembly relative to the second assembly and A product dispenser is disclosed that comprises a cap comprising a chamber configured to change its volume in response to movement of a button, wherein when the cap is in a closed position, a sealing element is disposed at a high position relative to the housing, and movement of the cap in a direction to open the product dispenser causes the housing to move upward relative to the sealing element via a chamber volume control mechanism, such that the sealing element slides from a high position to a low position within the housing increasing the volume of the chamber, and this increase in the volume of the chamber causes the product in the pipette to be aspirated, and when the sealing element reaches a low position within the housing, further movement of the cap in the opening direction disengages a corresponding locking mechanism of the cap from a cap locking mechanism of the reservoir, and when the button is actuated, the volume of the chamber decreases, thereby dispensing product from the pipette.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product dispenser, comprising: (A) a reservoir for a product having a cap securing mechanism; (B) a cap, comprising: (B-1) a first assembly having a housing for a sealing element, a chamber volume control mechanism, and a button configured to dispense the product through a lower orifice of a pipette when the button is actuated; (B-2) a second assembly having an upper orifice and a lower orifice, the pipette being rigidly connected to the chamber and in fluid communication with the chamber, the sealing element configured to seal against the housing and slide between high and low positions within the housing, and a securing mechanism corresponding to the cap securing mechanism of the reservoir; and (B-3) a mechanism for moving the first assembly relative to the second assembly and actuating the button. and a chamber configured to change its volume in response to movement, wherein when the cap is in a closed position, a sealing element is disposed at a high position relative to the housing, and movement of the cap in a direction to open the product dispenser causes the housing to move upward relative to the sealing element via a chamber volume control mechanism, resulting in the sealing element sliding from a high position to a low position within the housing and increasing the volume of the chamber, and this increase in the volume of the chamber causes the product in the pipette to be aspirated, and when the sealing element reaches a low position within the housing, further movement of the cap in the opening direction disengages a corresponding locking mechanism of the cap from a cap locking mechanism of the reservoir, and when a button is actuated, the volume of the chamber decreases, thereby dispensing the product from the pipette. [Background technology]

[0002] Dispensers are known that include a reservoir and a pipette secured to a cap with a push button for dispensing the product. A coil spring or an elastically deformable diaphragm allows the product to be aspirated into the pipette. However, depending on the dispenser design and / or how strongly the product is aspirated and dispensed, the amount of product dispensed can easily vary in such dispensers. Therefore, there is a need to provide a dispenser for viscous products with improved dispensing accuracy.

[0003] Alternatively, dispensers have been proposed for automatically filling pipettes with a product. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 144663(A) to Chanel discloses a dispenser for a viscous product, the dispenser including a container for the product, a sealing cap designed to be screwed onto the container, a pipette, and a piston capable of causing suction of the product into the pipette, the dispenser being arranged so that when the cap is screwed onto the container, unscrewing the cap in the direction of opening the dispenser causes movement of the piston, which in turn causes suction.

[0004] However, the inventors of the present invention have found the following: Dispensing a larger dose per stroke and We have found a need to provide a dispenser structure that differs from that disclosed in the above-referenced Chanel U.S. patent application publication in at least one of reducing the number of parts used in the structure, thereby allowing the dispenser to provide improved stability in sealing function and / or piston movement.

[0005] There is also a need to provide such a dispenser without using plastic springs or bellows, to prevent piston movement failures caused by creep / fatigue. Dispensers without any metal parts, such as metal coil springs, may also be desirable due to the ease of recycling the plastic materials used in other parts of the dispenser. This allows for material selection that allows the dispenser to be reused according to a single SPI class, with each component selected from a group consisting of a single class of recyclable materials as defined by the Society of the Plastics Industry. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 144663(A) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Therefore, a need exists to provide a dispenser to meet at least one of the aforementioned needs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to a product dispenser comprising: (A) a product reservoir having a cap securing mechanism; (B) A cap comprising the following (B-1) to (B-3): (B-1) A first assembly, a housing for the sealing element; a chamber volume control mechanism; a first assembly having a button configured to dispense a product through a lower orifice of the pipette when the button is actuated; (B-2) A second assembly, a pipette having an upper orifice and a lower orifice, the pipette being rigidly connected to the chamber and in fluid communication with the chamber; a sealing element configured to seal against the housing and to slide within the housing between a high position and a low position; a second assembly having a locking mechanism corresponding to the cap locking mechanism of the reservoir; (B-3) a cap comprising a chamber configured to change its volume in response to movement of the first assembly relative to the second assembly and movement of the button; When the cap is in the closed position, the sealing element is positioned at a high position relative to the housing; Movement of the cap in a direction to open the product dispenser causes the housing to move upward relative to the sealing element via the chamber volume control mechanism, resulting in the sealing element sliding from a higher position to a lower position within the housing, increasing the volume of the chamber, and this increase in chamber volume aspirating the product within the pipette; when the sealing element reaches a lower position within the housing, further movement of the cap in the opening direction disengages the corresponding securing mechanism of the cap from the cap securing mechanism of the reservoir; A product dispenser in which, when the button is actuated, the volume of the chamber decreases, thereby dispensing the product from the pipette.

[0009] The present invention provides at least one of the following: improved accuracy when dispensing, Dispensing larger doses per stroke, Improved stability in sealing function and / or piston movement (due to the reduced number of parts used in the construction), No use of plastic springs or bellows prevents creep / fatigue induced piston movement failure; Ease of recycling due to the absence of metal coil springs and being made from materials that can enter a single recycling stream with a single class of material, as defined by the Society of Plastics Industry. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a dispenser according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with the cap in a closed position; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 with the cap in a closed position and the cap in focus. [Figure 4] 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 in a loaded position, with the cap in focus. [Figure 5] 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 in a cap-open position, with the cap in focus. [Figure 6] 6A-6C are perspective views of the cap, highlighting the locking feature, corresponding to different stages of operation of the dispenser described in FIGS. 3-5. [Figure 7] 6A-6C are perspective views of the cap, highlighting the locking feature, corresponding to different stages of operation of the dispenser described in FIGS. 3-5. [Figure 8] 6A-6C are perspective views of the cap, highlighting the locking feature, corresponding to different stages of operation of the dispenser described in FIGS. 3-5. [Figure 9] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a dispenser having an alternative construction according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with the cap in a closed position; FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a dispenser according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with the cap in a closed position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. [Figure 12] 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 10 with the cap in the closed position and the focus on the cap. [Figure 13] 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 10 in the loaded position, with the cap in focus. [Figure 14] 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 10 in a cap-open position, with the cap in focus. [Figure 15] 15A-15C are perspective views of the cap, highlighting the locking feature, corresponding to different stages of operation of the dispenser described in FIGS. 12-14. [Figure 16] 15A-15C are perspective views of the cap, highlighting the locking feature, corresponding to different stages of operation of the dispenser described in FIGS. 12-14. [Figure 17] 15A-15C are perspective views of the cap, highlighting the locking feature, corresponding to different stages of operation of the dispenser described in FIGS. 12-14. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a dispenser according to a third embodiment of the present invention, with the cap in a closed position. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 18. [Figure 20] 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 18 with the cap in the cap closed position and the focus on the cap. [Figure 21] 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 18 in the loaded position, with the cap in focus. [Figure 22] 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 18, with the cap in the cap-open position and the focus on the cap. [Figure 23] 23A-23D are perspective views of the cap, highlighting the locking feature, corresponding to different stages of operation of the dispenser described in FIGS. 20-22. [Figure 24] 23A-23D are perspective views of the cap, highlighting the locking feature, corresponding to different stages of operation of the dispenser described in FIGS. 20-22. [Figure 25] 23A-23D are perspective views of the cap, highlighting the locking feature, corresponding to different stages of operation of the dispenser described in FIGS. 20-22. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a dispenser according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with the cap in a closed position. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 26. [Figure 28] 27 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 26 with the cap in the closed position and the focus on the cap. [Figure 29] 27 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 26 in the loaded position, with the cap in focus. [Figure 30] 27 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 26, with the cap in the cap-open position and the focus on the cap. [Figure 31] 31A-31C are perspective views of the cap, highlighting the locking feature, corresponding to different stages of operation of the dispenser described in FIGS. 28-30. [Figure 32] 31A-31C are perspective views of the cap, highlighting the locking feature, corresponding to different stages of operation of the dispenser described in FIGS. 28-30. [Figure 33] 31A-31C are perspective views of the cap, highlighting the locking feature, corresponding to different stages of operation of the dispenser described in FIGS. 28-30. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Dispenser The present invention relates to a product dispenser (1), comprising: (A) a product reservoir (2) having a cap securing mechanism (3a); (B) A cap (4) comprising the following (B-1) to (B-3): (B-1) A first assembly (5), a housing (6) for a sealing element (11); a chamber volume control mechanism (7a); a first assembly (5) having a button (8) configured to dispense a product through a lower orifice of a pipette (10) when the button (8) is actuated; (B-2) A second assembly (9), a pipette (10) having an upper orifice and a lower orifice, rigidly connected to the chamber (12) and in fluid communication with the chamber; a sealing element (11) configured to seal against the housing (6) and slide within the housing (6) between a high position and a low position; a second assembly (9) having a fixing mechanism (3b) corresponding to the cap fixing mechanism of the reservoir; (B-3) a cap (4) including a chamber (12) configured to change its volume in response to movement of the first assembly (5) relative to the second assembly (9) and movement of the button (8); When the cap (4) is in the closed position, the sealing element (11) is positioned at a high position relative to the housing (6), Movement of the cap (4) in a direction to open the product dispenser causes the housing (6) to move upward relative to the sealing element (11) via the chamber volume control mechanism (7a), which in turn causes the sealing element (11) to slide from a higher position to a lower position within the housing (6) increasing the volume of the chamber (12), and this increase in chamber volume causes the product in the pipette (10) to be aspirated; When the sealing element (11) reaches a lower position within the housing (6), further movement of the cap (4) in the opening direction disengages the corresponding locking mechanism (3b) of the cap from the cap locking mechanism (3a) of the reservoir (2); The product dispenser (1) relates to a device in which, when the button (8) is actuated, the volume of the chamber (12) decreases, thereby dispensing product from the pipette (10).

[0012] Preferably, when the housing (6) in the first assembly (5) is moved upward relative to the sealing element (11) in the second assembly (9), the second assembly (9) is not displaced vertically relative to the reservoir. This ensures that the position of the pipette (10) does not change relative to the bottle during product uptake, and therefore the pipette (10) always consistently uptakes product with the pipette bottom orifice positioned at a minimum distance from the bottle's inside bottom surface, i.e., optimally, without relative movement during product loading. This prevents the introduction of any air bubbles and also ensures that the pipette (10) is properly filled when the user removes the cap and dispenses.

[0013] Some of the parts, mechanisms, functions and elements described above and below may be combined into one part.

[0014] Cap fixing mechanism The reservoir 2 has a cap securing mechanism 3a, and the cap 4 has a corresponding securing mechanism 3b configured to engage with the cap securing mechanism on the reservoir. The cap securing mechanism and corresponding securing mechanism can be any type, such as a screw thread or a bayonet connector, but are preferably screw threads, particularly to prevent leakage from the reservoir and / or the cap from falling off during transport. The cap securing mechanism 3a of the reservoir 2 engages with the corresponding securing mechanism 3b of the cap 4 in the cap-closed position and the loaded position, and disengages in the cap-open position.

[0015] Preferably, the second assembly (9) further includes a cap insert (15). The cap insert (15) may have a corresponding locking mechanism (3b). The corresponding locking mechanism may be a threaded connection. The cap insert (15) may also include a gasket (16) for sealing the reservoir in the cap closed position. The cap insert may have a platform with a central hollow portion through which the pipette (10) can pass so that the pipette (10) can fluidly communicate between the reservoir interior volume (18) and the chamber (12). The cap insert platform and the pipette outer wall may be mechanically biased by an annular snap fit to ensure that the two components are axially (vertically) restrained.

[0016] sealing element Preferably, the sealing element (11) is a piston. The piston can include a hollow portion for the pipette (10) to pass through, allowing fluid communication between the reservoir interior volume (18) and the chamber (12). The piston and the outer pipette wall can be mechanically biased by an annular snap fit to ensure that the two components are axially (vertically) restrained. The piston can include one or more O-rings or sealing flanges that interface with the housing, thereby providing a sliding seal with the product when it enters the chamber and providing low sliding forces. The piston and cap insert can be integrally formed.

[0017] Chamber Volume Control Mechanism The first assembly (5) comprises a chamber volume control mechanism (7a). In the present invention, preferably, the cap (4) further comprises an outer cover (13), and a corresponding chamber volume control mechanism (7b) is preferably included either in the outer cover (13) or in the second assembly (9). This mechanism controls the relative movement of the first and second assemblies (5, 9), more particularly the relative movement of the housing (6) and the sealing element (11) during the dose loading phase, i.e., when the chamber (12) changes volume.

[0018] The chamber volume control mechanism 7a and corresponding mechanism 7b may be any suitable mechanism. Preferably, the corresponding mechanism 7b is a rotating sleeve or barrel having a rail, and the chamber volume control mechanism 7a is a follower that engages the rail. Preferably, the rail has a lower end and an upper end.

[0019] Locking function In the present invention, when the sealing element (11) reaches a lower position within the housing (6), the first and second assemblies (5, 9) are mechanically biased such that further movement of the cap (4) in the opening direction will cause the first and second assemblies (5, 9) to move together.

[0020] This feature may be any configuration, but is preferably a locking feature 14a. For example, the first assembly 5, preferably the housing 6, has the locking feature 14a. A corresponding locking feature 14b can be included in the second assembly 9, preferably the cap insert 15. In one embodiment, for example, the second assembly 9, preferably the cap insert 15, has one or more cams on its outer wall, the housing 6 has one or more follower beads that engage with the cams, and the cams include locking slots, such that when the cap 4 is moved in the opening direction, the follower beads as locking feature 14a engage with the corresponding locking slots as locking feature 14b.

[0021] button The button material is preferably inert, compatible with the product formulation, and has a low moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) to minimize water loss from the product and extend the useful life of the product.

[0022] Preferably, the button is realized by a flexible material so that it can easily deform when pressed and has a sufficiently strong bounce to restore its original position. Preferably, the button is made of an elastic material so that pressing the button temporarily reduces the volume of the chamber from which the product is dispensed from the pipette, and after pressing stops, the button and chamber return to their original shape / position.

[0023] Preferably, the button can be made of NBR, SBR, EPDM, or TPE. More preferably, the button can be made of an elastomeric material that is compatible with PP recycle streams, such as Milastomer (W600NS) commercialized by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

[0024] The button may have a valve for releasing air when the piston moves from a low position to a high position within the housing.

[0025] Chamber The chamber (12) is a space that can be formed by the button (8), the housing (6), the sealing element (11), with or without the upper orifice of the pipette (10).

[0026] pipette The pipette (10) has an elongated body with a tubular shape for storing the liquid to be dispensed, and a lower orifice for aspirating the product during loading and expelling the liquid upon actuation of the button (8). The lower end is preferably tapered to form a reduced cross-section, which allows for retention of the liquid within the pipette, particularly as the pipette exits the reservoir. The lower end of the pipette can be bent to improve the intake and expulsion of the product. The pipette (10) also has an upper orifice that opens into the chamber (12).

[0027] materials and no coil springs or bellows All materials used in this dispenser are preferably recyclable plastics and / or compatible with recyclable plastic streams.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the change in chamber volume occurs without a coil spring or bellows. More preferably, the dispenser of the present invention does not include a coil spring or bellows. This simplifies the mechanism contained in the cap, reduces the number of parts, and makes the dispenser cheaper to manufacture and less complex to assemble. Furthermore, this design facilitates recycling of the cap, particularly allowing the cap to be mechanically recycled. Typically, metal coil springs contained in dispensers are generally considered incompatible with mechanical recycling processes. Plastic coil springs and bellows may lead to designs that are compatible with mechanical recycling. However, plastic coil springs and bellows have been found to cause dosage inconsistencies due to inevitable creep and fatigue experienced both during storage and cyclic loading during use.

[0029] viscous products The present invention relates to a dispenser for viscous products such as gels, lotions, serums, or essences, which are particularly useful in the field of beauty care products, such as skin care and hair care, for example, the viscous products having a viscosity of 5,000 to 35,000 centipoise, preferably 10,000 to 20,000 centipoise (viscosity measured using a Brookfield LVT viscometer with a spindle at a speed of 3 revolutions per minute). [Example]

[0030] First embodiment 1-8 show one embodiment of a dispenser (1) of the present invention (hereinafter "first embodiment"). In this and other embodiments, the dispenser and most of its components have an overall shape that is symmetrical about the axis of the dispenser, although in other embodiments not shown herein, some components, such as the cover, bottle, and / or pipette, may not be symmetrical.

[0031] The product dispenser (1) of this first embodiment comprises: (A) a product reservoir (2) having a cap securing mechanism (3a); (B) A cap (4) comprising the following (B-1) to (B-3): (B-1) A first assembly (5), a housing (6) for a sealing element (11); a chamber volume control mechanism (7a); a first assembly (5) having a button (8) configured to dispense a product through a lower orifice of a pipette (10) when the button is actuated; (B-2) A second assembly (9), a pipette (10) having an upper orifice and a lower orifice, rigidly connected to the chamber (12) and in fluid communication with the chamber; a sealing element (11) configured to seal against the housing (6) and slide within the housing (6) between a high position and a low position; a second assembly (9) having a fixing mechanism (3b) corresponding to the cap fixing mechanism of the reservoir; (B-3) a chamber (12) configured to change its volume in response to movement of the first assembly (5) relative to the second assembly (9) and movement of the button (8); (B-4) A cap (4) having an outer cover (13) with a corresponding chamber volume control mechanism (7b), which in this first embodiment is a rotating sleeve with one or more rails, and the chamber volume control mechanism (7a) is one or more followers that engage with each respective rail.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, when the cap (4) is in the closed position, the sealing element (11) is positioned high relative to the housing (6).

[0033] 4 and 7, movement of cap (4) in a direction to open the product dispenser, which in this first embodiment is rotation of outer cover (13), causes housing (6) to move upward relative to sealing element (11) via chamber volume control mechanism (7a), causing sealing element (11) to slide from a higher position to a lower position within housing (6), increasing the volume of chamber (12), and this increase in chamber volume causes aspiration of product within pipette (10). When housing (6) in first assembly (5) is moved upward relative to sealing element (11) in second assembly (9), second assembly (9) has no vertical displacement relative to the reservoir.

[0034] As shown in Figures 5 and 8, once the sealing element (11) has reached a lower position within the housing (6), the first and second assemblies (5, 9) are mechanically biased such that upon further movement of the cap (4) in the opening direction, which in this first embodiment is further rotation of the outer cover (13), the first and second assemblies (5, 9) move together.

[0035] As shown in Figures 5 and 8, when the cap (4) is further moved in the opening direction, the corresponding locking mechanism (3b) of the cap disengages from the cap locking mechanism (3a) of the reservoir.

[0036] When the button (8) is actuated, the volume of the chamber (12) decreases, thereby dispensing the product from the pipette (10).

[0037] In this embodiment, the second assembly (9) further comprises a cap insert (15) having a corresponding cap securing mechanism (3b), which is a threaded connection. The cap insert (15) includes a gasket (16) that seals the reservoir (2) in the cap-closed position. The cap insert (15) includes a central hollow portion through which the pipette (10) can pass so that the pipette can communicate fluidly between the reservoir interior volume (18) and the chamber (12).

[0038] In this embodiment, the outer wall of the cap insert (15) includes a corresponding locking feature (14b), and the housing (6) includes a locking feature (14a). The corresponding locking feature (14b) can be one or more slots. The locking feature (14a) can be one or more ribs or keys constructed between the inner and outer walls of the housing. This locking feature (14a) allows the first assembly (5) to move vertically relative to the second assembly (9) during loading. When the follower of the chamber volume control mechanism (7a) reaches its end position within the respective rail of the corresponding chamber volume control mechanism (7b) (end of loading), the locking feature (14a) and the corresponding locking feature (14b) ensure that the first and second assemblies (5, 9) are mechanically biased such that further rotation of the outer cover (13) relative to the reservoir (2) disengages the corresponding cap fixing mechanism (3b) from the cap fixing mechanism (3a) of the reservoir (2).

[0039] Figure 9 shows a dispenser (1) with an alternative structure according to a first embodiment of the invention in the cap closed position.

[0040] Second embodiment 10 to 17 show one embodiment of the dispenser (1) of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "second embodiment").

[0041] In this second embodiment, the cap securing mechanism (3a) and the corresponding securing mechanism (3b) are screw threads.

[0042] In this second embodiment, the corresponding chamber volume control mechanism (7b) is a ratchet within the second assembly (9), particularly the cap insert (15), and the chamber volume control mechanism (7a) is one or more pawls that engage with the ratchet.

[0043] 13 and 16, in this second embodiment, movement of cap (4) in a direction to lift outer cover (13) and open the product dispenser causes housing (6) to move upward relative to closure element (11) via chamber volume control mechanism (7a), which in turn causes closure element (11) to slide from a higher position to a lower position within housing (6), increasing the volume of chamber (12), and this increase in chamber volume causes aspiration of product within pipette (10). When housing (6) in first assembly (5) is moved upward relative to closure element (11) in second assembly (9), second assembly (9) has no vertical displacement relative to the reservoir.

[0044] As shown in Figures 14 and 17, when the sealing element 11 reaches a lower position within the housing 6, the first and second assemblies 5, 9 are mechanically biased to move together. The chamber volume control mechanism 7a and the corresponding chamber volume control mechanism 7b have locking features 14a and 14b that help the first and second assemblies 5, 9 move together when the sealing element 11 reaches a lower position within the housing 6 and during further movement of the cap 4 in the opening direction, which in this second embodiment is rotation of the outer cover 13. In this second embodiment, the corresponding locking feature 14b is a flange on the end of a ratchet, and the chamber volume control mechanism 7a, which is one or more pawls, also functions as the locking feature 14a.

[0045] Third embodiment 18 to 25 show one embodiment of the dispenser (1) of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "third embodiment").

[0046] In this third embodiment, the cap securing mechanism (3a) is a bayonet cam and the corresponding securing mechanism (3b) is a nub that engages with the cam.

[0047] The cap (4) also has an outer cover (13) with a corresponding chamber volume control mechanism (7b) that, in this third embodiment, is a rotating sleeve with one or more rails, and the chamber volume control mechanism (7a) is one or more followers that engage each rail.

[0048] 21 and 24, movement of cap (4) in a direction to open the product dispenser, which in this third embodiment is rotation of outer cover (13), causes housing (6) to move upward relative to closure element (11) via chamber volume control mechanism (7a), causing closure element (11) to slide from a higher position to a lower position within housing (6), increasing the volume of chamber (12), and this increase in chamber volume causes aspiration of product within pipette (10). When housing (6) in the third assembly is moved upward relative to closure element (11) in second assembly (9), second assembly (9) has no vertical displacement relative to the reservoir.

[0049] As shown in Figures 22 and 25, when the sealing element (11) reaches a lower position within the housing (6), the first and second assemblies (5, 9) are mechanically biased such that the first and second assemblies (5, 9) move together.

[0050] In this embodiment, the outer wall of the cap insert (15) includes a corresponding locking feature (14b), and the housing (6) includes a locking feature (14a). The corresponding locking feature (14b) can be one or more slots. The locking feature (14a) can be one or more ribs or keys established between the inner and outer walls of the housing. This locking feature (14a) allows the first assembly (5) to move vertically relative to the second assembly (9) during loading. When the follower of the chamber volume control mechanism (7a) reaches its end position within the respective rail of the corresponding chamber volume control mechanism (7b) (end of loading), the locking feature (14a) and the corresponding locking feature (14b) ensure that the first and second assemblies (5, 9) are mechanically biased such that further rotation of the outer cover (13) relative to the reservoir (2) disengages the corresponding cap fixing mechanism (3b) from the cap fixing mechanism (3a) of the reservoir (2).

[0051] In this embodiment, the reservoir (2) includes a neck insert that includes one or more wiping surfaces that interface with the pipette (10) to remove excess product on the surface, and the insert further includes a feature that engages with the second assembly (9). The neck insert feature is made up of one or more ribs.

[0052] In this embodiment, second assembly (9) includes plug (17), which is hollow so that pipette (10) is fluidly connected to chamber (12), and plug (17) includes a mechanism for engaging with the neck insert, which mechanism is made of one or more ribs so that plug (17) and neck insert can move vertically but cannot rotate relative to each other. In this embodiment, plug (17) includes one or more slots, and housing (6) includes one or more ribs that can move vertically but cannot rotate relative to the plug slots.

[0053] Fourth embodiment 26 to 33 show one embodiment of the dispenser (1) of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "fourth embodiment").

[0054] In this embodiment, the corresponding chamber volume control feature (7b) is a cam path in the second assembly (9), in particular in the sealing element (11), and the chamber volume control feature (7a) is a bead that engages with the cam path.

[0055] As shown in Figures 29 and 32, in this fourth embodiment, movement of cap (4) in a direction to open the product dispenser by lifting outer cover (13) causes housing (6) to move upward relative to closure element (11) via chamber volume control mechanism (7a), which in turn causes closure element (11) to slide from a higher position to a lower position within housing (6), increasing the volume of chamber (12), and this increase in chamber volume causes aspiration of product within pipette (10). When housing (6) in first assembly (5) is moved upward relative to closure element (11) in second assembly (9), second assembly (9) has no vertical displacement relative to the reservoir.

[0056] As shown in Figures 30 and 33, when the sealing element 11 reaches a lower position within the housing 6, the first and second assemblies 5, 9 are mechanically biased to move together. The chamber volume control mechanism 7a and corresponding mechanism 7b have locking features 14a and corresponding locking features 14b that help the first and second assemblies 5, 9 move together when the sealing element 11 reaches a lower position within the housing 6 and during further movement of the cap 4 in the opening direction, which in this fourth embodiment is rotation of the outer cover 13. In this fourth embodiment, the locking feature 14a is the same as the chamber volume control mechanism 7a, which is a bead, and the corresponding locking feature 14b is a locking slot at the end of the cam path.

[0057] combination 1. A product dispenser comprising: (A) a product reservoir having a cap securing mechanism; (B) A cap having the following (B-1) to (B-3), namely: (B-1) A first assembly, a housing for the sealing element; a chamber volume control mechanism; a first assembly having a button configured to dispense a product through a lower orifice of the pipette when the button is actuated; (B-2) A second assembly, a pipette having an upper orifice and a lower orifice, the pipette being rigidly connected to the chamber and in fluid communication with the chamber; a sealing element configured to seal against the housing and to slide within the housing between a high position and a low position; a second assembly having a locking mechanism corresponding to the cap locking mechanism of the reservoir; (B-3) a chamber configured to change its volume in response to movement of the first assembly relative to the second assembly and movement of the button; When the cap is in the closed position, the sealing element is positioned at a high position relative to the housing; Movement of the cap in a direction to open the product dispenser causes the housing to move upward relative to the sealing element via the chamber volume control mechanism, resulting in the sealing element sliding from a higher position to a lower position within the housing, increasing the volume of the chamber, and this increase in chamber volume aspirating the product within the pipette; when the sealing element reaches a lower position within the housing, further movement of the cap in the opening direction disengages the corresponding securing mechanism of the cap from the cap securing mechanism of the reservoir; A product dispenser in which when the button is actuated, the volume of the chamber decreases, thereby dispensing the product from the pipette. 2. A product dispenser according to the preceding feature, wherein when the housing in the first assembly is moved upward relative to the sealing element in the second assembly, the second assembly has no vertical displacement relative to the reservoir. 3. The product dispenser of any of the preceding features, wherein the cap further comprises (B-4) an outer cover. 4. The product dispenser of any of the preceding features, wherein either the outer cover or the second assembly has a corresponding chamber volume control mechanism. 5. The product dispenser of any of the preceding features, wherein when the closure element reaches a lower position within the housing, the first assembly and the second assembly are mechanically biased to move together as the cap moves further in the opening direction. 6. The product dispenser of any of the preceding features, wherein the first assembly has a locking feature that mechanically biases the second assembly when the closure element reaches a lower position within the housing, such that the first assembly and the second assembly move together as the cap moves further in the opening direction. 7. The product dispenser of any of the preceding features, wherein the second assembly has a corresponding locking feature. 8. The product dispenser of any of the preceding features, wherein when the sealing element reaches a lower position within the housing, the outer cover and first assembly are mechanically biased to move together as the cap moves further in the opening direction. 9. A product dispenser of any of the preceding features, wherein the sealing element is a piston, the piston having a hollow manifold having a hollow portion for passing a pipette therethrough so that the pipette can be in fluid communication between the reservoir interior volume and the chamber. 10. A product dispenser of any of the preceding features wherein the button is made of an elastic material and is capable of deforming when pressed and restoring to its original shape / position after pressing ceases.

[0058] Dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

[0059] All documents cited herein, including cross-referenced documents or related patents or applications, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document shall not be deemed to be prior art to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, or to teach, suggest, or disclose any such invention, either alone or in combination with any other reference or references. Furthermore, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

[0060] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. 1. A product dispenser comprising: (A) a product reservoir having a cap securing mechanism; (B) A cap comprising the following (B-1) to (B-3): (B-1) A first assembly, a housing for the sealing element; a chamber volume control mechanism; a first assembly having a button configured to dispense the product through a lower orifice of the pipette when actuated; (B-2) A second assembly, a pipette having an upper orifice and a lower orifice, the pipette being rigidly connected to the chamber and in fluid communication with the chamber; a sealing element configured to seal against the housing and to slide within the housing between a high position and a low position; a second assembly having a securing mechanism corresponding to the cap securing mechanism of the reservoir; (B-3) a chamber configured to change its volume in response to movement of the first assembly and movement of the button relative to the second assembly; When the cap is in a closed position, the sealing element is positioned at an elevated position relative to the housing; movement of the cap in a direction to open the product dispenser causes the housing to move upward relative to the closure element via the chamber volume control mechanism, such that the closure element slides from the higher position to the lower position within the housing, increasing the volume of the chamber, and this increase in chamber volume aspirates the product within the pipette; when the closure element reaches the lower position within the housing, further movement of the cap in the opening direction disengages the corresponding locking mechanism of the cap from the cap locking mechanism of the reservoir; A product dispenser wherein, when the button is actuated, the volume of the chamber decreases, thereby dispensing the product from the pipette.

2. 10. The product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the second assembly has no vertical displacement relative to the reservoir when the housing in the first assembly is moved upward relative to the closure element in the second assembly.

3. 10. The product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the cap further comprises (B-4) an outer cover.

4. 4. The product dispenser of claim 3, wherein either the outer cover or the second assembly has a corresponding chamber volume control mechanism.

5. 2. The product dispenser of claim 1, wherein when the closure element reaches the lower position within the housing, the first assembly and the second assembly are mechanically biased to move together as the cap moves further in the opening direction.

6. 2. The product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first assembly has a locking feature that mechanically biases the second assembly when the sealing element reaches the lower position within the housing, such that the first assembly and the second assembly move together as the cap moves further in the opening direction.

7. 7. The product dispenser of claim 6, wherein the second assembly has a corresponding locking feature.

8. 4. The product dispenser of claim 3, wherein when the sealing element reaches the lower position within the housing, the outer cover and the first assembly are mechanically biased to move together as the cap is moved further in the opening direction.

9. 10. The product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the sealing element is a piston, the piston having a hollow manifold with a hollow portion for passing the pipette so that the pipette can fluidly communicate between the reservoir interior volume and the chamber.

10. 10. The product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the button is made of a resilient material that can deform when pressed and return to its original shape / position after pressing is released.

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