BR112016022849B1 - CONTROLLED RELEASE CONTAINER - Google Patents

Abstract

CONTROLLED RELEASE CONTAINER. The invention patent relates to a controlled release container including a base. The base having a flexible diaphragm movable between the pressed position. In the pressed position the flexible diaphragm reduces an interior volume of a container to dispense a metered quantity of the stored material. The dosage amount corresponds directly to an internal volume of the container displaced by the movement of the flexible diaphragm to the pressed position.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE WITH RELATED ORDERS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/972,645 filed March 31, 2014, the entire description of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present description relates to a controlled release fluid dispensing system, such as a stream or drop dispensing bottle system.

FUNDAMENTALS

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present description, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Existing containers that provide controlled release of a product contained therein are subject to several disadvantages. For example, controlled release is often provided by a multi-part pump, which is typically expensive, complex to assemble, and prone to failure. Other containers have flexible side walls, which when pressed inward provide for a release that can be inconsistent, difficult to measure, and difficult to direct or deposit.

[0005] Ophthalmic containers are examples of dripping containers including a drip tip and flexible side walls. Containers are typically round or oval, and commonly dispense by squeezing the sides of the container while the container is inverted to release one or more drops as needed. A closure is commonly attached to the container and may have tamper-evident or child-resistant features.

[0006] Existing controlled-release dosing containers and methods generally undesirably require dosing by means of a secondary dosing vehicle, and have several other disadvantages. For example, using a tablespoon to measure a dosage is generally not very accurate. Using a syringe, dropper, dosing cup, or dosing spoon requires the use of a secondary item for accuracy, requires a complex two-part system, can potentially result in dosage contamination, and can increase costs. Improved controlled release containers that do not suffer from the disadvantages of current controlled release containers may therefore be desirable.

SUMMARY

[0007] This section provides a general summary of the description, and is not a comprehensive description of its full scope or all of its functionalities.

[0008] The present teachings provide for a controlled release container including a dispensing tip and the base. The base includes a flexible diaphragm movable between a relaxed position and a pressed position. In the pressed position the flexible diaphragm reduces an internal volume of the container.

[0009] The present teachings provide controlled release containers including several advantages, such as, but not limited to, the following: (1) a polymeric (plastic) container; (2) a dispensing portion formed during blow molding to provide a one-piece container with a dispensing portion integral with the container design; (3) a container that is less costly to manufacture, such as due to fewer components compared to other controlled dispensing containers; (4) a dispensing diaphragm that can be activated with a single finger (or single thumb) on a base of the container; (5) finger or thumb placement on the base of the container to create an intuitive natural provider of stability during dispensing; (6) a dispensing diaphragm that can be activated with a force of less than 44.4 N (10 lbs.); (7) a diaphragm configured such that when pressed the diaphragm creates a pressure within the container that dispenses a fixed amount of product; and (8) a container design in which dispensing and retention thereof is improved, such as due to the base being pressed.

[00010] Containers in accordance with the present teachings provide for a droplet volume that is controlled by the design configuration of the container tip. The container base can also be optimized to create one droplet per depression, or multiple drops per depression. Pressing the container button to deposit a droplet provides greater control over where the droplet is dispensed, compared to squeezing it from the sides, for example.

[00011] Containers in accordance with the present teachings are advantageously configured such that there are no separate parts to manufacture, store, or lose, which may prevent the container from functioning properly. The base diaphragm of the containers may be sized, shaped, and/or configured in any suitable manner to provide a customized and fixed dosage amount that can be repeated between dosages. The base diaphragm may also be sized, shaped, and/or configured in any suitable manner to modify and define the force required to press the diaphragm and dispense a predetermined dosage amount. Distribution of material on the base can be manipulated to alter the force required to dispense the dose. To provide additional control of the dispensing quantity, additional features can be added to the container, such as spikes and holes.

[00012] The side walls of containers according to the present teachings generally have greater rigidity compared to a base on the diaphragm, which facilitates depression of the diaphragm. For example, a ratio of container sidewall thickness to base thickness may be between 1.5:1 to 3:1 without support geometry. The ratio may be less than 1.5:1 with support geometry such as sidewall ribs. The thickness of the material in the diaphragm can be any thickness suitable to facilitate depression of the diaphragm, such as between 0.023 cm and 0.046 cm (0.009 inches and 0.018 inches). The actuation force of the diaphragm may be any suitable force, such as below 44.4 N (ten pounds). The container finish can be of any suitable size, such as between 10 mm and 33 mm. The dosing amount can be controlled by the design of the base, with different designs configured to dispense different amounts. For example, based on a basic design, dosage quantities of about 0.05 ml to about 2.5 ml can be deposited.

[00013] Additional areas of applicability will be apparent from the description provided here. The specific description and examples in this summary are intended for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present description.

DESIGNS

[00014] The drawings described here are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present description.

[00015] Figure 1 illustrates a container in accordance with the present teachings, as well as a dispensing tip and a closure for the container.

[00016] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a container base in accordance with the present teachings.

[00017] Figure 3 is a plan view of the base of the container of Figure 2.

[00018] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of another container base in accordance with the present teachings.

[00019] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a further base of the container in accordance with the present teachings.

[00020] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a further base of the container in accordance with the present teachings.

[00021] Figure 7 is a plan view of an embodiment of the base of the container of Figure 6.

[00022] Figure 8 is a plan view of another embodiment of the base of the container of Figure 6.

[00023] Figure 9 is a plan view of a container base in accordance with the present teachings.

[00024] Figure 10 is a plan view of an additional container base in accordance with the present teachings.

[00025] Figure 11 is a plan view of a further base of the container in accordance with the present teachings.

[00026] Figure 12 illustrates another base of the container in accordance with the present teachings.

[00027] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of an additional container base in accordance with the present teachings.

[00028] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a further base of the container in accordance with the present teachings.

[00029] Figure 15 is a plan view of the base of the container of Figure 14.

[00030] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of an additional container base in accordance with the present teachings.

[00031] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of an additional container base in accordance with the present teachings.

[00032] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a further base of the container in accordance with the present teachings.

[00033] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of another container base in accordance with the present teachings.

[00034] Figure 20 is a side view of another container in accordance with the present teachings.

[00035] Figure 21 is a side view of yet another container in accordance with the present teachings.

[00036] Figure 22 is a side view of yet another container in accordance with the present teachings.

[00037] Figure 23 is a side view of an additional container in accordance with the present teachings.

[00038] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of another container in accordance with the present teachings.

[00039] Figure 25 is a side view of a container in accordance with the present teachings.

[00040] Figure 26 is a side view of yet another additional container in accordance with the present teachings.

[00041] Figure 27 illustrates the actuation of a container base in accordance with the present teachings to dispense a dosage of any suitable material.

[00042] Figure 28 is a graph illustrating that the amount of force required to press the base of containers in accordance with the present teachings is directly proportional to the thicknesses of the material of the base of containers in accordance with the present teachings.

[00043] Figure 29 is a graph showing that the inclusion of a base surface feature, such as a center push-up portion, on a container base in accordance with the present teachings provides controlled and more consistent dispensing. dosages compared based on containers in accordance with the present teachings without a center push-up portion; It is

[00044] Figure 30 is a graph showing that containers according to the present teachings having straight walls have a greater activation force and a smaller amount of dispensing before high resistance compared to containers according to the present teachings with wall tapered sides.

[00045] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00046] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[00047] With initial reference to Figure 1, an exemplary container in accordance with the present teachings in general is illustrated at reference numeral 10. Container 10 may have any suitable capacity, such as 15 ml. The container 10 generally includes a first end 12 and a second end 14 at opposite ends of the container 10. A longitudinal axis A of the container 10 generally extends through an axial center of the container 10 from the first end 12 to the second end 14. At the first end 12, an opening 20 of the container 10 is defined by a finish 22 of the container 10. Extending from an outer periphery of the finish 22 are threads 24. Extending from the finish 22 to the second end 14 is a neck portion 26 of the container 10. The neck portion 26 generally extends linearly to a rim portion 28 of the container 10. The rim portion 28 generally curves outwardly from a longitudinal axis. The container 10 as the lip 28 extends from the neck 26 towards the second end 14.

[00048] The container 10 further includes a body portion 30 extending from the rim 28 to the second end 14. The body 30 includes a side wall 32, which in the example container 10 is cylindrical and extends generally in a manner linear from the edge 28 to the second end 14 such that the side wall 32 extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A. The side wall 32 extends from the edge 28 generally to an upright surface 34 of a base 110A of the container 10. The upright surface 34 is a surface of the container 10 that when seated on a planar surface extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A supports the container 10 in an upright position, as illustrated in Figure 1.

[00049] The container 10 is configured to couple with any suitable dispensing tip on the finish 22, such as the dispensing tip 40 of Figure 1. The dispensing tip 40 generally includes a tip base 42 having any suitable coupling member to couple with the container 10, such as an annular flange 44 as illustrated. The dispensing tip 40 further includes a nozzle 46 defining an opening 48 through which any suitable substance stored within the container 10 may be dispensed. A support ring 50 is between the tip base 42 and the nozzle 46, and extends outwardly beyond each of the tip base 42 and the nozzle 46.

[00050] The dispensing tip 40 may be attached to the container 10 in any suitable manner. For example, the tip base 42 may be inserted through the opening 20 into the finish 22, where the annular flange 44 may cooperate with any suitable structure of the finish 22, such as an annular recess defined within the finish 22. The dispensing tip 40 may thus be pressed into the finish 22 until the flange 44 locks into the finish 22 at which point the support ring 50 will generally be coplanar with the opening 20 in the first end 12 so as to seat within the finish 22 in a position which is generally coplanar with the first end 12. A closure 52 is provided as generally a lid for the dispensing tip 40 and the container 10 generally. The closure 52 is sized and shaped to be seated over the dispensing tip 40 such that internal threads 54 of the closure 52 cooperate with the threads 24 of the finish 22 so as to ensure the closure 52 to the finish 22 and over the dispensing tip 40 .

[00051] With continued reference to Figure 1, and further reference to Figures 2 and 3, the base 110A of the container 10 will now be further described. The base 110A includes a flexible diaphragm 112. The flexible diaphragm 112 includes an outer diaphragm portion 114 and an inner diaphragm portion 116. The outer diaphragm portion 114 generally extends from the standing surface 34 to a transitory radius or point of articulation 118, which is between the outer diaphragm portion 114 and the inner diaphragm portion 116. The longitudinal axis A generally extends through a center of the inner diaphragm portion 116.

[00052] The internal diaphragm portion 116 is movable between an initial relaxed position in which the internal diaphragm 116 has a convex relaxed initial radius Ri, and a pressed position in which the internal diaphragm portion 116 has a pressed radius Rd. internal diaphragm 116 can be moved from the relaxed position to the pressed position in any suitable manner, such as with a user's index finger or other finger or thumb. To facilitate gripping of the container 10 on the base 110A, a plurality of feet 120 and recesses 122 may be included, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. Each of the recesses 122 is arranged generally opposite the different feet 120 around an outer circumference. of the base 110A, as illustrated in Figure 3 in particular. The recess 122 generally provides additional clearance for the user's thumb or finger allowing the user to more readily insert his or her finger into the base 110A and contact the internal diaphragm 116.

[00053] The base 110A is sized and shaped such that with depression of the diaphragm 112 to move the diaphragm 112 from the relaxed position to the pressed position in which the diaphragm 112 has the pressed radius Rd, a volume Vd is displaced and a corresponding volume of material stored within the container 10 is dispensed from within the container 10 through the opening 48 of the dispensing tip 40. The amount of material dispensed from within the container 10 is thus directly proportional to the size of the displaced volume. Vd, and thus the amount of material dispensed can be controlled by varying the displaced volume Vd. After the diaphragm 112 is moved to the pressed radius Rd, and the material is dispensed from within the container 10, the diaphragm 112 is sized and shaped to automatically return to the initial radius Ri.

[00054] To facilitate actuation of the diaphragm 112 from the relaxed position to the pressed position, the diaphragm 112 has a thickness that may be thinner than a thickness of the side wall 32 of the body 30. For example, the diaphragm portion internal 116 may include a thickness Tb that is less than a thickness Tw of the side wall 32. The thickness Tw may be 1.5 to 3 times greater than the thickness Tb of the internal diaphragm portion 116. Any suitable particular thickness may be provided. For example, the thickness Tb can be between 0.023 cm and 0.046 cm (0.009 inches and 0.018 inches). The actuation force required to move the diaphragm 112 from the relaxed initial radius Ri to the pressed radius Rd may be any suitable amount of actuation force, such as below 44.4 N (10 pounds). The force required to move the diaphragm 112 from the relaxed initial radius Ri to the pressed radius Rd is directly proportional to the thickness of the inner diaphragm portion 116. For example, and as illustrated in Figure 28, a base B1 in accordance with the present teachings with a thickness of 0.025 cm (0.010 inches) can be pressed using less force compared to a base B2 according to the present teachings having a thickness of 0.050 cm (0.020 inches). The base 110A may be sized and shaped in any suitable manner to dispense any desired dosage amount, such as dosage amounts from 0.05 ml to about 2.5 ml of any suitable material, such as any suitable ophthalmic material when the container 10 is an ophthalmic container.

[00055] The container 10 may be manufactured in any suitable manner, such as blow molding, including stretch blow molding. For example, a container preform 10 may be positioned in any suitable blow mold. An overtravel unit can be positioned in a low position to assist with thinning the 110A base. After the mold is closed, a counter-stretching operation is started, and then a blowing and stretching process is carried out. The 110A base is actuated with an overstroke cylinder, and the blowing and stretching process is completed. The counter-stretch rod is retracted, as is the over-stroke rod and base assembly. Finally, the mold is opened and the finished container 10 is removed from the mold. The container 10 may be made of any suitable material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), any thermoplastic, or polypropylene, for example.

[00056] Although the base 110A is illustrated as included with the container 10, any of the other containers described here may include the base 110A, and the base 110A may be included with any other suitable container. Similarly, any of the other bases described herein may be included with the container 10. For example, and with reference to Figure 4, another container base 110B in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated. The base 110B may be included with the container 10 of Figure 1, or any other suitable container including the containers disclosed herein. The 110B base is similar to the 110A base, except that the displaced volume Vd is smaller. As a result, the base 110B can be used in applications where the desired dosage of material stored within the container 10 is less than the desired dosage when using the base 110A.

[00057] Another base that can be included with container 10, or any other suitable container including the other containers disclosed herein, is illustrated in Figure 5 at reference numeral 110C. The base 110C is similar to the base 110A, but includes a recess or depression 130 at an axial center of the internal diaphragm portion 116. The depression 130 may have any suitable shape or configuration. For example, the depression 130 may be shaped into a cone as illustrated in Figure 5. The depression 130 provides the diaphragm 112 with an increased surface area, which allows the diaphragm 112 to be formed at a reduced thickness compared to, e.g. the diaphragms 110 of the bases 110A and 110B. U.S. Patent No. 7,451,886 titled “Container Base Structure Responsive to Vacuum Related Forces,” assigned to Amcor Limited further explains how diaphragm 112 can be formed with a decreased thickness due to the presence of depression 130, and is incorporated by reference herein .

[00058] Figure 6 illustrates another base in accordance with the present teachings at reference numeral 110D. The base 110D may be included with the container 10, or any other suitable container including the containers disclosed herein. The base 110D includes the diaphragm 112 configured to have a button portion 140 and a pivot portion 142. The button portion 140 is proximate a first portion 118A of the transition radius 118, and the pivot portion 142 is proximate a second portion 118B of the transition radius 118. The first portion 118A has a smaller radius of curvature compared to the second portion 118B. The button portion 140 is displaced from the longitudinal axis A generally between the longitudinal axis A and the first portion 118A of the transition radius 118. The pivot portion 142 is generally between the longitudinal axis A and the second portion 118B of the transition radius 118. The hinge portion 142 is generally linear, while the button portion 140 has an initial radius Ri when it is in the relaxed initial position. Being pressed by a user, such as when a user applies a force with his finger or thumb in the direction of the arrow of Figure 6, the button portion 140 is moved from the initial radius Ri wherein the button 140 has a rectangular shape. generally convex, for the pressed radius Rd wherein the button portion 140 has a generally concave shape as viewed from an exterior of the base 110D. To facilitate actuation of the button portion 140 from the starting radius Ri to the pressed radius Rd, the button portion 140 may include a thickness Tb that is thinner than a thickness Th of the pivot portion 142. The thickness Th of the hinge portion 142 may also be thinner than the thickness Tw of the side wall 32. The volume displaced by moving the base 110D to the pressed position is equal to a dosage amount of material that will be dispensed from the container 10, e.g. .

[00059] To assist a user in locating the button portion 140, the base 110D may include any suitable identifier that identifies where on the diaphragm 112 the button portion 140 is. For example, and as illustrated in Figure 7, any suitable indicator may be included such as a text indicator 150 (illustrated as “push here”) or a surface functionality indicator 152, such as raised or pressed protrusions, may be included. as illustrated in Figure 7. Referring to Figure 8, a plurality of indicators 152 in the form of protrusions may be arranged such that they are aligned in rows extending outwardly from the longitudinal axis A on the button portion 140.

[00060] An additional base in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated in Figure 9 at reference numeral 110E. The base 110E includes a flexure enhancement feature 160A in the axial center of the diaphragm 112, and particularly in the inner diaphragm portion 116 such that the longitudinal axis A extends through a general center of the flexure enhancement feature 160A. The flexure enhancement functionality 160A may be any suitable configuration of the internal diaphragm portion 116 configured to enhance the flexure of the internal diaphragm portion 116 from the relaxed initial radius Ri to the pressed radius Rd. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 9, the 160A bending enhancement feature can be shaped like a pentagon. Referring to Figure 10, the present teachings further provide for a flexural enhancement functionality 160B in the form of a five-pointed star with rounded end points. Referring to Figure 11, an additional example functionality of flexure enhancement is illustrated in reference numeral 160C in the form of a five-pointed star having pointed ends.

[00061] Figure 12 illustrates another base in accordance with the present teachings at reference numeral 110F. The base 110F may be included with the container 10, or any other suitable container such as the other containers disclosed herein. The base 110F includes an inner side wall 170 having at least one portion extending generally parallel with the longitudinal axis A. A central portion 172 of the diaphragm 112 includes a plurality of panels 174 extending generally outwardly from the longitudinal axis. A. The panels 174 extend farthest from the inner diaphragm portion 116 in the longitudinal axis A, and gradually taper towards the inner diaphragm portion 116 along the lengths thereof. Any suitable number of panels 174 may be provided in any suitable form. The panels 174 advantageously increase the flexible area of the diaphragm 112 and provide a level surface for the user to press on thereby allowing the user to more easily move the diaphragm 112 from the relaxed position illustrated in Figure 12 to a pressed position by applying a reduced amount of force compared to applications that do not include the central portion 172 with panels 174. The volume displaced by moving the base 110F to the pressed position is equal to a dosage amount of material that will be dispensed from the container 10, e.g. example.

[00062] Figure 13 illustrates another base of the container in accordance with the present teachings at reference number 110G. The 110G container base can be used with any of the containers described herein, as well as any other suitable container. The base 110G includes a central planar portion 180 between an intermediate portion 182 and a center flap 184. The intermediate portion 182 extends from the hinge portion 118 to the central planar portion 180, and thus is between the hinge portion 118 and the central planar portion 180. The central planar portion 180 extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the container 10. The central flap 184 is at an axial center of the central planar portion 180 and extends outwardly beyond the central planar portion 180 The central flap 184 and the central planar portion 180 have a thickness Tc, which is greater than a thickness Ti of the intermediate portion 182. The thickness Tw of the side wall 34 is greater than the thickness Ti of the intermediate portion 182, as well as the thickness Tc of the central tab 184 and the central planar portion 180. Making the thickness Tc greater than the thickness Ti provides the base 110G with a specific pushing area in the central tab 184 and the central planar portion 180. With the depression of the base 110G at the central planar portion 180 and the central flap 184, the base 110G will pivot at the hinged portion 118 to move from an initial relaxed position to a pressed position (illustrated in shading in Figure 13) to displace a volume equal to the distance that the central planar portion 180 and the central tab 184 are pressed. The volume displaced by moving the base 110G to the pressed position is equal to a dosage amount of material that will be dispensed from the container 10, for example.

[00063] Another base in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 at reference numeral 110H. The base 110H can be used with the container 10, or any other suitable container such as the other containers disclosed herein. The base 110H generally includes a diaphragm 112 having an external portion 114 generally extending from the standing surface 34 to a first pivot point 118A. From the first pivot point 118A a first internal diaphragm portion 116A extends longitudinally A to a second pivot point 118B. From the second pivot point 118B, a second internal diaphragm portion 116B extends inwardly in a direction toward the first end 12 of the container 10 to a third pivot point 118C. From the third pivot point 118C, a third internal diaphragm portion 116C extends to a fourth pivot point 118D and a center push-up portion 190. The center push-up portion 190 is at a center of the base. 110G, and the longitudinal axis A extends through an axial center of the central push-up portion 190. Being pressed on the central push-up portion 190, or any areas of the base 110H proximate thereto, the base 110H will move inward to a pressed position flexing at the first, second, third and fourth pivot points 118A, 118B, 118C and 118D. The volume displaced by moving the base 110H to the pressed position is equal to a dosage amount of material that will be dispensed from the container 10, for example.

[00064] Figure 16 illustrates a further base of the container in accordance with the present teachings at reference numeral 110I. The base 110I includes the diaphragm 112 and transition radius or pivot point 118 where the outer diaphragm portion 114 changes to the inner diaphragm portion 116. At a center of the diaphragm 112 is a recess or depression 210, which may be of any suitable shape, such as shaped into a cone. To facilitate movement of the base 110I from the illustrated initial relaxed position to the pressed position, the thickness Td of the internal diaphragm portion 116 is less than the thickness Tw of the side wall 32. The thickness Td may be any suitable thickness, such as such as 0.008 inch to 0.020 inch. The thickness Tw of the side wall 32 may be a minimum of 1.2 to 1.8 times greater than the thickness Td of the internal diaphragm portion 116, for example. As a diameter Bd of the bottle or container 10 decreases, the magnitude that Tw is greater than Td may increase. The volume displaced by moving the base 110I to the pressed position is equal to a dosage amount of material that will be dispensed from the container 10, for example.

[00065] An additional container base in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated in Figure 17 at reference numeral 110J. The base 110J may be included with the container 10, or any other suitable container including the containers disclosed herein. The base 110J generally includes a center push-up portion 190 at a center of the base 110J. The longitudinal axis 190 extends through an axial center of the central push-up portion 190. A pivot point 192 connects the central push-up portion 190 with an intermediate portion 194, which extends to the standing surface 34. intermediate portion 194 itself may be an upright surface when the base 110J is in the initial relaxed position in which the intermediate portion 194 extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. Being pressed by the user, the base 110J moves to the position of Figure 17 illustrated in shading, wherein the central push-up portion 190 is moved inwardly along the longitudinal axis A and the intermediate portion 194 is not orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A. The volume is displaced by moving the base 110J into position pressed is equal to a dosage amount of material that will be dispensed from container 10, for example. Base 110J may be a PowerstrapTM base, such as any of the bases disclosed in WIPO Publication WO 2013/033550 published March 7, 2013, which is entitled “Lightweight Container Base” and is designated for Amcor Limited of Victoria, Australia . The entire disclosure of WO 2013/033550 is incorporated herein by reference.

[00066] Referring to Figure 18, another base of the container in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated at reference numeral 110K. The base 110K includes outer diaphragm portion 114 extending generally from the standing surface 34 to transition radius 118. From transition radius 118 inner diaphragm portion 116 extends to the longitudinal axis A to isolation radius 224 The interfacial portion 222 extends from the insulation radius 224 to the central push-up portion 220. Longitudinal axis A extends through an axial center of the central push-up portion 222. The external diaphragm portion 114 may extend inwardly from the standing surface 34 to any suitable depth, and may be angled with the longitudinal axis A at any suitable angle to achieve a desired response when the base 110K is pressed, or extended in parallel with the longitudinal axis A. For example, the external diaphragm portion 114 may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis A or may extend to the longitudinal axis A at an angle of up to 45° with respect to a line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, such as about of 15°. With the pressing of the base 110K, the base 110K will flex at the transition radius 118 and the isolation radius 224, the central push-up portion 220 will move along the longitudinal axis A, and the inner diaphragm portion 116 will move inward to move the 110K base from the illustrated relaxed position to a pressed position. The volume displaced by moving the base 110K to the pressed position is equal to a dosage amount of material that will be dispensed from the container 10, for example.

[00067] Another container base 110L in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated in Figure 19. The container base 110L includes diaphragm 112 having the generally planar outer diaphragm portion 240 extending from the standing surface 34. The The outer diaphragm portion 240 extends into the hinge portion 118, which is between the outer diaphragm portion 114 and the inner diaphragm portion 116. The inner diaphragm portion 116 may be slightly arched outwardly, or extended in a generally linear manner across the base portion 110L, such that the internal diaphragm portion 116 extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The internal diaphragm portion 116 may also be slightly arched inwardly. With depression of the internal diaphragm portion 116, the base 110L will move inwardly along the longitudinal axis A to the depressed position illustrated in Figure 19 in shaded. The volume displaced by moving the base 110L to the pressed position is equal to a dosage amount of material that will be dispensed from the container 10, for example.

[00068] Figure 20 illustrates another container in accordance with the present teachings at reference numeral 250. Container 250 may have any suitable capacity, such as 15 ml. The container 250 includes a side wall 252, which extends between a rim portion 254 and standing surface 34 of the container 250. Extending from the rim portion 254 is a finish 256 including threads 258. The side wall 252 generally is rounded and angled outwardly from the longitudinal axis A of the container 250. The side wall 252 generally tapers outwardly such that the side wall 252 is closest to the longitudinal axis A at the edge 254, and furthest from the longitudinal axis A near of the standing surface 34. The container 250 includes a base 110M, which is similar to the base 110A described above. Thus the description of base 110A defined above also applies to base 110M. The angled side wall 252 provides the base 110M with a greater surface area as compared to the base 110A, for example, in which the side wall 32 is not angled outwardly from the longitudinal axis A. Due to the increased surface area 110M, The thickness Tb of the base 110M can be made smaller compared to the thickness Tb of the base 110A, which makes it easier to press the base 110M to move the base 110M from the illustrated initial relaxed position to the pressed position to dispense a desired dosage. . This is particularly important with smaller volume containers as the smaller the base area the more difficult it is to move the base, such as the 110M base, from the initial relaxed position to the pressed position. The increased surface area in the base 110M provides the container 250 with a diameter in the base 110M of 2.66 cm (1.05 inches), for example, as compared to the diameter of the container 10 in the base 110A of about 2.04 cm (0.803 inch), for example. Container 250 may have any of the other bases disclosed herein in place of base 110M.

[00069] Another container in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated in Figure 21 at reference numeral 260. Container 260 is generally similar to container 250, and thus features in common with container 250 are illustrated with similar reference numerals. . Unlike the container 250, the container 260 includes an enlarged base 110N having a foot portion 262. The foot portion 262 allows the surface area of the internal diaphragm portion 116 to be increased, which allows the base 110N to have a thicker Tb which is even thinner than the Tb thickness of the 110M base. As discussed above, reducing the thickness Tb makes it easier to press the 110N base requiring less force. Container 260 may have any suitable capacity, such as 15 ml. Container 260 may have any of the other bases disclosed herein in place of base 110N.

[00070] Figure 22 illustrates the container 260 including another base in accordance with the present teachings at reference numeral 110O. The base 110O is generally the same as the base 110K (Figure 18), but has an increased surface area as the side wall 252 is tapered outward from the longitudinal axis A. The base 110O also includes the foot portion 262. Container 260 may have any of the other bases disclosed herein in place of base 110O.

[00071] Figure 23 illustrates another container in accordance with the present teachings at reference numeral 270. Container 270 may have any suitable capacity, such as 15 ml. Similar to container 250, container 270 includes trim 256, threads 258, lip 254, side wall 252, and base 110M. Unlike the container 250, the side wall 252 does not taper outward from the longitudinal axis A, but instead tapers inwardly at the reference numeral 272. The container 270 also includes the foot portion 262, which allows the 110M base area is increased. The foot portion 262 also increases the stability of the container 270, which may be particularly advantageous in view of the tapered portion 272. The thickness Tb of the base 110M is less than the thickness Tw of the side wall 252 on the tapered portion 272 or any other portion of side wall 252. Although container 270 is illustrated as including container base 110M, container 270 may have any other suitable base including any of the container bases disclosed herein.

[00072] Another container in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated in Figure 24 at reference numeral 280. Container 280 is generally similar to container 10, but is larger. Unlike the container 10, the container 280 includes the opening 20, the finish 22, the threads 24, the neck 26, the body 30 including the side wall 32, and the base 110A. The body 30 and base 110A of the container 280 are larger than the body 30 and base 110A of the container 10. Therefore, the container 280 has a greater capacity than the container 10. For example, the container 280 may have a capacity of 60 ml compared to container 10, which may have a capacity of 15 ml. Although the 60 ml container 280 is illustrated in Figure 24 as having the base 110A, the container 280 may include any of the other bases disclosed herein.

[00073] Figure 25 further illustrates a container in accordance with the present teachings at reference numeral 290. Container 290 includes many of the same features as container 10. Similar features are illustrated with the same reference numerals, and the description of the container 10 applies to container 290 with respect to at least similar functionalities. The side wall 32 of the container 290 includes ribs 292, which are generally annular recesses in the side wall. Any suitable number of ribs 292 may be included, such as three as illustrated. The ribs 292 reinforce the side wall 32, thereby allowing the side wall 32 to be made thinner, which reduces the cost of the container 290. Thus, a ratio of the side wall thickness Tw to the base thickness Tb for the container 290 including ribs 292 is less than the ratio of a container, such as container 10, that does not include ribs 292. Ribs 292 may be included with any of the containers disclosed herein, and container 290 may include any of the bases disclosed here.

[00074] Instead of or in addition to ribs 292, container 290 may include any suitable stiffening functionality to reduce material usage and change wall thickness ratios, for example. Referring to Figure 26, the container 290 may include one or more stiffening bands of increased material thickness, such as internal bands 294. The stiffening bands 294 are unitary with the container 290 and may extend in an annular manner around the interior of the container 290 to reinforce the container 290. The stiffening bands 294 may have any suitable thickness, such as a thickness Tw2 that is greater than the thickness TW1 of the side wall 30 where the stiffening bands 294 are not located. The stiffening bands 294 reinforce the sidewall 32, thereby allowing the sidewall 32 to be made thinner in areas that do not include the stiffening bands 294, which reduces the cost of the container 290. Thus, a ratio of the thickness of side wall Tw to base thickness Tb for container 290 including stiffening bands 294 is less than the ratio of a container, such as container 10, that does not include stiffening bands 294. Any of the containers disclosed herein may include stiffening bands 294 at any suitable location. While container 290 is illustrated as including base 110A, any other base may also be included.

[00075] Figure 27 illustrates the container 260 including the dispensing tip 40 coupled therewith, and shows an exemplary manner for retaining the container 260 to dispense a dosage of any suitable material 310 stored in the container 260. As illustrated, the Container 260 may be held upside down with a single hand near the base 110N of container 260, and the user's index finger 312 (or thumb) may be positioned against the internal diaphragm portion 116. To dispense a dosage of material 310 stored in the container 260, the index finger 312 (or thumb) presses the inner diaphragm portion 116 to move the inner diaphragm portion 116 from the relaxed initial radius to the pressed radius illustrated in shading. The depression of the inner diaphragm portion 116 creates an internal pressure in the container 260, which impels the material 310 within the container 260 to atmospheric pressure through the opening 48 of the tip 40. After the inner diaphragm portion 116 is pressed, the diaphragm portion internal 116 will return to the initial relaxed position so that the internal diaphragm portion 116 can again be pressed to dispense another dosage of material 310. Any of the other containers disclosed herein can be operated in a similar manner.

[00076] Any suitable tip 40 can be used with container 260, or any other suitable container. The viscosity of the 310 material, dose volume, activation, speed, and other factors determine an appropriate tip for diaphragm combination. A valve-type tip can create a controlled closing and opening of the opening 48. After dispensing is complete, the base 110N will return to its initial neutral position, and air can be drawn back through the opening 48. The air can be returned through a filter, such as an antimicrobial filter, or other container device to prevent contamination.

[00077] Any of the containers in accordance with the present teachings can also be used to withdraw or draw liquid out from within an area. For example, with respect to the container 10, the base 110A may be pressed, the tip 40 may be exposed to the liquid, and then the base 110A may be released to allow the base 110A to return to its neutral position. When the base 110A moves to its neutral position, a vacuum is created in the container 10 to safely and easily draw liquid into the container 10.

[00078] Figure 28 illustrates how wall thickness Tw affects the amount of force required to depress a base 110, such as base 110C including recess or depression 130. B1 illustrates the pounds of force required to deflect base 110C having a thickness of 0.025 cm (0.010 inch). B2 illustrates the pounds of force required to deflect base 110C having a thickness of 0.051 (0.020 inch). As illustrated in Figure 28, less force is required to press the thinner base B1 compared to the thicker base B2. The ability to make the bases described herein thinner in accordance with the present teachings is thus advantageous since doing so makes it easier to press the bases into the pressed position to dispense a given dosage of material 310.

[00079] Figure 29 illustrates the amount of force required to press the base 110N (Figure 21) not including the central push-up portion 222, as compared to the base 110O (Figure 22) which includes the push-up portion center 222. Line B3 of Figure 29 represents the amount of force required to press the base 110N having a diameter of 2.66 cm (1.05 inches), and line B4 represents the amount of force required to press the base 110O having a diameter of 2.66 cm (1.05 inches). A comparison of line B3 and B4 makes it clearer that the base 110O including the central push-up portion 222 advantageously provides a more consistent and controlled response to the force applied thereto when the base 110O is pressed.

[00080] Figure 30 illustrates that containers according to the present teachings having straight side walls, such as the straight side wall 32 of Figure 1, have a greater activation force and a lower dispensing before high resistance. More specifically, Figure 30 illustrates a target force T of 44.4 N (10 lbs). B5 represents the container 10 including the base 110A. B6 to B8 represent container 10 including base 110K of Figure 18. B9 represents container 260 including base 110N. B10 represents the container 260 including the base 1100. With respect to the container according to the present teachings depicted in B6, for example, after the base thereof has been pressed into the pressed dispensing position and a predetermined amount of material has been dispensed, the force required to press the base further increases. quickly. This allows the target dispensing amount to be met, and reduces the possibility of over-dispensing through additional depression of the base after the predetermined amount of material has been dispensed.

[00081] The present teachings provide several advantages. For example, with regards to dispensing droplets, droplets can be controlled directly with the container and without the need for a secondary measuring device. For example, droplets of 0.05 ml per drop can be provided. Additionally, droplet dispensing is accomplished by pressing a base 110 of the containers, which is more ergonomic compared to squeezing the sides of the container as is necessary with existing containers.

[00082] With regard to dosage, a relatively large specific amount of liquid can be dispensed accurately, such as about 0.5 ml. Up to about 2.0 ml. Additionally, neither an additional syringe nor a dripper with a bulb is necessary, which is in contrast to the prior art. The present teachings additionally provide design adjustment capability, thus allowing different quantities to be dispensed for different products. Liquid can be dispensed even if activation pressures are low, and base activation with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is made possible, which is in contrast to current devices. Finally, dispensing can be provided through atomization using an atomization tip and pressing the container button.

[00083] The present teachings provide several improvements over current dispensing bottles, including, but not limited to, eye dropper bottles. For example, inverting and squeezing the sides of flowing bottles may result in too much liquid being deposited, and/or it may become difficult to properly deposit the droplet into the eye. If one side of the container collapses more than the other when pressure is applied to the sides of the container by the user's fingers, the drip tip is pulled to the side away from the blinking eye target. While some users may hold the container with a finger on the bottom of the container as a stabilizing influence, this system requires this to be done intuitively.

[00084] Example embodiments are provided so that this description will be complete, and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Various specific details are defined, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that exemplary embodiments may be incorporated in many different ways, and that neither should they be construed to limit the scope of the description. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[00085] The terminology used here is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", "the", and "a" may also be intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of declared functionalities, members, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other functionalities, members, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The steps, processes, and operations of the method described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[00086] When an element or layer is referred to as being "attached to," "engaged to," "connected with," or "coupled with" another element or layer, it may be directly attached to, engaged with, connected to, or coupled with the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly attached," "directly engaged with," "directly connected with," or "directly coupled with" another element or layer, there may be no intervening element or layer present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar way (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[00087] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections shall not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below may be called a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[00088] Spatially relative terms, such as "internal," "external," "below," "below," "inferior," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or functionality relationship to another element or functionality as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned, elements described as "below" or "below" other elements or features may then be oriented "above" other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an above and a below orientation. The device may be oriented otherwise (rotated by 90 degrees or in other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used here interpreted appropriately.

[00089] The following description of embodiments has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the description. Individual elements or functionalities of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and may be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same can also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be considered a departure from the description, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the description.

Claims (8)

1. Controlled release container (10) comprising: a base (110D) including a flexible diaphragm (112), the flexible diaphragm (112) including an outer diaphragm portion (114) surrounding an inner diaphragm portion (116), the outer diaphragm portion (114) extends from an upright surface (34) of the container (10) to a transitional radius (118) between the outer diaphragm portion (114) and the inner diaphragm portion (116), a longitudinal axis (A) of the container (10) extends through a center of the internal diaphragm portion (116); wherein, when moved into the pressed concave shape, the flexible diaphragm (112) reduces an internal volume of the container (10) to dispense a dosage amount of material stored within the container (10), the dosage amount corresponding to a volume internal container (10) displaced when pressing the flexible diaphragm (112); characterized by the fact that: the internal diaphragm portion (116) includes a button portion (140) proximate a first portion (118A) of the transition radius (118), and a pivot portion (142) proximate a second portion (118B) of the transition radius (118), the first portion (118A) has a smaller radius of curvature than the second portion (118B); the button portion (140) is displaced from the longitudinal axis (A) and is between the longitudinal axis (A) and the first portion (118A) of the transition radius (118), the pivot portion (142) is between the longitudinal axis (A) and the second portion (118B) of the transition radius (118); the pivot portion (142) is linear and the button portion (140) has a relaxed convex radius when in a relaxed home position, being pressed by a user the button portion (140) is configured to move from the relaxed convex radius to a pressed concave shape as observed from the outside of the base (110D); wherein the button portion (140) includes a thickness (Tb) that is thinner than a thickness (Th) of the hinge portion (142), the container (10) includes a side wall (32) having a thickness ( Tw) which is greater than the thickness (Tb) and thickness (Th), and the thickness (Th) is greater than the thickness (Tb) and thinner than the thickness (Tw); wherein the container (10) is of unitary construction; and wherein the container (10) is formed by blow molding. 2. Controlled release container according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the flexible diaphragm (112) is biased to return to the relaxed position after being moved to the pressed position. 3. Controlled release container according to claim 1, characterized in that the container (10) is selected from the group consisting of a dosage container, dropper, chemical dispenser, pharmaceutical dispenser, and pharmaceutical dispenser. foods. 4. Controlled release container according to claim 1, characterized in that the side wall (32) of the container (10) is at least 1.2 times thicker than the flexible diaphragm (112). 5. Controlled release container according to claim 1, characterized in that the container (10) includes at least one made of polyethylene terephthalate or polypropylene. 6. Controlled release container according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the flexible diaphragm (112) is configured to be moved from the relaxed position to the pressed position with a single finger or single thumb. 7. The controlled release container of claim 1, wherein a dispensing tip (40) and the flexible diaphragm (112) are configured to repeatedly dispense a predetermined fixed dosage each time the flexible diaphragm (112 ) is moved from the relaxed position to the pressed position. 8. The controlled release container of claim 1, wherein the diaphragm (112) is configured to invert from a convex position to a concave position under external force to create a pressure in the container (10 ) to dispense the material stored in the container (10) through the dispensing tip (40).