WO2013171706A2

WO2013171706A2 - Liquid dispensing device for delivering accurate dose

Info

Publication number: WO2013171706A2
Application number: PCT/IB2013/054000
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rajesh Mishra; Vikrant MESTA; Shripad Jathar
Original assignee: Abbott Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.
Priority date: 2012-05-16
Filing date: 2013-05-16
Publication date: 2013-11-21
Also published as: BR112014028411A2; CL2014003097A1; MX2014013771A; WO2013171706A3; CO7141446A2

Abstract

The present invention provides an integrated liquid dispensing device for delivering accurate and/or measured and/or metered and/or pre-determined dose of oral liquids comprising a container for holding liquid medicine and a dispensing device fitted on the opening of the container. The dispensing device is characterized by use of a shut off valve mechanism or a twist lock mechanism or a spring valve mechanism for dispensing the liquid.

Description

LIQUID DISPENSING DEVICE FOR DELIVERING ACCURATE DOSE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates to a liquid dispensing device for delivering accurate dose of liquid medications and more particularly to a liquid dispensing device for delivering accurate dose of oral liquid medicines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

It is well known in the art that many pharmaceuticals and drugs are provided in liquid form for ease of oral administration to patients such as infants, elderly patients and those patients who have problems in swallowing solid dosage forms. The most commonly available oral liquids are supplied in container such as a bottle along with a dispensing aid such as measuring cup, spoon, oral syringe, dropper etc. While using these types of bottle and dispensing aids patient face several problems as mentioned below:

• Every time for administering the dose the patient has to remove open the container by removing the cap or stopper and dispense the dose from the container into dispensing aid and wash the dispensing aid and return back to the container.

• As majority of the oral liquid medicines are sugar based, the washing of the measuring aid becomes critical, failing to wash may lead to hardening of deposits of the leftovers and contamination.

• In certain dispensing aids such as measuring cup or spoon, the accuracy of dosing is compromised leading to under or over dosing.

• In the cups many times if the solution is viscous then the completeness of dosing may not happen.

• Dispensing aid needs to be maintained till finishing of the liquid medicine from the container and hence it is essential to store it properly which is tedious job.

• The cost of the bottle and dispensing aid may increase the cost of dosage form due to its multi component nature of the packing material required.

Thus, there is a need to provide a liquid dispensing device for delivering accurate dose of liquid medications. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

Accordingly, the present invention provides a device for enabling dispensing of metered quantity of contents of a container, said device comprising:

a piston cap configured for fitment to an opening of the container; said piston cap defining an opening for allowing the contents of the container to be withdrawn; a dispense cap surrounding the piston cap and configured to define during operation a space between the piston cap and the dispensing cap for accommodating the contents of the container thus withdrawn;

a guiding mechanism for guiding the user to withdraw metered quantity of the contents in the space;

a flow control mechanism cooperating with the piston cap and the dispense cap for restricting movement of the contents to withdrawing from the container and enabling withdrawing of the contents from the container upon operation by the user; and

an opening in the dispensing cap for dispensing the contents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure No. 1 A is an exploded view of integrated liquid dispensing device having shut off valve mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure No. IB is a cross-sectional exploded view of the integrated liquid dispensing device of Figure 1 A taken along a vertical section;

Figure No. 2 is cross-sectional view of integrated liquid dispensing device of Figure 1A in a closed state;

Figure No. 3 A is a perspective cross-sectional view showing function of integrated liquid dispensing of Figure 1A in open state in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure No. 3B is a perspective cross-sectional view showing function of integrated liquid dispensing of Figure 1 A in a closed state in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure No. 4 A is an exploded view of an integrated liquid dispensing device having twist lock mechanism in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure No. 4B is a cross-sectional exploded view of the integrated liquid dispensing device of Figure 4 A taken along a vertical section;

Figure No. 5 is cross-sectional view of integrated liquid dispensing device of Figure 4A in a closed state;

Figure No. 6 A is a sectional top view of components of integrated liquid dispensing device having twist lock mechanism showing the holes in the piston cap in an open state; Figure No. 6B is a sectional top view of components of integrated liquid dispensing device having twist lock mechanism in a closed state wherein the holes are blocked;

Figure No. 7 is a partial perspective view showing the outlet and graduation marks on dispense cap of integrated liquid dispensing device of Figure 4A;

Figure No. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing functioning of integrated liquid dispensing device having twist lock mechanism in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure No. 9 A is an exploded view of integrated liquid dispensing device having spring valve mechanism in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure No. 9B is a cross-sectional exploded view of the integrated liquid dispensing device of Figure 9A taken along a vertical section;

Figure No. 10 is cross-sectional view of integrated liquid dispensing device of Figure 9 A in a closed state;

Figure No. 11A is an exploded view of an integrated liquid dispensing device of Figure 9 A in open state in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure No. 1 IB is a perspective cross-sectional view showing function of integrated liquid dispensing of Figure 9A in a closed state in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure No. 12A is an exploded view of an integrated liquid dispensing device having twist lock mechanism in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure No. 12B is a cross-sectional exploded view of the integrated liquid dispensing device of Figure 12A taken along a vertical section;

Figure No. 13 is cross-sectional view of integrated liquid dispensing device of Figure 12A in a closed state;

Figure No. 14A is a sectional view of components of integrated liquid dispensing device having twist lock mechanism showing the holes in the piston cap in an open state;

Figure No. 14B is a sectional top view of components of integrated liquid dispensing device having twist lock mechanism in a closed state wherein the holes are blocked;

Figure No. 15A to 15E show manner of operating the integrated liquid dispensing device (any of Figures 1 to 14) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

It may be noted that, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, the one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The parts of the device have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein. The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a device for enabling dispensing of metered quantity of contents of a container (91), said device comprising:

a piston cap (14) configured for fitment to an opening (15) of the container (91); said piston cap defining an opening for allowing the contents of the container to be withdrawn; a dispense cap (11) surrounding the piston cap (14) and configured to define during operation a space between the piston cap (14) and the dispensing cap (11) for accommodating the contents of the container thus withdrawn;

a guiding mechanism for guiding the user to withdraw metered quantity of the contents in the space; a flow control mechanism cooperating with the piston cap (14) and the dispense cap

(11) for restricting movement of the contents to withdrawing from the container and enabling withdrawing of the contents from the container upon operation by the user; and

an opening in the dispensing cap (11) for dispensing the contents. In an embodiment, the dispensing cap (11) is provided with a detachable tip cap (10).

In another embodiment, the tip cap (10) and the dispensing cap (11) are adapted to exhibit motion with respect to the piston cap (14) in an attached state. In yet another embodiment, the flow control mechanism comprises:

a valve (12) positioned in an abutting relation with the opening defined by the piston cap (14); and

a valve rod (31) co-operating with the valve (12). In still another embodiment, the valve rod (31) cooperates with the dispensing cap (11) and the tip cap (10) such that an outward drawing of the tip cap results in a corresponding outward drawing of the valve rod (31) with respect to the opening.

In a further embodiment, the valve rod (31) is releasably attached to the tip cap (10) and movably attached to the dispensing cap (11), such that releasing of the tip cap (10) with respect to the dispensing cap (11) results in an inward pushing of the valve rod (31) with respect to the opening.

In a furthermore embodiment, wherein at an attachment location between the valve rod (31) and the dispensing cap (11), a resilient means (13) is provided for inward pushing of the valve rod (31).

In another embodiment, the outward drawing of the valve rod (31) results in an outward drawing of the valve (12) with respect to the opening defined in the piston cap (14) thereby defining a content flow path.

In yet another embodiment, an inward pushing of the valve rod (31) results in an inward pushing of the valve (12) with respect to the opening defined in the piston cap (14) thereby closing the content flow path. In still another embodiment, the opening defined in the piston cap (14) and the valve (12) are provided with restricting means for restricting a size of the content flow path.

In a further embodiment, the flow control mechanism comprises:

a valve (12) positioned in an abutting relation with the opening defined by the piston cap (14), said valve defining an opening; and

a valve rod (31) co-operating with the valve (12) to align the opening of the valve with the opening of the piston cap (14).

In a furthermore embodiment, wherein a to-and-fro motion between the valve (12) and the valve rod (31) is permitted while a rotation motion there-between is prohibited.

In another embodiment, wherein a to-and-fro motion between the valve (12) and the opening in the piston cap (14) is prohibited while a rotation motion there between is restricted to a predetermined angle.

In yet another embodiment, a restricting means is provided in the piston cap (14) for restricting rotation motion between the valve (12) and the opening in the piston cap (14) to the predetermined angle. In still another embodiment, the valve rod (31) is rotatably attached to the tip cap (14), such that:

rotating the tip cap (10) to the predetermined angle results in rotation of the valve rod (31) with respect to the dispensing cap (11) and the opening provided in the piston cap (14);

rotating the tip cap (10) in the first direction beyond the predetermined angle enables detachment of the valve rod (31) from the tip cap (14); and

rotating the tip cap in a second direction enables engagement of the valve rod (31) to the tip cap (14).

In a further embodiment, rotating the tip cap (10) with the valve rod (31) attached thereto to predetermined angle results in rotation of the valve (12) with respect to the opening in the piston cap (14) there defining or closing a content flow path.

In a furthermore embodiment, the predetermined angle is in the range of 30 to 60 degrees and preferably about 45 degree. In another embodiment, the flow control mechanism comprises:

a resilient member (61) co-operating with the valve (12). In yet another embodiment, the dispensing cap (11) and the tip cap (10) are configured for outward drawing, such that the outward drawing creates a reduced pressure in the space between the piston cap (14) and the dispensing cap (11) resulting in an outward drawing of the valve (12) with respect to the opening defined in the piston cap (14) thereby defining a content flow path.

In still another embodiment, the resilient member (61) is accommodated in an internal volume defined by the piston cap (14) and is attached to a lower end of the valve (12) to apply an inward pulling force on the valve (12) with respect to the opening defined in the piston cap (14) thereby closing the content flow path.

In order that those skilled in the art may better understand how the invention may be practiced, the following example is given by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

Example 1:

Referring to Figures 1A, IB, 2, 3A and 3B, in accordance with the first example, the present invention provides an integrated liquid dispensing device for delivering accurate and/or measured and/or metered and/or pre-determined dose of oral liquids comprising a container for holding liquid medicine and a dispensing device fitted on the opening of the container wherein the device uses shut off valve mechanism for dispensing the liquid.

Referring to Figures 1A, and IB, it can be observed that the integrated liquid dispensing device for delivering accurate and/or measured and/or metered and/or pre-determined dose of oral liquids having shut off valve mechanism comprises a piston cap (14) which is snap fitted on to an opening (15) of the bottle (91) wherein an inbuilt plug (not shown) of piston cap (14) gives sealing effect with neck of the opening of the bottle (15). The piston cap (14) functions as fixed part and does not move. A dispense cap (11) is provided so as to surround the piston cap (14). Referring to Figure 2, a gasket for piston cap (13) is provided within a groove in the piston cap (14) so as to provide a tight fitment of the piston cap (14) and the dispensing cap (11). A valve (12) is fitted on the hole of piston cap (14) and a valve rod (31) that co-operates with the valve (12) is snap fitted with the dispense cap (11). The dispense cap (11) is further provided with a tip cap (10) and a vad for tip cap (21) is inserted in tip cap (10). The tip cap is further fastened to the valve rod (31). A gasket for valve rod (51) is sandwiched between valve rod (31) and dispense cap (11). Referring specifically to figure 3 A, the dispense cap (11) is configured to define during operation a space between the piston cap (14) and the dispensing cap (11) for accommodating the contents of the container thus withdrawn. Referring to figures 3 A and 3B, the valve rod (31) co-operates with the valve (12) so as to displace the same vertically by a small distance, preferably by about 0.5 mm. The displacement of the valve (12) creates a fluid flow path. As illustrated in Figure 1A, the dispensing cap is provided with a graduation mark to act as a guiding mechanism for guiding the user to withdraw metered quantity of the contents in the space.

Referring to Figure 15 taken along with Figures 3 A and 3B, the functioning of integrated liquid dispensing device with shut off valve mechanism is described in detail. The whole assembly as shown in Figure 15A is inverted upside and down and as shown in Figure 15B, the tip cap (10) is pulled. Referring to Figure 3 A, when the tip cap (10) is pulled it also pulls valve rod (31). As the valve rod (31) is engaged with dispense cap (11) it also moves with tip cap (10). Further when valve rod (31) gets pulled it also pulls valve (12) but moves only about 0.5 mm as undercut of valve (12) touches piston cap (14) (as specifically illustrated in Figure 3B). In this process it creates a fluid flow path between valve (12) and angular wall of piston cap (14). Further when the dispense cap (11) moves downward it creates friction with gasket for piston cap (13) thus it creates vacuum at the space created between the dispense cap (11) and valve rod (31). Because of the presence of the fluid flow path as well as the vacuum, the liquid flows through holes provided on angular wall of piston cap (14) from the bottle (15) to the space created between piston cap (14) & the dispensing cap (11). The tip cap (10) is maintained in this state till liquid fills up to required dose marked on transparent dispense cap (11). When required dose is obtained, as shown in Figure 15C, revert the bottle up and remove the tip cap (10) by unscrewing. With the reverting of the bottle, the flow of the liquid from the bottle to the space gets stopped and at the same time, due to presence of vacuum, the fluid does not easily flow back from the space to the bottle. In addition, while unscrewing the tip cap (10) the gasket for valve rod (51) which is sandwiched between dispense cap (11) and valve rod (31) starts expanding slowly; this expanding and thread movement both pushes the valve rod (31) down along with which valve (12) also moves down and matches with angular wall of piston cap (14) and blocks the holes provided on angular wall of piston cap (14) which completely ensures that liquid does not flow back in to the bottle (15). As illustrated in Figure 15D, after removing the tip cap (10) invert the bottle upside and down and press the dispense cap (11) back, the liquid will be dispensed from outlet of valve rod (31). The liquid can be directly dispensed into the mouth. Lastly, as shown in Figure 15E, revert the bottle to the upright state and replace the tip cap (10) and store. Example 2:

Referring to Figures 4A, 4B, 5, 6A, 6B, 7 and 8 in accordance with the second example, the present invention provides an integrated liquid dispensing device for delivering accurate and/or measured and/or metered and/or pre-determined dose of oral liquids comprising a container for holding liquid medicine and a dispensing device fitted on the opening of the container wherein the device uses twist lock mechanism for dispensing the liquid.

Referring to Figures 4A, and 4B, it can be observed that the integrated liquid dispensing device for delivering accurate and/or measured and/or metered and/or pre-determined dose of oral liquids having twist lock mechanism comprises a piston cap (14) which is snap fitted on to an opening (15) of the bottle (91) wherein an inbuilt plug (not shown) of piston cap (14) gives sealing effect with neck of the opening of the bottle (15). The piston cap (14) functions as fixed part and does not move. A dispense cap (11) is provided so as to surround the piston cap (14). Referring to Figure 5, a gasket for piston cap (13) is provided within a groove in the piston cap (14) so as to provide a tight fitment of the piston cap (14) and the dispensing cap (11). The dispense cap (11) is configured to define during operation a space between the piston cap (14) and the dispensing cap (11) for accommodating the contents of the container thus withdrawn. As illustrated in Figure 7, the dispensing cap is provided with an outlet for dispensing the liquid to the user and also provided with a graduation mark to acts as a guiding mechanism for guiding the user to withdraw metered quantity of the contents in the space.

Referring to Figure 5, a valve (12) is fitted on the hole of piston cap (14) wherein the valve (12) does not move vertically or horizontally but will rotate. A valve rod (31) that co-operates with the valve (12) is snap fitted with the dispense cap (11). The valve rod (31) co-operates with the valve (12) so as to rotate the same, preferably by about 45 degree. The displacement of the valve (12) creates a fluid flow path. A vad for dispense cap (71) is placed on the valve rod (31) and vad for dispense cap (71) is sandwiched between valve rod (31) and dispense cap (11). The dispense cap (11) is further provided with a tip cap (10). The tip cap preferably fastens with the valve rod (31). As illustrated in figures 6A and 6B, the piston cap (14) is provided with at least one opening which is closed by the valve (12) and the valve is provided with projecting areas, which engages with stoppers provided in the piston cap for restricting rotational movement.

Referring to Figure 15 taken along with Figures 6 A, 6B and 8, the functioning of integrated liquid dispensing device with twist lock mechanism is described in detail. The whole assembly as shown in Figure 15A is inverted upside and down and as shown in Figure 15B, the tip cap (10) is pulled. Referring to Figure 5, since the tip cap is fastened to valve rod (31) when the tip cap (10) is pulled it also pulls valve rod (31) and as the valve rod (31) is engaged with dispense cap (11) it also travels with tip cap (10). When the dispense cap (11) moves it creates friction between dispense cap (11) and gasket for piston cap (14). Thus this movement creates vacuum at the space created between dispense cap (11) and piston cap (14). The vacuum sucks the liquid from the bottle (15) through holes of piston cap (14) and fills in the space created between piston cap (14) and dispense cap (11). The tip cap (10) is maintained in this state (or if required pulled) till liquid fills up to required dose marked on transparent dispense cap (11). When required dose is obtained, as shown in Figure 15C, revert the bottle up and remove the tip cap (10) by unscrewing.

With the reverting of the bottle, the flow of the liquid from the bottle to the space gets stopped and at the same time, due to presence of vacuum, the fluid does not easily flow back from the space to the bottle. Now, start rotating the tip cap (10) in anti-clock direction as illustrated in Figure 15C. With the rotation of the tip cap, the valve rod (31) also rotates. Since the slots of valve rod (31) are engaged with the ribs of valve (12), with the rotation of the tip cap, the valve (12) also rotates. With the rotation of the valve (12), the valve (12) blocks the opening defined in the piston cap and further acts as a mechanism for stopping the fluid from re-entering into the bottle or in other words, the liquid does not flow back into the bottle (91). After rotating for about 45 degree, the projection of valve (12) will be obstructed by the stopper of piston cap (14) as illustrated in Figure 6B and thus ensures that valve (12) and valve rod (31) does not rotate further. Further rotation of tip cap (10) in anti-clock direction unscrews the tip cap (10) from the valve rod (31), thereby allowing the opening in the dispensing cap to be exposed. The tip cap (10) is now removed completely, and as illustrated in Figure 15D, the entire assembly is inverted and held close to mouth. Thereafter, the dispense cap (11) is pressed back to dispense the liquid from the outlet of dispense cap directly into the mouth. This step ensures 100% dispensing of the measured dose. As the holes present on piston cap (14) are closed by valve (12), during the step of dispensing of the liquid into the mouth, additional fluid is not withdrawn from the bottle. Further, as illustrated in Figure 15E, replace the tip cap (10) on valve rod (31) and rotate in clockwise direction. During the initial stage, rotation of the tip cap in clock wise direction results in rotation of the valve. More particularly, the valve is rotated by 45° in clockwise direction and opens the holes present on the piston cap (14). After 45° of rotation, projection of valve (12) is obstructed by stopper of piston cap (14). Any further rotation of the tip cap assists in tightening the tip cap with the dispensing cap and the valve rod. This completes the entire cycle and thereafter, the bottle can be safely stored for use next time. Example 3:

Referring to Figures 9A, 9B, 10, 11A and 11B, the present invention provides an integrated liquid dispensing device for delivering accurate and/or measured and/or metered and/or predetermined dose of oral liquids comprising a container for holding liquid medicine and a dispensing device fitted on the opening of the container wherein the device uses spring valve mechanism for dispensing the liquid in accordance with a third example.

Referring to Figures 9A, and 9B, it can be observed that the integrated liquid dispensing device for delivering accurate and/or measured and/or metered and/or pre-determined dose of oral liquids having spring valve mechanism comprises a piston cap (14) which is snap fitted on to an opening (15) of the bottle (91) wherein an inbuilt plug (not shown) of piston cap (14) gives sealing effect with neck of the opening of the bottle (15). The piston cap (14) functions as fixed part and does not move. A dispense cap (11) is provided so as to surround the piston cap (14). Referring to Figure 10, a gasket for piston cap (13) is provided within a groove in the piston cap (14) so as to provide a tight fitment of the piston cap (14) and the dispensing cap (11). The dispense cap (11) is configured to define during operation a space between the piston cap (14) and the dispensing cap (11) for accommodating the contents of the container thus withdrawn. As illustrated in Figure 9A, the dispensing cap is provided with an outlet for dispensing the liquid to the user and also provided with a graduation mark to act as a guiding mechanism for guiding the user to withdraw metered quantity of the contents in the space.

Referring to Figure 10, a valve (12) is fitted on the hole of piston cap (14) and is connected to a resilient member (spring (61)). The resilient member is held within an inner aperture of the piston cap (14) and can exhibit an expansion or a compression action. The dispense cap (11) is further provided with a tip cap (10). The tip cap is fastened to the dispensing cap. Referring specifically to figure 11 A, the dispense cap (11) is configured to define during operation a space between the piston cap (14) and the dispensing cap (11) for accommodating the contents of the container thus withdrawn. Referring to figures 11A and 11B, the resilient member (61) co-operates with the valve (12) so as to displace the same vertically by a small distance, preferably by about 0.5 mm. The displacement of the valve (12) creates a fluid flow path. As illustrated in Figure 9A, the dispensing cap is provided with a graduation mark to acts as a guiding mechanism for guiding the user to withdraw metered quantity of the contents in the space.

Referring to Figure 15 taken along with 9A, 9B, 10, 11A and 11B, the functioning of integrated liquid dispensing device with spring valve mechanism is described in detail. The whole assembly as shown in Figure 15 A is inverted upside and down and as shown in Figure 15B, the tip cap (10) is pulled. Referring to Figure 10, since the tip cap is dispensing cap, when the tip cap (10) is pulled it also pulls dispense cap (11). When the dispense cap (11) moves it creates friction between dispense cap (11) and gasket for piston cap (14). Thus this movement creates vacuum at the space created between dispense cap (11) and piston cap (14). Because of the vacuum, the valve (12) moves marginally, by about 0.5 mm (as specifically illustrated in Figure 11 A). In this process it creates a fluid flow path between valve (12) and angular wall of piston cap (14). In the inverted state, the vacuum sucks the liquid from the bottle (91) through holes of piston cap (14) and fills in the space created between piston cap (14) and dispense cap (11). The tip cap (10) is maintained in this state (or if required pulled) till liquid fills up to required dose marked on transparent dispense cap (11). When required dose is obtained, the tip cap is released and because of the action of the resilient member, the valve moves back and matches with angular wall of piston cap (14) and closes the gap and thus prevents liquid to flow back to the bottle (15). As shown in Figure 15C, revert the bottle up and remove the tip cap (10) by unscrewing.

As illustrated in Figure 15D, after removing the tip cap (10) invert the bottle upside and down and press the dispense cap (11) back, the liquid will be dispensed from outlet of valve rod (31). The liquid can be directly dispensed into the mouth. Lastly, as shown in Figure 15E, revert the bottle to the upright state and replace the tip cap (10) and store.

Example 4: Referring to Figures 12A, 12B, 13, 14A and 14B, the present invention provides an integrated liquid dispensing device for delivering accurate and/or measured and/or metered and/or predetermined dose of oral liquids comprising a container for holding liquid medicine and a dispensing device fitted on the opening of the container wherein the device uses twist lock mechanism for dispensing the liquid in accordance with a forth example.

Referring to Figures 12 A, and 12B, it can be observed that the integrated liquid dispensing device for delivering accurate and/or measured and/or metered and/or pre-determined dose of oral liquids having twist lock mechanism comprises a piston cap (14) which is snap fitted on to an opening (15) of the bottle (91) wherein an inbuilt plug (not shown) of piston cap (14) gives sealing effect with neck of the opening of the bottle (15). The piston cap (14) functions as fixed part and does not move. A dispense cap (11) is provided so as to surround the piston cap (14). Referring to Figure 13, a gasket for piston cap (13) is provided within a groove in the piston cap (14) so as to provide a tight fitment of the piston cap (14) and the dispensing cap (11). The dispense cap (11) is configured to define during operation a space between the piston cap (14) and the dispensing cap (11) for accommodating the contents of the container thus withdrawn. As illustrated in Figure 14A and 14B, the dispensing cap is provided with an outlet for dispensing the liquid to the user and as illustrated in Figure 12A is also provided with a graduation mark to acts as a guiding mechanism for guiding the user to withdraw metered quantity of the contents in the space.

Referring to Figure 13, a valve (12) is fitted on the hole of piston cap (14) wherein the valve (12) does not move vertically or horizontally but will rotate. A valve rod (31) that co-operates with the valve (12) is snap fitted with the dispense cap (11). The valve rod (31) co-operates with the valve (12) so as to rotate the same, preferably by about 45 degree. The displacement of the valve (12) closes a fluid flow path. The dispense cap (11) is further provided with a tip cap (10). The tip cap preferably fastens with the valve rod (31). As illustrated in figures 14A and 14B, the piston cap (14) is provided with at least one opening and the valve (12) is provided with an opening which are in aligned to define a fluid flow path between the container and the space created between the piston cap and the dispensing cap. By rotation of the tip cap, which results in rotation of the valve rod, the openings in the valve and the piston cap are misaligned, thereby closing the fluid flow path.

Referring to Figure 15 taken along with Figures 12A, 12B, 13, 14A and 14B, the functioning of integrated liquid dispensing device with twist lock mechanism is described in detail. The whole assembly as shown in Figure 15A is inverted upside and down and the dispensing cap (11) is pulled. When the dispense cap (11) moves it creates friction between dispense cap (11) and gasket for piston cap (14). Thus this movement creates vacuum at the space created between dispense cap (11) and piston cap (14). In an inverted state, the vacuum sucks the liquid from the bottle (15) through holes of piston cap (14) and fills in the space created between piston cap (14) and dispense cap (11). The tip cap (10) is maintained in this state (or if required pulled) till liquid fills up to required dose marked on transparent dispense cap (11). When required dose is obtained, as shown in Figure 15C, revert the bottle up and remove the tip cap (10) by unscrewing. With the reverting of the bottle, the flow of the liquid from the bottle to the space gets stopped and at the same time, the fluid does not easily flow back from the space to the bottle. Now, start rotating the tip cap (10) in anti-clock direction as illustrated in Figure 15C. With the rotation of the tip cap, the valve rod (31) also rotates. Since the valve rod (31) is engaged with the valve (12), with the rotation of the tip cap, the valve (12) also rotates. With the rotation of the valve (12), the opening in the valve gets misaligned with the opening in the piston cap, thereby blocking the fluid flow path. The tip cap (10) is now removed (in the upright state) completely, and as illustrated in Figure 15D, the entire assembly is inverted and held close to mouth. Thereafter, the dispense cap (11) is pressed back to dispense the liquid from the outlet of dispense cap directly into the mouth. This step ensures 100% dispensing of the measured dose. As the hole present on piston cap (14) is misaligned with respect to the hole in the valve (12), during the step of dispensing of the liquid into the mouth, additional fluid is not withdrawn from the bottle. Further, as illustrated in Figure 15E, replace the tip cap (10) on valve rod (31) and rotate in clockwise direction. This completes the entire cycle and thereafter, the bottle can be safely stored for use next time.

Referring to the constructions in examples 2 and 4, in both of the aforesaid constructions, the flow control mechanism comprises a valve (12) positioned in an abutting relation with the opening defined by the piston cap (14), said valve defining an opening; and a valve rod (31) co-operating with the valve (12) to align the opening of the valve with the opening of the piston cap (14). In these examples, a to-and-fro motion between the valve (12) and the valve rod (31) is permitted while a rotation motion there-between is prohibited and at the same time, a to-and-fro motion between the valve (12) and the opening in the piston cap (14) is prohibited while a rotation motion there between is restricted to a predetermined angle. While in the construction defined in example 2, a restricting means in the form of stopper in the piston cap (14) and projection in the valve is provided for restricting rotation motion between the valve (12) and the opening in the piston cap (14) to the predetermined angle, the same need not be provided in the example 4.

In both examples 2 and 4, the valve rod (31) is rotatably attached to the tip cap (14), such that:

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and described above. It should be understood, however that embodiments described above are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

A device for enabling dispensing of metered quantity of contents of a container, said device comprising:

a piston cap (14) configured for fitment to an opening of the container (15); said piston cap defining an opening for allowing the contents of the container to be withdrawn;

a dispense cap (11) surrounding the piston cap (14) and configured to define during operation a space between the piston cap (14) and the dispensing cap (11) for accommodating the contents of the container thus withdrawn;

a flow control mechanism cooperating with the piston cap (14) and the dispense cap (11) for restricting movement of the contents to withdrawing from the container and enabling withdrawing of the contents from the container upon operation by the user; and

an opening in the dispensing cap (11) for dispensing the contents.

The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dispensing cap (11) is provided with a detachable tip cap (10).

The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tip cap (10) and the dispensing cap (11) are adapted to exhibit motion with respect to the piston cap (14) in an attached state.

The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow control mechanism comprises: a valve (12) positioned in an abutting relation with the opening defined by the piston cap (14); and

a valve rod (31) co-operating with the valve (12).

The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the valve rod (31) cooperates with the dispensing cap (11) and the tip cap (10) such that an outward drawing of the tip cap results in a corresponding outward drawing of the valve rod (31) with respect to the opening.

6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the valve rod (31) is releasably attached to the tip cap (10) and movably attached to the dispensing cap (11), such that releasing of the tip cap (10) with respect to the dispensing cap (11) results in an inward pushing of the valve rod (31) with respect to the opening.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein at an attachment location between the valve rod (31) and the dispensing cap (11), a resilient means (13) is provided for inward pushing of the valve rod (31).

8. The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the outward drawing of the valve rod (31) results in an outward drawing of the valve (12) with respect to the opening defined in the piston cap (14) thereby defining a content flow path.

9. The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein inward pushing of the valve rod (31) results in an inward pushing of the valve (12) with respect to the opening defined in the piston cap (14) thereby closing the content flow path.

10. The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening defined in the piston cap (14) and the valve (12) are provided with restricting means for restricting a size of the content flow path.

11. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the flow control mechanism comprises:

12. The device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 or 11, wherein a to-and-fro motion between the valve (12) and the valve rod (31) is permitted while a rotation motion there-between is prohibited.

13. The device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 or 11 and 12, wherein a to-and-fro motion between the valve (12) and the opening in the piston cap (14) is prohibited while a rotation motion there between is restricted to a predetermined angle.

14. The device as claimed in claim 13, wherein a restricting means is provided in the piston cap (14) for restricting rotation motion between the valve (12) and the opening in the piston cap (14) to the predetermined angle.

15. The device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 or 11 to 13, wherein the valve rod (31) is rotatably attached to the tip cap (14), such that:

16. The device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 or 11 to 13, wherein rotating the tip cap (10) with the valve rod (31) attached thereto to predetermined angle results in rotation of the valve (12) with respect to the opening in the piston cap (14) there defining or closing a content flow path.

17. The device as claimed in any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the predetermined angle is in the range of 30 to 60 degrees and preferably about 45 degree.

18. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow control mechanism comprises:

a resilient member (61) co-operating with the valve (12).

19. The device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 or 18, wherein the dispensing cap (11) and the tip cap (10) are configured for outward drawing, such that the outward drawing creates a reduced pressure in the space between the piston cap (14) and the dispensing cap (11) resulting in an outward drawing of the valve (12) with respect to the opening defined in the piston cap (14) thereby defining a content flow path.

20. The device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the resilient member (61) is accommodated in an internal volume defined by the piston cap (14) and is attached to a lower end of the valve (12) to apply an inward pulling force on the valve (12) with respect to the opening defined in the piston cap (14) thereby closing the content flow path.