SLIDING CAP AND TUBE
A device and method for dispensing, including: a base member having a dispenser opening and at least one track opening and a dispenser opening, wherein: the at least one track opening includes at least one track, and the dispenser opening is adjacent to the at least one track opening and at least one track and is operable to allow a flow of a fluid composition; and a sliding member including a blade with at least one track member, wherein: the at least one track member is operable to secure the sliding member with the at least one track of the base member, and the at least one track member is operable to allow the sliding member to travel along the at least one track and the blade to cover or uncover the dispenser opening.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/975,719, entitled “Slide It”, filed Apr. 4, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUNDContainers such as a tube of toothpaste, cream, gel, lotion, ointment, or other substance often include a re-sealable screw-cap or flip-top lid. Generally, re-sealable screw-cap and flip-top lids require both hands for opening and/or closing the container. Having the requisite manual dexterity for effectively handling these types of lids can be challenging for children, the elderly, anyone who is multi-tasking, or anyone who has only one hand available at a time. People (nurses, mothers, etc.) may also find it difficult to handle conventional caps when concurrently handling other things. In addition, with lost screw-caps or unlocked flip-top lids, the substance may inadvertently escape from the container, which is both wasteful and messy.
SUMMARYIn general, in one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for dispensing, including: a base member having a dispenser opening and at least one track opening, wherein the at least one track opening includes at least one track, and the dispenser opening is adjacent to the at least one track opening and at least one track, and is operable to allow a flow of a fluid composition; and a sliding member including a blade with at least one track member, wherein the at least one track member is operable to secure the sliding member with the at least one track of the base member, and the at least one track member is operable to allow the sliding member to travel along the at least one track and the blade to cover or uncover the dispenser opening.
In general, in one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for dispensing, including a base member having a dispenser opening and a track, wherein the dispenser opening is adjacent to the track and is operable to allow a flow of a fluid composition; and a sliding member including a blade and a track member, wherein the track member is operable to secure the sliding member with the track of the base member, and the track member is operable to allow the sliding member to travel along the track and the blade to cover or uncover the dispenser opening.
In general, in one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for dispensing, including a base member having a dispenser opening and a track, wherein the dispenser opening is adjacent to the track and is operable to allow a flow of a fluid composition; and a sliding member including a blade and a track member, wherein the track member is operable to secure the sliding member with the track of the base member, and the track member is operable to allow the sliding member to travel along the track and the blade to cover or uncover the dispenser opening; and a container operable to store a fluid composition, wherein the container is coupled with the base member.
Other aspects of embodiment of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.
Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements.
FIGS. 3AA, 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate cut-away side views of a dispensing device, in accordance with one or more embodiments.
Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Like elements in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency. While described in conjunction with these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the disclosure to these embodiments. On the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure.
The present disclosure addresses and solves the current problem of resealable caps or lids that can effectively reseal containers holding a fluid composition. The disclosed device and method includes a sliding member or blade, which effectively causes the fluid composition in a container to be stored without leakage, is easy to use, eliminates mess by sliding extra fluid composition off, closes tightly, and attaches to the container so it cannot be lost. The device can be operated using one hand.
In general, embodiments provide a device and method for dispensing a fluid composition. These include, for example, a device having a base member with a track or track member and an adjacent dispenser opening to allow a fluid composition to flow. The device also includes a sliding member having a blade and a track member or track, which secures the sliding member to the base member of the device. The sliding member can travel along the track and/or track member, which allows the blade to cover or uncover the dispenser opening. The sliding member and/or blade may also sever a portion of dispensed fluid composition from a portion of contained fluid composition when the sliding member and/or blade travels to cover the dispenser opening. The device can cost less, more convenient, and save time as compared to conventional devices.
As used herein, it is understood that a “fluid composition,” “composition,” substance, or product is intended to mean semi-liquid and/or semi-solid materials which are flowable under pressure and/or by force. For example, such fluid compositions include but are not limited to creams, gels, lotions, ointments, pastes, toothpastes, and the like.
As used herein, a “container” includes but is not limited to bottles, tubes, cylinders, and the like, as well as any other holding device for containing a fluid composition as known by those of skill in the art. The container can be formed as a single unit, formed integrally with the base member, or formed from multiple pieces of material, and can be made of a variety of natural and/or synthetic materials. For example, the body of the container can be formed by a film of woven or unwoven natural and/or synthetic material, which can be liquid and gas impermeable so that the fluid composition is retained in the container.
As shown in
In one or more embodiments, the device 101 includes a base member 105, having a track 107, track opening 109, and a dispenser opening 111. In one or more embodiments, the track 107 can be a single track with one track opening 109, a double track with two track openings, or multiple tracks with multiple track openings. In one or more embodiments, the track 107 is a double track, in which each track is substantially parallel to each other.
In one or more embodiments, the dispenser opening 111 can be adjacent to and located in-between the track 107 and track opening 109, and which allows the flow of the fluid composition through the base member 105. The dispenser opening 111 can be of any size or shape, including but not limited to circular, semi-circular, shapes with rounded edges, square, rectangular, or triangular shapes.
In one or more embodiments, the dispenser opening 111 can also include a valve operable to regulate a flow of the fluid composition. A force or pressure on the valve by the fluid composition (e.g., created by a squeezing of a container holding the fluid composition) may cause the valve to open and allow a flow of the fluid composition. Conversely, in the absence of a force or pressure on the valve, the valve may stay in or go into a closed position and thereby impede a flow of the fluid composition. In one or more embodiments, the valve may be a silicone slit valve, where a sheet of silicone includes slits that define collapsible silicone sheet members operable to allow or impede a flow of the fluid composition.
In one or more embodiments, the device 101 also includes a sliding member 113 having a blade 115 with one or more track members 117.
In one or more embodiments, the base member 105 insulates, separates, and/or protects the track 107 from the fluid composition. As a result, for example, the fluid composition cannot affect or degrade the sliding operation of the track 107 and track members 117.
In yet other embodiments, the track 107 includes other track mechanisms. For example, instead of including a track opening, the base member may include one or more dovetail tracks. In addition, the sliding member may include one or more dovetail track members operable to couple with dovetail tracks of the base member.
In one or more embodiments, the sliding member 113 can be secured with the base member 105 when the sliding member is covering (
In one or more embodiments, the base member 105 includes an offset region 119, where the track 107 and dispenser opening 111 are located. The sliding member 113 may also travel along the track 107 within the offset region 119. Because the sliding member 113 may be flush with or within the most elevated portion(s) of the base member 105, the device 101 may be operable to balance when placed on a surface (e.g., a desk), even when an elongated container (e.g., the container 103) is coupled thereto. The offset region 119 can be of any size or shape that holds the track 107 and dispenser opening 111. For example, the offset region 119 can be circular, semi-circular, oval, elliptical, square, rectangular, and the like.
In one or more embodiments, the track 107 can be oriented at a downward angle relative to the device 101 or base member 105, such that the sliding member 113 travels along the track 107 at the downward angle, and the blade 115 covers the dispenser opening 111 at the downward angle. The downward angle of the track 107 causes the blade 115 to be pressed down against the base member 105 of the device 101 when the blade covers the dispenser opening 111, thus achieving a tight closure. The downward angle, for example, can be −1 to −10 degrees, −1 to −5 degrees, or −1 to −2 degrees relative to the device 101 or base member 105.
In one or more embodiments, the sliding member 113 also includes a finger-groove or finger-pad 121 to assist in moving the sliding member 113 along the track 107. For example, the finger-groove or finger-pad 121 can cause the sliding member 113 to travel along the track 107 in response to an applied pressure (e.g., applied by a finger of a user). As a result, the sliding member 113 can be moved between open and closed positions. The finger-groove or finger-pad 121 can be used by any finger or thumb of a user. The finger-groove or finger-pad 121 may be located anywhere along the length of the sliding member 113, for example, the finger-groove or finger-pad 121 may be attached at either end or in the middle of the sliding member 113. In one or more embodiments, the finger-groove or finger-pad 121 is or is part of the blade 115.
In one or more embodiments, the base member 105 also includes a back-piece 127 operable to stop the sliding member 113 or blade 115 when the dispenser opening 111 is uncovered by the sliding member or blade. The back-piece 127 can be made of the same material as the base member 105.
FIG. 3AA illustrates an exploded side view of the device 101 separated from the container 103.
In one or more embodiments, the device 101 also includes a receiver 129. In one or more embodiments, the receiver 129 is operable to be coupled with a container 103. For example, the receiver 129 may include threads, which secure the base member 105 to the container 103 (e.g., similar to a screw-top lid interface). Other mechanisms for coupling the receiver 129 with the base member 105 may include, for example, a crimp-on or clip-on mechanism as known in the art.
In one or more embodiments, the receiver 129 includes a channel 131 there through, with a channel opening 133 that is aligned with the dispenser opening 111 of the base member 105, and which allows the flow of the fluid composition through the device 101.
As shown in FIGS. 3AA, 3A, 3B, and 3C, the base member 105 may insulate, separate, and/or protect the track 107 from the fluid composition. As a result, for example, the fluid composition cannot affect or degrade the sliding operation of the track 107 and track members 117.
In one or more embodiments, the base member 105 of the device 101 includes a dimple 123 operable to secure the sliding member 113 when the sliding member is in a covering or uncovering position with respect to the base member 105 and the dispenser opening 111. For example, in
In addition to the perspective views of the device 101 shown in
In another embodiment as shown in top and bottom views of
In one or more embodiments, the dispenser opening 211 can be adjacent to the track 207 and track opening 209, and allows the flow of the fluid composition through the base member 205. The dispenser opening 211 can be of any size or shape, including but not limited to circular, semi-circular, shapes with rounded edges, square, rectangular, or triangular shapes.
In one or more embodiments, the device 201 includes a sliding member 213 having a blade 215 with one or more track members 217. The two track members 217 can be located underneath the sliding member 213 near the end of the blade 215, or the two track members 217 can run underneath the length of the blade 215 for sliding in the track 207 of the base member 205. The blade 215 and two track members 217 can be integrally formed with sliding member 213, or can be separately joined together to form the sliding member 213. The blade 215 and two track members 217 can be of any size or shape and can be made of any materials including but not limited to one or more polymers, metals, ceramic, or composite materials.
In one or more embodiments, the sliding member 213 can be secured with the base member 205 when the sliding member is covering (
In one or more embodiments, the base member 205 includes offset region 219 where the track 207 and dispenser opening 211 are located as described herein.
In one or more embodiments, the track 207 can be oriented at a downward angle relative to the device 201 or base member 205, such that the sliding member 213 travels along the track at the downward angle, and the blade 215 covers the dispenser opening 211 at the downward angle as described herein.
In one or more embodiments, the sliding member 213 also includes a finger-groove or finger-pad 221 to assist in moving the sliding member 213 along the track 207 as described herein.
In one or more embodiments, the base member 205 also includes a back-piece 227 operable to stop the sliding member 213 or blade 215 when the dispenser opening 211 is uncovered by the sliding member or blade.
In one or more embodiments, the base member 205 of the device 201 includes a dimple 223 and a nub 225, operable to secure the sliding member 213 when the sliding member is in a covering or uncovering position with respect to the base member 205 and the dispenser opening 211 as described herein.
In one or more embodiments, the device 201 also includes a receiver 229 operable to be coupled with a container 203 as described herein.
In one or more embodiments, the base member 205 insulates, separates, and/or protects the track 207 from the fluid composition. As a result, for example, the fluid composition cannot affect or degrade the sliding operation of the track 207 and track members 217.
In one or more embodiments, the dispenser opening 211 can also include a valve operable to regulate a flow of the fluid composition as described herein.
In one or more embodiments, the device for dispensing can include at least one spring, where the sliding member and/or the sliding blade can be attached. As a result, the sliding member or blade may be “spring-loaded” to tightly cover the dispenser opening of the base member. Further, the spring may cause the sliding member or blade to automatically return to a covering position after a force causing the sliding member or blade into an uncovering position is released (e.g., by a user).
The at least one spring can be coupled with the sliding member or blade on one end, and with the base member on the other end, so that the spring pulls on the sliding member or blade to keep it in a covered position. Alternatively, the at least one spring can be coupled with the base member on one end, and with the sliding member or blade on the other end, so that the spring pushes on the sliding member or blade to keep it in a covered position. Any type of spring can be used including but not limited to a coil or helical spring, compression spring, expansion spring, torsion spring, and the like.
Still other aspects, features, and technical effects will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein preferred embodiments are shown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated. The disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
In the preceding description, the present disclosure is described with reference to specifically exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as set forth in the claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded as illustrative and not as restrictive. It is understood that the present disclosure is capable of using various other combinations and embodiments and is capable of any changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein.
Claims
1. A device for dispensing, comprising:
- a base member having a dispenser opening and at least one track opening, wherein: the at least one track opening comprises at least one track, and the dispenser opening is adjacent to the at least one track opening and the at least one track, and is operable to allow a flow of a fluid composition; and
- a sliding member comprising a blade with at least one track member, wherein: the at least one track member is operable to secure the sliding member with the at least one track of the base member, and the at least one track member is operable to allow the sliding member to travel along the at least one track and the blade to cover or uncover the dispenser opening.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein:
- the base member comprises one track opening, and the one track opening comprises one track; and
- the sliding member comprises a blade with one track member, wherein: the one track member is operable to secure the sliding member with the track of the base member, and the one track member is operable to allow the sliding member to travel along the one track and the blade to cover or uncover the dispenser opening.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein:
- the base member comprises two track openings, and the two track openings comprise two parallel tracks; and
- the sliding member comprises a blade with two track members, wherein: the two track members are operable to secure the sliding member with the two parallel tracks of the base member, and the two track members are operable to allow the sliding member to travel along the two parallel tracks and the blade to cover or uncover the dispenser opening.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the base member further comprises an offset region, wherein the at least one track opening and the dispenser opening are located in the offset region, and wherein the sliding member is operable to travel within the offset region.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the base member is operable to secure the sliding member when the sliding member is covering or uncovering the dispenser opening.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the dispenser opening is a circular, semi-circular, square, rectangular, or triangular opening.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one track member is oriented at a downward angle with respect to the sliding member such that the sliding member travels along the at least one track at the downward angle, and the blade covers the dispenser opening at the downward angle.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the blade and the at least one track member are integrally formed by the sliding member.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the sliding member further comprises a finger-groove or finger-pad to assist in moving the sliding member along the at least one track.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the base member further comprises a receiver operable to be coupled with a container.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the receiver comprises a channel opening, wherein the channel opening is aligned with the dispenser opening of the base member.
12. A device for dispensing, comprising:
- a base member having a dispenser opening and a track, wherein: the dispenser opening is adjacent to the track and is operable to allow a flow of a fluid composition; and
- a sliding member comprising a blade and a track member, wherein: the track member is operable to secure the sliding member with the track of the base member, and the track member is operable to allow the sliding member to travel along the track and the blade to cover or uncover the dispenser opening.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the sliding member comprises two track members, wherein:
- the two track members are operable to secure the sliding member with the track of the base member, and
- the two track members are operable to allow the sliding member to travel along the track and the blade to cover or uncover the dispenser opening.
14. The device of claim 12, wherein the base member further comprises an offset region, wherein the track and the dispenser opening are located in the offset region, and wherein the sliding member is operable to travel within the offset region.
15. The device of claim 12, wherein the base member further comprises a receiver operable to be coupled with a container.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the track and the track member are complementary dovetail tracks.
17. A device for dispensing, comprising:
- a base member having a dispenser opening and a track, wherein the dispenser opening is adjacent to the track and is operable to allow a flow of a fluid composition;
- a sliding member comprising a blade and a track member, wherein: the track member is operable to secure the sliding member with the track of the base member, and the track member is operable to allow the sliding member to travel along the track and the blade to cover or uncover the dispenser opening; and
- a container operable to store a fluid composition, wherein the container is coupled with the base member.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the base member further comprises a receiver operable to be coupled with the container.
19. The device of claim 18, wherein the receiver comprises a channel opening, wherein the channel opening is aligned with the dispenser opening of the base member.
20. The device of claim 17, wherein the base member and the container are integrally formed.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 24, 2014
Publication Date: Apr 9, 2015
Inventor: Sarah Worrell Hoff (Lutherville, MD)
Application Number: 14/552,311
International Classification: B65D 43/12 (20060101);