Abstract:
This invention is a tamper proof, child-resistant liquid dispensing container for single hand operation of unitized construction consisting of a top cap, a canister and a bottom cap. When operated, a prescribed amount of liquid contained in the canister is made to squirt out of the nozzle in response to the button located in the bottom cap being pressed.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    None 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERAL SPONSORED R &amp; D 
       [0002]    None 
       REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
       [0003]    None 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0004]    Electronic cigarettes are quickly becoming a popular alternative to traditional cigarettes. With far fewer chemicals in the vapor produced by an electronic cigarette than the smoke of its more traditional counterpart and fewer restrictions regarding its use; their popularity is growing at a staggering rate. 
         [0005]    The electronic cigarette acts as an inhaler that vaporizes a liquid solution, commonly known as an e-liquid, into an aerosol mist. This simulates the act of smoking when inhaled. This aerosol mist may appear to be smoke but is in fact just vapor. This means that the electronic cigarette can be enjoyed in many public areas. 
         [0006]    It is common to customize the electronic cigarette sensation by using various liquids, often called e-liquids or juice. E-liquids are available in a wide range of different flavors, chemicals and strengths allowing the vapor to create different vaping experiences. 
         [0007]    Of the various e-liquids available, many contain substances dangerous to children such as nicotine, Marijuana, or other toxic chemicals. Even though less than 5% of the public use e-cigarettes, they account for over 20% of poison center calls involving children under 5 years old according to the US Centers for Disease Control. E-cigarettes use is for adults, but the responsibility to protect children from their danger is up to the users. All containers holding e-cigarette components, including e-liquids, should include child-resistant closures. 
         [0008]    Electronic cigarettes are made up of three major components: the battery, the atomizer, and the cartridge. The battery takes up a large portion of the unit and serves to power the electronic cigarette. The atomizer contains a heating coil which serves to vaporize liquid. It is usually set in the center of the electronic cigarette and consists of a wick which draws the liquid in. And finally, the cartridge serves as both the housing for the e-liquid and as the mouthpiece. The cartridge allows the passage of the liquid to the atomizer and subsequently the vapor from the atomizer to the user&#39;s mouth. The cartridge is designed to stop any liquid from leaking into the mouth. 
         [0009]    This product improves other similar products. It is easier to use because it may be used with one hand while the other hand holds the vaping device. It has a non-removable child-resistant lid and is tamper proof. The product is smaller and thinner that similar products on the market. 
         [0010]    Extensive research does not reveal any liquid container and dispenser specifically designed for vaping and e-cigarette use that combines the safety of unit construction (non-refillable), child-resistant containment, and ease of use. The product described herein is new and novel, and advances the state of the are in this field. 
       DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
     Review of Current Art 
       [0011]    Commercial Products
       Innokin Ucan V2.0 —Stainless Steel E-Liquid Flask   Innokin Technology Co., LTD   KangYicheng KYC-F-K-5-#5392—Ecig Refill Liquid Bottle   Kangyicheng Biotech Co. LTD       
 
         [0016]    Issued Patents
       U.S. Pat. No. 7,861,873 B1   Flip-Top Dispensing System With A Child Resistant Latch Mechanism   Jan. 4, 2011   Bragg et al.       
 
         [0021]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,058
       Dropper Bottle Assembly With Squeeze Cap   Jul. 12, 1994   Leoncavallo et al.       
 
         [0025]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,145
       Liquid Dropper Spout Having Lockable Pivoted Closure Cap   Sep. 21, 1993   Leoncavallo et al.       
 
         [0029]    Patent Applications
       US2007/0114201 A1   Dispensing Package Having Non-Removable And Non-Rotatable Dispensing Closure   Nov. 22, 2005   Wing-Kwong Keung       
 
       DISCUSSION OF CURRENT ART 
       [0034]    Innokin Ucan V2.0 literature describes a Stainless Steel E-Liquid Flask with a metal tip and a push button in the base to dispense liquid. Although specifically used for filling e-cigarettes with e-liquid, the flask does not include a child-resistant cap. The flask is not a sealed unit construction and therefore may be refilled thereby leaving its contents to be in question. Furthermore, the product is not easily used with one hand. Furthermore, the product is not easily used with one hand. 
         [0035]    KangYicheng KYC-F-K-5-#5392 describes an e-cigarette Refill Liquid Bottle with a metal tip and a pliable body that allows dispensing liquid. Although specifically used for filling e-cigarettes with e-liquid, the bottle does not include a child-resistant cap. The bottle is not a sealed unit construction and therefore may be refilled thereby leaving its contents to be in question. Furthermore, the product is not easily used with one hand. 
         [0036]    Bragg et al. describes in U.S. Pat. No. 7,861,873 B1, a child resistant dispensing system having a flip-top closure. The flip-top closure has a push button positioned in the skirt of the flip-top lid wherein an opposed squeeze disengages the child resistant latch mechanism. The child resistant latch mechanism includes a latch projecting from the flip-top lid and engaging a projection of the closure body. The cap features a wide mouth and is more suitable for dispensing tablets or powders, and does not have a tip for filling e-cigarette cartridges. The container is not a sealed unit construction and therefore may be refilled thereby leaving its contents to be in question. Furthermore, the product is not easily used with one hand. 
         [0037]    Leoncavallo et al. describes in U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,058 a dropper bottle assembly with a dispensing, an elongated dropper, and a cavity sized to receive the spout when closed. The cap is unlatched by squeezing the sides together. Although a dropper bottle, the cap is not claimed to be child-resistant. Furthermore, the cap is detachable from the bottle and thereby may be refilled. 
         [0038]    Leoncavallo et al. describes in U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,145 a dropper bottle assembly with a dispensing, an elongated dropper, and a cavity sized to receive the spout when closed. The lock mechanism includes cooperating teeth and an index finger or a cooperating spring arm and a grip bar. The spout is sealed by a surface of the cap or a compliant mat on that surface, the latter being held in place by a rib within the cap. The cap is unlatched by squeezing the sides together. Although a dropper bottle, the cap is not claimed to be child-resistant. 
         [0039]    Wing-Kwong Keung describes in published US Patent Application US2007/0114201 a dispensing package includes a container having a rather large diameter neck sutible for dispensing solid tablets or capsules, but not liquid. This patent describes a product that is not suitable for dispensing e-liguids for use in vaping or e-cigaretts. The product, although not easily disassembled, may be disassembled with effort and is not suitable for assurance that the label correctly identifies what is contained within. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Objectives and Advantages 
       [0040]    The present invention provides a safe container of a unitized construction made of plastic or metal and whereby all components are a permanent part of the assembly, provides for child-resistant packaging suitable to carrying liquids and dispensing said liquids quickly and conveniently with the use of one hand. This container is particularly suitable for use by, but not limited to, filling the cartridge of an e-cigarette or similar device with e-liquid. The container is designed for a single use and cannot be refilled. When properly labeled, the container&#39;s contents are clearly identified. 
         [0041]    In the preferred embodiment, the central element is the liquid container holding up to, but not limited to, 30 mL of liquid to be dispensed. An elastomeric button is affixed to the bottom of the container whereby liquid may be forced through the tip and out of the container when the button is pressed. The tip is sealed by an integral child-resistant cap when liquid is not being dispensed. 
         [0042]    Components are fabricated using injection molded FDA approved plastic with FDA approved elastomeric seals, and a stainless steel spring. All components are sealed with gaskets or O-rings, and joints are snapped together rather than depending on adhesives which are intrinsically less reliable. 
         [0043]    In alternative embodiments, the components are fabricated from all FDA approved stainless steel or FDA approved glass with FDA approved elastomeric seals, and a stainless steel spring. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0044]    The details and many advantages provided by this invention will become clear and will be better understood by reviewing the following description and accompanying drawings. 
         List of Figures 
         [0045]      FIG. 1  is a view of the complete invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 2 a    is an exploded view of the invention showing the compete Top Cap Assembly. 
           [0047]      FIG. 2 b    is an exploded view of the invention showing the compete Bottom Cap Assembly. 
           [0048]      FIG. 3  is a view of the invention showing the top of the Canister with detail of the connection point hub. 
           [0049]      FIG. 4 a    is a view of the invention showing the push to release child resistant Top Cap, closed. 
           [0050]      FIG. 4 b    is a view of the invention showing the push to release child resistant Top Cap, open. 
           [0051]      FIG. 5  is a view of the invention showing the Bottom Cap. 
           [0052]      FIG. 6  is a view of the invention showing the Bottom Cap Retainer. 
           [0053]      FIG. 7  is a view of the invention showing the Button. 
           [0054]      FIG. 8  is a view of the invention showing the Nozzle. 
           [0055]      FIG. 9  is a view of the invention showing the Logo/Color Badge. 
           [0056]      FIG. 10 a    is a view of the invention showing the Large O-ring set. 
           [0057]      FIG. 10 b    is a view of the invention showing the Small O-ring. 
           [0058]      FIG. 10 c    is a view of the invention showing the Seal Disk. 
           [0059]      FIG. 11  is a view of the invention showing the Spring. 
       
    
    
     LIST OF COMPONENTS 
       [0000]    
       
           10  Top Cap Assembly 
           14  Canister 
           16  Bottom Cap Assembly 
           21  Top Cap 
           22  Nozzle 
           23  Logo/Color Badge 
           24  Seal Disk 
           25  Bottom Cap 
           26  Button 
           27  Spring 
           28  Button Retainer 
           29  Small O-ring 
           30  Large O-ring 
           31  Side 
           33  Small O-ring Groove 
           35  Non-spin Rib 
           37  Hole 
           41  Living Hinge 
           43  Child-resistant Latch 
           45  Seal Disk Cutout 
           47  Logo/Color Badge Cutout 
           51  Large O-ring Groove 
           53  Locking Tabs 
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0083]    The present invention provides a canister or bottle or container, hereinafter called canister, with an integral child-resistant cap for dispensing liquid and a button to force a prescribed amount of liquid each time the button is pushed. As described in the present invention, all components except the O-rings, the button and the spring are injection molded plastic. The container may also be made of metal, glass or any material suitable for contact with food, whereby all components are a permanent part of the sealed assembly and not intended for reuse. 
         [0084]      FIG. 1  shows the unitized assembly of the invention consisting of a Canister ( 14 ), on top of which a Top Cap Assembly ( 10 ) is affixed and below which a Bottom Cap Assembly ( 16 ) is affixed. 
         [0085]    As shown in  FIG. 2 a   , the Top Cap Assembly ( 21 ) consists of a Nozzle ( 22 ), a Logo/Color Badge ( 23 ), a Seal Disk ( 24 ), and a single Small O-ring ( 29 ). The Logo/Color Badge ( 23 ) snaps into the Top Cap ( 21 ) and through the use of various colors is used to identify the canister&#39;s contents. Below the Logo/Color Badge ( 23 ), the Seal Disk ( 24 ) sits in a recessed cutout and is held in place by the Logo/Color Badge ( 23 ). 
         [0086]    On the underside of the Top Cap ( 21 ), the Nozzle ( 22 ) is permanently snapped into place. A single Small O-ring ( 29 ) is inserted in the cutout on the bottom of the Nozzle ( 22 ) and used to provide a leak tight seal between the Top Cap Assembly ( 21 ) to the Canister ( 14 ). 
         [0087]    As shown in  FIG. 2 b   , the Bottom Cap Assembly ( 21 ) consists of a Bottom Cap ( 25 ), a Button ( 26 ), a Spring ( 27 ), and a Button Retainer ( 28 ) and two Large O-rings ( 30 ). The Button ( 26 ) and Spring ( 27 ) are placed in the Bottom Cap ( 25 ) as shown. The Button Retainer ( 28 ) is placed over the Button ( 26 ) and Spring ( 27 ), thereby compressing the Spring ( 27 ), and is snapped into the Bottom Cap ( 25 ). Two Large O-rings ( 30 ) seal the Bottom Cap ( 25 ) to the Canister ( 14 ) when the Bottom Cap ( 25 ) is snapped into the bottom of the Canister ( 14 ). The Spring ( 27 ) is used to assist the Button ( 26 ) in returning to its original shape, allowing it to be pressed again and squirt a known volume of liquid each time. 
         [0088]    The Canister ( 14 ) is shown in  FIG. 3 . It is made of FDA approved injection molded plastic and shows in detail a hub on top of the Canister ( 14 ) where the connection is made to the Top Cap ( 21 ). The Side ( 31 ) of the cylindrical shaped Canister ( 14 ) is clear to allow placement of graphics and labels. The hub has a Small O-ring Grove ( 33 ) to seal the connection, and a Non-Spin Rib ( 35 ) to keep the Top Cap ( 21 ) aligned with the graphics and labels. The Hole ( 37 ) in the top of the hub allows liquid to flow from the Canister ( 14 ) to the Nozzle ( 22 ) located in the Top Cap ( 21 ). 
         [0089]    The Top Cap ( 21 ) is shown in  FIG. 4  in both a closed view and an open view. It is made of FDA approved injection molded plastic. Shown are the Living Hinge ( 41 ) and the push to release, adjustable Child-Resistant Latch ( 43 ). The Seal Cutout ( 45 ) is shown on the underside of the lid and receives the Seal Disk ( 24 ) and the Logo/Color Badge Cutout ( 47 ) is shown on the top side of the lid and receives the Logo/Color Badge ( 23 ). 
         [0090]      FIG. 5  details the Bottom Cap ( 25 ) showing the two Large O-ring Groves ( 51 ) that seal the Bottom Cap ( 25 ) to the Canister ( 14 ), and the Locking Tabs ( 53 ) that lock the Bottom Cap ( 25 ) into the Canister ( 14 ) and prevent it from turning. It is made of FDA approved injection molded plastic. The Bottom Cap ( 25 ) snaps into the bottom of the Canister ( 14 ) and is not removable, The Button ( 26 ) slips into the center of the Bottom Cap ( 25 ). 
         [0091]    The Button Retainer ( 28 ),  FIG. 6 , snaps into the Bottom Cap ( 25 ) and holds the Button ( 26 ) in place. It is made of FDA approved injection molded plastic. The Button ( 26 ) creates a seal between the retainer and the Bottom Cap ( 25 ) when both are snapped into the Canister ( 14 ), The Spring ( 27 ) is placed inside the Button ( 26 ) before the Bottom Cap Assembly ( 16 ) is snapped into the bottom cap and is not meant to be disassembled. 
         [0092]      FIG. 7  shows the Button ( 26 ) made of FDA approved elastomeric material such as rubber. 
         [0093]    When pressed, the Button ( 26 ) forces an amount of liquid through the tip. The Spring ( 27 ) helps the button to return to its original shape when released. 
         [0094]    The Nozzle ( 22 ) is shown in  FIG. 8 . The Nozzle ( 22 ) is made of FDA approved injection molded plastic and is snapped into the Top Cap ( 21 ) and directs the liquid out of the Canister ( 14 ) and into the receiving device. The Nozzle ( 22 ) and Top Cap ( 21 ) assembly are not meant to be disassembled. 
         [0095]    The Logo/Color Badge ( 23 ) is shown in  FIG. 9 . The Logo/Color Badge ( 23 ) is made of FDA approved injection molded plastic and snaps into the Top Cap ( 21 ) and may be used to identify the product, date, lot, expiration, manufacturer, contents, etc. The Logo/Color Badge ( 23 ) is used to hold the Seal Disk ( 24 ) in place. The Logo/Color Badge ( 23 ) is not meant to be disassembled. 
         [0096]      FIG. 10 a    shows the Large O-rings ( 30 ) which are made of FDA approved elastomeric material such as rubber and are used to seal the Bottom Cap ( 25 ) to the Canister ( 14 ). 
         [0097]      FIG. 10 b    shows the Small O-ring ( 29 ) which is made of FDA approved elastomeric material such as rubber and is used to seal the Top Cap ( 21 ) to the Canister ( 14 ). 
         [0098]      FIG. 10 c    shows the Seal Disk ( 24 ) which is made of FDA approved elastomeric material such as rubber and is used to seal the Nozzle ( 22 ) and prevent spillage when the Top Cap ( 21 ) is closed. 
         [0099]      FIG. 11  shows the Spring ( 27 ) which is made of FDA approved stainless steel and is used to return the Button ( 26 ) to its normal position after being pressed.