Abstract:
A self-contained composition dosing and delivery system combination, such as described herein. The device also provides a dosing element internal the device chamber. In particular the device may be used to deliver liquid medicine. The device may also include child-proof means to reduce child poisoning due to Over-the-Counter (OTC) medication overdoses.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The proper dispensing and delivery of food, body treating compositions and medication, including over-the-counter drugs, is a critical activity that has enormous risk if not properly carried out. For medicine delivery, the obvious risks include improper access to drugs, improper dosage and potential harm due to overdose. Thus, controlled access delivery and dosage, in a user friendly manner is vitally important to the health and well-being of society. The composition delivery device as described herein can be used to provide convenient combination storage and dosing apparatus. The device can be used for food and other material measurements. For example, given the obesity epidemic, it is becoming increasingly important to have new inventive packaging ideas to help people control their caloric intake. In another example, liquid materials such as shampoo, paint, hair gels, sunscreen, lip balm, lotion, laxatives, micro spheres, nanoparticles and the like can utilize the dispensing and delivery device for environmental and/or cost savings reasons. 
         [0002]    There are several existing pre-measurement caps and measured liquid dispensers in the market. Numerous patents describe metering and/or dispensing caps with various designs. Most common types of dispensers have separate storage and dispensing chambers. These dispensers are usually constructed of either rigid or flexible walls. Dispensers with flexible walls usually include a conduit tube enabling liquid to pass from a lower reservoir to an upper metered dispensing cup. Alternatively, an inversion type dispenser relies on the force of gravity to transfer liquid from the storage chamber to the dispensing chamber. 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,081 describes a portion measuring device having a first flexible reservoir capable of holding large volume, and a handle provided to relieve operator fatigue. A cup-shaped reservoir is positioned above the flexible reservoir and has a rotatable closure with a pouring spout or opening. Applying pressure to the sidewalls of the first flexible reservoir causes the sidewalls to flex and therefore causes fluid to travel up through a conduit tube to the cup-shaped reservoir. Pressure is applied until the desired amount of fluid is in the cup-shaped reservoir. The user may then pour the fluid out of the cup-shaped reservoir using the pouring spout. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,330,960 describes a flexible container for dispensing a precise dosage of liquids with a child-resistant cap. The container comprises an upper liquid reservoir and a lower liquid reservoir separated by a gasket. When applying pressure on the lower reservoir the contents of the container are forced up a longitudinal tube into the upper reservoir. When the pressure on the container wall is reduced, liquid in the upper reservoir drains back to the lower reservoir until reaching the desired dosage. Once the desired dosage is contained within the upper reservoir, the bottle is inverted to a near vertical position. In this position the lower end of the longitudinal tube is no longer submerged in liquid. When applying pressure on container wall this inverted orientation forces air into the tube, thus creating sufficient pressure to also dispense liquid out of the dispensing tip. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,420 also describes a liquid dispenser for dispensing pre-measured quantities of liquid. The dispenser has a nozzle with an inlet end that attaches to a bottle, and an outlet end that engages with a tubular dispensing chamber. A removable outer cap is located at the top of the dispensing chamber to create a liquid tight seal. In the closed position, the nozzle is interlocked in order to prevent the flow of liquid from the bottle to the dispensing chamber. In order to allow liquid to pass, the tubular dispensing chamber is retracted in the upward direction to create an opening between the nozzle and the dispensing chamber. Once an opening occurs the bottle is inverted to allow liquid to fill the dispensing chamber. Once filled, the dispensing chamber is pushed back down onto the nozzle to close the opening, thus preventing liquid from draining back to the bottle. At this point, the metered liquid can be either stored at the dispensing chamber or the outer cap can be removed and the liquid can be dispensed. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,455 describes yet another medicine dispenser having a first medicine chamber where the liquid medicine is measured before dispensing it to a patient&#39;s mouth. This medicine dispenser also has a nozzle situated at one end of the first chamber which accommodates the flow of liquid medicine to the patient&#39;s mouth. Additionally the medicine dispenser has a second conduit leading from the nozzle end of the medicine chamber to an expansion chamber. From the expansion chamber, the medicine can be re-introduced to the patient. This medicine dispenser is designed to allow the re-delivery of medicine from the expansion chamber to avoid liquid medicine from being expelled from a patient&#39;s mouth, thus eliminating an inaccurate dose. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,499,968 describes a dispensing device for use with a fluid container, which includes a container cap, a switching nozzle, a securing mechanism and a dispensing compartment. The container cap has apertures, and the switching nozzle has a cooperating structure. The switching nozzle can be positioned in a closing state and an opening state, wherein the closing state hermetically seals the apertures and the opening state allows the apertures to be opened. An oval skirt is attached to the switching nozzle embracing the container cap, and having protrusions for fixing the skirt to the container cap. Pressing the skirt releases the switching nozzle and allows switching to an opening state. 
         [0008]    In view of the aforementioned dispensing devices there is a need for a self-contained dosing system and delivery combination, such as described herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1A  shows front elevation view of the composition dispenser. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1B  is a side elevation view of the internal portion of the composition dispenser as shown in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0011]      FIG. 2A  is an alternative side elevation view of the composition dispenser as shown in  FIG. 1B . 
           [0012]      FIG. 2B  is an alternative cross-section front elevation view of the composition dispenser as shown in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the composition dispenser in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0014]      FIG. 4A  is a top plan view of the cap of the composition dispenser. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4B  is a bottom plan view of the cap of the composition dispenser. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 4C-D  depict side elevation views of the cap of the composition dispenser. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4E  is a top perspective view of the cap of the composition dispenser. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5A  is a top plan view of the composition dispenser. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5B  is a bottom plan view of the composition housing of the composition dispenser. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 5C-D  depict side elevation views of the composition housing of the composition dispenser. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5E  is a top perspective view of the composition housing of the composition dispenser. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 6A-B  depict side elevation views of the stopper of the composition dispenser. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6C  is a top plan view of the stopper of the composition dispenser. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6D  is a top perspective view of the stopper of the composition dispenser. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 7A-B  depict front (A) and side elevation (B) views of the plunger of the composition dispenser. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7C  is a top perspective view of the plunger of the composition dispenser. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8A  is a top plan view of the lid member of the composition dispenser. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8B  is a bottom plan view of the lid member of the composition dispenser. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 8C-D  depict side elevation views of the lid member of the composition dispenser. 
           [0030]      FIG. 8E  is a top perspective view of the lid member of the composition dispenser. 
           [0031]      FIG. 9A  is a front elevation view of various stages of using the composition dispenser. 
           [0032]      FIG. 9B  is a front elevation view of various stages of using an alternative embodiment of the composition dispenser. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the composition dispenser. 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is a top perspective view cross section of an alternative embodiment of the composition dispenser. 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the composition dispenser. 
           [0036]      FIG. 13A-B  are top perspective views of the plunger lock of an alternative embodiment of the composition dispenser. 
           [0037]      FIG. 13C  is a side cross-section view of the plunger lock of an alternative embodiment of the composition dispenser. 
           [0038]      FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of a portion of composition housing of an alternative embodiment of the composition dispenser. 
           [0039]      14 B is a perspective view of a portion of the lid member of an alternative embodiment of the composition dispenser. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0040]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. As best illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  the disclosed embodiment of a composition dispenser  10  generally includes a composition housing  15 , a plunger  20  and a lid member  25 . As discussed in further detail below, composition dispenser  10  is configured in a manner to provide a single-unit medication bottle and delivery mechanism. Composition housing  15  typically comprise a storage reservoir  30  and a delivery reservoir  35  which may be a single unitary structure, as shown in  FIG. 1-3 , or can be individually formed pieces which are coupled together by known means. Composition housing  15  may be made of a material comprising silicon, polyurethane, rubbers, neoprene, nylon, PVC, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene and the like. Other materials, such as nanomaterials and composite plastics are also within the scope of the invention. The material may optionally include an antimicrobial material. 
         [0041]    Storage reservoir  30  is configured to hold compositions, such as liquid medicine prior to measuring a dose. Conversely delivery reservoir  35  is designed to chamber and dose medicine immediately before delivery to a patient. Storage reservoir  30  and delivery reservoir  35  are in fluid communication with one another via at least one fluid transfer opening  40  thereby allowing for medicine to be transferred therebetween, as described below. Both storage reservoir  30  and delivery reservoir  35  are rigid structures that are made of a material know by one of ordinary skill in the art to store and dose liquid medicines. The material is preferably a non-leaching, inert material to prevent storage reservoir  30  from contaminating liquid medicine during storage or immediately before administration to a patient. The material used to make composition dispenser  10  will also be able to withstand normal temperature ranges to avoid breakdown or loss of structural integrity of composition dispenser  10  during storage and transport. 
         [0042]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 1B and 2B , where delivery reservoir  35  is oriented in a generally central position. The volume of delivery reservoir is between 0.1 mL to 10 mL, although other volumes consistent with the particular liquid being delivered are within the scope of the invention. In other example embodiments volumes of delivery reservoir  35  are between 0.1 mL and 50 mL. In example embodiments where the liquid medicine has a specific maximum allotted dose regimen, the delivery reservoir  35  will be no more than this maximum amount. For example, if the liquid medicine is acetaminophen, then the volume would be no greater than 5 mL, which is the maximum dosage for infants and toddlers. By configuring the volume of the delivery reservoir  35 , composition dispenser  10  is uniquely designed to further reduce the possibility of an overdose. 
         [0043]    Storage reservoir  30  can be configured to hold a wide array of volumes. In one particular embodiment storage reservoir  30  is configured to store at least about 10 mL of fluid. In another related embodiment storage reservoir  30  is configured to hold between 50 mL and 100 mL, similar to the volumes typically used for OTC children&#39;s liquid medicine. In another related embodiment, storage reservoir  30  will hold between 10 mL and 500 mL. Further, storage reservoir  30  is substantially air tight to prevent contamination of the composition contained within storage reservoir  30 . 
         [0044]    To allow for user-friendly operation, storage reservoir  30  may optionally include a dosing window  45 . As best shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , dosing window  45  is a cut-away and transparent portion of composition housing  15 . Dosing window  45  is shown having two side walls  50  formed from a portion of storage reservoir  30  and one central wall  55  that is a portion of delivery reservoir  35 . In this example embodiment, side walls  50  will allow for a user to see the amount of medicine within storage reservoir  30 . Furthermore, central wall  55  will also provide a means of seeing the amount of medicine being drawn into delivery reservoir  35 . Central wall  55  will also include metered dose indicators along the surface to indicate the volume being drawn into delivery reservoir  35 . Alternatively, side walls  50  may comprise metered dose indicators along the surface to indicate the volume being drawn into delivery reservoir  35 . It should be appreciated that although the metered dosing regimens are well known by one of ordinary skill in the art, dosing regimens, such as cubic centimeters (cc), milliliters (mL), teaspoon (tsp), fluid ounces (fl. oz.), ounces (oz.), grams (gm), pounds (lbs.), years (yrs.), and months are a non-exclusive list of dosing regimens within the scope of the invention. 
         [0045]    Still referring to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , and best shown in  FIG. 5 , storage reservoir  30  with an air vent  130  located along the upper surface  95  of storage reservoir. Although no one position is preferred, air vent  130  should be positioned to allow air to fill the top internal cavity of storage reservoir  30 , which will displace the volume from liquid medicine being transferred to delivery reservoir  35 . In order to prevent medicine disposed in storage reservoir  30  from leaking out air vent  130 , storage reservoir  30  also includes a reservoir stopper  135 . 
         [0046]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1B ,  2 B,  3  and  7 , a plunger  20  is generally configured to be disposed within the internal cavity of delivery reservoir  35 . As best shown in  FIG. 7 , plunger  20  will include a plunger flange  110 , which will provide a seal to prevent liquid medication from leaking Plunger  20  also includes a channel  115  positioned in a generally parallel direction in relation to the vertical axis of plunger  20 . Channel  115  is necessary when composition housing includes a plunger guard  90 , as described later. Plunger  20  also includes a pull tab  120  which allows a user to grab and remove a substantial portion of plunger  20  from delivery reservoir  35 , thereby drawing liquid medicine from storage reservoir  30  to delivery reservoir  35 . Plunger  20  may optionally include a cut-out portion (not shown) above plunger flange  110 . This feature will provide a weakened area along plunger  20  which will act as a breaking point in the event the plunger is drawn with too much force. For example, this cut-out portion will provide an additional safety mechanism to prevent a child from trying to pull the plunger out from the delivery reservoir  35  and administering an accidental dose. 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2B ,  5 A-B and  5 E which illustrates a plunger guard  90  positioned adjacent the upper surface  95  of composition housing  15  along a medial diameter of delivery reservoir  35 . Plunger guard  90  will prevent plunger  20  from being completely removed from delivery reservoir  35 . As illustrated, plunger guard  90  is slideably engaged with the channel  115  portion of plunger  20 . Lastly, plunger guard  90  is generally constructed from material similar to composition housing  15 . 
         [0048]    As briefly mentioned above, fluid transfer opening  40  enables liquid medicine transfer between storage reservoir  30  and delivery reservoir  35 . Protrusion  60  is removeably engaged with fluid transfer opening  40  when composition dispenser  10  is in a configuration to deliver liquid medicine to a patient. Conversely, protrusions  60  are removed from fluid transfer opening  40  when a user desires to fill delivery reservoir  35 . As previously discussed, the at least one protrusion  60  is selectively positionable to close the at least one fluid transfer opening  40  located between storage reservoir  30  and delivery reservoir  35 . Interference flange  70  may also cover the at least one fluid transfer opening  40 , thereby preventing the contents of the storage reservoir  30  from inadvertently seeping into the delivery reservoir  35  when composition dispenser  10  is configured to deliver the metered contents of delivery reservoir  35 . Lid member  25  may also include interference tab  70 , as best shown in  FIG. 8 , which provides an additional seal to ensure liquid medicine does not pass through fluid transfer opening  40  when closed by at least one protrusion  60 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 9A  illustrates the various stages of operation of composition dispenser  10 . As shown, reservoir stopper  135  is positioned within storage reservoir  30  and disposed above the medicine contained therein. Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 6 , reservoir stopper  135  includes a sealing flange  140  to help with volume displacement as liquid medicine is drawn into and out of storage reservoir  30 . Sealing flange  140  also provides a liquid tight seal. It should be appreciated that sealing flange  140  separates the liquid medicine from the external environment, thereby limiting external factors from contaminating liquid medicine in the storage reservoir  30 . Reservoir stopper  135  is also shown with a cut-away portion  125  to mirror the internal geometry of dosing window  45 . 
         [0050]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  and  8  a lid member  25  is integrally related to composition housing  15 . Lid member  25  generally includes at least one protrusion  60  and a tip  65 . Lid member  25  is movably coupled to the composition housing  15  in a manner that causes the tip  65  to be in vertical alignment with delivery reservoir  35 . When in use, tip  65  may be placed in a patient&#39;s mouth to deliver the dosed liquid medicine. 
         [0051]    Still referring to  FIG. 8  lid member  25  also includes a rotation stopper  75  located proximate the edge of lip portion  80 . Lip portion  80  is movably locked within composition housing  15  such that rotation stopper  75  allows for lid member  25  to rotate a specific number of degrees before terminating rotation. To state another way, rotation stopper  75  provides a means of limiting the rotation of lid member  25  relative to composition housing  15 . In one example embodiment, rotation stopper  75  is positioned in a manner to allow for lid member  25  to turn no more than 90 degrees, although any number of degrees is contemplated. Lid member  25  also includes at least one safety tab  162  which provides a structural interface with the cap  145 , thus providing rotation when the cap  145  is twisted on or twisted off. 
         [0052]    Turning to  FIGS. 1-4 , a cap  145  is used to cover tip  65  and interact with lid member  25 . Cap  145  is removeably coupled to lid member  25 . As best shown in  FIG. 3  tip  65  and flutes  85  are engaged in a gear-like manner with flute channels  155 . Cap  145  is also engaged with tip  65  using a standard threading  150  which allows cap  145  to be readily screw-on and off. Cap  145  may also include a child safety feature  151  to prevent access to liquid medicine. One particular example of a child safety feature is a push-activated child safety means. As best shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , cap  145  includes a child safety feature  151  that further includes a tab receiver  157  which is mateingly engaged with safety tab  162 . When cap  145  is placed in lid member  25 , the engagement between safety tab  162  and tab receiver  157  provides a means to rotate lid member  25 . This rotation will further allow the user to move cap  145  and lid member  25  to one terminal stop position which will then open the at least one fluid transfer opening  40 . Conversely, rotating lid member  25  and cap  145  in the opposite direction until a terminal stopping point will close the at least one fluid transfer opening  40 . 
         [0053]    As best illustrated in  FIGS. 10-12  an alternative embodiment of a composition dispenser  10  is disclosed and generally includes a composition housing  15 , a plunger  20  and a lid member  25 . Additionally, a cap  145  is used to cover tip  65  and interact with lid member  25 . Cap  145  is removeably coupled to lid member  25 . In some example embodiments cap  145  comprise a stopper  215 , discussed in more detail below. 
         [0054]    As discussed above, composition dispenser  10  is configured in a manner to provide a single-unit medication bottle and delivery mechanism. Composition housing  15  typically comprise a storage reservoir  30  and a delivery reservoir  35  which may be a single unitary structure, as shown. Storage reservoir  30  is configured to hold compositions, such as liquid medicine prior to measuring a dose. Conversely delivery reservoir  35  is designed to chamber and dose medicine immediately before delivery to a patient. 
         [0055]    As best illustrated in  FIGS. 14A and 14B , storage reservoir  30  and delivery reservoir  35  are in fluid communication with one another via at least one fluid transfer opening  40  thereby allowing for medicine to be transferred therebetween. Both storage reservoir  30  and delivery reservoir  35  are rigid structures that are made of a material know by one of ordinary skill in the art to store and dose liquid medicines. The material is preferably a non-leaching, inert material to prevent storage reservoir  30  from contaminating liquid medicine during storage and/or delivery reservoir  35  immediately before administration to a patient. As shown, storage reservoir  30  and delivery reservoir  35  are in fluid communication with each respective reservoir, each reservoir having a pair of fluid transfer openings  40 . When a fluid transfer opening  40  of storage reservoir  30  is aligned with fluid transfer opening  40  of delivery reservoir  35 , the two reservoirs are in fluid communication with one another. 
         [0056]    Fluid transfer opening  40  enables liquid medicine transfer between storage reservoir  30  and delivery reservoir  35 . In at least this example embodiment, storage reservoir  30  and delivery reservoir  35  are manufactured in a manner to allow for a liquid tight seal when the corresponding fluid transfer openings  40  from each respective reservoir are not aligned. This feature prevents leaking between reservoir portions when composition dispenser  10  is in a non-use configuration. 
         [0057]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10-13 , a plunger  20  is generally configured to be disposed within the internal cavity of delivery reservoir  35 . As best shown in  FIGS. 11-12 , plunger  20  will include a plunger flange  110 , which will provide a seal to prevent liquid medication from leaking Plunger  20  also includes a channel  115  positioned in a generally parallel direction in relation to the vertical axis of plunger  20 . In at least this example embodiment, plunger  20  also includes a plunger button  170  which allows a user to grab plunger  20  and remove a substantial portion of plunger  20  from delivery reservoir  35 , thereby drawing liquid medicine from storage reservoir  30  to delivery reservoir  35 . Referring specifically to  FIG. 13 , plunger button  170  further comprises a locking plate  177  and a button arm  175  which will engage with plunger lock  180  which generally comprises a release plate  184 , upper arm  186  and lower arm  188 . 
         [0058]    When a user desires to draw a dose of liquid medicine, user will press plunger button  170 , thereby forcing button arm  175  to press release plate  184 . When release plate  184  is forced away from the central axis of delivery reservoir  35 , upper arm  186  is slideably disengaged with locking plate  177 , thereby allowing a user to pull plunger  20  from delivery reservoir  35 . It should be appreciated that plunger lock  180  acts as a release valve allowing for air from the area (A) above flange  110  to be displaced and provide a controlled dose of liquid medicine to be drawn into delivery reservoir  35  prior to delivery to a patient. It should further be appreciated that upper arm  186  will catch on flange  110  when plunger is drawing up a dose of liquid medicine, which will prevent plunger from being removed from composition dispenser  10 . Similarly, when release plate  184  is engaged with locking plate  177 , plunger  20  is also “locked” in a manner to prevent the plunger from being inadvertently removed from delivery reservoir  35 . 
         [0059]    As best illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 12  lid member  25  is integrally related to composition housing  15 . Lid member  25  generally includes at least one snap lock  195 . Lid member  25  is slideably coupled to composition housing  15  snap lock  195  is positioned along housing plate  200 . As previously discussed, tip  65  will be in vertical alignment with delivery reservoir  35 . When in use, tip  65  may be placed in a patient&#39;s mouth to deliver the dosed liquid medicine. Still referring to  FIG. 12  lid member  25  also includes a rotation stopper  75  and lip portion  80  are movably locked within composition housing  15  such that rotation stopper  75  allows for lid member  25  to rotate a specific number of degrees before terminating rotation. Referring now to  FIGS. 11-12 , cap  145  is used to cover tip  65  and interact with lid member  25 . Cap  145  is removeably coupled to lid member  25  using a standard threading  150  which allows cap  145  to be readily screwed on and off. Referring now to  FIG. 11  where plunger  20  narrows to fit in the internal cavity  205  of tip  64 . This configuration allows for a gap between the delivery orifice  210  of tip  65  and the terminal end of plunger  20  which will also help to allow for a more reliable metered dose to a patient in need thereof. When in a non-use position, stopper  215  is positioned within delivery orifice  210  further prevent leaking 
       METHOD OF USE 
       [0060]    As best illustrated in  FIG. 9 , in particular  9 A, the positioning and relation of components provides for several operating states. When in use, a user (i.e. parent, caregiver, health care provider and the like) first grabs the composition dispenser  10  where cap  145  is engaged with lid member  25  (Step  1 ). Turning cap  145  will cause lid  25  to move to one terminal rotation point. Next, the user will pull the plunger  20  from the delivery reservoir  35 , thereby drawing medicine from storage reservoir  30  into delivery reservoir  35  via at least one fluid transfer opening  40  (Step  2 ). Plunger  20  may be pulled up until the proper amount of liquid medicine is drawn into the delivery reservoir  35 . It should be appreciated that a user, desiring a specific dose, will refer to the dosing regimens located on the central wall of dosing window (not shown). Alternatively, a user may simply fill the entire delivery reservoir. It should further be noted that Step  2  also depicts reservoir stopper  135  displacing the volume of liquid medicine being removed from storage reservoir  30 . The user then rotates cap  145  to the opposed terminal rotation position, which will close the at least one fluid transfer opening (not shown) and further allow the cap  145  to be removed from lid member  25  (Step  3 ). The user is then able to deliver the metered dose to a person in need thereof by moving plunger  20  downwardly (Step  4 ). Cap  145  may be subsequently placed back on lid member  25 , where composition dispenser  10  is stored until a further metered dose is required. 
         [0061]    In an alternative method, shown in  9 B, a user (i.e. parent, caregiver, health care provider and the like) first grabs composition dispenser  10  where cap  145  is engaged with lid member  25  (Step  1 ). Next, the user will press plunger button  170 , thereby allowing for the user to pull the plunger  20  from the delivery reservoir  35 , thereby drawing medicine from storage reservoir  30  into delivery reservoir  35  via at least one fluid transfer opening  40  (Step  2 ). Plunger  20  may be pulled up until the proper amount of liquid medicine is drawn into the delivery reservoir  35 . It should be appreciated that a user, desiring a specific dose, will refer to the dosing regimens located on the central wall of dosing window (not shown) or may simply fill the entire delivery reservoir. In this example embodiment a reservoir stopper is not required as the volume of liquid medicine being removed from storage reservoir  30  is allowed to equilibrate when plunger lock  180  is disengaged from locking plate  177 , as discussed above. The user then rotates cap  145  to the opposed terminal rotation position, which will close the at least one fluid transfer opening (not shown) and further allow the cap  145  to be removed from lid member  25  (Step  3 ). The user is then able to deliver the metered dose to a person in need thereof by moving plunger  20  downwardly (Step  4 ). Cap  145  may be subsequently placed back on lid member  25 , where stopper  215  is positioned in delivery orifice  210  and cap  145  is rotated which causes lid  25  to move to one terminal rotation point until a further metered dose is required. 
         [0062]    Various embodiments of the invention have been described above for purposes of illustrating the details thereof and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The details and features of the disclosed embodiment[s] are not intended to be limiting, as many variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be interpreted broadly and to include all variations and modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.