Dosing dispenser system

A dosing dispenser includes a housing, a traveler, and a plunger. The dosing dispenser also includes a driver. The housing defines a chamber, and the traveler and plunger are each positionable within the chamber. The traveler is configured to selectively position the plunger along an axis in at least one direction within the chamber.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to dispensers for flowable compositions, and more particularly to a dispenser having a base which causes a plunger to urge a predetermined amount of flowable composition through an opening in the dispenser.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, topically administered medicine was often formulated as liquids. Applying a liquid to a skin surface often resulted in a portion of the dose spreading beyond the target area. Cream-based formulations were developed as viscous liquids to prevent the unintended application of the medicine to an unaffected area. More recently, pharmacists have been taking traditional medicines and “compounding” them in a cream base.

Administering the cream-based medicines is a challenge because providing an accurate measured dose is not easy. One common form of a dispenser is a traditional hypodermic syringe, without the needle. The user can depress the plunger to force an amount of cream out of the barrel as indicated by markings on the side of the barrel. For older patients, it is not always easy to measure out 0.1 ml or so of medicine, as this may require more dexterity than is available. In addition, it may be difficult for patients to visually track the amount of liquid dispensed by relying on the markings on the side of the barrel because eyesight may vary from patient to patient. Furthermore, depending on the dispenser, more or less liquid may appear to be dispensed compared to the actual amount dispensed when relying on the markings.

SUMMARY

According to various examples, a dosing dispenser includes a housing defining a chamber, a traveler within the chamber, and a plunger within the chamber. In some aspects, the traveler is movable along an axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to the plunger, and the traveler is spaced apart from the plunger in the disengaged position.

In some cases, the plunger includes a first end and a second end, the second end of the plunger defines a plunger cavity, and the plunger defines a filling portion of the chamber between the first end of the housing and the first end of the plunger. In certain aspects, the traveler is configured to abut and selectively position the plunger in the engaged position. In various aspects, the traveler includes a first end and a second end, and the first end includes a plunger driver configured to selectively engage the plunger within a plunger cavity of the plunger and movably position the plunger within the chamber.

In various examples, a base assembly is coupled to the housing. In certain examples, the base assembly includes a base and is configured to movably position the traveler within the chamber through rotation of the base. According to some examples, in the disengaged position, the traveler is spaced apart from the plunger, and in the engaged position, a plunger driver of the traveler abuts the plunger within a plunger cavity of the plunger. In various aspects, the housing includes a dispensing channel, the plunger includes a crown, the plunger defines a filling portion of the chamber between the dispensing channel and the plunger, and at least a portion of the crown is positionable within the dispensing channel of the housing when a volume of the filling portion of the chamber is at a minimum. According to certain examples, the housing further includes an intermediate chamber between the chamber and the dispensing channel, and at least a portion of the crown is positionable within the intermediate chamber when the volume of the filling portion of the chamber is at the minimum.

According to some examples, a dosing dispenser includes a housing defining a chamber, a traveler positionable within the chamber, and a plunger positionable within the chamber. In certain cases, the traveler is independently positionable along an axis relative to the plunger in at least one direction within the chamber.

In various aspects, the chamber includes a first end and a second end, the housing further includes a dispensing channel in fluid communication with the chamber at the first end, and the at least one direction is away from the first end. In some cases, the housing further includes a dispensing channel in fluid communication with the chamber, and the at least one direction is away from the dispensing channel. In some examples, the traveler is configured to abut and selectively position the plunger in the a direction opposite the at least one direction.

In certain examples, a base assembly is configured to movably position the traveler within the chamber. In some aspects, the base assembly includes a base, a drive screw threadably engaged with the traveler and coupled to the base such that rotation of the base rotates the drive screw and axially moves the traveler within the chamber, a base support rotatably supporting the drive screw and the base, the base support including a mounting portion and a supporting portion, the supporting portion including at least one notch, and a cam mounted on the drive screw and including at least one extension configured to engage the at least one notch as the cam is rotated through the drive screw. In various aspects, a cross-sectional shape of the plunger is substantially similar to a cross-sectional shape of the chamber such that the plunger forms a fluid tight seal with the housing within the chamber as the plunger is movably positioned within the chamber.

According to certain examples, a method of dispensing a flowable composition with a dosing dispenser includes positioning a plunger within a chamber defined by a housing of the dosing dispenser, positioning a traveler within the chamber such that the traveler is spaced apart from the plunger, and loading the flowable composition within the chamber.

In certain examples, the housing includes a first end and a second end, the first end includes a dispensing channel in fluid communication with the chamber, positioning the plunger within the chamber includes abutting the plunger against the first end of the housing within the chamber, and loading the flowable composition includes loading the flowable composition through the dispensing channel. In some cases, the plunger includes a crown, and positioning the plunger within the chamber includes positioning at least a portion of the crown within the dispensing channel.

In various cases, loading the flowable composition includes loading a predetermined volume of the flowable composition within the chamber between a dispensing end of the housing and a first end of the plunger facing the dispensing end, and the method further includes advancing the traveler within the chamber such that the traveler abuts a second end of the plunger opposite the first end after the predetermined volume is loaded, and dispensing the flowable composition from the dispensing end of the housing by advancing the traveler towards the dispensing end. According to some examples, the method includes positioning the traveler within the chamber such that the traveler abuts the plunger after the flowable composition is loaded, and advancing the traveler within the chamber such that the traveler movably positions the plunger within the chamber and dispenses the flowable composition from the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. Directional references such as “forward,” “aft,” “up,” “down,” “top,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “back,” among others are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing.

Disclosed is a dosing dispenser and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. The dispenser includes a housing, a plunger, a drive screw, and a traveler. It will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed dispenser is described in but a few examples among many.

To ensure that the dispenser provides an accurate dosage, the patient may be consistently alerted to stop rotation of the drive screw at the appropriate location, and the amount of medicine that is pushed through a dispensing end may not vary due to leaks or fluctuation in the movement of the plunger.

FIG. 1illustrates example of a dispenser10that is configured to dispense a flowable composition. The flowable composition may include but is not limited to creams or semi-solid emulsions such as oil-in-water creams and water-in-oil creams, gels, sols, colloids, suspensions, solutions, liquids with positive viscosity such as syrups, or other suitable flowable compositions or medicaments. In various examples, the dispenser10includes a housing100, a plunger200, a traveler300, a drive screw400, a base support500, a cam600, a base700, a cap800, and an applicator900. Some or all of the parts that comprise the dispenser10may be formed of materials including but not limited to polymer, plastic, composite, or other formable or moldable material.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the housing100includes a body102having a first end104and a second end106. In various aspects, the body102defines a chamber108extending from the first end104to the second end106that is dimensioned and configured to store the flowable composition. The chamber108may have any cross-sections desired. In some cases, a shape of the chamber108may be different from an exterior shape of the body102. In some examples, the exterior shape of the body102may be oval, elliptical, triangular, square, hexagonal, pentagonal, circular, rectilinear, parabolic, hexagonal, other polygonal, irregular circular, or any other desired shape. In some cases, the body102is an ergonomic shape.

In various examples, the first end104is a dispensing end of the housing100that includes a dispensing aperture110. As described in detail below, during use of the dispenser10, the flowable composition may flow into or out of the chamber108through the dispensing aperture110.

In various examples, the first end104of the housing100also includes an applicator locking interface112(see, e.g.,FIGS. 18-20). In some examples, the locking interface112has a male Luer-style surface (see, e.g.,FIGS. 28-31) or a female Luer-style surface (see, e.g.,FIGS. 19-20). In these examples, and as described below, the applicator900may include a locking interface906that is complimentary to the locking interface112of the housing100. In various cases, the locking interface112may also optionally include anti-rotation ribs122. In these examples, the anti-rotation ribs122may provide an interface that resists casual rotation of the applicator900while the dispenser10is being used. In some cases where the locking interface112includes the anti-rotation ribs122, the applicator900may optionally include complimentary anti-rotation grooves (not shown) that are configured to engage with the anti-rotation ribs122. In various examples, the anti-rotation ribs122may be provided on the applicator900and the first end104may include the complimentary anti-rotation grooves.

In some examples, the first end104may also include threading118that is configured to engage with threading806of the cap800. In various cases, the first end104may optionally comprise ribs120that are configured to engage with grooves808of the cap800to provide a stopping interface and align a shape of the cap800with a shape of the housing100. In other examples, the grooves may be provided on the first end104and the ribs120may be provided on the cap800.

In various examples (see, e.g.,FIGS. 1 and 21), the housing100may optionally include mounting slots114that are configured to engage the base support500in a snap-fit configuration. In some cases, the mounting slots114are provided proximate to the second end106of the housing100, although they need not be. It will be appreciated that the disclosure of mounting slots114should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other examples, various other suitable mounting mechanisms may be utilized to assemble the base support500with the housing100.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1, 5, and 6, the plunger200includes a body202having a first end204and a second end206. The shape of the plunger200is selected such that the body102of the housing100and the plunger200may form a fluid tight seal within the chamber108and engage with each other in a way that prevents the plunger200from freely rotating within the chamber108as the plunger200is moved axially along the chamber108, as described in detail below. For example and without limitation, in some examples, the chamber108and the plunger200may have any suitable interlocking shapes such as oval, elliptical, triangular, rectilinear, parabolic, hexagonal, other polygonal, irregular circular, or any other interlocking shapes. As one non-limiting example,FIG. 6illustrates the plunger200having one cross-sectional profile shape, andFIG. 7illustrates a plunger200having another cross-sectional profile shape.

The plunger200is shaped to snugly fit within the chamber108without freely rotating within the chamber108. In certain embodiments, the chamber108may have some variation in size from top to bottom, with the second end typically being slightly smaller in cross-sectional area than the first end. Also, there may be some variation in sizes among chambers108and plungers200. Therefore, the plunger200is configured with a flexible design that provides a fluid tight seal along the entire length of the chamber108and between variations among housing100sizes. In these embodiments, the plungers200may be formed to have a greater degree of flexibility that allows the plunger200to bend or compress as needed to form a fluid tight seal inside smaller cross-section areas, and to flex or expand as needed to form a fluid tight seal inside larger cross-section areas.

In certain embodiments, the plunger200includes a sealing member214that includes a flexible design configured to flexibly bend, compress, flex, and/or expand as needed to allow the plunger200to maintain a fluid tight seal within the chamber108. In the present example, the plunger200includes two sealing members214, although it will be appreciated that any desired number of sealing members214, including zero sealing members214, may be used.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, in various cases, the first end204of the plunger200may optionally include a crown216. The crown216may be provided to reduce the volume of residual flowable composition within the chamber108after use of the dispenser10. In some examples, the crown216may partially extend into the dispensing aperture110before the chamber108is filled with the flowable composition, at various positions or dosages while or after the flowable composition is being dispensed, or both. In some cases, the crown216may be provided to provide resistance to fold-over of the plunger200during filling of the chamber108with the flowable composition. In other cases, the first end204of the plunger200may be flat, arcuate, angled, or have various other suitable shapes as desired.

In some examples, the first end204of the plunger200may also include ribs218. The ribs218may provide air passages between adjacent ribs218which may allow for pressure to build up across the first end204and reduce the initial force needed to start filling the chamber108with the flowable composition.

In various cases, second end206of the plunger200defines a cavity208having a cavity sidewall210and a cavity end wall212. The cavity208is dimensioned and configured to engage a plunger driver314of the traveler300such that the plunger200is movably positioned within the chamber108through the traveler300. In various cases, a skirt of the plunger200, or the portion of the body that extends from the cavity end wall212to the second end206, is provided to reduce fold-over or rotation of the plunger200during filling or dispensing of the flowable composition. In various examples, the plunger200is configured to be positioned within the chamber108such that the first end204of the plunger200faces the first end104of the housing100and the second end206faces the second end106of the housing100.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the traveler300includes a body302having a first end304and a second end306. In various aspects, the body302defines a chamber308that extends from the first end304to the second end306. The chamber308is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate the drive screw400, as described in detail below. In some aspects, the chamber308includes threading310that are configured to threadably engage the drive screw400. In various cases, at least a portion of the chamber308, such as a portion of the chamber308proximate to the second end306, includes the threading310. In other cases, the threading310may be provided throughout the chamber308from the first end304to the second end306.

In various examples, the traveler300includes collars312at various positions on the body302. The collars312have a shape that is complimentary to the shape of the chamber108of the housing100such that rotation of the traveler300is resisted as the drive screw400moves the traveler300axially along the drive screw400within the chamber108. The number of collars312, the shape of the collars312, or the location of the collars312on the body302should not be considered limiting on the present disclosure. In the present example, the traveler300includes two collars312A and312B. In this example, the collar312B is proximate to the second end306of the body302and the collar312A is proximate to the first end304.

In some cases, the traveler300includes a plunger driver314extending from proximate the first end304. The plunger driver314is shaped and dimensioned such that the plunger driver314may engage the plunger200within the plunger cavity208to movably position the plunger200within the chamber108. In various cases, an end316of the plunger driver314is configured to engage the plunger200. Thus, the plunger driver314may have a cross-sectional profile shape that is complimentary to the shape of the plunger cavity208. In various cases, the plunger driver314may optionally define a plunger drive chamber318that is in fluid communication with the chamber308. In such cases, the end316of the plunger driver314may define an opening320, as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3. However, in other examples, the end316may be solid. In various other cases, the entire plunger driver314may be solid (i.e. the plunger driver314does not define a plunger drive chamber318).

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the drive screw400includes a body402having a first end404, a second end406, and a support collar410between the first end404and the second end406. In various cases, the body402includes threading408between the first end404and the support collar410that are configured to threadably engage the threading310of the traveler300such that rotation of the drive screw400axially moves the traveler300along the body402. In various cases, at least a portion of the body402between support collar410and the second end406is a key412having a key profile that is configured to engage the base700such that rotation of the base700rotates the drive screw400, as described in detail below.

Referring toFIGS. 8-10, the base support500includes a body502having a first end504and a second end506. In various cases, the body502defines a central opening508extending through the body502from the first end504to the second end506that is dimensioned to accommodate the drive screw400. In some cases, the body502has a mounting portion510proximate to the first end504and a supporting portion512proximate to the second end506. In various examples, the base support500optionally defines an attachment groove514between the mounting portion510and the supporting portion512that is configured to engage the base700such that the base700is rotatably supported on the base support500, as described in detail below.

As illustrated inFIGS. 8-10, in some cases, the mounting portion510and the supporting portion512may have different cross-sectional profile shapes. In other cases, the mounting portion510and the supporting portion512may have similar cross-sectional profile shapes. In the present example, the mounting portion510has a profile shape that is complimentary to the shape of the chamber108such that the mounting portion510may be inserted into the chamber108to couple the base support500with the housing100. Optionally, in this example, the mounting portion510may include engagement projection524which are configured to engage the mounting slots114of the housing100in a snap-fit engagement. This engagement may also resist rotation of the base support500during use. It will be appreciated that in various other examples, various other suitable attachment mechanisms for engaging the base support500with the housing100may be used, such as screws, pins, bolts, dips, clasps, etc.

The mounting portion510defines a mounting portion cavity516that is dimensioned and configured to accommodate the support collar410of the drive screw400. In sonic cases, mounting projections518are provided within the mounting portion cavity516to retain the drive screw400axially relative to the base support500while allowing for rotation of the drive screw400relative to the base support500. In some cases, the mounting projections518provide a snap-fit engagement with the support collar410of the drive screw400. In various other examples, other suitable mechanisms for retaining the drive screw400relative to the base support500while allowing for rotation of the drive screw400relative to the base support500may be used.

The supporting portion512defines a supporting portion cavity520that is dimensioned and configured to accommodate the cam600. As illustrated inFIGS. 8-10 and 12, the supporting portion512defines notches or slots522that are configured to engage arms606of the cam600, as described in detail below. The number of shape of the slots522should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. The slots522define one or more home or “click” positions that are provided at predetermined intervals on the supporting portion512. The intervals of the slots522may correspond with a predefined amount of flowable composition is dispensed from the dispenser10upon rotation of the drive screw400between successive home positions, as described in detail below. In some cases, the slots522may be omitted and a sidewall of the supporting portion512may define projections and recesses that are configured to engage with the cam600in a similar manner (seeFIGS. 46-51).

Referring toFIG. 11, the cam600includes a body602that defines a keyhole604. The keyhole604has a shape that is complimentary to the key412of the drive screw400such that the key412is insertable through the keyhole604, and rotation of the drive screw400rotates the cam600. As illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12, the cam600includes at least one arm606. In the present example, the cam600includes three arms606. Some or all of the arms606may have the same engagement end608, or each arm606may have a different engagement end608, depending on the purpose of each arm606. In various cases, the cam600may include the same number of arms606as the number of slots522of the base support500.

In various cases, at least one engagement end608includes a projection610and a trailing edge612. In some cases, the trailing edge612is configured to engage the supporting portion512when the projection610is within one of the slots522to prevent rotation of the cam600in the direction of the trailing edge612. The trailing edge612may have various suitable profiles and geometries that provide an interface that resists rotation of the cam600in the direction of the trailing edge612when the projections610are within the slots522. In some cases, the trailing edge612may have a profile that engages the supporting portion512such that the arms606of the cam600will break before allowing back rotation.

In some cases, at least one projection610also has a clicking profile614. In various examples with multiple arms606, one, some, or all of the projections610may have the clicking profile614. The clicking profile614is configured to sufficiently radially bend the engagement end608so as to emit an audible “click” when the engagement end608returns to an unbent stage after travelling over the supporting portion512and engages one of the slots522. Thus, in certain embodiments, the interaction between at least one of the projections610with the clicking profile614and at least one of the slots522may provide the audible “click” response, while the interaction between at least one of the projections610without the clicking profile614merely provide the anti-reverse rotation feature.

The interaction between at least one of the projections610with the clicking profile614and at least one of the slots522may also provide tactile feedback. In other embodiments, the interaction between at least one of the projections610without the clicking profile614(or with an additional clicking profile614) may provide a back-up audible “click” to the audible “click” that is also emitted by the interaction between at least one of the projections610with the clicking profile614and at least one of the slots522. As described in detail below, the auditory and/or tactile feedback from the interaction between at least one of the projections610with the clicking profile614and at least one of the slots522may alert the user that a predetermined amount of the flowable composition was dispensed.

The base700includes a body702having a first end704and a second end706. The base700may have a profile shape that is similar to the profile shape of the base support500and/or the housing100, although it need not. In various other cases, the base700may have any desired profile shape. The base700defines a keyhole708that is dimensioned to accommodate and receive the key412of the drive screw400. The base700defines a base cavity710that is configured to accommodate the cam600and the supporting portion512. In some aspects, the base700includes projections712which are configured to engage the attachment groove514such that the base700is retained on the base support500while being rotatable relative to the base support500. In various other examples, various other mounting mechanisms may be utilized.

When assembled on the base support500, the base700retains the cam600on the drive screw400between the base support500and the base700. In sonic cases, the base700may provide visual feedback to the user to indicate when at least one of the projections610with the clicking profile614is engaged with at least one of the slots522. For example, in some cases where the base700has a profile shape that is similar to the profile shape of the base support500and/or the housing100, the base700may provide visual feedback that the at least one projection610is not engaged with the slot522when the profile of the base700is misaligned with the profile of the base support500and/or the housing100. In a similar manner, the base700may provide visual feedback that the at least one projection610is engaged within the slot522when the profile of the base700is aligned with the profile of the base support500and/or the housing100. Various other visual feedback may be provided by the base700when compared to the base support500and/or the housing100.

FIGS. 13-18illustrate another non-limiting example of steps for assembling the dispenser10. InFIG. 13, the drive screw400is inserted through the central opening508of the base support500and the support collar410of the drive screw400is snap-fit into the mounting portion cavity516of the base support500. The keyhole604of the cam600is aligned with the key412of the drive screw400and the cam600is slid onto the drive screw400.

InFIG. 14, the base700is rotatably mounted on the base support500such that the cam600is captured on the drive screw400between the base700and the base support500. InFIGS. 15 and 16, the traveler300is threaded onto the drive screw400and run along the drive screw400such that the second end306of the traveler300is relatively close to the support collar410of the drive screw400. In some cases, the second end306may abut the support collar410, although it need not.

InFIG. 17, the plunger200is inserted into the chamber108of the housing100such that the first end204of the plunger200faces the first end104of the housing100and the second end206of the plunger200faces the second end106of the housing100. In some cases, the plunger200is inserted such that the first end204abuts the first end104of the housing100within the chamber108. In various examples where the plunger200includes the crown216, a portion of the crown216may be inserted into the dispensing aperture110of the housing100. The base support500, which indirectly supports the traveler300, the drive screw400, the cam600, and the base700, is coupled to the housing100. In the present embodiment, the base support500is coupled to the housing100by inserting the mounting portion510of the base support500within the chamber108and snap-fitting the engagement projections524of the mounting portion510with the mounting slots114of the housing100. As described in detail below, various other mounting mechanisms and configurations may be used to mount the base support500, traveler300, drive screw400, cam600, and base700to the housing100.

InFIG. 18, the desired applicator900is attached to the first end104of the housing100. In addition, the cap800is removably attached to the housing100at the first end104.

The cap800includes a body802that defines a cavity804. In various aspects, at least a portion of the cavity804includes threading806that is configured to engage the threading118of the housing100. As described previously, in some cases, the cap800includes grooves808that are configured to engage the ribs120to provide a stopping interface and align a shape of the cap800with a shape of the housing100. In other examples, the grooves may be provided on the first end104and the ribs120may be provided on the cap800.

The applicator900includes a body902having an applicator surface904and a housing locking interface906. A dispensing channel908is defined through the body902. As illustrated inFIGS. 25-27, the applicator surface904may have various profiles depending on an intended use of the dispenser10. For example and without limitation, the applicator surface904may have an angled profile (see, e.g.,FIGS. 25 and 27), arcuate profile (see, e.g.,FIG. 26), ribbed profile, flat profile, or various other suitable profiles as desired.

The housing locking interface906is complimentary to the applicator locking interface112. For example, in some cases, the locking interface906may be a male Luer-style interface or a female Luer-style interface. In some cases, the locking interface906(or the locking interface112) may be tamper-proof such that a user may not remove the applicator900after a doctor or other person initially fills the dispenser with the flowable composition and attaches the applicator900to the housing100. When assembled, the dispensing channel908is in fluid communication with the chamber108and dispensing aperture110of the housing100.

FIGS. 19 and 20illustrate the applicator locking interface112and the applicator locking interface112engaged with the housing locking interface906.FIG. 21illustrates the dispenser10fully assembled and with the cap800attached.

FIGS. 22-24illustrate steps for dispensing a flowable composition1000using the dispenser10. In various cases, before distribution to a patient, the chamber108of the housing100is filled with the flowable composition1000by injecting the flowable composition through the dispensing aperture110and into the chamber108between the plunger200and the first end104of the housing100. In various cases, when the flowable composition1000is injected into the chamber108, only the flowable composition1000is between the plunger200and the first end104of the housing100. As illustrated inFIG. 22, in some cases, the flowable composition1000may initially cause the plunger200to “float” within the chamber108between the traveler300and the first end104of the housing100. In some examples, the floating plunger200may reduce or limit the formation of air bubbles within the flowable composition as additional components that may cause bubble formation are reduced or eliminated within the chamber108between the plunger200and the first end104.

As illustrated inFIG. 23, after the base700has been sufficiently rotated, which in turn rotates the drive screw400and axially moves the traveler300, the traveler300engages the plunger200, various cases, the plunger driver314engages the plunger200within the plunger cavity208. In some examples, the end316of the plunger driver314engages the cavity end wall212of the plunger200. InFIG. 24, the applicator900is attached to the first end104of the housing100.

FIGS. 28-31illustrate an example of the dispenser10where the locking interface112of the housing100is a male Luer-style surface and the locking interface906of the applicator900is a female Luer-style surface. As illustrated inFIG. 30, in some cases, the housing100includes ribs128. The ribs128may provide a stopping interface with the locking interface906, somewhat similar to the ribs120. As illustrated in these figures, in some cases, the locking interface112may extend a certain distance above the threads118, which may help reduce the amount of flowable composition that may get caught in the threads118during use.

FIGS. 32 and 33illustrate an example of a dispenser20that is substantially similar to the dispenser10except that the first end204of the plunger200is flat and does not include the crown216.

FIGS. 34 and 35illustrate another example of a dispenser30that is substantially similar to the dispenser10except that the housing100of the dispenser30optionally includes a locking tab116at the second end106that is movable between an unlocked position (FIG. 34) and a locked position (FIG. 35). In various examples, the locking tab116may be manually movable relative to the housing100or mechanically movable relative to the housing100, such as through springs, biasing members, etc. In these examples, the locking tab116is configured to engage a corresponding locking groove714on the base700. In some cases, the locking tab116engages the locking groove714automatically after a single turn of the base700, as described in detail below. In other examples, the locking tab116may engage the locking groove714as desired by the user. The locking tab116engaged with the locking groove714may prevent inadvertent rotation of the base700. The locking tab116may also be provided for child-resistant operation of the dispenser10.

FIGS. 36 and 37illustrate an example of a dispenser40that is substantially similar to the dispenser10except that the traveler300and base support500are modified. In this example, the base support500includes two halves526A-AB that are coupled to each other through snap-fitting or various other suitable attachment mechanisms. Each half526A-B includes a locking groove528that is configured to retain the support collar410of the drive screw400when the halves526A-B are assembled. The mounting portion510of each half includes a guide530. The guides530are configured to engage projections322provided along the body302of the traveler300to prevent rotation of the traveler300as the traveler300is axially positioned along the drive screw400. In this example, the cross-sectional shape of the assembled base support500is different that the cross sectional shape of the housing100. Optionally, the base support500and housing100of the dispenser40have a circular shape, although they need not.

In addition, in this example, the base support500is coupled to the housing100in a snap-fit configuration such that a portion of the base support500overlaps a portion of the housing100. For example, the second end106of the housing100is within the mounting portion cavity516of the base support500. In various cases, the base700includes a base projection716that is insertable into the supporting portion cavity520of the base support such that the base700is rotatably supported by the base support500.

FIGS. 38 and 39illustrate an example of a dispenser50that is substantially similar to the dispenser40except that the drive screw400includes an intermediate drive screw414. As illustrated, in this example, the intermediate drive screw414includes a body416having a first end418and a second end420. The body416defines a central channel422that extends from the first end418to the second end420. Threads424are provided along the central channel422and are configured to engage with the threading408of the drive screw400. As illustrated inFIG. 39, in some cases, the threads408of the drive screw400may only be provided along a portion of the body402. Threads426are provided along the outer surface of the body416and are configured to engage with the threads310of the traveler300. In some cases, a first stopper428may be provided on the outer surface proximate to the first end418to prevent disengagement of the traveler300from the intermediate drive screw414. In a similar manner, a second stopper430may be provided within the central channel422proximate to the second end420to prevent disengagement of the intermediate drive screw414from the drive screw400. In various examples, this screw within a screw arrangement of the traveler300, intermediate drive screw414, and drive screw400may be used to reduce an overall length of the dispenser50.

As illustrated inFIGS. 38 and 39, the traveler300also includes a traveler cover324. The traveler cover324includes at least one slot326that may be used as a guide for projections328of the traveler300. The traveler cover324may also include projections330that are configured to engage with the housing100or the base support500to reduce or restrict rotation of the traveler300and traveler cover324during use.

FIGS. 40 and 41illustrate an example of a dispenser60that is substantially similar to the dispenser40except that the halves526A-B define the attachment groove514. Similar to the dispenser10, in this example, the base700attaches to the base support500by engaging the attachment groove514such that at least a portion of the base support500is within the base cavity710. In this example, the dispenser60may function as a syringe when the halves526A-B are omitted.

FIGS. 42 and 43illustrate an example of a dispenser70that is similar to the dispenser60except that the base support500is a unitary piece rather than having the two halves526A-B that are detachably connected.

FIG. 44illustrates another example of a dispenser80in which the traveler300and plunger200are integrally formed as a single component201. The housing100, base support500and/or base700may he similar to that of any of the dispensers described previously.

FIGS. 45-49illustrate an example of a dispenser90that is substantially similar to the dispenser10except that the locking interface112of the housing100is a female Luer-style surface and the locking interface906of the applicator900is a male Luer-style surface. In some examples, the female Luer-style locking interface112may allow for direct attachment of the dispenser90to various Luer-lock syringes on the market for filling without an adapter.

In various examples, as illustrated inFIGS. 45 and 47-49, the housing locking interface906includes an engagement collar918that is configured to snap-fit onto the housing100within the chamber108(see, e.g.,FIG. 47). The snap-fit engagement between the applicator900and the housing100through the engagement collar918may provide a more consistent and/or tight gap between the housing100and the applicator900. In some examples, the snap-fit engagement through the engagement collar918may limit or prevent removal of the applicator900from the housing100.

As illustrated inFIG. 47, in some examples where the applicator900includes the engagement collar918, the crown216of the plunger200optionally includes an applicator recess220that is dimensioned to accommodate the engagement collar918when the plunger200abuts the first end104of the housing100within the chamber108. In these examples, the crown216may or may not be insertable within the dispensing channel908. In other examples, the applicator recess220is omitted from the plunger200. The size and shape of the applicator recess220should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure.

FIGS. 50 and 51illustrate an example of a dispenser1100that is substantially similar to the dispenser10except that the locking interface112of the housing100is a female Luer-style surface that further includes internal cored sections1102and external cored sections1104. In certain examples, the cored sections1102and1104may reduce thick sections of the housing100that may otherwise be present, and therefore reduce the weight of the dispenser1100. In certain cases, the cored sections1102and1104alternate around a perimeter of the dispensing aperture110, although they need not. As illustrated inFIGS. 50 and 51, in various examples, the internal cored sections1102are offset from the external cored sections1104, which may allow for thickness reduction of the housing100while maintaining the chamber108.

FIGS. 52-59illustrate an example of a dispenser1200that is substantially similar to the dispenser10except that the crown216of the plunger200is modified and the housing100defines an intermediate chamber124between the chamber108and the dispensing aperture110. In certain examples, as illustrated inFIG. 54, the crown216may partially extend into the dispensing aperture110and/or the intermediate chamber124before the chamber108is filled with the flowable composition, at various positions or dosages while or after the flowable composition is being dispensed, or both.

As illustrated inFIG. 54, in some examples, the crown216optionally may engage a refilling device1202(e.g., a filling syringe) during filling of the dispenser1200with the flowable composition, although it need not. Optionally, air gaps1204are defined in the intermediate chamber124when the plunger200is in the intermediate chamber124. In other examples, the air gaps1204may be omitted.

In various examples, as illustrated inFIG. 55, the housing100also includes a locking tab126or other similar mechanism in or proximate to the dispensing aperture110. As illustrated inFIG. 55, the locking tab126may facilitate engagement and securing the applicator900on the housing100(and optionally within the dispensing aperture110.

FIGS. 56-59illustrate a non-limiting example of steps for assembly the dispenser1200. In some examples, in a first step, the traveler300is run all the way up the drive screw400(seeFIG. 56). Optionally, the traveler300is run up the drive screw400such that the traveler abuts the support collar410. In various examples, in a second step, the base support500, cam600, and base700are assembled and secured onto the drive screw400(seeFIG. 57). Optionally, in a third step the plunger200is positioned within the chamber108of the housing100. In some examples, the plunger200is inserted such that the plunger is at least partially positioned within the intermediate chamber124(seeFIG. 58). After the plunger200is positioned within the chamber108, the assembled traveler300, drive screw400, base support500, cam600, and base700are assembled with the housing100such that the traveler300is movable within the chamber108(seeFIG. 59).

In general, once the dispenser10(or any of the dispensers20,30,40,50,60,70,80,90,1100, or1200) is assembled but prior to coupling of the applicator900, the chamber108is filled with the appropriate measured amount of flowable composition. The base700is turned so that the drive screw400turns and advances the plunger200and flowable composition toward the first end104of the housing100. The applicator900is then snapped onto the first end104of housing100. The base700is turned and the plunger200is advanced until there is essentially no air inside the chamber108between the flowable composition and the applicator900. The cap800is placed on the applicator900and the dispenser10is ready for use.

The user removes the cap800and turns the base700the appropriate amount of clicks (typically as directed on the instructions given to the user by the dispensing physician or pharmacy). As the base700is turned, the arms606of the cam600flex and move over the cam600as described above, and/or at least projection610moves toward at least one of the slots522. As the projection610passes over and into the slot522, at least one audible “click” is heard when the base700reaches a home or “click” position. Also, the user may sense a vibration when the base700reaches a home or “click” position.

With each click, a predetermined amount of flowable composition1000is forced by the rising plunger200to be dispensed through the applicator900. In the embodiments where the flowable composition1000is an emulsion, cream, or other semi-solid composition, the dispensed flowable composition1000may form a bead or pool over the central area of the applicator surface904of the applicator900. The user applies the flowable composition1000to the skin by rubbing the applicator900on the skin. The flowable composition1000at least partially spreads out over the applicator surface904and is rubbed into the skin.

The tactile and audible click heard as the base700is rotated provides feedback as to how much flowable composition1000is dispensed. For example, the prescription might be for 1 cc of flowable composition1000per dose to be applied to the skin. If each click is 0.25 cc, for example, then the prescription might instruct the user to turn the base700to hear four clicks so as to dispense 1 cc of flowable composition1000. The design of the present invention substantially prevents reverse rotation of the base700with respect to the housing100so that flowable composition1000is not inadvertently sucked back into the dispenser10, which may reduce the effective dosage dispensed and may contaminate the flowable composition1000in the chamber108. The click also provides positive feedback when the right amount of flowable composition1000has been dispensed per turn. In various cases, the amount of flowable composition1000dispensed per click may be adjusted or varied by changing the distance or amount of rotation of the base700between clicks. In some cases, changing the amount of rotation of the base700between clicks may include changing the size, number, or shape of the slots522of the base support500, changing the threads408on the drive screw400, and/or changing the size, number, or shape of the arms606of the cam600, among others.

In certain embodiments, the dispenser10of the present invention may optionally include a vibration mechanism whereby the dispenser10and, in particular, the applicator900area vibrates when activated so as to improve transfer of the flowable composition1000to the skin. The vibration mechanism may be one of several possible mechanisms known to those skilled in the art.

The dispenser of the present invention may also include an indicator mechanism either to show the approximate number of remaining doses or to show when the chamber108is near empty, both so that the user can have advance awareness that a refill may be needed.

In certain embodiments, the indicator may be a visual indicator, such as ruler with a set of marks along the side of the housing100, with each mark being correlated to a particular quantity of flowable composition1000remaining in the dispenser10. In these embodiments, the housing100, or at least a portion thereof (such as an elongated window extending from near the first end104to near the second end106) may be clear or translucent. As one non-limiting example,FIG. 18illustrates the dispenser with a visual indicator101wherein the visual indicator101includes at least one mark. In certain examples, the visual indicator101may provide a visual indication for home or “click” positions. In other examples, the visual indicator101may be through a shape of components, such as the shape of the base700and the shape of the body102. In one non-limiting example, the dispenser10provides a visual indication of the home or “click” positions when the shape or outline of the base700aligns with the shape or outline of the body102as the base700is rotated relative to the body102. For example, both the body102and the base700may be triangular shaped, and a home or “click” position is visually indicated when the corners of the base700align with the corners of the body102. Various other visual indicators may be provided for providing visual indication of the home or “click positions,” including, but not limited to, aligning components, marks, dots, stripes, colors, etc.

In that various components may be reused in different capacities. For example, in one aspect, the volume is modular so that different housings100having chambers108with different volumes may be interchanged while using the same plunger200, base support500, cam600base700, cap800, and applicator900. In some cases, the same traveler300and drive screw400may be used with the different sized housing100, or the size of the traveler300and drive screw400may be adjusted depending on the size of the chamber108.

A collection of exemplary embodiments, including at least some explicitly enumerated as “ECs” (Example Combinations), providing additional description of a variety of embodiment types in accordance with the concepts described herein are provided below. These examples are not meant to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive, and the invention is not limited to these example embodiments but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents.

EC 1. A dosing dispenser including: a housing having a first end and a second end, the housing defining a chamber extending from the first end to the second end, the first end of the housing including a dispensing channel in fluid communication with the chamber; a plunger including a first end and a second end, the plunger positionable within the chamber with the first end proximate to the first end of the housing and the second end proximate to the second end of the housing, the second end of the plunger defining a plunger cavity, the plunger defining a filling portion of the chamber between the first end of the housing and the first end of the plunger; and a traveler including a first end and a second end, the traveler positionable within the chamber, the first end including a plunger driver configured to selectively engage the plunger within the plunger cavity and movably position the plunger within the chamber.

EC 2. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further including a base assembly coupled to the second end of the housing, the base assembly including a base and configured to movably position the traveler within the chamber through rotation of the base.

EC 3. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the base assembly further includes: a drive screw threadably engaged with the traveler and coupled to the base such that rotation of the base rotates the drive screw and axially moves the traveler within the chamber; a base support rotatably supporting the drive screw and the base, the base support including a mounting portion and a supporting portion, the supporting portion including at least one notch; and a cam mounted on the drive screw and including at least one extension configured to engage the at least one notch as the cam is rotated through the drive screw.

EC 4. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the drive screw includes a first end, a second end, and a support collar between the first end and the second end, wherein the drive screw includes external threads between the first end and the support collar configured to threadably engage the traveler, and wherein the base support axially retains the drive screw relative to the base support through engagement of the base support with the support collar of the drive screw.

EC 5. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the traveler is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to the plunger; wherein in the disengaged position, the traveler is spaced apart from the plunger, and wherein in the engaged position, the plunger driver of the traveler abuts the plunger within the plunger cavity.

EC 6. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the plunger is substantially similar to a cross-sectional shape of the chamber such that the plunger forms a fluid tight seal with the housing within the chamber as the plunger is movably positioned within the chamber.

EC 7. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the first end of the plunger includes a crown, and wherein at least a portion of the crown is positionable within the dispensing channel of the housing when a volume of the filling portion of the chamber is at a minimum.

EC 8. A dosing dispenser including: a housing having a first end and a second end, the housing defining a chamber extending from the first end to the second end, the first end of the housing including a dispensing channel in fluid communication with the chamber; a plunger including a first end and a second end, the plunger positionable within the chamber with the first end proximate to the first end of the housing and the second end proximate to the second end of the housing, the second end of the plunger defining a plunger cavity, the plunger defining a filling portion of the chamber between the first end of the housing and the first end of the plunger; and a base assembly coupled to the second end of the housing, the base assembly including a base and configured to movably position the plunger within the chamber through rotation of the base.

EC 9. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further including a traveler within the chamber and coupled to the base assembly, wherein the traveler includes a plunger driver configured to selectively engage the plunger within the plunger cavity, and wherein the traveler is configured to axially move within the chamber through rotation of the base of the base assembly.

EC 10. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the base assembly further includes a drive screw, wherein the base is coupled to the drive screw such that rotation of the base rotates the drive screw, and wherein the drive screw is threadably engaged with the traveler such that rotation of the drive screw axially moves the traveler.

EC 11. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the traveler is movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position relative to the plunger, wherein in the disengaged position, the traveler is spaced apart from the plunger within the chamber, and wherein in the engaged position, the plunger driver abuts the plunger within the plunger cavity.

EC 12. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the base assembly further includes: a base support including a mounting portion and a supporting portion, wherein the mounting portion is coupled to the second end of the housing, wherein the supporting portion defines a supporting portion cavity and at least one notch, and wherein the base support rotatably supports the base relative to the housing; and a cam including a body and at least one arm, wherein the cam is retained within the supporting portion cavity and rotatable relative to the base support, and wherein the cam is configured to provide auditory feedback upon engagement of the at least one arm with the at least one notch as the cam is rotated.

EC 13. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the mounting portion of the base support is different from a cross-sectional shape of the supporting portion of the base support, and wherein a cross-sectional shape of the housing is substantially similar to a cross-sectional shape of the base.

EC 14. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the plunger is substantially similar to a cross-sectional shape of the chamber such that the plunger forms a fluid tight seal with the housing within the chamber as the plunger is movably positioned within the chamber.

EC 15. A dosing dispenser including: a housing having a first end and a second end, the housing defining a chamber extending from the first end to the second end, the first end of the housing including a dispensing channel in fluid communication with the chamber; a plunger including a first end and a second end, the plunger positionable within the chamber with the first end proximate to the first end of the housing and the second end proximate to the second end of the housing, the second end of the plunger defining a plunger cavity, the plunger defining a filling portion of the chamber between the first end of the housing and the first end of the plunger; and a traveler including a plunger driver, the traveler configured to movably position the plunger within the chamber, the traveler movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position relative to the plunger, wherein in the disengaged position, the traveler is spaced apart from the plunger within the chamber, and wherein in the engaged position, the plunger driver abuts the plunger within the plunger cavity.

EC 16. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein in the engaged position, the traveler and plunger are movable within the chamber between a filled position and a dispensed position, wherein in the filled position, the first end of the plunger is spaced apart from the first end of the housing and volume of the filling portion of the chamber is at a maximum, and wherein in the dispensed position, the first end of the plunger abuts the first end of the housing and the volume of the filling portion of the chamber is at a minimum.

EC 17. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the traveler includes a first end and a second end, wherein the plunger driver extends from the first end of the traveler, wherein the traveler includes at least one collar between the first end and the second end that is configured to resist rotation of the traveler as the traveler is movably positioned within the chamber.

EC 18. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the traveler defines a traveler chamber extending from the first end to the second end, wherein at least a portion of the traveler chamber includes threading, and wherein the dosing dispenser further includes a drive screw threadably engaged with the threading of the traveler and configured to movably position the traveler within the chamber.

EC 19. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further including a base assembly coupled to the second end of the housing, the base assembly including a base and configured to movably position the traveler within the chamber through rotation of the base, wherein the base assembly further includes: a drive screw threadably engaged with the traveler and coupled to the base such that rotation of the base rotates the drive screw and axially moves the traveler within the chamber; a base support rotatably supporting the drive screw and the base, the base support including a mounting portion and a supporting portion, the supporting portion including at least one notch; a cam mounted on the drive screw and including at least one extension configured to engage the at least one notch as the cam is rotated through the drive screw.

EC 20. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the drive screw includes a first end, a second end, and a support collar between the first end and the second end, wherein the drive screw includes external threads between the first end and the support collar configured to threadably engage the traveler, wherein the drive screw includes a key between the support collar and the second end, and wherein the base and cam each define a keyhole dimensioned to accommodate the key.

EC 21. A dosing dispenser comprising: a housing defining a chamber; a traveler within the chamber; and a plunger within the chamber, wherein the traveler is movable along an axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to the plunger, and wherein the traveler is spaced apart from the plunger in the disengaged position.

EC 22. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the plunger comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the plunger defines a plunger cavity, and wherein the plunger defines a filling portion of the chamber between the first end of the housing and the first end of the plunger.

EC. 23. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the traveler is configured to abut and selectively position the plunger in the engaged position.

EC 24. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the traveler comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a plunger driver configured to selectively engage the plunger within a plunger cavity of the plunger and movably position the plunger within the chamber.

EC 25. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising a base assembly coupled to the housing, the base assembly comprising a base and configured to movably position the traveler within the chamber through rotation of the base.

EC 26. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein in the disengaged position, the traveler is spaced apart from the plunger, and wherein in the engaged position, a plunger driver of the traveler abuts the plunger within a plunger cavity of the plunger.

EC 27. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the housing comprises a dispensing channel, wherein the plunger comprises a crown, wherein the plunger defines a filling portion of the chamber between the dispensing channel and the plunger, and wherein at least a portion of the crown is positionable within the dispensing channel of the housing when a volume of the filling portion of the chamber is at a minimum.

EC 28. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the housing further comprises an intermediate chamber between the chamber and the dispensing channel, and wherein at least a portion of the crown is positionable within the intermediate chamber when the volume of the filling portion of the chamber is at the minimum.

EC 29. A dosing dispenser comprising: a housing defining a chamber; a traveler positionable within the chamber; and a plunger positionable within the chamber, wherein the traveler is independently positionable along an axis relative to the plunger in at least one direction within the chamber.

EC 30. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the chamber comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the housing further comprises a dispensing channel in fluid communication with the chamber at the first end, and wherein the at least one direction is away from the first end.

EC 31. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the housing further comprises a dispensing channel in fluid communication with the chamber, and wherein the at least one direction is away from the dispensing channel.

EC 32. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the traveler is configured to abut and selectively position the plunger in the a direction opposite the at least one direction.

EC 33. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising a base assembly configured to movably position the traveler within the chamber.

EC 34. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the base assembly comprises: a base; a drive screw threadably engaged with the traveler and coupled to the base such that rotation of the base rotates the drive screw and axially moves the traveler within the chamber; a base support rotatably supporting the drive screw and the base, the base support comprising a mounting portion and a supporting portion, the supporting portion comprising at least one notch; and a cam mounted on the drive screw and comprising at least one extension configured to engage the at least one notch as the cam is rotated through the drive screw.

EC 35. The dosing dispenser of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the plunger is substantially similar to a cross-sectional shape of the chamber such that the plunger forms a fluid tight seal with the housing within the chamber as the plunger is movably positioned within the chamber.

EC 36. A method of dispensing a flowable composition with a dosing dispenser, the method comprising: positioning a plunger within a chamber defined by a housing of the dosing dispenser; positioning a traveler within the chamber such that the traveler is spaced apart from the plunger; and loading the flowable composition within the chamber.

EC 37. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the housing comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a dispensing channel in fluid communication with the chamber, wherein positioning the plunger within the chamber comprises abutting the plunger against the first end of the housing within the chamber, and wherein loading the flowable composition comprises loading the flowable composition through the dispensing channel.

EC 38. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the plunger comprises a crown, and wherein positioning the plunger within the chamber comprises positioning at least a portion of the crown within the dispensing channel.

EC 39. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein loading the flowable composition comprises loading a predetermined volume of the flowable composition within the chamber between a dispensing end of the housing and a first end of the plunger facing the dispensing end, and wherein the method further comprises: advancing the traveler within the chamber such that the traveler abuts a second end of the plunger opposite the first end after the predetermined volume is loaded; and dispensing the flowable composition from the dispensing end of the housing by advancing the traveler towards the dispensing end.

EC 40. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising: positioning the traveler within the chamber such that the traveler abuts the plunger after the flowable composition is loaded; and advancing the traveler within the chamber such that the traveler movably positions the plunger within the chamber and dispenses the flowable composition from the housing.

EC 42. A method of dispensing a flowable composition with a dosing dispenser, the method comprising: positioning a plunger within a chamber defined by a housing of the dosing dispenser; positioning a traveler within the chamber such that the traveler is spaced apart from the plunger; and loading the flowable composition within the chamber, wherein loading the flowable composition within the chamber abuts the flowable composition against the plunger and moves the plunger within the chamber independently from the traveler.

EC 43. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein loading the flowable composition within the chamber abuts the flowable composition against the plunger such that no air gaps are formed between the plunger and the flowable composition.

The above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. In some of the figures, various components are illustrated as transparent (represented by dashed lines) to show additional features of the dosing dispenser. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the components need not be transparent and may be opaque and/or have any other colors or shading. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention, nor the claims which follow.