Abstract:
A dispenser ( 10 ) for dispensing a flowable material is disclosed. The dispenser ( 10 ) comprises a first rupturable container ( 20 ) containing the flowable material, and a second container ( 40 ) having an applicator ( 80 ). The first container ( 20 ) is housed within the second container ( 40 ). The flowable material is adapted to be dispensed from the second container ( 40 ) by the applicator ( 80 ).

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The invention generally relates to a dispenser for a flowable substance, or glass ampoule, and in particular, the invention relates to a fluid dispenser having a rupturable container.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Ampoules are well known in the art, particularly ampoules made from glass. Ampoules are generally used to contain and dispense a flowable material once the ampoule is activated. Traditionally, however, ampoules were available in a few limited configurations and have been used only in a relatively narrow variety of uses.  
         [0003]     While ampoules according to the prior art provide a number of advantageous features, they nevertheless have certain limitations. The present invention seeks to overcome certain of these limitations and other drawbacks of the prior art, and to provide new features and new uses for ampoules not heretofore available.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     The present invention provides a dispenser for dispensing a flowable material which is preferably a fluid. The dispenser comprises a first rupturable container housed within a resilient second container. In accordance with the invention, the first container includes a sealed first chamber which contains the flowable material to be dispensed. The second container contains the first container. The second container has a closed first end and an open second end. The open second end of the second container receives an applicator for dispensing the flowable material.  
         [0005]     According to one aspect of the invention, the second container includes a second chamber which houses the entire first container therein.  
         [0006]     According to another aspect of the invention, the applicator is a cotton swab which is friction fit inside the open second end of the second container. In this way, the applicator serves as a stop to prevent the first container from exiting the second chamber of the second container.  
         [0007]     According to yet another aspect of the invention, the dispenser includes a sleeve which is cooperatively dimensioned with the second container. The sleeve includes at least one indicator which serves to identify the location at which force should be applied to activate the dispenser. The sleeve alternatively serves as a cover to the second container.  
         [0008]     According to yet another aspect of the invention, the dispenser is used to contain and dispense a large variety of fluids, including adhesives, medicinal products, hygiene products, paint, etc. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]      FIG. 1  IS A PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF A DISPENSER ACCORDING TO THE PRESENT INVENTION;  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  IS AN EXPLODED PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF THE DISPENSER OF  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the dispenser of  FIG. 1  showing a user applying force to rupture the dispenser;  
         [0012]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser taken along lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 ; and  
         [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the dispenser of  FIG. 1  shown in use by an operator. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0014]     While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.  
         [0015]     As seen in  FIGS. 1-5 , the present invention relates to a dispenser generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . The dispenser  10  generally comprises a first container  20  disposed within a second container  40 , a cover, or sleeve  60 , and an applicator  80 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the dispenser  10  has an elongated axis A-A along its length. In one preferred embodiment, the dispenser  10  is generally cylindrical, however, it is understood that the dispenser  10  can take on a variety of other shapes. The dispenser  10  may sometimes be referred to as a swab.  
         [0016]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the first container  20  has a first end  22 , a second end  24 , and a peripheral wall  26 . The container  20  additionally has an interior surface  28 , and an exterior surface  30 . The first container  20  has a generally cylindrical shape, and is closed at both the first and second ends  22 , 24 . In this way, the container  20  is adapted to receive and contain a flowable material. Preferably the flowable material is a fluid, however, the dispenser  10  can also be configured to dispense flowable solids, such as powders. The interior surface  28  of the first container  20 , along with the closed first and second ends  22 ,  24  cooperate to define a first chamber  32  in the first container  20 . The first chamber  32  receives and contains the flowable material to be dispensed by the dispenser  10 . The first container  20  is preferably made of a rigid fracturable material, and most preferably is made of glass. The first container  20  has a cross-section perpendicular to the axis A-A of the dispenser  10 . Preferably the cross-section of the first container  20  is circular.  
         [0017]     Turning to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the second container  40  also has a first end  42 , a second end  44 , and a peripheral wall  46 . The second container  40  has an interior surface  48 , and an exterior surface  50 . In the preferred embodiment of the dispenser  10 , the first end  42  of the second container  40  is closed while the second end  44  of the second container  40  is open. This allows the second container  40  to receive either end  22 ,  24  of the first container  20  within it. The interior surface  48  of the second container  40 , along with the closed first end  42  cooperate to define a second chamber  52  within the second container  40 . The second chamber  52  receives at least a portion of the first container  20 . The interior surface  48  of the second container  40  is cooperatively dimensioned with the exterior surface  30  of the first container  20  such that the second container  40  fits snugly over the first container  20 , as seen in  FIG. 4 . The second container  40  is preferably made of a flexible resilient material, and most preferably is made of plastic. In the most preferred embodiment, the second container  40  is made of transparent or translucent plastic, such that materials within the second container  40  are visible. However, the second container  40  may also be opaque, for example, in situations where the flowable material or other contents are light sensitive. The second chamber  60  also has a cross-section which is perpendicular to the axis A-A of the dispenser  10 . Preferably, the cross-section of the second container  40  is circular.  
         [0018]     The dispenser  10  also comprises a cover, or sleeve  60 , best seen in  FIG. 2 . The sleeve  60  has a first end  62 , a second end  64 , and a peripheral wall  66 . The sleeve  60  also has an interior surface  68  and an exterior surface  70 . Preferably, the first end  62  of the sleeve  60  is closed, while the second end  64  of the sleeve  60  is open to receive the remainder of the dispenser  10  including the first and second containers  20 , 40 . However, it is understood that the sleeve could be open on both ends  62 , 64 . The interior surface  68  of the sleeve  60  is cooperatively dimensioned with the exterior surface  50  of the second container  40 , such that the sleeve  60  fits snugly over the second container  40 , as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . The sleeve  60  can also include a series of exterior indicators  72   a,b,c,d  on the exterior surface  70  of the sleeve  60 . These indicators  72   a,b,c,d  serve to locate the preferred location at which pressure or force should be applied to rupture, or activate, the dispenser  10 , as will be discussed further herein. The sleeve  60  is preferably made of a flexible resilient material, and most preferably is made of paper or cardboard, upon which the indicators  72   a,b,c,d  can be easily placed. The sleeve  60  can also receive various other markings, such as instructions for use, or branding marks.  
         [0019]     Finally, the dispenser  10  includes an applicator  80 . The applicator  80  is located at the second end  44  of the second container  40 , which is the open end. The applicator  80  is preferably a cotton swab  82 , as seen in  FIGS. 1-5 , however, a large variety of different applicators  80  could be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the applicator  80  could be a dropper, a nozzle, or a foam pad or other absorbent materials, all well known in the art. All that is important is that the applicator  80  be located proximate the open second end  44  of the second container  40  where it can receive the flowable material to be dispensed when the dispenser  10  is activated. The swab  82  includes an interior surface  84  and an exterior surface  86 . The interior surface  84  faces generally towards the second chamber  52 , while the exterior face  86  faces generally away from the second chamber  52 .  
         [0020]     It should be noted that although the embodiments depicted in the FIGS. and described herein include a single first container  20  within the second container  40 , it is understood that a dispenser  10  may include two or more first containers  20  located within the second container  40  while remaining within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Each of the plurality of first containers  20  would preferably be made of a rigid fracturable material, and most preferably made of glass. Each of the plurality of first containers  20  would function in a way substantially similar to that otherwise described herein.  
         [0021]     The following description is directed towards the fabrication and operation of the dispenser  10 . In order to be operational, the first chamber  32  of the first container  20  is filled with a flowable material, such as a fluid. Once filled and sealed, the first chamber  32  acts as a capsule to contain the flowable material within the first container  20 . The filled first container  20  is then inserted into the second chamber  52 , inside the second container  40 , as seen in  FIG. 2 . Specifically, the first end  22  of the first container  20  is inserted through the open second end  44  of the second container  40  such that the first container  20  enters the second chamber  52  of the second container  40 . Most preferably, the first container  20  is inserted such that it is entirely within the second chamber  52  of the second container  40 , as seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 .  
         [0022]     Following the insertion of the first container  20 , the applicator  80  is connected to the open end  44  of the second container  40 , and in this way acts as a cap for the second container  40 . More specifically, the applicator  80 , which is preferably friction fit into the open second end  44  of the second container  40 , acts to prevent the first container  20  from being removed from inside the second chamber  52  in the second container  40 . Although in a preferred embodiment the applicator  80  is friction fit into the second container  40  such that the applicator  80  fits snugly against the inside surface  48  of the peripheral wall  46 , the applicator  80  can be connected to the second end  44  of the second container  40  in a variety of ways well known in the art. For example, the applicator  80  can be screwed on to mating threads located on the second container  40 , can be connected with an adhesive, or can be held in place with a fastener. Additionally, the applicator  80  may be solvent sealed, chemically bonded, or ultraviolet or radio frequency bonded to the second container  40 .  
         [0023]     Once the second container  40  has been capped by the installation of the applicator  80 , the second container  40  is inserted into the sleeve  60 , as seen in  FIGS. 1-2 . Specifically, the second container  40  is inserted into the open second end  64  of the sleeve  60 . In this position, the applicator  80  is inserted into the sleeve  60  until it is adjacent the closed first end  62  of the sleeve  60 , such that it is covered or capped by the first end  62 . In this position, the dispenser  10  is in the closed position, as seen in  FIG. 1 . Dispensers  10  are preferably packaged and shipped in this configuration. It should also be recognized that the sleeve  60  acts as a cover when placed over the second end  44  of the second container  40 , where it can serve to cover and protect the applicator  80  until such time that the dispenser  10  is to be used. Furthermore, it should be noted that the sleeve  60  is altogether optional, and that the dispenser  10  can be operated without the use of a sleeve  60 . The sleeve  60  serves the optional purposes of covering and protecting the dispenser  10 , and providing indicators  72   a,b,c,d  as to where force should be applied to rupture the first container  20 , and activate the dispenser  10 , when the dispenser  10  is in the open position ( FIG. 3 ).  
         [0024]     The dispenser  10  is typically distributed in an original or closed position, best seen in  FIG. 1 . In order to be used, the dispenser  10  must first be placed in the open position, depicted in  FIGS. 3-5 . Essentially, the open position ( FIGS. 3-5 ) differs from the closed position ( FIG. 1 ) in that the sleeve  60  is placed on the opposite end  42 , 44  of the second container  40 . Therefore, to move the dispenser  10  from the closed position to the open position, the sleeve  60  must be removed from the second container  40 . Specifically, the sleeve  60  is slidably extracted from the second container  40  until the second end  44  of the second container  40  exits the sleeve  60 , such that the applicator  80  is exposed. The sleeve  60  is then placed over the first end  42  of the second container  40  and the second container  40  is inserted into the sleeve  60  until the first end  42  of the second container  40  is adjacent to the closed first end  62  of the sleeve  60 . Although it is preferable that after rupturing of the first chamber  20 , as described herein, the sleeve  60  be moved from the second end  44  of the second chamber  40  to the first end  42  of the second chamber  40  where it is used as a grip, it should also be recognized that the sleeve  60  may alternatively be removed from the second end  44  of the second container  40  and discarded. Stated differently, the sleeve  60  is not necessary. Therefore, a user may place the sleeve  60  in the open position, to provide an improved grip on the second chamber  40 , as seen in  FIG. 5 , or may alternatively discard the sleeve  60 , and simply grasp the second container  40  directly when using the dispenser  10 .  
         [0025]     In the open position ( FIGS. 3-5 ), the dispenser  10  is able to apply the flowable material to a surface, as seen in  FIG. 5 . However, it is necessary that the dispenser  10  be activated, as depicted in  FIG. 3 . Activation of the dispenser  10  requires application of a squeezing force F 1 , as seen in  FIG. 3 . Preferably, the squeezing force is applied to the dispenser  10  at the location of the indicators  72   a,b,c,d . However, all that is required is that the squeezing force F 1  be placed on the preferable surface  50  of the second container  40 . The squeezing force F 1  compresses the sleeve  60 , the second container  40 , and the first container  20 . Because the sleeve  60  and second container  40  are resilient, they flex against the force F 1 . However, the rigid first container  20  fractionates or ruptures under the force F 1  causing the flowable material to escape from the first chamber  32  of the first container  20 . The flowable material escaping from the first chamber  32  flows into the second chamber  52 , where it contacts the applicator  80  at the second end  44  of the second container  40 . After the first chamber  20  has been ruptured, or fractionated, the dispenser  10  is ready to be used to apply, or dispense, the first flowable material.  
         [0026]     When the flowable material escapes from the first chamber  32  through the ruptured peripheral wall  26  of the first container  20 , the material flows into the second chamber  52  located in the second container  40 . The flowable material in the second chamber  52  is absorbed by the applicator  80 , preferably a cotton swab  82 . Through wicking action, which is well known in the art, the flowable material is transported from the interior surface  84  of the swab  82  to the exterior surface  86  of the swab  82 . The saturated exterior surface  86  of the swab  82  can then be dabbed or touched to a surface, as seen in  FIG. 5 , for application and dispensing of the flowable material. As can be seen, once the first container  20  has been fractionated or ruptured, the flowable material is free to flow, and cannot be recaptured within the first chamber  32 . For example, in one preferred embodiment, the dispenser  10  may contain an acne medication in the form of a medicated fluid. Such acne medications are known in the art and while particular medications may have distinct components, the medications are typically in the form of a flowable substance. Once the dispenser  10  is activated as explained above, the dispenser  10 , and in particular the applicator  80 , can be pressed against a user&#39;s skin to apply the acne medication.  
         [0027]     The fractionated rigid first container  20  is retained in the second chamber  52  by the applicator  80 , which is specifically designed to allow the passage of the flowable material, but not other solids (such as portions of the first container  20 ). In this way, the applicator  80  acts as a filter. Moreover, the resilient second container  40  protects the user&#39;s fingers from injury by the fractionated pieces of the first container  20  which remain in the second chamber  52 . In this way, the dispenser  10  permits the flowable material to be dispensed without contamination from, or injury by broken pieces of the first container  20 . Furthermore, the sleeve  60 , can be removed from the first end  42  of the second container  40 , and replaced over the second end  44  of the second container  40 , following the use of the dispenser  10 . By returning the sleeve  60  to its original position such that the dispenser  10  is in the closed position, the sleeve  60  acts as a cover to prevent further dispensing of the flowable material from the second chamber  52  through the applicator  80 .  
         [0028]     The dispenser  10  is designed to primarily contain and dispense flowable materials that are fluids. This permits the dispenser  10  to be used in a wide variety of uses, and contain and dispense a large variety of fluids. For example, the dispenser  10  can dispense a flowable material or mixture that is an adhesive, epoxy, or sealant, such as an epoxy adhesive, craft glue, super glue, leak sealant, shoe glue, ceramic epoxy, fish tank sealant, formica repair glue, tire repair patch adhesive, nut/bolt locker, screw tightener/gap filler, super glue remover or goo-b-gone. Also, the dispenser  10  can dispense a flowable material or mixture that is an automotive product, such as a rear view mirror repair kit, a vinyl repair kit, an auto paint touch up kit, a window replacement kit, a scent or air freshener, a windshield wiper blade cleaner, a lock de-icer, a lock lubricant, a liquid car wax, a rubbing compound, a paint scratch remover, a glass/mirror scratch remover, radiator stop-leak, or a penetrating oil. The dispenser  10  can also dispense a flowable material or mixture that is a chemistry material, such as a laboratory chemical, a fish tank treatment, a plant food, a cat litter deodorant, a buffer solution, a rehydration solution, a biological stain, or a rooting hormone.  
         [0029]     Moreover, the dispenser  10  can dispense a flowable material or mixture that is a cosmetic, fragrance or toiletry, such as nail polish, lip gloss, body cream, body gel, hand sanitizer, cologne, perfume, nail polish remover, liquid soaps, skin moisturizers, tooth whiteners, hotel samples, mineral oils, toothpastes, or mouthwash. The dispenser  10  can also dispense a flowable material or mixture that is an electronics product, such as a cleaning compound, a telephone receiver sanitizer, a keyboard cleaner, a cassette recorder cleaner, a mouse cleaner, or a liquid electrical tape. In addition, the dispenser  10  can dispense a flowable material or mixture that is a food product, such as food colorings, coffee flavorings, spices, food additives, drink additives, confections, cake gel, sprinkles, breath drops, condiments, sauces, liquors, alcohol mixes, or energy drinks. The dispenser  10  can also dispense a flowable material or mixture that is a hair care product, such as hair bleaches, hair streaking agent, hair highlighter, shampoos, hair colorants, conditioners, hair gels, mousse, hair removers, or eyebrow dye. The dispenser  10  can also dispense a flowable material that is a home repair product, such as a caulk, a scratch touch up kit, a stain remover, a furniture repair product, a wood glue, a patch lock, screw anchor, wood tone putty or porcelain touch-up.  
         [0030]     In addition, the dispenser  10  can dispense a flowable material or mixture that is a test kit, such as a lead test kit, a drug kit, a radon test kit, a narcotic test kit, a swimming pool test kit, a home water quality tester, a soil test kit or a gas leak detection fluid. The dispenser  10  can dispense a large variety of lubricants including industrial lubricants, oils, greases, graphite lubricant&#39;s or a dielectric grease. The dispenser  10  can also dispense a flowable material or mixture that as part of a medical device test kit, such as a culture media, a drug monitoring system, a microbiological reagent, a streptococcus test kit, or a residual disinfectant tester. In addition, the dispenser  10  can dispense a large variety of medicinal products, such as blister medicines, cold sore treatments, insect sting and bit relief products, skin cleaning compounds, tissue markers, topical antimicrobials, topical demulcent, treatments for acne such as acne medications, umbilical area antiseptics, cough medicines, waterless hand sanitizers, and toothache remedies. Furthermore, the dispenser  10  can dispense a flowable material or mixture that is a novelty product, such as a chemiluminescent light, a Christmas tree scent, a glitter gel, a face paint, novelty paints, paint additives, wood stain samples, caulk, paint mask fluid or paint remover. The dispenser  10  can also dispense a flowable material or mixture that is a personal care product, such as shaving cream or gel, aftershave lotion, skin conditioner, skin cream, skin moisturizer, petroleum jelly, insect repellant, personal lubricant, ear drops, eye drops, nose drops, corn medications, nail fungal medication, aging liquids, acne cream, contact lens cleaner, denture repair kit, finger nail repair kit, liquid soaps, sun screen, lip balm, tanning cream, or self-tanning solutions. A large variety of pest control products can be dispensed by the dispenser  10 , including insect attractants, pesticides, pet medications, pet insect repellants, pet shampoos, pest sterilizers, lady bug attractant, fly trap attractant. Various safety products can be dispensed through the dispenser  10  including respirator tests and eye wash solution.  
         [0031]     The dispenser  10  can also dispense a large variety of stationery or craft products, such as magic markers, glitter gels, glitter markers, glitter glues, gel markers, craft clues, fabric dyes, fabric paints, permanent markers, dry erase markers, dry eraser cleaner, glue sticks, rubber cement, typographic correction fluids, ink dispensers and refills, paint pens, counterfeit bill detection pen, envelope squeeze moisturizers, adhesive label removers, highlighters, and ink jet printer refills. The dispenser  10  can also dispense various vitamins, minerals, supplements and pet vitamins. The dispenser  10  can also dispense a flowable material or mixture for aroma therapy products, breathalyzer tests, wildlife lures, eyeglass cleaners, portable lighting fuels, bingo and other game markers, float and sinker devices, toilet dyes and treatments, dye markers, microbiological reagents, shoe polishes, clothing stain removers, carpet cleaners and spot removers, tent repair kits, plumbing flux applicator, rust remover, tree wound treatment, animal medicine dispenser, animal measured food dispenser, odor eliminator liquids, and multi-purpose oils. In addition, the dispenser  10  can be used as, or in connection with a suction device for culture sampling, taking various liquid samples, taking various swabbing samples and for acting as a chemical tester, such as may be used for testing drinks for various “date rape” drugs. In addition, the dispenser  10  can dispense a variety of sports products including sports eye black, football hand glue, and baseball glove conditioner. The dispenser  10  can dispense any variety of flowable materials including liquids and powders, and further including a liquid and a powder, two or more powders, or two or more liquids. The dispenser  10  may be used as part of 2-part system (mix before use) including a liquid with a powder, a liquid with a liquid, a powder with a powder, or sealed inside another tube or product container or partially sealed, connected or attached to another container. The dispenser  10  may also be used as part of a plunger dispensing system.  
         [0032]     The dispenser  10  of the present invention may also be used for windshield wiper blade cleaner and other automotive applications, fragrances, pastry gels, eyebrow dye, paints, hair paints, finger nail repair kit, animal medicine dispenser, animal food dispenser, culture media samples, drug test kits, and chemical testers (e.g. date rape etc.).  
         [0033]     While the invention has been described in its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the words which have been used are words of description rather than limitation and that changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention in its broader aspects. As an illustration, although the applicator has been described as being utilized for mechanical uses, it can similarly be used for applying adhesives, mastic or the like.