Abstract:
Apparatus, systems, and methods related to a fragrance bottle assembly are disclosed. The fragrance bottle assembly can include a bottle configured to retain an atomizable liquid, the bottle having an upper portion and an interior area, a nozzle head coupled to the upper portion and in communication with the interior area, and a tube coupled to the nozzle head and extending into an interior area for engagement with the liquid. The assembly can also include a cap assembly disposed over the upper portion of the bottle, the cap having an upper surface having an opening through which extends such that the nozzle head protrudes above the upper surface. The cap assembly can further include a nozzle cover connected to and slidably moveable along the second upper surface between a first position spaced away from the nozzle head and a second position covering the nozzle head.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention is directed toward bottle assemblies with spray nozzles, including fragrance bottle assemblies with spray nozzles and associated covers. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Fragrance bottles generally include spray nozzles operable to atomize liquid contained within the fragrance bottles and emit it the form of a mist. Typical fragrance bottles include removable caps to cover the spray nozzles when not in use. Alternatively, certain fragrance bottles may omit the cap altogether, leaving the spray nozzle exposed and unprotected. Conventional fragrance bottle assemblies each experience drawbacks, which can include insufficient usability and/or limited versatility. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    The present invention provides a fragrance bottle assembly that overcomes drawbacks experienced in the prior art and that provides additional benefits. As an example, at least one aspect of the present technology provides a fragrance bottle assembly comprising a bottle configured to retain an atomizable liquid, the bottle having an interior area and an upper portion, a nozzle head coupled to the upper portion and in communication with the interior area, and a tube coupled to the nozzle head and extending into the interior area for engagement with the liquid. The fragrance bottle further includes a cap assembly disposed over the upper portion of the bottle, the cap assembly comprising an upper surface having an opening through which the nozzle head extends such that the nozzle head protrudes above the upper surface. The cap assembly further includes a nozzle cover connected to and slidably moveable along the upper surface between a first position spaced away from the nozzle head and a second position covering the nozzle head. A retention mechanism is positioned to releasably retain the nozzle cover in the second position.  
         [0004]    Another aspect of the present technology provides a fragrance bottle comprising a bottle having an upper portion, and a cap assembly disposed vertically over the upper portion of the bottle. The cap assembly includes an opening configured to receive a nozzle head therein, and a nozzle cover connected to and slidably moveable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the nozzle cover is disposed over the second opening, and in the open position the nozzle cover is laterally spaced apart from the second opening. 
         [0005]    Another aspect of the present technology provides a cap for a fragrance bottle comprising an upper surface having a nozzle opening, and a nozzle cover connected to and laterally moveable along the upper surface between a closed position disposed over the nozzle opening and an open position laterally spaced apart from the nozzle opening. The nozzle cover is coupled to a spring-biased slide member configured to bias the nozzle cover toward the open position. The cap further includes a retention mechanism configured to engage with the sliding member to releasably retain the nozzle cover in the closed position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a bottle assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the nozzle cover is shown in an open position. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1B  is a front view of the bottle assembly of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0008]      FIG. 1C  is a top view of the bottle assembly of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0009]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a bottle assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the nozzle cover is shown in a closed position. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2B  is a front view of the bottle assembly of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0011]      FIG. 2C  is a top view of the bottle assembly of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a cap assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a perspective cross-sectional view of a cap assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the nozzle cap is shown in an open position. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a perspective cross-sectional view of a cap assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the nozzle cap is shown in a closed position. 
       
    
    
       [0015]    Appendix A includes additional figures of a bottle assembly of one or more embodiments, including perspective, top, bottom, left, right, front, and rear views of a bottle assembly, which is the subject of U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/514,405, titled Fragrance Bottle, filed Jan. 12, 2015 and which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    The present disclosure describes bottle assemblies in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. Several specific details of embodiments are set forth in the following description and figures to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the art, however, will understand that the present invention may have additional embodiments, and that other embodiments of the invention may be practiced without several of the specific features described below. Further, one skilled in the art will recognize that the bottle assemblies described herein, including the fragrance bottle assemblies, could be configured in many different arrangements and embodiments. Such variations of the present disclosure may be utilized without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The various embodiments set forth below are described and shown with a level of detail to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. Other structures and systems that may be associated with fragrance bottle assemblies have not been fully discussed to enable a clearer presentation of embodiments of this disclosure. 
         [0017]    The embodiments of the bottle assemblies are described herein for purposes of illustration with reference to the relative spatial orientation of the bottle assemblies as shown in the figures. Any directional references regarding upper, lower, left, right, etc., however, are used to describe the assembly in the orientation as illustrated for ease of understanding. The directional orientation shown and described herein is not intended to limit the structure of the bottle assemblies, which can be oriented in spatial orientations different than those shown in the figures. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a bottle assembly with the nozzle cover in an open position, with  FIGS. 1B and 1C  showing front and top views, respectively. Referring to  FIGS. 1A-C  together, the illustrated bottle assembly is a fragrance bottle assembly  100  that comprises a cap assembly  101 , a bottle  103 , and a spray nozzle assembly  105 . The spray nozzle assembly  105  includes a spray head  107  that projects from the cap assembly  101 . The spray nozzle assembly  105  also includes a tube  108  which extends downwards and into the interior area  110  of the bottle  103 . The bottle  103  has a neck that securely and sealably receives the spray nozzle assembly  105  so that liquid fragrance does not spill. Accordingly, at least a portion of the nozzle assembly  105  extends through the cap assembly  101  and into the interior area  110  of the bottle  103 . In use, the spray head  107  can be depressed in a pumping motion to draw the liquid fragrance from the interior area  110  of the bottle  103  via the tube  108 . The liquid fragrance is then atomized via the spray head  107  and emitted as a mist. 
         [0019]    The bottle  103  is configured to hold a liquid fragrance therein such as cologne or perfume. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottle  103  takes the form of substantially a hollow rectangular container with front and rear surfaces  109  and  111 , first and second side surfaces  113  and  115 , bottom surface  117 , and upper surface (not shown). Beveled edges  121  join each of the front and rear surfaces  109 ,  111  to the first and second side surfaces  113 ,  115 , respectively. However, in other embodiments the bottle  103  can assume various other forms, for example having more or fewer sides, varying shapes, sizes, and curvature, etc. For example, in some embodiments the bottle  103  can omit the beveled edges  121 . In other embodiments the bottle can be rounded, for example having a cylindrical shape. The bottle  103  can be made of various materials suitable for holding liquid, for example glass, plastic, metal, etc. 
         [0020]    The cap assembly  101  includes a housing  123  configured to fit over the upper portion  124  of the bottle  103 . The housing  123  of the illustrated embodiment has a substantially planar upper surface  125 , front and rear surfaces  127 ,  129 , first and second side surfaces  131 ,  133 , and beveled edges  135  which join each of the front and rear surfaces  127 ,  129  to the first and second side surfaces  131 ,  133 , respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the front and rear surfaces  127 ,  129  of the cap assembly  101  are configured to be substantially aligned with the front and rear surfaces  109 ,  111  of the bottle  103 . Similarly, the first and second side surfaces  131 ,  133  of the cap assembly  101  are configured to be substantially aligned with first and second side surfaces  113 ,  115  of the bottle  103 , and the beveled edges  135  of the cap assembly  101  are substantially aligned with the vertically oriented beveled edges  121  of the bottle  103 . In other embodiments the housing  123  can assume various other shapes. For example, in some embodiments the shape of the housing  123  may not correspond to the shape of the bottle  103 , such that the housing  123  has a smaller or larger footprint than that of the bottle  103 . In some embodiments the housing  123  can omit the beveled edges  135 . In other embodiments the housing  123  can be rounded or take other shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  123  covers only the upper portion  124  of the bottle  103 . In other embodiments, the housing  123  can cover substantially more of the bottle  103 , or even the entire bottle  103 . The housing  123  can be made of a single unitary piece or can comprise multiple pieces. The cap assembly  101  can be metal, plastic, glass, and/or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the cap assembly  101  can be made of the same material as the bottle  103 , or in other embodiments the materials can differ. 
         [0021]    A nozzle cap  137  is disposed over the upper surface  125  of the housing  123 . The nozzle cap  137  includes a top wall  139  and a side wall  141 . As illustrated, the top wall  139  is planar and the side wall  141  is an arcuate side wall with an opening  143  that faces toward the spray head  107  when the nozzle cap  137  is in the open position as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C . In some embodiments, the nozzle cap  137  can have different shapes, for example with planar side walls forming a rectangle with an open face, with a non-planar top surface, etc. The nozzle cap  137  also includes first and second extensions  145 ,  147  coupled to lower portions of the side wall  141  on opposite sides. The first and second extensions  145 ,  147  protrude into parallel, spaced apart rail openings  149  formed in the upper surface  125  of the housing  123 . The rail openings  149  extend laterally along the upper surface  125  of the housing  123 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rail openings  149  are elongated and straight, however in other embodiments the rail openings  149  can be curved or assume other configurations. 
         [0022]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1C , when the nozzle cap  137  is in the open position, the spray head  107  is accessible by a user. For example, a user can depress the spray head  107  in a pumping motion to emit atomized fragrance from the spray head  107 . The nozzle cap  137  is slidable laterally relative to the housing  123  such that the first and second extensions  145 ,  147  traverse along the rail openings  149  between the open and closed positions. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the fragrance bottle assembly  100  with the nozzle cap  137  in a closed position, with  FIGS. 2B and 2C  showing front and top views, respectively. Referring to  FIGS. 2A-2C  together, the nozzle cap  137  is illustrated in the closed position, in which the spray head  107  is substantially covered by the nozzle cap  137 . In this position, nozzle cap  137  extends over the top of the spray head  107  and blocks inadvertent engagement or depression of the spray head  107 . For example, a user is prevented from inadvertently depressing the spray head  107  and emitting aerosolized fragrance from the fragrance bottle assembly  100 . The nozzle cap  137  is movable along the upper surface  125  of the housing  123 . In particular, the extensions  145 ,  147  of the nozzle cap  137  are slidable along the rail openings  149  between the open position ( FIGS. 1A-1C ) and the closed position ( FIGS. 2A-2C ). 
         [0024]    The nozzle cap  137  can be spring-biased toward the open position ( FIGS. 1A-1C ). From the open position, a user can manually slide the nozzle cap  137  over the spray head  107  and into the closed position ( FIGS. 2A-2C ) at which point the nozzle cap  137  can engage a retention mechanism to be releasably locked into place in the closed position over the spray head, as described in more detail below. A release button  151  coupled to the retention mechanism is disposed within a button aperture  153  on the upper surface  125  of the housing  123  and spaced laterally apart from the spray head  107 . By pressing the release button  151  when the nozzle cap  137  is in the closed position ( FIGS. 2A-2C ), a user can release the nozzle cap from the closed position, at which point the spring-biased nozzle cap  137  will automatically slide laterally along the upper surface  125  of the housing  123  to the open position ( FIGS. 1A-1C ). In some embodiments, the release button  151  can take other forms, for example having varying shapes, a switch, dial, or other actuation mechanism. Additionally, the release button  151  can be positioned in other places with respect to the housing  123 , for example on front or rear surfaces  127 ,  129 , side surfaces  131 ,  133 , or beveled edges  135 . In some embodiments, the release button  151  can be recessed, flush, or can project from the upper surface  125  of the housing  123 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the cap assembly  101 . As illustrated, the nozzle cap  137  is configured to slidably mate with the housing  123  by inserting the first and second extensions  145 ,  147  of the nozzle cap  137  into the rail openings  149  on the upper surface  125  of the housing  123 . The housing  123  includes the button aperture  153  for receiving the release button  151  therethrough, as well as a first nozzle opening  155  configured to receive a spray head  107  ( FIGS. 1A-1C ) therein. The first nozzle opening  155  can be surrounded by a first neck portion  157  in the form of a raised annular wall. In other embodiments the nozzle opening  155  and the first neck portion  157  can take other shapes or configurations, for example rectangular, polygonal, elliptical, or other geometric shapes. 
         [0026]    The housing  123  is configured to fit over a base  159 . The base  159  can receive or otherwise engage the upper portion of the bottle  103 , and has a hole to receive the neck of the bottle  103 . The base  159  includes a second nozzle opening  161  substantially aligned with the first nozzle opening  155  of the housing  123 . The second nozzle opening  161  is surrounded by a second neck portion  163  in the form of raised semi-annular walls. The second nozzle opening  161  and second neck portion  163  can likewise assume other shapes or configurations in other embodiments, for example rectangular, polygonal, elliptical, etc. An alignment pin  165  projects laterally from the second neck portion  163  and is configured to receive a spring  167  thereover. The alignment pin  165  of the illustrated embodiment has a “+” cross-sectional shape, but in other embodiments the shape of the alignment pin can vary. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring  167  is a helical coil spring, however in other embodiments the spring  167  can take other forms, for example a resilient polymer or other elastic component that exerts a counter-force in response to extension, compression, or other deflection. 
         [0027]    A slide member  169  is positioned over the base  159  and beneath the housing  123 . The slide member  169  includes first and second receptacles  171 ,  173  that receive the first and second extensions  145 ,  147  of the nozzle cap  137 . The first and second extensions  145 ,  147  can be fastened within the first and second receptacles  171 ,  173  respectively, via friction fit, an adhesive, mating projections and recesses, or other such fasteners. With the first and second extensions  145 ,  147  fastened within the first and second receptacles  171 ,  173 , the nozzle cap  137  and the slide member  169  are fixed and move together in unison relative to the housing  123  and the base  159 . As the nozzle cap  137  slides relative to the housing  123  along rail openings  149  between the open and closed positions, the slide member  169  moves under the rail openings  149  between the base  159  and the housing  123 . 
         [0028]    The slide member  169  includes a socket  175  configured to receive the spring  167  therein. One end of the spring  167  that surrounds the alignment pin  165  is in contact with the second neck portion  163  and the other end of the spring  167  is in contact with the socket  175  of the slide member  169 . In this configuration, the spring  167  exerts a force on the slide member  169  to urge it away from the neck portion  163 , i.e., so that the nozzle cap  137  is biased away from the closed position and toward the open position. The biasing force of the spring  167  is sufficiently low so that a user can manually overcome the spring bias by pressing laterally on the nozzle cap  137  to slide the nozzle cap  137  to the closed position over the spray head  107 . 
         [0029]    The slide member  169  also includes a latch bar  177  disposed at the end opposite to the socket  175 . The latch bar  177  is configured to engage with a hook  179  coupled to the release button  151 . The hook  179  includes a chamfered edge  181  that faces the latch bar  177  such that when the latch bar  177  is pressed laterally against the hook  179 , such as when the nozzle cap  137  moves laterally and approaches the final closed position, the latch bar  177  slides along the chamfered edge  181  and forces the release button  151  and hook  179  to depress temporarily relative to the housing  123 . When the nozzle cap  137  reaches the final closed position, the latch bar  177  moves laterally past the hook  179 , thereby allowing the latch bar  177  to be retained within the hook  179 . 
         [0030]    A button restraint bar  183  is attached to the interior surface of the housing  123  at a position laterally spaced apart from the release button  151 . The button restraint bar  183  exerts an upward force on the release button  151 . The button restraint bar  183  can exert a spring-like force on the release button  151  that can be overcome by a user depressing the release button  151  or by the latch bar  177  contacting the chamfered edge  181  of the hook  179 . Accordingly, the button restraint bar  183  urges the release button  151  to return to its original raised position after being depressed by a user, or after being lowered by the latch bar  177  sliding over the chamfered edge  181  of the hook  179 . In other embodiments other mechanisms can be used to return the release button  151  to its original position, for example an elastic component coupling the release button  151  to the housing  123 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 4  is a perspective cross-section of the cap assembly  101  with the nozzle cap  137  in the open position. As illustrated, at least a portion of the spring  167  is positioned over the alignment pin  165  and exerts a lateral force against the socket  175 , which urges the slide member  169  away from the release button  151 . Since the nozzle cap  137  is connected to the slide member  169  via first and second extensions  145 ,  147 , the nozzle cap  137  is urged away from the release button  151  toward the open position thereby fully exposing the spray head  107  ( FIG. 1A ). The button restraint bar  183  is disposed beneath the release button  151  and exerts an upward force on the release button  151  and the hook  179  to which the release button  151  is coupled. The base  159  is mated to the housing  123 , for example via an adhesive, fasteners, or friction fit. The base  159  is configured such that, upon mating with the housing  123 , sufficient space is maintained therebetween so that the slide member  169  is still free to move laterally relative to the base  159  and the housing  123 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  is a perspective cross-section of the cap assembly  101  with the nozzle cap  137  in the closed position. As illustrated, the slide member  169  is positioned closer to the release button  151  such that the spring  167  is compressed between the socket  175  and the second neck portion  163 . The latch bar  177  is releasably retained by the hook  179  coupled to the release button  151 , such that the nozzle cap  137  remains in the closed position covering the spray head  107  ( FIG. 2B ). Together the latch bar  177  and the hook  179  constitute a retention mechanism which keeps the slide member  169  in position while offsetting the opposing force exerted by the spring  167 . Once the release button  151  is depressed, the hook  179  is lowered below and out of engagement with the latch bar  177 , thereby allowing the spring  167  to push the slide member  169  laterally, so that the nozzle cap  137  automatically moves to the open position. The upward force exerted by the button restraint bar  183  returns the release button  151  to its original raised position substantially flush with the upper surface  125  of the housing  123  and ready to releasably hold the slide member  169  in place when the nozzle cap  137  is again moved laterally so the nozzle cap  137  is in the closed position. 
         [0033]    The use of a slidable nozzle cap and a push-button release of the illustrated embodiments provides several benefits over existing fragrance bottle assemblies. For example, the slidable nozzle cap is attached to the cap assembly and is not separable or removable as in conventional fragrance bottles. As a result, there is no risk of losing or misplacing the nozzle cap. Additionally, the push-button release mechanism also allows for easy one-handed operation of the fragrance bottle assembly, whereas removing a separable nozzle cap typically involves using two hands. Accordingly, the slidable nozzle cap provides the benefits of protecting the spray head with a cap while the push-button release delivers ease and efficiency of access to the spray head for use. 
         [0034]    From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.