Abstract:
An eyewash dispensing container to store and deliver an eyewash fluid that is particularly suitable for terminal sterilization. The container includes a base and a locking lid with a tamper indicator. The container is able to be opened quickly and deliver the eyewash fluid directly to an eye of a user.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to eyewash storage and delivery containers. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention concern a storage and delivery container operable to be filled with an eyewash fluid, fitted with a locking lid, and terminally sterilized. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Containers to store fluids are widely used for various applications in which it is desirable to ensure that stored fluids are sterilized and remain sterilized during storage. It is also desirable to know whether tampering has occurred with respect to containers storing fluid. Generally, tamper indicators are not designed to prevent tampering, but to indicate whether tampering has occurred. 
         [0005]    Fluids and conventional containers to store such fluids are commonly sterilized separately and brought together during a filling operation in a sterile environment. However, such manufacturing operations do not necessarily ensure sterility of the fluid and container until use. 
         [0006]    It is also known to sterilize containers using a terminal sterilization process, which involves sterilization after container has been filled with the fluid; that is, with the packaged product in its final, assembled form. Terminal sterilization is commonly performed by irradiating or steam treating the packaged product. For complete terminal sterilization, however, containers must be manufactured of a material that permits the terminal sterilization process (e.g., allows gamma rays to pass therethrough) without losing its structural integrity. 
         [0007]    Moreover, many conventional containers are not equipped with tamper indicators on components such as the eyecup, which is undesirable for a variety of applications. For instance, in emergency treatment applications where it is desirable to cleanse or rinse one or both eyes of the user, it is generally desirable to ensure that not only the eyewash fluids and containers have been sterilized, but the fluid dispensing component (e.g., eyecup) is sterilized and has not been subjected to any tampering. Thus, many conventional containers are deficient in this regard. 
         [0008]    Additionally, many conventional emergency eyewash treatment devices utilize a separate dispensing cup to aid in delivery of eyewash fluids from the storage container to one or both eyes of the user. Such separate dispensing cups are problematic because they present another element for which it is desirable to sterilize and maintain sterility. Additionally, it may be necessary to fill the conventional cups several times before satisfactorily performing the emergency eyewash treatment. In conducting emergency eyewash treatments, time is of the essence. The additional time required to both fill and refill the conventional cups is problematic because any additional time consumed may aggravate any injuries to the eyes of the user. Furthermore, if the user is the person requiring the eyewash treatment, the user&#39;s vision is likely impaired, which causes manipulation of the cup to be difficult and often problematic. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    The following summary is provided to indicate the nature of the subject matter disclosed herein. While certain aspects of the present invention are described below, the summary is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
         [0010]    Embodiments of the present invention provide an eyewash storage and delivery system that does not suffer from the aforementioned problems and limitations of conventional containers, such as those set forth above. Additionally, the present invention is easily and economically manufactured and easily used. 
         [0011]    According to certain aspects of the present invention, an eyewash dispensing container includes a closure that sealingly overlies the dispensing component (e.g., eyecup) and is provided with a tamper indicator. The container is assembled to store an eyewash fluid that may be terminally sterilized after the container has been sealed with the eyewash fluid contained therein. Consequently, the eyewash storage and dispensing system is able to be opened quickly and deliver the eyewash fluid directly to an eye of a user, while ensuring the sterilized condition of the contents and dispensing component use. 
         [0012]    The aforementioned aspects may be achieved in one aspect of the present invention by providing an eyewash dispensing container. The container may include a base presenting a storage cavity in which eyewash fluid is contained. The base may include a neck that defines an opening in communication with the cavity to permit fluid to be discharged from the base. The container may further include a fluid dispensing cap sealingly secured to the base in a covering relationship with the opening. The dispensing cap may include a fluid outlet through which fluid is discharged from the storage cavity. The dispensing cap may include a cap skirt circumscribing the neck of the base. The cap skirt and neck may cooperatively present interlocking structure to restrict removal of the dispensing cap from the base. The container may further include a removable closure sealingly overlying the dispensing cap to prevent fluid dispensing until removed. The closure may provide tamper indication once removed so as to facilitate only single use of the container. 
         [0013]    The aforementioned aspects may be achieved in another aspect of the present invention by providing a method of filling an eyewash dispensing container. The method may include the steps of (a) at least partially filling a container base with eyewash fluid and (b) sealingly securing a fluid dispensing cap of the container to the base in a covering relationship with a base opening. The step (b) may include the step of interlocking the dispensing cap and base so as to prevent removal of the cap from the base. The method may further include the step of (c) sealingly covering the dispensing cap with a removable container cover that prevents fluid dispensing until removed, wherein the cover provides tamper indication once removed so as to facilitate only single use of the container. After steps (a)-(c) have been completed, the method may include the step of sterilizing the container and the fluid. 
         [0014]    Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0015]    Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the following drawing figures, wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an eyewash dispensing container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention illustrating the system in use with a user; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the eyewash dispensing container illustrated in  FIG. 1 , illustrating a cup secured to a container and a closure secured to the cup; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the eyewash dispensing container illustrated in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the closure exploded from the cup, the cup exploded from the container, and a closure exploded from the cup; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the eyewash dispensing container illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a magnified, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the eyewash dispensing container illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a partial exploded perspective view of the eyewash dispensing container illustrated in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the cup secured to the container and the closure exploded from the cup; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the eyewash dispensing container illustrated in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the system inverted with fluid exiting outputs and entering an input; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an eyewash dispensing container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention illustrating a closure being removed by a user; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of the eyewash dispensing container illustrated in  FIG. 8 , illustrating a nozzle and a cup exploded from a container; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the eyewash dispensing container illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view of the eyewash dispensing container illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
       [0027]    The drawings do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the preferred embodiment. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    The following detailed description of the invention references the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
         [0029]    In this description, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the present technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein. 
         [0030]    Turning to the drawings and particularly  FIGS. 1-4 , a fluid storage and delivery system is generally illustrated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system generally includes an eyewash dispensing container  20  having a base  22 , a fluid-dispensing cap  24 , and a removable container cover or closure  26 , which are assembled together to store an eyewash fluid  28 , such as a saline solution or the like. Particularly, the cap  24  is securely engaged with and fitted to the base  22  and the closure  26  is securely engaged with and fitted to the cap  24 . The base  22 , the cap  24 , and the closure  26  are of a similar shape and material, such as but not limited to a plastic resin or the like, to ensure secure engagement therebetween. 
         [0031]    The base  22  includes a body  30  with opposing outer and inner surfaces  32 ,  34 . The outer surface  32  of the base  22  presents a grasping surface for the user to handle the system  20 . The inner surface  34  of the base  22  defines a storage cavity  36  within the base  22  operable to store the fluid  28 . In the exemplary embodiment, the base  22  is of a generally cylindrical shape. It is foreseen, however, that the base  22  may be of any shape without deviating from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0032]    The storage cavity  36  is open at an open end  38  of the base  22  and closed at a closed end  40  of the base  22 . The open end  38  includes a circumferential lip  42  that defines an opening or mouth  44  through which the fluid  28  is received in and/or dispensed from the storage cavity  36 . The closed end  40  of the base  22  includes an end wall  46  operable to support the container  20  in an upright configuration, as illustrated by  FIG. 2 . 
         [0033]    The base  22  tapers when traveling from the closed end  40  to the open end  38  and ultimately presents a neck  48 . The neck  48  includes a circumferential rib  50  that protrudes axially or outwardly from the base  22  and is defined by opposing upper and lower horizontal surfaces  52 ,  54  that are spaced from each other by a vertical surface  56 , which is a portion of the outer surface  32  of the base  22 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Also protruding outwardly from the neck  48  of the base  22  is an external thread  58 , which is oriented between the rib  50  and the open end  38  along the neck  48  of the base  22 . On a side of the rib  50  opposite to the thread  58  is a receiver portion  60  of the neck  48 . The receiver portion  60  has a smaller circumference than a circumference of the rib  50 . 
         [0034]    The cap  24  is sized and shaped to securely mate with the neck  48  of the base  22  and is, in the exemplary embodiment, of a generally cylindrical shape. It is foreseen, however, that the cap  24  may be of any shape without deviating from the scope of the present invention. The cap  24  includes a circumferential perimeter wall or splashguard  66  that extends upwardly from a medial wall or divider  68 . The divider  68  has opposing upper and lower surfaces  70 ,  72 . The splashguard  66  extends upwardly from the upper surface  70  of the divider  68 . 
         [0035]    The splashguard  66  includes opposing outer and inner surfaces  74 ,  76  that cooperatively define a fluid-dispensing area  78  within the cap  24 . On an opposite end of the splashguard  66  relative to the divider  68  is an ocular-engagement edge  80  shaped to engage and generally conform to a facial contour  82  around an eye  84  of the user. The fluid  28  is thereby directed to the eye  84  of the user and substantially contained within a vicinity thereof via the splashguard  66 . In the exemplary embodiment, the ocular-engagement edge  80  and the splashguard  66  have an oval shape, similar to that of the eye  84  of the user. It is foreseen, however, that the splashguard  66  and the ocular-engagement edge  80  may have any shape without deviating from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0036]    Spaced radially from the outer surface  74  of the splashguard  66  by a spacer wall  86  is a perimeter sidewall  88  that extends substantially parallel to the splashguard  66 . The sidewall  88  includes opposing upper and lower edges  90 ,  92  that are spaced from each other by opposing interior and exterior surfaces  94 ,  96 . The spacer wall  86  and the perimeter sidewall  88  cooperatively define a circumferential channel  98  that extends around the splashguard  66 . The channel  98  is operable to catch and contain any of the fluid  28  that is inadvertently spilled out of the cap  24 . While it is foreseen that the perimeter wall  88  may have any shape, in the exemplary embodiment, the perimeter wall  88  is of a substantially circular shape. Thus, due to the oval shape of the splashguard  66 , the spacer wall  86  extends from the outer surface  74  of the splashguard  66  at variable lengths around the splashguard  66 , which causes the channel  98  to have a variable width around the splashguard  66 . 
         [0037]    The cap  24  further includes a base-engagement skirt  102  that depends from the lower surface  72  of the divider  68 . The base-engagement skirt  102  has opposing inner and outer surfaces  104 ,  106 . On an opposite end of the base-engagement skirt  102  relative to the divider  68  is a container-abutment edge  108 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Protruding inwardly from the inner surface  104  of the base-engagement skirt  102  is an internal thread  114 , which is sized and shaped to securely mate with the external thread  58  of the neck  48  of the base  22 . In this manner, a secure engagement between the cap  24  and the base  22  is formed when the cap  24  is threaded onto the neck  48  of the base  22 . 
         [0038]    Also protruding axially or inwardly from the inner surface  104  of the base-engagement skirt  102  and between the internal thread  114  and the container-abutment edge  108  is a first locking element  116 . The first locking element  116  is defined by first and second surfaces  118 ,  120  that are oblique relative to the axial direction of extension of the first locking element  116 . The first surface  118  extends from the container-abutment edge  108  to the second surface  120  and is angled at approximately 30° from a plane defined by the inner surface  104  of the base-engagement skirt  102 . The second surface  120  extends from the first surface  118  to the inner surface  104  of the base-engagement skirt  102  and is angled at approximately 45° from the plane defined by the inner surface  104  of the base-engagement skirt  102 . 
         [0039]    When the cap  24  is fitted to the base  22 , the first surface  118  of the first locking element  116  abuts the upper horizontal surface  52  of the rib  50 . Due to the lesser angle of the first surface  118 , that is, approximately 30°, the first locking element  116  slides over the rib  50  and is received by the receiver portion  60  of the neck  48 . When removal of the cap  24  from the base  22  is attempted, the second surface  120  of the first locking element  116  abuts the lower horizontal surface  54  of the rib  50 . Due to the greater angle of the second surface  120 , that is, approximately 45°, the first locking element  116  is prevented from sliding over the rib  50 . In this manner, the first locking element  116  securely locks the cap  24  to the base  22  after being fitted thereto. 
         [0040]    The cap  24  further includes circumferential inner and outer conduits  126 ,  128  depending from the lower surface  72  and within the base-engagement skirt  102  of the divider  68 . The inner conduit  126  has opposing inner and outer surfaces  130 ,  132  spaced from each other by an inner conduit lip  134 . The inner conduit  126  defines an inner conduit passageway and receiver  136 . The outer conduit  128  has opposing inner and outer surfaces  138 ,  140  spaced from each other by an outer conduit lip  142 . The inner and outer surfaces  138 ,  140  of the outer conduit  128  cooperatively define an outer conduit passageway  144 A and an outer conduit receiver  144 B on either side of the outer conduit  128 . 
         [0041]    The inner conduit passageway and receiver  136  is sized and shaped to securely receive a first end  146  of a tube  148  having an elongated passageway  150  that terminates at a second end  152  of the tube  148 . The first end  146  of the tube  148  is secured in the inner conduit passageway and receiver  136  via friction fit in the exemplary embodiment to provide a seal therebetween, but it is foreseen that an adhesive or the like may be used in addition to or in lieu of the friction fit engagement. The tube  148  is sized and shaped to extend from the mouth  44  of the base  22  and substantially through the storage cavity  36  of the base  22 . Thus, when the tube  148  is affixed to the inner conduit  126  of the cap  24  and the cap  24  is fitted to the base  22 , the first end  146  of the tube  148  is adjacent to the open end  38  of the base  22  and the second end  152  of the tube  148  is adjacent to the closed end  40  of the base  22 . 
         [0042]    A vent hole  156  extends between the surfaces  70 ,  72  of the divider  68  and provides communication to and/or from the inner conduit passageway and receiver  136  and the fluid dispensing area  78  of the cap  24 . The tube  148  provides communication to and/or from the inner conduit passageway and receiver  136  at an upper first portion  158  of the storage cavity  36  and a lower second portion  160  of the storage cavity  36 . While the exemplary embodiment is illustrated with the single vent hole  156  in the cap  24 , it is foreseen that the cap  24  may be equipped with any number of vent holes, such as but not limited to two vent holes, without deviating from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0043]    The outer conduit receiver  144 B is sized and shaped to securely receive the neck  48  of the base  22  so that the lip  42  simultaneously abuts the lower surface  72  of the divider  68  and the outer surface  140  of the outer conduit  128  when the cap  24  is fitted to the base  22 , thereby forming a seal between the base  22  and the cap  24 . A plurality of fluid outlets  168  extend through the surfaces  70 ,  72  of the divider  68  and provide fluid communication to and/or from the inner conduit passageway  144 A at the upper first portion  158  of the storage cavity  36  and the fluid dispensing area  78  of the cap  24 . The outer conduit  126  directs a flow of the fluid  28  in and/or out of the plurality of fluid outlets  168  and away from the outer conduit receiver  144 B, thereby preventing the fluid  28  from exiting the base  22  through other areas between the cap  24  and the base  22 . While the exemplary embodiment is illustrated with the plurality of the fluid outlets  168  in the cap  24 , it is foreseen that the cap  24  may be equipped with any number of fluid outlets, such as but not limited to a single fluid outlet, without deviating from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0044]    The splashguard  66  and the lip  42  have substantially equal circumferences (although they are not illustrated to have the same shape). As such, when the cap  24  is fitted to the base  22 , the splashguard  66  is aligned on the cap  24  with the lip  42  of the neck  48  of the base  22 . In this manner, the neck  48  increases the structural integrity of the splashguard  66 , which significantly decreases the likelihood of collapse of the splashguard  66 , for instance, when the base  22  and the splashguard  66  are pressed against the facial contour  82  of the user. 
         [0045]    The closure  26  is sized and shaped to securely mate with the perimeter sidewall  88  of the cap  24  and is, in the exemplary embodiment, of a generally circular shape. It is foreseen, however, that the closure  26  may be of any shape without deviating from the scope of the present invention. The closure  26  includes a top wall  174  with a circumferential cup-engagement skirt  176  depending therefrom. The top wall  174  and the cup-engagement skirt  176  cooperatively define a splashguard receiver  178 . The splashguard receiver  178  is sized and shaped to substantially receive the splashguard  66  therein with the ocular-engagement edge  80  abutting an interior surface  180  of the top wall  174 . The cup-engagement skirt  176  includes opposing inner and outer surfaces  182 ,  184  that are spaced from each other by inner and outer lower walls  185 A,  185 B with inner and outer lower edges  186 A,  186 B. The inner and outer lower walls  185 A,  185 B are spaced from each other and form a cup abutment receiver  187  with a cup abutment portion  188  therebetween. The cup abutment receiver  187  is operable to receive the upper edge  90  of the perimeter sidewall  88  of the cap  24 , which abuts the cup abutment portion  188  of the closure  26 . In this manner, a sealing engagement is provided when the closure  26  is fitted to the cap  24 . Additionally, the inner lower wall  185 A is operable to direct a flow of the fluid  28  away from the cup abutment receiver  187  and to the circumferential channel  98 , thereby preventing the fluid  28  from exiting through other areas between the cap  24  and the closure  26 . 
         [0046]    A second locking element  190  extends axially from the inner surface  104  of the base-engagement skirt  102  and is defined by first and second cam surfaces  192 ,  194  that are oblique relative to the axial direction of extension of the second locking element  190 . The first surface  192  extends from the lower edge  186  of the closure  26  to the second surface  194  and is angled at approximately 20° from a plane defined by the inner surface  182  of the cup-engagement skirt  176 . The second surface  194  extends from the first surface  192  to the inner surface  182  of the cup-engagement skirt  176  and is angled at approximately 45° from the plane defined by the inner surface  182  of the cup-engagement skirt  176 . 
         [0047]    When the closure  22  is fitted to the cap  24 , via a friction fit, snap-fit or the like, the first surface  192  of the second locking element  190  abuts the upper edge  90  of the perimeter sidewall  88 . Due to the lesser angle of the first surface  192 , that is, approximately 20°, the second locking element  190  slides over the upper edge  90 , along the exterior surface  96  and past the lower edge  92 . When removal of the closure of the cap  24  is attempted, the second surface  194  of the second locking element  190  abuts the lower edge  92  of the sidewall  88  and/or the spacer wall  86 . Due to the greater angle of the second surface  194 , that is, approximately 45°, the second locking element  190  is prevented from sliding past the lower edge  92  of the sidewall  88  and/or the spacer wall  86 . In this manner, the second locking element  190  securely locks the closure  26  to the cap  24  after being fitted thereto. 
         [0048]    A tamper indicator  202  is integrated into and severably secured to the cup-engagement skirt  176  at a top end  204  of the tamper indicator  202  and includes the second locking element  190 . In this embodiment, the tamper indicator  202  includes a pull tab  206  depending from the top end  204  of the tamper indicator  202 . The pull tab  206  presents opposing inner and outer grasping surfaces  208 ,  210 . The top end  204  defines a horizontal line-of-weakness having a lesser thickness than adjacent areas of the cup-engagement skirt  176 . The top end  204  is operable to be severed from the cup-engagement skirt  176  when the pull tab  206  is pulled away from the cup-engagement skirt  176 , as illustrated by  FIG. 6 . When the top end  204  is severed from the cup-engagement skirt  176 , the second locking element  190  is removed from the closure  26  and removal of the closure  26  from the cap  24  and access to the fluid  28  are permitted. Thus, removal of the closure  26  from the cap  24  is prevented if the top end  204  of the tamper indicator  202  is at least partially secured to the cup-engagement skirt  176  and removal of the closure  26  from the cap  24  is permitted if the top end  204  of the tamper indicator  202  is severed from the cup-engagement skirt  176 . 
         [0049]    Upon manufacture of the base  22 , the cap  24 , and the closure  26 , the fluid  28  is added to the storage cavity  36  via the mouth  44  of the base  22 . In the exemplary embodiment, the storage cavity  36  is sized and shaped to store 16 oz or 32 oz of the fluid  28 . It is foreseen, however, that the storage cavity  36  may be any size and/or shape to store any amount of the fluid  28  without deviating from the scope of the present invention. The cap  24  is then fitted to the base  22  via threading the cap  24  onto the base  22  until the first locking element  116  lockingly engages the rib  50  of the base  22 . The closure  26  is then fitted to the cap  24  via pressing the closure  26  onto the cap  24  until the second locking element  190  engages the lower edge  92  of the sidewall  88  and/or the spacer wall  86  of the cap  24 . The container  20  is then sterilized, at which point the container  20  may be stored until use of the fluid  28  is desired. It is noted that sterilization may be effected using any suitable method, such as steam treatment or irradiation. Preferably, the assembled and filled container is irradiated using radiation levels which will provide the desired sterilization without degrading the structural integrity of the container. Most preferably, the assembled and filled container is exposed to gamma rays during the sterilization process. With the terminal sterilization process and the closure  26  securely and sealingly overlying the dispensing cap  24 , the sterilized condition of the fluid and the cap  24  is assured throughout storage and until use. The tamper indicator  202  provides visual confirmation to the user that the sterilized condition of the assembled and filled container  20  has not been altered or adulterated. 
         [0050]    To use the fluid  28 , the pull-tab  206  of the tamper indicator  202  is pulled by grasping the opposing inner and outer grasping surfaces  208 ,  210  so that the top end  204  is severed from the cup-engagement skirt  176 . The second locking element  190  is removed from the closure  26  with the removal of the tamper indicator  202 , which permits removal of the closure  26  from the cap  24 . The closure  26  is then removed and the fluid  28  is accessible. The base  22  is then inverted with the ocular engagement edge  80  pressed against the facial contour  82  of the user, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Gravity causes the fluid  28  to pass through the fluid outlets  168  at a sufficient rate to wash the eye  84  of the user. As the fluid  28  is exiting the storage cavity  36  via the fluid outlets  168 , fluid, that is, air is received through the vent hole  156  and transported from the first portion  158  of the storage cavity  36  to the second portion  160  of the storage cavity  36 , which causes the fluid  28  to exit through the fluid outlets  168  at a steady rate without requiring any air intake through the fluid outlets  168 , that is, “glugging” or the like (see  FIG. 7 ). 
         [0051]    Although the container  20  is designed to be used only once, it is foreseen that the container  20  may be reused by refilling with the storage cavity  36  with the fluid  28  via the mouth  44  of the base  22 , fitting another of the closure  26  to the cap  24  with the tamper indicator  202  unsevered from the cup-engagement skirt  176  via pressing the closure  26  onto the cap  24 , and/or sterilizing the container  20  via gamma ray irradiation or the like. 
         [0052]    Turning to  FIGS. 8-11 , another embodiment of the present invention, that is, an eyewash dispensing container is generally illustrated in use by the user. The system generally includes a container  320  having a base  322  and a fluid dispensing cap having a nozzle  324  and a container cover or closure  326 . The nozzle  324  and the closure  326  are securely engaged with and fitted to the base  322  to securely store a fluid within the base  322 . The closure  326  includes a tamper indicating, break-away cap  328  that is integrally formed therewith. 
         [0053]    The base  322  includes a body  330  with opposing outer and inner surfaces  332 ,  334 . The outer surface  332  of the base  322  presents a grasping surface for the user to handle the container  320 . The outer and inner surfaces  334  of the base  322  cooperatively define a storage cavity  336  within the base  322  operable to store fluid. In the exemplary embodiment, the base  322  is of a generally cylindrical shape. It is foreseen, however, that the base  322  may be of any shape without deviating from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0054]    The storage cavity  336  is open at an open end  338  of the base  322  and closed at a closed end  340  of the base  322 . The open end  338  includes a circumferential lip  342  that defines a mouth  344  through which fluid is received in and/or dispensed from the storage cavity  336 . The closed end  340  of the base  322  includes an end wall  346  operable to support the container  320  in an upright configuration, as illustrated by  FIG. 9 . 
         [0055]    The base  322  tapers when traveling from the closed end  340  to the open end  338  and ultimately presents a neck  348 . The neck  348  includes a circumferential rib  350  that protrudes outwardly from the base  322  and is defined by opposing upper and lower horizontal surfaces  352 ,  354  that are spaced from each other by a vertical surface  356 , which is a portion of the outer surface  332  of the base  322 . Also protruding outwardly from the neck  348  of the base  322  is an external thread  358 , which is oriented between the rib  350  and the open end  338  along the neck  348  of the base  322 . On a side of the rib  350  opposite to the thread  358  is a receiver portion  360  of the neck  348 . The receiver portion  360  has a smaller circumference than a circumference of the rib  350 . 
         [0056]    The nozzle  324  is sized and shaped to present a dropper outlet configured to dispense drops of eyewash fluid. Furthermore, the nozzle  324  securely mates with the neck  348  of the base  322  by extending partially through the mouth  344  of the base  322 . The nozzle  324  is, in the exemplary embodiment, of a generally cylindrical shape. It is foreseen, however, that the nozzle  324  may be of any shape without deviating from the scope of the present invention. The nozzle  324  includes a conical wall  366  that extends upwardly from an abutment ridge  368  and defines a nozzle cavity  370  (see  FIG. 11 ). The abutment ridge  368  has opposing upper and lower surfaces  372 ,  374 . 
         [0057]    A fluid inlet-outlet  380  extends through the conical wall  366  at a tip  382  thereof and permits fluid communication to and/or from the storage and nozzle cavities  336 ,  370  to an outside of the system for use by the user. While the exemplary embodiment is illustrated with the single fluid inlet-outlet  380  in the nozzle  324 , it is foreseen that the nozzle  324  may be equipped with any number of fluid inlets or vent holes and/or fluid outlets, such as but not limited to two fluid inlet-outlets and/or one vent hole and one fluid outlet, without deviating from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0058]    The nozzle  324  further includes an interior container-engagement skirt  390  that depends from the lower surface  374  of the abutment ridge  368 . The interior container-engagement skirt  390  has opposing inner and outer surfaces  392 ,  394  that are spaced from each other by a lower edge  396 . The interior container-engagement skirt  390  is sized and shaped to slidably engage the base  322  through the mouth  344  of the base  322  with the lip  342  of the base  322  abutting the lower surface  374  of the abutment ridge  368  of the nozzle  324 . In this manner, a secure engagement between the nozzle  324  and the base  322  is formed when the nozzle  324  is fitted onto the neck  348  of the base  322  via a friction fit, snap fit, or the like. 
         [0059]    The closure  326  is sized and shaped to securely mate with the neck  348  of the base  322  and is, in the exemplary embodiment, of a generally cylindrical shape. It is foreseen, however, that the closure  326  may be of any shape without deviating from the scope of the present invention. The closure  326  includes the break-away cap  328  integrally formed with and extending upwardly from a top wall  414  of the closure  326 . The top wall  414  has opposing upper and lower surfaces  416 ,  418 . The closure  326  includes an inner capping wall  432  and an outer ribbed wall  434  having a common base  436 . 
         [0060]    The inner capping wall  432  is sized and shaped to correspond to the shape of the conical wall  366 . When the closure  326  is fitted to base  322  and the break-away cap  328  is secured to the closure  326 , the inner capping wall  432  closes the fluid inlet-outlet  380  and forms a seal between the break-away cap  328  and the nozzle  324 . The outer ribbed wall  434  includes opposing outer and inner surfaces  438 ,  440  that cooperatively define an interior void  442 . The outer surface  438  includes a plurality of ribs  444 . The base  436  is integrally formed with the top wall  414  at a line-of-weakness  450  to facilitate severing of the break-away cap  328  from the top wall  414  when a force is exerted on the outer ribbed wall  434 , for instance, via a thumb  452  of the user. The plurality of ribs  444  increases friction between the break-away cap  328  and the thumb  452  of the user, for instance, during removal of the break-away cap  328  from the top wall  414 . When the break-away cap  328  is broken away from the top wall  414 , the fluid inlet-outlet  380  is exposed thereby permitting fluid stored in the storage cavity  336  to be dispensed from the container  320 . 
         [0061]    Spaced radially from the break-away cap  328  along the top wall  414  is a perimeter sidewall  468  that extends substantially parallel to the outer ribbed wall  434  of the break-away cap  328 . The sidewall  468  includes opposing interior and exterior surfaces  470 ,  472  that are spaced from each other by an upper edge  474 . The sidewall  468  and the outer ribbed wall  434  cooperatively define a circumferential channel  476  that extends around the break-away cap  328 . Additionally, the sidewall  468  creates a buffer zone between the sidewall  468  and the line-of-weakness  450 . In this manner, the sidewall  468  protects the line-of-weakness  450  from inadvertent breakage. While it is foreseen that the sidewall  468  may have any shape, in the exemplary embodiment, the sidewall  468  is of a substantially circular shape. 
         [0062]    The closure  326  further includes a container-engagement skirt  502  that depends from the lower surface  418  of the top wall  414 . The container-engagement skirt  502  has opposing inner and outer surfaces  504 ,  506 . On an opposite end of the container-engagement skirt  502  relative to the top wall  414  is a container-abutment edge  508 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Protruding inwardly from the inner surface  504  of the container-engagement skirt  502  is an internal thread  514 , which is sized and shaped to securely mate with the external thread  358  of the neck  348  of the base  322 . In this manner, a secure engagement between the closure  326  and the base  322  is formed when the closure  326  is threaded onto the neck  348  of the base  322 . 
         [0063]    Also protruding inwardly or axially from the inner surface  504  of the container-engagement skirt  502  and between the internal thread  514  and the container-abutment edge  508  is a locking element  516 . The locking element  516  is defined by first and second surfaces  518 ,  520  that are oblique relative to the axial direction of extension of the locking element  516 . The first surface  518  extends from the container-abutment edge  508  to the second surface  520  and is angled at approximately 45° from a plane defined by the inner surface  504  of the container-engagement skirt  502 . The second surface  520  extends from the first surface  518  to the inner surface  504  of the container-engagement skirt  502  and is angled at approximately 80° from the plane defined by the inner surface  504  of the container-engagement skirt  502 . 
         [0064]    When the closure  326  is fitted to the base  322 , the first surface  518  of the locking element  516  abuts the upper horizontal surface  352  of the rib  350 . Due to the lesser angle of the first surface  518 , that is, approximately 45°, the locking element  516  slides over the rib  350  and is received by the receiver portion  360  of the neck  348 . Additionally, a nozzle abutment surface  521  of the closure  326  abuts the upper surface  372  of the abutment ridge  368  of the nozzle  324 . In this manner, the closure  326  clamps the nozzle  324  to the base  322 . When removal of the closure  326  from the base  322  is attempted, the second surface  520  of the locking element  516  abuts the lower horizontal surface  354  of the rib  350 . Due to the greater angle of the second surface  520 , that is, approximately 80°, the locking element  516  is prevented from sliding over the rib  350 . In this manner, the locking element  516  securely locks the closure  326  to the base  322  after being fitted thereto. A nub  522  depends from a portion  524  of the inner surface  504  of the container-engagement skirt  502  to securely abut the upper horizontal surface  352  of the rib  350  when the closure  326  is fitted to the base  322 . 
         [0065]    Upon manufacture of the base  322 , the nozzle  324 , and the closure  326 , fluid is added to the storage cavity  336  via the mouth  344  of the base  322 . In the exemplary embodiment, the storage cavity  36   336  sized and shaped to store between 0.5 oz to 8 oz of fluid. It is foreseen, however, that the storage cavity  336  may be any size and/or shape to store a variety of fluid amounts without deviating from the scope of the present invention. The nozzle  324  is then fitted to the base  322  via pressing the nozzle  324  to the base  22  until the lower surface  374  of the abutment ridge  368  of the nozzle  324  abuttingly engages the lip  342  of the base  322 . The closure  326  is then fitted to the base  322  via threading the closure  326  to the base  322  until the locking element  516  engages the lower horizontal surface  354  of the rib  350  and the nozzle  324  is clamped to the base  322  via the closure  326 . The container  320  is then radiated via gamma rays or the like to sterilize the container  320 , at which point the container  320  may be stored until use of the fluid is desired. 
         [0066]    To use the fluid, the break-away cap  328  is severed from the closure  326  by exerting a force or pressing against the outer ribbed wall  434  of the break-away cap  328 , for instance, via the thumb  452  of the user. The plurality of ribs  444  creates friction between the break-away cap  328  and the thumb  452  of the user, which facilitates severing of the break-away cap  328  from the closure  326 . With the break-away cap  328  broken away, the fluid inlet-outlet  380  is exposed and the fluid stored in the storage cavity  336  is accessible. The base  322  is then inverted with the nozzle  324  directed to a surface to be rinsed, e.g., the eye  84  of the user. The base  322  is then compressed, which causes the fluid to be dispensed via the fluid inlet-outlet  380  at a sufficient rate to wash the eye  84  of the user. 
         [0067]    The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only, and should not be used in a limiting sense to interpret the scope of the present invention. Modifications to the exemplary embodiments, set forth above, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
         [0068]    The inventors hereby state their intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of the present invention as it pertains to any apparatus not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.