Abstract:
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for delivering a fluid, and particularly, but not exclusively, to an apparatus and method for delivering a fluid to an eye. The apparatus provides a useful device that assists users to accurately deliver fluid to the eye and includes features that make using the apparatus more comfortable.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for delivering a fluid, and particularly, but not exclusively, to an apparatus and method for delivering a fluid to an eye. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Conventional eye droppers are generally in the form of squeezable container with a restricted fluid outlet. The container may usually be made of plastics and is arranged to be squeezed by a person&#39;s fingers. The restricted fluid outlet is formed by an elongate substantially conical applicator with the fluid outlet at the tip of the cone. The applicator is provided with a cover, such as a screw on cap. Medication is contained in the plastics container. In use, the cap is removed and the eye dropper is manoeuvred into position such that the applicator tip is immediately above the eye so that the fluid can be delivered into the eye. Once the user has positioned the applicator in the correct position the user squeezes the plastic container to force a one or more drops of medication out of the applicator and into the eye. 
         [0003]    Other eye droppers are in the form of a substantially rigid container with a restricted fluid outlet. The container may be made from rigid plastics and is arranged to deliver fluid by gravity. In use these rigid eye droppers are turned so that the outlet is positioned above the eye and the fluid within the containers flows out of the container due to gravity. These types of eye droppers require the user to correctly aim and correctly position the eye dropper outlet above the eye in order to deliver fluid to the eye. Further delivery due to gravity can be time consuming and difficult to control. 
         [0004]    The eye is a relatively small area and difficult to provide medication to. This difficulty is compounded by the fact that the eye is one of the most sensitive areas of the human body. The natural reflex is to close the eye when it gets any foreign object (for example a droplet or two of medication) coming towards it. It is also difficult to align the applicator perfectly in line with the eye. Often, with conventional eye droppers, the medication falls on the users face or the eyebrow or on the eyelashes because the user closes his or her eye as the drop approaches the eye. A further difficulty is that the hand and/or arm need to be extended and bent into an awkward position to accurately apply the medication to the eye. A user with joint or muscular disabilities may not have the dexterity required to apply eye drops. Elderly users, for example, may not have a sufficiently steady hand. Application of the medication to the eye with a conventional eye dropper can be a difficult and frustrating process. 
         [0005]    Conventional eye droppers also generally include a screw on cap. Screw on caps can be difficult to remove and may require excessive force for removal. It can often be difficult for an elderly person or a person with weakness in their arms and hands to securely close or open a screw cap. A further problem associated with eye droppers is that the applicator tip is exposed and may contact the fingers of a user, or face, or other potentially contaminating surface this may lead to contamination of the medication. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a closure apparatus for a device for delivering fluid to an eye, the closure apparatus comprising a lid arranged to be moved from a first position, in which the lid closes a fluid delivery opening of the device, to a second position in which the fluid delivery opening of the device is open to enable dispensation of fluid, the closure apparatus having an eye rest projecting outwardly from a side wall of the lid that facilitates opening of the fluid delivery opening, the eye rest being arranged to rest against the eye surrounding anatomy of a user when the lid is in the second position during the dispensation of fluid in order to steady the device for delivery of fluid. 
         [0007]    In an embodiment the closure apparatus comprises a base that is arranged to engage with a fluid container, the lid of the closure apparatus being arranged to mate with the base to close the fluid delivery opening. 
         [0008]    In an embodiment the lid is coupled the base by a hinge, the hinge being disposed generally opposite the eye rest and connecting to a side wall of the base. 
         [0009]    In an embodiment the eye rest bears a message. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment the eye rest comprises a contoured surface that is arranged to conform to the eye surrounding anatomy of a user such that the eye rest bears against the eye surrounding anatomy of a user to allow for greater stability of the apparatus when in use. 
         [0011]    In an embodiment the closure apparatus comprises a depression within the lid, the depression shaped to receive a finger of a user to allow a user to grasp the closure apparatus. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment the hinge is arranged to facilitate movement of the lid from the first position to the second position, and lock the lid in the second position when the lid position exceeds a predefined locking angle. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment, the closure apparatus may be utilized with a container for delivering fluid. For example, it may be utilized to close a container to arranged deliver fluid to the eye such as a medicament. 
         [0014]    In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus comprising a nozzle for the dispensation of fluid from the fluid delivery opening of the device and a collar disposed concentrically about the nozzle, the nozzle being seated within the collar with the fluid delivery opening disposed below the top of the collar, whereby to protect the nozzle. 
         [0015]    In an embodiment the collar has at least one slot, the at least one slot being arranged to guide fluid out of the collar. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment the collar comprises an upper edge with a projecting lip, the lip being arranged to break the surface tension of any fluid about the collar so as to reduce the chance of fluid flowing back into the nozzle opening. 
         [0017]    In an embodiment the apparatus comprises a reflective surface disposed about the nozzle, the reflective surface in use enabling a user to view alignment of the nozzle and the fluid delivery opening with their eye and accurately deliver fluid to the desired area. 
         [0018]    In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for facilitating delivery of fluid, the apparatus comprising a nozzle for dispensing fluid from the fluid delivery opening of the device, the nozzle including an arrangement for breaking surface tension of a droplet being delivered at the outlet, whereby to reduce the flow of fluid back into the bottle when the droplet is dispensed. 
         [0019]    In an embodiment the arrangement comprises a step in the wall surrounding the orifice, the step arranged to break the surface tension. 
         [0020]    In an embodiment the apparatus further comprising a collar disposed about the nozzle. 
         [0021]    In a further embodiment the collar comprises a lip for breaking surface tension of a droplet being delivered at the outlet, whereby to reduce the flow of fluid back into the nozzle when the droplet is dispensed. 
         [0022]    In an embodiment the eye rest is rigidly connected to the side wall of the lid. 
         [0023]    In an embodiment the eye rest is integrally formed with the lid. 
         [0024]    In an embodiment the eye rest extends substantially perpendicular to the side wall of the lid. 
         [0025]    In an embodiment the eye rest functions as a lever to facilitate opening of the fluid delivery opening. 
         [0026]    In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for facilitating delivery of a fluid comprising a translucent or transparent container arranged to contain the fluid and a closure apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims. 
         [0027]    In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of delivering fluid to a user&#39;s eye, using an apparatus for facilitating the delivery of fluid, comprising the steps of:
       opening a lid of the apparatus, the lid having an eye rest projecting outwardly from a side wall that facilitates opening,   positioning the eye rest on or about eye surrounding anatomy such that the rest bears against at least part of the eye surrounding anatomy   aligning an outlet of the apparatus with the user&#39;s eye and   providing fluid to the user&#39;s eye via the outlet.       
 
         [0032]    In a further embodiment the step of aligning the outlet comprises the additional step of viewing a reflection of the user&#39;s eye within a reflective surface disposed on an upper surface of the apparatus. 
         [0033]    In an embodiment the fluid could be a fluid medicament. 
         [0034]    In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided an eye drop dispenser comprising:
       a base that engages with a fluid container, the base having a nozzle that defines a fluid opening for dispensing eye drops from the fluid container,   a lid that mates with the base to close the fluid opening, the lid having a cap that is generally commensurate with the fluid opening of the nozzle,   a hinge that couples the lid to the base so that the cap blocks the fluid opening of the nozzle when the lid is in a closed position, the hinge connecting to a side wall of the base, and   an eye rest that extends outwardly from a side wall of the lid to rest against a user&#39;s eye surrounding anatomy during dispensation of eye drops, the eye rest being disposed generally opposite the hinge to facilitate opening of the lid.       
 
         [0039]    In an embodiment the dispenser comprises a reflective surface disposed about the nozzle that aids alignment of the nozzle with a user&#39;s eye. 
         [0040]    In an embodiment the dispenser comprises a collar disposed about the nozzle that shields the nozzle from contamination, the fluid opening being disposed below an upper lip of the collar. 
         [0041]    In an embodiment the collar includes a slot that defines an opening for the passage of eye drops. 
         [0042]    In an embodiment the dispenser comprises a step formed within the nozzle adjacent the fluid opening that reduces fluid surface tension during sys drop dispensation. 
         [0043]    In an embodiment the eye rest is rigidly connected to the side wall of the lid. 
         [0044]    In an embodiment the eye rest is integrally formed with the lid. 
         [0045]    In an embodiment the eye rest extends substantially perpendicular to the side wall of the lid. 
         [0046]    In an embodiment the eye rest functions as a lever to facilitate opening of the fluid delivery opening. 
         [0047]    In an embodiment the eye rest bears a message. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
         [0048]    Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which, 
           [0049]      FIG. 1  shows a system for delivering fluid, in particular a system for delivering fluid to the eye of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0050]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the system of  FIG. 1 , with an open lid; 
           [0051]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view from underneath of an apparatus for facilitating the delivery of fluid medicament, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 4  shows another perspective view from above of the apparatus of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 5  shows a further perspective view from above of the apparatus of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0055]      FIGS. 7 and 8  show views of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in use. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0056]      FIG. 1  shows a system  1  for delivering fluid. In particular the system  1  is arranged for delivering fluid to the eye of a user. 
         [0057]    The system for delivering fluid comprises a container  2 . The container  2  includes a hollow body  3  arranged to hold fluid within it. The fluid is any suitable eye medicament fluid or any other fluid suitable for use with a human eye for example rinse eye drops or steroid eye drops, dry eye treatment drops or any other such eye drops. In the illustrated embodiment the container  2  is in the form of a bottle. In other embodiments the container can be any other suitable shape such as a vial, an ampoule, a rectangular container or any other suitable container shape. 
         [0058]    The body  3  may be resilient and substantially flexible such that the body  3  flexes when squeezed by a user, to expel the contents of the body  3  and the container  2 . The body  3  returns to its original shape after being squeezed. 
         [0059]    The container  2  may be formed from any suitable plastics material that allows the body  3  and the container  2  to be substantially flexible, for example polyethylene or polypropylene or any other suitable plastics material. In an alternative form the body  3  of the container  2  may be substantially rigid and may not flex when squeezed by a user. In this alternate form the contents of the body  3  may be expelled due to gravity, by the user turning the container  2  “upside down” to allow the contents of the container  2  to flow out due to gravity. 
         [0060]    The container  2  comprises an outlet  4 . The outlet  4  includes a neck  5  that extends outwardly from the body  3 . The neck  5  is preferably hollow and defines an outlet passage  6 . In one embodiment the neck  5  is substantially cylindrical in shape. In other embodiments the neck  5  may be a rectangular shape, tubular shape, or any other suitable shape. The neck  5  includes a distal end  7  and an outlet opening  8  is formed in the distal end  7 . The outlet  4  further includes a thread  9  or a plurality of thread. The thread  9  is formed on the neck  5  and extends about the neck  5 . The thread  9  can be any suitable pitch. In one example the thread may have a pitch of 2 mm, but alternatively the thread can have a pitch of between 0.5 mm-10 mm depending on the size of the container  2  and the neck  5 . The thread  9  may have any other appropriate pitch size. The thread  9  may have any suitable pitch angle. 
         [0061]    The system  1  further comprises an apparatus  10  for delivering fluid medicament. The apparatus  10  is illustrated in detail in  FIGS. 3 to 6 . In one form the apparatus  10  is arranged to be removably attached to or about the outlet  4  of the container  2 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the apparatus  10  is positioned about the outlet  4  of the container. The apparatus  10  may be a cap that is arranged to be positioned on or about the container  2  or any other such fluid dispensing container, for example eye droppers, ear droppers and the like. The apparatus  10  comprises several features and advantages which will be described below. 
         [0062]      FIGS. 3 to 6  show detailed views of an apparatus for facilitating the delivery of fluid to a user&#39;s eye.  FIGS. 3 to 5  are perspective views of the apparatus  10  and its various parts.  FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional of the apparatus  10 . 
         [0063]    The apparatus  10  for delivering fluid medicament is in the form of a cap and comprises a body  11 . The body  11  comprises a continuous wall  11   a . The body  11  comprises a skirt  80 , which will be described in more detail later on. The wall  11   a  and skirt  80  are substantially cylindrical in shape. The wall  11   a  or skirt  80  or both define a hollow region  12 . In alternative embodiments the body  11  and wall  11   a  and skirt  80  can be any other suitable shape. The apparatus further includes a projecting portion  13  that extends within the outer wall  11   a  of the body  11 , within the hollow region  12 . The projecting portion  13  comprises wall  14 . The wall  14  may be one continuous wall that is cylindrical in shape. The outer surface  14   a  of the wall  14  tapers inwardly. The inner surface  14   b  of the wall  14  does not taper and extends substantially vertically. The projecting portion  13  in this embodiment may be a frustro-conical shape. In other embodiments the projection may be rectangular shaped or any other shape. Alternatively the projecting portion  13  may comprise a plurality of walls that taper inwardly the projecting portion  13  includes a passage  15 . The walls  14  of the projecting portion  13  define the passage  15 . The passage 
         [0064]    The apparatus  10  is arranged to be positioned about the outlet  4  of the container  2 , in use. When in use, the outlet  4  extends into the hollow space  12  of the apparatus  10 . The wall  11   a , of the body  11  is positioned around the outside of the neck  5  of the container  2 . The projection  13  is arranged to be inserted into the passage  6  defined by the neck  5 . The projection  13  further includes a nozzle  16  extending outwardly from the body  11  opposite the direction of the projecting portion  13 . The nozzle  16  includes an outlet opening  17  and the nozzle wall  18  defining a nozzle passage  19 . The body  11  of apparatus  10  comprises a top wall  22   a , that has an upper surface  22 . 
         [0065]    The apparatus further comprises a closure apparatus that includes a lid  20 . The lid  20  may be flexible. The lid  20  includes a continuous cylindrical wall  20   a . Alternatively the lid may comprise a plurality of walls  20   a , the walls being parallel to each other. In the illustrated embodiment wall  20   a  is substantially cylindrical. The wall  20   a  defines a lid body  25 . The lid  20  is attached to the body  11  by a hinge  21  and can be moved from an open position to a closed position.  FIG. 1  shows the lid  20  in a closed position and  FIG. 3  shows the lid  20  in an open position. The lid wall  20   a  has a continuous edge  87 . In the closed position, part of the lid  20 , in particular the edge  87  rests on the upper surface  22  of the body  11 . 
         [0066]    The hinge  21  can be any suitable hinge that connects the lid  20  to the body  11  of the apparatus  10  allowing the lid  20  to be rotated about the hinge  21 . In this embodiment the hinge  21  is a locking “living hinge” that locks the lid  20  in an open position. In one embodiment the hinge  21  may include a web  23 . The web  23  may be substantially thin and flexible. The web  23  and hence the hinge  21  may be substantially resilient. The hinge  21  may be formed integral with the body  11 . In one form the locking living hinge  21  may be formed as part of the apparatus body  11  and may be formed when the apparatus for fluid delivery  10  is formed. The hinge  21  has a locking angle A, such that once the lid  20  is opened past the locking angle A, the lid  20  remains locked in the open position. If the lid  20  is in a position below the locking angle A, the hinge forces the lid  20  to a closed position because of the biasing forces in the hinge  21 , in particular the web  23 . The web  23  acts as a biasing member, biasing the hinge  21  and hence the lid  20  to a closed position if the lid  20  is at a position that is less than the locking angle A. If the lid  20  is in a position where it exceeds the locking angle A, then the web  23  biases the lid  20  to an open position. These biasing forces are created due to the web  23  being resilient and in one form the fibres in the web are aligned with each other when the hinge  21  is formed. The locking angle A is greater than 90 degrees and in one form can between 95 degrees and 150 degrees relative to the horizontal. 
         [0067]    The lid  20  remains locked in the open position due to the material properties of the web  23  when the hinge is manufactured. If the lid  20  is in a position that is less than the locking angle A, the lid  20  is closed due to the biasing forces of the fibres of the web  23 . 
         [0068]    In an alternate form the hinge  14  may be a separate part that is attached to the body  11  of the apparatus by any suitable fastener or mechanism, for example by plastic welding, bolting, gluing or any other such process. 
         [0069]    The hinge  23  is advantageous because it allows the lid  20  to be locked into an open position. This allows the user to use the apparatus without having the lid  20  close during use. The hinge  21  is also advantageous because of the web  23 . The web  23  is flexible and hence allows the lid  20  to be easily operated by a weaker person for example, an old person, a child, or a person with weakness in the arms and/or hands. 
         [0070]    A further advantage of the hinge  21  is that it ensures the lid  20  remains attached to the apparatus  10  and cannot be lost (as may be the case with eye droppers in the prior art). Further since the lid  20  does not need to be removed there is a reduced chance of contamination of the lid  20  because it does not need to be handled and does not need to be placed on a potentially contaminated surface, such as a table top. This makes the apparatus  10  safer to use since there is a reduced chance of contamination. 
         [0071]    The lid  20  is provided with a rest  30 , which is arranged to rest against eye surrounding anatomy and steady the apparatus  10  in use. In this embodiment, the rest  30  comprises a projecting tab  31  which is arranged to rest on the anatomy underneath the eye or on the eyebrow or on the anatomy adjacent the eye. The rest  30  may be formed integrally with the lid  20 . In the illustrated embodiment the rest  30  extends in an opposite direction to the hinge  21 . 
         [0072]    Alternatively the rest  30  may be one or more projections (not illustrated) that extend from the lid  20 . The projections may be spaced equally about the lid  20 . The projections may be integrally formed with the lid  20 . The projections may be in the form of prongs or extensions of any suitable shape that are arranged to rest against eye surrounding anatomy when in use, to stabilize the apparatus  10  and/or system  1  to accurately deliver fluid to a user&#39;s eye. 
         [0073]    In an alternative form the rest  30  may be formed as a separate piece or pieces and can be attached to the body  11  of the apparatus  10 . In this alternate embodiment the rest  30  may be a projecting tab that extends from a portion of the body  11 . As a further alternative the rest may be one or more projections that extend outward from the body  11 . The rest  30  may extend from the upper surface  22  of the apparatus  10 . The rest  30  is arranged to bear against the eye surrounding anatomy and stabilise the apparatus  10  when in use. 
         [0074]    The rest  30  is advantageous because it provides stability of the apparatus for fluid delivery when in use. The rest  30  is also advantageous because when the rest  30  is positioned on eye surrounding anatomy, the outlet opening  17  and the nozzle  16  and outlet  6  of the container  2  are substantially aligned with the eye of the user to allow the fluid to be delivered to the eye accurately. In one embodiment the rest  30  is arranged to rest on or adjacent the eyebrow  100  of a user, as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0075]    The rest  30  comprises a contoured resting surface  32  that may conform to the shape of eye surrounding anatomy of a person. In one form the contoured surface  32  is curved such that it can conform to a the eye surrounding anatomy such as at least part of the orbital bone, to allow the rest  30  to bear against the eye surrounding anatomy to allow for greater stability of the apparatus  10  when in use. The rest is arranged to sit against the user&#39;s eye surrounding anatomy to reduce error due to the shaky hands. The rest  30  is advantageous for use by old people or people with shaky hands because it provides stability and alignment of the outlet opening  17  of the nozzle  16  with the eye of the user. This alignment provides better dosage compliance because there is a reduced chance of the fluid landing outside the eye, on the cheek or eyebrow for example. The rest  30  allows the apparatus  10  to be more dosage compliant because there is a greater chance that the fluid will be delivered to the eye of the user, because the apparatus is stabilised when in use and the outlet  17  of the nozzle  16  is aligned with the user&#39;s eye. 
         [0076]    The projecting tab  31  additionally allows for easy lifting of the lid  20 . The tab  31  is shaped so that the lid  20  can be lifted by a finger or by using an edge of a piece of furniture for example a table. The tab  31  includes a large flat area  33  to allow finger to lift the lid  20 . The tab  31  is advantageous because the lid  20  can be easily lifted to an open position. Many traditional eyedroppers use a screw top lid that need to be screwed off. This can often require too much force or dexterity that older people or weaker people can find difficult to open. The tab  31  allows for easy opening of the lid  20  by older people or people with weakness in their arms /hands. 
         [0077]    The tab  31  may include an embossed portion  34 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The embossed portion  34  may include any suitable message that explains to the user how to use the eyedropper. In the illustrated example the embossed portion says LIFT, which directs a user to lift the tab  31  to open the lid  20 . The embossed portion  34  is advantageous because it makes the eyedropper easier to use due to the visual cues that can be provided on the tab  31 . 
         [0078]    The lid  20  comprises a body  25 . The body  25  includes a depression  26 . The depression  26  is substantially circular and conical shaped. The depression  26  is shaped to receive a finger for example an index finger when a user may be opening the lid  20 . The depression  26  is advantageous because it is shaped to accommodate a finger and allows for an extra grasping point on the lid  20 . The depression  26  can make opening the lid  20  easier. The depression  26  also allows a person to grasp the apparatus  10  and system  1  easily and comfortably. 
         [0079]    As discussed above the projection  13  of the body  11  defines a passage  15  that extends within the projection  13 . In one embodiment the passage  15  is substantially cylindrical due to the cylindrical walls  14  of the projection. The passage  15  allows delivery of fluid from the passage  15  to the outlet  17  of the apparatus. The nozzle  16  extends from the projection and is narrower than the projection  13  and is narrower than the passage  15 . 
         [0080]    The nozzle  16  defines a nozzle passage  19 . The passage  15  and nozzle passage  19  are in fluid communication. The passage  15  and the nozzle passage  19  share a common vertical axis so as to allow fluid from the container to pass through the passage  15 , through the nozzle passage  19  and out of the outlet  17 . The projection  13  has a greater diameter than the nozzle  16 , and the passage  15  has a greater diameter than the nozzle passage  19 . The projection  13  includes a throat section  40 . The throat section  40  is an area of reduced internal diameter within the projection  13 . The nozzle  16  extends from the throat  40 . The throat  40  may include a chamfered section  41  that reduces the internal diameter of passage  15 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The throat section  40  having a reduced internal diameter reduces the amount of fluid entering the nozzle  16 . This is advantageous because the throat section  40  reduces the possibility of excessive fluid being delivered to a user&#39;s eye. The nozzle  16  has smaller diameter than the projection  13 . The nozzle passage  19  having a smaller diameter than the passage  15  is advantageous because it reduces the amount of fluid entering the nozzle  16 , thus reducing the possibility of excessive fluid being delivered to a user&#39;s eye. 
         [0081]    The apparatus  10  further comprises a collar  50  that extends outwardly from the upper surface  22  of the apparatus  10 . In the illustrated embodiment the collar  50  extends at least partially around the nozzle  16 . In another form the collar  50  may extend completely around the nozzle  16 . The height of the collar  50  is greater than the height of the nozzle  16 , such that the top edge  51  of the collar  50  is higher than the outlet  17  of the nozzle  16 . 
         [0082]    In an alternative embodiment, the collar  50  may be in the form of a plurality of raised extensions that extend from various locations on the upper surface  22 . In one embodiment the extensions may not completely surround the nozzle. In one embodiment the collar  50  may surround the nozzle  16 . 
         [0083]    There may one or more cut out sections  52  in the collar  50 . The one or more cut outs  52  may be any suitable shape such as a V shape, a rectangular shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape and so on. In the illustrated form of the cut out is rectangular shaped and allows for the fluid to be easily dispensed. In the illustrated embodiment the collar includes one cut out  52 , to expose the nozzle  16  and the outlet  17 . The cut-out  52  can further facilitate the delivery of fluid from the outlet. The cut-out  52  can serve as a guide, to guide the fluid out of the outlet  17 , when in use. 
         [0084]    The collar  50  extends higher than the nozzle  16  and the outlet  17  to protect from a user touching nozzle  16  when using the apparatus  10  or system  1 . This is advantageous because it reduces the chances of contaminating the nozzle  16  by a user touching the nozzle  16 . In some traditional eyedroppers the conical applicator is exposed and a user often touches the applicator, which can lead to contamination. The collar  50  is advantageous because it increase the chances of compliance with safety standards because of the reduced chance of contamination of the nozzle  16  or the fluid as it comes out the outlet  17 . 
         [0085]    In one embodiment the nozzle  16  may include a step  53  that is formed within the nozzle wall  18 . The step  53  is adjacent the outlet  17 . The step  53  breaks the surface tension of a drop formed at the outlet  17  by allowing any water that hits the step  53  to channel away from the outlet  17 . The step  53  in the nozzle  16  reduces the possibility of a drop falling back into the nozzle  16  and the container  2 . This reduces the possibility of contamination because drops do not fall back into the nozzle  16  and container  2 . In an alternative embodiment the collar  50  includes a lip  54 . The lip  54  may be disposed on the upper edge  51 . The lip  54  may break the surface tension of a drop at or near the outlet  17  or a drop formed in the collar  50  by allowing any water that impinges on the lip  54  to channel away from the outlet  17 . The water can be channel out through the cut out  52 . This reduces the chances of a drop falling back into the nozzle  16  and container  2  and reduces the possibility of contaminating the medical fluid in the container  2 . 
         [0086]    The upper edge  51  of the collar  50  is of a rounded form. When viewed from the side, the collar  50  has a flat profile. The upper surface  22  and collar  50  do not have a pointed projection unlike traditional eyedroppers which include a pointed cone or a pointed tip. The nozzle  16  also may have a flat profile. The collar  50 , the rounded edge  51  of the collar  50 , the flat profile of the collar  50  and the flat profile of the nozzle  16  make the apparatus  10  less intimidating to use. People are often afraid of getting poked in the eye by the tips of many traditional eyedroppers. Further the rest  30  stabilises the eyedropper when in use which also adds to the feeling of safety and security when using the apparatus  10  and system  1 . 
         [0087]    The apparatus  10  also includes a reflective surface  60  disposed on the upper surface  22 . The reflective surface  60  is substantially planar and flat with minimal blemishes to provide optimal reflectivity. The reflective surface  60  may be formed any suitable reflective material such as tin, aluminium, silver, or glass with a coating or tin, copper. The reflective surface  60  is preferably formed from a thin piece of reflective material such as a film with a reflective side that is disposed on the upper surface  22 . In one embodiment the reflective surface  60  may be formed from reflective ink that is disposed on the upper surface  22 . The reflective surface  60  can be positioned on the upper surface  22  by any suitable process such as deposition, powder deposition, gluing, stamping or painting. The reflective surface  60  is advantageous because it allows the user to focus on the nozzle  16  or the outlet  17  when the rest  30  is positioned on the eye surrounding anatomy. The reflective surface  60  allows a user to accurately align the nozzle outlet  17  with the user&#39;s eye by looking at the reflection of their eye in the reflective surface  60 . 
         [0088]    The apparatus  10  further comprises a thread  70  formed on the inside of the wall  11   a  of the body  11 . The thread  70  of the apparatus  10  is complementary to the thread  9  of the container  2 . The thread  70  allows the apparatus to be fitted onto to existing containers  1  or eyedropper bottles, or contains specially made o fit to the apparatus. In an alternative embodiment the apparatus may be include a bayonet fitting to allow the apparatus  10  to be fitted over the outlet  4  of an existing bottle or container  2 . The apparatus  10  may be positioned over the outlet  4  of a container  2  by a snap fit arrangement. 
         [0089]    The apparatus  10  comprises a skirt  80  depending from surface  22  and surrounding the projection  13 . The skirt  80  is flexible and resilient. The skirt  80  is resilient such that it can snap on to the outlet  4  of any container  2  or any eyedropper bottle. The skirt  80  may comprise a removable ring  81  that may be formed as part of the skirt  80 . The ring  81  may include areas of weakness  82 . The ring  81  may be a perforated section of the skirt  80 . The ring  81  may be positioned along the bottom edge  83  of the skirt  80 . The ring  81  is a tamper evident ring. The ring  81  is perforated to indicate tamper by a person. The ring  81  can be removed due to the perforations or areas of weakness  82 . Tamper with the ring  80  or the apparatus  10  can be indicated if the ring  81  is removed. 
         [0090]    The neck  5  of the container  2  comprises a projection  89  extending outward from the neck  5  and around the neck  5 . The projection  89  may be a flange. The ring  81  comprises inwardly projecting tooth  89   a . The tooth  89   a  extends about the ring  81 . In another form the ring  81  may comprise plurality of projecting teeth  89   a . The tooth  89   a  engages with the projection  89  to form a snap fit connection as shown in  FIG. 1 . As the body  11  is unscrewed from the neck  5 , the ring  81  remains attached to the neck due to the tooth  89   a . The ring  81  comes away from the skirt  80  because of the areas of weakness  82  and the ring may remain attached to the neck. The ring  81  remaining attached to the neck  5  shows that the apparatus  10  and system  1  have been used or tampered with. In another form the skirt  80  may come away from the body  11 , as the body  11  is unscrewed from the neck  5 . The skirt  80  may include further weakened areas (not shown) at the connection point between the skirt and the body  11 , or upper wall  22   a . If the skirt  80  and ring  81  are attached to the neck  5  and the body  11  is not, can be an indication of tampering or prior use. 
         [0091]    The apparatus  10  further comprises one or more removable stubs  84 . The stubs  84  are flexible and can be snapped off or removed from the body  11 . The stubs  84  serve as tamper evident devices. When the apparatus  10  is formed, the stubs  84  are initially attached to both the lid  20  and the body  11 . When the lid  20  is opened the stubs  84  can snap off the body and remain attached to the lid  20 . In another embodiment when the lid  20  is opened the stubs  84  remain attached to the body  11  and snap off from the lid  20 . Tampering of the container  2  or the apparatus  10  can be indicated if the stubs  84  are attached to only one of the lid  20  or the body  11 . In a further embodiment the skirt  80  may include weakened sections  85  where the stubs  84  attach to the skirt  80 . The weakened sections  85  allow the stubs  84  to be easily snap off and show tampering with the apparatus  10 . The lid  20  may also include weakened sections  86  when the stubs  84  attach. The weakened areas  86  allow the stubs  84  to snap off and show tampering with the apparatus  10 . 
         [0092]    The lid  20  of the apparatus  10  includes an edge  87  that is arranged to rest against the upper surface  22  when the lid  20  is in a closed position. The upper surface  22  includes a raised portion  90  that extends upward from the upper surface  22 . In use the edge  87  is dimensioned such that it fits around the raised section  90  to form an air tight seal when the cap is closed. The raised section  90  and the edge  87  form a snap fit closure, meaning the lid  20  snaps closed. The air tight seal is advantageous because it reduces the chance of contamination of the nozzle  16  when the apparatus is not in use. 
         [0093]    The lid  20  further includes a hollow  88  area formed within the body  25  of the lid  20 . The lid  20  comprises a raised flange  100  positioned within the hollow  88  area. The flange  100  includes an orifice  101 . The orifice  101  is arranged to fit over the nozzle  16  when the lid  20  is snap closed. The flange  100  is arranged such that the orifice  101  and nozzle  16  are aligned when the lid  20  is moved to a closed position. The orifice  101  includes a plug  102  positioned within the orifice  101 . The plug  102  is aligned with the nozzle outlet  17  and fits into the outlet  17  when the lid  20  is in a closed position to form a sealed closing. The plug  102  is positioned within the orifice  101  such that the walls  103  of the flange  100  are greater in height that the plug  102 . The plug  102  cannot be touched by a user thus reducing the chance of contamination making the plug  102  and flange  100  arrangement safer and clear for use. 
         [0094]    In one form the lid  20  may include, a first flange  100 , a second flange  110  and a third flange  111  extending from the lid  20 . The flanges  100 ,  110 ,  111  may all be co-axially aligned with each other and are concentric with each other. The third flange  111  is greater in diameter than the second flange  110 , which is greater in diameter than the first flange  100 . The second flange  110  is positioned within the third flange  111 , and first flange  100  extends from the second flange  110 . A space  112  is defined in between the wall  113  of the third flange  111  and the wall  114  of the second flange  110 . The space  112  is arranged to receive the collar  50 , in particular the edge  51  of the collar  50  to form an air tight seal between the third boss  111  and the collar  50 . This air tight seal in addition to the seal between the raised section  90  and the edge  87  of the lid  20  provide additional protection against contamination of the medical fluid within the container. 
         [0095]    The apparatus  10  or cap and all its parts may be moulded and formed as a single moulding. Any suitable one shot moulding process can be used to form the apparatus  10  as described above. In alternative embodiments the apparatus  10  and its parts may be vacuum formed or cast or injection moulded. Any other suitable forming process can be used. The apparatus  10  and its constituent parts are formed from a suitable plastics material such as polypropylene. In other embodiments the apparatus and its constituent parts may be made from materials such as rubber or silicone. In still further embodiments the apparatus  10  and some or all of its parts could be made from stainless steel or any other suitable metal that can be sterilised easily. The apparatus may be machined or cast if made from a metal. 
         [0096]    In a further embodiment the container  2  and apparatus for fluid delivery  10  may be substantially translucent or transparent to allow light to pass through the container  2  and the apparatus for fluid delivery  10 . This is advantageous because the light passing through the apparatus  10  and container  2  allows a user to more clearly view the outlet  17  and hence allow the user to accurately align the outlet  17  with his/her eye in use to allow for more accurate delivery of the medical fluid. 
         [0097]    A method of delivering fluid medicament to a user&#39;s eye, using the apparatus  10  or system  1 , for facilitating the delivery of fluid medicament as described earlier, comprises the steps of:
       opening a lid of the apparatus,   positioning a rest of the apparatus on or about eye surrounding anatomy such that the rest bears against at least part of the eye surrounding anatomy,   aligning an outlet of the apparatus with the user&#39;s eye,   providing fluid medicament to the user&#39;s eye via the outlet.       
 
         [0102]    The apparatus and system are the same as described earlier.  FIG. 7  shows a user having opened the lid of the apparatus  10  and checking the reflection in the reflective surface  60 . The user can check the reflection of his or her eye in the reflective surface to align the outlet  17  with his or her eye.  FIG. 8  shows a view of the rest  30  being positioned on the user&#39;s eye surrounding anatomy. In this figure the rest is positioned on the eyebrow of the user. The rest  30  bears against the eyebrow and allows for stability when delivering fluid.  FIGS. 7 and 8  show part of the method of use of the apparatus  10  and system  1 . 
         [0103]    The apparatus  10  or cap and its constituent parts are arranged for use with any existing eyedropper bottle. The apparatus  10  is a retrofittable apparatus that can be easily interchanged between various eyedropper bottles because the apparatus  10  is easily fitted to any bottle due to the shape of the skirt  50 , the projection  13  and the threads  70 . The apparatus  10  is advantageous because it can be used with a wide range of existing eyedropper bottles or as part of a system for fluid delivery, in conjunction with the container  2  described earlier. 
         [0104]    In an alternative embodiment the apparatus  10  and container  2  may be integrally formed together. The apparatus  10  may not be removable from the container  2 . 
         [0105]    The system  1  for fluid delivery comprises a container  2  and an integral apparatus  10 . 
         [0106]    The system  1  and container  2  described earlier can also be used for delivery of other fluids besides eye medicaments. Such as for example, ear medicament or nasal medicament or oral medicament. It should be understood that the apparatus  10 , system  1  and container  2  will be suitably adapted for use in ear medicament, nasal medicament or oral medicament delivery. For example the apparatus dimensions may be varied to accommodate the apparatus for use in other such related applications. 
         [0107]    The apparatus could be used to deliver any fluid, including non-medical fluids such as saline. 
         [0108]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.