Abstract:
The present invention is directed toward a cost effective instrument for storing a fluid material, and applying a predetermined amount of the fluid material to a surface. The instrument is comprised of few parts including an outer casing and a fluid insert, making the instrument cheaper to manufacture, and easy to assemble. The embodiments disclosed can be provided in a pre-assembled form to cosmetic companies and the like seeking to fill a dispenser with their fluid cosmetic products. The ability to provide dispensers in a pre-assembled form, combined with the compatibility of the fluid dispensers with industrial high speed filling machines, reduces the overall filling costs to the cosmetic company, as well as the cost to the consumer.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/231,742, filed on Sep. 5, 2008, which application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/792,036, filed on Mar. 3, 2004, which application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/196,339, filed on Dec. 24, 2003, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a fluid dispenser, and more particularly to a cost-effective dispenser assembly that is fully compatible with high-speed in-line filling apparatuses, capable of dispensing predetermined amounts of fluid materials, and has few components to assemble. 
         [0003]    Various types of dispensers for fluids are well known in the art. Dispensers typically comprise a cartridge for holding the fluid material, as well as a spray, pump, or plunger to dispense the fluid material out of the cartridge. Some dispensers have a spray pump attached to a pump line that runs through a cartridge containing fluid material, such as perfume. When the user depresses the spray pump, fluid material flows through the line to the spray, and then onto the desired medium. Other dispensers, such as those used for caulking, have a cartridge filled with caulk, and a trigger mechanism which causes a plunger in the cartridge to push the caulk out of the cartridge. 
         [0004]    The shortcomings associated with these prior art dispensers concern their manufacture and assembly. Known dispensers typically require several pieces that must be manufactured and then assembled together. Some of the pieces, such as a separate applicator tip, are relatively small in size and can prove difficult to assemble. Known dispensers often have parts that need to be screwed together, or require additional adhesives or the like to secure the various components of the dispenser together. The configuration of known dispensers therefore requires extraneous parts and steps to complete the dispenser assembly process, which, in turn, drives up the costs for the manufacturer. These drawbacks are further compounded by the problems associated with filling known dispensers with fluid materials. 
         [0005]    Once a dispenser has been manufactured, dispenser manufacturers typically solicit their dispensers to companies desiring to sell fluid products. For example, a cosmetic company may wish to purchase a dispenser designed to dispense a fluid lipstick, lotion, or the like. After purchasing the empty dispensers from a dispenser manufacturer, the cosmetic company will then proceed to fill the dispensers with its own product using a filling apparatus and process. There are many problems, however, associated with the purchase and subsequent filling of known dispensers by a purchasing company. 
         [0006]    It is not cost-effective to fill known dispensers with fluid product using standard high-speed filling apparatuses and processes. Such dispensers often vary in shape and size and are not readily adaptable to preexisting high speed filling machines utilized by a particular company. For example, the shape of the dispenser body may not be compatible with the parts of the preexisting filling machine used to hold the dispenser during the filling process, or the opening of the cartridge may not be large enough (or even too small) to receive the nozzle of the filling apparatus that dispenses the fluid material from the filling apparatus to the cartridge. To remedy these problems, the cosmetic company is therefore forced to purchase new filling machines, and/or adapters, such as funnels, or custom made holders for the dispenser, commonly referred to as pucks, to make pre-existing filling machines and dispensers compatible with one another. In some situations, it is too costly to adapt a preexisting filling machine to fit a particular dispenser, which results in the inability to use such a dispenser in a high speed filling process, or similar type of filling process. This often forces the cosmetic company to either select an alternative dispenser, or to use an alternative slower process. Each of these problems is a costly venture for a purchasing company, who then passes the additional cost on to the consumer. 
         [0007]    There are also additional costs associated with assembling the dispenser once the dispenser has been filled with the desired fluid material. In the filling process, typically a separate cartridge must first be filled by the filling apparatus, and then inserted into the dispensing device. Thereafter, the dispenser must be completely assembled and sealed. This task proves to be especially cumbersome when the dispenser has several components that need to be assembled after the filling process is completed. The added steps and time needed to assemble and fill such dispensers, slows down the filling process and drives up the filling costs. It also compromises the quality and integrity of the fluid material sitting in the dispenser because it leaves the fluid materials subject to contamination by dust, air, etc., until the dispenser is sealed. 
         [0008]    These problems are evident in U.S. Application No. 2003/0123921 to Abbas (“Abbas”), which is directed toward an instrument preferably for applying a fluid material of low viscosity to a surface. FIG. 19 discloses a fluid dispenser that comprises a cartridge of fluid, a holder, an applicator tip, a pump and pump housing, and a retaining ring for holding the pump housing within the holder. Force applied to the cartridge causes fluid in the cartridge to flow from the pump to the holder, and the applicator tip. FIG. 23 of Abbas discloses a toothbrush dispenser preferably for dispensing a fluid of low viscosity, such as a liquid cleaner, mouthwash or perfume, onto teeth. The toothbrush dispenser comprises a cartridge of liquid cleaner having a pump, an outer holder for the cartridge, an applicator tip or toothbrush head attached to the holder, and a feeder line from the cartridge to the applicator tip. FIG. 27 shows a configuration similar to FIG. 23, the primary differences being that the applicator tip is a pad, and that instead of a feeder line from the inner cartridge to the applicator tip, there is an inking region that collects fluid material dispensed from the cartridge, and then dispenses the fluid material to the applicator tip. In both FIGS. 23 and 27, force applied to the cartridge causes fluid material from the cartridge to flow into either the feeder line or inking region, and then to the applicator tip. Despite the seemingly relative simplicity of these embodiments, there are still costly drawbacks associated with the manufacture of the Abbas dispensers, and the subsequent filling of the Abbas dispensers with fluid materials. 
         [0009]    The Abbas dispenser is comprised of several parts that require assembly. The applicator tip must be inserted and secured onto the holder, an inner cartridge containing fluid material is inserted into the holder, a retaining ring must also be inserted into the holder to contain the inner cartridge within the holder (or the inner cartridge must be screwed into the holder), a pump mechanism must be attached to the cartridge, and then the cartridge must be sealed with a cap. 
         [0010]    Prior to installation of the cartridge, the cartridge must first be filled with fluid material. Abbas is designed so that the cartridge is filled with fluid material and then temporarily sealed. The cartridge is then placed into the holder in its sealed form, and later punctured by the tip of the pump when it is desired to permit the free flow of fluid material into the applicator. This design is believed to prevent the pre-assembly of the cartridge into the holder when the cartridge is provided to a filling manufacturer because pre-assembly might cause premature puncturing of the cartridge. Moreover, the design of the cartridge typically requires additional screwing or the use of adhesives or the like to secure the cartridge within the holder. In this regard, it is believed that the Abbas dispenser cannot be sent to a filling manufacturer in a preassembled form, filled, and then simply sealed. Thus, the Abbas dispenser requires the steps of filling the cartridge, sealing the cartridge, and only then installing and securing the cartridge within the holder. The added step in the Abbas dispenser assembly process exemplifies the problems associated with the Abbas dispenser and prior art dispensers. 
         [0011]    It is therefore beneficial to provide a dispenser assembly, such as those embodiments disclosed by the present invention, that is cheaper to manufacture, easy to assemble, maintains the integrity of the fluid material in the dispenser, and is compatible with pre-existing high speed filling machines. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    The present invention is designed to overcome the shortcomings associated with the disclosure of Abbas and other known fluid dispensers by providing a dispenser assembly that is cheaper to manufacture, requires few parts to assemble, and is readily compatible with standard high speed filling machines. As discussed more fully herein, the present invention requires few parts; namely, an end cap, a fluid insert containing fluid materials, and an outer casing. Unlike the prior art disclosures, each of these parts can be assembled together without the use of additional parts, such as adhesives or retaining rings, or steps such as screwing the different components together. The present invention further permits a manufacturer to sell a dispenser assembly to cosmetic companies and the like seeking to dispense their products (such as lotions, gels, etc.) into dispensers using a high speed filling process. The present invention is fully compatible with standard high speed filling apparatuses. The dispenser assembly can be provided to cosmetic companies and the like in an almost completely assembled manner and placed directly onto standard high speed filling apparatuses. The only assembly required after filling is the addition of a seal cap to seal the dispenser once the cartridge of the dispenser has been filled with the desired fluid material. In accordance with another important feature of the present invention, the capping process can also take place as part of the high speed filling process, further cutting down on the assembly time. The steps required to assemble the fluid dispenser greatly differs from known dispensers, which require the separate steps of filling the cartridge, sealing the cartridge, and then assembling the cartridge into the holder. The few steps required to assemble and fill the dispenser assembly according to the present invention increases production, while minimizing overall costs. Accordingly, various dispenser assemblies in accordance with the present invention are disclosed which achieves each of these shortcomings. 
         [0013]    According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an instrument for applying a predetermined amount of fluid material to a surface comprising a fluid insert and an outer casing. The fluid insert has a first end and a second end, and a protruding ridge arranged on an exterior of the fluid insert between the first end and the second end. The outer casing has a hollow interior for receiving the fluid insert therein, a first end and a second end, and a pump actuating surface. The outer casing further includes an applicator tip integrally formed with the outer casing at the first end for dispensing fluid material from the outer casing, and an interior ridge arranged within the hollow interior between the first end and the second end for securing the fluid insert within the outer casing when the protruding ridge of the fluid insert is positioned between the interior ridge of the outer casing and the first end of the outer casing. There is also a pump arranged at the first end of the fluid insert that has a pump body and a pump tip. The fluid insert is constructed and arranged to be movable within the outer casing between a stationary position and an actuated position, wherein the pump is in an extended position when the fluid insert is in the stationary position, and the pump is in a retracted position within the pump body when the pump tip is in engagement with the pump actuating surface of the outer casing when the fluid insert is in the actuated position. The pump is operative to dispense a predetermined amount of fluid material as the fluid insert is moved from the stationary position to the actuated position within the outer casing. 
         [0014]    According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an instrument for applying a predetermined amount of fluid material to a surface comprising a fluid insert for storing fluid material, a pump, and an outer casing. The fluid insert has a first end, a second end, and a notch arranged between the first end and the second end. The pump is arranged at the first end of the fluid insert and has a pump body, and a pump tip. The outer casing has a first end and a second end, a tab arranged between the first end and the second end, and an applicator for applying fluid material dispensed into the outer casing. The outer casing is constructed and arranged to receive the fluid insert so as to permit movement of the fluid insert within the outer casing between a first position and a second position. The tab is constructed and arranged to fit within the notch on the fluid insert so as to guide movement of the fluid insert when the fluid insert moves within the outer casing from the first position to the second position. The fluid insert is in the first position when the pump tip is in a fully extended position, and the fluid insert is in the second position when the pump tip is retracted into the pump body. The pump is operative to dispense fluid material into the outer casing when the fluid insert is moved from the first position to the second position. 
         [0015]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an instrument for applying a predetermined amount of fluid material that has a fluid viscosity ranging from 1000 centipoise (cps)-10,000 cps to a surface. The instrument comprises a fluid insert for storing fluid material, and an outer casing. The fluid insert has a first end and a second end, and a notch arranged on the fluid insert displaced from the first end of the fluid insert. It has a pump capable of pumping fluid material that has a fluid viscosity ranging from 1000 centipoise (cps)-10,000 cps. The pump is arranged at the first end of the fluid insert, and has a pump body and a pump tip. The pump is operative to dispense fluid material in response to movement of the pump tip. The outer casing has a first end and a second end, a tab arranged on the interior thereof, and an applicator for dispensing the fluid from the pump of the fluid insert within the outer casing. Tab constructed and arranged to fit within the notch so as to guide movement of the fluid insert within the outer casing. 
         [0016]    In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for dispensing a predetermined amount of fluid material to a surface comprising an outer casing and a fluid insert for housing fluid material. The outer casing has first and second ends, an applicator at the first end, a first ridge arranged on an interior of the outer casing and displaced from the second end, and a second ridge arranged within the interior of the outer casing between the inner ridge and the applicator. The fluid insert has a raised band on the surface thereof, the fluid insert being constructed and arranged to fit within the outer casing so that the raised band is arranged between the first and second ridges of the outer casing. The fluid insert is movable from a first position to a second position within the outer casing to disperse fluid material. The fluid insert is in a first position when the raised band is adjacent to the first ridge of the fluid insert, and the fluid insert is in a second position when the raised band is adjacent to the second ridge of the fluid insert. The fluid insert dispenses a predetermined amount of the fluid material contained in the fluid insert through the applicator of the outer casing when the fluid insert moves from the first position to the second position. 
         [0017]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an instrument for dispensing a predetermined amount of fluid material comprising an outer casing and a fluid insert. The outer casing has an interior chamber, a first tab and a second tab arranged within the interior chamber, and an applicator integrally formed with the outer casing. The fluid insert is arranged and constructed to fit within the outer casing, and has a first notch and a second notch, a pump with an internal check valve, and a stop having a first side and a second side. The fluid insert is rotatable within the outer casing between a first position and a second position. The fluid insert is in the second position when the second side of the stop is adjacent to the second tab and the second notch is displaced from the second tab. The fluid insert is in the first position when the first tab is aligned with the first notch, and the first side of the stop is adjacent to the first tab. The dispenser assembly is adapted to dispense a predetermined amount of the fluid material from the fluid insert through the applicator when the fluid insert is in the first position. 
         [0018]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dispenser assembly for dispensing a predetermined amount of fluid material comprising a fluid insert and an outer casing. The fluid insert has a body including a first end and a second end, a hollow chamber for storing a fluid material, a seal cap mounted to the first end for sealing the fluid insert, a pump connected to the second end for dispensing a predetermined amount of fluid material, a notch on the body displaced from the second end, and a protruding ridge displaced from the first end. The outer casing has an interior chamber for receiving the fluid insert and a first end and a second end. The applicator is arranged at the first end for applying the fluid material dispensed from the pump of the fluid insert to a surface. There is at least one tab arranged within the interior chamber of the outer casing and it is constructed and arranged to fit within the notch so as to guide movement of the fluid insert within the outer casing. The outer casing also has a ridge arranged within the interior chamber of the outer casing that is operative to restrict removal of the fluid insert when the fluid insert is assembled within the interior chamber. 
         [0019]    In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of filling a dispenser assembly using a high speed filling apparatus. First, a pre-assembled dispenser assembly is provided that has an end cap, an outer casing, and an inner fluid receiving body. The outer casing has a first end and a second end, and an applicator at the first end. The inner fluid receiving body has a first end and a second end, a pump arranged at the first end of the inner fluid receiving body, and an opening arranged at the second end of the inner fluid receiving body. The inner fluid receiving body is pre-assembled in the outer casing so that the inner fluid receiving body closes the second end of the outer casing, and the end cap is arranged over the applicator of the outer casing. Second, the pre-assembled dispenser assembly is placed directly onto a filling apparatus. Third, the inner fluid receiving body is filled with a fluid material through the opening of the inner fluid receiving body. Fourth, the inner fluid receiving body of the partially pre-assembled dispenser assembly is sealed with a seal plug so as to provide a fully assembled and filled dispenser assembly. 
         [0020]    These and other features and characteristics of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which should be read in light of the accompanying drawings in which corresponding reference numbers refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an unassembled cap, outer casing, and fluid insert according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an assembled cap, outer casing, and fluid insert of the dispenser assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the outer casing shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the left end of the outer casing shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the right end of the outer casing shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the left end of the outer casing shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a rear view of the right end of the outer casing shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an unassembled inner casing shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the body of the fluid insert shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of section A-A shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the right side of the fluid insert body shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the assembled fluid insert body, pump, and seal cap of the fluid insert shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a front view of the assembled fluid insert and outer casing shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is a top view of the seal plug of the fluid insert shown in  FIG. 12 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the seal plug shown in  FIG. 14 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the ridges shown on the seal plug shown in  FIG. 15 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the seal cap according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of a seal cap and diaphragm according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 19  is a top view of the diaphragm shown in  FIG. 18 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the end cap shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the end cap shown in  FIG. 20 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of an end cap according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 23  is an alternative embodiment of the fluid dispenser assembly according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0044]    In describing the preferred embodiments of the subject matter illustrated and to be described with respect to the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
         [0045]    The present invention is generally directed to a dispenser assembly  100  shown in  FIG. 1  for dispensing predetermined amounts of fluid materials. The material, such as lotion, is stored within a fluid insert  108  and dispensed therefrom in response to pressure applied by a user onto the fluid insert  108 , which, in turn, actuates the pump  117 . The dispenser also contains an outer casing  106  that holds the fluid insert  108 . 
         [0046]    It is to be understood that the dispenser for fluid materials of the present invention may be utilized to dispense various liquids, pastes, semi-liquids, semi-solids, gels, and the like. Such materials are preferably derived from the cosmetics industry and may include gels, medicated creams and lotions, and the like to be dispensed using the dispenser of the present invention. Also for convenience, all such materials will be generally referred to as fluid materials, although they may have semi-solid, paste-like or other consistencies. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the dispenser assembly  100  is preferably comprised of a dispenser cap  102 , an outer casing  106 , and a fluid insert  108 . The dispenser assembly  100  is constructed and arranged so that the fluid insert  108  is disposed and secured within the outer casing  106 , and the dispenser cap  102  fits over the outer casing  106 . The dispenser cap protects the applicator  104  from being contaminated or otherwise damaged. As shown in  FIG. 2 , when these components are assembled together, they form an elongated cylindrical dispenser assembly that is preferably in the shape of a tubular pen, although the dispenser may take on a variety of alternate shapes, such as animals, flowers, or any desired shape. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the outer casing  106  is preferably a hollow tube with an elongated outer body  114  having an applicator  104 , and a connector portion  110  that connects the applicator  104  to the outer body  114 . The outer body  114  preferably has a larger diameter than the applicator  104  and connector  110 . In this regard, the connector portion  110  preferably has a diameter greater in size than the applicator  104 , but smaller than the outer body  114 . The connector  110  and applicator  104  are both preferably integrally formed with the outer body  114  so as to minimize the number of parts needed to manufacture and assemble the outer casing  106 , as well as to decrease the overall costs associated with the manufacture and assembly of the dispenser assembly  100 . It should be appreciated, however, that the outer casing  106  may be formed from separate components that are assembled together, and that the connector portion  110  may be removed. 
         [0049]    The applicator  104  preferably has rounded ends  103  and an opening  107  (see also  FIG. 6 ) through which the fluid material from the fluid insert  108  (see  FIG. 1 ) is dispersed. As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  7 , a raised wall  600  arranged on the interior side  117  of the applicator  104  surrounds the opening  107 . The wall  600  helps guide the tip  120  (see  FIG. 1 ) of the fluid insert  108  into the opening  107  when the fluid material is dispensed from the fluid insert  108 . It should be appreciated that the applicator can also take on a variety of alternate constructions such as a spray device, brush, roller, scrubbing pad, and the like. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , an edge  302  and protruding inner casing ridge  304  is arranged towards the open end  116  of the interior  117  of the outer casing  106 . In a preferred embodiment, one inner casing ridge  304  is located along the perimeter of the interior  117  of the outer casing  106 , although it should be appreciated that more than one ridge may be used. The edge  302  and innermost edge  303  of the inner casing ridge  304  define the boundaries of a pumping region  306  which, as best shown in  FIG. 5 , has a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the remainder of the interior  117 . In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the pumping region  306  will differ from that of the remainder of the outer body  114  on the order of 0.012±0.003 inches. A similar outer region  309  preferably having a reduced diameter extends from the outermost edge  307  of the inner casing ridge  304  to the open end  116  of the outer casing  106 . 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the diameter of the area in which the protruding inner casing ridge  304  is located preferably decreases so as to eventually equal the diameter of the pumping region  306 . In the embodiment shown, there is an angular slope  320  that slopes at an angle of 10° from the highest point  311  of the inner casing ridge  304  to the pumping region  306 . It should be appreciated that the size and slope of the ridge may be increased or decreased. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  7 , tabs  300  are arranged on opposed surfaces at the front end of the interior  117  of the outer casing  106 . The tabs  300  are elongated and have a first end  308  located at the beginning of the connector portion  110  and a second end  310  located towards the lower end of the body  114 . As will be discussed fully herein, the tabs are designed to help guide the movement of the fluid insert  108  when the dispenser assembly  100  is actuated so as to dispense fluid material. The size of the tabs may therefore vary based upon the size of the fluid insert  108  and/or the travel length of the fluid insert  108  when it moves from a stationary position to an actuated pumping position. Accordingly, the length of the tabs  300  may be altered to suit the desired movement of the dispenser assembly  100 . 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the components of the fluid insert  108  according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. The fluid insert  108  is adapted to contain the fluid material to be dispensed within its interior chamber  126 . The fluid insert  108  is comprised of a pump  117 , a seal plug  132 , a fluid insert body  128 , having a first end  125 , a second end  127 , a transition region  124 , and a fluid insert band  130  arranged near the second end  127  of the fluid insert  108 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the fluid insert body  128  is preferably tapered in shape, the diameter of the fluid insert  108  decreasing in size from its second end  127  to the first end  125 . The fluid insert  108  must have an overall diameter that is small enough to fit within and be capable of axially moving within the outer casing  106  (see  FIG. 3 ). Preferably, the fluid insert is at least 0.0035±0.0015 inches smaller than the outer casing. 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a first notch  301  is arranged on the exterior of the fluid insert body  128  and a second notch  301 ′ is arranged on the opposed exterior side of the fluid insert body  128 . The notches  301 ,  301 ′ are recessed so that they can receive the tabs  300  of the outer casing  106  (see  FIG. 3 ) when the dispenser assembly  100  is fully assembled. The notch edge  305  of the notch  301  also creates a stop when the tab  300  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the outer casing  106  is inserted into the notch  301 . 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 11 , there are preferably two ridges  133 ,  135  arranged near the second end  127  of the fluid insert body  128 . The fluid insert ridges  133 ,  135  are arranged along the inner perimeter of the interior  138  of the fluid insert body  128 . In the embodiment shown, there are two ridges shown, however, it should be appreciated that any number of ridges may be utilized, and only one ridge is required. 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , the fluid insert ridges  133 ,  135  have diameters greater than the remainder of the interior  138  of the fluid insert  108 . Preferably, the diameters of the fluid insert ridges  133 ,  135  are 0.0125±0.0015 inches greater than the diameter of the remainder of the interior  138 , although the fluid insert ridges  133 ,  135  may differ based on any desired measurements. As will be discussed more fully herein, the fluid insert ridges  133 ,  135  can receive a complementary seal plug ridge  136  (see  FIG. 8 ) from the seal plug  132  to secure the seal plug  132  within the fluid insert  108 . 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIGS. 8 ,  14 , and  15  the seal plug  132  is circular in shape with rounded edges  134  and an inner wall  137 . The seal plug  132  is used to seal the fluid insert  108  so as to prevent fluid from leaking out of the fluid insert  108 , or contamination of the fluid material stored in the fluid insert  108 . As best shown in  FIG. 15 , an inner wall  137  is recessed away from the edge  142  of the seal plug  132  and engages the interior chamber  126  (see  FIGS. 8 ,  9 ) of the fluid insert  108 . As shown in  FIGS. 15-16 , the seal plug  132  has two seal plug ridges  136  that are raised and have a height greater than the remainder of the inner walls  137 . The outer end  140  of the seal plug  132  preferably has an indentation  145  that makes it easier for users to apply force to the fluid insert  108  when it is desired to dispense fluid material form the fluid dispenser assembly  100 . 
         [0058]    In order to connect the seal plug  132  to the fluid insert body  128 , each of the seal plug ridges  136  engage the fluid insert ridges  133 ,  135  arranged on the interior  138  of the fluid insert body  128 . (See  FIGS. 9 and 11 .) The resistance created by the fluid insert ridges  133 ,  135  and seal plug ridges  136 , permits the seal plug  132  to securely snap into place within the fluid insert body  128 . The seal plug  132  is secured within the fluid insert body  128  once the seal plug ridges  136  are locked into position within the fluid insert ridges  133 ,  135 . Additional adhesives or the like may be used to further secure the seal plug  132  in the fluid insert body  128 , although it is not necessary. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIGS. 17-19 , an alternative embodiment of a seal plug  132 ′ is shown. The seal plug  132 ′ is substantially similar to the seal plug shown in  FIGS. 14-16 , however the alternative seal plug  132 ′ has a diaphragm holder  150  that is in the shape of an elongated triangle. The base of the diaphragm holder  150  is attached to the interior  143  of the seal plug  132 ′. 
         [0060]    Diaphragm  152  is designed to fit within the interior of the seal plug  132 ′. The diaphragm  152  is circular in shape and its center rests upon the center  156  of the diaphragm holder  150 . It is not securely fastened to the diaphragm holder  150  and is held in place by the fluid material contained in the interior chamber  126  of the fluid insert  108  (See  FIG. 9 .) The diaphragm  152  also has scrapers  154  which extend from the main body  158  of the diaphragm  152 . When the fluid insert  108  withdraws fluid material from the interior chamber  126 , the weight of the diaphragm  152  aids in pushing the fluid material towards the pump  117 , while also scraping the walls of the interior chamber  126 , as the diaphragm moves closer to the pump  117 . 
         [0061]    Due to the taper of the fluid insert  108 , the diaphragm  152  is preferably slightly smaller than the seal plug  132  so that it can extend down the length of the fluid insert body. It is also preferably comprised of a Low Density Polyethylene (commonly referred to as LDPE) material, which is very thin and flexible and permits the diaphragm  152  to give and flex as it slides down the fluid insert body  128 . The diaphragm may also be constructed and arranged to match the taper of the fluid insert  108 . It should be appreciated that any type of diaphragm may be used to scrape fluid materials from the sides of the interior of the fluid insert. 
         [0062]    Referring back to  FIG. 8 , the pump  117  is a standard pump with an internal check valve, that is preferably capable of dispensing fluid materials of high viscosity, such as those known in the art. For example, an EMSAR Pump, PAV (A45) series having a 130 mcl micro liter output may be utilized. In a preferred embodiment, the pump is capable of pumping fluids having a fluid viscosity ranging from of at least 1000 cps to 10,000 cps, although a pump capable of pumping fluids having a much lower or much higher viscosity is also contemplated. The body of the pump  117  preferably has three tapered regions, a main pump body  122 , an intermediate pump body  123 , and an intake region  118 , respectively decreasing in size and length. The pump  117  preferably has an internal ball check valve  121  to regulate the amount of air permitted to enter into the interior chamber  126  of the fluid insert  108 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , when the pump  117  is assembled into the fluid insert body  128  of the fluid insert body  128 , the pump  117  is only partially arranged within the fluid insert body  128 . The intake region  118  and intermediate body  123  of the pump  117  are located within the fluid insert body  128 . A portion of the main pump body  122  is located within the transition region  124 , while the remaining portion of the main pump body  122 , as well as the tip  120 , protrude from the fluid insert body  128 . 
         [0063]    The shapes and sizes of the transition region  124  of the fluid insert body  128  and main pump body  122  of the pump  117  are complementary to one another so that the pump  117  can securely fit into the transition region  124  of the fluid insert body  128 . The taper of the main pump body  122  prevents the pump  117  from completely entering the interior of the fluid insert body  128 , while permitting for a secure fit within the fluid insert body  128 . The main pump body  122  also rests against the transition region edge  113  to prevent the pump  117  from further advancing into the fluid insert body  128 . 
         [0064]    Adhesives or the like may be applied to the pump  117  and transition region  124  so as to provide additional security for the pump  117  to remain within the intermediate body  123  of the fluid insert  108 . However, due to the secure fit of the pump  117  within the fluid insert body  128 , additional adhesives are not necessary. It should be appreciated that the shapes and sizes of the complementary parts provide a cost effective means for securely fastening the parts of the fluid insert  108  together. 
         [0065]    The dosage of fluid desired to be dispensed from the dispenser assembly  100  will determine the size of the pump incorporated into the dispenser assembly  100 . For example, if it is desired to dispense 100 mcl of a fluid product, a standard pump capable of dispensing 100 mcl of a fluid product can be purchased for use in the dispenser assembly  100  of the present invention. Similarly, if it is desired to dispense 200 mcl of fluid product, a standard pump capable of dispensing 200 mcl of fluid can be utilized in the dispenser assembly  100 . The dimensions of the dispenser assembly  100  may need to be adjusted to fit the differing sizes of pumps desired. In the embodiment shown, a 130 mcl pump is used, and the size of the fluid insert body  128  and transition region  124  are complimentary to the pump configuration. 
         [0066]    When it is desired to assemble the components of the dispenser assembly  100 , the assembled fluid insert  108  ( FIG. 1 ) is inserted into the outer casing  106  ( FIG. 1 ). The fluid insert  108  is secured in the outer casing  106  when the band  130  (see  FIG. 8 ) located on the exterior side of the fluid insert  108  is located in the pumping region  306  of the outer casing  106 . When the fluid insert  108  is inserted into the outer casing  106 , the band  130  must pass through the inner casing ridge  304  of the outer casing  106  and into the pumping region  306 . 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , when the dispenser assembly  100  is in a stationary position, the fluid insert  108  will sit within the outer casing  106 , allowing a portion X and the seal cap  132  of the fluid insert  108  to protrude beyond the open end  116  of the outer casing  106 . The outermost edge  131  of the band  130  (see  FIG. 8 ) will rest against the innermost edge  303  of the inner casing ridge  304  (see  FIG. 3 ). In this stationary position, there is a distance X from the seal cap  132  to the edge  116  of the outer casing  106 . 
         [0068]    As shown in  FIG. 13 , when it is desired to dispense fluid from the dispenser assembly  100 , a Force F is applied to the end  132  of the fluid insert  108 . Due to the reduced diameter of the pumping region  306 , (see  FIGS. 3 and 5 ) the fluid insert  108  is able to move a short distance within the outer casing  106 . The movement of the fluid insert  108  forces retraction of the springs  115  into the pump  117 , so that, the tip  120  of the pump  117  is able to retract into the pump  107 . When the tip is retracted into the pump  107 , fluid material is withdrawn from the fluid material contained in the pump  107  and expelled through the opening  107  of the outer casing  106 . In its retraced position, the seal plug  132  abuts the outer edge  116  of the outer casing  106 , thereby eliminating the distance X present when the fluid dispenser  100  is in a stationary position. When the Force F is released, the fluid insert  108  will return to its fully extended position because the Force F that is transferred to the springs  115  is also released. This simultaneously causes the pump  117  to withdraw fluid material from the interior chamber  126  of the fluid insert body  128 , and store it in the pump  117  until another Force F is applied. It should be noted that although a user may continue to apply a Force F to the fluid insert  108 , no additional fluid material will be dispensed until the Force F is released, and a new Force F is applied. In this way, only predetermined amounts of fluid materials are dispensed at any one given time. When the fluid insert  108  is in its actuated or retracted position, the innermost end  129  (See  FIG. 8 ) of the band  130  abuts the edge  302  (See  FIG. 3 ) of the outer casing  106 . The notches  301  (See  FIG. 9 ) will move along the tabs  300  (See  FIG. 3 ) and the tip  120  of the pump  117  will be guided by the walls  600  (See  FIG. 7 ) located on the interior  117  of the outer casing  106 . In this position, the tip  120  of the pump  118  is partially arranged within the pump  120 , and the distance X that is visible when the fluid insert sits in its stationary position (see  FIG. 13 ) within the outer casing  106  is no longer visible. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIGS. 20-21 , the end cap  102  is shown. The end cap  102  helps to prevent fluid material contained within the fluid insert  108  from spoiling because it provides an additional outer seal to keep the fluid material fresh. The end cap  102  is circular in shape and designed to fit over the applicator  104  and connector  110  of the outer casing  106 . (See  FIG. 1 .) The inner walls  250  of the end cap  102  fit snugly over the connector  110  of the outer casing  106 . Due to the minimal differences between the diameter of the end cap  102  and the diameter of the connector  110 , the end cap  102  can be securely positioned over the outer casing  106  so as to remain in place until it is desired to remove the end cap  102  from the outer casing  106 . 
         [0070]    As shown in  FIG. 22 , an alternative embodiment of the end cap  102 ′ is shown. A declogger  252  is arranged at the center of the interior  250 ′ of the base  254 ′ of the end cap  102 ′. The declogger  252  is preferably in the shape of a cylinder that will fit within the opening  107 ′ of the outer casing  106 ′, but any shape of declogger that will fit within the opening  107  of the outer casing  106  will suffice. Placement of the declogger  252  within the end cap  102 ′ helps to prevent any clogging that may occur from fluid materials that dry and clog the opening  107  of the applicator  104 . 
         [0071]    An important feature of the present invention concerns the ability of the dispenser assembly  100  to be moved from a locked position to an unlocked position in order to avoid accidental discharge of the fluid material contained in the fluid insert  108 . The lock and unlock feature preferably operates by allowing the fluid insert  108  to rotate between a locked and unlocked position. When the dispenser assembly  100  is in an unlocked position, the dispenser assembly  100  is able to discharge fluids through the opening  107  of the outer casing  106 . This occurs when the tabs  300  located on the outer casing  106  are aligned with the notches  301  of the fluid insert  108 , so that the tabs  300  slide within the notches  301 . The first side  160  (see  FIGS. 8-9 ) of the stop  111  will also be adjacent to the tab  300  (see  FIG. 7 ). The stop  111  will prevent any additional rotation of the fluid insert  108  in the direction of the first side  160  of the stop  111 , to notify a user that the fluid insert  108  cannot be further rotated in that direction. As shown in  FIG. 14 , directional arrows can be placed on the top of the seal plug  32  of the fluid insert to further provide visual instructions for the user to place the seal plug  132  into an open position. When the fluid insert  108  is rotated in the opposite direction, the fluid insert  108  moves from the unlocked position to a locked position. In this position, the tab  300  and notch  301  do not align. The tabs  300  will instead contact the inner casing outer edge  109  (See  FIGS. 8-9 ), thereby preventing the fluid insert  108  from moving within the pumping region  306  of the outer casing  106 . The fluid insert  108  can only be rotated until the second side  109  of the stop  111  (see  FIGS. 8-9 ) is adjacent the notch  300 ′. Thus, the fluid insert  108  is in a locked position whenever stop  11  of the fluid insert  108  is located between the notch  300  and notch  300 ′. In this locked position, fluid materials are unable to accidentally discharge from the fluid dispenser  100 . 
         [0072]    Due to the location of the tabs  300  and notches  301  on opposed sides of the outer casing  106  and fluid insert  108 , the fluid insert  108  moves from a closed position to an open position whenever the fluid insert  108  is rotated 180°. It should be appreciated, however, that the number of tabs and corresponding notches will determine the amount of rotation necessary to move the fluid insert  108  from a locked position to an unlocked position. 
         [0073]    The fluid dispenser assembly  100  according to the embodiments described herein is cost effective for the manufacturer, as well as the company desiring to purchase dispensers that can be used to sell their fluid products, such as a cosmetic company. It is comprised of few parts that can be “snapped” into place due to the various shapes of the components. This eliminates the need for the added costs of adhesives and the like, or the additional step of “screwing parts” together. The manufacturer therefore has few parts to produce and assemble, allowing the manufacturer to significantly cut production and materials costs. 
         [0074]    Due to the design of the dispenser assembly  100 , the manufacturer can then provide the dispenser assembly  100  almost fully assembled to a purchasing company desiring to solicit their fluid materials in a particular dispenser. The pump  107  and fluid insert body  108  can be preassembled into the outer casing  106 , and the end cap  102  can be placed over the applicator  104  of the outer casing  106 . The only part not assembled at that time is the seal plug  132 , which as discussed herein, is assembled after the filling process. 
         [0075]    The assembled parts of the dispenser assembly  100  are then placed onto a standard filling apparatus, making them immediately available for filling. The simple cylindrical shape of the applicator and the fact that there are no additional obstructions protruding from the dispenser assembly  100 , make the dispenser assembly  100  fully compatible with standard industrial filling machines. For example, the fluid dispenser  100  is fully compatible with a standard filling apparatus such as the NORDENMATIC 3003/5002 line, that is capable of filling 300-500 tubes per minute. The compatibility between the dispenser assembly  100  and a standard filling machine eliminates the need for purchasing additional parts to make the fluid dispenser compatible with the filing machine. 
         [0076]    Once the dispenser assemblies are positioned on the filling machine, the filling machine will dispense fluid material from the filling machine into the open end  127  of the fluid insert body  128 . Thereafter, the seal plug  132  can be snapped into the fluid insert by a standard capping machine, thereby fully completing the assembly of the fluid dispenser  100 . The capping process may also take place as part of the high speed filling process. The compatibility of the dispenser assembly  100  with standard filling apparatuses, combined with the relative ease of sealing the dispenser assembly  100  after it has been filled, are just some of the advantages of this embodiment of the present invention over the prior art. 
         [0077]      FIG. 23  shows an alternative embodiment of a fluid dispenser  200 . The outer casing  201  is curved in shape, so as to provide grips  210  for a user to hold the fluid dispenser  200 . The fluid insert  212  protrudes from the end  214  of the outer casing  200 , and is identical to the fluid insert shown in  FIG. 1 . This alternative fluid dispenser  200  operates in substantially the same way as the fluid dispenser  100  previously discussed. A Force F is applied to the end of the fluid insert  212 , which causes actuation of the pump (not shown) contained in the fluid insert  212 . Fluid material is then dispersed from the fluid insert  212  to the opening (not shown) of the outer casing  201 . To seal the fluid dispenser  200 , a dispenser cap  216  fits over the outer casing  201  and prevents the fluid material contained in the fluid insert  212  from spoiling. It should be appreciated that the fluid insert  212  can consistently remain the same shape, while the outer casing  201  may take on any desired shape or form. This is advantageous for cosmetic companies and the like seeking to sell a customized dispenser. 
         [0078]    Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments and preferred dimensions or ranges of measurements, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. Additionally, it is to be appreciated that the present invention may take on various alternative orientations. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.