Abstract:
The present invention involves an eye drop dispenser attachment having a cannula tip that can provide a consistent dose of medication. The attachment includes a base portion, a neck portion, and a tip portion. The base portion can contain threads for removable attachment to a bottle. The attachment can also include a protective covering for surrounding the tip to prevent injury to a user. The attachment can further include a cap that can be removably attached to either the base portion or the neck portion. The attachment can be incorporated into a bottle assembly or it can be screwed onto an existing bottle. The tip preferably has dimensions consistent with current ophthalmic cannula technology in the range of 20-40 gauge depending on the size of drop desired. An alternate embodiment of the attachment can be slidably disposed on the end of a traditional bulb-type eye dropper.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention generally relates to the field of liquid drop delivery devices. More specifically, this patent deals with a smaller yet equally therapeutic medical eye drop device primarily used in delivering consistent, smaller, uniform drops associated with the proper dose of what is being dispensed.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Many dispensers discuss improved ways of making eye drop dispensers, enhancing eye drop delivery, facilitating patient self delivery of a smaller yet equally therapeutic medical eye drop. None, however, address the delivery of a smaller yet equally therapeutic medical eye drop.  
         [0005]     Currently, almost all eye drop dispensers for human and veterinarian use have roughly the same dimensions. As such, a molded part compatible with one bottle would be compatible with almost all commercially available bottle types. Existing eye drop dispensers produce drops that are roughly 50 micro liters (μl) in size. Only 7-10 (μl) of this amount actually remains in the eye according to the American Academy of Opthalmology Basic and Clinical Science Course. The rest is lost, mainly through tearing. As a result, only about 20% of each drop is therapeutic. The rest is wasted. Therefore applying a tip that will dispense a smaller size eye drop (i.e. 7 μl-25 μl) would minimize waste without sacrificing therapeutic efficacy. This invention is not for a single sized tip. Different sized cannula tips produce different sized drops. The size of which will be optimized to each therapeutic regimen as is necessary.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The primary advantage of this invention is to create a consistent therapeutic dose between 7-25(μl) in size. This invention resolves the issue of loss of medication mainly through tearing, which is a common problem associated with all eye drop dispensers for human or veterinary use.  
         [0007]     One advantage of this invention is to tailor therapeutic response based on a variety of different size drops.  
         [0008]     A second advantage of this invention is to produce more efficiency in medical eye drop delivery.  
         [0009]     Another advantage of this invention is to decrease waste of costly medicine.  
         [0010]     Yet another advantage to this invention is to enhance patient comfort i.e. less tearing from smaller drops.  
         [0011]     Still another advantage of this invention is enhance patient compliance to Doctor recommended therapy through improved comfort and decreased cost.  
         [0012]     Another advantage of this invention is to decrease doctor costs for dilating drops used in eye exams.  
         [0013]     Yet another advantage to this invention is the simple design which defers the need for added instruction for use.  
         [0014]     Still another advantage of this invention is the exceptional ease of adapting this technology to existing technology (i.e. the patient removes original bottle cap and screws new cap onto bottle with cannula tip.)  
         [0015]     Another advantage of this invention results from applying cannula tip technology to a wide range of current dispenser types.  
         [0016]     In accordance with the present invention, this new dispenser will produce smaller eye drops than current conventional standards. The smaller tip as described can be molded to any current eye drop dispensing tip or molded as part of a cap assembly that can be easily screwed onto an existing bottle or produced as part of the original eye bottle assembly. It will have dimensions consistent with current ophthalmic cannula technology (which is actually nothing more than an extension of current medical needle technology) in the range of 20-40 gauge depending on the size of drop desired and or needed.  
         [0017]     For example, a 27 gauge cannula has a tip with an inner diameter of 0.017 inch and an outer diameter of 0.025 inch. This particular size cannula commonly used for intraocular surgery produces drops about 12.5 μl in size. Different sized cannula tips produce different size drops. However, since only 7-10 μl of any drop placed in the eye will actually remain, therapeutic response should not be lost in producing smaller drops. The present invention provides a consistent dose of medication. Consequently, a greater number of therapies can be generated from a fixed quantity of medicine and little to no additional patient instruction will be required in the use of this new dispenser type. Future experimentation may reveal that even smaller drops (i.e. 1-61 μl) may produce similar therapeutic efficacy. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principals of this invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  depicts an elevational side view of the preferred embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  depicts a top view of the preferred embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  depicts a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  depicts an elevational cross-section view of the preferred embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  depicts a top-oriented perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  depicts a bottom-oriented perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device, constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  depicts an elevational side view of an alternate embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device including a cap assembly, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  depicts an elevational cross-section view of an alternate embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device including a cap assembly, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 9  depicts a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device including a cap assembly, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 10  depicts a top view of an alternate embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device including a cap assembly, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 11  depicts a top-oriented perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device including a cap assembly, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 12  depicts a bottom-oriented perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device including a cap assembly, constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 13  depicts a side view of the application of an eye drop into the eye of a user with the preferred embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 14  depicts an exploded view of a cannula tip dispenser adapter, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 15  depicts an elevational interior view of an alternate embodiment of a cannula tip dispenser device including a cap assembly, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 16  depicts an elevational side view of a second alternate embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device with the cap removed, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 17  depicts an elevational side view of a third alternate embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0036]      FIG. 18  depicts an elevational side view of a third alternate embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device with the cap removed, constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0037]      FIG. 19  depicts an elevational side view of a fourth alternate embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device, constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
       [0038]     For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this invention.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0039]     Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts are identified by like reference numerals,  FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser  10  adapted for use with common ophthalmic medicines. Dispenser  10  includes a cannula tip  12  attached to an upper neck portion  16 . Upper neck portion  16  is connected to a lower neck portion  18 , which in turn is connected to a base  14 . Base  14 , lower neck portion  18 , and upper neck portion  16  are preferably molded together, but can be joined in other manners, including removably, as would be recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art. Tip  12  has inner and outer dimensions such that drops as small as 5-10 μl can be produced. The current preferred embodiment is for tip  12  to be 1 mm to 2 mm in length with an inner dimension of 0.017 inches and outer diameter of 0.025 inches. These preferred dimensions will produce a drop roughly 12.5 μl in volume, which provides plenty of medication and allows for occasional drop-to-drop variability. It should be recognized however, that the dimensions of tip  12  can be altered to produce drops of different volumes for specific purposes. Preferably, dispenser  10  is comprised of thermoplastic material because of its durability and safety profile. However, dispenser  10  can be comprised of other types of plastic, or even certain types of metal.  
         [0040]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a top view of dispenser  10 . Particularly shown are the varying circumference sizes of dispenser  10  as well as the plurality of grip protrusions on base  14 .  
         [0041]     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a bottom view of dispenser  10 . Particularly shown is the relationship of the inner and outer diameter of base  14 .  
         [0042]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown an elevational cross-section view of dispenser  10 . This figure illustrates the threaded region  22  located on the interior portion of base  14 .  
         [0043]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a top-oriented perspective view of dispenser  10 . Particularly shown is the spatial relationship between tip  12 , upper neck portion  16 , lower neck portion  18 , and base  14 .  
         [0044]     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a bottom-oriented perspective view of dispenser  10 , illustrating threaded portion  22  located on the interior of base  14 . Threaded portion  22  is designed to screw securely on most conventional eye drop dispensing bottles (see  FIG. 14 ).  
         [0045]     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown an elevational side view of an alternate embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device  30 . Dispenser  30  includes a cap  32 . Cap  32  serves to prevent leakage of eye drop solution when dispenser  30  is not in use. Cap  32  has an inner thread (not shown) that interlocks with a circumferential groove (not shown) in an upper neck portion  34 . The interaction between the thread and groove allow cap  32  to lock into place and protect a tip  44  (see  FIG. 8 ) when not in use. The inner thread of upper neck portion  34  is sized to come into contact with the outer edges of tip  44 , such that, when the entire assembly is affixed to a common dispenser, the inner thread and tip  44  will come into contact. This contact creates new a reservoir for liquid, which will enhance drop formation and liquid flow. Cap  32  can vary in color to match industry standards based on class. For example, medical eye drops that function to pharmacologically dilate the pupil are dispensed with a red cap. Upper neck portion  34  is connected to a lower neck portion  36 , which is attached to a base  38  (see  FIG. 11 ). Base  38 , lower neck portion  36 , and upper neck portion  34  are preferably molded together, but can be joined in other manners, including removably, as would be recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0046]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown an elevational cross-section view of dispenser  30 . As illustrated, upper neck portion  34  includes a tip  44  on the top portion thereof. Tip  44  has inner and outer dimensions such that drops as small as 5-10 μl can be produced. The current preferred embodiment is for tip  44  to be from 1 mm to 2 mm in length with an inner dimension of 0.017 inches and outer diameter of 0.025 inches. These preferred dimensions will produce a drop roughly 12.5 μl in volume, which provides plenty of medication and allows for occasional drop-to-drop variability. It should be recognized however, that the dimensions of tip  44  can be altered to produce drops of different volumes for specific purposes.  
         [0047]     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is shown a bottom view of dispenser  30 . Particularly shown is the relationship between the inner and outer diameter of base  38 .  
         [0048]     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , there is shown a top view of dispenser  30 . Particularly shown are the varying circumference sizes of dispenser  30  as well as the plurality of grip protrusions on base  38 .  
         [0049]     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , there is shown a top-oriented perspective view of dispenser  30 . Particularly shown is the spatial relationship between cap  32 , lower neck portion  36 , and base  38 .  
         [0050]     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , there is shown a bottom-oriented perspective view of dispenser  30 , illustrating threaded portion  42  located on the interior of base  38 . Threaded portion  42  is designed to screw securely on most conventional eye drop dispensing bottles (see  FIG. 14 ).  
         [0051]     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , there is shown a side view of the application of an eye drop  66  into a user&#39;s eye  68  with dispenser  50 . Dispenser  50  includes a cannula tip  52 , an upper neck portion  54 , a lower neck portion  56 , a base  58 , and a medicine bottle  62 . During use of dispenser  50 , a droplet  64  will first form to allow an operator to position dispenser  50  such that a later formed drop  66  will fall into a user&#39;s eye  68 .  
         [0052]     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , there is shown an exploded view of a cannula tip dispenser adapter  70 . Adapter  70  includes a dispenser  72  and cap  74 . Cap  74  is preferably secured to dispenser  72  by frictional attachment. A medicine bottle  76  contains bottle threads  78  to allow dispenser  72  to be securely attached to bottle  76  by use of a screwing motion. After dispenser  72  has been attached, cap  74  can be easily removed by applying a small amount of pulling force using the thumb and index finger of one hand. Bottle  76 , with its new dispenser  72  attached, can be turned upside down over the eye (see  FIG. 13 ). Bottle  76  is then gently squeezed to express a single drop from the tip onto the eye.  
         [0053]     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , there is shown an elevational interior view of an alternate embodiment of a cannula tip dispenser device  80 . Dispenser  80  includes a tip  82  extending from a neck portion  86  into a base  89 . A needle  84  is connected to tip  82  and contained within neck portion  86  and base  89 . Some medicine bottles (not shown) contain a diaphragm  88  at the top portion thereof to prevent the flow of medicine. When dispenser  80  is attached to a bottle, base  89  covers the top of the bottle region, including diaphragm  88 , such that diaphragm  88  abuts neck portion  86  (as shown). When this occurs, dispenser  80  uses needle  84  to pierce diaphragm  88  and enter into base  89 , thus allowing medicine to enter needle  84  from the bottle, pass through neck portion  86 , and exit tip  82 .  
         [0054]     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , there is shown an elevational side view of a second alternate embodiment of a cannula tip eye drop dispenser device  90 . Dispenser  90  includes an eye protection cup  92  surrounding a cannula tip  94 . Tip  94  is attached to an upper neck portion  95 , which is attached to a lower neck portion  98 . Lower neck portion  98  is attached to a base  99 . Dispenser  90  has a removable cap  96  that attaches to lower neck portion  98 , thus covering eye protection cup  92 , tip  94 , upper neck portion  95 , and lower neck portion  98 . Eye protection cup  92  is used to protect the eye of a user during the application of an eye drop into the user&#39;s eye.  
         [0055]     Referring now to  FIG. 17 , there is shown an elevational side view of a third alternate embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device  100 . Dispenser  100  contains a cap  104  that secures to a neck portion  102  to cover the tip of dispenser  100 . Cap  104  is threaded to provide secure attachment to neck portion  102 .  
         [0056]     Referring now to  FIG. 18 , there is shown an elevational side view of dispenser  100 , with cap  104  removed. Depicted in the figure are cap threads  106  that align with dispenser neck threads  108  to form a secure attachment of cap  104  to neck portion  102 .  
         [0057]     Referring now to  FIG. 19 , there is shown an elevational side view of a fourth alternate embodiment of the cannula tip eye drop dispenser device  110 . Dispenser device  110  utilizes a commonly used eye drop dispenser  111  that requires the user to squeeze a rubber top  116  to express a drop from its opening  113 . The most common application for dispenser  111  is in an Eye Care Professional&#39;s office to dispense medication that can temporarily numb and stain the surface of the eye for about 10 minutes. However, this medication also causes discomfort from excessive tearing. These dye stained tears can stain skin for much longer than 10 minutes affecting patient appearance. The medication also can permanently stain clothing. Converting opening  113  to a cannula tip will produce drops 12.5 μl in size. These drops are small enough to reside in the eye with minimal to no tearing. Patient discomfort will be minimized and unsightly staining of skin and clothing avoided altogether without sacrificing patient evaluation. As such, dispenser  110  contains a cannula tip  114  contained within a tip dispenser adapter  112 . Adapter  112  is preferably disposable and can be removably attached to cover opening  113 .  
         [0058]     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.  
         [0059]     The above description, together with the objects of the invention and the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific advantages attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.  
         [0060]     Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.