Patent Publication Number: US-2020290791-A1

Title: Concentrate dispenser

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/818,257 filed on Mar. 14, 2019 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/851,152 filed on May 22, 2019, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates, generally, to dispensing devices, and more specifically to a device for dispensing a viscous fluid or concentrate. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     In recent years, studies have begun to provide evidence that  Cannabis  may be useful in treating many age-related diseases such as cognitive decline, arthritis and insomnia. It is important to maintain such  Cannabis  safe from ingestion by children. 
     To utilize  Cannabis  concentrate extract, the concentrate is traditionally transferred from its storage container to a system that vaporizes the  Cannabis  concentrate. This process, known to some as dabbing, typically uses a dentistry like tool for scraping the wax like substance to an extremely hot object (sometimes referred to as a rig), then inhaling the vapors that are produced. In use, a rig may reach temperatures of anywhere up to 537° C. (1000° F.). Others may use a syringe like tool to transfer the concentrate to a preheated object and inhale the vapors that are produced. Transferring the  Cannabis  concentrate to another system, however, can be difficult. For example, the concentrate typically has sticky or tacky physical characteristics that make transfer cumbersome. Therefore, a tool is needed to transfer the concentrate to another system for use. 
     Existing devices such as syringe-like instruments are not suited for dispensing a precise and repeatable amount of the concentrate. These devices also carry negative connotations of narcotics like heroin. Existing bottom twist plunger devices again, do not allow precise dispensing and are difficult to use with one hand, as it is difficult to apply enough torque using the round housing and twisting knob to dispense a viscous liquid. 
     Patent application US2018/0327173 describes a device that aims to solve such problems. However, the mechanism is relatively complicated and requires an intricate assembly of many parts that need to be manufactured to precise tolerances. Additionally, the device requires two steps to dispense the concentrate, the first of which appears to require two hands. If the initial amount of the concentrate is underestimated, the two-step procedure would need to be executed again. 
     Patent application US2018/0361066 describes a device that uses a stepping or servo electric motor to drive a plunger. This type of device is much more expensive to manufacture and requires batteries or another source of electricity. 
     In many applications, reclosable containers are designed with child safety as a paramount consideration, given various incidents of adverse reaction to the consumption of marijuana involving children. An example is child-safe  Cannabis  containers. 
     The most common solution for designing child-safe or child-resistant containers is a closure which has to be pushed down and turned simultaneously. The rationale is that young children have neither the strength nor the dexterity required for this operation. Safe use of such a packaging solution requires that the safety feature is restored to the same condition after re-closing the package. Practice shows however, that child-safe caps also present a challenge to elderly persons and people with reduced hand function. For them, child-resistant caps are hard to open, which causes the containers to be poorly reclosed, or even left open, which may be counterproductive and result in access to the contents of such containers by children. 
     The design of child resistant closures that are easy for elderly patients to operate is difficult because of the multitude of factors affecting the discrimination between children and adult physical and cognitive abilities. There are various factors to be considered in designing an effective child resistant, elderly friendly closure, and most of these factors may interact in non-linear, unpredictable ways. These factors can manifest from the differences in palm size, finger length, skin friction, time to frustration, perception of operable elements, and medical conditions. 
     For a “push and turn” mechanism, the factors that must be considered, for example, include the texture, shape, diameter and height of the gripping surfaces, as each can differentially affect the abilities of different users in operating the mechanism. In terms of interaction with the physical characteristics of the user, they affect the ability of the user to apply a sufficient axial (pushing) force, as well as the simultaneously required rotational (twisting) force. Additionally, the friction at the interface between the different components inherent in the mechanism can be described as static or dynamic in nature, and depends on the different materials used in the container collar, the cap and the internal bias member. This will affect the force required to initiate, and continue the downward movement of the cap, as well as initiating and continuing the rotation of the cap. Furthermore, the dampening of the pushing motion can obfuscate the position at which the cap will be released to turn. Different users may use different parts of their hands to operate the mechanism, so the gripping force of the hand has to be considered. Where the mechanism is designed for one-handed operation, the forces that the user can apply with only the thumb and forefinger must be considered. The multitude of other factors include, but are not limited to, fine motor skills, hand steadiness, eye-hand coordination, vision, cognitive ability of the user, and the cues presented by the mechanism as to how it may operate. 
     A typical mechanism that embodies the use of simultaneous axial and twisting forces on a cap is exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 4,059,198. 
     Such a mechanism comprises the container body itself that has a plurality of hook-like protuberances arranged around the outside circumference of its open end, a cap that has a set of complementary nubs arranged around its inner circumference, such that the nubs can engage the hooks upon insertion of the container into the cap such that the nubs initially clear the hooks, but engage the hooks when the cap is rotated relative to the container body in a bayonet fashion. The key to the operation of the mechanism is a bias member conventionally a dome like circular member inserted into the cap that applies an upward counterforce to attempts to press the cap onto the open end of the container. 
     In the current art, the child resistant bayonet capped container bodies are usually cylindrical in shape, though rectangular prism shapes are known as well. Whether the container is cylindrical or prism shaped, the caps are round. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the invention described herein is directed toward a dispenser with a housing, a plunger, and an activation mechanism coupled to the plunger. The housing defines a reservoir configured to retain a liquid and a dispensing orifice in fluid communication with the reservoir. The plunger is configured to move through the reservoir toward the dispensing orifice to dispense the liquid through the dispensing orifice. The activation mechanism is configured to be moved by a user, and movement of the activation mechanism in a first direction causes the plunger to move toward the dispensing orifice. At least one of the activation mechanism and the housing is configured to provide feedback to a user when the activation mechanism moves a predetermined distance in the first direction. The feedback allows a user to know when a certain amount of liquid is dispensed through the dispensing orifice as a result of movement of the activation mechanism. 
     The plunger may include a shaft with threads that engage a threaded surface of the activation mechanism, and wherein rotation of the activation mechanism in the first direction causes the plunger to move toward the dispensing orifice. The activation mechanism may have a knob and a sleeve, wherein the threaded surface of the activation mechanism is an interior surface of the sleeve. The shaft of the plunger may have a first section and a second section, the first section including the threads that engage the threaded surface of the activation mechanism. A spring may be positioned between the first section and the second section, the spring being operable to compress as the plunger moves toward the dispensing orifice. The plunger may include a shaft and a plunger tip coupled to the shaft, wherein the plunger tip is positioned in the reservoir, wherein the plunger tip is resilient, and wherein the plunger tip is configured to compress as the plunger moves toward the dispensing orifice. 
     One of the activation mechanism and the housing may include a tooth that engages a surface of the other of the activation mechanism and the housing to provide the feedback to the user. The feedback may be a tactile feedback or an audible feedback. 
     A cap may be releasably coupled to the housing for selectively covering and uncovering the dispensing orifice. A resilient seal may be coupled to the cap and configured to seal between the housing and the cap to inhibit fluid communication between the dispensing orifice and an ambient environment when the cap is coupled to the housing. 
     Another aspect of the invention described herein is directed toward a method for dispensing a liquid from the dispenser described above. The method includes moving the activation mechanism in a first direction to cause the plunger to move through the reservoir toward the dispensing orifice and dispense a portion of the liquid through the dispensing orifice; and receiving feedback from at least one of the activation mechanism and the housing when the activation mechanism has moved a predetermined distance in the first direction. 
     Additional aspects of the invention, together with the advantages and novel features appurtenant thereto, will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned from the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the invention will be readily understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance with one embodiment of the invention disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 2  is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser of  FIG. 1  taken through the line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the dispenser of  FIG. 1  with a cap removed; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an activation mechanism, a reservoir, and a tip of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a detail view showing the connection between the activation mechanism and the reservoir shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the dispenser of  FIG. 1  showing an opposite side of the dispenser as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an activation mechanism and a tip of a plunger of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the plunger of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken through the line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a cross-sectional view taken through the line  8 A- 8 A of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a top portion of the dispenser of  FIG. 1  with a cap removed; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view showing an interior of the cap of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a side cross-sectional view of the cap shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a top portion of the dispenser of  FIG. 1  with a housing of the cap removed but a seal of the cap shown transparent; 
         FIG. 12A  is a detail view of the area labeled  12 A in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-section view taken through the line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 13A  is a detail view of the area labeled  13 A in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of dispenser in accordance with the invention described herein; 
         FIG. 14A  is a detail view of the area labeled  14 A in  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 14B  is a perspective view of a plunger tip of the dispenser shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of dispenser in accordance with the invention described herein; 
         FIG. 15A  is a detail view of the area labeled  15 A in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 15B  is a perspective view of a plunger of the dispenser of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of an activation mechanism for an alternative embodiment of dispenser in accordance with the invention described herein; and 
         FIG. 16B  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 8A  for the alternative embodiment of dispenser shown in  FIG. 16A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The invention is directed to a dispenser that is configured to dispense a viscous fluid or concentrate. While the invention will be described in detail below with reference to various exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific configuration or methodologies of any of these embodiments. In addition, although the exemplary embodiments are described as embodying several different inventive features, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any one of these features could be implemented without the others in accordance with the invention. 
     In this disclosure, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being described are included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Separate references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, function, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the present invention can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein. 
     As used herein, the term “nicotine” can be of plant origin or of synthetic or semi-synthetic origin. For example, it can be extracted from tobacco leaves or obtained by chemical synthesis. Nicotine may also refer to a nicotine substitute, which is typically a molecule that is not addictive but has a sensory effect similar to that of nicotine. 
     As used herein, the term “ Cannabis ” refers to a genus of flowering plant in the family Cannabaceae. The number of species within the genus is disputed. Three species may be recognized,  Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica  and  Cannabis ruderalis. C. ruderalis  may be included within  C. sativa ; or all three may be treated as subspecies of a single species,  C. sativa . The genus is indigenous to central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. 
       Cannabis  has long been used for hemp fiber, hemp oils, medicinal purposes, and as a recreational drug. Industrial hemp products are made from  Cannabis  plants selected to produce an abundance of fiber. To satisfy the UN Narcotics Convention, some  Cannabis  strains have been bred to produce minimal levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive constituent. Many additional plants have been selectively bred to produce a maximum level of THC. Various compounds, including hashish and hash oil, may be extracted from the plant. 
     Within naturally occurring and manmade hybrids,  Cannabis  contains a vast array of compounds. Three compound classes are of interest within the context of the present disclosure, although other compounds can be present or added to the compositions to optimize the experience of a given recreational consumer and medical or medicinal patient or patient population. Those classes include cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. 
     There are many ways of growing  Cannabis , some of which are natural, and some are carefully designed by humans, and they will not be recited here. However, one of ordinary skill in the art of  Cannabis  production will typically place a  Cannabis  seed or cutting into a growth media such as soil, manufactured soil designed for  Cannabis  growth or one of many hydroponic growth media. The  Cannabis  seed or cutting is then provided with water, light and, optionally, a nutrient supplement. At times, the atmosphere and temperature are manipulated to aid in the growth process. Typically, the humidity, air to carbon dioxide gas ratio and elevated temperature, either by use of a heat source or waste heat produced by artificial light, are used. On many occasions ventilation is carefully controlled to maintain the conditions described above within an optimal range to both increase the rate of growth and, optionally, maximize the plant&#39;s production of the compounds, which comprise the compositions of the disclosure. It is possible to control lighting cycles to optimize various growth parameters of the plant. 
     Given the number of variables and the complex interaction of the variables, it is possible to develop highly specific formulas for production of  Cannabis  which lead to a variety of desired plant characteristics. The present disclosure is applicable to use with such inventive means for growing  Cannabis  as well as any of the variety of conventional methods. 
       Cannabis sativa  is an annual herbaceous plant in the  Cannabis  genus. It is a member of a small, but diverse family of flowering plants of the Cannabaceae family. It has been cultivated throughout recorded history, used as a source of industrial fiber, seed oil, food, recreation, religious and spiritual moods and medicine. Each part of the plant is harvested differently, depending on the purpose of its use. The species was first classified by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. 
       Cannabis indica , formally known as  Cannabis sativa forma indica , is an annual plant in the Cannabaceae family. A putative species of the genus  Cannabis.    
       Cannabis ruderalis  is a low-THC species of  Cannabis , which is native to Central and Eastern Europe and Russia. It is widely debated as to whether  C. ruderalis  is a sub-species of  Cannabis sativa . Many scholars accept  Cannabis ruderalis  as its own species due to its unique traits and phenotypes that distinguish it from  Cannabis indica  and  Cannabis sativa.    
     As used herein, the term “cannabinoid” refers to a chemical compound belonging to a class of secondary compounds commonly found in plants of genus  Cannabis , but also encompasses synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids. 
     The most notable cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in  Cannabis . Cannabidiol (CBD) is another cannabinoid that is a major constituent of the phytocannabinoids. There are at least 113 different cannabinoids isolated from  Cannabis , exhibiting varied effects. 
     Synthetic cannabinoids and semi-synthetic cannabinoids encompass a variety of distinct chemical classes, for example and without limitation: the classical cannabinoids structurally related to THC, the non-classical cannabinoids (cannabimimetics) including the aminoalkylindoles, 1,5 diarylpyrazoles, quinolines, and arylsulfonamides as well as eicosanoids related to endocannabinoids. 
     In many cases, a cannabinoid can be identified because its chemical name will include the text string “*cannabi*”. However, there are a number of cannabinoids that do not use this nomenclature. 
     Within the context of this disclosure, where reference is made to a particular cannabinoid, each of the acid and/or decarboxylated forms are contemplated as both single molecules and mixtures. In addition, salts of cannabinoids are also encompassed, such as salts of cannabinoid carboxylic acids. 
     As well, any and all isomeric, enantiomeric, or optically active derivatives are also encompassed. In particular, where appropriate, reference to a particular cannabinoid includes both the “A Form” and the “B Form”. For example, it is known that THCA has two isomers, THCA-A in which the carboxylic acid group is in the 1 position between the hydroxyl group and the carbon chain (A Form) and THCA-B in which the carboxylic acid group is in the 3 position following the carbon chain (B Form). 
     Examples of cannabinoids include, but are not limited to: cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabigerolic acid monomethylether (CBGAM), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabigerol monomethylether (CBGM), cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabichromenic Acid (CBCA), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabichromevarinic Acid (CBCVA), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidiol (CBD), Δ6-cannabidiol (Δ6 CBD), cannabidiol monomethylether (CBDM), cannabidiol-C4 (CBD-C4), cannabidivarinic Acid (CBDVA), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabidiorcol (CBD-C1), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA-A), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid B (THCA-B), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC or Δ9-THC), Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), trans-Δ10-tetrahydrocannabinol (trans-Δ10-THC), cis-Δ10-tetrahydrocannabinol (cis-Δ10-THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid C4 (THCA-C4), tetrahydrocannbinol C4 (THC C4), tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCVA), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), Δ8-tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ8-THCV), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ9-THCV), tetrahydrocannabiorcolic acid (THCA-C1), tetrahydrocannabiorcol (THC-C1), Δ7-cis-iso-tetrahydrocannabivarin, Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ8-THCA), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ9-THCA), cannabicyclolic acid (CBLA), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabicyclovarin (CBLV), cannabielsoic acid A (CBEA-A), cannabielsoic acid B (CBEA-B), cnnabielsoin (CBE), cannabinolic acid (CBNA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinol methylether (CBNM), cannabinol-C4 (CBN-C4), cannabivarin (CBV), cannabino-C2 (CBN-C2), cannabiorcol (CBN-C1), cannabinodiol (CBND), cannabinodivarin (CBDV), cannabitriol (CBT), 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC), 11 nor 9-carboxy-δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, ethoxy-cannabitriolvarin (CBTVE), 10 ethoxy-9-hydroxy-δ6a-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabitriolvarin (CBTV), 8,9 dihydroxy-Δ6a(10a)-tetrahydrocannabinol (8,9-Di-OH-CBT-C5), dehydrocannabifuran (DCBF), cannbifuran (CBF), cannabichromanon (CBCN), cannabicitran (CBT), 10 oxo-Δ6a(10a)-tetrahydrocannabinol (OTHC), Δ9 cis tetrahydrocannabinol (cis THC), cannabiripsol (cbr), 3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-7-hydroxy-alpha-alpha-2-trimethyl-9-n-propyl-2,6-methano-2h-1-benzoxocin-5-methanol (OH-iso-HHCV), trihydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (triOH-THC), yangonin, epigallocatechin gallate, dodeca-2e, 4e, 8z, 10z-tetraenoic acid isobutylamide, hexahydrocannibinol, and dodeca-2e,4e-dienoic acid isobutylamide. 
     In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cannabinoid is a cannabinoid dimer. The cannabinoid may be a dimer of the same cannabinoid (e.g. THC-THC) or different cannabinoids. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cannabinoid may be a dimer of THC, including for example cannabisol. 
     As used herein, the term “ Cannabis  concentrate” refers to a mixture of compounds that is obtained from a  Cannabis  plant, such as for example a mixture of compounds or compositions that have been extracted from  Cannabis . The  Cannabis  concentrate may be a concentrated composition of  Cannabis -derived cannabinoids, terpenes, terpenoids, and other naturally occurring compounds found in the  Cannabis  plant. Non-limiting embodiments of a  Cannabis  concentrate include a  Cannabis  distillate, a  Cannabis  isolate, a  Cannabis  resin, a  Cannabis -derived cannabinoid, or any other type of extract containing one or more cannabinoids or terpenes, terpenoids, and other naturally occurring compounds found in the  Cannabis  plant. 
     As used herein, the term “viscosity control agent” describes a substance for controlling and maintaining the viscosity of the payload. Non-limiting embodiments of a viscosity control agent include propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol), 1,3-propanediol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, a terpene, triacetin, diacetin and triethyl citrate. 
     As used herein, the term “stabilizer” is any substance used to prevent an unwanted change in state. The stabilizer may be used to improve or maintain the stability of the payload. For example, without a stabilizer, cannabinoids or  Cannabis  concentrates may be susceptible to degradation, such as oxidative degradation, cannabinoids may crystallize out of the payload, and/or the payload may undergo color change. 
     As used herein, the term “flavorant” is used to describe a compound or combination of compounds that may provide flavor and/or aroma to the payload. The flavorant may include at least one of a natural flavorant or an artificial flavorant. Non-limiting embodiments of a flavorant may be a tobacco flavor, menthol, wintergreen, peppermint, herb flavors, fruit flavors, nut flavors, liquor flavors and terpene flavors. 
     First Exemplary Embodiment of Dispenser 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a dispenser in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein is identified generally as  10 . As described herein, dispenser  10  may be configured for dispensing controlled amounts of a viscous fluid or concentrate and providing feedback to the user so that the user knows when a certain amount of the viscous fluid or concentrate has been dispensed. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , dispenser  10  may include a housing  20  and a cap  30  releasably connectable to housing  20 . Such connection may be sealable to inhibit an escape of vapor from an interior  40  ( FIGS. 10-11 ) of cap  30 . The viscous fluid or concentrate may include nicotine,  Cannabis , a cannabinoid or a  Cannabis  concentrate as an ingredient. The viscous fluid or concentrate may further include other components such as, without limitation, a viscosity control agent, a stabilizer, and a flavorant. 
     The housing  20  includes an outer casing  26  ( FIG. 2 ) and a barrel  60  positioned within a cavity of the outer casing  26 . The outer casing  26  has an inner surface  21  bounding a cylindrical inner cavity  22  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The outer casing  26  has an external surface  28  that has a generally square cross-section. The barrel  60  defines a reservoir  62  ( FIG. 2 ) that is configured to retain a viscous fluid or concentrate. The barrel  60  may be coupled to outer casing  26  in a manner that securely retains the barrel  60  within the outer casing  26  and prevents rotation and axial movement of the barrel  60  with respect to the outer casing  26  (e.g., a key on the barrel  60  or outer casing  26  may be retained within a keyway of the other of the barrel  60  or outer casing  26 ). 
     As depicted in cross-section in  FIG. 12A , barrel  60  includes a tip  50  that extends away from the end of outer casing  26  to be received in the interior  40  of cap  30  when cap  30  is connected to housing  20 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , tip  50  may extend axially from the outer casing  26  of housing  20 . Tip  50  may be hollow and formed of a high-temperature resistant material such as tempered glass, stainless steel, titanium or any other alloy that can withstand the temperatures encountered in vaporization rigs. Alternatively, the tip  50  may be made of other refractory materials such a quartz, alumina ceramic or other heat resistant glass, mineral or composite. In order to accommodate various viscosities of concentrates, a length and an inner diameter of a tip cavity  55  ( FIG. 2 ) of tip  50  may be varied to prevent unintended oozing of concentrate from dispenser  10 . Tip cavity  55  is in fluid communication with the reservoir  62 , and tip cavity  55  ends at a dispensing orifice  57  ( FIG. 12A ) through which the fluid within reservoir  62  may be dispensed. The diameter of the dispensing orifice  57  may be modified depending on the type of fluid held within the reservoir  62 . For example, for fluids having a higher viscosity, the diameter of the dispensing orifice  57  may be larger than for fluids having a lower viscosity. 
     Barrel  60  may be made of any food safe plastic, metal or glass. Barrel  60  may also be formed from any of the materials specified above for tip  50 . Tip  50  may be integrally formed with the remainder of barrel  60  or formed separately from the remainder of barrel  60  and connected to the remainder of barrel  60 . Preferably, barrel  60  is constructed of a transparent material to allow the user to inspect the amount of concentrate remaining in the reservoir  62 . In an example, housing  20  may include a transparent window  23  ( FIG. 5 ) to allow a user to view barrel  60  therethrough and inspect the amount of concentrate remaining in reservoir  62 . The window  23  can be made of polystyrene or glass, or any other suitable transparent material. 
     A piston or plunger  70  may be located within housing  20  and barrel  60  as depicted in  FIG. 2 , for example. Referring to  FIG. 7 , plunger  70  includes a shaft  72  with threads  77  at one end thereof and a plunger tip  75  at an opposite end. The plunger tip  75  may include an internal cavity that receives an end of shaft  72 . The plunger tip  75  may be frictionally retained on the end of shaft  72 . The plunger tip  75  may be made from a food-safe elastomer such as silicone rubber or LDPE. The plunger tip  75  may have a complementary shape to tip cavity  55  of tip  50  as to minimize any holdup as the last of the concentrate is ejected, i.e., when plunger  70  has advanced from the position shown in  FIG. 2  through the reservoir  62  to tip cavity  55  during dispensing of a liquid in barrel  60 . The threaded shaft  72  may be formed of metal or plastic. 
     An activation mechanism  79  is coupled to plunger  70  for moving plunger  70  from the position shown in  FIG. 2  through the reservoir  62  to tip cavity  55 . The activation mechanism  79  includes a knob  100  and a sleeve  300 . As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 13A , the threads  77  on plunger  70  engage an interior threaded surface  310  of activation mechanism  79 . The interior threaded surface  310  extends from the knob  100  at one end of activation mechanism  79  through the sleeve  300  to the other end of activation mechanism  79 . Activation mechanism  79  imparts an axial force on plunger  70  when activation mechanism  79  is rotated with respect to plunger  70  such that plunger advances axially toward tip  50  to dispense liquid from dispensing orifice  57 . Threaded sleeve  300  is located in housing  20 , and knob  100  is positioned outside of the housing  20 . Sleeve  300  is attached to knob  100 , which provides a gripping surface for applying a twisting motion to cause rotation of interior threaded surface  310  to provide the axial force to plunger  70  described above. Plunger  70  may be rotationally fixed with respect to activation mechanism  79  by for example frictional engagement between plunger  70  and the inner wall of barrel  60 , or a key or keyway on plunger  70  that engages a keyway or key formed on barrel  60 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13A , an annular recess  102  formed in knob  100  receives an annular projection  27  of housing  20 . The recess  102  and projection  27  allow knob  100  to rotate with respect to housing  20  and maintain knob  100  in a desired position with respect to housing  20 . Referring to  FIG. 4A , the end of sleeve  300  opposite knob  100  includes clips, one of which is identified as  302 . The clips  302  are received within a recess  64  formed in an end of barrel  60  to couple the activation mechanism  79  to the barrel  60 . The recess  64  extends around the circumference of barrel  60  to allow the activation mechanism  79  to rotate with respect to barrel  60  as knob  100  is rotated by a user. The connection between the activation mechanism  79  and the barrel  60  retains the activation mechanism  79  axially with respect to housing  20 . Other connections between the activation mechanism  79  and barrel  60  that axially retain the activation mechanism  79  to the barrel  60  while allowing rotational movement of the activation mechanism  79  with respect to the barrel  60  are within the scope of the invention. 
     Activation mechanism  79  and housing  20  are configured to provide feedback to a user when the user rotates the activation mechanism  79  in a direction that advances plunger  70  toward dispensing orifice  57 . Activation mechanism  79  includes four teeth  107   a - d , shown in  FIG. 8A , that extend radially outward from the exterior surface of sleeve  300 . The teeth  107   a - d  are spaced equidistant from each other around the circumference of sleeve  300 . The teeth  107   a - d  have a substantially similar structure. Accordingly, only tooth  107   a  is described in detail herein. Tooth  107   a  has an angled surface  109   a  that extends tangentially outward from the exterior surface of sleeve  300 , and a curved surface  109   b  that extends between an end of the angled surface  109   a  back to the exterior surface of sleeve  300 . 
     The inner surface  21  of housing  20  includes four engaging surfaces  21   a - d  spaced equidistant around the circumference of inner surface  21 . As shown in  FIG. 8A , each of the engaging surfaces  21   a - d  is configured to simultaneously engage one of the teeth  107   a - d  to arrest rotation of activation mechanism  79  relative to housing  20  in the clockwise direction when viewed as shown in  FIG. 8A . As shown in  FIG. 8A , when tooth  107   a  engages engaging surface  21   a , tooth  107   b  engages surface  21   b , tooth  107   c  engages surface  21   c , and tooth  107   d  engages surface  21   d . Activation mechanism  79  may be rotated by a user in the clockwise direction shown in  FIG. 8A  so that the teeth  107   a - d  move past the engaging surfaces  21   a - d . For example, the teeth  107   a - d  and/or the engaging surfaces  21   a - d  may slightly deflect until there is enough clearance for the teeth  107   a - d  to move past the engaging surfaces  21   a - d . As the teeth  107   a - d  move past the engaging surfaces  21   a - d , tactile feedback is provided to the user in that an increased amount of torque is require to move the teeth  107   a - d  past the engaging surfaces  21   a - d  than the amount of torque required to rotate the activation mechanism  79  when the teeth  107   a - d  are between adjacent engaging surfaces  21   a - d . Audible feedback may also be provided to the user when the teeth  107   a - d  move past the engaging surfaces  21   a - d  as the deflection of the teeth  107   a - d  and/or engaging surfaces  21   a - d  may cause a snapping or clicking sound. 
     The tactile and/or audible feedback may be utilized by a user to inform the user approximately how much concentrate is dispensed through dispensing orifice  57 . For example, if the user begins to use dispenser  10  when it is in the position shown in  FIG. 8A , the user removes the cap  30 , grasps the knob  100 , and rotates the activation mechanism  79  clockwise when viewed as shown in  FIG. 8A . As the activation mechanism  79  rotates, interior threaded surface  310  engages the threads  77  of plunger  70  to move plunger  70  axially in a direction toward dispensing orifice  57 . As activation mechanism  79  rotates, plunger  70  is constrained from rotation by engagement with barrel  60  thereby causing axial movement of plunger  70 . When the user rotates activation mechanism  79  approximately 90 degrees clockwise from the position shown in  FIG. 8A , tooth  107   a  will engage surface  21   b , tooth  107   b  will engage surface  21   c , tooth  107   c  will engage surface  21   d , and tooth  107   d  will engage surface  21   a . At this point, the user will feel the engagement between the teeth  107   a - d  and surfaces  21   a - d  in the form of resistance to rotation of knob  100 . This tactile feedback alerts the user to the fact that the activation mechanism  79  has rotated approximately 90 degrees. The ninety degree rotation of activation mechanism  79  correlates to an axial distance X ( FIG. 4A ) that plunger has advanced into reservoir  62  toward dispensing orifice  57  (e.g., plunger  70  may move from the position A identified in  FIG. 4A  to the position B identified in  FIG. 4A  due to ninety degree rotation of activation mechanism  79 ). As known, this axial distance may be determined based on the thread pitch of threads  77  and interior threaded surface  310 . The axial distance X further correlates to a volume of concentrate that has been displaced from reservoir  62  and forced to dispense through dispensing orifice  57 . As known, this volume may be determined based on the radius of the reservoir  62  and the axial distance X. Instructions may be provided with dispenser  10  to inform a user of the volume of concentrate dispensed for each ninety degree rotation of activation mechanism  79 . Thus, by utilizing the tactile feedback provided by the teeth  107   a - d  and engaging surfaces  21   a - d  and knowing how much concentrate is dispensed for each ninety degree rotation of activation mechanism  79 , a user may know and control the amount of concentrate that is dispensed from dispenser  10  just by rotating the knob  100 . 
     Instead of the teeth  107   a - d  and engaging surfaces  21   a - d , dispenser  10  may be modified to include any type of detent mechanism that is designed to provide feedback to the user when activation mechanism  79  has been rotated a certain number of degrees. For example, dispenser  10  may have a detent mechanism using metal springs and ball bearings, or pawls sprung on metal or plastic tabs. Alternatively, any suitable mechanism that gives either an aural or haptic feedback on the progress (i.e., degree of rotation) of the twisting motion between housing  20  and knob  100  during advancement of plunger  70  may be used. 
     Housing  20  and knob  100  are oriented so that when teeth  107   a - d  engage surfaces  21   a - d , the outer surfaces of housing  20  and knob  100  are aligned. For example, when teeth  107   a - d  are in the position shown in  FIG. 8A , housing  20  and knob  100  are in the positions shown in  FIG. 1 , in which exterior surfaces  24   a - b  of housing  20  are aligned with exterior surfaces  108   a - b  of knob  100  (and two additional exterior surfaces of housing  20  and knob  100  on the other side of dispenser  10  are also aligned). When knob  100  is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the position shown in  FIG. 8A , exterior surface  108   a  of knob  100  is aligned with exterior surface  24   b  of housing  20 , and the other three exterior surfaces of knob  100  are aligned with exterior surfaces of housing  20 . It is within the scope of the invention for knob  100  and housing  20  to have different shapes (e.g., each may be cylindrical or have a triangular cross-section or any other polygonal cross-section). Further, it is within the scope of the invention for there to be more or less than four teeth  107   a - d  and engaging surfaces  21   a - d . For example, if there is only one tooth  107   a  and one engaging surface  21   a , knob  100  would rotate 360 degrees before the user receives feedback in the nature of increased resistance to rotation. The dispenser  10  may also be configured so that knob  100  rotates any other number of degrees before the user receives feedback (e.g., 180 degrees or 270 degrees). 
     As described above, for the embodiment of dispenser  10  shown in the drawings, each rotation of knob  100  of about ninety degrees may cause a desired dose of  Cannabis  concentrate to be dispensed from dispensing orifice  57 . For example, a consistent dose may be dispensed for each ninety degree turn for use on a hot dab ring crown, for oral ingestion, to add as an active ingredient to edibles or for use in filling a vape cartridge. 
     Housing  20  and knob  100  may have a square cross-section shape as depicted. Alternatively, housing  20  and/or the knob  100  may be cylindrical. In such a case, the plunger  70  and activation mechanism  79  may be configured so that threads  77  and interior threaded surface  310  are formed from low friction materials so that a user can readily apply the amount of torque necessary to advance the plunger  70  through reservoir  62 . Further, the teeth  107   a - d  and engaging surfaces  21   a - d  may be configured so that a user is able to apply the amount of torque necessary to move the teeth  107   a - d  past the engaging surfaces  21   a - d  while still receiving suitable feedback informing the user that the teeth  107   a - d  have advanced to a position where they engage the engaging surfaces  21   a - d . The shape of dispenser  10  may be easily distinguishable from a syringe, and the cap  30  may allow dispenser  10  to be safely stored in a pocket or bag. The cap  30  can optionally be equipped with a child-resistant closure as described below to prevent children from accessing the material (e.g., liquid in reservoir  62 ). 
     The housing  20  can be made from plastic such as ABS, polystyrene, or any other suitable plastic, or, can be made from wood or metal. 
     Dispenser  10  may typically hold in reservoir  62  from about 0.5 g to about 1 g or from about 0.1 g to about 0.5 g of concentrate. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 9 , a top extending portion  25  of housing  20  is positioned at an end of housing  20  opposite knob  100  with tip  50  extending outward from extending portion  25 . Top extending portion  25  may include connecting members  80  configured (e.g., shaped and dimensioned) to connect housing  20  to cap  30 . Cap  30  may include engaging members  32  ( FIGS. 10 &amp; 11 ) configured (e.g., shaped and dimensioned) to engage connecting members  80  to connect cap  30  to housing  20 . 
     Connecting members  80  may be bayonet shaped, for example, as depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 9  while engaging members  32  ( FIGS. 10 &amp; 11 ) may project from an inner surface  33  of cap  30  and may be cube shaped except for ramped portions  35  at a top corner thereof. Connecting members  80  may project from adjacent recessed surfaces  82 . 
     Cap  30  may be located on extending portion  25  such that an interior  40  of cap  30  receives extending portion  25  and tip  50 . Cap  30  may be moved longitudinally toward knob  100  such that engaging members  32  may be moved longitudinally via an entry recess  81  defined by recessed surfaces  82 . Cap  30  may be rotated clockwise via a circumferentially extending recess  91  defined by adjacent recessed surfaces  82  such that one of engaging members  32  may be located in a holding recess  83  bounded by a tooth  84  of one of connecting members  80 . The entry recess  81  extends from a top end  29  of the housing  20  to the circumferentially extending recess  91  and the holding recess  83 . The entry recess  81  is defined by the tooth  84 , an axially extending portion  87   a  of an adjacent connecting member, and a bottom circumferentially extending recess bounding portion  95 . Tooth  84  may extend longitudinally (i.e., axially relative to an axial dimension of housing  20 ) from a circumferentially extending portion  85  of one of connecting members  80 . Holding recess  83  may also be bounded by extending portion  85  and a triangularly shaped axially extending portion  87 . Holding recess  83  may be one of a plurality (e.g.,  4 ) of holding recesses around a circumference of extending portion  25 . 
     Cap  30  may include a seal  200  ( FIG. 12A ) in interior  40  of cap  30  bounded by inner surface  33 . Seal  200  may be formed of low density polyethylene (LDPE) for example and may be elastically deformable such that seal  200  may be compressed longitudinally (i.e., axially relative to housing  20 ) by a user relative to dispenser  10  when the user presses on cap  30  in a longitudinal direction toward knob  100 . Seal  200  may be biased such that when such pressure is released seal  200  tends to return in a direction away from knob  100 . For example, seal  200  may include a circumferential bottom portion  205  ( FIG. 12 ) that may contact a top end  29  ( FIG. 9 ) of extending portion  25  and may be resiliently compressed by an axial force (e.g. by a user pressing on cap  30 ) such that a bias force may be provided in the opposite direction (i.e., away from knob  100 ). Seal  200  may sealingly engage the top end  29  to provide a seal thereby inhibiting fluid communication between interior  40  of cap  30  and reservoir  62  of housing  20  relative to the ambient environment. 
     To connect cap  30  to top extending portion  25  of housing  20  to close dispenser  10 , cap  30  may be pressed longitudinally (i.e., axially) by a user relative to dispenser  10  to allow one of engaging members  32  to move axially past tooth  84  and in a circumferential direction as cap  30  is rotated. For example, a force of 5 kgf (kilogram-force) may be required in the longitudinal direction (relative to dispenser  10 ) to overcome a resiliency of seal  200  to allow one of the engaging members  32  to move past tooth  84 . Pressure on cap  30  may be released such that seal  200  may expand in a direction away from knob  100  due to a resilient bias of seal  200  as described above. Thus, in response to the release of pressure and resiliency of seal  200 , cap  30  and engaging members  32  may move longitudinally (i.e., axially) relative to dispenser  10  away from knob  100  and one of such engaging members  32  may be received in holding recess  83  and such engaging member  32  may be blocked from being rotated counterclockwise by tooth  84  absent pressure being applied to cap  30 . Multiple such engaging members  32  may be received in multiple holding recesses  83  to inhibit movement of cap  30  in a counterclockwise direction. The release of the cap  30  and resilient bias of seal  200  may provide a force in the direction away from knob  100  to bias engaging members  32  within the holding recesses  83  and against bottom surfaces  89  of extending portion  85 . 
     To open dispenser  10  when the engaging members  32  are received within the holding recesses  83 , pressure may be applied to cap  30  by a user longitudinally (i.e., axially) relative to dispenser  10  toward knob  100  compressing seal  200  such that engaging members  32  may extend longitudinally past connecting members  80  and cap  30  may be rotated counterclockwise until the engaging members  32  have moved circumferentially (e.g., in recess  91 ) past connecting members  80 . The pressure may then be released and the engaging members  32  may pass through a recess (e.g., entry recess  81 ) to allow cap  30  to be removed from top extending portion  25  of housing  20 . 
     In an example, a user may apply axial and rotational pressure to engage cap  30  with extending portion  25  by engaging engaging members  32  with the holding recesses (e.g, holding recess  83 ) using one hand. In another example, a user may apply axial and rotational pressure to disengage cap  30  from extending portion  25  by disengaging engaging members  32  from the holding recesses (e.g., holding recess  83 ) using one hand. 
     In addition, seal  200  may be vapor proof when cap  30  is engaged with extending portion  25 . Specifically, a resiliency force of seal  200  biasing cap  30  away from extending portion  25  may hold engaging members  32  within the holding recesses  83 . The bias force holding engaging members  32  within the holding recesses may be balanced with the force required to move cap longitudinally to disengage engaging members  32  to allow an opening of dispenser  10 , including the frictional characteristics (e.g., static and dynamic friction) of the cap  30  and extending portion  25  that opposes the rotational motion, such that a required axial force and rotational friction does not make the twisting motion too difficult for elderly persons. 
     In an example, connecting members  80  may include ramped sides  86  and engaging members  32  may move along the ramped sides during clockwise rotation of cap  30  to facilitate entry of one such engaging members (e.g., through recess  81  and recess  91 ) into holding recess  83  and other such engaging members into similar or identical such holding recesses. Ramped sides  86  may be aligned at about a 45 degree angle relative to a longitudinal axis of dispenser  10 . Ramped portions  35  of engaging members  32  may similarly facilitate movement of the engaging members in a counterclockwise direction along connecting members  80  after cap  30  has been pressed toward knob  100 . Ramped portions  35  may be aligned at about a 45 degree angle relative to a longitudinal axis of dispenser  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the tooth  84  may include ramped side  86 , a circumferentially extending side  92 , and an axially extending side  93 . The axially extending side  93  connects to the bottom surface  89  of extending portion  85 . Each of the ramped side  86 , the circumferentially extending side  92 , and the axially extending side  93  may be a curved surface transitioning to a top surface  94  of the tooth  84 . 
     As depicted in the figures, cap  30  and housing  20  may have similar or identical outside cross-sectional sizes and shapes. As depicted housing  20  and cap  30  may have identical or similar outside cross-sectional square shapes. In other examples, housing  20  and cap  30  could have identical or similar outside rectangular, circular or oval shapes. In further examples, housing  20  and cap  30  could have identical or similar outside cross-sectional shapes of other polynomials. 
     The described similar or identical outside cross-sectional sizes and shapes of cap  30  and housing  20  allow a user to easily ascertain if a closure mechanism of dispenser  10  is properly engaged. More specifically, the similar or identical cross-sectional sizes and shapes make it easier for a user to identify the alignment of surfaces of cap  30  and housing  20  (e.g., by touch or sight) when the cap  30  and extending portion  25  are engaged such that engaging members  32  are received in the holding recesses  83 . In contrast, if the shapes of the cap and housing  20  differed, e.g., if either the cap is round and the body square, or the cap is square and the body is round, it would be more difficult to ascertain if such a closure mechanism is properly engaged (i.e., engaging members  32  are received in the holding recesses). Further, differences between a child&#39;s manual dexterity and cognitive abilities versus that of an elderly adult may allow an adult to easily open dispenser  10  when the closure mechanism is properly engaged (i.e., engaging members  32  are received in the holding recesses) while being difficult if not impossible for children to operate. 
     Importantly, an ultimate movement required to rotate the cap (e.g., cap  30 ) after applying axial pressure is the torque required to rotate the cap (e.g., clockwise to locate engaging members  32  in the holding recesses) which is a function of the friction of the rotating cap relative to housing  20 , as well as its diameter. It would be understood by one skilled in the art that it would be more difficult to apply a given torque to a cap with a small diameter (or dimension) as opposed to a cap with a large diameter (or dimension). For example, there would be less surface area to apply a force to, and less leverage available for such force, with a smaller cap. It would also be understood by one skilled in the art that when a diameter of a container body (e.g., housing  20 ) is wider than a diameter of a cap (e.g., cap  30 ), a cognitive signal is presented that a twisting motion may undo the cap, in analogy with the common non-child resistant containers such as soda bottles and mayonnaise jars. 
     One of the characteristic differences between adults and children is hand size, and thus a thickness (if square) or diameter (if round) of a cap (e.g., cap  30 ), and a housing (e.g., housing  20 ) are critical to differentiating child and adult ease of opening. Further, a diameter or thickness of a cap (e.g., cap  30 ), and a housing (e.g., housing  20 ) may be manipulated to differentiate child and adult ease of opening since the absolute dimensions are critical to the ease of gripping such a housing and cap, and applying an axial force and simultaneously applying a torque force. 
     As described above, when cap  30  is engaged with extending portion  25 , engaging members  32  may be received in holding recesses  83 . In one example, after an axial force is applied to move the engaging members  32  axially or longitudinally closer to the knob  100  than tooth  84  (or a similar tooth or structure) a rotation of 45 degrees may be required to disengage the mechanism, i.e., to move the tooth circumferentially such that one or more of engaging members  32  may move axially or longitudinally in a direction toward a top end  29  of housing  20  due to a resilient force of seal  200  or a force applied by a user. The amount of rotation required would be dependent on a number, a size and a placement of connecting members  80 . In another example, a rotation of 135 degrees may be required to disengage such a mechanism. In a further example, a rotation of 225 degrees may be required to disengage the mechanism. In yet another example, a rotation of 315 degrees may be required to disengage the mechanism. In yet a further example, any rotation other than 0 to 5 degrees or 355 to 360 degrees (i.e., a rotation between 5 to 355 degrees) may be required to engage or disengage the mechanism if the cross section of the body and cap is oval. In one aspect, any rotation other than 360/n degrees may be required to engage or disengage the mechanism if the cross section of the body and cap is an n sided polygon. 
     As suggested above, cross-sections of a cap (e.g., cap  30 ) and a body (e.g., housing  20 ) may be aligned when a closing mechanism of a container (e.g., dispenser  10 ) is in an engaged and locked state (e.g., when engaging members  32  may be received in holding recesses  83  of extending portion  25 ). In another example, cross-sections of a cap (e.g., cap  30 ) and a body (e.g., housing  20 ) may not be aligned when the closing mechanism is in the disengaged and unlocked state. 
     As indicated above, in an example, it may be visually apparent (e.g., cross-sections of a cap and a body or casing may be aligned) when a closing mechanism of a container (e.g., dispenser  10 ) is in an engaged and locked state. In another example, it may be visually apparent when the mechanism is in the disengaged and unlocked state. 
     As indicated above, in an example, it may be tactilely apparent (e.g., cross-sections of a cap and a body or casing may be aligned) when a closing mechanism of a container (e.g., dispenser  10 ) is in an engaged and locked state. In another example, it may be tactilely apparent when the mechanism is in the disengaged and unlocked state. 
     In an example, a thickest side (if square or rectangular in cross-section) or diameter (if round in cross-section) of a cap (e.g., cap  30 ) and a body (e.g., housing  20 ) may be between 0.5 and 1.25 inches, between 0.65 and 1 inches, or between 0.7 and 0.8 inches. 
     In an example, a total length of an engaged and locked cap and body (e.g., dispenser  10  when cap  30  is engaged with extending portion  25 ) may be between about 2 and about 6 inches. In another example, an engaged and locked cap and body (e.g., dispenser  10  when cap  30  is engaged with extending portion  25 ) may be between about 3 and about 5 inches. 
     In an example, cross-sections of a cap (e.g., cap  30 ) and a body (e.g., housing  20 ) may have square external cross-sections. In another example, cross-sections of a cap (e.g., cap  30 ) and a body (e.g., housing  20 ) may have round internal cross-sections. In a further example, cross-sections of a cap (e.g., cap  30 ) and a body (e.g., housing  20 ) may have square internal cross-sections. In yet another example, cross-sections of a cap (e.g., cap  30 ) and a body (e.g., housing  20 ) may have oval external cross-sections. In yet a further example, cross-sections of a cap (e.g., cap  30 ) and a body (e.g., housing  20 ) may have rectangular internal cross-sections. In an example, cross-sections of a cap (e.g., cap  30 ) and a body (e.g., housing  20 ) may have rectangular external cross-sections. In another example, cross-sections of a cap (e.g., cap  30 ) and a body (e.g., housing  20 ) may have polygonal internal cross-sections. In a further example, cross-sections of a cap (e.g., cap  30 ) and a body (e.g., housing  20 ) may have polygonal external cross-sections. 
     In one aspect, a container (e.g., dispenser  10 ) may be configured such that a shape and dimensions thereof (e.g., external dimensions of a cap and casing) are small relative to the hands of an adult so that a torque required to rotate a depressed cap (e.g., cap  30 ) from a locked (e.g., when engaging members are received in holding recesses) to an unlocked position (e.g., when engaging members are released from holding recesses) is about 0.791 Nm (Newton-metre). 
     In an example an axial force (i.e., in a direction toward knob  100 ) to release a cap (e.g., cap  30 ) from a housing (e.g., extending portion  25  connected to housing  20 ) by pressing engaging members (engaging members  32 ) of the cap axially past any retaining members (e.g., tooth  84 ) to overcome any resilient force (e.g., from a seal) may range from about 2 kgf to 8 kgf. In another example, such an axial force to overcome the resilient force and to press engaging members (engaging members  32 ) of the cap axially past any retaining members (e.g., tooth  84 ) may range from about 3 kgf to 7 kgf. In a further example, an axial force to overcome the resilient force and to press engaging members (engaging members  32 ) of the cap axially past any retaining members (e.g., tooth  84 ) may range from about 4 kgf to 6 kgf. 
     In an example, an axial force to overcome the resilient force and to press engaging members (engaging members  32 ) of the cap axially past any retaining members (e.g., tooth  84 ) may be about 2 kgf. In another example, an axial force to overcome the resilient force and to press engaging members (engaging members  32 ) of the cap axially past any retaining members (e.g., tooth  84 ) may be about 3 kgf. In yet another an example, an axial force to overcome the resilient force and to press engaging members (engaging members  32 ) of the cap axially past any retaining members (e.g., tooth  84 ) may be about 4 kgf. In a further example, an axial force to overcome the resilient force and to press engaging members (engaging members  32 ) of the cap axially past any retaining members (e.g., tooth  84 ) may be about 5 kgf. In yet a further example, an axial force to overcome the resilient force and to press engaging members (engaging members  32 ) of the cap axially past any retaining members (e.g., tooth  84 ) may be about 6 kgf. In an example, an axial force to overcome the resilient force and to press engaging members (engaging members  32 ) of the cap axially past any retaining members (e.g., tooth  84 ) may be about 7 kgf. In another example, an axial force to overcome the resilient force and to press engaging members (engaging members  32 ) of the cap axially past any retaining members (e.g., tooth  84 ) may be about 8 kgf. 
     As indicated above, an axial force may be applied to a cap (e.g., cap  30 ) in a direction toward knob  100  to press engaging members (engaging members  32 ) of the cap axially past any retaining members (e.g., tooth  84 ) to overcome any resilient force (e.g., from a seal) toward the free end of the cap. After such engaging members are located axially past any retaining members, the cap may be rotated (e.g., counter clockwise) to allow the engaging members to be located in circumferential spaces (e.g., recesses  81 ,  91 ) between the retaining members (e.g., connecting members  80 ) and the cap may then be moved away from knob  100  to release the cap from the housing  20 . Such rotation of the cap may require a torque of about 0.1 Nm to about 1 Nm. In another example, the required torque may be about 0.1 Nm to about 0.9 Nm. In a further example the torque required to rotate the cap to allow the engaging members to be located in circumferential spaces between the retaining members (e.g., tooth  84 ) and the cap may be less than or equal to about 0.791 Nm. In another example, the required torque may be about 0.791 Nm. 
     As described above, extending portion  25  of housing  20  may include connecting members  80  bounding holding recesses (e.g. holding recess  83 ) configured to receive engaging members  32  of cap  30 . In an example, extending portion  25  may include four connecting members  80  and cap  30  may have four engaging members  32  engageable therewith. In another example, extending portion  25  may include four connecting members  80  circumferentially equally spaced (e.g., 90 degrees apart) around the extending portion and cap  30  may have four engaging members  32  circumferentially equally spaced (e.g., 90 degrees apart) around the inner circumference of the cap. In other examples, there could be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 connecting members and corresponding engaging members on such an extending portion and cap. 
     In an example, connecting members (e.g., connecting members  80 ) of an extending portion (e.g., extending portion  25 ) and engaging members (e.g., engaging members  32 ) of a cap (e.g., cap  30 ) engageable with each other may be disposed evenly circumferentially around their respective surfaces. In another example, such connecting members and engaging members may be disposed unevenly around their respective surfaces. Also, the shape, size, or depth of a plurality of connecting members may be different from each other. Similarly, the shape, size, or depth of a plurality of engaging members may be different from each other. Further, some of the particular connecting members and engaging members diametrically opposed to each other and directly engaging each other may have distinct shapes relative to other such pairs circumferentially separated from each other. 
     Also, the housing described above (e.g., housing  20 ) may be formed of polypropylene (PP) plastic, for example. Seal  200  described above may be formed of low density polyethylene (LDPE). The housing (e.g., housing  20 ) and an outer portion of the cap (e.g., cap  30 ) described above may be formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, for example. An inner portion of the cap (e.g., cap  30 ) described above may be formed of PP plastic, for example. 
     As described above, dispenser  10  may include a seal having a resilient force in a direction opposite knob  100  such that an axial force of 5 kgf may overcome such resilient force to allow engaging members (engaging members  32 ) of a cap (e.g., cap  30 ) to move axially past any retaining members (e.g., connecting members  80 ) to allow rotation of the cap and a release through recesses (e.g., recess  81 , recess  91 ) of a holder (e.g., housing  20 ). Dispenser  10  may have dimensions of 133 mm×21 mm×21 mm, for example. 
     Second Exemplary Embodiment of Dispenser 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , an alternative embodiment of dispenser in accordance with the invention described herein is identified generally as  400 . Dispenser  400  has a similar structure as dispenser  10  and operates in a similar manner as dispenser  10  described above. Accordingly, only the differences between dispenser  10  and dispenser  400  are described in detail herein. The plunger  402  of dispenser  400  includes a shaft  404  with threads  408  that engage an interior threaded surface  406  of an activation mechanism  410 . The plunger  402  further includes a plunger tip  412  that is frictionally retained on an end of shaft  404  opposite threads  408 . The plunger tip  412  is positioned within a reservoir  414  of the dispenser  400 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B , the plunger tip  412  has a first end  416  and a second end  418 . A cavity  420  ( FIG. 14A ) extends from the second end  418  through the axial center of the plunger tip  412  approximately two-thirds of the way toward the first end  416 . The end of shaft  404  is positioned in a portion of cavity  420  near the second end  418  to join the plunger tip  412  to the shaft  404 . As best shown in  FIG. 14B , plunger tip  412  has a cylindrical section  422  positioned near second end  418 , a ribbed section  424  adjacent cylindrical section  422 , and a frustoconical section  426  extending from ribbed section  424  to the first end  416 . As shown in  FIG. 14A , shaft  404  extends into cavity  420  in the cylindrical section  422  and does not appreciably extend into the portion of cavity  420  within the ribbed section  424 . The ribbed section  424  includes a plurality of alternating ribs, one of which is identified as  428 , and grooves, one of which is identified as  430 . The alternating ribs  428  and grooves  430  and the material from which the plunger tip  412  is constructed allow the plunger tip  412  to compress when a force is applied to the first end  416  in a direction toward the second end  418  and expand back to its original configuration when the force is no longer applied to the first end  416 . The plunger tip  412  is preferably constructed from a resilient material, for example a food-safe elastomer such as silicone rubber or LDPE. 
     In use, activation mechanism  410  is rotated in a similar manner as described above with respect to dispenser  10  to move plunger  402  through reservoir  414  toward a dispensing orifice  432 . As plunger tip  412  advances through reservoir  414  it exerts a force on the fluid within reservoir  414  in a direction toward dispensing orifice  432 . As known, the fluid exerts a reaction force on plunger tip  412  in a direction from first end  416  to second end  418 . If the reaction force exerted on plunger tip  412  reaches a certain level, the reaction force causes the ribbed section  424  of plunger tip  412  to compress. The open cavity  420 , resilient material from which the plunger tip  412  is constructed, and the ribs  428  and grooves  430  allow the plunger tip  412  to compress. As it compresses, the plunger tip  412  stores energy. This energy may be released as the plunger tip  412  expands back to its original structure prior to being compressed. As the energy is released, the plunger tip  412  displaces a portion of the fluid within reservoir  414  to push the fluid out of the reservoir  414  and through the dispensing orifice  432 . The plunger tip  412  may be more likely to compress when the fluid or concentrate within reservoir  414  has a high viscosity. By compressing, the plunger tip  412  makes it easier for a user to rotate the activation mechanism  410  when dispensing a viscous fluid. For example, less torque may be required for the user to rotate the activation mechanism  410  to move the shaft  404  of the plunger  402  a desired distance. 
     Third Exemplary Embodiment of Dispenser 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , an alternative embodiment of dispenser in accordance with the invention described herein is identified generally as  500 . Dispenser  500  has a similar structure as dispenser  10  and operates in a similar manner as dispenser  10  described above. Accordingly, only the differences between dispenser  10  and dispenser  500  are described in detail herein. The plunger  502  of dispenser  500  includes a shaft  504  with a first section  506  and a second section  508 , shown in  FIGS. 15A and 15B . A spring  510  is positioned between the first section  506  and the second section  508 . The spring  510  is a compression spring that acts to bias the second section  508  away from the first section  506 . The first section  506  includes threads  512  that engage an interior threaded surface  514  of an activation mechanism  516 . A plunger tip  517  is frictionally retained on an end of the second section  508  of shaft  504  opposite threads  512 . The plunger tip  517  is positioned within a reservoir  518  of the dispenser  500 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 15A , the first section  506  of shaft  504  has a first end  520  that includes the threads  512  and a second end  522  that is positioned within a cavity  524  of the second section  508 . The second end  522  includes barbs  526  that are operable to flex radially inward to allow the second end  522  to be inserted through an opening  528  at an end of second section  508 . Once inside the cavity  524 , the barbs  526  expand to retain them within the cavity  524  coupling first section  506  to second section  508 . The cavity  524  is sized to allow the second section  508  to move toward and away from the threads  512  of the first section  506 . For example, the second section  508  may move toward the threads  512  compressing the spring  510 . The second section  508  may move away from the threads  512  until the barbs  526  contact the surface surrounding opening  528 , which prevents further movement of the second section  508  in a direction away from the threads  512 . The spring  510  exerts a force on the second section  508  biasing the second section  508  away from the threads  512 . 
     In use, activation mechanism  516  is rotated in a similar manner as described above with respect to dispenser  10  to move plunger  502  through reservoir  518  toward a dispensing orifice  530 . As plunger tip  517  advances through reservoir  518  it exerts a force on the fluid within reservoir  518  in a direction toward dispensing orifice  530 . As known, the fluid exerts a reaction force on plunger tip  517  in a direction from plunger tip  517  to first section  506 . If the reaction force exerted on plunger tip  517  reaches a certain level, the reaction force causes the second section  508  to move toward the first section  506  thereby compressing the spring  510 . As the spring  510  compresses, it stores energy. This energy may be released as the spring  510  expands back to its original state prior to being compressed. As the energy is released, the spring  510  moves the second section  508  away from the first section  506  thereby advancing the plunger tip  517  through the reservoir  518  toward the dispensing orifice  530 . As the plunger tip  517  moves, it displaces a portion of the fluid within reservoir  518  to push the fluid out of the reservoir  518  and through the dispensing orifice  530 . The spring  510  may be more likely to compress when the fluid or concentrate within reservoir  518  has a high viscosity. By compressing, the spring  510  makes it easier for a user to rotate the activation mechanism  516  when dispensing a viscous fluid. For example, less torque may be required for the user to rotate the activation mechanism  516  to move the first section  506  of the shaft  504  a desired distance. 
     Fourth Exemplary Embodiment of Dispenser 
       FIGS. 16A and 16B  show components of a fourth embodiment of dispenser  600  in accordance with the invention described herein. Dispenser  600  may be substantially similar to any of dispensers  10 ,  400 , or  500  other than the differences described herein. Dispenser  600  has an activation mechanism  602 , shown in  FIG. 16A , with a knob  604  and a sleeve  606 . The knob  604  is substantially similar to the knob  100  described above. The sleeve  606  is substantially similar to the sleeve  300  described above except that sleeve  606  includes a ring  608  at its base adjacent knob  604 . Four recesses  610   a - d  (see  FIG. 16B ) are formed in an outer surface of the ring  608 . As shown in  FIG. 16B , the ring  608  is received within a cylindrical recess  612  of a housing  614  of dispenser  600 . 
     The housing  614  includes an inner wall  616  that defines cylindrical recess  612 . Four protrusions or teeth  618   a - d  extend radially inward from the inner wall  616 . The teeth  618   a - d  are spaced equidistant from each other around the circumference of the inner wall  616 . The teeth  618   a - d  have a substantially similar structure. Accordingly, only tooth  618   a  is described in detail herein. Tooth  618   a  has a curved surface  620   a  that extends outward from the inner wall  616 , and a flat surface  620   b  that extends between an end of the curved surface  620   a  back to the inner wall  616 . Each of the recesses  610   a - d  of activation mechanism  602  is formed with a shape that matches the shape of the teeth  618   a - d  such that the teeth  618   a - d  are configured to be received within the recesses  610   a - d  as shown in  FIG. 16B . 
     The recesses  610   a - d  and teeth  618   a - d  are configured to provide tactile or audible feedback to the user when activation mechanism  602  is rotated in a similar manner as described above with respect to rotation of activation mechanism  79 . For example, when activation mechanism  602  is rotated in the clockwise direction when viewed as shown in  FIG. 16B , the curved surface  620   a  of each of the teeth  618   a - d  will gradually engage an outer surface  622  of activation mechanism  602  allowing the outer surface  622  to move past the teeth  618   a - d . When the activation mechanism  602  has rotated approximately 90 degrees from the position shown in  FIG. 16B , the recess  610   a  will receive the tooth  618   b , the recess  610   b  will receive the tooth  618   c , the recess  610   c  will receive the tooth  618   d , and the recess  610   d  will receive the tooth  618   a . As this happens, the teeth  618   a - d  may snap into the recesses  610   a - d  providing audible feedback to the user that 90 degree rotation of the activation mechanism  602  has occurred. Further, the user may feel the teeth  618   a - d  moving into the recesses  610   a - d  in the form of a vibration or an altered amount of torque necessary to rotate the activation mechanism  602  providing tactile feedback to the user. Similar to as described above with respect to activation mechanism  79 , this audible and/or tactile feedback alerts the user to the fact that the activation mechanism  602  has rotated approximately 90 degrees, which correlates with an amount of concentrate that has been dispensed from the dispenser  600 . 
     The recesses  610   a - d  and teeth  618   a - d  also substantially prevent rotation of activation mechanism  602  in the counter-clockwise direction when viewed as shown in  FIG. 16B . As shown in  FIG. 16B , the flat surface  620   b  of the tooth  618   a  engages the mating flat surface bounding the recess  610   a  to substantially prevent rotation of the activation mechanism  602  in the counter-clockwise direction. The flat surface  620   b  serves as a stop to prevent rotation in the counter-clockwise direction. Flat surfaces of the teeth  618   b - d  further engage mating flat surfaces bounding the recesses  610   b - d  to prevent substantial rotation of the activation mechanism  602  in the counter-clockwise direction. Preventing substantial rotation in the counter-clockwise direction ensures that the user can only rotate the activation mechanism  602  an appreciable distance in the direction that causes the plunger to advance toward the dispensing orifice (i.e., the clockwise direction when viewed as shown in  FIG. 16B ) and dispense concentrate from the dispenser  600 . This ensures that the user does not inadvertently move the plunger a great distance backward away from the dispensing orifice. Thus, the dispenser  600  is designed so that the activation mechanism  602  can only be rotated an appreciable distance in one direction with rotation in the opposite direction substantially blocked. The dispenser  600  may allow some rotation in the counter-clockwise direction when the teeth  618   a - d  are positioned between adjacent recesses  610   a - d . For example, if the activation mechanism  602  is rotated clockwise less than 90 degrees from the position shown in  FIG. 16B  (i.e., rotated less than the distance required for recess  610   a  to fully receive tooth  618   b ), the activation mechanism  602  may be rotated counter-clockwise back to the position shown in  FIG. 16B , but may not be rotated further counter-clockwise from the position shown in  FIG. 16B . Alternative embodiments are within the scope of this invention that would prevent any counter-clockwise rotation of the activation mechanism  602  (e.g., a ratcheting system) such that the activation mechanism  602  can only move in one direction, the direction that causes the plunger to advance toward the dispensing orifice. Dispensers  400  and  500  may include an activation mechanism similar to either activation mechanism  79  or activation mechanism  602 . 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference is made above to embodiments of the invention and specific language describing the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, and any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates are contemplated and protected. 
     From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all ends and objectives herein-above set forth, together with the other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the invention. 
     Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense. 
     While specific embodiments have been shown and discussed, various modifications may of course be made, and the invention is not limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts and steps described herein, except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims. Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.