Patent Publication Number: US-2009227943-A1

Title: Liquid Dispensing and Administering System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 10/124,985, filed Apr. 17, 2002, entitled “LIQUID DISPENSING AND ADMINISTERING SYSTEM”, which is related to and claims priority to prior provisional application Ser. No. 60/284,401, filed Apr. 17, 2001, entitled “LIQUID DISPENSING AND ADMINISTERING SYSTEM”, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference and are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by their mention in this cross-reference section. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This invention relates to providing a system for administering measured liquids, such as medicine, vitamins and feedings of foods to individuals, including infants, small children and adults. Often, infants, small children and some adults present a challenge when an attempt is made to administer a measured liquid. Historically, measured liquids of various types have been poured from a liquid holder into a spoon prior to administration to a recipient. This method has a number of inherent drawbacks, as the spoon must be carefully placed against the lip of a bottle, and then, without spilling, must be poured carefully into the spoon. This method typically lacks accuracy due to the variability between one person&#39;s pouring technique and that of another, and between one type of spoon and another. The spoon, after receiving the measured liquid, must be carefully conveyed to the recipient&#39;s mouth without spilling the measured liquid. In situations where the recipient is reluctant to receive the measured liquid, as often encountered with small children, the likelihood of delivering the full volume of liquid is poor. Another method of administering measured liquids has consisted of using a syringe to withdraw a carefully measured amount of liquid from a bottle. While this is an accurate method of decanting the liquid from a bottle, the procedure has several drawbacks; each introduction of a syringe tip into the bottle creates an opportunity for contamination of the contained liquid, and as previously described, small children not familiar with consuming liquids directly from a syringe, typically object strenuously to this procedure. Administering a measured liquid to a small child is particularly difficult when the administering person is unfamiliar to the child, e.g., medical personnel. 
     A need exists for a safe, accurate and easy to use system for dispensing and administering measured liquids. More specifically, a need exists for an inexpensive liquid dispensing and administering system that provides a decreased risk of spillage, a low risk of cross-contamination, and that is suitable for administering the measured liquids to adults, small children and infants. 
     OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION 
     A primary object and feature of the present invention is to fulfill the above-mentioned needs by providing a liquid dispensing and administering system for accurately dispensing liquids into a suitable receptacle. It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide a liquid dispensing and administering system that provides at least one adaptation to assist in filling at least one liquid source. It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide a liquid dispensing and administering system for administering the dispensed liquids to adults, small children and infants. It is a further object and feature of this invention to provide such a system that is efficient, economical and handy. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of the embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this invention provides a liquid dispensing and administering system for the controlled dispensing of at least one liquid from at least one liquid source to a mouth of at least one user comprising, in combination: dispenser-spoon means for delivering at least one liquid into the mouth; coupling means for coupling such dispenser-spoon means to the at least one liquid source; and channel means for transfer of the at least one liquid from such coupling means to such dispenser-spoon means. 
     Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such channel means is sized to receive a measured amount of the at least one liquid from the at least one liquid source while placed in a substantially vertical orientation. Further it provides such a system wherein such dispenser-spoon means is sized to receive a measured amount of the at least one liquid from the at least one liquid source while placed in a substantially horizontal orientation. Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such channel means is sized to receive a measured amount of the at least one liquid from the at least one liquid source while placed in a substantially horizontal orientation. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such channel means is structured and arranged to retain such minimal amount of a measured amount of the at least one liquid being transferred that substantially all of the measured amount may be dispensed. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a liquid dispensing and administering system for the controlled dispensing of at least one liquid from at least one liquid source to a mouth of at least one user comprising, in combination: at least one dispenser-spoon structured and arranged to hold the at least one liquid to be dispensed; at least one coupling structured and arranged to removably couple such at least one dispenser-spoon to the at least one liquid source; and at least one channel structured and arranged to transfer the at least one liquid from such at least one coupling to such at least one dispenser-spoon. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one coupling comprises at least one luer slip coupling. Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one coupling comprises at least one luer lock coupling. Moreover, it provides such a system wherein said at least one coupling is structured and arranged to receive at least one oral syringe safety tip. And, it provides such a system wherein such channel is structured and arranged to retain such minimal amount of a measured amount of the at least one liquid being transferred that substantially all of the measured amount may be dispensed. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one dispenser-spoon is sized to receive at least one measured amount of the at least one liquid while placed in a substantially horizontal orientation. Furthermore, it provides such a system wherein such at least one channel is sized to contain at least one measured amount of the at least one liquid while placed in a substantially horizontal orientation. 
     Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one channel is sized to contain at least one measured amount of the at least one liquid while placed in a substantially vertical orientation. It further provides such a system wherein such at least one channel comprises: at least one hollow cone having at least one first wider open end and at least one second narrower open end; wherein at least one portion of such at least one first wider open end is integral with such at least one dispenser-spoon; and wherein such at least one narrower second open end is integral with such at least one coupling. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a liquid dispensing and administering system for the controlled dispensing of at least one liquid from at least one liquid source to a mouth of at least one user comprising, in combination: at least one syringe; at least one dispenser-spoon structured and arranged to hold the at least one liquid to be dispensed; at least one intermediate coupling structured and arranged to removably couple such at least one dispenser-spoon to such at least one syringe; and at least one channel structured and arranged to transfer the at least one liquid from such at least one intermediate coupling to such at least one dispenser-spoon; and wherein such at least one syringe comprises at least one luer coupling. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one luer coupling comprises at least one luer slip coupling. Further, it provides such a system wherein such channel is structured and arranged to retain such minimal amount of a measured amount of the at least one liquid being transferred that substantially all of the measured amount may be dispensed. 
     Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such at least one channel is sized to receive at least one measured amount of the at least one liquid while placed in a substantially horizontal orientation. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one channel is sized to receive at least one measured amount of the at least one liquid while placed in a substantially vertical orientation. Furthermore, it provides such a system wherein such at least one channel comprises: at least one hollow cone having at least one first wider open end and at least one narrower second open end; wherein at least one portion of such at least one first wider open end is integral with such at least one dispenser-spoon; and wherein such at least one second narrower open end is integral with such at least one luer slip coupling. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one luer coupling comprises at least one luer lock coupling. 
     In addition, it provides such a system wherein such channel is structured and arranged to retain such minimal amount of a measured amount of the at least one liquid being transferred that substantially all of the measured amount may be dispensed. Furthermore, it provides such a system wherein such at least one channel is sized to receive at least one measured amount of the at least one liquid while placed in a substantially horizontal orientation. Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one channel is sized to receive at least one measured amount of the at least one liquid while placed in a substantially vertical orientation. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one channel comprises: at least one hollow cone having at least one first wider open end and at least one narrower second open end; wherein at least one portion of such at least one first wider open end is integral with such at least one dispenser-spoon; and wherein such at least one narrower second open end is integral with such at least one luer lock coupling. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a liquid dispensing and administering system for the controlled dispensing of at least one liquid from at least one plunger syringe to a mouth of at least one user comprising, in combination: at least one plunger syringe comprising at least one syringe tip projection, and at least one plunger; at least one dispenser-spoon structured and arranged to hold the at least one liquid to be dispensed; at least one coupling structured and arranged to removably couple such at least one dispenser-spoon to the at least one plunger syringe; and at least one channel structured and arranged to transfer the at least one liquid from such at least one coupling to such at least one dispenser-spoon; wherein such at least one coupling comprises at least one female receptacle structured and arranged to receive such at least one syringe tip projection. Moreover, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such at least one plunger syringe comprises at least one general medical use plunger syringe. Additionally, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such at least one syringe tip projection of such at least one plunger syringe comprises at least one oral syringe safety tip. Also, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such at least one syringe tip projection of such at least one plunger syringe comprises at least one plunger catheter tip syringe tip. In addition, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such at least one syringe tip projection of such at least one plunger syringe comprises at least one luer slip fit tip. And, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such at least one syringe tip projection of such at least one plunger syringe comprises at least one luer lock connector tip. Further, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such at least one syringe tip projection comprises at least one helical thread and such coupling comprises at least one corresponding helical thread. Even further, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such at least one plunger syringe further comprises at least one body comprising at least one internal wall, and at least one exit at such at least one syringe tip projection; and such at least one exit of such at least one plunger syringe is substantially smaller than such at least one inner wall of such at least one plunger syringe. Moreover, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such at least one plunger syringe comprises at least one graduated cylinder. Additionally, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such at least one channel is sized to contain at least one measured amount of the at least one liquid while placed in a substantially horizontal orientation. Also, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such at least one channel is sized to contain at least one measured amount of the at least one liquid while placed in a substantially vertical orientation. In addition, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such at least one dispenser-spoon comprises at least one funnel portion to assist filling such at least one plunger syringe when such liquid dispensing and administering system is positioned vertically. And, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such liquid dispensing and administering system syringe is structured and arranged to be drip resistant in any oriented position. Further, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such at least one dispenser spoon comprises at least one plastic. Even further, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such at least one dispenser spoon comprises at least one metal. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a liquid dispensing and administering system for the controlled dispensing of at least one liquid to a mouth of at least one user comprising, in combination: at least one container to store the at least one liquid; such at least one container comprising at least one body having at least one inner wall, and at least one dispenser-spoon structured and arranged to hold at least one measured amount of the at least one liquid to be dispensed; at least one coupling structured and arranged to removably couple such at least one dispenser-spoon to such at least one container; and at least one channel structured and arranged to assist transfer of the at least one liquid to such at least one dispenser-spoon; such at least one dispenser-spoon comprising at least one exit for the at least one liquid; wherein such at least one exit is substantially smaller than such at least one inner wall of such at least one container; at least one plunger structured and arranged to push liquid on demand from such at least one container through such at least one channel and such at least one exit into such at least one dispenser spoon. Moreover, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such at least one container comprises at least one graduated cylinder. Additionally, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such at least one channel is sized to contain at least one measured amount of the at least one liquid while placed in a substantially horizontal orientation. Also, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such at least one channel is sized to contain at least one measured amount of the at least one liquid while placed in a substantially vertical orientation. In addition, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system further comprising pivot means to pivot such at least one dispenser-spoon about such at least one container. And, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such at least one dispenser spoon comprises such at least one channel and at least one base; such at least one base comprises helical threads; such at least one container comprises helical threads opposite such at least one plunger; such container helical threads are engageable with such dispenser spoon helical threads. Further, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such at least one dispenser spoon comprises at least one plastic. Even further, it provides such a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such at least one dispenser spoon comprises at least one metal. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a liquid dispensing and administering system for the controlled dispensing of at least one liquid from at least one plunger syringe to a mouth of at least one user comprising, in combination: at least one plunger syringe comprising at least one syringe tip projection, and at least one plunger; dispenser-spoon means for delivering at least one liquid into the mouth of at least one user; coupling means for detachably coupling such dispenser-spoon means to the at least one plunger syringe; and channel means for transferring of the at least one liquid from such coupling means to such dispenser-spoon means; wherein such coupling means comprises at least one female receptacle structured and arranged to receive such at least one syringe tip projection. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an elevational view of the liquid dispensing and administering system, shown in use, dispensing a liquid to a small child or infant according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the liquid dispensing and administering system of  FIG. 1  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows a top view of the liquid dispensing and administering system of  FIGS. 1 and 2  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a sectional view through the section  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3  of the liquid dispensing and administering system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows a sectional view through the section  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3  of the liquid dispensing and administering system of  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the liquid dispensing and administering system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows an enlarged partial top view of the liquid dispensing and administering system of  FIG. 6  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows a sectional view through section  8 - 8  of  FIG. 6  of the liquid dispensing and administering system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a lock coupling used in preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of the liquid dispensing and administering system according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of the liquid dispensing and administering system according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  shows a perspective view showing a liquid dispensing and administering system comprising a dispensing-spoon having a funnel-shaped feature according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  shows a front elevational view of a liquid dispensing and administering system comprising a dispensing-spoon having a funnel-shaped feature according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  shows a top plan view of a liquid dispensing and administering system comprising a dispensing-spoon having a funnel-shaped feature according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  shows a side elevational view of a liquid dispensing and administering system comprising a dispensing-spoon having a funnel-shaped feature according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  shows an illustration of a liquid dispensing and administering system comprising a dispensing-spoon having a hinged attachment being filled according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  shows a side elevational view of the liquid dispensing and administering system of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  shows an exploded view of a liquid dispensing and administering system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an elevational view of the liquid dispensing and administering system, shown in use, dispensing a liquid to a small child or infant, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is shown. Although a small child or infant is depicted, those skilled in the art will recognize that adults will also benefit from the system of the present invention. The liquid dispensing and administering system  10  comprises at least one dispensing spoon  14  (herein embodying dispenser-spoon means), used with and preferably removably attachable to, at least one syringe  12 , or similar liquid source, as shown. The syringe  12  may comprise syringes of varying volume, measurement scales and styles, etc. Preferably, syringe  12  is a standard type for general medical use, as shown. Preferably, the dispensing spoon  14  is sized to substantially fit into the recipient&#39;s mouth  16 , as shown. As the recipient may be an adult, an infant or a small child, under appropriate circumstances, different sized spoons may be preferable to accommodate the size and comfort of the recipient. It shall also be recognized that the preferred sizing of the dispensing spoon  14  may vary between the different embodiments of the present invention as appropriate for different aged or sized adults, children and infants. 
     It is presently preferred that dispensing spoon  14  be primarily comprised of at least one mold-formed material, preferably plastic, preferably a semi-rigid medical grade PVC. Other medical grade plastics (i.e., EVA, PP, PE, PUR), as well as metals, under appropriate circumstances, may be suitable to produce the system  10 . Under appropriate circumstances, at least one portion of the material used to form the dispensing spoon  14  may be transparent or translucent to allow the user to view the contents of the dispensing spoon  14 . Any preferred color may be provided to the dispensing spoon  14  by coating, mixing or blending the material forming the dispensing spoon  14  with a pigment and/or dye, or by other well-known methods. Although it is preferred that a single plastic resin be used in the fabrication of the dispensing spoon  14 , under appropriate circumstances, two or more materials, copolymers or mixtures may be used. 
     Under appropriate circumstances, embodiments of the present invention may be utilized for measuring, tasting, cooking, feeding, etc. For example, preferred embodiments of the present invention may be used for feeding measured amounts of nutritive liquids to the elderly, while minimizing spilling, due to the controlled delivery of preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the system  10  of  FIG. 1  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The syringe  12  preferably comprises at least one male slip coupling  18 , as shown. The dispensing spoon  14  preferably comprises at least one female slip coupling  22 , as shown. Female slip coupling  22 , as shown, is structured and arranged to fit, preferably an oral syringe safety tip and alternately a luer-type coupling (herein embodying coupling means). Another alternately preferred tip comprises a plunger catheter tip syringe tip. As shown, female slip coupling  22  is structured and arranged to accept the male slip coupling  18  to form a friction fit. This feature enables the dispensing spoon  14  to be used with more than one syringe  12 , and allows the spoon  14  to accommodate syringes  12  of varying size. Additionally, the preferred use of standard couplings reduces the manufacturing cost of the dispensing spoon  14 , as most standard mass manufactured medical type syringe(s)  12  may be used in conjunction with the dispensing spoon  14 , as shown. As other connectors and couplings come in favor, those skilled in the art may be able to include such connectors and couplings in place of those shown herein. The preferred coupling feature also allows a single syringe  12  to be used with multiple dispensing spoon(s)  14 , thereby preventing the spread of disease and greatly reducing the potential for cross-contamination in situations where two or more recipients are administered liquid from the same syringe  12 . The dispensing spoon  14  preferably comprises at least one short transfer channel  26  (herein embodying channel means) and at least one bowl section  24 , as shown. Preferably, liquid  20  from the syringe  12  is transferred, in a controlled manner, from the syringe  12  through the male and female slip couplings  18  and  22 , and then through the short transfer channel  26  and into the bowl section  24  (herein embodying a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such dispenser-spoon means is sized to receive a measured amount of the at least one liquid from the at least one liquid source while placed in a substantially horizontal orientation). In some preferred embodiments, the short transfer channel  26  is essentially part of the female slip coupling  22 , and may preferably be essentially nonexistent, i.e., the slip coupling  22  connected closely adjacent to the bowl section  24 . The preferred use of a small volume short transfer channel  26 , or the essentially direct connection of the slip coupling  22  to the bowl section  24 , reduces the volume of residual liquid caught in the bore of the short transfer channel  26 . The interior volume of the short transfer channel  26  is preferably sized to retain such minimal amount of the measured liquid being transferred that substantially the entire measured amount of liquid is dispensed (herein embodying a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such channel means is structured and arranged to retain such minimal amount of a measured amount of the at least one liquid being transferred that substantially all of the measured amount may be dispensed). The preferred configurations of the short transfer channel  26  effectively prevent inaccuracies when metering the liquid from the syringe  12  into the dispensing spoon  14 , and minimize complications arising from residual liquids remaining in the system when the dispensing spoon  14  is reused. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a top view of the system  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is shown. Preferably, the dispensing spoon  14  is substantially spoon-shaped, defining at least one essentially concave cavity portion, as shown. Further, the dispensing spoon  14  is preferably bi-symmetrical (symmetrical side-to-side) about the longitudinal axis, as shown; however, under appropriate circumstances, asymmetrical configurations may be preferred. 
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view through the section  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3  of the liquid dispensing and administering system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the male slip coupling  18  preferably forms a friction fit when inserted into the female slip coupling  22 , as shown. Also, visible in  FIG. 4  is the interior bore  27  of the short transfer channel  26 , which provides at least one liquid flow path to the bowl section  24 , as shown. 
       FIG. 5  is a sectional view through the section  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3  of the liquid dispensing and administering system  10  of  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The interior bore  27  within the short transfer channel  26  is also shown herein. 
     In an alternate preferred embodiment (not shown), a plunger syringe preferably having a syringe tip projection may preferably comprise preferably two, alternately preferably three, helical threads. Such helical threads are preferably situated at the “base” of the syringe tip projection near the syringe body, preferably at the widest portion of the syringe tip. Preferably, in this alternately preferred embodiment of the present invention, a dispensing spoon having corresponding helical threads (not shown) engages the plunger syringe tip projection. Such dispensing spoon preferably comprises a channel similar to that shown in  FIG. 4  or  FIG. 6 . Such dispensing spoon may also preferably have spoon shapes similar to those shown in  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 11 , or  FIG. 12 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a perspective view of the system  10 , according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, is shown. The syringe  12  preferably comprises at least one male slip coupling  18 , and the dispensing spoon  14  preferably comprises at least one female slip coupling  22 , into which the male slip coupling  18  slides to form a friction fit. This alternate embodiment of the dispensing spoon  14  further comprises at least one extended transfer channel  28 , open on the top, and at least one bowl section  24 . The liquid  20  from the syringe  12  is transferred from the syringe  12  through the extended transfer channel  28  and into the bowl section  24 . A feature of this alternate embodiment is that the system  10  may be maintained in a slightly off-horizontal orientation, causing the dispensed liquid from the syringe  12  to collect within the extended transfer channel  28  (herein embodying a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such channel means is sized to receive a measured amount of the at least one liquid from the at least one liquid source while placed in a substantially horizontal orientation). This feature provides for a more stable system of preparing the liquid for administering to the recipient, as the system  10  need not be rotated to transfer the liquid into the bowl section  24  until just prior to placing the bowl section  24  into the recipient&#39;s mouth. It should be noted that the extended transfer channel  28  may also comprise an enclosed top, which would then allow the transfer of the liquid from the syringe  12  into the extended transfer channel  28 , while the system  10  is maintained in a substantially vertical orientation (herein embodying a liquid dispensing and administering system wherein such channel means is sized to receive a measured amount of the at least one liquid from the at least one liquid source while placed in a substantially vertical orientation). 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , an enlarged partial top view of the system  10  of  FIG. 6 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is shown. The extended transfer channel  28  is shown in closer detail therein. 
       FIG. 8  shows a sectional view through section  8 - 8  of  FIG. 6  of the liquid dispensing and administering system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The preferred sectional profile of the extended transfer channel  28  is shown therein. 
       FIG. 9  shows an elevational view of a lock coupling  50  used in preferred embodiments of the present invention. The lock coupling  50  enables a more secure engagement between a syringe  12  (see  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  6 ) and the dispensing spoon  14 . The lock coupling  50  preferably comprises a standard male end  30  having a male twist lock end  42 , as shown. The lock coupling  50  further preferably comprises a female end  32 , further comprising a female twist lock end  44 , as shown. The male twist lock end  42  may be inserted and twist-locked into the female twist lock end  44 . Preferably, the female end  32  is coupled to the dispensing spoon  14 , as shown. Preferably, the male end  30  is coupled to at least one syringe  12  (see  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  6 ) or, under appropriate circumstances, other liquid sources having a suitable male fitting. For example, a liquid supply tube from at least one liquid source may be coupled to the male end  30 . A dispensing spoon  14  could then be coupled, via the female end  32  of the dispensing spoon  14 , to the male end  30 . Following a first administration of the liquid in this manner, the dispensing spoon  14  could be removed and another clean and unused dispensing spoon  14  could be coupled, as previously described. Thus, this lock coupling  50  feature, in addition to securely coupling the components, also allows a single liquid source to safely and hygienically dispense measured liquids to multiple recipients without fear of cross-contamination or spread of germs. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a perspective view of the system  10 , according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, is shown. This further preferred embodiment preferably comprises a dispensing spoon  34  preferably having a hemisphere-shaped bowl section  36 . The dispensing spoon  34  also preferably comprises at least one female slip coupling  22 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that this hemisphere-shaped bowl section  36  may be preferable in appropriate circumstances due to such inherent characteristics as its size-to-volume ratio, etc. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a perspective view of the system  10 , according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, is shown. The embodiment of  FIG. 11  preferably comprises a dispensing spoon  38  having a scoop-shaped bowl section  40 . The dispensing spoon  38  also preferably comprises at least one female slip coupling  22 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that this scoop-shaped bowl section  40  may be preferable, in appropriate circumstances, due to such characteristics as its volume, pouring characteristics and ability to retain liquids in an essentially vertical position. Although the use for dispensing is highly preferred, the system, under appropriate circumstances, may alternately be suitable as a collector for receiving a liquid prior to final containment within a holder such as a syringe. As just one example, such a system might be used to assist in the collection of spinal fluid during a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view showing a liquid dispensing and administering system  10  comprising a funnel-shaped dispensing spoon  60 , according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The funnel-shaped dispensing spoon  60  has a preferred feature of comprising at least one adaptation to assist in filling a syringe  12 , as shown. The funnel-shaped dispensing spoon  60  preferably comprises at least one coupling  64 , either of slip or lock configuration, as shown. This preferred embodiment preferably comprises at least one enlarged variation of the short transfer channel  26  described in  FIGS. 1-11 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , the short transfer channel  26  has been modified to form at least one funnel-shaped body  62  connected to the coupling  64 , and at least one spoon  66  integral to the funnel-shaped body  62 . This preferred embodiment couples to at least one liquid source as in the previously discussed embodiments of  FIGS. 1-11 . In use, the funnel-shaped dispensing spoon  60  is connected, preferably by at least one connection, to at least one syringe  12 . Preferably, the funnel-shaped dispensing spoon  60  and syringe  12 , in combination, is positioned in a substantially vertical orientation with the large opening of the funnel-shaped body  62  (herein embodying at least one hollow cone having at least one first wider open end and at least one second narrower open end) facing generally upward. A liquid to be measured and dispensed is then poured into the funnel-shaped body  62 . As the plunger of the syringe  12  is pulled back, the suction pressure created within the syringe  12  draws the liquid from the funnel-shaped body  62  down into the syringe  12 , thus, an easy means of filling a syringe without placing the tip of the syringe  12  into the source is provided, as shown. The funnel-shaped dispensing spoon  60  is then used, as previously discussed, to allow the user to administer liquids to a recipient. This preferred feature prevents the cross-contamination of source liquids and the spread of disease by isolating the liquid source from contact with both the syringe  12  and funnel-shaped dispensing spoon  60 . 
       FIG. 13  is a front elevational view of a liquid dispensing and administering system  10  comprising a funnel-shaped dispensing spoon  60 , according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Although an essentially bi-symmetrical configuration is shown, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide asymmetrical embodiment that, under appropriate circumstances, provides a more efficient orientation of parts to meet one or more specific applications. 
       FIG. 14  is a top plan view of a liquid dispensing and administering system  10  comprising a funnel-shaped dispensing spoon  60 , according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably the spoon  66 , integral to the funnel-shaped body  62 , is approximately oval-shaped, having smoothly formed edges, as shown. Under appropriate circumstances, the spoon  66  and the funnel-shaped body  62  may be formed with additional features, such as grip assisting tabs, support legs and similar secondary components, to facilitate ease of use and comfortable engagement with the recipient. 
       FIG. 15  is a side elevational view of a liquid dispensing and administering system  10  comprising a funnel-shaped dispensing spoon  60 , according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the spoon  66  defines at least one essentially concave cavity portion, smoothly integrated with the interior profile of the funnel-shaped body  62 , as shown. Although it is presently preferred that the funnel-shaped body  62 , spoon  66  and coupling  64  be formed from a single material, under appropriate circumstances, two or more separate materials may be used; for example, to produce an infant-safe spoon  66  using a more pliable plastic portion. 
     With respect to the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-15 , the associated plunger syringes preferably comprises at least one graduated cylinder to assist in filling the syringe to a user-desired exact amount. 
       FIG. 16  shows an illustration of a liquid dispensing and administering system  10  comprising a dispensing-spoon having a hinged attachment being filled according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     Preferably, liquid dispensing and administering system  10  comprises embodiment  1600 , as shown. Embodiment  1600  preferably comprises dispensing spoon  1605  connected to container  1610  by way of hinge  1615  (at least embodying herein pivot means to pivot the dispensing spoon about the container), as shown. Embodiment  1600  preferably comprises plunger  1620  for on-demand dispensing of liquid within container  1610 . Embodiment  1600  preferably comprises graduated cylinder  1612  to assist in measuring the amount of liquid dispensed. Dispensing spoon  1605  preferably comprises channel  1625  which is narrow relative to the inner wall of container  1610 , as shown. Dispensing spoon  1605  preferably comprises exit  1627  which also is narrow relative to the inner wall of container  1610 , as shown. 
     Embodiment  1600  is preferably filled by “uncapping” dispensing spoon  1610  from container  1610  and filling container  1610  while in a substantially vertical orientation. The graduated cylinder of embodiment  1600  assists in filling container  1610  to a user-desired exact amount. Once filled to the user-desired level, dispensing spoon  1605  is re-engaged with container  1610  and secured by way of rib(s)  1630 . In embodiment  1600 , dispensing spoon  1605  is connected to container  1610  which, among other advantages, advantageously prevents loss of individual components. 
     As previously stated, embodiment  1600  preferably comprises dispensing spoon  1605  which preferably comprises channel  1625 , as shown. Channel  1625  is preferably narrow relative to the inner wall of container  1610 , as shown. Additionally preferably, channel  1625  and exit  1627  are narrow relative to inner wall of container  1610 , as shown. Such narrow channel is preferred so that embodiment  1600  is drip resistant when positioned in any horizontal or vertical orientation (even when dispensing spoon  1605  is pointed towards the floor). When container  1610  contains liquid, and when plunger  1620  is inserted into container  1610 , there are no other airflow openings providing a drip resistant system (until plunger  1620  is activated to expel the liquid from container  1610 ). Further, some liquid may be “pushed” into channel  1625  by way of plunger  1620  and held within channel  1625  without dripping. 
     With respect to preferred materials of dispensing spoon  1605 , plastic is a preferred material. In an alternate preferred embodiment of dispensing spoon  1605 , metal is a preferred material. Metal is preferred when dishwashing durability of dispensing spoon  1605  is desired (such as when used in a nursing home to feed elderly patients or in other related institutional environments). 
       FIG. 17  shows a side elevational view of liquid dispensing and administering system  10  of  FIG. 16  (embodiment  1600 ). In  FIG. 17 , dispensing spoon  1605  is shown coupled, or engaged with, container  1610 . 
       FIG. 18  shows an exploded view of liquid dispensing and administering system  10  according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, liquid dispensing and administering system  10  comprises embodiment  1800 . Embodiment  1800  preferably comprises dispensing spoon  1805  and container  1810 , each component separable from the other. Container  1810  preferably comprises plunger  1820 , as shown. Container  1810  preferably comprises helical threads, preferably two, alternately preferably three, helical threads at the end opposite plunger  1820 . Dispensing spoon  1805  preferably comprises channel  1825  and base  1835 , as shown. Base  1835  preferably comprises helical threads that engage threads of container  1810 . Container  1810  is preferably filled by removing dispensing spoon  1805  and filling container  1810  in a similar manner as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
     Embodiment  1800  preferably comprises dispensing spoon  1805  which preferably comprises channel  1825  and exit  1827 , as shown. Channel  1825  is preferably narrow relative to the inner wall of container  1810 , as shown. Additionally preferably, channel  1825  and exit  1827  are narrow relative to inner wall of container  1810 , as shown. Such narrow channel is preferred so that embodiment  1800  is drip resistant when positioned in any horizontal or vertical orientation (even when dispensing spoon  1805  is pointed towards the floor) as in the embodiment of  FIG. 16 . 
     With respect to preferred materials of dispensing spoon  1805 , plastic is a preferred material. In an alternate preferred embodiment of dispensing spoon  1805 , metal is a preferred material. Metal is preferred when dishwashing durability of dispensing spoon  1805  is desired (such as when used in a nursing home to feed elderly patients or in other related institutional environments). 
     Although applicant has described applicant&#39;s preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many other advantages of applicant&#39;s invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.