Abstract:
An ophthalmic dropper for distributing medicinal fluid to an eye is provided. The dropper comprises a fluid carrying container having a hollow body extending along a longitudinal axis, and an opening defined in the hollow body. A nozzle is coupled to the opening of the container for receiving fluid from the container. The nozzle defines an outlet port for distributing fluid from the nozzle. The outlet port of the nozzle is positioned to deliver fluid along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to eye dropper bottles for dispensing fluids. More particularly, this invention relates to bottles for instilling medicinal fluids into a user&#39;s eye. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The instillation of medicinal eye drops tends to be difficult and perilous for many individuals. Generally, a user tilts their head back and looks up. Simultaneously, the dropper bottle is elevated above the eye and held in an inverted position while the walls of the bottle are squeezed, causing the drop to fall from the tip of the bottle toward the eye. 
         [0003]    There are several factors that often complicate the conventional way of instilling eye drops. First, some individuals, as they grow older, find that their hands and head are no longer steady, thus posing the problem of not being able to maintain proper alignment while the drops are being instilled. The individual may even unintentionally poke themselves in the eye with the tip of the dropper, causing temporary or permanent damage to the eye. Secondly, it is difficult for some individuals, especially the elderly, to elevate their shoulder high enough to place the eye dropper in an ideal position above the eye. Thirdly, limitation of motion of the hand or the wrist makes it difficult to turn the bottle in a substantially inverted position. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, there continues to be a need to further develop and improve eye dropper bottles in the interests of safety and convenience. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    According to one aspect of the invention, an ophthalmic dropper is provided. The ophthalmic dropper comprises a fluid carrying container having a hollow body extending along a longitudinal axis, and an opening defined in the hollow body. A nozzle is coupled to the opening of the container for receiving fluid from the container. The nozzle defines an outlet port for distributing fluid from the nozzle, wherein the outlet port of the nozzle is positioned to deliver fluid along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container. 
         [0006]    According to another aspect of the invention, the nozzle of the ophthalmic dropper includes a mounting portion for coupling to the opening of the container and receiving fluid from the container. A side surface of the nozzle extends above the mounting portion of the nozzle in a direction parallel to the opening of the container. The outlet port of the nozzle is disposed on the side surface for distributing fluid from the nozzle. 
         [0007]    According to yet another aspect of the invention, the ophthalmic dropper further comprises a closure moveably captivated to the nozzle. The closure is moveable with respect to the nozzle between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position at least a portion of the nozzle is positioned over the outlet port of the nozzle for concealing the outlet port. In the extended position the nozzle is spaced from the outlet port of the nozzle for distributing fluid through the outlet port. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0008]    The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawing may not be to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawing is the following figure: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional elevation view of an ophthalmic dropper according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 1B  is a top plan view of the nozzle shown in  FIG. 1A , whereby the restrictor channel is shown in hidden lines; 
           [0011]      FIG. 1C  is a cross sectional view of the nozzle shown in  FIG. 1B  taken along the lines  1 C- 1 C; 
           [0012]      FIG. 1D  is a side elevation view of the closure shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 1E  is a top plan view of the closure shown in  FIG. 1D ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 1F  is a cross sectional view of the closure shown in  FIG. 1E  taken along the lines  1 F- 1 F; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional elevation view of an ophthalmic dropper according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2B  is a top plan view of the nozzle shown in  FIG. 2A , whereby the restrictor channel is shown in hidden lines; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2C  is a cross sectional view of the nozzle shown in  FIG. 2B  taken along the lines  2 C- 2 C; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2D  is a top plan view of the closure shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2E  is a cross sectional view of the closure shown in  FIG. 2D  taken along the lines  2 E- 2 E; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional elevation view of an ophthalmic dropper according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention (container omitted), wherein the closure is oriented in a retracted position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional elevation view of the ophthalmic dropper of  FIG. 3A  (container omitted), wherein the closure is oriented in an extended position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3C  is a top plan view of the closure shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3D  is a cross sectional view of the closure shown in  FIG. 3C  taken along the lines  3 D- 3 D; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3E  is a top plan view of the nozzle shown in  FIG. 3A , whereby the restrictor channel is shown in hidden lines; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3F  is a cross sectional view of the nozzle shown in  FIG. 3E  taken along the lines  3 F- 3 F; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3G  is a top plan view of another nozzle that is adapted to be mounted to the closure shown in  FIG. 3A , whereby the restrictor channel is shown in hidden lines; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 3H  is a cross sectional view of the nozzle shown in  FIG. 3G  taken along the lines  3 H- 3 H. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0028]    The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing, which shows exemplary embodiments of the invention selected for illustrative purposes. The invention will be illustrated with reference to the Figures. Such Figures are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting and are included herewith to facilitate the explanation of the present invention. In the various embodiments like item numbers represent substantially similar features. 
         [0029]    In conventional eye dropper containers, such as Visine® and Clear Eyes®, a fluid nozzle is positioned at a blunt end of the container. In practice, a user tilts the head back, inverts the conventional dropper 180 degrees relative to the upright position to induce the flow of fluid through the eye dropper, and presents the blunt end of the container straight toward the eye. As described in the background section, this method of hydrating and/or medicating the eye presents a risk of poking injury to the eye. The invention described herein represents a significant improvement over the conventional eye droppers in the interest of safety. 
         [0030]    Referring generally to the exemplary droppers  10 ,  110 ,  210  illustrated in the drawing figures, dropper  10 ,  110 ,  210  generally includes container  15 ,  115  for storing fluid, a nozzle  20 ,  120 ,  220 A,  220 B coupled to the container for controllably releasing the fluid, and a closure  25 ,  125 ,  225  releasably fastened to the container or nozzle. 
         [0031]    In practice, a user rotates the dropper  10 ,  110 ,  210  approximately 90 degrees relative to an upright position to orient the dropper across the front of the eye (eye droppers are generally stored in an upright position). In other words, the body of the dropper is oriented orthogonal to the nose and parallel to the width of the eye, as best illustrated in  FIG. 1A . The orientation of the eye dropper with respect to the direction of the eye lashes shown in  FIG. 1A  should be noted. The fluid exits from an outlet port  34 ,  134 ,  234  forming droplets at a side surface  60 ,  160 ,  260 A,  260 B of the dropper as opposed to a top surface of the dropper. Positioning the outlet port on the side surface of the dropper permits a user to orient the dropper nozzle across the front of the eye. It has been discovered that presenting a dropper across the front of the eye, as opposed to presenting the dropper straight toward the eye, reduces the possibility of poking injury to the eye. It is believed that this aspect of the invention represents a significant improvement over conventional eye droppers. 
         [0032]    Referring specifically to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1A through 1F , a dropper according to one aspect of this invention is generally designated by the numeral “10.” The dropper  10  is shown in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the eye. In other words, dropper  10  is rotated 90 degrees with respect to an upright position. The dropper includes container  15 , a nozzle  20  coupled to container  15 , and a closure  25  threadedly fastened to container  15 . In  FIG. 1A , closure  25  is shown fastened to the top end, otherwise known as a finish, of container  15 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, container  15  has a threaded finish. A portion of container  15  is illustrated in  FIG. 1A . Detailed views of nozzle  20  are illustrated in  FIGS. 1B and 1C , and detailed views of closure  25  are illustrated in  FIGS. 1D through 1F . 
         [0033]    The container  15  holds a pre-determined volume of fluid, such as medicine, saline solution, water, air or any other fluid adapted for use with an eye. The container  15  defines a longitudinal axis “A,” but is not limited to any particular size or shape. The container  15  may be formed from a flexible material, such as polyethylene, for example, such that compression of container  15  by a user induces the fluid within container  15  to flow towards nozzle  20 . Alternatively, container  15  may be formed from a substantially rigid material, such as glass. 
         [0034]    When dropper  10  is rotated away from the upright position or compressed, the fluid within container  15  flows toward nozzle  20 . The nozzle  20  is adapted to controllably release the fluid from dropper  10  (assuming closure  25  is removed from container  15 ). More specifically, as best shown in  FIG. 1C , fluid from dropper  10  is introduced through an annular passageway  30  formed in nozzle  20 . Thereafter the fluid gradually travels through a restrictor channel  32  formed in the body of nozzle  20 . The restrictor channel  32  spans from annular passageway  30  to an exterior side surface  60  of nozzle  20 . The restrictor channel  32  is adapted to permit a controlled volume of fluid to pass through nozzle  20 . The fluid travels through a small aperture  36  formed at one end of the conically shaped fluid restrictor channel  32  and exits nozzle  20  through the opposing end of restrictor channel  32  at outlet port  34  that is formed on side surface  60  of nozzle  20 . The diameters of aperture  36  and outlet port  34  are precisely tailored to control the volume and flow rate of the fluid through nozzle  20 . 
         [0035]    The fluid is ultimately delivered through outlet port  34  along axis “B”. According to this exemplary embodiment, axis “B” is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis “A” of the container  15 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 1A . However, axis “B” may be disposed at any other angle with respect to the longitudinal axis “A” of the container  15 . 
         [0036]    Referring still to  FIGS. 1A through 1F , when closure  25  is fastened to container  15 , as shown in  FIG. 1A , closure  25  conceals outlet port  34  of nozzle  20  to prevent or limit the escapement of fluid from dropper  10 . More specifically, once closure  25  is seated with flange  38  of nozzle  20 , the interior surface  37  of closure  25  (see  FIG. 1F ) conceals the outlet port  34  of nozzle  20 . Thus, if dropper  10  is unintentionally stored on its side, physical contact between interior surface  37  and outlet port  34  limits escapement of fluid from outlet port  34 . In addition, because both the interior surface  37  of closure  25  and nozzle  20  are cylindrical features, surface  37  conceals outlet port  34  regardless of the radial orientation of outlet port  34  or closure  25 . 
         [0037]    In assembly of dropper  10 , a plug-shaped mounting portion  40  of nozzle  20  (see  FIG. 1C ) is inserted through an opening of container  15 . Similar to a common plug, mounting portion  40  includes a tapered exterior that progressively engages the opening of container  15  until flange  38  of nozzle  20  bears on shoulder  44  of container  15 . The outer revolved surface of mounting portion  40  is sufficiently compressed in the aperture of container  15  to limit escapement of fluid through the interface of the threaded finish of container  15  and flange  38  of the nozzle  20 . 
         [0038]    After nozzle  20  is coupled to container  15 , closure  25  is positioned over nozzle  20  and threadedly fastened to container  15 . Specifically, threaded region  48  of closure  25  (see  FIG. 1F ) is threadedly engaged with threaded region  52  of container  15  and the shoulder  42  of closure  25  is seated on flange  38  of nozzle  20 . The exterior revolved surface of closure  25  includes ergonomic features, such as serrations  54 , which facilitate easy fastening and release of closure  25  onto container  15 . In this exemplary embodiment, the closure  25  may be entirely removed from dropper  10 . 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2A through 2E , another exemplary embodiment of a dropper  110  is illustrated. The dropper  110  is illustrated in a closed configuration in  FIG. 2A , i.e., outlet port  134  is concealed. Similar to the previous embodiment, the fluid exits from an outlet port  134  disposed on a side surface  160  (see  FIG. 2C ) of dropper  110 , such that, in practice, dropper  110  is presented across the front of the eye. However, in this embodiment, closure  125  is threadedly fastened to nozzle  120 , as opposed to container  115 . 
         [0040]    In this exemplary embodiment, dropper  110  comprises container  115 , a nozzle  120  coupled to container  115 , and a closure  125  threadedly fastened to nozzle  120 . Detailed views of nozzle  120  are illustrated in  FIGS. 2B and 2C , and detailed views of closure  25  are illustrated in  FIGS. 2D and 2E . 
         [0041]    In the retracted position of closure  125 , the threaded region  148  of closure  125  is threadedly engaged with threaded region  122  of nozzle  120  and closure  125  bears on flange  138  of nozzle  120 . The interior surface  137  of closure  125  (see  FIG. 2E ) conceals and is compressed against outlet port  134  of nozzle  120  to limit escapement of fluid from dropper  110 . The exterior revolved surface of closure  125  includes serrations  154  to facilitate easy fastening and release of closure  125  onto dropper  110 . 
         [0042]    The closure  125  is configured to travel along axis “A”, from a retracted position, as shown in  FIG. 2A , to an extended position (not shown). Specifically, closure  225  translates in an axial direction along axis “A” as it is rotated in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about axis “A.” In this exemplary embodiment, closure  125  may be entirely removed from dropper  110 . 
         [0043]    According to one exemplary use of the invention, the closure  125  is rotated to an extended position and is placed on the bridge of a user&#39;s nose. The outlet port  134  is then positioned directly adjacent the user&#39;s eye. The container  115  is squeezed to deliver fluid through the outlet port  134  of the nozzle  120  and into the user&#39;s eye. 
         [0044]    By contacting the nose before positioning outlet port  134  directly adjacent the eye, a user can position outlet port  234  adjacent the eye with greater control and precision as compared with conventional droppers, thereby reducing the possibility of poking injury to the eye. Thus, it is submitted that this invention confers a significant advantage over conventional eye droppers. 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3A through 3F , another exemplary embodiment of a dropper  210 ,  210 ′ (container omitted) is illustrated according to aspects of the invention. In  FIG. 3A  dropper  210  is illustrated in a closed configuration, and in  FIG. 3B  dropper  210 ′ is illustrated in an open configuration. The container of dropper  210  is omitted from  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
         [0046]    The dropper  210 ,  210 ′ includes a container (not shown), a nozzle  220 A coupled to the container, and a closure  225  threadedly fastened to nozzle  220 A. In this exemplary embodiment, closure  225  is moveably captivated to nozzle  220 A, i.e., closure  225  can not be removed from nozzle  220 A without applying significant force. 
         [0047]    The closure  225  is configured to travel along axis “A” between a retracted position and an extended position. The closure  225  of dropper  210  is illustrated in a retracted position in  FIG. 3A , and the closure  225  of dropper  210 ′ is illustrated in an extended position in  FIG. 3B . Similar to prior embodiments, in the extended position shown in  FIG. 3B , closure  225  is spaced from outlet port  234  to permit escapement of fluid from the container. The fluid exits from an outlet port  234  disposed on a side surface  260  of the dropper  210 ′. Thus, it should be understood that dropper  210 ′ is utilized to medicate or hydrate a user&#39;s eye in the extended, i.e. open position, shown in  FIG. 3B . In the retracted, i.e. closed, position shown in  FIG. 3A , closure  225  conceals outlet port  234  of nozzle  220 A to limit escapement of fluid from dropper  210 . 
         [0048]    The closure  225  is adapted to translate in an axial direction along axis “A” as it is rotated in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about axis “A.” Specifically, the threaded region  248  of closure  225  is threadedly engaged with threaded region  222  of nozzle  220 A. The angled flange  242  of closure  225  is positioned to travel between shoulder  223  and shoulder  229  of nozzle  220 A (see  FIG. 3F ). 
         [0049]    To close dropper  210  and conceal outlet port  234 , closure  225  is rotated about axis “A” until angled flange  242  of closure  225  is seated on shoulder  223  of nozzle  220 A, as shown in  FIG. 3A . Similar to prior embodiments, once closure  225  is seated on nozzle  220 , interior surface  237  of closure  225  (see  FIG. 3D ) conceals the outlet port  234  of nozzle  220  to limit escapement of fluid from the container. Moreover, interior surface  237  of closure  225  is positioned in compressive contact with the outlet port  234 , regardless of the radial orientation of outlet port  234  or closure  225 . 
         [0050]    Moreover, to open dropper  210  and expose outlet port  234 , closure  225  is rotated about axis “A” in an opposite direction until angled flange  242  of closure  225  bears on shoulder  229  of nozzle  220 A, as shown in  FIG. 3B . However, it should be understood that dropper  210  is generally positioned in an open configuration (and permits escapement of fluid from the container) once closure  225  is spaced from outlet port  234  sufficient to expose outlet port  234 . In other words, angled flange  242  of closure  225  does not have to bear on shoulder  229  of nozzle  220 A to expose outlet port  234 . 
         [0051]    In this exemplary embodiment, the body of closure  225  extends substantially above the outlet  234 . In practice, in the extended orientation of closure  225  shown in  FIG. 3B , closure  225  is positioned on the bridge of a user&#39;s nose, and outlet port  234  is positioned directly adjacent the user&#39;s eye. 
         [0052]    In assembly of dropper  210 ,  210 ′, mounting portion  240 A of nozzle  220  is adhered to the container finish (not shown). Specifically, mounting portion  240 A of nozzle  220  (see  FIG. 3F ) is positioned through an aperture defined in the container and either heat sealed, glued, or otherwise bonded to the cylindrical interior wall of the aperture. Thereafter, stop  265  of nozzle  220  is positioned through interior surface  237  of closure  225  (see  FIG. 3D ) and threadedly engaged with threaded region  248  of closure  225 . As closure  225  is threaded onto nozzle  220 A, chamfered surface  266  of stop  265  (see  FIG. 3F ) engages the angled surface of angled flange  242  to facilitate outward deflection of angled flange  242 . Ultimately, stop  265  deflects angled flange  242  sufficient to permit the passage of stop  265  through angled flange  242 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . Thereafter, closure  225  is captivated onto dropper  210 . To facilitate deflection of angled flange  242 , either all or a portion of either closure  225  or nozzle  220  may be formed from a flexible or semi-flexible material. The method of assembling dropper  210  is not limited to the aforementioned steps, as the components of dropper  210  may be assembled in any sequence. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3G and 3H , another example of a nozzle  220 B adapted for use with dropper  210 ,  210 ′ is shown. The nozzle  220 B shown in the figures includes a plug-shaped mounting portion  240 B, similar to mounting portion  40  shown in  FIG. 1C . In assembly, mounting portion  240 B is inserted through an opening of the container (not shown). The mounting portion  240 B includes a tapered exterior that progressively engages the opening of the container until flange  238  of nozzle  220 B is seated on the shoulder of the container. 
         [0054]    While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be understood that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, although the closure is threadedly coupled to the nozzle or the container, the closure may be mounted to the nozzle or container using any fastening method known in the art. 
         [0055]    It is intended that the appended claims cover all such variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.