Patent Description:
State of the Art: There are many different types of dispensers which may be used to atomize a fluid being dispensed therefrom. Some atomize a fluid utilizing an orifice having specific spin mechanic features designed to cause atomization. Others atomize a fluid by forcing the fluid to collide with a gas stream, such as air. For example, such dispensers are often referred to as aspirators and may include designs such as those illustrated in <CIT>. Such devices may be used to atomize a fluid stream being dispensed therefrom. Such devices are often attached to a bottle filled with a fluid. As the bottle is squeezed, air and fluid from within the bottle are forced through the atomization device to produce an atomized spray of fluid. In <CIT> dispensing closure with a push-pull seal is disclosed, wherein a generally circular spray plug has a spray plug deck from which extends a spray plug seal for sealingly engaging an internal surface of a container neck. A central spray plug post extends from the spray plug deck.

While aspirators or other atomization devices exist, there are known issues with such devices. For instance, such devices often have one or more fluid or product outlets along with one or more air or gas outlets configured to allow the air and fluid to mix. When such devices are attached to a bottle and the bottle tips or falls on its side, fluid often leaks from the devices through both fluid and air outlets. Such leaking is undesirable. In addition, such devices may not produce complete atomization of the fluid, resulting in larger droplets or even streams of product fluid being dispensed instead of an atomized fog or cloud. Furthermore, the bottles used with such dispensers are often designed with a large bulb or reservoir at the top of the bottle to contain liquid during use and to provide an air pocket for initial use of the dispensing product. Such bottles do not allow complete evacuation of the fluid from the bottle or make it very difficult to do so.

Thus, there is a need for improved dispensing systems utilizing simple atomization features and having improved bottle and dispensing combinations to provide users with a better dispensing experience.

According to a first element of the disclosure there is provided, an atomizer, comprising: a closure; and a nozzle, wherein the nozzle is moveable between an "on" and "off" position relative to the closure, the closure comprising: a primary wall; a closure skirt extending off a bottom surface of the primary wall; at least one fluid opening; a dip tube connector extending off a bottom surface of the primary wall and circumscribing or defining the at least one fluid opening; a central post extending off a top surface of the primary wall or off a top surface of a secondary wall of the closure, the central post having a fluid flow opening extending therethrough; an outer wall extending off the top surface of the primary wall and circumscribing the central post; and at least one air hole extending through said primary wall between the central post and the outer wall. The nozzle comprises: a nozzle face; an orifice opening in the nozzle face; an outer skirt or nozzle wall extending downward from the nozzle face and attached to the closure such that at least a portion of the nozzle moves relative to the central post of the closure; an inner seal rib extending off a bottom surface of the nozzle face and circumscribing the orifice opening, said inner seal rib at least partially engaging said central post and defining an air flow channel between an outer surface of said central post and an inner surface of said inner seal rib; and an outer seal rib extending off the bottom surface of the nozzle face and circumscribing the inner seal rib. Wherein, said outer seal rib engages an inner surface of said outer wall. Wherein said outer skirt extends off the nozzle face, circumscribing the outer seal rib and engaging an outer surface of said outer wall. Wherein, said inner sealing rib having a bottom edge for at least partially engaging a top surface of the primary closure wall. Wherein said nozzle is rotatable relative to the closure and moveable between an on-position, wherein said bottom edge of the inner sealing rib is not blocking said air hole; and an off-position wherein said bottom edge of said inner sealing rib blocks said air hole.

Optionally, a mixing chamber is formed between the central post of the closure and the bottom surface of the nozzle.

Optionally, an interior chamber is formed between the central post of the closure and the outer wall of the closure.

According to another aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a dispenser comprising: an atomizer according to any of the relevant preceding paragraphs and a squeezable bottle.

Optionally, the bottle comprises a hand ledge.

Optionally, the hand ledge is positioned in a middle third of the bottle.

Optionally, a cross-section of the hand ledge is substantially oval.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming particular embodiments of the present invention, various embodiments of the invention can be more readily understood and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art from the following descriptions of various embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:.

According to certain embodiments of the invention, a dispenser <NUM> may include an atomizer <NUM> attached to a bottle <NUM>. For example, according to some embodiments of the invention, an atomizer <NUM> may be attached to a bottle as illustrated in <FIG>.

An atomizer <NUM> according to certain embodiments of the invention may include one or more molded components configured to attach to a bottle <NUM>. Attachment of the atomizer <NUM> to the bottle <NUM> may be made in any one of many different ways. For instance, a bayonet-type closure as known may be used. In other embodiments, a screw-type closure may be used wherein threads on an interior surface of the atomizer <NUM> may mate with threads on an exterior surface of the bottle <NUM> to allow the atomizer <NUM> to be attached to the bottle <NUM>. In still other embodiments, other connection systems may be used, including but not limited to, ultrasonic welding, snap-fit closure features, and plug-seal closure or connections. In addition, child-resistant or tamper evident features may be incorporated into the closure design to prevent or restrict removal of an atomizer <NUM> from a bottle <NUM> once the atomizer <NUM> is attached thereto. For example, ratchet features on the atomizer <NUM> and bottle <NUM> may work together to retain the atomizer <NUM> on the bottle <NUM>. Various embodiments of the invention are not limited by how such features are incorporated with the dispensers <NUM> of the current invention.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, an atomizer <NUM> may include a flip-top aspirator such as those illustrated and described in <CIT>. In other embodiments, an atomizer <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may incorporate other features.

An atomizer <NUM> according to certain embodiments of the invention may be part of a dispenser <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated, the atomizer <NUM> may include an orifice opening <NUM> through which air and a fluid or liquid product from an interior of bottle <NUM> are forced to generate an atomized cloud of fluid. The orifice opening <NUM> may be directed at an angle as illustrated to provide a directional spray or cloud of product out of the orifice opening <NUM> when a user squeezes the bottle <NUM>. For instance, <FIG> illustrates a dispenser <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> in use. As a user squeezes the bottle <NUM>, a fog of product is produced and delivered through the orifice opening <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the invention, an atomizer <NUM> may include different shapes and aesthetic designs. For instance, the aesthetic design illustrated in <FIG> are unique. A second aesthetic design is illustrated in <FIG>. The atomizer <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may have fewer undercuts or sharp angles, thereby facilitating a simpler molding process for making the atomizer <NUM> - or the exterior component of the atomizer <NUM> - which may result in cost reductions associated with producing such atomizers <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the orifice opening <NUM> is directed upwards to direct a spray or fog emitted from the atomizer <NUM> to project in the general direction that the orifice opening <NUM> is directed.

A cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an atomizer <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated, the atomizer <NUM> may include a plug seal <NUM>, a closure <NUM>, an exterior shell <NUM>, and a chamber shell <NUM>. The plug seal <NUM> may include a dip-tube connector <NUM>, one or more air passageways <NUM>, and one or more fluid passageways <NUM>. A plug seal <NUM> may also include one or more seals extending away from a main platform of the plug seal <NUM> to form a seal with a surface of a bottle <NUM> opening when assembled to a bottle <NUM> as illustrated.

A chamber shell <NUM> may be snap-fitted or otherwise attached to the plug seal <NUM> above the one or more air passageways <NUM> and fluid passageways <NUM>, creating a mixing chamber <NUM> between the chamber shell <NUM> and the plug seal <NUM>. The chamber shell <NUM> may also include one or more orifice openings <NUM> in communication with the mixing chamber <NUM>. An orifice opening <NUM> may allow product to pass from the mixing chamber <NUM> to atmosphere.

A closure <NUM> may attach and secure the plug seal <NUM> to an opening in a bottle <NUM>. In some embodiments, a plug seal <NUM> may be attached to the closure <NUM> while in others the closure <NUM> may just hold the plug seal <NUM> in place. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, a plug seal <NUM> may include one or more lips or seal rings which may snap-fit into one or more grooves in the closure <NUM> in order to secure the plug seal <NUM> to the closure <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, a chamber shell <NUM> may also be attached to the closure <NUM> rather than to the plug seal <NUM>.

An exterior shell <NUM> may be attached to the closure <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, the exterior shell <NUM> may include one or more lips or snap-fitment connections that may snap-fit or otherwise join with portions of the closure <NUM> or plug seal <NUM> or both. The exterior shell <NUM> may define the exterior aesthetics or look of the atomizer <NUM>. In various embodiments, an exterior shell <NUM> may also include vent passageways and other features required for operation of the atomizer <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, an opening in the exterior shell <NUM> may be configured to mate with the shape of one or more surfaces of the chamber shell <NUM> such that a portion of the chamber shell <NUM> is fitted in the opening of the exterior shell <NUM>. The orifice opening <NUM> may be included in that portion of the chamber shell <NUM> extending into or visible through the opening in the exterior shell <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the invention, the exterior shell <NUM> may be customizable such that the closure <NUM>, plug seal <NUM> and chamber shell <NUM> may be manufactured in mass and the exterior shell <NUM> changed to provide a custom aesthetic look for the atomizer <NUM>. In this fashion, costs associated with manufacturing and assembling the atomizer <NUM> may be kept low by running most of the components in high-speed or high-cavitation molds while allowing for easy modification and customization by changing only the exterior shell <NUM>.

While the atomizer <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes four components, other embodiments of the disclosure may include fewer components. For example, in some embodiments, the chamber shell <NUM> may be molded with the closure <NUM> such that one component is eliminated, further reducing costs associated with molding and assembling of an atomizer <NUM>. In other embodiments, the plug seal <NUM> and closure <NUM> may be molded together to reduce part count and costs. In still other embodiments, the plug seal <NUM> and closure <NUM> may be molded together and the exterior shell <NUM> and chamber shell <NUM> may be molded together to further reduce the part count and the costs associated with manufacturing and assembling an atomizer <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

According to some embodiments of the invention, an atomizer may include features to allow the atomizer to be turned on and off or adjusted from a closed to an open position wherein in the closed or off position a product may not be dispersed from the dispenser <NUM> and in the open or on position, product distribution is possible. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the on/off or open/closed toggling is accomplished with an atomizer <NUM> having a push/pull feature. In other embodiments of the invention, the on/off or open/closed toggling is accomplished with an atomizer <NUM> having a rotational feature. Other features may be incorporated with various embodiments of the disclosure to control the on/off or open/closed states of an atomizer as desired.

An atomizer <NUM> having a push/pull toggle feature according to some embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. The atomizer <NUM> may be attached to a bottle <NUM> to facilitate evacuation of a product from the bottle <NUM> as a fog or spray. As illustrated, an atomizer <NUM> may include a closure <NUM> and a nozzle <NUM>. In some embodiments of the invention, an atomizer <NUM> may also include an exterior shell (not shown) that functions with or independently of the nozzle <NUM> and provides aesthetics to the atomizer <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure, the closure <NUM> of an atomizer <NUM> may include a primary wall <NUM> having a top surface and a bottom surface. A dip tube connector <NUM> may extend away from the bottom surface of the primary wall <NUM>. The dip tube connector <NUM> may be circular in shape and may be configured to retain a dip tube <NUM> therein. One or more fluid openings <NUM> may extend through the primary wall <NUM>, with one end of each of the one or more fluid openings <NUM> being on the bottom surface of the primary wall <NUM> and bounded by the dip tube connector <NUM> such that the one or more fluid openings <NUM> are in communication with an interior space formed by the dip tube connector <NUM>. An example of a fluid opening <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>.

The closure <NUM> may also include one or more seal rings <NUM> extending off of and away from the bottom surface of the primary wall <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The one or more seal rings <NUM> may mate with, fit against, or seal to an interior surface of an opening in a bottle <NUM> to create a fluid-tight seal (or relatively fluid-tight seal) between the seal rings <NUM> and the bottle <NUM>.

A closure <NUM> may also include a closure skirt <NUM> extending off of the primary wall <NUM> to help retain the closure <NUM> on a bottle <NUM>. The closure skirt <NUM> may include one or more features used to connect the closure <NUM> to a bottle <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, a closure skirt <NUM> may include one or more ramps <NUM> configured to mate with one or more closure ramps on a bottle <NUM> to allow the closure <NUM> to be screwed onto a bottle <NUM>. In other embodiments of the invention, a closure skirt <NUM> may include other attachment features - such as a bayonet closure feature or snap-fit feature - that may be used to attach the atomizer <NUM> to a bottle <NUM>.

A central post <NUM> may extend upwards from the primary wall <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The central post <NUM> may include an outer surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> may have different shapes or configurations as required for the particular atomizer <NUM>. For instance, as illustrated in <FIG>, the central post <NUM> includes vertical surfaces that are perpendicular to the top surface of the primary wall <NUM> and angled surfaces extending therefrom.

An outer wall <NUM> may extend upwards from the primary wall <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The outer wall <NUM> circumscribes the central post <NUM>. A space exists between the outer wall <NUM> and the central post <NUM>. According to various embodiments of the invention, fluid openings <NUM> are open or are in communication with the space formed between the outer wall <NUM> and the central post <NUM>. In addition, one or more air holes <NUM> extending through the primary wall <NUM> may open up or be in communication with the space between the outer wall <NUM> and the central post <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. While only one air hole <NUM> is viewable in <FIG>, various embodiments of the invention may include two or more air holes <NUM> extending through the primary wall <NUM> and providing communication between an interior of a bottle <NUM> connected to the atomizer <NUM> and the space between the outer wall <NUM> and the central post <NUM>.

An atomizer <NUM> according to various embodiments of the invention also includes a nozzle <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. A nozzle <NUM> may include a nozzle face <NUM>, an inner seal rib <NUM>, an outer seal rib <NUM> circumscribing the inner seal rib <NUM>, and an outer skirt <NUM> circumscribing the outer seal rib <NUM>. Each of the inner seal rib <NUM>, the outer seal rib <NUM>, and outer skirt <NUM> may extend downward from the nozzle face <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> may be attached to the closure <NUM> such that an inner surface of the outer skirt <NUM> engages an outer surface of the outer wall <NUM> of the closure <NUM> as illustrated. The nozzle <NUM> may be pushed and pulled such that the bottom surface of the nozzle face <NUM> moves relative to the central post <NUM> of the closure <NUM>. The embodiment illustrated in <FIG> is in an open or on position wherein the nozzle <NUM> is pulled outward from the closure <NUM> to allow fluid and gas exit through the orifice opening <NUM> in the nozzle face <NUM>.

As illustrated, connection of the nozzle <NUM> to the closure <NUM> forms an interior chamber <NUM> between the nozzle <NUM> and the closure <NUM>. The outer seal rib <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM> may seal against and contact an inner surface of the outer wall <NUM> of the closure <NUM>, helping to define the interior chamber <NUM>. The interior chamber <NUM> is open to or in communication with the one or more fluid openings <NUM> and one or more air holes <NUM>. Fluid and air may pass freely into the interior chamber <NUM> through these openings and the contact between the outer seal rib <NUM> and the inner surface of the outer wall <NUM> prevents fluid from leaking from the atomizer <NUM>.

A mixing chamber <NUM> is formed between a portion of the nozzle <NUM> circumscribed by the inner seal rib <NUM> and the central post <NUM>. In an open or "on" state, the nozzle <NUM> is pulled away from the primary wall <NUM> of the closure <NUM>, raising the position of the outer rib seal <NUM> relative to the outer wall <NUM> and expanding the volume of the interior chamber <NUM>. At the same time, as the nozzle <NUM> is pulled away from the primary wall <NUM>, the inner seal rib <NUM> disengages from contact with portions of the central post <NUM>, exposing one or more flow channels <NUM> between the central post <NUM> and inner surface of the inner seal rib <NUM>. The one or more flow channels <NUM> lead to the mixing chamber <NUM> where fluid and air are mixed before being expelled through the orifice opening <NUM> in the nozzle <NUM>.

In a closed or "off state, the nozzle <NUM> is pushed towards the primary wall <NUM> of the closure <NUM>, resulting in an engagement of the inner seal rib <NUM> with an outer surface of the central post <NUM> such that fluid and air cannot pass from the interior chamber <NUM> into the mixing chamber <NUM>. In this manner, the atomizer <NUM> may be turned "off" and leakage may be prevented because any fluid flowing into the interior chamber <NUM> is precluded from leaving the interior chamber <NUM> by the outer seal rib <NUM>. The only place for fluid in the interior chamber <NUM> to go is to flow back into an interior of a bottle <NUM> attached to the atomizer <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the invention, an interior surface of the inner seal rib <NUM> may be configured to match the shape of the central post <NUM> to form a better seal. Flow channels <NUM> may be formed between the central post <NUM> and the inner seal rib <NUM> by changing the shape or creating channels in either or both of the respective parts.

A push/pull configuration of an atomizer <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be turned on by pulling the nozzle <NUM> away from the closure <NUM> and may be turned off by pushing the nozzle <NUM> towards the closure <NUM>. In addition, a twist feature may be added such that once pulled outwards, the nozzle <NUM> could be twisted into a locked position such that it will not be pushed back down towards the closure <NUM> without first rotating the nozzle <NUM> back to the original position. One or more posts on an exterior surface of the outer wall <NUM> may engage the outer skirt <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM> to prevent such movement as desired.

An atomizer <NUM> for use with a dispenser <NUM> according to other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated, an atomizer <NUM> includes a closure <NUM> and a nozzle <NUM>. According to such embodiments of the invention, the nozzle <NUM> rotates about a portion of the closure <NUM> from an open or "on" position to a closed or "off" position. In an "on" position, product may be dispersed from the atomizer <NUM>. In an "off" position, product may not be dispersed and the atomizer <NUM> prevents leakage of product, even if the dispenser <NUM> to which the atomizer <NUM> is attached is tipped-over or inverted.

According to various embodiments of the invention, an atomizer <NUM> closure <NUM> includes a primary wall <NUM> having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface is configured to be adjacent a bottle <NUM> surface when the atomizer <NUM> is attached to a bottle <NUM>. A closure skirt <NUM> extends off of the primary wall <NUM> and may include closure features adapted to connect the atomizer <NUM> to a bottle <NUM>. For instance, closure features as described with respect to other embodiments of the disclosure may be utilized, including threaded closure features, bayonet closure features, and snap-fit closure features. A dip tube connector <NUM> extends off of a bottom surface of the primary wall <NUM>. In addition, in some embodiments of the invention, a dip tube connector <NUM> may extend off a secondary wall formed as part of the closure <NUM> but not necessarily as part of the primary wall <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. A central post <NUM> extends away from a top surface of the primary wall <NUM> or away from the secondary wall in a direction opposite of the dip tube connector <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. A portion of the central post <NUM> is hollow as illustrated, forming - in conjunction with a dip tube <NUM> retained by the dip tube connector <NUM> - an interior fluid chamber. An outer wall <NUM> extends upwards from a top surface of the primary wall <NUM> and may circumscribe the central post <NUM> as illustrated.

A nozzle <NUM> of an atomizer <NUM> includes a nozzle face <NUM> having an orifice opening <NUM> passing through the nozzle face <NUM>. An inner seal rib <NUM> extends off of a bottom - or interior - surface of the nozzle <NUM>, circumscribing the orifice opening <NUM>. An outer seal rib <NUM> extends off of a bottom - or interior - surface of the nozzle <NUM>, circumscribing the inner seal rib <NUM>. An outer skirt <NUM> circumscribes both the inner seal rib <NUM> and the outer seal rib <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

According to various embodiments of the invention, a nozzle <NUM> fits onto the closure <NUM> such that the inner seal rib <NUM> sits adjacent the central post <NUM>, circumscribing the central post <NUM> and coming into sealing contact with the central post <NUM> in certain configurations. The outer seal rib <NUM> contacts an inner surface of the outer wall <NUM> of the closure <NUM> in sealing engagement and is moveable against the inner surface of the outer wall <NUM>. Fitment of the nozzle <NUM> on the closure <NUM> defines an interior chamber <NUM> in the atomizer <NUM>. In addition, a mixing chamber <NUM> is defined between a bottom surface of the nozzle face <NUM> and the top of the central post <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

The nozzle <NUM> may attach to the closure <NUM> by engagement of the outer skirt <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM> with the outer wall <NUM> of the closure <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> is attached to the closure <NUM> such that the nozzle <NUM> may be rotated relative to the closure <NUM> to turn the atomizer <NUM> on and off. In some embodiments, the nozzle <NUM> and the closure <NUM> may include corresponding ramps or other features to allow movement of the nozzle <NUM> up and down relative to the closure <NUM> to open and close the atomizer <NUM>. In other embodiments, rotation of the nozzle <NUM> may move the nozzle <NUM> and corresponding openings in the nozzle <NUM> and closure <NUM> so that they align or do not align to form pathways through the atomizer <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, a central post <NUM> may include a fluid flow channel <NUM> in a portion of the central post <NUM> abutting a portion of the inner seal rib <NUM>. An opening in the lower surface of the nozzle face <NUM> may be rotated to coincide with the fluid flow channel <NUM> such that fluid may pass through the fluid flow channel <NUM> and into the mixing chamber <NUM> as illustrated. When the nozzle <NUM> is rotated, the opening in the lower surface of the nozzle face <NUM> may be realigned such that it is not in communication with the fluid flow channel <NUM> such that the lower surface of the nozzle face <NUM> shuts off or prevents flow of fluid through the fluid flow channel <NUM>.

Similarly, portion of a bottom or lower surface of the nozzle face <NUM> may include grooves or openings that aligned with air flow channels <NUM> when the nozzle <NUM> is in an "on" or open position as illustrated in <FIG>. In the "on" or open position, air may flow through one or more air flow passageways <NUM> in the closure <NUM> and into the one or more air flow channels <NUM>. When nozzle <NUM> is rotated to an "off or closed position, portions of the bottom or lower surface of the nozzle face <NUM> may seal against or close off the air flow channels <NUM> in the atomizer <NUM>, preventing the flow of air through the air flow channels <NUM>.

When an atomizer <NUM> is in an "off" or closed position, the nozzle <NUM> prevents flow of any fluid, product, or air from the bottle <NUM> through the atomizer <NUM>. When rotated to an "on" or open position, the nozzle <NUM> and closure <NUM> are aligned such that fluid may pass through one or more fluid flow channels <NUM> and air may pass through one or more air flow channels <NUM>. Fluid and air passing through the respective channels may be mixed in the mixing chamber <NUM> and forced out of the orifice opening <NUM> as a fog or spray of product.

An atomizer <NUM> according to still other embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. As illustrated, an atomizer <NUM> may include a closure <NUM> and a nozzle <NUM>. The closure <NUM> may include a primary wall <NUM> having a closure skirt <NUM>, a seal ring <NUM>, and a dip tube connector <NUM> extending off of a bottom surface of the primary wall <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. A central post <NUM> and outer wall <NUM> may extend off of a top surface of the primary wall <NUM>. A closure spout <NUM> circumscribed by the central post <NUM> may define a flow path through the primary wall <NUM> and into a mixing chamber <NUM>. The closure spout <NUM> may be in communication with an interior of the dip tube connector <NUM>. One or more air holes <NUM> may also project through the primary wall <NUM> into the mixing chamber <NUM>.

A nozzle <NUM> may be connected to or mated with the closure <NUM> in such a way that the nozzle <NUM> may be rotated to move the atomizer <NUM> into an "on" or open position in which a product may be dispensed and into an "off or closed position in which product is not and cannot be dispensed. A nozzle <NUM> may include an orifice opening <NUM> through a nozzle face <NUM>. A nozzle wall <NUM> may extend off of a bottom surface of the nozzle face <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, a nozzle wall <NUM> may include one or more connection features corresponding to one or more similar features on the outer wall <NUM> of the closure <NUM>, whereby such connection features moveably retain a connection between the nozzle <NUM> and the closure <NUM>. As illustrated, the nozzle <NUM> may include a snap feature that can be snapped over a corresponding snap feature on the outer wall <NUM> to retain the nozzle <NUM> on the closure <NUM>.

Attachment of the nozzle <NUM> to the closure <NUM> creates a mixing chamber <NUM> defined by an interior of the central post <NUM>, a portion of the primary wall <NUM> , and a bottom surface of the nozzle face <NUM>. In an "on" or open position, the orifice opening <NUM> may be aligned with the mixing chamber <NUM> to allow product - fluid and air - in the mixing chamber <NUM> to escape through the orifice opening <NUM>. In an "off or closed position, the nozzle <NUM> is rotated such that the orifice opening <NUM> is no longer in communication with the mixing chamber <NUM>, such that the mixing chamber <NUM> is sealed and product and air can only drain back into a bottle <NUM> connected to the atomizer <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, an atomizer <NUM> may include one or more stop features incorporated on the closure <NUM>, the nozzle <NUM>, or both to facilitate selection of "on" and "off positions of the atomizer <NUM>. For example, an atomizer <NUM> according to certain embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated, the nozzle <NUM> may include alignment markings that correspond to alignment markings on the closure <NUM> which indicate whether or not the nozzle <NUM> is in an "on" or "off position. The alignment markings may coincide with stops on the outer wall <NUM> of the closure <NUM> which prevent the nozzle <NUM> from being rotated past the alignment marking. In addition, such stops may include a tactile or audible feature to alert a user to the state at which the nozzle <NUM> is aligned. For example, when the nozzle <NUM> is rotated into an "on" or "off position there may be a "click" or snap noise corresponding to a snap feature that secures the nozzle <NUM> in the desired position. To move the nozzle <NUM> out of such position, an increased force or torque may be required to begin movement of the nozzle <NUM>. A second snap position may indicate that the nozzle <NUM> has been rotated into the opposite position.

An atomizer <NUM> according to other embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. An atomizer <NUM> may include a closure <NUM> having a central post <NUM> and a well <NUM> sunken relative to the central post <NUM>. One or more air holes <NUM> may be positioned in the well <NUM>. A corresponding nozzle <NUM> may include an outer seal feature <NUM> configured to sit in the well <NUM> and to seal off the one or more air holes <NUM> in an "off position. An inner seal <NUM> may seal a flow channel in the central post <NUM> in an "off" position. When the nozzle <NUM> is pulled away from the closure <NUM>, the outer seal feature <NUM> allows air to flow through the air holes <NUM> and the inner seal <NUM> allows product to flow through the central post <NUM> and into a mixing chamber before being expelled through one or more holes or an orifice in the nozzle <NUM>.

An atomizer <NUM> according to other embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. The atomizer <NUM> may include a bottle plug <NUM> which may be seated in an opening in a bottle <NUM> as illustrated. The bottle plug <NUM> may include a central post <NUM> defining a fluid flow channel from an interior of the bottle <NUM> to an exterior of the bottle plug <NUM>. A cap <NUM> having an inner wall <NUM> and an outer wall <NUM> may be seated over the bottle plug <NUM> such that the central post <NUM> fits into a chamber defined by the inner wall <NUM> and the outer wall <NUM> attaches to the bottle <NUM>. Movement of the cap <NUM> - either by a push/pull mechanism or a turning mechanism - may seal the fluid flow channel defined by the central post <NUM> against a surface of the chamber in an "off" position and open the channel in an "on" position such that fluid and air may mix in the chamber and be expelled through an orifice opening in the cap <NUM>. In an alternate embodiment, an orifice opening may be off-centered relative to the fluid flow channel such that when the cap <NUM> is moved to an "off" position, the orifice opening is sealed against a surface of the central post <NUM> preventing product from escaping the chamber and when the cap <NUM> is moved to an "on" position, the orifice opening is not closed or sealed, allowing product to escape through the orifice opening.

An atomizer <NUM> according to still other embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated, an atomizer <NUM> may include a closure <NUM>, a cap <NUM>, and a spouted closure <NUM>. The closure <NUM> and cap <NUM> may be connected to a bottle <NUM>. The closure <NUM> may include one or more fluid paths and one or more air paths passing through the closure <NUM>. The spouted closure <NUM> may include a ball joint with a flow path that may be aligned with the one or more fluid paths and one or more air paths in the closure <NUM> to allow a product to flow therethrough. Movement of the spouted closure <NUM> may misalign the spouted closure <NUM> flow path from the fluid paths and air paths in an "off position, preventing disbursement of a product through the atomizer <NUM>. The spouted closure <NUM> may also be rotated to put the atomizer <NUM> in an "on" position where the spouted closure <NUM> flow path is aligned with the fluid paths and air paths in the closure <NUM> to allow disbursement of a product from a bottle <NUM>.

According to some embodiments of the invention, a bottle <NUM> may improve the functional aspects of a dispenser <NUM>. The bottle <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> include a shape or configuration having a hand ledge <NUM> centrally located along the bottle <NUM>. The hand ledge <NUM> may be configured to fit a user's hand and to assist with the holding of the bottle <NUM> in a comfortable and natural position. In addition, the location of the hand ledge <NUM> may be critical. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the position of the hand ledge <NUM> is below the top third of the bottle <NUM>. In other embodiments it is positioned within the middle third of the bottle <NUM>. The position of the hand ledge <NUM> effectively lowers a user's grasp on the bottle <NUM>, which has been found to facilitate better evacuation of the bottle <NUM> during use. For example, many prior art devices utilizing aspirators and bottles include a bulb positioned in the top portion of a bottle such that when a user grasps the bottle their hand is drawn to the top third of the bottle. Squeezing the bottle from this position is not ideal for evacuating the bottle. Thus, inclusion of a hand ledge <NUM> lower on the bottle <NUM> surface encourages the proper use of the bottle <NUM> and atomizer combination such that better evacuation may be accomplished.

Claim 1:
An atomizer (<NUM>), comprising:
a closure (<NUM>); and
a nozzle (<NUM>), wherein the nozzle is moveable between an "on" and "off" position relative to the closure, the closure comprising:
a primary wall (<NUM>);
a closure skirt (<NUM>) extending off a bottom surface of the primary wall;
at least one fluid opening (<NUM>);
a dip tube connector (<NUM>) extending off a bottom surface of the primary wall and circumscribing or defining the at least one fluid opening;
a central post (<NUM>) extending off a top surface of the primary wall (<NUM>) or
off a top surface of a secondary wall of the closure (<NUM>), the central post having a fluid flow opening extending therethrough;
an outer wall (<NUM>) extending off the top surface of the primary wall and circumscribing the central post; and
at least one air hole (<NUM>) extending through said primary wall between the central post and the outer wall (<NUM>); and
the nozzle comprising:
a nozzle face (<NUM>);
an orifice opening (<NUM>) in the nozzle face;
an outer skirt or nozzle wall (<NUM>) extending downward from the nozzle face and attached to the closure (<NUM>) such that at least a portion of the nozzle moves relative to the central post (<NUM>) of the closure;
an inner seal rib (<NUM>) extending off a bottom surface of the nozzle face and circumscribing the orifice opening, said inner seal rib (<NUM>) at least partially engaging said central post (<NUM>) and defining an air flow channel (<NUM>) between an outer surface of said central post and an inner surface of said inner seal rib (<NUM>); and
an outer seal rib (<NUM>) extending off the bottom surface of the nozzle face and circumscribing the inner seal rib (<NUM>), said outer seal rib (<NUM>) engaging an inner surface of said outer wall;
said outer skirt extending off the nozzle face, circumscribing the outer seal rib and engaging an outer surface of said outer wall,
said inner sealing rib (<NUM>) having a bottom edge for at least partially engaging a top surface of the primary closure wall; and
said nozzle being rotatable relative to the closure and moveable between an on-position, wherein said bottom edge of the inner sealing rib (<NUM>) is not blocking said air hole (<NUM>); and an off-position wherein said bottom edge of said inner sealing rib blocks said air hole (<NUM>).