A QUANTITY SPECIFIC DOSING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USING

THEREOF

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/935,461, filed 14 August, 2007, entitled "DOSING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USING THEREOF", which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to methods and devices useful in dispensing liquids. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to devices and methods that provide quantity specific dispensing of liquids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Measuring the amount or dosage of liquid solutions, such as medicines, is associated with various problems. For example, nothing prevents a larger amount of liquid medicine to be poured out of a medicine bottle than the amount prescribed by the physician. This may be particularly problematic if a child or elderly person with a shaking challenge tries to administer a liquid medicine. In addition, one may forget the amount of liquid medicine prescribed by the physician. For example, a parent or baby sitter may forget what quantity has been prescribed to a child. The parent may therefore underdose the medicine, wherein an underdose may render the medicine ineffective, which may be dangerous if the medicine is critically needed by the infant. Alternatively, the parent may administer an amount that is larger than the amount prescribed by the physician such that the child receives an overdose of the medicine, which may be dangerous as well. It should be noted that at least some of the problems outlined hereinabove may not necessarily be associated with liquid medicine only, but also to other fluids in which a specific dosage has to be used. Of course, considering environments such as homes for the elderly or hospitals, where significant numbers of medicines must be administered to numerous users, the above problems are compounded.

[0003] The quantity of a liquid medicine, for example, administered to a patient should precisely match the amount prescribed by the physician. Means for measuring the quantity

usually consist of spoons, drops, cups and the like, whereby the liquid medicine is poured into the measuring means until the liquid medicine therein reaches a certain level that may correspond to the prescribed quantity. Unfortunately the above means are generally exposed to human error, and therefore means for dispensing accurate dosages of liquid medicines, for example, would be highly advantageous.

[0004] United States Patent No. 5,746,349, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, discloses a childproof device for holding and dispensing liquids, in particular medicines, that may provide precise dosages of liquid, comprising a bottle, a cap which is irremovable from the bottleneck, where the cap is associated with a hollow cylinder extending axially to near the bottle bottom and a reciprocating dispenser comprising a barrel and a plunger. The dispenser provides the only means of getting medicine out of the bottle since the cylinder associated with the cap prevents the contents of the bottle from being poured or shaken out.

[0005] United States Patent No. 5,244,122, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, discloses a medicine dispensing apparatus that outwardly resembles a traditional nursing bottle assembly. The bottle has an internal but open ended receptacle to hold medicine, and the nipple has an integral tube to connect the receptacle to a nipple outlet hole to dispense the medicine. Simultaneous dispensing of the medicine along with the liquid inside the bottle is obtained. A syringe fits inside the receptacle and allows regulated dispensing of medicine. [0006] Canadian Patent No. CA2100659, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, discloses an improved syrup dispenser and valve assembly for dispensing a liquid, such as flavor syrup in a soft drink dispenser station or the like. The valve assembly comprises a compact base member adapted to mount directly into the neck of a flavor syrup bottle in combination with a movable valve member mounted thereon and cooperating therewith to define a syrup dispense port and an air vent port. The bottle is designed for inverted installation into the dispenser station with the bottleneck seated within a station support socket, and with the valve member operatively engaged by a station actuator. The station actuator displaces the valve member between a first position closing the syrup dispense and air vent ports, and a second position opening both of said ports to permit gravity syrup outflow with the dispensed syrup volume being replaced by air inflow into the bottle.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application No. 2,001,000,510, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, discloses a bottle type container body, a cap and a suction mouth body of an

elastic body having a relatively long size and is provided with a slide type control valve which is regulatable in flow rate by a slide piece from outside between the container body and the cap.

[0008] GB patent no. 2106480, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, discloses a medical liquid container that comprises a container body for containing medical liquids and that is made of synthetic resin or the like. The container includes a valve having an inner cap attached to an opening of container body and has a hollow cap-like portion provided with through-holes in the side wall thereof. A tube of resilient material is sealingly fitted onto the hollow cap-like portion to normally close the through-holes, and an outer cap is arranged outside tube and has a shoulder portion for fixedly locating tube onto the base of the inner cap, the outer cap being provided with a through-hole through which medical liquid is released. The tube has a portion that may be lifted off in response to squeezing of the container body..

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention provide a variety of devices, apparatuses, system and methods for dosage or dispensing management for liquids or fluids. In one embodiment the dosing device includes a dosage receptacle consisting of container of a fixed size that can hold a single dose of dispensing container contents. The dosage receptacle further includes an interstice created between outer and inner walls of the receptacle, and an inner cavity created within the inner walls. The receptacle also includes an upper aperture of the interstice being in flow communication with the inner cavity, and a lower aperture of the interstice being in flow communication with an interior space of the dispensing container. The dosage container typically fits into a neck of said dispensing container. The dosing device further includes a locking mechanism to close the interstice or entrance to the dosage receptacle when the container is uncapped. The locking mechanism may include a valve that may be controlled by a spring element, sealing element, sponge element or other suitable element. In this way the dosage device prevents more that a single dosage of contents from being dispensed from the container when opened. The dosing device may further include at least one curved wall, an annular ring connected at a base of the curved wall, a buttress, and a sealing member connected between the annular ring and the buttress. The sealing member typically allows the container contents to enter the dosage receptacle when the container is shaken or turned, yet closes the entrance to the dosage receptacle when the container is substantially in the upright

position. The sealing mechanism may include a valve that may be controlled by a gravitational activated sealing device. The curved wall may fit into the interstice for movement along the interstice, where the sealing member and/or the buttress move into and out of engagement with the lower aperture to open and close the aperture and block or permit the flow of liquid from the interior of the dispensing container to the inner cavity.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the dosage receptacle further includes an elongate member extending along the axis of the dosage receptacle and into the interior of the dispensing container; and a stopper positioned on the elongate member and interacting with the annular ring.

[0011] In a further embodiment the dosage receptacle further includes an air vent extending coaxially within the dosage container and the locking element, wherein a volume of air is released from the dosage receptacle through the air vent corresponding to the volume of liquid entering the dosage receptacle.

[0012] According to some embodiments, a method is provided for dispensing specific liquid dosages from a dispensing container. The method includes fitting a quantity specific dosage device into the dispensing container; closing the container cap, thereby opening a dosage receptacle within the dosage device to receive contents stored in the container; and opening the container cap to dispense a set quantity of liquid from the container. [0013] In additional embodiments a dispensing container safety device for preventing unwanted extraction of container contents is provided, that includes a dosage device being coupled to the dispensing container; the dosage device containing a dosage receptacle having a specific volume to contain a single dosage of the container contents, and a locking mechanism adapted to close the entrance of the dosage receptacle when the dispensing container is uncapped or in standing position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] These and further features and advantages of the invention will become more clearly understood in the light of the ensuing description of a some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures (FIGS), wherein: [0015] FIG. IA is a schematic assembly illustration of a dosing device, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0016] FIG. IB is a schematic exploded view of the dosing device, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0017] FIG. 2A is a schematic side view illustration of the dosing device's spring-seal, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0018] FIG. 2B is another schematic side view illustration of the spring-seal, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0019] FIG. 2C is a schematic isometric illustration of the spring-seal, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0020] FIG. 3A is a schematic side view illustration of a receptacle of the dosing device, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0021] FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustration of the receptacle, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0022] FIG. 3C is a schematic isometric illustration of the receptacle, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0023] FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the dosing device adjusted within a bottle, which is uncapped and in a normal position, wherein the dosing device's spring seal is in an upper position, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0024] FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the dosing device adjusted within the bottle, the bottle being uncapped and in the normal position, wherein the dosing device's spring-seal is in a lower position, according to some embodiments of the invention; [0025] FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional illustration of the capped bottle and the dosing device, wherein the bottle is in upside-down position and has adjusted therein the dosing device, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0026] FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional illustration of the capped bottle and a schematic solid sectional illustration of the dosing device adjusted within the bottle which is in the upside- down position, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0027] FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional and solid illustration of both the bottle in the upside down position and the dosing device adjusted in the bottle, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0028] FIG. 8 is another schematic sectional and solid illustration of both the bottle in the upside down position and the dosing device adjusted in the bottle, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0029] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of dosing device's air vent which abuts against a stopper, wherein the dosing device is adjusted within the bottle being in the upside down position, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0030] FIG. 1OA is a graphical solid and sectional illustration of the bottle, which is capped, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0031] FIG. 1OB is a graphical solid and sectional illustration of the bottle when being uncapped, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0032] FIG 1OC is a graphical solid and sectional illustration of adjusting the dosing device into the bottle, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0033] FIG. 1OD is a graphical solid illustration of the bottle when being capped, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0034] FIG. 11 is a graphical solid and sectional illustration of the bottle when being uncapped, wherein the dosing device is adjusted in the bottle, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0035] FIG. 12 is as graphical solid and sectional illustration of the bottle when being capped, wherein the dosing device is adjusted in the bottle, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0036] FIGS. 13A-B are schematic flow charts illustration optional methods or processes of using the dosing device, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0037] FIGS. 14A-D are a graphic diagrams describing exploded views of a dosing device showing a silicon sealing element, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0038] FIGS. 15A-D are graphic diagrams describing variable views of a dosing device showing a dual-function silicon sealing element, according to some embodiments of the invention; and

[0039] FIGS. 16A-D are schematic diagrams describing variable views of a dosing device showing a metallic spring sealing element, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0040] FIG. 17 is a graphic drawing of a dosage device from a side angle, according to some embodiments;

[0041] FIG. 18 is a graphic drawing of a cross section of a dosage device, showing an inside perspective from a side angle, according to some embodiments;

[0042] FIG. 19 is a graphic drawing of a close up view of a cross section of a dosage device from a side angle, according to some embodiments;

[0043] FIG. 20 is a schematic drawing of a close up perspective of a dosage device in a standing position, according to some embodiments; and

[0044] FIG. 21 is a schematic drawing of a close up perspective of a dosage device in an upside down position, according to some embodiments.

[0045] The drawings taken with description make apparent to those skilled in the art how the invention may be embodied in practice.

[0046] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate identical elements.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0047] The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention as provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the described embodiments will be apparent to those with skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments shown and described, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features herein disclosed. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0048] Embodiments of the present invention disclose a dosage specific dosing device adapted to enable dispensing of quantity specific dosages to users. The dosing device may be tightly fitted into or coupled with a dispensing container, bottle or any other suitable vessel able to contain and dispense liquids or fluids, for example, medicinal or pharmaceutical solutions, suspensions, syrups, drops, fluids, liquids or pastes. In some embodiments the dosage device may be adapted to be fitted in containers of various size and form. In some embodiments the dosage device may be adapted to be reused with multiple dispensing containers. [0049] According to some embodiments a method is provided for managing the dispensing of medicines, including configuring a plurality of dosage devices in accordance with a plurality of

medical prescriptions; coupling each of the dosage devices to a dispensing container, in accordance with the plurality of medical prescriptions; and dispensing medicines to one or more users, wherein the dispensing may include turning around the dispensing container to fill up a quantity specific dosage receptacle, and uncapping the dispensing container to administer a single dosage of a medicine to a user.

[0050] According to some embodiments the dosing device includes a dosage receptacle consisting of container of a fixed size that can hold a single dose of dispensing container contents. The dosage receptacle further includes an interstice created between outer and inner walls of the receptacle, and an inner cavity created within the inner walls. The receptacle also includes an upper aperture of the interstice being in flow communication with the inner cavity, and a lower aperture of the interstice being in flow communication with an interior space of the dispensing container. The dosage container typically fits into a neck of said dispensing container. The dosing device further includes a locking mechanism to close the interstice or entrance to the dosage receptacle when the container is uncapped. The locking mechanism may include a valve that may be controlled by a spring element, sealing element, sponge element or other suitable element. In this way the dosage device prevents more that a single dosage of contents from being dispensed from the container when opened. The dosing device may further include at least one curved wall, an annular ring connected at a base of the curved wall, a buttress, and a sealing member connected between the annular ring and the buttress. The sealing member typically allows the container contents to enter the dosage receptacle when the container is shaken or turned, yet closes the entrance to the dosage receptacle when the container is substantially in the upright position. The sealing mechanism may include a valve that may be controlled by a gravitational activated sealing device. The curved wall may fit into the interstice for movement along the interstice, where the sealing member and/or the buttress move into and out of engagement with the lower aperture to open and close the aperture and block or permit the flow of liquid from the interior of the dispensing container to the inner cavity.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the dosage device includes a receptacle that is bounded by a wall. The wall of the receptacle may comprise an interstice having a lower aperture facing the underside of the receptacle, and an upper aperture exiting the edge of the receptacle's sidewall, thereby enabling the receptacle to be in flow communication with the interior space of the dispensing container. The inner side of the receptacle faces the mouth of

the container itself. Liquid or other forms may flow from the body of the container to the inside of the receptacle, whereas the container mouth may enable pouring out of liquid from the receptacle outside the container. Therefore, in order to cause flow of liquid from the container into the receptacle via the interstice due to gravitational force, the container may have to be agitated and/or overturned and/or shaken and/or otherwise moved. The dosing device may be configured by means of, e.g., a spring-seal, such that closing of the container's mouth by, e.g., a cap, causes the opening of the lower aperture, whereas opening of the container's mouth causes the closure of the lower aperture. Accordingly, only one of the lower aperture or the container's mouth can be open at the same time.

[0052] Thusly configured, the amount of liquid that may be poured out of container, such as a bottle, after closing and reopening of the bottle's mouth is limited to the receptacle's volumetric capacity, which may correspond for example, to a prescribed amount of medicine. Accordingly, a pharmacist may select a dosing device comprising a receptacle that has a volumetric capacity that corresponds to the amount of fluid medicine prescribed to the respective patient, and may fit the dosing device into the bottle of the fluid medicine. Thus, administration of the substantially correct dosage of the fluid medicine to the patient is ensured each time the patient opens the bottle. According to some embodiments the dosage device may include a volume indicator, for example, to indicate to a user that the dosage receptacle is full. In one example, a marking may be placed on the upper segment of the dosage receptacle, in a place that is viewable to the user, indicating that the dosage receptacle is full, or how far it is filled.

[0053] It should be understood that an embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions. The various appearances of "one embodiment," "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments.

[0054] Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment. [0055] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "some embodiments" or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiment, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions.

[0056] It should be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and is for descriptive purpose only. For example, the usage of the term

"receptacle" may refer to a variety of containers, capsules, holders or other suitable repositories. For example, the term "liquid" or "liquid medicine", may refer to a variety of medical or pharmaceutical compounds, solutions, syrups, pastes, drops etc., or other materials such as cleaning materials, beauty material, health treatments, nutritional materials or any other contents that are substantially liquid or fluid in nature. For example, the term "dispensing container" may refer to a variety of containers or holders that may be used to dispense medicines, pharmaceutical products, nutritional elements etc. Containers may include, for example, bottles, bags, receptacles, containers, ampoules, etc.

[0057] The principles and uses of the teachings of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures and examples.

[0058] It should be understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a limitation to an application of the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that the invention can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description below.

[0059] It should be understood that the terms "including", "comprising", "consisting" and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, integers or groups thereof and that the terms are not to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers.

[0060] The phrase "consisting essentially of, and grammatical variants thereof, when used herein is not to be construed as excluding additional components, steps, features, integers or groups thereof but rather that the additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof do not materially alter the basic and characteristics of the claimed composition, device or method.

[0061] If the specification or claims refer to "an additional" element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

[0062] It should be understood that where the claims or specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference is not to be construed as there being only one of that element.

[0063] It should be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may", "might", "can" or "could" be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

[0064] Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.

[0065] The term "method" refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but is not limited to those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs.

[0066] The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative only.

[0067] Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein ought to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined.

[0068] The present invention can be implemented in the testing or practice with methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein.

[0069] The terms "right", "left", "bottom", "below", "underside", "low", "top", "above",

"elevated", "upper" and "high" as well as grammatical variations thereof as used herein do not necessarily indicate that, for example, a "bottom" component is below a "top" component, or that a component that is "below" is indeed "below" another component or that a component that is "above" is indeed "above" another component as such directions, components or both may be flipped, rotated, moved in space, placed in a diagonal orientation or position, placed horizontally or vertically, or similarly modified. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the terms "bottom", "below", "top" and "above" may be used herein for exemplary purposes only, to illustrate the relative positioning or placement of certain components, to indicate a first and a second component or to do both.

[0070] It should be understood that terms like "substantially [+ adjective]" may include the meaning of the adjective per se. Correspondingly, terms like, for example, "substantially parallel", "substantially in real-time", "substantially spherical" and the like, may include the meaning of "parallel", "real-time", "spherical", and the like, respectively.

[0071] Reference is now made to FIG. IA, FIG. IB, FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, and FIG. 2C.

According to some embodiments of the invention, a dosing device 100 includes an air-vent

110, a locking mechanism 120, and a receptacle 130. Locking mechanism 120 may include, for

example at least one curved sheet 122 that is coupled to a substantially annular surface 123. Furthermore, locking mechanism 120 further includes a buttress 124, whereby a sealant element, such as spring element or other compressible element 121 is positioned between buttress 124 and annular surface 123. In some embodiments of the invention, spring element

121 is mechanically coupled to buttress 124 and to the at least one curved sheet 122. For example, spring element 121 may be integrally formed with buttress 124 and the at least one curved sheet 122. Spring element 121 may be any suitable type of spring such as, for example, a spring leaf, a coiled spring and/or a press-able material enabling spring-like behavior. [0072] Additional reference is now made to FIG. 3 A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 3C, FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. According to some embodiments of the invention, receptacle 130 comprises a dosage container or holder 131 that is mechanically coupled to an elongate member 133. Dosage container 131 includes an inner cavity 140 wherein a dosage of content may be stored. For example, container 131 may be integrally formed with elongate member 133 and/or may be mechanically coupled to elongate member 133 by fastener means such as, for example, pins. Wall of container 131 includes an interstice 135 having a lower aperture 132 at underside 138 of container 131, and an upper aperture 136 exiting the edge of the wall of container 131. Receptacle 130 is adjusted to tightly fit into a container entrance/exit, such as a bottleneck 202 of bottle 200. Receptacle 130 is fitted into bottleneck 202 such that the outer wall of underside 138 faces the inner side of body 201 of bottle 200. Correspondingly, underside 138 may face contents, such as liquid 230 stored in bottle 200.

[0073] In some embodiments of the invention, elongate member 133 is equipped with a stopper 134, which may comprise, for example, of a substantially annular surface extending from elongate member 133 towards a substantially cylindrical surface at a distance from elongate member 133. In other embodiments of the invention, stopper 134 may be an annular substantially conical body that may be integrally formed with elongate member 133, whereby the base of the conical body is at a distance from elongate member 133. [0074] According to some embodiments of the invention, sheet(s) 122 of locking mechanism 120 are positionable within interstice 135 of container's 131 cylindrical wall such that sheet(s)

122 and a sealing or sealant mechanism, such as annular surface 123 are longitudinally displaceable from an upper to a lower position and vice versa, as schematically indicated with arrow S _down and S _up , in FIG. IA and FIG. 4A, respectively. Stopper 134 and buttress 124 are sized such that when locking mechanism 120 is activated, spring element 121 causes buttress

124 to abut against stopper 134, thereby causing annular surface 123 to be pressed by default against lower aperture 132.

[0075] When no force or substantially no force is applied against the upper edges of sheet(s) 122, spring 121 causes sealant mechanism or annular surface 123 to be set in the upper position (FIG. 4A), such that at least some of annular surface 123 may seal lower aperture 132, thereby preventing or disabling flow of liquid 230 from within body 201 into the inner side of container 131. Conversely, applying downwardly a force F against the edges of sheet(s) 122 that is higher than the force exerted by spring element 121 against annular surface 123, causes a longitudinal downward movement Sd _0Wn (FIG. IA and FIG. 4A) of annular surface 123 and sheet(s) 122 into the lower position. As a result, lower apertures 132 are unsealed, thus enabling flow of the at least some of liquid 230 from the outside of container 131 to the inside of container through lower aperture 132 via interstice, and further through upper aperture 136 into the inner side of container 131.

[0076] According to some embodiments of the invention, when sheet(s) 122 are in the upper position, said sheet(s) 122 may protrude by a distance D above the edge of bottleneck 202 (FIG. IA, FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B). In order to close the mouth of bottleneck 202, a cap 210 may have to be mechanically coupled to the mouth, whereby the mechanical coupling of cap 210 may be accomplished, e.g., as known the art. For example, the periphery of bottleneck 202 may be screwed such to be adapted to receive a complementarily screwed inner side of cap 210, whereby screwing of cap 210 onto bottleneck 202 causes movement of cap 210 against the mouth of bottleneck 202. Thus, screwing of cap 210 onto bottleneck 202 may force sheets 122 to move downward, as schematically indicated with arrows Sdown- Consequently, closing the mouth of bottleneck 202 results in the opening of lower apertures 132, whereas opening of the mouth of bottleneck 202 results in the closing of lower apertures 132. Therefore, in some embodiments of the invention, flow of the at least some of liquid 230 into cavity 140 of container 131 may only be enabled if the mouth is closed by cap 210.

[0077] Further reference is now made to FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. According to some embodiments of the invention, once the mouth is closed by cap 210, bottle 200 may have to be set into an upside-down position, in order to enable flow of liquid 230 from the inside of body 201 into inner cavity of container 131.

[0078] In some embodiments of the invention, bottle 200 may have additionally to be turned from the upside-down position into a normal or standing position, in order to cause flow of the

at least some of liquid 230 from the inside of body 201 into dosage container 131; wherein in the upside-down position, the mouth of bottle 200 is more distant to the earth's ground than body 201, whereas in the normal position, body 201 is more distant to the earth's ground than the mouth of bottle 200. Therefore, when bottle 200 is substantially turned into the upside- down position, a gravitational force G applied on the portion of fluid 230 inside body 201 is directed towards container 131, since said portion of fluid 230 is now situated above container 131. As a result, at least some of the portion of fluid 230 inside body 201 may flow via lower apertures 132 into interstice 135, and from interstice via upper apertures 136 into container 131, as is schematically illustrated in FIG. 5 with arrows Sn _0W -

[0079] In some embodiments of the invention, bottle 200 may have to be repeatedly turned from the normal to the upside-down position and/or vice versa, in order to fill up container 131 with at least some portion of fluid 230, whereby the volumetric capacity may, for example, substantially correspond to a required dosage of liquid 230 prescribed by a physician. However in some embodiments of the invention bottle 200 may not have to be repeatedly set from the normal into the upside down position and vice versa, in order to fill up container 131 with at least some portion of fluid 230, but it may suffice to turn bottle 200 from its normal position to a substantially upside down position substantially once. Accordingly, in some embodiments of the invention, bottle 200 may not have to be turned from the upside-down position into the normal position in order to enable flow of some of liquid 230 from the inner side of body 200 into container 131.

[0080] In order to pour out the at least some of liquid 230 contained in dosage container 131, bottle 200 may have to set into its normal position, whereupon cap 202 may have to be decoupled or uncapped from the mouth of bottleneck 202. Decoupling cap 202 from the mouth causes the closing of lower apertures 132. Thusly configured, only the portion of liquid 230 that is contained in container 131 may be poured out therefrom, thusly disabling the user to pour out a volumetric amount of liquid 230 which is larger than the volumetric capacity of container 131. Correspondingly, the dosage that is each pourable from bottle 200 is limited to the volumetric capacity of container 131.

[0081] In order to enable flow of some portion of liquid 230 contained in body 201 into container 131 (see arrows S _fl0W in FIG. 5), outward flow of air from container 131 may have to be enabled, since liquid 230 may otherwise be trapped within body 201. Therefore, dosing device 100 may include a hollow air-vent 110. Air-vent 110 is configured such that when

bottle 200 is in the upside-down position, air-vent 110 extends from container 131 to above the surface of liquid 230. Thusly configured, when bottle 200 is in the upside-down position, a passage of air 111 is provided via air-vent 110 from container 131 into body 201, thereby enabling in exchange thereto the flow of a corresponding portion of liquid 230 from body 201 into container 131.

[0082] Additional reference is now made to FIG. 9. In some embodiments of the invention, air-vent 110 includes a stopper 112 to delimit the extent to which air-valve 110 slides down due to gravitational force G.

[0083] Additional reference is now made to FIG. 1OA, FIG. 1OB, FIG. 1OC, FIG. 10D, FIG. 11, FIG. 12 and FIGS. 13A-B.

[0084] According to some embodiments of the invention, as indicated by box 1310, a method for using dosing device 100 to a dispensing container or bottle 200, may include, for example, the act of uncapping bottle 200. This may be accomplished, for example, by unscrewing cap 210 from bottleneck 210 (FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B).

[0085] According to some embodiments of the invention, as indicated in FIG. 13A by box 1320, the method for dispensing dosage specific contents may include, for example, the act of choosing a dosage device 100 that includes a dosage receptacle 130 having the required volumetric capacity. For example, a pharmacist may choose a dosage device 100 such as, for example, receptacle 130 that comprises a container 131 having a volumetric capacity that corresponds to the individual dosage indicated on a physician's prescription. For example, if an individual for a specific liquid medicine is 5ml, the pharmacist may choose the receptacle comprising a container with a volumetric capacity of approximately 5ml. According to some embodiments of the invention, as indicated by box 1330, the method may include, for example, the act of adjusting dosing device 100 into bottle 200 (see FIG. 5C).

[0086] According to other embodiments, at box 1311 a dispensing container or bottle may be manufactured with a dosage device integrated. Such integration may be achieved as a result of automated manufacture, or may be achieved by manually coupling the dosage device to the container. At box 1321 contents, such as medicinal liquids, may be added to the dispensing container. In some embodiments contents may be added to container prior to the dosage device being integrated or coupled with the container.

[0087] According to some embodiments of the invention, as indicated by box 1340, the method may include, for example, the act of capping or recapping bottle 200 by, e.g., screwing or pressing cap 210 onto bottleneck 202.

[0088] According to some embodiments of the invention, as indicated in FIG. 13B by box 1350, the method may include, for example, the act of shaking and/or overturning and/or agitating and/or otherwise moving bottle 200. According to some embodiments of the invention, as indicated by box 1360, the method may include, for example, the act of uncapping bottle 200. According to some embodiments of the invention, as indicated by box 1370, the method may include, for example, the act of pouring liquid out of container 131, preferably a single dosage of liquid. According to some embodiments of the invention, as indicated by box 1380, the method may include, for example, the act of recapping bottle 200. According to some embodiments a second dosage of the contents of the dispensing container or bottle cannot be administered or removed without the bottle being recapped and subsequently agitated and un-capped. In such a way, a safety procedure is provided by assuring that when the dispenser container is un-capped, a maximum of a single dosage may be extractable from the dispensing container. In some embodiments the dosage device may be fitted in containers of various size and form. In some embodiments the dosage device may be reused with multiple dispensing containers.

[0089] Reference is now made to FIGS. 14A-D, which are graphic diagrams describing exploded views of the dosing device showing a silicon locking element 1400, according to some embodiments of the invention. As can be seen in FIGS. 14A-D locking element 1400 may include a soft and flexible material, for example silicon, rubber, or plastic, to enable opening of an the entry tube into the dosage container, when the dispensing container is capped, and closing of the entry tube into the dosage container, when the dispensing container is un-capped. As can be seen in the figures, the locking of the entrance to the dosage receptacle may be achieved by using a press-able element, for example a sheet made of sponge, plastic, rubber or silicon element. This press-able element may be pressed or pressured by an inflexible rod, pin or other element that slightly exits the container mouth, such that when the container is capped, the cap pressurizes the inflexible element. This inflexible element may then push on the press-able element when the cap is on, thereby compressing element so to open the entry into the dosage container. When the container is uncapped the pressure on the press-able element(s) is released, thereby allowing the press-able element to cover and close off the

entrance to the dosage receptacle. In this way, when the dispenser container is un-capped a maximum of a single dosage may be extractable from the dispensing container. [0090] Reference is now made to FIGS. 15A-D, that describe exploded views of a dosing device showing a dual-function silicon sealing element 1500, according to some embodiments of the invention. As can be seen in FIGS. 15A-D, silicon or similar sealing element 1500 may be used that may have a dual function spring and sealant function. As can be seen, sealing element 1500 with soft/flexible material made from Silicon etc., is adapted able to function as both a spring and sealant to open/seal the entry tube into the dosage container. For example, when cap is closed, this pressures an extended hard element to pressurize a leaning element to condense the silicon springs/elements. The silicon element, which may in the form of a suitable size layer, may be pushed on one or more sides so that the sides are lowered below the entire silicon surface, leaving an open channel for medicine to enter. When the cap is released the silicon layer flattens out, thus sealing the dosage container entrance, and allowing a maximum of a single dosage may be extractable from the dispensing container. [0091] Reference is now made to FIGS. 16A-D, which is are schematic diagrams describing exploded views of the dosing device showing a metallic spring sealing element 1600, according to some embodiments of the invention. As can be seen in FIGS. 16A-D metallic spring element 1600 may be used to open and close the entrance to the dosage receptacle. Spring 1600 may be activated by capping or un-capping the dispensing container, thereby engaging or disengaging the sealing mechanism to allow the dosage receptacle to be filled when the dispensing container is capped, and closing the dosage receptacle when the dispensing container is capped. As can be seen in the figures, the locking of the entrance to the dosage receptacle may be achieved by using a spring element, for example a metallic spring, which may made of sponge, plastic, rubber or silicon element. This press-able element may be pressed or pressured by an inflexible rod, pin or other element that slightly exits the container mouth, such that when the container is capped, the cap pressurizes the inflexible element. This inflexible element may then push on the press-able element when the cap is on, thereby compressing element so to open the entry into the dosage container. When the container is uncapped the pressure on the press-able element(s) is released, thereby allowing the press-able element to cover and close off the entrance to the dosage receptacle. In this way, when the dispenser container is un-capped a maximum of a single dosage may be extractable from the dispensing container.

[0092] Reference is now made to FIGS 17-19, which are graphic drawings describing blown up aspects of the dosage device from a side angle, and in particular indicating the receptacle filling mechanism and flow control mechanism, according to some embodiments. As can be seen in FIGS. 17-19, the air vent mechanism may be movable, in accordance to the gravitational force on the dispensing container, such that the air flow channel from the dosage receptacle to the dispensing container may be blocked when the dispensing container is in standing position, as can be seen in the FIGS. The air vent mechanism may include stoppers to stop the movement of the air vent base upwards into the dosage receptacle, when the dosage device is in the upside down position. When the dosage device is in the standing position the air vents or holes are substantially adjacent to the receptacle floor, thereby leaving substantially no place for air or liquids to flow out of the dosage receptacle, and preventing the escape of air or liquid out of the dosage receptacle.

[0093] Reference is now made to FIGS. 20-21, which are graphic drawings of a close up view of a cross section of a dosage device, in particular showing the air flow apparatus, the dosage receptacle filling mechanism and flow control mechanism, according to some embodiments. It is noted that Liquid in the dosage receptacle is substantially always above that of the liquid or contents in the dispensing container, therefore the respective liquid pressures when the container is turned upside down ensure that the liquid enters the dosage receptacle from below until the upper or maximum level is reached, and stays at that maximum level, beyond which the relative liquid pressure will not be able to act. The liquid in the dosage receptacle therefore enters and stays inside the receptacle until released.

[0094] As can be seen in FIG. 20, when the dispensing container is substantially in standing position, and is capped, the air vent is in closed position, thereby preventing air or liquid content from escaping the dosage receptacle. This situation thereby maintains the contents in the dosage receptacle, until the container is uncapped and consumed. The Figure further shows the path of the liquid entry into the dosage receptacle can be seen by arrowed lines 2001 and 2002. As can be seen, the container contents, such as liquid, typically enters the dosage device through openings at the base of the dosage receptacle, when the dispensing container is not in standing position, as described above. The liquid may then traverse through flow canal 2005 towards the top end of the dosage receptacle, and there it may enter into the receptacle, at entry/exit point 2010. The receptacle may have an opening or overflow line or upper limit 2015 above which the excess liquid flows out of the dosage container and back into the

dispensing bottle/container, at entry/exit point 2010. As described above, when the dispensing container is uncapped, the air vent is permanently in closed position, thereby preventing additional air or liquid from entering or escaping the dosage receptacle, for example even if turning around or pouring our the receptacle contents.

[0095] As can be seen in FIG. 21, when the dispensing container is substantially in an upside down position, and is capped, the air vent is in an open position, thereby enabling air or liquid content to escape from the dosage receptacle to the dispensing container, as can be seen by content flow 2030. The Figure further shows the path of the liquid entry into the dosage receptacle can be seen by arrowed lines 2001 and 2002. As can be seen, the container contents, such as liquid, typically enters the dosage device through openings at the base of the dosage receptacle, when the dispensing container is not in standing position, as described above. The liquid may then traverse through flow canal 2005 towards the top end of the dosage receptacle, and there it may enter into the receptacle, at entry/exit point 2010. The receptacle may have an opening or overflow line or upper limit 2015 above which the excess liquid flows out of the dosage container and back into the dispensing bottle/container, at entry/exit point 2010. The combination of liquid entering mechanism and flow control line ensure that liquid enters the dosage receptacle when the dispenser is turned or shaken, and that not too much content remains in the receptacle when the container is turned back into standing position. Further, when container is turned back towards standing position the air vent blocks up, as described above, resulting in the contents being set at a required volume. This volume will remain in the dosage receptacle until the container is un-capped, allowing for the dosage to be consumed. [0096] Furthermore, when turning around the dispensing container towards standing position, if liquid exits one of the receptacle entrance/exits, then substantially a similar amount of liquid may enter the second receptacle entrance/exit, thereby balancing the volume of liquid remaining in the dosage receptacle, and ensuring that substantially the full dosage is retained in the dosage receptacle. Therefore, air vent is closed to prevent liquid from returning to the container. This keeps the volume of the contents in the dosage receptacle substantially fixed. Further, as described above, when the dispensing container is uncapped, the air vent is permanently in closed position, thereby preventing additional air or liquid from entering or escaping the dosage receptacle, for example even if turning around or pouring our the receptacle contents.

[0097] The author has found that embodiments of the instant invention may have advantages over United States Patent No. 5,244,122. As disclosed in United States Patent No. 5,244,122, and in contrast to embodiments of the instant invention, device does not enable the administration of individual dosages of the medicine to the patient.

[0098] In addition, the present invention may have advantages over United States Patent No. 5,746,349, which may not prevent drawing out different amount of fluids from the bottle, as the amount depends on the extent to which the knob of the plunger is pulled. [0099] Embodiments of the present invention may have advantages over Canadian Patent No. CA2100659. In distinct contrast to embodiments of the instant invention, Canadian Patent No. CA2100659 requires a controller for controlling an actuator.

[00100] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may have advantages over Japanese Patent Application No. 2,001,000,510. In distinct contrast to embodiments of the instant invention, Japanese patent application No. 2,001,000,510 requires the medicine to be sucked out from a bottle type container body. In addition, the device disclosed in Japanese patent application no. 2,001,000,510 does not enable the individual administration of the medicine stored inside the bottle, unless the bottle, after being emptied, is repeatedly refilled with the amount of medicine that corresponds to the required prescribed individual dosage. [00101] Moreover, embodiments of the present invention may have advantages over GB patent no. 2,106,480 as that the device disclosed in GB patent no. 2,106,480 may only be useable in association with a squeezable container body.

[00102] While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other possible variations, modifications, and programs that are also within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited by what has thus far been described, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Therefore, it should be understood that alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention are to be construed as being within the scope of the appended claims.