Apparatus and method for dispensing fluid through a port connector

Abstract

A dispensing apparatus and method for dispensing fluid from a container is disclosed. The dispensing apparatus includes a container for storing fluid and a dispensing cap. The dispensing cap includes a bottom portion configured to be attachable to the container and a port connector including a bottom cylindrical end for attaching the port connector through a hole in the bottom portion of the dispensing cap. The dispensing cap also includes a protective cap connectable to a top cylindrical end of the port connector for providing access to the dispensing cap. A dispensing instrument is arranged to be connectable to the top cylindrical end of the port connector to retrieve liquid stored in the container attached to the dispensing cap.

1 . A dispensing cap for dispensing fluid stored in a container, the dispensing cap comprising:
 a bottom portion configured to be attachable to the container;   a port connector comprising a bottom cylindrical end for attaching the port connector through a hole in the bottom portion of the dispensing cap; and   a protective cap connectable to a top cylindrical end of the port connector for providing access to the dispensing cap,   wherein a dispensing instrument is arranged to be connectable to the top cylindrical end of the port connector to retrieve liquid stored in the container attached to the dispensing cap.   
     
     
         2 . The dispensing cap of  claim 1 , wherein the walls of the bottom cylindrical end are configured to allow the bottom cylindrical end of the port connector to be threaded into the hole and attached to the dispensing cap. 
     
     
         3 . The dispensing cap of  claim 2 , wherein upon threading the walls of the bottom cylindrical end into the hole, a sealant is applied to threads of the bottom cylindrical end and a locking nut is threaded onto the threaded bottom cylindrical end. 
     
     
         4 . The dispensing cap of  claim 3 , wherein excess thread of the bottom cylindrical end protruding out of the locking nut is removed. 
     
     
         5 . The dispensing cap of  claim 3 , wherein a gasket seal is formed on the inner surface of the dispensing cap. 
     
     
         6 . The dispensing cap of  claim 1 , wherein inner walls of the protective cap are configured to mate with threads located on the top cylindrical end of the port connector. 
     
     
         7 . The dispensing cap of  claim 1 , wherein upon retrieving liquid from the dispensing cap, the dispensing instrument is connectable to an appropriate tip for dispensing the liquid to a patient. 
     
     
         8 . The dispensing cap of  claim 1 , wherein the dispensing instrument is a syringe that is connectable to a thin-tipped needle for dispensing the liquid to a patient. 
     
     
         9 . The dispensing cap of  claim 1 , wherein the dispensing instrument is an instrument configured to be inserted into a hollow portion of the port connector to obtain a small amount of liquid for application to the patient. 
     
     
         10 . A method for dispensing fluid stored in a container, the method comprising:
 removing a protective cap from the top of a dispensing cap, wherein the dispensing unit includes a bottom portion configured to be attachable to the container and a port connector comprising a bottom cylindrical end for attaching the port connector through a hole in the bottom portion of the dispensing cap, and wherein the protective cap is connectable to a top cylindrical end of the port connector for providing access to the dispensing cap,   attaching a dispensing instrument to the top cylindrical end of the port connector;   retrieving an appropriate amount of liquid through the dispensing instrument;   detaching the dispensing instrument from the top cylindrical end of the port connector; and   applying the retrieved liquid to a patient.   
     
     
         11 . A dispensing kit for dispensing fluid, the dispensing kit comprising:
 a container for storing fluid, and   a dispensing cap including a bottom portion configured to be attachable to the container, a port connector comprising a bottom cylindrical end for attaching the port connector through a hole in the bottom portion of the dispensing cap and a protective cap connectable to a top cylindrical end of the port connector for providing access to the dispensing cap,   wherein a dispensing instrument is arranged to be connectable to the top cylindrical end of the port connector to retrieve liquid stored in the container attached to the dispensing cap.