Enhanced dispensing and dosaging techniques for fluid containers

Abstract

In various embodiments, the invention provides enhanced structures, devices, and techniques that allow fluids and liquid products, such as cosmetics, to dispense in a more even, smoother, and more predictable manner from fluid containers.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for dispensing fluid, the apparatus comprising:
 a fluid repository in fluid communication with a nozzle, wherein the nozzle includes at least one dispensing orifice formed therein;   at least one retaining ridge positioned on an interior surface of the nozzle; and,   a plug supported on the retaining ridge of the nozzle, wherein at least a portion of the plug comprises a pathway for communicating fluid from the fluid repository to the dispensing orifice upon application of a threshold fluid pressure.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the retaining ridge is structured for supporting an outflow portion of the plug at a predetermined gap distance from the dispensing orifice. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the predetermined gap distance is structured in response to a fluid viscosity. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plug comprises a foam material. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the foam material includes an open-cell foam material. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plug is structured to communicate fluid at a threshold fluid pressure not exceeding a pressure applied to the fluid repository. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plug is structured to communicate fluid at a threshold fluid pressure independent of a pressure applied to the fluid repository. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus for dispensing fluid, the apparatus comprising:
 a fluid repository in fluid communication with a nozzle, wherein the nozzle includes at least one dispensing orifice formed therein;   a plug positioned within the interior of the nozzle, wherein at least a portion of the plug comprises a pathway for communicating fluid from the fluid repository to the dispensing orifice upon application of pressure to fluid contained within the fluid repository;   a retainer positioned for supporting the plug within the interior of the nozzle; and,   a retaining ridge positioned along at least a portion of the nozzle, wherein the retaining ridge is structured to receive a correspondingly mating portion of the retainer thereon.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the retainer is structured for supporting an outflow region of the plug at a predetermined gap distance from the dispensing orifice. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the predetermined gap distance is structured in response to a fluid viscosity. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the plug comprises a foam material. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the foam material includes an open-cell foam material. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus for dispensing fluid, the apparatus comprising:
 a fluid repository in fluid communication with a nozzle, wherein the nozzle includes at least one dispensing orifice formed therein;   a retainer positioned within at least a portion of the interior of the nozzle; and,   a plug positioned within at least a portion of the interior of the retainer, wherein at least a portion of the plug is shaped to conform to an interior shape of the retainer, and wherein at least a portion of the plug comprises a pathway for communicating fluid from the fluid repository to the dispensing orifice upon application of a threshold fluid pressure.   
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the retainer is structured for supporting an outflow portion of the plug at a predetermined gap distance from the dispensing orifice. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the predetermined gap distance is structured in response to a fluid viscosity. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the plug comprises a foam material. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the foam material includes an open-cell foam material.