U.S. patent application number 09/860364 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-06 for self cleaning dip-in package for liquids.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Horstman, Richard Lawrence, Pieper, Kathleen Ann.
Application Number | 20010019680 09/860364 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22859939 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010019680 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pieper, Kathleen Ann ; et
al. |
September 6, 2001 |
Self cleaning dip-in package for liquids
Abstract
A self cleaning dip in package is disclosed. The package
includes a vial having an opening through which a user may access
liquid stored within the vial. The opening is defined by an inner
wall of the vial which provides access to the contents of the
package. The package also includes an applicator adapted for
insertion within the open end of the vial to access the liquid
stored within the vial, wherein the applicator is coupled to a
handle and the handle is selectively coupled to the vial for
storing the liquid within the vial. The package further includes a
first wiper coupled within the opening of the vial such that the
applicator is wiped of excess liquid when the applicator is
withdrawn from within the vial and a second wiper coupled to the
handle such that the second wiper wipes the inner wall of the open
end of the vial as the applicator is inserted into the vial. A
process for filling the package and a venting system are also
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Pieper, Kathleen Ann; (White
Hall, MD) ; Horstman, Richard Lawrence; (Cincinnati,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jack L. Oney, Jr.
The Procter & Gamble Company
Sharon Woods Technical Center
11511 Reed Hartman Highway, Box 325
Cincinnati
OH
45241
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
|
Family ID: |
22859939 |
Appl. No.: |
09/860364 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09860364 |
May 18, 2001 |
|
|
|
09229129 |
Jan 12, 1999 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/129 ;
401/122; 401/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 34/046
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/129 ;
401/126; 401/122 |
International
Class: |
A46B 017/08; A46B
011/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A process for assembling and filling a package, wherein the
package includes a vial having an open first end and an open second
end, a selectively releasable top closure member and a plug, the
process comprising the following steps: coupling the top closure
member to the open first end of the vial to seal the open first end
of the vial; filling the vial with product through the open second
end of the vial; and securing the plug to the open second end of
the vial to seal the open second end of the vial.
2. The process according to claim 1, further including the step of
installing a wiper within the vial prior to coupling the top
closure member to the vial.
3. The process according to claim 1, wherein the top closure member
includes an applicator and a handle.
4. The process according to claim 3, wherein the top closure member
further includes a stem insert coupling the applicator to the
handle.
5. The process according to claim 4, wherein the step of coupling
the top closure member to the vial includes assembling the
applicator and stem insert to form an applicator/stem insert
assembly, installing the applicator/stem insert assembly within the
open first end of the vial, and coupling the handle to the
applicator/stem insert assembly.
6. The process according to claim 1, wherein the plug is snap fit
within the open second end of the vial.
7. The process according to claim 1, further including the step of
inverting the vial prior to filling with product.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 09/229,129, filed Jan. 12, 1999.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a self cleaning dip-in package for
liquids. More particularly, the invention relates to a self
cleaning stem/wiper for dip-in cosmetic packages. The invention
also relates to a process for filling a self cleaning dip-in
package for liquids.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional lipsticks primarily consist of waxes, oils and
pigments. The oils and waxes make the lipstick film fluid, allowing
the lipstick to be easily blotted or rubbed off. Several
"non-transfer" lipstick products have been recently introduced on
the market. These products are similar in technology to
conventional lipstick products, but replace the nonvolatile oils
commonly found in conventional lipsticks with volatile solvents. As
a result, the volatile solvent evaporates when the product is
applied to the lips, leaving a drier film of waxes and pigments.
The film resists blotting relative to oil-containing products, but
dissolves readily in food oils.
[0004] These newer lipstick products employ a two-step lip coloring
system that delivers a lipstick with noticeably longer-wearing
color and a moist feel. The longer-wearing color is achieved via a
pigmented solid polymer basecoat and the moist feel is achieved via
a clear topcoat. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the
basecoat primarily consists of MQ resin and dimethicone gum,
dissolved in a volatile permethyl 99A solvent that evaporates after
the product is applied to the lips. Once the solvent evaporates,
the pigments are adhered to the lips by a high viscosity polymer
film that is free of waxes and oils. The end film is resistant to
blotting, rubbing and food oils, all of which typically remove
conventional lipsticks. However, the aggressive permethyl 99A
volatile solvent dictates that a very good sealant system be
employed in the application package.
[0005] The resins employed in the two-step lip coloring system are
relatively expensive engineering grade resins, and containment of
the resins is important. Containment of the resins is also
important from an aesthetic standpoint since users do not wish to
see excess resin dispersed around the inner neck of the vial when
the brush or doe foot is removed from the vial. Prior attempts have
been made to provide a wiper responding to the problems associated
with the accumulation of excess resins on the inner neck of the
vial. However, no wiper systems have effectively eliminated the
problems in a convenient and cost effective manner.
[0006] Accordingly, a need exists for a package exhibiting
excellent sealing and wiping characteristics. A need also exists
for a convenient and reliable process for assembling and filling
packages. The present invention provides a package exhibiting these
characteristics, as well as a process for filling the packages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide a self cleaning dip-in package. The package includes a vial
having an opening through which a user may access liquid stored
within the vial. The opening is defined by an inner wall of the
vial which provides access to product stored within the package.
The package further includes an applicator adapted for insertion
within the open end of the vial to access liquid product stored
within the vial, wherein the applicator is coupled to a handle and
the handle is selectively coupled to the vial for storing the
product within the vial. A first wiper is coupled within the
opening of the vial such that the first wiper cleans excess product
from the applicator as the applicator is withdrawn from within the
vial. A second wiper is coupled to the handle such that the second
wiper wipes the inner wall of the open end of the vial as the
applicator is inserted into the vial.
[0008] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
package wherein the first wiper includes a check valve seal which
engages the inner wall of the vial to allow the passage of product
wiped by the second wiper into the vial but prevent the passage of
product out of the vial.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
package including a stem insert which connects the applicator to
the handle. In addition, the second wiper is integrally formed with
the stem insert.
[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
package wherein the stem insert includes vents which equalize
pressure as the applicator is withdrawn from the vial to prevent
the creation of vacuum pressure in the space between the first
wiper and the stem insert as the applicator is withdrawn from the
vial.
[0011] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
package wherein the vial includes an open second end sealed by a
plug.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
package including at least one wiper vent allowing pressure to
escape the vial once the applicator has been inserted within the
vial such that the wiper vent contacts the first wiper creating a
path through which pressure is released from the vial.
[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
process for assembling and filling a package. The process includes
the steps of coupling the top closure member to the open first end
of the vial to seal the open first end of the vial, filling the
vial with product through the open second end of the vial and
securing the plug to the open second end of the vial to seal the
open second end of the vial.
[0014] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
process for assembling and filling a package including the step of
installing a wiper within the vial prior to coupling the top
closure member to the vial.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
process for assembling and filling a package wherein the step of
coupling the top closure member to the vial includes assembling the
applicator and stem insert to form an applicator/stem insert
assembly, installing the applicator/stem insert assembly within the
open first end of the vial, and coupling the handle to the
applicator/stem insert assembly.
[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
wiper vent for a package. The wiper vent includes at least one
passageway formed on the applicator/stem insert. The at least one
passageway allows pressure to escape the vial once the
applicator/stem insert assembly has been inserted within the vial
such that the at least one passageway contacts the first wiper
creating a path through which pressure is released from the
vial.
[0017] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
wiper vent for a package wherein the applicator/stem insert
assembly is formed from an applicator and a stem insert, and the at
least one passageway is formed on the stem insert.
[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
wiper vent for a package including a plurality of passageways
formed about the applicator stem insert.
[0019] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth
certain embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present package with the
vial and handle separated.
[0021] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the present package with the
plug assembled.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the present package with
the handle and vial connected.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the present package with
the handle and vial separated.
[0024] FIG. 5 is top view of the vial with the applicator wiper in
position.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the handle with the stem insert
in position.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the handle.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a handle/stem insert
without vents.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a top view of the vial without the applicator
wiper.
[0029] FIG. 10A and 10B are schematics of the process for
assembling and filling the present package.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the present package
having an alternative mating design wherein the stem insert is
extended and provided with threads which mate with the vial
threads.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The detailed embodiments of the present invention are
disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which
may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as limited, but merely as the
basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the
art how to make and/or use the invention.
[0032] With reference to FIG. 1-8, a self cleaning dip-in package
10 in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. The
package 10 provides ideal sealing and wiping assemblies optimized
for use with the two-step lip coloring systems discussed above. As
such, the package 10 includes a handle 12, a stem insert 14, a vial
16, a bottom plug 18, a wiper system 20 and an applicator 22,
22'.
[0033] The preferred embodiment of the present package 10 has been
designed with containment of the volatile lipstick product
discussed above in mind. However, the package 10 may be used with
other products without departing from the spirit of the present
invention. When the package 10 is used with other products,
variations in the package materials may be made without departing
from the spirit of the present invention.
[0034] The present package 10 employs a dual wiper system 20
including an applicator wiper 24 and vial finish wiper 26. The
wipers maintain a clean appearance on the applicator 22, 22' and
vial finish 28. The package 10 further includes a series of vents
which facilitate the efficient use of the present dual wiper
system.
[0035] The handle 12 is shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 7, and is a
substantially cylindrical member with a closed end 30 and an open
end 32. The handle 12 is designed to support the applicator 22, for
example, a brush 22 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) or doe foot 22' (see FIGS.
3 and 4), extending therefrom. In accordance with the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the handle 12 is manufactured
from ABS, although the handle 12 may be manufactured from a variety
of materials and with a variety of styles without departing from
the spirit of the present invention.
[0036] A stem insert 14 is coupled within the open end 32 of the
handle 12. The stem insert 14 includes an extended projection 34 to
which the applicator 22, 22' is coupled. A vial finish wiper 26 is
integrally molded with the stem insert 14. As will be discussed in
greater detail below, the vial finish wiper 26 cleans the inside
wall 40 of the vial finish 28 when the applicator 22 is inserted
within the vial 16.
[0037] The stem insert 14 is preferably made from SELAR 3426, an
amorphous nylon (polyamide) resin manufactured by DuPont. SELAR
3426 provides the barrier properties required for proper
containment of the volatile lipstick product. Other similar
materials, for example, CELCON (an acetal resin manufactured by
BASF), polypropylene, etc., may be substituted without departing
from the spirit of the present invention.
[0038] As discussed above, the stem insert 14 is secured within the
open end 32 of the handle 12. The stem insert 14 and handle 12 are
provided with engaging elements designed to securely maintain the
stem insert 14 in position relative to the handle 12. Specifically,
the outer surface of the stem insert 14 includes a plurality of
longitudinally extending splines 42 and a snap bead 44. With
reference to FIG. 7, the inner surface of the handle 12 includes a
series of longitudinally extending grooves 46 shaped and
dimensioned to receive the plurality of longitudinally extending
splines 42 and a mechanical stop 48 positioned at the upper end of
the longitudinally extending grooves 46 shaped and dimensioned to
limit longitudinal movement of the stem insert 14 within the handle
12. The inner surface of the handle 12 is further provided with a
snap groove 50 shaped and dimensioned to securely receive the snap
bead 44, and thereby retain the stem insert 14 in position with the
handle 12.
[0039] In use, the stem insert 14 is inserted into the open end 32
of the handle 12. The longitudinally extending splines 42 first
engage the longitudinally extending grooves 46 to ensure alignment
of the stem insert 14 within the handle 12. The snap bead 44 then
engages the snap groove 50. The final depth is achieved when the
mechanical stop 48 is engaged upon seating the snap bead 44 in the
snap groove 50. The longitudinally extending splines 42 ensure
nonradial movement when applying torque, while the mechanical stop
48 and the snap bead 44 limit longitudinal movement of the stem
insert 14 within the handle 12.
[0040] A variety of applicators may be used in accordance with the
present invention. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
applicator 22 may be a brush 52 held by a ferrule 54. The brush 52
is preferably shaped by the ferrule 54 to be oval in cross section
at the base of the bristles. The bristle fibers are fine gauge
(0.002" -0.004" in diameter) and gradually taper to a point at the
tip of the brush 52 so that the fibers tend to converge on
themselves. The oval cross-section of the ferrule 54 where the
bristles emerge transitions to a round cross-section. The
brush/ferrule subassembly attaches to the stem insert 14 in the
region where the ferrule 54 is round in cross-section.
[0041] Alternately, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the applicator
22' may take the form of a doe foot 56. The doe foot 56 consists of
a white PVC flexor, urethane adhesive and flocking. The flocking is
preferably 1.8 denier X 0.030" long natural nylon flocking.
[0042] While two alternate embodiments of applicators have been
disclosed above, it should readily be appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of applicators may be
used without departing from the spirit of the present
invention.
[0043] The vial 16 is shaped to substantially match the profile of
the handle 12 and is accordingly a cylindrical shaped member.
However, the vial 16 may take on a variety of other shapes without
departing from the spirit of the present invention. The vial 16
includes open ends at both a first end 58 and a second end 60
thereof. The first end 58 of the vial 16 includes a vial finish 28
shaped and dimensioned to support the applicator wiper 24
(discussed in greater detail below) and receive the applicator 22
secured to the handle 12.
[0044] Specifically, the first end 58 of the vial 16 includes a
centrally mounted ring 62 supported at the bottom of the vial
finish 28. The ring 62 is supported by a series of support arms 64
creating an annular passageway 66 about the ring 62. The annular
passageway 66 allows the vial finish wiper 26 to wipe excess
product from the inner wall 40 of the vial finish 28 back into the
product compartment 68 of the vial 16 in a manner that will be
discussed below in greater detail. The ring 62 also supports the
applicator wiper 24 such that the applicator 22 is wiped clean when
the applicator 22 is pulled from within the vial 16.
[0045] The second end 60 of the vial 16 is open for filling in a
manner that will be discussed in greater detail below. After
filling, the second end 60 of the vial 16 is closed by a plug 18
which is inserted within the second end 60 of the vial 16. The plug
18 includes a snap bead 70 which engages a snap groove 72 along the
inner wall 74 of the second end 60 of the vial 16. The plug 18 also
includes a seal member 76 which engages the inner wall 74 of the
vial 16 to form a seal between the vial 16 and the plug 18.
[0046] The vial 16 is preferably BAREX 210 injection molding
material, an impact modified acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate
copolymer manufactured by British Petroleum. BAREX 210 thoroughly
contains the volatile lipstick product within the vial, although
appropriate substitute materials may be employed without departing
from the spirit of the present invention. The bottom plug 18 is
preferably made from high density polyethylene. The plug 18 has the
specific task of forming a hermetic seal with the vial 16. As such,
fluorine gas treatments may be used to provide better product
containment within the vial 16.
[0047] While a snap fit has been disclosed for securing the plug 18
within the second end 60 of the vial 16, other attachment methods
could be used without departing from the spirit of the present
invention. For example, the plug may be secured within the second
end of the vial by sonic welding of like materials or by spin
welding.
[0048] The handle 12 is selectively coupled to the vial 16 via the
interaction between internal threading 78 formed adjacent the open
end 32 of the handle 12 and external threading 80 formed on the
vial finish 28. In this way the handle 12 is easily screwed onto
the vial 16 to seal the opening found in the first end 58 of the
vial 16.
[0049] As the handle 12 is screwed onto the vial finish 28, the
stem insert 14 engages the inside top edge 82 of the vial finish 28
(see FIGS. 3 and 8) to securely seal the vial 16 and the contents
held therein. The stem insert 14 is shaped and dimensioned to
create a single contact point between the stem insert 14 and the
inside top edge 82 of the vial finish 28.
[0050] As discussed in the Background of the Invention, it is
important to maintain a clean appearance about the exposed areas of
the package 10. As such, the package 10 is designed with a wiper
system 20 consisting of an applicator wiper 24 mounted on the ring
62 supported within the first end 58 of the vial 16 (that is,
within the vial finish 28) and a vial finish wiper 26 integrally
formed with the stem insert 14. The wiper system 20 cleans product
from the applicator 22 and the inner wall 40 of the vial finish
28.
[0051] The applicator wiper 24 contacts the applicator 22 to remove
undesired product from the outer diameter of the applicator 22. The
applicator wiper 24 also prevents liquid from flowing out of the
vial 16 when the package 10 is inverted and the applicator 22 is
positioned within applicator wiper 24.
[0052] As discussed above, the applicator wiper 24 is mounted on
the ring 62 within the first end 58 of the vial 16. The applicator
wiper 24 is substantially annular shaped and provides an access
opening through which the applicator 22 may enter the vial 16.
Specifically, the applicator wiper 24 includes a central
circumferential rim 84 which seats about the ring 62 to mount the
applicator wiper 24 within the first end 58 of the vial 16.
[0053] The applicator wiper 24 also includes an inner wiper member
86 substantially aligned with the opening formed in the ring 62.
The inner wiper member 86 is angled toward the interior of the vial
16 to effectively wipe the applicator 22 as it is withdrawn from
the vial 16.
[0054] The applicator wiper 24 is further provided with a check
valve seal 88, or trumpet valve, about its outer circumference. The
check valve seal 88 engages the inner wall 40 of the vial finish 28
below the support arms 64 connecting the ring 62 to the vial finish
64. The check valve seal 88 allows product accumulating on the vial
finish 28 to be pushed back into the vial 16 while similarly
preventing the same product from flowing along the wall of the vial
16 and out of the vial 16.
[0055] The applicator wiper 24 is preferably manufactured from
nitrile rubber, although other materials may be used without
departing from the spirit of the present invention. Nitrile rubbers
are sufficiently flexible and maintain a small amount of
dimensional change when submerged in the volatile lipstick product
under load for extended periods of time. While nitrile rubbers have
been specifically chosen for use with the present volatile lipstick
composition because of their compatibility, the applicator wiper 24
may be made from a wide variety of materials so long as the wiper
material is compatible with the liquid product stored within the
vial 16.
[0056] The vial finish wiper 26 is integrally formed with the stem
insert 14 and is substantially hidden from view. As such, the vial
finish wiper 26 is formed from the same hard plastic material as
the stem insert 14. The vial finish wiper 26 rubs against the inner
wall 40 of the vial finish 28 when the handle 12 is inserted into
and withdrawn from the vial 16. As such, the vial finish wiper 26
maintains the inner portion of the vial 16, specifically, the inner
wall 40 of the vial finish 28, clean.
[0057] The stem insert 14 is vented 90 into the handle interior 92
to equalize pressure as the applicator 22 is inserted into the vial
16. By venting the stem insert 14 to the handle interior 92, the
build up of negative pressure is prevented in the space between the
applicator wiper 24 and the stem insert 14 when the applicator 22
is withdrawn from the vial 16. If the vents 90 were not present, a
vacuum pressure would be created in the space between the
applicator wiper 24 and the stem insert 14 as the applicator 22 is
withdrawn from the vial 16. The vacuum pressure created by the
withdrawal of the applicator 22 from the vial acts to pull lipstick
product from the product compartment 68, through the inner wiper
member 86 of the applicator wiper 24, and onto the applicator
22.
[0058] The stem insert 14 is further provided with wiper vents 94
located along a portion of the extended projection 34 of the stem
insert 14 to which the applicator 22 is attached. The wiper vents
94 allow the vial 16 to vent any pressure built up while the
applicator 22 is inserted into the vial 16. Specifically, pressure
builds up within the vial 16 and the vial finish 28 as the
applicator 22 is inserted therein. If the pressure is not vented,
the pressure urges the handle 12 and the vial 16 apart.
[0059] The wiper vents 94 allow pressure to escape the vial 16 once
the handle 12 has been inserted within the vial 16 and the wiper
vents 94 contact the inner wiper member 86 of the applicator wiper
24. When the wiper vents 94 contact the inner wiper member 86, the
wiper vents 94 create a path through which pressure is released
from the vial 16.
[0060] In use, the handle 12 is twisted relative the vial 16 to
release the handle 12 from the vial 16. Once the handle 12 is
released, the applicator 22 may be withdrawn from the vial 16. As
the applicator 22 is withdrawn from the vial 16, the inner wiper
member 86 of the applicator wiper 24 contacts the applicator 22 to
wipe off excess product. The excess product wiped from the
applicator 22 is retained within the product compartment 68 of the
vial 16. The user is then free to apply the product without
worrying that excess product may drip from the applicator 22.
[0061] When the user is finished applying the product, the
applicator 22 is inserted within the vial finish 28 and through the
opening defined by the inner wiper member 86. The applicator 22 is
inserted until the handle threads 78 engage the vial finish threads
80, at which time the handle 12 is rotated and secured to vial 16.
While the threads of the handle and vial engage, the vial finish
wiper 26 moves within the vial finish 28 and engages the inner wall
40 of the vial finish 28. The wiper 26 then moves along the wall 40
as the handle 12 and vial 16 are rotated. In this way, the vial
finish wiper 26 pushes product which has accumulated on the inner
wall 40 of the vial finish 28 back into the product compartment 68
of the vial 16. Specifically, the product is pushed along the inner
wall 40 of the vial finish 28, through the annular passageway 66
created by the support arms 64, past the check valve seal 88 and
into the product compartment 68 of the vial 16. Once the handle 12
is fully secured to the vial 16, the vial finish wiper 26 will have
pushed excess product back into the product compartment 68 and a
complete seal will have formed between the handle 12 and the vial
16.
[0062] In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the stem insert
14' is not vented into the handle 12' to equalize pressure as the
handle 12' is withdrawn from the vial 16'. As discussed above, the
vents provided in the stem insert allow pressure to be vented as
the handle is withdrawn from the vial. Such vents may be
unnecessary for certain applications of the present package and
additional manufacturing costs may be saved by not including the
vents.
[0063] As discussed above, the materials used in the construction
of the package 10 have been chosen based upon the volatile
characteristics of the lipstick product packaged in accordance with
the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As such, where
the present package 10 is used to store other compositions, other
materials may be used in the construction of the present package 10
without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0064] One way to ensure adequate sealing is by filling the
basecoat through the bottom of the package 10 and plugging the
bottom. This bottom filling is completed while the wiper system 20
is securely coupled to the top of the package 10. The bottom
filling method is employed in contrast to more conventional
techniques in which the package is filled through the top and the
handle is subsequently inserted by hand.
[0065] With reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the process for
packaging product within the present package 10 is disclosed. As
discussed above, the present process employs a bottom filling
technique which optimizes the sealing characteristics of the
container as well as the manufacturing costs of the packaged
product.
[0066] The vial 16 is moved along an assembly line and the
applicator wiper 24 is positioned within the vial finish 28 as
discussed above. The handle assembly 96 is then assembled in the
following manner.
[0067] The stem insert 14 and the applicator 22 are first
connected. The handle 12 is then coupled to the stem
insert/applicator assembly, completing the construction of the
handle assembly 96.
[0068] Once the handle assembly 96 is properly assembled, the
handle assembly 96 is secured to the vial 16 by mating and rotating
the handle threads 78 with vial threads 80. The functionality of
mating handle threads 78 with vial threads 80 may be accomplished
similarly in an alternative design by having stem insert 14 extend
outside the outer surface of inner wall 40 and then providing
threads on said stem insert extension 79 which mates with vial
threads 80, as shown in FIG. 11, without departing from the spirit
of the present invention. The handle/vial assembly 98 is then
prepared for filling. The handle/vial assembly 98 is inverted (if
it is not already inverted) and is filled with product. Finally,
the plug 18 is snap fit to the bottom of the filled handle/vial
assembly 98 and the packaged product is complete.
[0069] While the process discussed represents the preferred method
for assembly of the package in accordance with the present
invention, it is contemplated that similar packages may be
assembled in accordance with the present process without departing
from the spirit of the present invention. For example, where a vial
finish wiper is not employed with the package, the stem
insert/applicator assembly may be attached to the vial before the
handle is secured to the stem insert/applicator assembly. When this
takes place, the handle is coupled to the stem insert/applicator
assembly after the stem insert/applicator assembly has been
attached to the vial. Under such a variation, the preceding and
subsequent steps discussed above would remain the same.
[0070] While the preferred embodiments have been shown and
described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit
the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover
all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended
claims.
* * * * *