U.S. patent application number 10/395071 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-23 for liquid container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mitsubishi Pencil Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Kirita, Kazuhisa, Nakajima, Nobuyuki.
Application Number | 20030196672 10/395071 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28786770 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030196672 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kirita, Kazuhisa ; et
al. |
October 23, 2003 |
Liquid container
Abstract
A liquid container includes a receptacle for storing a liquid
content such as mascara, a squeezer fitted in the mouth of the neck
of the receptacle, and an applying shaft of a cap inserted into the
receptacle through the squeezer. The squeezer is made of a material
having flexibility and formed in such an approximate cylindrical
shape that the diameter of the squeezer becomes gradually smaller
from the top end toward the lower part and becomes gradually
greater from that lower part to the bottommost part while a
multiple number of vertical slits are cut out in the peripheral
wall of the squeezer. The squeezer becomes gradually wider from the
lower part to the bottommost part, so as to avoid collision with
the applying part of the applying shaft that holds the liquid
content.
Inventors: |
Kirita, Kazuhisa;
(Tamamura-machi, JP) ; Nakajima, Nobuyuki;
(Takasaki-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BURNS DOANE SWECKER & MATHIS L L P
POST OFFICE BOX 1404
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Assignee: |
Mitsubishi Pencil Kabushiki
Kaisha
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
28786770 |
Appl. No.: |
10/395071 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/218 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/267 20130101;
A45D 34/046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/218 |
International
Class: |
A45D 040/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 23, 2002 |
JP |
2002-121026 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A liquid container, comprising: a receptacle for storing a
liquid; a squeezer fitted in the mouth of the receptacle; and an
applying shaft inserted into the receptacle through the squeezer,
characterized in that the squeezer is made of a material having
flexibility and formed in such an approximate cylindrical shape
that the hollow size of the squeezer becomes gradually smaller from
a first end to a position near the other end and becomes gradually
greater from that position to the endmost part of the other end
while slits extending in the axial direction are formed in the
peripheral wall of the squeezer.
2. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein both ends of
each slit are not extended to both ends of the squeezer.
3. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein a flange is
projected radially outwards at the first end of the squeezer so as
to be engaged on the rim of the mouth of the receptacle.
4. The liquid container according to claim 2, wherein a flange is
projected radially outwards at the first end of the squeezer so as
to be engaged on the rim of the mouth of the receptacle.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] (1) Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a liquid container for
storing fluid eyeliner, mascara, nail polish, rouge and the
like.
[0003] (2) Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Conventional liquid containers have been disclosed by
Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-open Sho 50 No. 154177, 55
No. 133906, 57 No. 86104, 60 No. 123110, Japanese Patent
Application Laid-open Sho 58 No. 15810, Japanese Patent Application
Disclosure Hei 11 No. 504555, Japanese Patent Application
Disclosure No. 2000-513990, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open
No. 2001-61547 and others.
[0005] Although not illustrated, a liquid container of this kind is
comprised of a receptacle for storing a liquid content such as
mascara and a cap which is removably screw fitted on the mouth of
the neck of the receptacle. A cylindrical squeezer having
flexibility and elasticity is fitted in the mouth of the neck of
the receptacle. An applying shaft to be inserted into the
receptacle through the squeezer is attached to the ceiling of the
cap. Attached to the distal end of the applying shaft is an
applying part that soaks up the liquid content. The applying shaft
is formed so as to have a diameter approximately equal to, or
marginally smaller than, the inside diameter of the squeezer,
whereby the liquid content adhering to the applying portion is
thinned out by the squeezer.
[0006] Incidentally, the squeezer used here should have the
following functions: (1) an optimum dose adjusting function of
thinning out the liquid content soaked up by the applying part of
the-applying shaft when the cap is removed; (2) a mouth staining
preventing function of returning the puddle of liquid content at
the mouth into the receptacle when the applying shaft is inserted;
(3) a mouth staining preventing function of inhibiting rise of the
internal pressure of the receptacle when the applying shaft is
inserted; (4) a performance maintaining function of preventing
damage to the applying part of the applying shaft when the applying
shaft is fitted in and taken out; and (5) a performance maintaining
function of withstanding repeated attachment and removal of the
applying shaft. In view of these demands, the squeezer is formed
with slits, projections and the like, as appropriate.
[0007] In order to meet the above demands, the squeezers of the
conventional liquid containers have been formed with slits,
projections and other structure as appropriate. Although, these
measures can meet the demands for the functions (1) to (3), it has
not been possible to satisfy the demands for the functions (4) and
(5).
[0008] That is, any of the conventional squeezers is arranged
perpendicularly to the applying shaft or in such a position as to
be acute angled in one direction with respect to the applying
shaft. Hence, the squeezer would be easily turned up and deformed
by its scraping on the step between the applying shaft and the
applying part when the applying shaft is fitted in and removed,
causing damage to the applying part and also being unable to
withstand repeated attachment and removal of the applying shaft.
Further, in the case of a perpendicular type squeezer, there is a
relatively high risk of damage to the brush-like applying part
taking place.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention has been devised in view of the above
discussion, and it is therefore an object of the present invention
to provide a liquid container in which its squeezer is prevented
from being turned up and deformed when the applying shaft is fitted
and removed, hence the applying shaft and the like is prevented
from being damaged and yet the squeezer can withstand repeated
attachment and removal of the applying shaft.
[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention
is configured as follows:
[0011] In accordance with the present invention, a liquid container
comprises: a receptacle for storing a liquid; a squeezer fitted in
the mouth of the receptacle; and an applying shaft inserted into
the receptacle through the squeezer, and is characterized in that
the squeezer is made of a material having flexibility and formed in
such an approximate cylindrical shape that the hollow size of the
squeezer becomes gradually smaller from a first end to a position
near the other end and becomes gradually greater from that position
to the endmost part of the other end while slits extending in the
axial direction are formed in the peripheral wall of the
squeezer.
[0012] In connection with the above, it is possible that both ends
of each slit are not extended to both ends of the squeezer.
[0013] It is also preferred that a flange is projected radially
outwards at the first end of the squeezer so as to be engaged on
the rim of the mouth of the receptacle.
[0014] Here, whether the viscosity of the liquid in the present
invention is high or low is not important as long as it has
fluidity. Specific examples of the liquid content include eyeliner,
mascara, nail polish, rouge, correction fluid, various adhesives
(e.g., dental cement, etc.) and paints. The receptacle may be
transparent, translucent or opaque and may have a cylindrical,
elliptic, polygonal shape or the like with a bottom. Further, the
squeezer may be formed in a cylindrical form, cylindroid form,
polygonal prism form, in conformity with the shape of the mouth of
the receptacle. The first end of the squeezer may include the top
end and upper part whereas the other end of the squeezer includes
the middle part and the lower part. The applying shaft may be
either solid or hollow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall
configuration of the embodiment of a liquid container in accordance
with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is an illustrative perspective view showing a
squeezer in the embodiment of a liquid container according to the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a sectional view cut along a plane IV-IV in FIG.
3; and
[0019] FIG. 5 is an illustrative perspective view showing a
squeezer of another embodiment of a liquid container according to
the present invention, wherein slits are cut out so that they do
not reach the top and bottom ends thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The preferred embodiment of the present invention will
hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying
drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a liquid container in this
embodiment includes a receptacle 1, a squeezer 3 to be fitted in
the mouth of a neck 2 of a receptacle 1, and an applying shaft 11
fixed to a cap 10 and inserted into receptacle 1 through squeezer
3. The squeezer 3 is formed to be similar to a hollow, waist-shaped
drum.
[0021] Receptacle l is small-sized and transparent, for example,
and holds a predetermined amount of an unillustrated fluidic liquid
content such as mascara. This receptacle 1 has a narrow cylindrical
neck 2 extending upwards, formed integrally at the upper part
thereof. The outer peripheral side of the neck 2 is incised in the
circumference direction with a thread for fixture. The thread of
this neck 2 detachably mates the thread on the inner periphery of
cap 10 having an approximate U-shaped section.
[0022] Squeezer 3 is made of a material having flexibility and
elasticity and formed basically in an approximate cylindrical form
with its diameter (hollow size) gradually reduced from its top
(first end) or thereabout to the lower part (the other end) and
gradually enlarged from the lower part to the bottom end (endmost
part). Examples of the material for squeezer 3 include various
types of rubbers and plastics. More specifically, silicone rubber,
butadiene rubber, ABS, PP and PS resins are suitable. Squeezer 3
has a plurality of slits 4 arranged circumferentially and cut out
in the vertical direction, so as to present a certain degree of
flexibility and resiliency. It also has an annular flange 5
projected radially outwards from the top rim. This flange 5 is
fitted so as to rest on the rim of the mouth of neck 2. Slits 4 may
be cut out so that their upper and lower ends extend to the top and
bottom of squeezer 3 or may be cut out so that their upper or lower
ends do not reach the top and bottom of squeezer 3, as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0023] Applying shaft 11 is formed in a narrow cylindrical form and
suspended from the center of the ceiling of cap 10 by means of a
fixture. A brush-like applying part 12 for holding liquid content
is fitted at the distal end of the applying shaft. This applying
shaft 11 is formed so as to have a diameter approximately equal to,
or marginally smaller than, the inside diameter of the lower
portion of squeezer 3, whereby the liquid content holding applying
part 12 is thinned out by the lower part of squeezer 3. Applying
shaft 11 and cap 10 are molded of a material having impact
resistance and dynamical, such as ABS, PP, PS, PE resins, recycled
plastic, EVOH, PET, nylon, PBT, PA, POM resins and others.
[0024] When this liquid container is used for cosmetics, makeup can
be applied by turning cap 10, pulling it upwards to draw out
applying shaft 11 from receptacle 1 and using the applying part 12
wetted with the mascara in receptacle 1.
[0025] According to the above configuration, the lower part of
squeezer 3 is more than a mere cylindrical configuration that
linearly and vertically extends downwards rather it gradually
enlarges radially outwardly as it goes downwards, forming an
inverted funnel shape so as to avoid collision with applying part
12 of applying shaft 11 when the applying part holding the liquid
content is used for application of mascara. Therefore, the squeezer
will never oppose applying shaft 11 perpendicularly or in an
acute-angled position with respect to one direction. As a result,
it is possible to provide a markedly effective solution to the
problem that the squeezer would be turned up and deformed by its
scraping on the step between applying shaft 11 and applying part 12
when applying shaft 11 is fitted in and removed, causing damage to
applying part 12 and also its being unable to withstand repeated
attachment and removal of applying shaft 11.
[0026] Of course, the configuration of the invention is able to
meet the demands for (1) an optimum dose adjusting function of
thinning out the liquid content soaked by applying part 12 of
applying shaft 11 when cap 10 is removed; (2) a mouth staining
preventing function of returning the puddle of liquid content at
the mouth into the receptacle 1 when applying shaft 11 is inserted;
and (3) a mouth staining preventing function of inhibiting rise of
the internal pressure of receptacle 1 when applying shaft 11 is
inserted. Further, slits 4 of squeezer 3 enhances the flexibility
to some degree, so that the peripheral wall of squeezer 3 flexes
inwards and outwards within limits, whereby no damage to applying
part 12 occurs when it collides with squeezer 3. Since flange 5 of
squeezer 3 is fitted on the rim of the mouth of neck 2, prevention
against dislodging of squeezer 3 can be highly expected.
[0027] Squeezer 3 is effective enough if the lower ends of slits 4
reach the bottom of squeezer 3 forming open ends. However, when a
very flexible material is used considering the solvent resistance
against the liquid content and protection of the brush, the lower
ends of slits 4 need not reach to the bottom of squeezer 3 so as to
form open ends. This makes it possible to enhance the performance
and function of (5). Needless to say, this makes it possible to
improve only the function of (5) without compromising the functions
of (1) to (4).
[0028] In the above embodiment, cap 10 is screw-fitted to neck 2 of
receptacle 1, but the invention should not be limited thereto. For
example, cap 10 may be detachably and pressingly attached tightly
on neck 2 of receptacle 1. Further, in the above embodiment, the
outer peripheral part of squeezer 3 near its lower end is formed
angularly, but the invention should not be limited thereto. For
example, the part near the lower end of squeezer 3 may be rounded.
It is also possible to configure squeezer 3 so that its diameter
becomes gradually smaller from the top end or the upper part
towards the middle part and becomes gradually greater from the
middle part towards the lower end. Flange 5 either may be, or need
not be, formed in an annular shape. Applying part 12 may be a
drawing brush or brush, or may be sponge, a twisted brush or
others.
[0029] As has been described, according to the present invention,
the squeezer is made of a material having flexibility and formed in
such an approximate cylindrical shape that the hollow of the
squeezer becomes gradually narrower from one end to a position near
the other end and becomes gradually wider from that position to the
endmost part of the other end while slits extending in the axial
direction are formed in the peripheral wall of the squeezer.
Accordingly, it is possible to inhibit or prevent the squeezer from
being turned up and deformed when the applying shaft is fitted in
or removed, hence preventing damage to the applying shaft and other
parts. Further, it is possible to provide a liquid container of
which the squeezer is able to withstand repeated attachment and
removal of the applying shaft.
* * * * *