U.S. patent application number 11/588148 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-17 for cosmetic dispenser.
Invention is credited to Monroe A. Cochran, Jeffrey J. Hager, Joel L. Nelson, Laura A. Nelson.
Application Number | 20070110500 11/588148 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38040964 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070110500 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cochran; Monroe A. ; et
al. |
May 17, 2007 |
Cosmetic dispenser
Abstract
A dispenser for cosmetic materials includes a hollow body
containing a flowable cosmetic material, a cap having a wand member
with a cosmetic applicator tip that extends through a sleeve that
limits the distance that the tip protrudes into the body, or
through a screen/wiper tube inside the body, the tube including a
distal opening that engages the tip as it passes through the
opening and into contact with the cosmetic material when the cap is
in contact with the body, and regulates the amount of cosmetic
material carried by the tip as it is withdrawn from the cosmetic
material.
Inventors: |
Cochran; Monroe A.; (Oxnard,
CA) ; Nelson; Laura A.; (Oxnard, CA) ; Nelson;
Joel L.; (Oxnard, CA) ; Hager; Jeffrey J.;
(Oxnard, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KENNETH J. HOVET;NORDMAN, CORMANY, HAIR & COMPTON LLP
P.O. BOX 9100
1000 TOWN CENTER DRIVE
OXNARD
CA
93031-9100
US
|
Family ID: |
38040964 |
Appl. No.: |
11/588148 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60731182 |
Oct 27, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/122 ;
401/121; 401/126; 401/130 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2200/1018 20130101;
A45D 34/046 20130101; A45D 40/267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/122 ;
401/126; 401/121; 401/130 |
International
Class: |
A46B 11/00 20060101
A46B011/00; A46B 17/08 20060101 A46B017/08; A45D 33/00 20060101
A45D033/00 |
Claims
1. A cosmetic dispenser comprising: a hollow body containing a
flowable cosmetic material, said body having a neck defining a neck
opening; a cap having a wand member with a cosmetic applicator tip
that extends through said neck opening into contact with said
cosmetic material when said cap is in contact with said body; a
cosmetic control means connected to said neck for regulating the
amount of cosmetic material carried by said tip as it is withdrawn
from said cosmetic material and moved out of the neck opening; and,
said cosmetic control means comprising a wiper member with an end
opening having a size and shape that corresponds to the size and
shape of said applicator tip for the purpose of regulating the
amount of cosmetic material on the applicator tip per movement of
said tip through said end opening.
2. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said cosmetic control means is
a semi-rigid plastic or a resilient elastomer.
3. The method for dispensing a cosmetic material contained in a
vial wherein the vial has an outlet enclosed with a removable cap
from which extends a rod with a distal end to which is attached a
cosmetic applicator tip, said vial having a hollow member with an
opening having a defined shape comprising: a) providing an
applicator tip for entraining at least an effective dose of
cosmetic material, said tip having a cross-sectional shape that
corresponds to the shape of said opening; b) moving said tip
through said opening and into said cosmetic material; c) allowing
the cosmetic material to be entrained by said tip; and, d) moving
said tip from said cosmetic material through said opening, causing
any cosmetic material being carried by said tip in excess of the
amount needed for an effective dose to be wiped away.
4. A cosmetic dispenser comprising: a hollow body containing a
flowable cosmetic material, said body having a neck defining a neck
opening; a cap having a wand member with a cosmetic applicator tip
that extends through said neck opening and through a screen/wiper
tube inside said hollow body, said tube including a distal opening
of a size and shape for engaging said tip as it passes through said
distal opening and into contact with said cosmetic material when
said cap is in contact with said body, said distal opening
regulating the amount of cosmetic material carried by said tip as
it is withdrawn from said cosmetic material and moved out of the
neck opening; and, said distal opening having a size and shape that
corresponds to the size and shape of said applicator tip for the
purpose of regulating the amount of cosmetic material on the
applicator tip as said tip passes through said distal opening.
5. The dispenser of claim 4 wherein said tube fits frictionally
inside said hollow body.
6. The dispenser of claim 4 wherein said cap includes an internal,
friction fit insert that holds said wand member inside said
cap.
7. The dispenser of claim 6 wherein said wand member fits
frictionally inside said insert.
8. The dispenser of claim 7 wherein said applicator tip fits
frictionally inside a passage in the distal end of said wand
member.
9. The dispenser of claim 8 wherein said hollow body includes an
opening at its distal end for placing said cosmetic material inside
said hollow body, and said dispenser includes an end plug that fits
frictionally inside the opening at the distal end of said hollow
body.
10. The dispenser of claim 4 wherein said wand member fits
frictionally inside said cap.
11. The dispenser of claim 10 wherein said applicator tip fits
frictionally inside a passage in the distal end of said wand
member.
12. The dispenser of claim 4 wherein said hollow body includes an
opening at its distal end for placing said cosmetic material inside
said hollow body, and said dispenser includes an end plug that fits
frictionally inside the opening at the distal end of said hollow
body.
13. A cosmetic dispenser comprising: a hollow body containing a
flowable cosmetic material, said body having a neck defining a neck
opening; a cap having a wand member with a cosmetic applicator tip
that extends through said neck opening into contact with said
cosmetic material when said cap is in contact with said body; a
cosmetic control sleeve connected to said neck for limiting the
distance that said tip protrudes into said body for the purpose of
regulating the amount of cosmetic material on the applicator
tip.
14. The dispenser of claim of claim 1 wherein said body includes an
opening at its distal end for placing said cosmetic material inside
said body, and said dispenser includes an end plug that fits
frictionally inside the opening, and forms a vacuum seal at, the
distal end of said body.
15. The dispenser of claim of claim 13 wherein said body includes
an opening at its distal end for placing said cosmetic material
inside said body, and said dispenser includes an end plug that fits
frictionally inside the opening, and forms a vacuum seal at, the
distal end of said body.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application claims priority from provisional
application No. 60/731,182 filed Oct. 27, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention shares many features described in
pending application Ser. No. 10/817,480. It concerns containers for
housing and dispensing a cosmetic material which may be in liquid,
gel or powder form. It includes applicators that operate in
conjunction with a cosmetic control means for regulating the amount
of cosmetic material that is carried from a reservoir in the
dispenser housing to one's skin. Preferably, each use of an
applicator results in the transfer of an amount of cosmetic that is
suitable for an individual application. This is important in
circumstances where a user is attempting to apply fine lines of
cosmetic without the blurring effect of having a surplus of
cosmetic on the applicator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment
of the invention.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of
the invention.
[0005] FIG. 2A is a combination of four views of a first applicator
tip with two beveled faces used with the first embodiment shown in
FIG. 2.
[0006] FIG. 2B comprises an elevational cross-sectional view of a
second alternative applicator tip showing a sleeve attached to the
back end of the first applicator tip.
[0007] FIG. 2C comprises three views of a third alternative
applicator tip having three beveled faces.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of
the cosmetic dispenser.
[0009] FIG. 4 comprises two views of the wiper member shown in FIG.
3.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of
the cosmetic dispenser, which is also shown in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of
the cosmetic dispenser.
[0012] FIG. 7 comprises four views of a tapered tip assembly used
with the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 6.
[0013] FIG. 8 comprises three views of a spine structure used with
the tapered tip assembly shown in FIG. 7.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view with a partial
cross-section of the screened tube shown in FIG. 6.
[0015] FIG. 10 shows a side elevation view in longitudinal cross
section of a fifth embodiment of the cosmetic dispensers of the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 11 shows a side elevation view in cross section of the
cap for the dispenser of FIG. 10.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view in cross section of the
vial for the dispenser of FIG. 10.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the end plug for the
dispenser of FIG.10.
[0019] FIG. 14 is a side elevation view in cross section of a sixth
embodiment of the cosmetic dispensers of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the vial for the
dispenser of FIG. 14.
[0021] FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the cap for the
dispenser of FIG. 14.
[0022] FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the cap insert for the
cap shown in FIG. 16.
[0023] FIG. 18 is a side elevation of the screen for insertion into
the vial shown in FIG. 15.
[0024] FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of the applicator rod for
the dispenser of FIG. 14.
[0025] FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the applicator that
connects to the applicator rod of FIG. 19.
[0026] FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the end plug for the
vial shown in FIG. 15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] With reference now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an exploded
perspective view of the two main parts of the subject dispenser,
namely, a cap 14 and a body 12. The cap and body are releasably
connectable to enclose a cosmetic applicator means and a
wiper/screen member.
[0028] FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment 10 of the cosmetic dispenser
of the invention comprising a hollow body or vial 12 having a
closed end 17 and side walls 23 that define a cosmetic reservoir
50. The sidewalls extend upwardly to a reduced diameter body neck
13. The neck is provided with outer threads 15.
[0029] Secured to the inner surfaces of the neck is a wiper/screen
member 44. As shown, this comprises an elongated tubular structure
having a proximal end secured to the inner wall surfaces of the
body neck 13. The distal end of the wiper/screen member comprises a
wiper/screen opening 46 defined by wiper edges 47. Preferably, the
wiper/screen member 44 has a longitudinal extent sufficient to
locate the wiper opening 46 in the lower portion of the body
proximate closed end 17. The wiper opening will have a
configuration that will conform to the tip, or be smaller in one or
more dimensions than the tip, so that a cosmetic material wiping
and/or compression action will occur as the tip is withdrawn from
reservoir 50.
[0030] Cap 14 comprises an elongated hollow structure having a
closed top end 19 and an open bottom end that is enclosed by an
applicator wand 16. The wand extends into the interior of cap 14
with a cupped head structure 18. Extending downwardly from the
cupped head structure 18 is an outer peripheral skirt 20. The skirt
includes inner threads 22, which are constructed to matingly engage
corresponding neck outer threads 15. Such engagement comprises the
releasable connection between the cap 14 and the body 12. However,
snap rings and frictional engagement joints could also be used. The
frictional engagement joints may include sealing structure to
prevent product leakage or degradation through moisture
dissipation.
[0031] The head structure 18 is fixed to the inside surfaces of cap
14. It includes an inwardly directed shoulder 21, from which
extends downwardly, a hollow barrel 24. The barrel should have an
axial extend sufficient to locate its distal end 26 proximate to
wiper opening 46.
[0032] Fitted into the barrel distal end 26 is a first applicator
tip 28. The applicator tip is constructed of a compressible
material and the distal end 26 is crimped inwardly to secure the
tip as shown in FIG. 2. Adhesives, fusion bonding and other known
mechanical means could also be used.
[0033] With reference to FIG. 2A, the applicator tip comprises a
tip back end portion 32 which is engaged by the aforementioned
barrel distal end 26. The tip body portion 29 extends outwardly to
a beveled forward edge 31. The forward edge is defined by mirror
image opposing bevel faces 30 formed into the aforesaid body
portion 29. The resulting configuration provides a wedge-shaped
applicator tip that, due to the enlarged bevel face surface areas,
can entrain an effective amount of cosmetic material. Also, the
forward edge 31 allows the user to apply broad strokes of cosmetic
material across one's skin. Additionally, upper point 33 of the
forward edge is useful for applying cosmetic material to small,
discrete areas on one's skin, and for forming fine lines on one's
skin. As used herein, the term "entrain" comprehends cosmetic
material that is absorbed into any existing tip filaments, pores or
open cells or carried on the external surfaces of an applicator
tip.
[0034] The first wedge tip 28 may optionally include a tip tail
(see FIG. 2C) or a tip sleeve 34, as shown in FIG. 2B. The tip
sleeve 34 includes a constricted end section 35, which presses into
the back end portion 32 of the tip. The sleeve open end section 36
may be slid over the distal end of shaft 68, as shown and described
with reference to FIG. 3.
[0035] A third tip variation, shown as tri-face tip 38, is depicted
in FIG. 2C. The tip features three beveled faces for entraining
larger amounts of cosmetic material. It comprises a tip tail 43
which is engagable with either barrel end 26 or sleeve 34 for
subsequent attachment to the shaft end 70 as depicted in FIG. 3.
Alternatively, the tip tail, with or without a sleeve, may be
fitted into bore 86 of rod 82 as shown in FIG. 5.
[0036] The tri-face tip head has a conical shape and a central
center point 41 from which extends flat sections 42. The flat
sections, as shown, have equal diameters and have axes that are
120.degree. apart. The size, shape and orientation of the flat
sections can be varied as dictated by the end user needs and
cosmetic formulations.
[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment 60 of the overall
dispenser. In this embodiment, the same cap 14 and body 12 are
used, including the aforementioned wiper member 44. However, the
applicator wand, shown as rod 62, does not include a cupped head.
Instead, a flat head 64 is provided, from which extends downwardly
an outer peripheral flange 64 having flange inner threads 66. The
flange inner threads correspond to neck outer threads 15 of the
hollow body 12. The flange outer surfaces are secured to the inner
surfaces of the cap 14 in the same manner as with the first
embodiment 10.
[0038] The rod 62 comprises a solid shaft 68 having a shaft end 70.
The shaft end engages the tip sleeve 34 of tip 28 shown in FIG.
2B.
[0039] FIG. 4 is a cross-section and end view of the flat head
wiper member 44 used in the dispensers shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5.
It is secured to the inner walls of neck 13. Preferably, annular
rim 45 of the wiper member rests upon the top edge of the neck and
the member.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the overall dispenser
assembly 80. The same cap 14 and body 12 are used in this
embodiment as with the previous assemblies. However, a third rod 82
is provided having a rod end 84 into which is formed a longitudinal
bore 86. The bore's diameter is sized to engage the tip back-end
portion 32 of first tip 28, or tip tail 43 of tri-face tip 38.
[0041] FIGS. 6-9 show an overall fourth cosmetic dispensing
assembly 90. In this assembly, the third rod 82 and bore 86 are
fitted with a reinforced tapered tip assembly 92. The tip assembly
includes a stiffening spine 94 comprising a spine stem 96 and a
spine head 98 overlaid with a tip cover 100. The spine head is a
flattened structure having curved outer edges 99 that define an
oval-shaped outline similar to an arrowhead. The spine stem 96 is
dimensioned to fit within bore 86 and is secured thereto by
adhesives, frictional engagement, or mechanical means.
[0042] FIG. 7 depicts thin spine head 98 being overlaid with tip
head cover 100. The cover has opposing flat side walls 102, which
are interconnected by rounded corners 105 to opposing side panels
103. The side panels and side walls taper outwardly from an open
back-end 106 (not shown), and then curve inwardly via side panels
103. The side panels and side walls taper forwardly and merge into
a nose portion 104. Nose portion 104 is useful for drawing lines
and for applying cosmetic materials in tight, hard to reach areas.
Side walls 102 are useful for applications of cosmetic materials to
broader areas. To assemble the tapered tip assembly 92, the open
back-end 106 is pulled over spine head 98 until the cover is
entirely overlying the spine head. The cover may remain in place
due to its inherent resilience and/or it may be clamped or adhered
in place.
[0043] In the fourth embodiment 90, the wiper/screen member 44 and
wiper opening 46 are replaced with a tapered closed-end screen
structure 108. The screen structure comprises a screen tube 110
extending axially from screen collar 112 to a tapered nose portion
115 having a tube end 114. As best shown in FIG. 9, the nose
portion is provided with nose openings shown as perforations 116
and slots 118. The number and orientation of perforations and
slots, the geometry and area openings of each, function as cosmetic
control means for regulating the amount of cosmetic material that
moves from reservoir 50 to an applicator tip. The nose openings are
predetermined to coordinate with the flow characteristics of the
cosmetic material that is to be used with the selected dispenser.
This coordination, in turn, will determine the amount of material
that is entrained into and upon the tip head cover 100. It can be
seen that the spine head 98, tip head cover 100 and nose portion
115 have corresponding cross-sectional shapes to facilitate a close
engagement and effective flow of material from reservoir 50 to the
applicator tip.
[0044] FIG. 10, together with FIGS. 11-13, shows another dispenser
embodiment 100, in side elevation cross-sectional view. Dispenser
100 includes vial 101, end plug 102, friction fit cap 103, cap
insert 104, including longitudinal bore 105, applicator tip head
106, applicator stem 108, tip cover 107, and screen 109. Applicator
head 106/head cover 107 extends into cosmetic housing reservoir 120
of vial 101. When dispenser 100 is shaken, inverted or tilted,
cosmetic material from reservoir 120 adheres to head cover 107.
When head 107 is withdrawn from dispenser 100, head 107 may pass
through distal opening 109A in screen 109, wiping off/screening off
undesired, excess cosmetic material, leaving a desired quantity of
cosmetic material on head cover 109 for application to a desired
skin area. However, as FIG. 10 shows, if the cosmetic material may
degrade when subjected to screening, only a portion of applicator
head 107 may protrude past distal opening 109A of screen 109 to
allow the cosmetic material to attach. Then, when head 107 is
withdrawn, no screening or wiping of the material occurs.
[0045] FIG. 11 shows an elevation view of cylindrically-shaped cap
103, which includes closed end 110, open end 111, and, on the
interior wall 117 of cap 103, circumferential rings or grooves 112,
and 113 to engage frictionally the external end wall of vial 101.
Cap insert 104 fits frictionally into cap 103, with rings or
grooves 114-116 engaging the external surface of insert 104.
[0046] FIG. 12 shows a side elevation view in cross-section of vial
101. Vial 101 includes cylindrically-shaped reservoir 120 in
communication with cylindrically-shaped neck portion 121. At the
opening 112 to portion 121 are internal, circumferential sealing
rings 125. At the opening 123 to cosmetic reservoir 120 are
internal, circumferential rings 124, which lie in an area 126 where
the walls of region 120 taper inwardly from opening 123.
[0047] FIG. 13 shows end plug 130 in a side elevation cross
sectional view. End plug 130 includes flat-surfaced end wall 131,
and cylindrically-shaped sidewall 132 with spaced-apart cylindrical
protrusions 133 and 134. End plug 130 fits frictionally into
opening 123 in vial 101, with end wall 131 extending to the
external surface 135 of vial 101, after vial 101 is filled with a
desired cosmetic material, resulting in a seal that can withstand
up to about 25 Hg of vacuum and can resist weight loss of the
enclosed material for about 60 days at 45 degrees C.
[0048] FIG. 14, together with FIGS. 15-21, shows another embodiment
200 of the new dispensers in side elevation, cross-sectional view.
FIG. 14 shows oval-shaped applicator 200 includes oval-shaped vial
201, oval-shaped end plug 202, oval-shaped cap 203, cap insert 204,
wiper/screen 205, applicator rod 206, and applicator 207. On the
internal wall surface 218 at the oval-shaped opening 216 to
reservoir 291 are circumferential rings or grooves 214 which add
end plug 208 retention and sealing by engaging complementary
structure on the end plug.
[0049] FIG. 15 shows, in side elevation, cross-sectional view,
oval-shaped vial 201 for applicator 200, including oval-shaped
reservoir 210, in communication with oval-shaped neck portions 211
and 212 of narrower diameter than region 210. On the internal wall
surface 217 at the opening 215 to portion 212 are circumferential
rings or grooves 213. On the internal wall surface 218 at the
oval-shaped opening 216 to reservoir 201 are circumferential rings
or grooves 214.
[0050] FIG. 16 shows, in side elevation, cross-sectional view cap
203 for applicator 200, including oval-shaped sidewall 231, curved
external end wall 230, curved internal end wall 233,
circumferential, internal groove 234 and circumferential internal
ring or protrusion 235. Cap opening 232 fits frictionally over neck
region 211 of vial 201 to hold cap 203 in place on vial 201.
[0051] FIG. 17 shows cap insert 204 in side elevation,
cross-sectional view, including cylindrically-shaped sidewall 242,
convexly curved surface internal and concavely curved surface
external end walls 241 and 247, external flange 243, end opening
245, and internal, circumferential rings or grooves 244 and 246.
Insert 204 fits frictionally into cap 203, with end wall 241
abutting internal end wall 233. Internal grooves or rings 244 at
the distal end of the cap insert engage external surface 323 of
reservoir 201 to form the primary sealing and retention interface
to the top of the dispenser.
[0052] FIG. 18 shows screen/wiper 205 in side elevation,
cross-sectional view, including cylindrically-shaped passage 250,
proximal end opening 252, distal end opening 251, proximal external
end flange 253, proximal, circumferential external ring 254, and
inwardly-tapering end portion 256, with internal, rounded surface
255 at opening 251. Screen/wiper 205 fits frictionally into vial
201 through opening 215.
[0053] FIG. 19 shows applicator rod 206 in side elevation,
cross-sectional view. Applicator rod 206 includes
cylindrically-shaped shaft 260, distal, cylindrically-shaped
passage 261, proximal, cylindrically-shaped portion 266, with
proximal opening 263. On the external surface of portion 266 are
circumferential protrusion 267, and a plurality of parallel, spaced
apart, longitudinally-extending ribs 262. Rod 206 fits frictionally
inside cap insert 204, which fits frictionally within cap 203. When
so assembled, rod 206 protrudes from the open end 232 of cap
203
[0054] FIG. 20 shows, in side elevation, cross-sectional view,
applicator 207 for insertion into passage 261 of applicator rod
205, with stem 271 of rod 207 frictionally fitting into passage
261. Stem 271 is connected to applicator head 272 and its outer
foam covering 273 through stem end 274, which fits frictionally
into head 272.
[0055] FIG. 21 shows, in side elevation, cross-sectional view, vial
end plug 208, including flat end wall 280, oval-shaped sidewall 281
and keyway 282 for engagement with complementary protrusion on the
internal sidewall of vial 201 near oval opening 216. After vial 201
is filled with a cosmetic material through opening 216 in vial 201,
plug 208 is inserted into vial 201, with or without an o-ring.
frictionally engaging the rings or grooves 214 inside opening
216.
[0056] It will be appreciated that one of the advantages of the
invention is the adaptability of the bore and stem connection to be
designed whereby the tips can be exchanged by a user. In such case,
the tip/bore connection may be threaded or simply comprise a tight,
frictional connection. Thus, depending on the cosmetic material
being used and the needs of the user, a variety of sizes and shapes
of the tip can be utilized.
[0057] Additionally, the tips may be constructed of a porous or
non-porous rubber, fabric mesh, felt material, foamed polymers or
sponge material. In the case of the spine, when this is combined
with a soft foam outer layer tip, a controlled, accurate cosmetic
application can be achieved. The nose portion shown has particular
suitability for use with a powder inasmuch as the perforations can
be sized to inhibit any powder spillage. The location of the screen
adjacent the lower region of the reservoir also inhibits
spillage.
[0058] It will be appreciated that while the foregoing descriptions
set forth different embodiments in specific detail, alterations,
variations and modifications may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. As such, the inventors desire to
avail themselves of all such variations, alterations and/or
modifications, and the invention should not be limited by the
aforesaid above-described specific embodiments.
* * * * *