U.S. patent application number 12/241856 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-17 for shearing assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Zen Design Solutions Limited. Invention is credited to Rahul Bose, Roger Hwang, Koushik Kohli, Santosh Mohapatra, Leo Clifford Pires, Bhavana Vashishtha.
Application Number | 20090311034 12/241856 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41414949 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090311034 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pires; Leo Clifford ; et
al. |
December 17, 2009 |
SHEARING ASSEMBLY
Abstract
The present invention generally is a shearing assembly for a
viscous product comprising a product inlet flow component, a
shearing component, and a housing, said housing arranged to be
mounted on the product inlet flow component. The shearing component
is enclosed in the housing such that the viscous product is sheared
when it flows via the shearing component while the flow of the
product is sealed when the shearing component is under the action
of a force. Also disclosed is a device comprising said shearing
assembly.
Inventors: |
Pires; Leo Clifford;
(Basking Ridge, NJ) ; Hwang; Roger; (Maple,
CA) ; Bose; Rahul; (New Delhi, IN) ;
Vashishtha; Bhavana; (Ghaziabad, IN) ; Kohli;
Koushik; (Ghaziabad, IN) ; Mohapatra; Santosh;
(New Delhi, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATTERSON & SHERIDAN L.L.P. NJ Office
3040 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1500
Houston
TX
77056-6582
US
|
Assignee: |
Zen Design Solutions
Limited
Hong Kong
HK
|
Family ID: |
41414949 |
Appl. No.: |
12/241856 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12137617 |
Jun 12, 2008 |
|
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12241856 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
401/206 ;
401/202 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 34/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/206 ;
401/202 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/02 20060101
A45D040/02; A45D 40/08 20060101 A45D040/08; A45D 40/10 20060101
A45D040/10 |
Claims
1. A shearing assembly for a product comprising: a product inlet
flow component, said product inlet flow component having an inlet
end and an outlet end wherein the inlet end and the outlet end
define an opening that allows the product to flow through it; a
shearing component, and a housing, said housing arranged to be in
fluid communication with the product inlet flow component wherein
the product is sheared when it flows via the shearing
component.
2. The shearing assembly according to claim 1 wherein the shearing
component has an inlet end, an outlet end, a sidewall and a
plurality of flow tracks and wherein a protrusion extends outwardly
from the inlet end of the shearing component.
3. The shearing assembly according to claim 2 wherein the shearing
component is an integral part of the housing.
4. The shearing assembly according to claim 3 wherein the shearing
component and the product inlet flow component are arranged to be
displaceable with respect to each other.
5. The shearing assembly according to claim 4 wherein the shearing
component displaces in an axial direction with respect to the
product inlet flow component when a force is applied or removed
from it, and wherein the product is sheared while it flows via the
plurality of flow tracks in the shearing component.
6. The shearing assembly according to claim 4 wherein product inlet
flow component displaces in an axial direction with respect to the
shearing component when a force is applied or removed from it, and
wherein the product is sheared while it flows via the plurality of
flow tracks in the shearing component.
7. The shearing assembly according to claim 4 wherein the flow of
the product is sealed when the shearing component and the product
inlet flow component are caused to be placed abutting each
other.
8. The shearing assembly according to claim 7 wherein the sealing
of the flow of the product occurs when the extended protrusion of
the shearing component is caused to travel into the opening of the
product inlet flow component by application or removal of force
thereby sealing the opening of the product inlet flow
component.
9. The shearing assembly according to claim 8 comprising an
applicator in the housing to which the product is supplied via the
shearing component.
10. The shearing assembly according to claim 9 comprising a biasing
member wherein the biasing member biases the relative axial
displacement of the shearing component and the product inlet flow
component under the action of a force.
11. The shearing assembly according to claim 10 wherein the biasing
member is housed in the housing with the shearing component and it
biases the shearing component to move in an axial direction with
respect to the product inlet flow component when a force is applied
or removed from it.
12. The shearing assembly according to claim 10 wherein the biasing
member biases the displacement of the product inlet flow component
when a force is applied or removed from it.
13. The shearing assembly according to claim 1 wherein said
shearing component shears viscous products, said viscous products
comprising at least one of medication fluids, dermatological
fluids, liquid cosmetic material, microencapsulated liquid
products, lip gloss, lip balm, lip putty, lip plumping gel, cream
eye shadow, under-eye cream, under-eye repair cream, foundation,
concealer, blemish concealer, cheek plumping gel or cream, cream
and moisturizer, nail enamel, temporary hair colors, hair styling
gel, glitter, hair mousse, hair repair cream, exfoliant and
hydrating cream, correction cream, acne treatment cream, skin
treatment cream, hair repair cream, anti-dandruff cream or teeth
whitening gel.
14. A device for packaging and dispensing a product comprising: a
reservoir wherein said reservoir has a neck that defines an opening
in the form of an orifice; a means for closing the reservoir, said
means comprising a cap; a shearing assembly arranged to be mounted
onto the neck of the reservoir; wherein said shearing assembly
comprises a product inlet flow component a shearing component; a
housing, said housing arranged to be in fluid communication with
the product inlet flow component wherein the product inlet flow
component is arranged to be mounted in the opening of the neck of
the reservoir wherein the product is sheared when it flows via the
shearing component; and an applicator, said applicator housed in
the housing of the shearing assembly
15. The device according to claim 14 wherein the shearing component
and the product inlet flow component of the shearing assembly are
arranged to be displaceable with respect to each other.
16. The device according to claim 15 wherein the shearing component
has an inlet end, an outlet end, a sidewall and a plurality of flow
tracks and wherein a protrusion extends outwardly from the inlet
end of the shearing component.
17. The device according to claim 16 wherein a force applied on the
reservoir causes displacement of the product inlet flow component
with respect to the shearing component resulting in flow of the
product or sealing of product flow.
18. The device according to claim 17 wherein the flow of the
product is sealed when the shearing component and the product inlet
flow component are caused to be placed abutting each other.
19. The device according to claim 16 wherein the means for closing
the reservoir when in close communication with the neck of the
reservoir causes the protrusion in the shearing component to seal
the orifice of the reservoir.
20. The device according to claim 19 wherein the means for closing
the reservoir when removed causes the displacement of the shearing
component with respect to the product inlet flow component which
results in opening of the orifice of the reservoir due to which
when the reservoir is actuated it results in the flow of the
product via the shearing component.
21. A device for packaging and dispensing a product according to
claim 14 wherein the product comprises at least one of medication
fluids, dermatological fluids, liquid cosmetic material,
microencapsulated liquid products, lip gloss, lip balm, lip putty,
lip plumping gel, cream eye shadow, under-eye cream, under-eye
repair cream, foundation, concealer, blemish concealer, cheek
plumping gel or cream, cream and moisturizer, nail enamel,
temporary hair colors, hair styling gel, glitter, hair mousse, hair
repair cream, exfoliant and hydrating cream, correction cream, acne
treatment cream, skin treatment cream, hair repair cream,
anti-dandruff cream or teeth whitening gel.
22. A shearing assembly for a product comprising: a product inlet
flow component, said product inlet flow component having an inlet
end and an outlet end wherein the inlet and the outlet end defines
an opening that allows for the product to flow through it; a
shearing component wherein the shearing component has an inlet end,
an outlet end, a sidewall and a plurality of flow tracks and
wherein a protrusion extends outwardly from the inlet end of the
shearing component; a housing, said housing arranged to be in fluid
communication with the product inlet flow component, wherein said
shearing component is enclosed in the housing such that the product
is sheared when it flows via the shearing component and the
shearing component seals the flow of product upon application or
removal of a force, wherein application or removal of a force
causes displacement of the shearing component with respect to the
product inlet flow component, wherein the product is sheared while
it flows via the plurality of flow tracks in the shearing component
and wherein the product flow is sealed by the protrusion of the
shearing component; optionally comprising an applicator in the
housing to which the product is supplied via the shearing
component; and optionally comprising a biasing member wherein the
biasing member biases the relative axial displacement of the
shearing component and the product inlet flow component under the
action of a force.
23. A device for packaging and dispensing a product comprising: a
reservoir wherein said reservoir has a neck that defines an opening
in the form of an orifice; a means for closing the reservoir, said
means comprising a cap; a shearing assembly arranged to be mounted
onto the neck of the reservoir wherein said shearing assembly
comprises: a product inlet flow component; a shearing component,
wherein the shearing component has an inlet end, an outlet end, a
sidewall and a plurality of flow tracks and wherein a protrusion
extends outwardly from the inlet end of the shearing component; and
a housing, said housing arranged to be in fluid communication with
the product inlet flow component wherein the product inlet flow
component is arranged to be mounted in the opening of the neck of
the reservoir and wherein the shearing component is enclosed in the
housing such that the product is sheared when it flows via the
shearing component, wherein the shearing component and the product
inlet flow component of the shearing assembly are arranged to be
displaceable with respect to each other; and an applicator, said
applicator housed in the housing of the shearing assembly, wherein
application or removal of a force causes displacement of the
product inlet flow component with respect to the shearing component
resulting in flow of the product or sealing of product flow,
wherein the means for application of force is a cap of the device,
the housing or the reservoir; a biasing member wherein the biasing
member biases the relative axial movement of the shearing component
and the product inlet flow component under the action of a force,
wherein the means for closing the reservoir when in close
communication with the neck of the reservoir causes the protrusion
in the shearing component to seal the orifice of the product inlet
flow component.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/137,617, filed Jun. 12, 2008, which is
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an
assembly that shears a viscous product while delivery as well as
effectively seals the flow when the product is not under usage.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Certain viscous products are difficult to be delivered and
applied on a surface evenly as they tend to clump the product while
being delivered. Consumer products such as lip gloss, lip balm, lip
putty, nail enamel etc are examples of viscous products that
require to be sheared before application. General method of
delivery of such viscous products is through pump or plunger
systems or through container/rod systems. However, these are either
complex or costly mechanisms. Moreover, as the applicator is at the
other end of the stem of the cap in these systems there is an
inconvenience during application, unlike the bullet type lipstick
which the consumer can hold very close to the point of application
thereby easily maintaining very precise control. There have also
been attempts at providing squeeze tubes that have applicators
attached on the neck of the container. However, these are unable to
fulfill the need of shearing of the product before it is
delivered.
[0006] There have also been attempts at modifying applicators such
that they shear the product for an even application on
surface/skin/lips. For example, applicators have been made of thin
metal wire mesh that apply liquid and simultaneously shear it as
well. U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,347 to Gueret discloses an applicator
that has good properties for the spreading of the product. Also,
the application surface of the applicator nozzle is provided with
cavities or grooves for the spreading to obtain a faster and more
homogeneous make-up than with an applicator brush. However, the
product is sheared after delivery onto the applicator, while it is
desirable that the applicator be supplied with a sheared
liquid.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,686 to Neuener et al., discloses a
dispenser and applicator for liquid cosmetic material including a
rigid, axially elongated reservoir tube for holding the cosmetic
material, a manually operable driver assembly for exerting pressure
on the material within the tube, and an applicator tip having a
planar woven mesh screen extending across an outlet end opening and
molded in the applicator tip. The driver assembly forces the
contained material forwardly through the screen, which the user
applies to the lip or eye region of the face, or other selected
skin area.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 7,153,053 to Wiley relates to a package where
fluid material is stored in a reservoir. Rotating a collar with
respect to the reservoir advances a piston therein to deliver lip
coloring or other material through a valve to a roller mounted on a
dispensing head. The patent discloses use of a roller head for
proper delivery of thick and pasty fluid.
[0009] There have also been provided mixers inside the reservoir
such that they deliver the product as a sheared liquid. However,
these are generally used where more than one product is to be
dispensed.
[0010] Therefore, there still remains a need for an assembly that
is simple, cost-effective, easy to manufacture yet providing good
shearing action thereby dispensing a viscous product. Also, there
exists an opportunity area where the applicators used are
conventional which most users are accustomed to using and yet
deliver a product that has been sheared while the user applies
it.
SUMMARY
[0011] The present invention generally is an assembly that helps in
shearing a viscous product before it is delivered for
application.
[0012] According to an embodiment of the invention there is also
provided an assembly that shears a viscous product while
delivery.
[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention there is
also provided an assembly that effectively seals the flow when the
product is not required to be used.
[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
shearing assembly comprises of a product inlet flow component and a
shearing component. The product inlet flow component has an inlet
end and an outlet end and both the ends define an opening for the
product to flow through it. The shearing component may be placed in
a housing or any other suitable means which is arranged to be
mounted on the product inlet flow component.
[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
shearing component and the product inlet flow component are
arranged to be displaceable with respect to each other. The
shearing component may be placed inside the housing in such a
manner that a force when applied or removed from the housing causes
the shearing component to be displaced axially thereby allowing the
product either to flow via the shearing component or to stop the
product from flowing thereby sealing the system. Alternatively, the
product inlet flow component may be arranged to be axially
displaceable with respect to the shearing component under the
action of a force, thereby allowing either flow of product through
the shearing component or stopping of the flow of product.
[0016] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the
shearing assembly may optionally comprise a biasing member. The
biasing member may bias the relative displacement of the shearing
component and the product inlet flow component. The biasing member
may be so arranged to cause displacement of the shearing component
with respect to the product inlet flow component when a force is
applied or removed from the shearing component. For example, the
biasing member may be housed along with the shearing component in
the housing which is arranged to be mounted on the neck of the
product inlet flow component. The biasing member may include a
resilient flexible member and it may comprise a coil spring or like
biasing element. According to an alternative exemplary embodiment,
the biasing member may be so arranged to cause the axial
displacement of the product inlet flow component upon either
application or removal of a force.
[0017] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the
shearing assembly may also contain a means for applying force to
cause relative displacement of the shearing component and the
product inlet flow component. The means for application of force on
the shearing component may be in the form of a cap for the
container housing the viscous product or could be the housing
itself in the form of an on-off collar or dial or any other
suitable means. Alternatively, the force may be applied on the
shearing component manually, pneumatically, hydraulically or
through various other types of mechanisms.
[0018] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the
means for applying force on the product inlet flow component could
be in the form of an on-off collar acting as a toggle switch, a
button or any other suitable means to apply or remove force from
the product inlet flow component. Alternatively, the force may be
applied on the product inlet flow component manually,
pneumatically, hydraulically or through various other types of
mechanisms.
[0019] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the
product inlet flow component could be a part of the neck of a
container itself or it could be a separate component attached to
the neck of the container that houses the viscous product. The
product inlet flow component may be made of a suitable polymeric
material such as polypropylene.
[0020] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the
shearing component may be an integral part of the housing or it
could be a separate component enclosed in the housing.
[0021] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention
the shearing component has an inlet end, an outlet end, a sidewall
and a plurality of flow tracks. Further, a protrusion extends
outwardly from the inlet end of the shearing component. Therefore,
when the product enters the shearing component, it is caused to
flow through a plurality of tracks thereby shearing it and is then
delivered onto the application surface.
[0022] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the
shearing component may also be in the form of a mixer that has
suitable ridges or tracks on it which cause the material to get
sheared while traveling via it. The shearing component may be made
of polypropylene or silicone or any other suitable polymeric
material.
[0023] According to yet another embodiment of the invention the
shearing component may also act as a sealing means that closes the
opening of the product inlet flow component. As a protrusion
extends outwardly from the inlet end of the shearing component,
when this protrusion is caused to physically travel and sit on the
product inlet flow component, it seals the opening of the product
inlet flow component for that duration. This provides for a better
seal as compared to just surface interference in other sealing
methods.
[0024] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention,
the product inlet flow component of the shearing assembly may fit
onto the neck of a container or it could be built in the neck of
the container. Also, there may be present an outer body enclosing
the said shearing assembly in a container. While, the arrangement
of the biasing member may be done with respect to any of the
shearing component, the product inlet flow component, the housing
or an outer body enclosing the product inlet flow component so as
to cause displacement of either the shearing component or the
product inlet flow component with respect to each other.
[0025] According to yet another embodiment of the invention the
housing component may also house the applicator at its free end to
which the product is supplied via the shearing component.
[0026] Independently or in combination with the above, exemplary
embodiments of the invention provide a device for packaging and
dispensing a viscous product, for example, a cosmetic, comprising
the shearing assembly as defined above. The device comprises a
reservoir wherein said reservoir has a neck that defines an opening
in the form of an orifice, a means for closing the reservoir said
means comprising a cap, and an applicator. The device further
comprises a housing, and a product inlet flow component. The
housing houses the shearing component and optionally houses a
biasing member. The shearing component may also be integral to the
housing. The housing may also house the applicator at its top end
to which the product is supplied through the shearing
component.
[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, during
operation of the device, either the means for closing the reservoir
or the housing may act as a means for application of force onto the
shearing component. The means for closing the reservoir when in
close communication with the neck of the reservoir causes the
protrusion in the shearing component to seal the opening of the
product inlet flow component under the action of a force applied
manually or by the optional biasing member which is under force.
When the means for closing the reservoir is removed, the shearing
component displaces axially upwards which simultaneously results in
opening of the orifice due to which when the reservoir is actuated
it results in the flow of the product via the shearing component.
The reservoir may be actuated by applying force manually i.e.
squeezing the reservoir which is in the form of a tube, or through
a suitable displacement mechanism such as a piston, plunger, pump
or the force may be applied pneumatically or hydraulically to cause
the product to flow.
[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the device may comprise a
reservoir wherein the product inlet flow component is either an
integral part or is fitted onto the reservoir, a means for closing
the reservoir said means comprising a cap, and an applicator. The
device further comprises a housing attached to the product inlet
flow component. The housing houses the shearing component. The
shearing component may also be integral to the housing. The housing
may also house the applicator at its top end to which the product
is supplied through the shearing component. The reservoir and the
shearing assembly may optionally be housed in an outer body. The
device optionally comprises a biasing member. During operation of
the device, the force may be applied on the product inlet flow
component to displace it with respect to the shearing component.
The means for application or removal of force may be arranged so as
to displace the product inlet flow component thereby resulting in
opening of its orifice thereby allowing the product to flow and get
sheared while flowing through the shearing component. The
protrusion in the shearing component is caused to seal the opening
of the product inlet flow component under the action of a force
applied manually or by the optional biasing member which is under
force. When force is removed, the product inlet flow component
displaces axially which simultaneously results in opening of the
orifice due to which when the reservoir is actuated it results in
the flow of the product via the shearing component. The reservoir
may be actuated by applying force manually i.e. squeezing the
reservoir which is in the form of a tube, or through a suitable
displacement mechanism such as a piston, plunger, pump or the force
may be applied pneumatically or hydraulically to cause the product
to flow.
[0029] According to yet another embodiment of the invention there
is provided an assembly which may be used in any delivery system
for viscous products which enables it to deliver the product evenly
and also seals the constituents of the delivery system while it is
closed.
[0030] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the
shearing assembly helps in the product being stored under good
conditions, without risk of leaking, protected from the ambient air
without the risk of contamination or degradation of the product, in
particular in the case of a product that is susceptible to
oxidation or to microbial contamination. Various areas where the
shearing assembly of the present invention could be used are but
not limited to products for medication, dermatological fluids,
liquid cosmetic material or for microencapsulated liquid
products.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] So that the manner in which the above recited features of
the present invention can be understood in detail, a more
particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above,
may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are
illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however,
that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of
this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective
embodiments.
[0032] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the shearing assembly
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the shearing assembly as shown
in FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shearing component of
the shearing assembly as shown in FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a top view of the shearing component of the
shearing assembly as shown in FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the shearing component of the
shearing assembly as shown in FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the shearing assembly
shown in FIG. 2 showing the shearing action of the shearing
assembly.
[0038] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the shearing assembly
shown in FIG. 2 showing the path of product via the shearing
assembly.
[0039] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the device comprising
the shearing assembly according to one embodiment of the present
invention showing the sealing action of the shearing assembly.
[0040] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the device comprising
the shearing assembly according to one embodiment of the present
invention showing the path of product via the shearing
assembly.
[0041] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the shearing assembly
according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0042] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the shearing assembly
shown in FIG. 10 showing the product inlet flow component in
displaced position.
[0043] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the shearing assembly
according to yet another embodiment of the invention.
[0044] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the shearing assembly
shown in FIG. 12 showing the housing in a displaced position.
[0045] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a device comprising the
shearing assembly according to another embodiment of the present
invention showing the sealing action of the shearing assembly.
[0046] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in
FIG. 14 showing the shearing action of the shearing assembly.
[0047] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals
have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements
that are common to the figures. It is to be noted, however, that
the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this
invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its
scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0048] FIG. 1 is one embodiment of the present invention showing
the shearing assembly.
[0049] As represented in FIGS. 1 to 2, the shearing assembly 100
comprises of a housing 101, a shearing component 102, a biasing
member 103 and a product inlet flow component 104. The biasing
member 103 surrounds the shearing component 102 which is housed in
the housing 101. The product inlet flow component 104 could be an
integral part of the neck of a container itself or it could be a
separate component attached to the neck of the container that
houses the product. The product inlet flow component 104 has an
inlet end 104a and an outlet end 104b and both the ends define an
opening for the product to flow through it. The product inlet flow
component 104 may be made of polypropylene or any suitable
polymeric material. The housing 101 is arranged to be mounted on
the outlet end 104b of the product inlet flow component 104. The
housing 101 may also contain an applicator attached at its outlet
end and the housing 101 is fitted onto the neck of a container so
that it is in fluid communication with the product inlet flow
component 104. The housing 101 could be made of a suitable
polymeric material such as polypropylene. The biasing member 103 is
a resilient flexible member and could be a coil spring or such
biasing element.
[0050] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the shearing component 102
has an inlet end 105 and an outlet end 106, a sidewall 102a and a
plurality of flow tracks 107. Further, a protrusion 108 extends
outwardly from the inlet end of the shearing component 102. The
protrusion 108 keeps the opening of the product inlet flow
component 104 sealed when under the action of a force such as the
force of the biasing member 103. The shearing component 102 could
also be in the form of a mixer that has ridges on it which cause
the material to get sheared while traveling through the ridges. The
shearing component 102 could be made of polypropylene or silicon or
any suitable polymeric material.
[0051] When assembled, the biasing member 103 surrounds the
extension of the shearing component 102 which are housed inside the
housing 101. The housing 101 is in turn arranged to be fitted onto
the neck of the product inlet flow component 104.
[0052] During operation, the biasing member 103 biases the shearing
component 102 to displace in an axial direction with respect to the
product inlet flow component 104 when a force is applied or removed
from it. As represented in FIG. 1, it is seen that when the housing
101 is placed abutting the product inlet flow component 104, the
protrusion 108 of the shearing component 102 travels into the
opening of the product inlet flow component 104 under the action of
a force, for example, of the biasing member 103 in this case. The
arrows indicate the direction of the force applied by an external
means optionally a cap onto the product inlet flow component 104.
While as represented in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the external force is
removed, the housing 101 displaces axially which results in
simultaneous axial displacement of the shearing component 102 due
to the relaxation of the biasing member 103. As is shown in FIG. 7,
the product is caused to travel via a plurality of flow tracks 107
thereby shearing the product.
[0053] A device 200 for packaging and dispensing a substance
comprising the shearing assembly is illustrated by FIGS. 8 and 9.
The device 200 comprises a reservoir 207, the shearing assembly as
defined above, a means for closing the reservoir such as a cap 205
and an applicator 206. The reservoir 207 has a neck 208 that
defines an opening in the form of an orifice. The device further
comprises an applicator 206, a housing 201 to house a shearing
component 202 and a biasing member 203. A product inlet flow
component 204 is fitted into the neck 208 of the reservoir 207. The
housing 201 may house the applicator 206 to which the product is
supplied through the shearing component 202. The shearing assembly
may be mounted on or in an outlet opening of the device so that
there is no possibility of product leaking around the assembly or
contamination entering into the connection between the assembly and
the reservoir. As shown in FIG. 8, the cap 205 is screwed onto the
neck 208 of the reservoir 207 by way of complimentary threads 209
and 210 on the neck 208 of the reservoir 207 and the cap 205
respectively. During operation, means for closing the reservoir
such as the cap 205 when in close communication with the neck 208
of the reservoir 207 causes the biasing member 203 such as a spring
to be in compressed state which in turn causes the protrusion 211
of the shearing component 202 to travel inside and thereby seal the
opening of the product inlet flow component 204 under the action of
the force of the cap 205. While as represented in FIG. 9, when the
external force or the means for closing the reservoir such as the
cap 205 is removed, the housing 201 displaces axially which results
in simultaneous axial displacement of the protrusion 211 of the
shearing component 202 as the biasing member 203 is now in relaxed
state.
[0054] FIGS. 10 and 11 are representing the shearing assembly 100
according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment the biasing member 102 is arranged to cause displacement
of the product inlet flow component 104 with respect to the
shearing component 103. The biasing member 102 surrounds the
product inlet flow component 104. As is shown in FIG. 11, a force,
when applied on the product inlet flow component 104, causes it to
be axially displaced thereby allowing flow of product through the
shearing component 103. The arrows indicate the direction of the
force applied by an external means onto the product inlet flow
component 104. While as represented in FIG. 10, when there is no
external force, the outlet end 104b of the product inlet flow
component 104 is abutting the protrusion 108 of the shearing
component 103 thus, sealing the outlet end 104b of the product
inlet flow component 104 which simultaneously results in sealing of
the flow of product.
[0055] FIG. 12 illustrates the shearing assembly 100 according to
another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the
biasing member 102 is arranged to cause displacement of the housing
101 and thereby the shearing component 103 with respect to the
product inlet flow component 104. As represented in FIGS. 12 and
13, the biasing member 102 surrounds the housing 101 such that when
a force is applied on the housing 101, it causes the shearing
component 103 to be displaced along with the housing 101 with
respect to the product inlet flow component 104, thereby allowing
flow of product through the shearing component 103. The arrows
indicate the direction of the force applied by an external means
onto the housing 101.
[0056] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a device 300 comprising the
shearing assembly 100. The FIGS. 14 and 15 show an exemplary
arrangement where axial displacement of the product inlet flow
component 304 occurs with respect to the shearing component 302.
The product inlet flow component 304 is arranged to be fitted
inside the neck of a reservoir 305 while the reservoir 305 is
arranged to be contained in an outer body 307. The outer body 307
is designed to hold the housing 301 in place so as to make it
stationary with respect to the reservoir 305. Further, a biasing
member 303 is placed around the neck of the reservoir 305 and is
held in place by a flange like protrusion 306 in the reservoir
body. As represented by FIG. 15, a force when applied on the
reservoir 305, causes the reservoir 305 to be displaced with the
help of the biasing member 303, thereby resulting in the opening of
the orifice of the product inlet flow component 304 which allows
the product to flow through the shearing component 302 while being
sheared at the same time. The arrows indicate the direction of the
force applied by an external means onto the reservoir 305.
[0057] The shearing assembly of the present invention may be put to
use for products that are viscous and require to be sheared before
being delivered and applied. The assembly also provides for sealing
of the product thereby keeping the product under good conditions,
without risk of leaking, protected from the ambient air without the
risk of contamination or degradation of the product, in particular
when the product is susceptible to oxidation or to microbial
contamination.
[0058] Although the above description and drawings show the
housing, the shearing component, the product inlet flow component,
the reservoir and the outer body being cylindrical, the shapes and
profile cross section thereof are not limited to the same.
[0059] Various examples of the products where the shearing assembly
of the present invention could be put to use are liquid, semi
liquid or pasty lip or eye cosmetic products especially lip gloss,
lip balm, lip putty, lip plumping gel, cream eye shadow, under-eye
cream, under-eye repair cream, foundation, concealer, blemish
concealer, cheek plumping gel or cream, cream and moisturizer, nail
enamel, temporary hair colors, hair styling gel, glitter, hair
mousse, hair repair cream, exfoliant and hydrating cream,
correction cream, acne treatment cream, skin treatment cream, hair
repair cream, anti-dandruff cream, teeth whitening gel.
[0060] Thus, shearing assembly 100 provides for a simplified,
inexpensive, and efficient device that achieves shearing of the
product as well as sealing of the delivery systems storing viscous
products.
[0061] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the
present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention
may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and
the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
Accordingly, the appended claims should be construed to encompass
not only those forms and embodiments of the invention specifically
described above, but to such other forms and embodiments as may be
devised by those skilled in the art without departing from its true
spirit and scope.
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