U.S. patent application number 12/137617 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-17 for shearing assembly.
Invention is credited to Rahul Bose, Roger Hwang, Koushik Kohli, Santosh Mohapatra, Leo Clifford Pires, Bhavana Vashishtha.
Application Number | 20090311035 12/137617 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41414950 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090311035 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pires; Leo Clifford ; et
al. |
December 17, 2009 |
SHEARING ASSEMBLY
Abstract
The present invention generally is a shearing assembly for a
fluid material comprising a product inlet flow component, a
shearing component, and a housing, said housing arranged to be in
fluid communication with the product inlet flow component. The
shearing component is enclosed in the housing such that the fluid
is sheared when it flows via the shearing component while the flow
of fluid 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
|
Family ID: |
41414950 |
Appl. No.: |
12/137617 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/263 ;
401/265; 401/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 34/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/263 ;
401/292; 401/265 |
International
Class: |
A45D 34/00 20060101
A45D034/00 |
Claims
1. A shearing assembly for a product comprising: a product inlet
flow component, said product inlet flow component having 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 said housing encloses
the shearing component and 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 and an outlet end and there are present
a plurality of flow tracks in the shearing component so as to form
a solid core of the shearing component which is extended into a
protrusion at its outlet end.
3. The shearing assembly according to claim 2 wherein the shearing
component moves in an axial direction with respect to the product
inlet flow component when a force is applied or removed from
it.
4. The shearing assembly according to claim 3 wherein the product
is sheared while it flows via the plurality of flow tracks in the
shearing component.
5. The shearing assembly according to claim 4 wherein the shearing
component seals the flow of the product when a force is applied or
removed from it.
6. The shearing assembly according to claim 5 wherein the sealing
of the flow of the product occurs when the protrusion in the solid
core at its outlet end 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.
7. The shearing assembly according to claim 6 optionally comprising
an applicator in the housing to which the product is supplied via
the shearing component.
8. The shearing assembly according to claim 7 optionally comprising
a biasing member.
9. The shearing assembly according to claim 8 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.
10. The shearing assembly according to claim 1 wherein said
assembly 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, teeth whitening gel.
11. A device for packaging and dispensing a viscous 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, 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 wherein said shearing
component is enclosed in the housing and the product is sheared
when it flows via the shearing component; and an applicator, said
applicator housed in the housing of the shearing assembly.
12. The device according to claim 11 wherein the shearing component
has an inlet end and an outlet end and there are present a
plurality of flow tracks in the shearing component so as to form a
solid core of the shearing component which is extended into a
protrusion at its outlet end.
13. The device according to claim 12 wherein the means for closing
the reservoir when in close communication with the neck of the
reservoir causes the protrusion in the solid core of the shearing
component to seal the orifice of the reservoir.
14. The device according to claim 13 wherein the shearing component
moves axially when the means for closing the reservoir is removed,
which simultaneously 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.
15. A device for packaging and dispensing a viscous product
according to claim 14 wherein the viscous 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, teeth whitening gel.
16. A shearing assembly for a viscous product comprising: a product
inlet flow component, said product inlet flow component being
hollow from inside and tapered to form a neck which defines an
opening for the product to flow through it; a shearing component
wherein the shearing component has an inlet end and an outlet end
and there are present a plurality of flow tracks in the shearing
component so as to form a solid core of the shearing component
which is extended into a protrusion at its outlet end; 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 the means
for application of force is a cap of a device or the housing itself
wherein application or removal of a force causes the shearing
component to move in an axial direction 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 at the outlet
end 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 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.
17. A device for packaging and dispensing a viscous 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
and an outlet end and there are present a plurality of flow tracks
in the shearing component so as to form a solid core of the
shearing component which is extended into a protrusion at its
outlet end; 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 so that the product is sheared
when it flows via the shearing component; and an applicator, said
applicator housed in the housing of the shearing assembly
optionally comprising a biasing member 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 wherein the means for closing the reservoir when in
close communication with the neck of the reservoir causes the
protrusion in the solid core of the shearing component to seal the
orifice of the product inlet flow component wherein the shearing
component moves axially upwards when the means for closing the
reservoir is removed, 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.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an
assembly that shears a viscous fluid while delivery as well as
effectively seals the flow when the product is not under usage.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] 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 fluids which 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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 fluid. Also, there
exists an opportunity area where the applicators used are
conventional which most users are accustomed to using and yet
deliver a liquid that has been sheared while the user applies
it.
SUMMARY
[0010] The present invention generally is an assembly that helps in
shearing the fluid before it is delivered for application.
[0011] According to an embodiment of the invention there is also
provided an assembly that shears a viscous fluid while
delivery.
[0012] According to another embodiment of the invention there is
also provided an assembly that effectively seals the flow when the
fluid is not required to be used.
[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
shearing assembly comprises of a product inlet flow component and a
shearing component. The shearing component is placed in a housing
or any other suitable means which is in fluid communication with
the product inlet flow component in a delivery device. The shearing
component is placed inside the housing in such a manner that a
force when applied or removed from the housing it causes the
shearing component to be displaced axially thereby allowing the
fluid either to flow via the shearing component onto the
application surface or to stop the fluid from flowing thereby
sealing the system.
[0014] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the
shearing assembly may optionally comprise a biasing member that
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. The shearing component and the biasing member
may be housed in the housing which is in fluid communication with
the product inlet flow component. The biasing member includes a
resilient flexible member and it may comprise a coil spring or like
biasing element.
[0015] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the
shearing assembly may also contain a means for applying force on
the shearing component. The said means could be in the form of a
cap for the container housing the fluid or could be the housing
itself in the form of an on-off collar or dial or any other
suitable means. Moreover, the force may be applied on the shearing
component manually, pneumatically, hydraulically or through various
other types of mechanisms.
[0016] 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 fluid. The product inlet
flow component could be made of a suitable polymeric material such
as polypropylene.
[0017] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention
the shearing component has an inlet end and an outlet end and there
are present a plurality of flow tracks in it such that the core of
the shearing component is solid and is extended into a protrusion
at its outlet end. 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.
[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
shearing component could 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 could be
made of polypropylene or silicon or any other suitable polymeric
material.
[0019] According to yet another embodiment of the invention the
shearing component may also act as a sealing means that closes the
orifice of the product inlet flow component. As the core of the
shearing component is solid and is extended into a protrusion at
its outlet end, when this extended core is caused to physically
travel and sit on the product inlet flow component, it seals the
orifice for that duration. This provides for a better seal as
compared to just surface interference in other sealing methods.
[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
product inlet flow component of the shearing assembly fits onto the
neck of a container or it could be built in the neck of the
container, the biasing member fits onto the shearing component with
the inlet end of the shearing component facing towards the product
inlet flow component and is housed inside the housing
component.
[0021] According to yet another embodiment of the invention the
housing component may also house the applicator at its top end to
which the product is supplied via the shearing component.
[0022] Independently or in combination with the above, exemplary
embodiments of the invention provide a device for packaging and
dispensing a substance, for example, a cosmetic, comprising the
shearing assembly as defined above. The device comprises a
reservoir, a means for closing the reservoir such as a cap, and an
applicator. The device further comprises a housing such as a collar
or a dial, and a product inlet flow component. The housing houses
the shearing component and optionally a biasing member. The housing
may also house the applicator at its top end to which the product
is supplied through the shearing component. During operation,
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 extended solid core of
the shearing component to seal the orifice 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 moves
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 fluid 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 fluid to
flow
[0023] According to another embodiment of the invention there is
provided an assembly which can be used in any delivery system for
viscous fluids which enables it to deliver the product evenly and
also seals the constituents of the delivery system while it is
closed.
[0024] According to 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 fluid materials for medication, dermatological
fluids, liquid cosmetic material or for microencapsulated liquid
products.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] 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.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the shearing assembly
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the shearing assembly as shown
in FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shearing component of
the shearing assembly as shown in FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the shearing component of the
shearing assembly as shown in FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a top view of the shearing component of the
shearing assembly as shown in FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the shearing assembly
shown in FIG. 2 showing the shearing action of the shearing
assembly.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the shearing assembly
shown in FIG. 2 showing the path of fluid via the shearing
assembly.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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 fluid via the shearing assembly.
[0035] 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
[0036] FIG. 1 is one embodiment of the present invention showing
the shearing assembly.
[0037] 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 the
neck of a container itself or it could be a separate component
attached to the neck of the container that houses the fluid. The
product inlet flow component 104 may be made of polypropylene or
any suitable polymeric material. The housing 101 may also contain
an applicator attached at its outlet end and the housing 101 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.
[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the shearing component 102
has an inlet end 105 and an outlet end 106. Starting at its outlet
end 106, the shearing component 102 has a flange and it extends
axially from the flange in a cylindrical form, however, the form
taken by the extension of the flange is not limited to the
same.
[0039] The shearing component 102 has a plurality of flow tracks
107 such that the central core is solid and has an
extension/protrusion 108 which keeps the orifice of the inlet flow
component 104 sealed when under 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.
[0040] 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 fitted onto the neck of the
product inlet flow component 104.
[0041] During operation, the biasing member 103 biases the shearing
component 102 to move 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 in close contact of the product inlet flow component 104,
the extension/protrusion 108 of the solid core of shearing
component 102 travels into the orifice 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
inlet flow component 104. While as represented in FIGS. 6 and 7,
when the external force is removed, the housing 101 moves axially
which simultaneously results in displacement of the shearing
component 102 due to the relaxation of the biasing member 103. As
is shown in FIG. 7, the fluid is caused to travel via a plurality
of flow tracks 107 thereby shearing the fluid.
[0042] A device 200 for packaging and dispensing a substance
comprising the said shearing assembly is illustrated by FIGS. 8 and
9. The device 200 contains a reservoir 207, a means for closing the
reservoir such as a cap 205 and an applicator 206. The device
further comprises 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
also 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 fluid 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
extension/protrusion 211 of the core of the shearing component 202
to travel inside and thereby seal the orifice 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 cap
205 is removed, the housing 201 moves axially which simultaneously
results in displacement of the extension/protrusion 211 of the core
of the shearing component 202 as the biasing member 203 is under
relaxation.
[0043] The shearing assembly of the present invention could be put
to use for such consumer products where the products are viscous
and require to be sheared before being delivered and applied. The
assembly also simultaneously provides 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.
[0044] Although the above description and drawings show the
housing, the shearing component and the product inlet flow
component being cylindrical, the shapes and profile cross section
thereof are not limited to the same.
[0045] 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.
[0046] Thus, shearing assembly 100 provides for a simplified,
inexpensive, and efficient device that achieves shearing as well as
sealing of the delivery systems storing viscous fluid.
[0047] 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.
* * * * *