U.S. patent application number 14/090741 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-29 for applicator.
This patent application is currently assigned to World Wide Packaging, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is World Wide Packaging, Inc.. Invention is credited to James Christopher Wightman.
Application Number | 20140147189 14/090741 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50773434 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140147189 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wightman; James
Christopher |
May 29, 2014 |
Applicator
Abstract
An applicator apparatus comprising a container comprising an
opening, a wiper element coupled to the container, the wiper
element comprising a passage, a non-circular applicator stem
removably coupled to the container, the applicator stem configured
to be slidably engaged in the passage of the wiper element such
that rotational movement of the applicator stem is minimized.
Inventors: |
Wightman; James Christopher;
(Livingston, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
World Wide Packaging, Inc. |
Florham Park |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
World Wide Packaging, Inc.
Florham Park
NJ
|
Family ID: |
50773434 |
Appl. No.: |
14/090741 |
Filed: |
November 26, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61729914 |
Nov 26, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
401/122 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 34/046 20130101;
A45D 40/267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/122 |
International
Class: |
A45D 34/04 20060101
A45D034/04 |
Claims
1. An applicator apparatus comprising: a container comprising an
opening; a wiper element coupled to the container, the wiper
element comprising a passage; a non-circular applicator stem
removably coupled to the container, the applicator stem configured
to be slidably engaged in the passage of the wiper element such
that rotational movement of the applicator stem is minimized.
2. The applicator apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container is
adapted to hold a product.
3. The applicator apparatus of claim 2, wherein the product is a
liquid or a semi-solid.
4. The applicator apparatus of claim 2, wherein the product is a
cosmetic, a therapeutic product, a fragrance or a consumer
product.
5. The applicator apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator stem
comprises an applicator element at a proximal end that is capable
of entering the container through the wiper element passage.
6. The applicator apparatus of claim 5, wherein a handle is
positioned on a distal end of the applicator stem.
7. The applicator apparatus of claim 6, wherein the handle is
configured to engage the container.
8. The applicator apparatus of claim 7, wherein the handle and the
container are configured to be threadably engaged.
9. The applicator apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container and
the wiper element are unitary.
10. The applicator apparatus of claim 5, wherein the handle and the
stem are unitary.
11. The applicator apparatus of claim 1 or 8, wherein the handle
and the stem are coupled by a fastener.
12. The applicator apparatus of claim 11, wherein the fastener
comprises one or more snaps.
13. The applicator apparatus of claim 11, wherein the handle
rotates independently of the stem.
14. The applicator apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a
sealing element proximal to the handle to engage the container
opening.
15. The applicator apparatus of claim 5, wherein the applicator
element is capable of absorbing a liquid or semi-solid product.
16. The applicator apparatus of claim 5, wherein the applicator
element is capable of adsorbing a liquid or semi-solid product.
17. The applicator apparatus of claim 5, wherein the applicator
element is an absorbent material or an adsorbent material.
18. The applicator apparatus of claim 5, wherein the applicator
element comprises a fabric.
19. The applicator apparatus of claim 5, wherein the applicator
element is a brush.
20. The applicator apparatus of claim 5, wherein the applicator
element is a rollerball.
21-40. (canceled)
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/729,914, filed Nov. 26, 2012, titled "Cosmetic
Applicator," the content of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a product
dispensing apparatus and, more particularly, to a product
dispensing apparatus comprising a container, a cap, an elongate
stem, and a wiper element configured to prevent a rotational
movement of the elongate stem when cap is screwed onto the
container.
BACKGROUND
[0003] It is important in the cosmetic industry to provide an
applicator for products which not only applies the product easily,
but also avoids excess product from being dispensed onto the
applicator prior to application.
[0004] Prior art applicators typically have a stem that has a
cross-sectional shape that is round or circular, so that when the
cap to which the applicator stem is attached is unthreaded or
unscrewed from the vial or container containing the product, the
stem will twist through a wiper in the vial, wiping excess product
off from the stem.
[0005] However, the rounded styles of the stems of such applicators
are not desirable. There remains a need in the art for an
applicator which has more flexibility in size and style.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure is directed to an applicator having
an elongate stem that does not does not twist or rotate when the
applicator is unscrewed from its container. In certain embodiments
the applicator stem of the present disclosure is orientated such
that the wiper in the vial holds the stem in place, while the inner
cap or handle can spin about the stem when the inner cap is being
unscrewed from or screwed onto the container. The inner cap or
handle enables the stem to be axially pushed or pulled through a
wiper element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The present disclosure will be more readily understood from
the detailed description of examples presented below considered in
conjunction with the attached drawings, of which:
[0008] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an example applicator.
[0009] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section view of an example
applicator.
[0010] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of an example applicator.
[0011] FIG. 4 shows a top view of an embodiment an applicator.
[0012] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of an
applicator.
[0013] FIG. 6 shows a front view of an embodiment of an
applicator.
[0014] FIG. 7 shows a side view of an embodiment of an
applicator.
[0015] FIG. 7A shows a front view of an embodiment of an
applicator
[0016] FIG. 7B shows a side view of an embodiment of an
applicator.
[0017] FIG. 7C shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an
applicator.
[0018] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an
applicator.
[0019] FIG. 9 shows a top view of an embodiment of an
applicator.
[0020] FIG. 10 shows a side view of an embodiment of an
applicator.
[0021] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an
applicator.
[0022] FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of an
applicator.
[0023] FIG. 12A shows a front view of an embodiment of an
applicator.
[0024] FIG. 12B shows a side view of an embodiment of an
applicator.
[0025] FIG. 13 shows a front view of an embodiment of an
applicator.
[0026] FIG. 14 shows a side view of an embodiment of an
applicator.
[0027] FIG. 15 shows a rear view of an embodiment of an
applicator.
[0028] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an
applicator.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Examples of the present disclosure are directed to an
apparatus and method for an applicator. In the following
description, numerous details are set forth. It will be apparent,
however, to one skilled in the art, that the present disclosure may
be practiced without some or all of these specific details.
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an example applicator 100. The
cosmetic applicator 100 comprises an outer cap 102, an applicator
arrangement comprising an applicator stem, also referred to herein
as an elongate stem 110 and an applicator element 112, and a
container 106 for containing a product 108. In an embodiment the
elongate stem 110 comprises a metal, a plastic, a ceramic, a glass,
or any combination thereof. The product 108 can be any type of a
cosmetic, including but not limited to cosmetics to apply to the
face, eye, and nail area such as, lip gloss, eye liner, mascara, a
concealer, a blemish control material, a nail polish or nail
hardener, and the like. The product 108 can be a liquid, a
semi-solid material, a solution, a suspension, a powder, a cream,
or an ointment. The product 108 can be a therapeutic product, a
fragrance, or a consumer product such as paint.
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section view of the example applicator
100. The applicator 100 as shown in FIG. 2 illustrates the outer
cap 102, the container 106, and the product 108. In an embodiment,
the container 106 comprises a container threaded portion 116 which
is externally threaded around a cylindrically shaped sidewall
defining an opening of the container 106. In an embodiment, the
container 106 comprises a metal, a plastic, a ceramic, a glass, or
any combination thereof.
[0032] The applicator 100 of FIG. 2 also comprises an applicator
arrangement comprising the elongate stem 110 coupled to the
applicator element 112 at a distal end and coupled to the handle
(inner cap) 104 at a proximal end. In an embodiment, the elongate
stem 110 can be substantially flat. In an embodiment, the elongate
stem 110 can be a non-circular stem such as an ovoid, oval, or a
polygon. In an embodiment, the handle (inner cap) 104 comprises an
inner cap threaded portion 114 which is internally threaded and
dimensioned for cooperated threaded engagement with the container
threaded portion 116. In an embodiment, the proximal end of the
elongate stem 110 comprises a plurality of snap fasteners 122
configured to form a coupling of the proximal end of the elongate
stem 110 to the handle (inner cap) 104. In an embodiment, the
elongate stem 110 and the handle (inner cap) 104 are unitary. In an
embodiment, the snap fasteners 122 enable the handle (inner cap)
104 to spin or rotate about the elongate stem 110 when the handle
(inner cap) 104 is being unscrewed from or screwed onto the
container 106. In an embodiment, the snap fasteners 122 enable the
handle (inner cap) 104, coupled to the elongate stem 110, to be
axially pushed or pulled through a wiper element 118. The wiper
element 118 is configured to remove or wipe excess product 108 from
the elongate stem 110 and applicator element 112 when the elongate
stem 110 and applicator element 112 is dipped into the container
106 in order to pick up the product 108 and then withdrawn from the
container 106 in order to apply the product 108 for its intended
use. In an embodiment, the wiper element 118 and the container 106
are unitary.
[0033] In an embodiment, the wiper element 118 comprises a cup
shaped body that can be inserted or mounted into the cylindrically
shaped sidewall defining the opening of the container 106. In an
embodiment, the wiper element 118 is constructed from a hard
plastic, or from a flexible material such as rubber or synthetic
rubber or the like. In an embodiment, the wiper element 118
comprises a metal, a plastic, a ceramic, a glass, or any
combination thereof. In an embodiment, the wiper element 118
comprises a passage to permit or allow the elongate stem 110 and
the applicator element 112 to slide through the passage.
[0034] In an embodiment, the outer cap 102 is a removable outer cap
that engages the container 106 or the elongate stem 110. In an
embodiment, the outer cap 102 is a removable outer cap that engages
the handle (inner cap) 104. FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the
example applicator 100. The applicator 100 comprises an outer cap
102, an applicator arrangement comprising the elongate stem 110
comprising a sealing element 126 and snap fasteners 122 coupled to
the handle (inner cap) 104 at a proximal end and the elongate stem
110 coupled to the applicator element 112 at a distal end and, the
elongate stem 110, a wiper element 118 comprising guide ribs 124
and a peripheral lip 128, and a container 106 for containing a
product 108, the container 106 comprising a container threaded
portion 116. In an embodiment, the sealing element 126 is
configured to form a contact seal with the peripheral lip 128 when
the handle (inner cap) 104 is screwed onto the container threaded
portion 116 of the container 106. In an embodiment, the contact
seal that is formed by the contact between the peripheral lip 128
and the sealing element 126 contains the product 108 within the
applicator 100. In an embodiment, the dimensions of the passage 126
substantially conform to the cross-section perimeter of the
elongate stem 110.
[0035] FIG. 4 shows a top view of an embodiment the applicator 100.
A top view of the elongate stem 110 shows an example of the
relative position and placement of the snap fasteners 122 with
respect to the top portion of the sealing element 126.
[0036] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the
applicator 100. A bottom view of the elongate stem 110 shows an
example of the relative position and placement of the applicator
element 112 with respect to the bottom portion of the sealing
element 126.
[0037] FIG. 6 shows a front view of an embodiment of the applicator
100. The elongate stem 110 comprises a sealing element 126 and a
plurality of snap fasteners 122 at a proximal end.
[0038] FIG. 7 shows a side view of an embodiment of the applicator
100 in which the elongate stem 110 comprises a sealing element 126
and a plurality of snap fasteners 122 at a proximal end.
[0039] FIG. 7A shows a front view of an embodiment of the
applicator 100 in which the elongate stem 110 comprises a sealing
element 126. In an embodiment, the sealing element 126 may be
substantially cone shaped and substantially conforms to the cone
shaped wiper element 118 as illustrated below in FIGS. 12A and
12B.
[0040] FIG. 7B shows a side view of an embodiment of the applicator
100 in which the elongate stem 110 comprises a sealing element 126.
In an embodiment, the sealing element 126 may be substantially cone
shaped and substantially conforms to the cone shaped wiper element
118 as illustrated below in FIGS. 12A and 12B.
[0041] FIG. 7C shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the
applicator 100 in which the elongate stem 110 comprises a cone
shaped sealing element 126.
[0042] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an
applicator 100 in which the elongate stem 110 comprises a sealing
element 126 and a plurality of snap fasteners 122 at a proximal
end.
[0043] FIG. 9 shows a top view of an embodiment of the applicator
100. A top view of the wiper element 118 shows the peripheral lip
128 for providing a seal when in contact with the bottom portion of
the sealing element 126 of the elongate stem 110. In an embodiment,
a substantially cone shaped wiper element 118 provides a seal when
in contact with the substantially cone shaped sealing element 128
as illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C.
[0044] FIG. 9 also shows the passage 126 for allowing the elongate
stem 110 and the applicator element 112 to slide through the
passage while wiping excess product 108 from the elongate stem 110
and applicator element 112 when the elongate stem 110 and
applicator element 112 is withdrawn from the container 106. In an
embodiment, the dimensions of the passage 126 substantially conform
to the cross-section perimeter of the elongate stem 110. In an
embodiment, the wiper element 118 comprises a plurality of guide
ribs 124 along a sidewall of the wiper element 118. The dimensions
of the guide ribs 124 can substantially conform to that of the
elongate stem 110 to guide the elongate stem 110 while being
inserted into the container 106. In an embodiment, the guide ribs
124 are also configured to restrain and prevent the elongate stem
110 from rotating when the handle (inner cap) 104 is being screwed
into or unscrewed from the container 106. In an embodiment, the
guide ribs 124 are also configured to align the elongate stem 110
as it is placed into the container 106.
[0045] FIG. 10 shows a side view of an embodiment of the applicator
100. A side view of the wiper element 118 shows that the shape of
the wiper element can be in the form of a cup. The shape of the
wiper element 118 as shown in FIG. 10 can substantially conform to
the cylindrically shaped sidewall defining the opening of the
container 106.
[0046] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the
applicator 100 in which the wiper element 118 comprises the guide
ribs 124 and the peripheral lip 128.
[0047] FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the
applicator 100 in which the wiper element 118 comprises the passage
126 and the peripheral lip 128.
[0048] FIG. 12A shows a front view of an embodiment of the
applicator 100 in which the wiper element 118 is cone shaped and
substantially conforms to the cone shaped sealing element 128 as
illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C.
[0049] FIG. 12B shows a side view of an embodiment of the
applicator 100 in which the wiper element 118 is cone shaped and
substantially conforms to the cone shaped sealing element 128 as
illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C.
[0050] FIG. 13 shows a front view of an embodiment of the
applicator 100 in which the front portion of the applicator element
112 comprises a layer of a first material. In an embodiment, the
applicator element 112 is capable of absorbing a liquid or
semi-solid product. In an embodiment, the applicator element 112 is
capable of adsorbing a liquid or semi-solid product. In an
embodiment, the applicator element 112 is an absorbent material or
an adsorbent material. In an embodiment, the applicator element 112
comprises a fabric. In an embodiment, the applicator element 112 is
a brush, a rollerball or a doe foot applicator.
[0051] FIG. 14 shows a side view of an embodiment of the applicator
100 in which the applicator element 112 has a concave shape for the
product 108.
[0052] FIG. 15 shows a rear view of an embodiment of the applicator
100 in which the rear portion of the applicator element 112
comprises a layer of a second material.
[0053] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the
applicator 100.
[0054] One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that
the size, shape and placement of such structures may be varied
depending on the particular application. Apart from the functional
aspects the structures provide, they also provide a novel
decorative element. One having ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate the decorative possibilities such shapes present.
[0055] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, has
been described with reference to specific examples. However, the
illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or
to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many
modifications and variations are possible in view of the above
teachings. The examples were chosen and described in order to best
explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical
applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the disclosure and various examples with various
modifications as may be suited to the particular use
contemplated.
* * * * *