U.S. patent application number 16/300001 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-16 for personal care products and applicators.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bayer HealthCare LLC. Invention is credited to Julka ALMQUIST, Heidi GRAHAM, Ross LOCKWOOD, Stephen SCHWALL.
Application Number | 20190142136 16/300001 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58710149 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-16 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190142136 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GRAHAM; Heidi ; et
al. |
May 16, 2019 |
PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS AND APPLICATORS
Abstract
In one aspect of the subject invention, a personal care product
is provided herein including an applicator having a body, with a
dispensing opening, and a support surface, within the body, which
is advanceable towards the dispensing opening. A layer of solid
personal care is disposed on the support surface which defines an
exposed face bounded by spaced-apart first and second edges
extending between first and second ends. The exposed face also
defines a first inclined face extending from the first end to a
first location between the first and second ends, and a second
inclined surface, extending from the second end to a second
location between the first and second ends. The first and second
inclined faces define an included angle which is less than 180
degrees. Advantageously, with the subject invention, differently
dimensioned and angularly disposed surfaces may be defined suitable
for applying the personal care to different portions of the
body.
Inventors: |
GRAHAM; Heidi;
(Charlottesville, VA) ; SCHWALL; Stephen;
(Chicago, IL) ; LOCKWOOD; Ross; (Chicago, IL)
; ALMQUIST; Julka; (Chicago, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bayer HealthCare LLC |
Whippany |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58710149 |
Appl. No.: |
16/300001 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
May 9, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2017/031637 |
371 Date: |
November 8, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62334155 |
May 10, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/58 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/04 20060101
A45D040/04 |
Claims
1. A personal care product comprising: an applicator including: a
body having a dispensing opening on one end and a substantially
flat base on the other end; and a support surface disposed within
said body, said support surface being advanceable relative to said
body towards said dispense opening from a first position spaced
from said dispensing opening; and a layer of solid personal care
product disposed on said support surface, said layer defining an
exposed face directed away from said support surface, said exposed
face being bounded by spaced-apart first and second edges extending
between first and second ends, said first and second edges being
longer than said first and second ends, said exposed face defining
a first inclined face extending from said first end to a first
location between said first and second ends and a second inclined
face extending from said second end to a second location between
said first and second ends, wherein said first and second inclined
faces define an included angle which is less than 180 degrees,
wherein advancement of said support surface relative to said body
causes progressive advancement of said layer of solid personal care
product through said dispensing opening.
2. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein said layer of
solid personal care product is generally the same thickness
throughout.
3. The personal care product as in claim 1, further comprising
means to advance said support surface.
4. The personal care product as in claim 3, wherein the means to
advance said support surface comprising a rotatable member
configured to advance said support surface with rotation
thereof.
5. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein said first and
second locations are coincident.
6. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein said first and
second locations are spaced apart.
7. The personal care product as in claim 6, wherein said exposed
face defines an arcuate intermediate face between said first and
second locations.
8. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein said included
angle is between 30-150 degrees.
9. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein said included
angle is between 60 and 120 degrees.
10. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein said included
angle is about 120 degrees.
11. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein the ratio
between the length of said first inclined face and the second
inclined face is at least 2:1.
12. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein said personal
care product is a sunscreen.
13. The personal care product as in claim 1, further comprising a
cap for covering the dispensing opening.
14. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein the dispensing
opening has a similar profile as the exposed face of the layer of
solid personal care product.
15. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein the dispensing
opening includes a substantially flat edge that parallels the
base.
16. A personal care applicator comprising; a body having a
dispensing opening; and a support surface disposed within said
body, said support surface being advancable relative to said body
towards said dispensing opening from a first position spaced from
said dispensing opening, said support surface defining a face
directed towards said dispensing opening, said face having
spaced-apart first and second edges extending between first and
second ends, said first and second edges being longer than said
first and second ends, said face defining a first inclined face
extending from said first end to a first location between said
first and second ends and a second inclined face extending from
said second end to a second location between said first and second
ends, wherein said first and second inclined faces define an
included angle which less than 180 degrees.
17. The personal care applicator as in claim 16, further comprising
means to advance said support surface.
18. The personal care applicator as in claim 16, wherein said
included angle is about 120 degrees.
19. The personal care applicator as in claim 16, wherein the ratio
between the length of said first inclined face and the second
inclined face is at least 2:1.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to solid personal care products. More
specifically, the invention relates to solid personal care products
such as solid sunscreens with an included angle, as well as related
applicators thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Solid personal care products and containers for such
products are known, and typically consist of a body in which the
solid composition may be contained, which is typically made from a
plastics material. The body may have a variety of cross-sectional
shapes, but most popular are circular and ellipsoidal. The
container will typically have a detachable cap to protect the
contents from the undesirable effects of prolonged exposure to air,
and an elevation mechanism by which the solid product such as a
stick is elevated towards the open top end of the container, in
order that a portion of the stick may protrude from the top of the
container to facilitate use.
[0003] Whilst most containers have a generally flat opening when
seen from the side, it is also known for cosmetic containers to
have a convex profile. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,496
describes a cosmetic stick package which is generally ellipsoidal
in cross-sectional shape, and has an outwardly arched profile when
viewed along the minor axes of the ellipsoid. Such a profile is
said to facilitate in providing increased comfort of these stick
products during application, and is also said to provide extra
support for the stick so as to prevent crumbling on
application.
[0004] Sunscreen sticks are known in the prior art which are
deodorant--like applicators for applying solid sunscreen. These
products include a layer of solid sunscreen having a flat, planar
exposed surface which is advanceable as replenishment is needed
during use. However, the sunscreen sticks are provided in a single
dimension and shape. Therefore, a single sunscreen stick product is
not capable of been used for application to both a broad area and a
small, targeted area of the body.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect of the subject invention, a personal care
product is provided herein including an applicator having a body
with a dispensing opening. A support surface is disposed within the
body which is advanceable relative to the body towards the
dispensing opening from a first position spaced from the dispensing
opening. A layer of solid personal care product is disposed on the
support surface which defines an exposed face directed away from
the support surface. The exposed face is bounded by spaced-apart
first and second edges extending between first and second ends with
the first and second edges being longer than the first and second
ends. The exposed face also defines a first inclined face extending
from the first end to a first location between the first and second
ends, and a second inclined surface, extending from the second end
to a second location between the first and second ends. The first
and second inclined faces define an included angle which is less
than 180 degrees. Advancement of the support surface relative to
the body causes progressive advancement of the layer of solid
personal care product through the dispensing opening.
Advantageously, with the subject invention, differently dimensioned
and angularly disposed surfaces may be defined suitable for
applying the product to different portions of the body.
[0006] In a further aspect of the subject invention, an applicator
for applying a solid personal care product is provided having a
body comprising a dispensing opening and a support surface disposed
within the body. The support surface is advancable relative to the
body towards the dispensing opening from a first position spaced
from the dispensing opening. The support surface also defines a
face directed towards the dispensing opening with spaced-apart
first and second edges extending between first and second ends, the
first and second edges being longer than the first and second ends.
The support surface also defines first and second inclined faces,
the first inclined face extending from the first end to a first
location between the first and second ends and a second inclined
face extending from the second end to a second location between the
first and second ends, wherein the first and second inclined faces
define an included angle which less than 180 degrees. This
arrangement allows for a layer of solid personal care product to be
defined on the support surface having differently dimensioned and
angularly disposed portions.
[0007] These and other features of the invention will be better
understood through a study of the following detailed description
and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a personal care product in an
applicator in accordance with an embodiment of the subject
invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a personal care product
n an applicator in accordance with an embodiment of the subject
invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a front view of a package for a personal care
product n accordance with an embodiment of the subject invention,
including a cap thereof,
[0011] FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the package for a personal
care product of FIG. 3, without the cap thereof;
[0012] FIGS. 5-6 depict application of a personal care product made
in accordance with an embodiment of the subject invention;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a top plan view taken along line 8-8 of FIG.
1;
[0014] FIGS. 8-10 depict different arrangements of the inclined
faces useable with certain embodiments of the subject invention;
and
[0015] FIGS. 11-12 depict alternative embodiments of a personal
care product in an applicator in accordance with the subject
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a personal care
product. The personal care product comprises an applicator and a
layer of solid personal care product. The applicator includes a
body having a dispensing opening; and a support surface disposed
within the body. The support surface is advanceable relative to the
body towards the dispense opening from a first position spaced from
said dispensing opening. A layer of solid personal care product is
disposed on the support surface, the layer defines an exposed face
directed away from the support surface, the exposed face being
bounded by spaced-apart first and second edges extending between
first and second ends, the first and second edges being longer than
the first and second ends, the exposed face defining a first
inclined face extending from the first end to a first location
between the first and second ends and a second inclined face
extending from the second end to a second location between the
first and second ends, wherein the first and second inclined faces
define an included angle which is less than 180 degrees.
Advancement of the support surface relative to the body causes
progressive advancement of the layer of solid personal care product
through the dispensing opening. In certain embodiments, the layer
of solid personal care product is generally the same thickness
throughout.
[0017] In certain embodiments, the personal care product further
comprises means to advance the support surface. In certain
preferred embodiments, the means to advance the support surface
comprises a rotatable member configured to advance the support
surface with rotation thereof.
[0018] In certain embodiments, the first and second locations are
spaced apart. In certain preferred embodiments, the exposed face
defines an arcuate intermediate face between the first and second
locations.
[0019] In a further aspect of the subject invention, an applicator
for applying a solid personal care product is provided having a
body comprising a dispensing opening and a support surface disposed
within the body. The support surface is advancable relative to the
body towards the dispensing opening from a first position spaced
from the dispensing opening. The support surface also defines a
face directed towards the dispensing opening with spaced-apart
first and second edges extending between first and second ends, the
first and second edges being longer than the first and second ends.
The support surface also defines first and second inclined faces,
the first inclined face extending from the first end to a first
location between the first and second ends and a second inclined
face extending from the second end to a second location between the
first and second ends, wherein the first and second inclined faces
define an included angle which less than 180 degrees. This
arrangement allows for a layer of solid personal care product to be
defined on the support surface having differently dimensioned and
angularly disposed portions.
[0020] In certain embodiments, the personal care applicator further
comprises means to advance the support surface. In certain other
embodiments, the included angle is about 120 degrees. In still
other embodiments, the ratio between the length of the first
inclined face and the second inclined face is at least 2:1. With
reference to FIGS. 1-4, a personal care product is shown and
generally designated with the reference numeral 10. The product 10
generally includes an applicator 12 and a layer of solid personal
care product 14. As used herein, "solid personal care product" is
any personal care product that is maintainable in the form of a
stable layer, under room temperature conditions, throughout
storage, transportation and use, such as being one or more of a
solid, slurry, powder amalgamation, and/or gel. Any form of solid
personal care product may be used with the subject invention. As
used herein, "solid personal care product" may be a cosmetic
product, a sunscreen product, a deodorant, or an antiperspirant. In
a preferred embodiment, the solid personal care product is a solid
sunscreen.
[0021] The applicator 12 includes a body 16 having a dispensing
opening 18 on one end and a substantially flat base 19 on the other
end. A support surface 20 is disposed in the body 16 so as to be
advanceable relative to the body 16. In an initial state, the
support surface 20 is located at a first position within the body
16 spaced from the dispensing opening 18. In certain embodiments,
the dispensing opening 18 has the same general profile (e.g.,
included angle) as the layer of solid personal care product 14. In
other embodiments, the dispensing opening 18 includes a
substantially flat profile that parallels the base 19 (see, e.g.,
FIG. 11).
[0022] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the
support surface 20 may be advanced relative to the body 16 using
any means including any configuration to cause manual, mechanical
or powered displacement. With manual displacement, the support
surface 20 may be manually urged as needed relative to the body 16
(e.g., a slot may he formed in the body 16 with a tab extending
from the support surface 20 through the slot so as to be engageable
externally of the body 16 to he manually manipulated in moving the
support surface 20). With mechanical advancement, as shown in FIG.
2, a rotatable member 22 may he provided configured such that
rotation thereof relative to the body 16 is converted to linear
translation of the support surface 20 relative to the body 16. By
way of non-limiting example, as shown in FIG. 2, a threaded rod 24
may be provided which threadedly engages the rotatable member 22
such that rotation of the rotatable member 22 causes linear
translation of the threaded rod 24. With the threaded rod 24 fixed
to the support surface 20, the support surface 20 moves in concert
with the threaded rod 24. The rotatable member 22 may be in the
form of a dial (FIG. 2) or as a handle (FIGS. 3 and 4), which may
match the body 16 in shape and look for an aesthetically pleasing
appearance. One or more surface features 26, such as surface
texturing, dimples, notches, protrusions, and the like, may be
provided on the rotatable member 22 to enhance user handling.
Alternatively, a powered, e.g., electrically powered, configuration
may be utilized, such as, a button activated electric motor adapted
to displace the support surface 20 relative to the body 16.
[0023] A cap 28 may be provided to cover the dispensing opening 18,
thereby covering the personal care product 10. Any configuration to
releasably retain the cap 28 on the body 16 may be utilized
including, but not limited to, frictional engagement, interference
fit, and cooperating locking features (e.g., snap-on lip and
detent(s)). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a recessed profile 30 may be
defined in the body 16 shaped to match a portion of the cap 28. The
cap 28 helps protect the contents of the package from the
deleterious effects of contact with air, such as drying out of the
personal care stick.
[0024] In certain embodiments, the dispense opening 18 and the
recessed profile 30 both have the same general profile (e.g.,
included angle of the exposed face of the product) as the layer of
solid personal care product 14 (FIGS. 3 and 4). In other
embodiments, the dispense opening 18 and the recessed profile 30
both include a substantially flat edge that parallels the base 19
(See, e.g., FIG. 11). In still other embodiments, while the
dispense opening 18 has the same general profile (e.g., included
angle) as the layer of solid personal care product 14, the recessed
profile 30 ends with a substantially flat profile which parallels
the base 19 (See, e.g., FIG. 12).
[0025] In an initial state, as shown in FIG. 7, the layer of solid
personal care product 14 defines an exposed face 32 which is
directed away from the support surface 20. The exposed face 32 is
the portion of the layer 14 intended for application to a user's
skin. The exposed face 32 preferably is bounded by spaced-apart
first and second edges 34, 36 which extend between first and second
ends 38, 40. The first and second edges 34, 36 are each longer in
length than each of the first and second ends 38, 40. The corners
between the first and second edges 34, 36 and the first and second
ends 38, 40 may be square or softened with rounded, chamfered or
other non-square configuration. The perimeter of the exposed face
32, at the intersection with the first and second edges 34, 36 and
the first and second ends 38, 40, may be square or softened with
rounded, chamfered or other non-square configuration.
[0026] The exposed face 32 defines a first inclined face 42
extending from the first end 38 to a first location 44 between the
first and second ends 38, 40. The exposed face 32 also defines a
second inclined face 46 extending from the second end 40 to a
second location 48 between the first and second ends 38, 40. The
first and second inclined faces 42, 46 define an included angle a
which is less than 180 degrees. The included angle a may be less
than 150 degrees, further may be less than 120 degrees, and further
may be acute. In certain embodiments, the included angle a is
between 30 to 150 degrees. In other embodiments, the included angle
a is between 60 to 120 degrees. In still other embodiments, the
included angle a is between 90 to 120 degrees. In a preferred
embodiments, the included angle a is about 120 degree.
[0027] Preferably, the first inclined face 42 has a length greater
than the second inclined face 46. In certain embodiments, the ratio
between the length of the first inclined face and the second
inclined face is at least 2:1. In certain preferred embodiments,
the ratio between the length of the first inclined face and the
second inclined face is about 3:1.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 8, the first location 44 and the second
location 48 may be coincident as to be at the same location along
the exposed face 32. With this arrangement, the first and second
inclined faces 42, 46 define a closed angular profile. Preferably,
as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first location 44 and the second
location 48 are spaced apart along the exposed face 32 with an
intermediate face 50 defined therebetween. The intermediate face 50
may be planar, as shown in FIG. 9, or, more preferably, is formed
arcuate, as shown in FIG. 10.
[0029] The first inclined face 42 and/or the second inclined face
46 may be formed planar between the first and second edges 34, 36.
Alternatively, the first inclined face 42 and/or the second
inclined face 46 may be formed convexly between the first and
second edges 34, 36 so as to have an outwardly bulging profile.
[0030] in the package exemplified, all parts of the package may be
made from plastics materials, and may be manufactured and assembled
by known techniques, which may for example involve injection
moulding. Where possible and convenient, the component parts of the
package may be integrally moulded.
[0031] Packages according to this embodiment may also
advantageously be used in conjunction with a former (not shown).
Use of a former helps in keeping the personal care stick isolated
from air after manufacture but before first use by the user, and
also facilitates manufacture and casting of the upper surface of
the stick, where for example the stick is manufactured according to
the known process whereby the stick is molten cast and bottom
filled into the empty package. If used, the former is preferably
configured so as to releasable and snugly fit into package opening
18 prior to manufacture, but then to be readily removed and
discarded on first use.
[0032] In use, it is preferred that the layer of solid personal
care product 14 be applied evenly along the support surface 20 so
to be generally of even thickness. In certain embodiments, the
support surface 20 includes a substantially flat surface which
parallels base 19. In other embodiments, the support surface 20
have the same general profile as the corresponding exposed face 32
(i.e., have a face 32A facing the dispensing opening 18 formed with
first and second edges, first and second ends, and first and second
inclined faces with included angle a. as described above with
respect to the exposed face 32). The support surface 20 is advanced
relative to the body 16 to cause progressive advancement of the
layer of solid personal care product 14 in providing replenishment
of exposed and useable product. As will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art, the support surface 20 may be configured to be
retractable into the body 16 (i.e., moved in a reverse direction)
for storage between uses.
[0033] With the personal care product 10, as shown in FIGS. 5 and
6, differently dimensioned and shaped surfaces are provided for
application to a user's skin. For example, the first inclined face
42 may be provided with a greater length than the second inclined
face 46. This allows for the first inclined face 42 to be used for
broader applications, such as on the cheeks or forehead, while the
second inclined face 46 may be used for small, targeted areas, such
as the chin. In addition, the intermediate face 50 may be provided
with a length shorter than both the first and second inclined faces
42, 46 and be used for even smaller, more targeted areas, such as
the nose and about the eyes.
[0034] All patents, patent publications, and other published
references mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in
their entireties as if each had been individually and specifically
incorporated by reference herein. While preferred illustrative
embodiments of the present invention are described, one skilled in
the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced
by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for
purposes of illustration only and not by way of limitation. The
present invention is limited only by the claims that follow.
* * * * *