U.S. patent application number 17/618659 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-30 for hair oil applicator.
The applicant listed for this patent is Conopco, Inc., d/b/a UNILEVER, Conopco, Inc., d/b/a UNILEVER. Invention is credited to Anup Kisan CHALKE.
Application Number | 20220202160 17/618659 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006239546 |
Filed Date | 2022-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220202160 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHALKE; Anup Kisan |
June 30, 2022 |
HAIR OIL APPLICATOR
Abstract
A hair oil applicator includes a container and a closure. The
container includes a base, wall, a threaded portion, and a top
surface. The walls extend upwardly from the base. The threaded
portion is at an upper end of the container. The top surface
includes a flat resilient member. The closure dispenser includes a
cylindrical cap. The cap includes counter threads, an elongated
horizontally placed distributor tube, an inner cylindrical stopper,
and an outer cylindrical stopper. The counter threads are on an
inner side of the cap. The counter threads are capable of screw
engagement with the threaded portion of the container along
threaded joints. The distributor tube is on a top surface of the
cap. The distributor tube includes a plurality of upwardly
extending nozzles configured to dispense oil from the container.
The inner cylindrical stopper is capable of providing leakproof
sealing for the oil.
Inventors: |
CHALKE; Anup Kisan; (Mumbai,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Conopco, Inc., d/b/a UNILEVER |
Englewood Cliffs |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006239546 |
Appl. No.: |
17/618659 |
Filed: |
May 28, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
May 28, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2020/064906 |
371 Date: |
December 13, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 24/22 20130101;
A45D 24/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 24/22 20060101
A45D024/22; A45D 24/10 20060101 A45D024/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 17, 2019 |
EP |
19180513.4 |
Claims
1. A hair oil applicator comprising: a container comprising: a
base, walls extending upwardly from the base, a threaded portion at
an upper end of the container, and a top surface comprising a flat
resilient member; and a closure dispenser comprising a cylindrical
cap, the cap comprising: counter threads on an inner side of the
cap, the counter threads thereof capable of screw engagement with
the threaded portion of the container along threaded joints, an
elongated horizontally placed distributor tube on a top surface of
the cap, the distributor tube comprising a plurality of upwardly
extending nozzles configured to dispense oil from the container, an
inner cylindrical stopper capable of providing leakproof sealing
for the oil when the closure dispenser is screwed on tightly to the
container, and an outer cylindrical stopper on the inner side of
the cap, the outer cylindrical stopper capable of sitting flush
against a perimeter of the top surface of the container; wherein
the resilient member comprises an upwardly extending breakable tab
which is configured such that, when broken, the breakable tab
ensures that the distributor tube is in fluid communication with
the oil in the container; wherein the hair oil applicator is
leak-proof around the threaded joints; and wherein the nozzles
provide uniform dispensing of the oil.
2. The hair oil applicator of claim 1, wherein the container is
cylindrical.
3. The hair oil applicator of claim 1, wherein the flat resilient
member is disc shaped.
4. The hair oil applicator of claim 1, wherein the flat resilient
member is made of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE),
low-density polyethylene (LDPE), elastomer, polyurethane, or high
density polyethylene (HDPE).
5. The hair oil applicator of claim 1, comprising 5 to 15
nozzles.
6. The hair oil applicator of claim 1, wherein the breakable tab is
cylindrical.
7. The hair oil applicator as of claim 1, wherein the breakable tab
has a knurled outer surface.
8. The hair oil applicator of claim 1, wherein the breakable tab is
made of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density
polyethylene (LDPE), elastomer, polyurethane, or high density
polyethylene (HDPE).
9. The hair oil applicator of claim 1, wherein the container is
made of high density polyethylene (HDPE), poly propylene (PP),
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or a multilayer of low-density
polyethylene (LDPE) and HDPE.
10. The hair oil applicator of claim 1, wherein the closure
dispenser is made of poly propylene (PP), high density polyethylene
(HDPE), or low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
11. A closure dispenser for a container of a hair oil applicator,
the dispenser comprising: a cylindrical cap comprising: an
elongated horizontally placed distributor tube on a top surface of
the cap where the distributor tube comprises plurality of upwardly
extending nozzles configured to dispense the oil from the
container, an inner cylindrical stopper on an inner side of the
cap, the inner cylindrical stopper capable of providing leakproof
sealing for the oil when the closure dispenser is screwed on
tightly to the container, an outer cylindrical stopper on the inner
side, the outer cylindrical stopper capable of sitting flush
against a perimeter of the top surface thereby ensuring that the
hair oil applicator is leak-proof around threaded joints and
provides uniform dispensing of the oil through the nozzles, and
counter threads on an inner side of the dispenser capable of screw
engagement with a threaded portion of the container to form the
threaded joints.
12. An applicator comprising: a container, the container
comprising: an upper end having a first threaded surface, and a
resilient member supported on and extending across the upper end;
and a cap comprising: an inner side having a second threaded
surface, the second threaded surface configured to threadably
engage with the first threaded surface to couple the cap to the
container, a distributor tube comprising a plurality of nozzles, an
inner stopper on the inner side, the inner stopper configured to
contact the resilient member, and an outer stopper on the inner
side, the outer stopper configured to contact the upper end.
13. The applicator of claim 12, wherein the cap and the container
are configured such that, when the second threaded surface is
threadably engaged with the first threaded surface: the inner
stopper contacts the resilient member; and the outer stopper
contacts the upper end.
14. The applicator of claim 12, wherein: the upper end defines an
aperture; and at least a portion of the resilient member is
received within the aperture.
15. The applicator of claim 14, wherein contact between the inner
stopper and the resilient member biases the resilient member into
the aperture.
16. The applicator of claim 12, wherein: the container contains
oil; the resilient member comprises a breakable tab that is
configured to be disposed within the cap when the second threaded
surface is threadably engaged with the first threaded surface and
is configured to be broken off from the cap; and the resilient
member is configured to facilitate flow of the oil to the
distributor tube when the second threaded surface is threadably
engaged with the first threaded surface and the breakable tab is
broken off from the cap.
17. The applicator of claim 12, wherein: the inner stopper is
cylindrical; and the outer stopper is cylindrical.
18. The applicator of claim 12, wherein the outer stopper extends
around at least a portion of the resilient member.
19. The applicator of claim 12, wherein the resilient member is
disc shaped.
20. The applicator of claim 19, wherein the resilient member has a
diameter that is equal to between 1 centimetre (cm) and 5 cm.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a hair oil applicator. The
invention more particularly relates to a container fitted with a
closure comprising an applicator that ensures highly uniform
application of the oil on to the hair and especially the scalp
while eliminating leakage from the screwed on closure threads that
is often observed with conventional bottle closures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Oiling of hair is a habit in many countries especially in
South Asia. The application of hair oil of vegetable origin like
coconut oil is believed to keep the head cool, especially in the
hot and humid tropical countries. Further, hair oil is blended with
herbal actives that are believed to nourish the hair and provide
desired attributes like low breakage, less split ends, shine, low
hair fall etc. In more recent times, vegetable oils are blended
with synthetic oils like paraffin oils, silicones etc to provide a
more light feel, less stickiness and improved conditioning.
[0003] Traditionally hair oil is stored in containers from which it
is poured out in the cupped palm, rubbed with both palms and
applied on to the hair and scalp. Of late, people are less amenable
to applying oil using their hands as it requires them to wash their
hands with soap after such application. To solve this problem
containers fitted with one or more applicator nozzles have been
manufactured and sold.
[0004] One problem encountered with such containers is the flowback
of the residual oil from the nozzles into the container lid portion
to cause leakage from the threaded joints. Another problem,
especially with containers having multiple applicator nozzles is
the uneven flow of oil through the various nozzles.
[0005] JP2004321708 A (Kanebo) discloses a comb to apply a liquid
to the hair.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,305 A (Niv Lundy) discloses a dye
applicator which includes a hollow tubular housing with
screw-threaded caps on both longitudinal ends thereof. One of the
caps includes a centrally located outlet through which a hollow
stem of an integrally formed nozzle unit is fitted. A manually
actuable piston is provided within the tubular housing and includes
an actuator member longitudinally slidable along the length of and
external to the tubular housing. To ensure that the piston does not
axially rotate within the tubular housing during a longitudinal
sliding motion thereof, a protruding track is longitudinally
provided on the inner wall of the tubular housing and mates with a
corresponding recess of the piston. A liner such as a disposable
plastic bag is provided within the tubular housing above the piston
for receiving a hair dispensable product therein. The
screw-threaded end caps confine the contents of the applicator
during use thereof.
[0007] The present inventors have been trying to solve the problems
associated with hair oil containers. We have now determined a
non-obvious solution to at least some of the problems, in the form
of a breakoff tab on the closure nozzle along with specific
configuration of the inner side of the threaded cap.
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide for the
above benefit of uniform application while ensuring minimal leakage
around the threaded joint of the cap and the container body.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide for
a hair oil applicator that ensures uniform flow of oil and ease of
application in an even manner on to the scalp and hair.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In accordance with a first aspect the present invention
relates to a hair oil applicator comprising: [0011] (a) a container
(1) comprising a base (2), upwardly extending walls (3) therefrom,
threaded portion (4) at the upper end of the container and a top
surface comprising a flat resilient member (5); [0012] (b) a
closure cum dispenser (6) comprising a cylindrical cap (7), said
cap comprising counter threads (8) on the inner side thereof
capable of screw engagement with the threaded portion (4) of the
container; [0013] (c) said cylindrical cap comprising an elongated
horizontally placed distributor tube (9) on the top surface
thereof; and said distributor tube comprising plurality of upwardly
extending nozzles (10) configured to dispense the oil from the
container; characterized in that the resilient member comprises an
upwardly extending breakable tab (11) which when broken ensures
that the distributor tube is in fluid communication with the oil in
the container; and said cylindrical cap comprising an inner
cylindrical stopper (12) and an outer cylindrical stopper (13) on
the inner side thereof; said inner cylindrical stopper (12) capable
of providing leakproof sealing for the oil when the
closure-cum-dispenser (6) is screwed on tightly to the container
(1); and said outer cylindrical stopper (13) capable of sitting
flush against the perimeter of the top surface; thereby ensuring
that the hair oil applicator is leak-proof around the threaded
joints and providing uniform dispensing of the oil through the
nozzles (10).
[0014] In accordance with a second aspect the present invention
relates to a closure cum dispenser (6) for a container (1) of a
hair oil applicator, said dispenser (6) comprising a cylindrical
cap (7) which comprises: [0015] (a) an elongated horizontally
placed distributor tube (9) on the top surface thereof where said
distributor tube comprises plurality of upwardly extending nozzles
(10) configured to dispense the oil from the container (1); [0016]
(b) an inner cylindrical stopper (12) and an outer cylindrical
stopper (13) on the inner side thereof, where said inner
cylindrical stopper (12) is capable of providing leakproof sealing
for the oil when the closure-cum-dispenser (6) is screwed on
tightly to the container (1) and said outer cylindrical stopper
(13) capable of sitting flush against the perimeter of the top
surface thereby ensuring that the hair oil applicator is leak-proof
around the threaded joints and provides uniform dispensing of the
oil through the nozzles (10); and, [0017] (c) counter threads (8)
on the inner side of said dispenser (6) capable of screw engagement
with threaded portion (4) of the container.
[0018] The invention will now be illustrated with the help of the
following embodiment described with the help of the following
figures. They are meant merely to illustrate one particular
embodiment of the invention and are in no way meant to limit the
scope of the invention which is to be understood to be defined by
the claims herein below.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the hair oil applicator of
the invention with the closure cum dispenser screwed on to the
container.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hair oil applicator with
the closure cum dispenser unscrewed from the container with the
threads on the container and the counter threads on the closure cum
dispenser clearly visible.
[0021] FIG. 3 is the vertical cross-sectional view of the inner
cylindrical stopper and the outer cylindrical stopper on the inside
of the cylindrical cap sitting flush against the resilient member
and the perimeter of the top surface respectively to ensure the oil
does not leak when the closure is in the closed position on the
container.
[0022] FIG. 4 is cut-away view of the actual model of the bottle
where the inner cylindrical stopper and the outer cylindrical
stopper (as in FIG. 3) are shown in the respective positions when
the closure is in the closed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, the hair oil applicator is shown in the
perspective view with the closure cum dispenser (6) in the closed
position on the container (1). The container (1) comprises a base
(2), upwardly extending walls (3) leading up to a shoulder portion
(14). Upward of the shoulder position is closure cum dispenser (6)
which comprises the cylindrical cap (7) on which is placed a
horizontally placed distributor tube (9) on top of which are
upwardly extending nozzles (10). In the present embodiment, the
hair oil applicator is shown with 10 nozzles.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, the closure cum dispenser is shown
unscrewed and distant from the container. The upper end of the
container contains the threaded portion (4). The top surface of the
container comprises a flat resilient member (5). The flat resilient
member comprises an upwardly extending breakable tab (11). As can
be seen, the cylindrical cap (7) portion of the closure cum
dispenser comprises counter threads (8) on the inner side.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 3, the vertical cross-sectional view of
the closure cum dispenser is depicted. As can be seen, the
cylindrical cap comprises two stoppers on the inner side thereof.
The inner cylindrical stopper (12) presses against the resilient
member (5) when the closure cum dispenser is screwed on to the
threaded portion of the container. At the same time, the outer
cylindrical stopper (13) is biased against the perimeter of the
upper end of the container.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 4, a cut out view of the actual model of
the closure cum dispenser is shown. As can be seen, the cylindrical
cap is screwed tightly on to the threaded portion (4) of the
container with the counter threads (8). Like in FIG. 3, the inner
cylindrical stopper (12) is shown pressed against the resilient
member (5) while the outer cylindrical stopper (13) is biased
against the perimeter of the upper end of the container. Also shown
in FIG. 4 is the breakable tab (11) and the nozzles (10).
[0027] When the hair oil applicator is to be used, the closure cum
dispenser (6) is unscrewed from the container (1). The breakable
tab (11) is then broken and thrown away. This ensures that the port
created (not shown in the figures) on the resilient member (5) is
of a uniform size. The uniform size of a port that is created as a
result of breaking of the tab ensures that the flow of oil through
the port and thereafter out from the nozzles is uniform. This is a
significant improvement over prior dispensers where the resilient
member had to be manually torn with a knife or a thick pin to
create the port. The port thus created was of uneven size and shape
thus creating uneven flow of the oil out of the port and into the
nozzles. The closure cum dispenser (6) is then tightly screwed back
on to the threaded portion (4) on the container (1). As the closure
cum dispenser is tightened to the ends of the threads the inner
cylindrical stopper (12) is pressed on to the resilient member and
the outer cylindrical stopper (13) is biased against the perimeter
of the top surface. To dispense the hair oil, the hair oil
applicator is inverted with the nozzles (10) placed on the scalp of
the person wishing to apply the oil. The container (1) is then
squeezed creating a positive pressure on the oil which flows
through the port created when the breakable tab was broken, out
through the distributor tube (6), into each of the nozzles (10) and
on to the desired area of the scalp.
[0028] The oil thus applied may then be rubbed on to the scalp and
the hair using the nozzles themselves or using the hands or with
the use of a comb. After use, the hair oil applicator may then be
placed back on its base (2) at a desired place during which time
the residual oil from the nozzles flow back through the distributor
tube, through the port and back into the container. The inner
cylindrical stopper (12) and the outer cylindrical stopper (13)
respectively biased against the resilient member and the perimeter
of the upper end of the top surface, ensure no space for the oil to
leak out of the threads, thereby ensuring leak tightness.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The invention relates to a hair oil applicator for
dispensing hair oil from a container using the applicator of the
invention. The container is preferably square, rectangular,
hexagonal or cylindrical shape, preferably it is cylindrical. The
container may be of a suitable volume ranging from 10 ml to 2000
ml, preferably from 50 ml to 200 ml. The container is preferably
made of a polymeric material which is amenable to be squeezed by
hand. Suitable polymeric materials are high density polyethylene
(HDPE), poly propylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
multilayer of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and HDPE. The most
preferred material of construction of the container is HDPE.
[0030] The flat resilient member on the top surface of the
container is preferably disc shaped. Suitable material of
construction of the flat resilient member are linear low-density
polyethylene (LLDPE), LDPE, elastomer, polyurethane, or HDPE. The
most preferred material from which the resilient member is made is
LLDPE. The flat resilient member when in the shape of a disc has a
diameter preferably in the range of 1 cm to 5 cm, more preferably
in the range of 1.5 cm to 2 cm.
[0031] The breakable tab on the resilient member is preferably
cylindrical. Suitable material of construction of the breakable tab
are LLDPE, LDPE, elastomer, polyurethane, or HDPE, most preferably
LLDPE. The outer surface of the breakable tab is preferably knurled
to ensure ease of gripping when it is to be broken. It is preferred
for the ease of manufacture that the resilient member and the
breakable tab are made of the same material of construction and
ideally, they are made from a single mould. The closure cum
dispenser is preferably made of PP, HDPE, LDPE, more preferably PP.
The hair oil may be dispensed through any number of nozzles
preferably from 5 to 15 nozzles, furthermore preferably from 8 to
12 nozzles.
* * * * *