Abstract:
This invention provides a capless retractable cosmetic dispenser applicable to all types of cosmetic fluids and capable of self-sealing and substantially preventing vapor fluid from evaporating through the valve when the applicator is in the retracted position. The retractable dispenser includes a front cowling with an opening to allow the applicator to move in and out of the opening. Adjacent to the opening and within the front cowling is a valve capable of moving linearly within the front cowling. The valve substantially seals the cosmetic fluid and applicator from outside air and the release of vapor pressure from within the valve when the applicator is in a retracted position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 60/453,915 Filed Mar. 13, 2003, entitled “Retractable Dispenser For Fluid Materials.” 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention is in the field of dispensers for fluid materials such as cosmetic products, and more particularly, to dispensers for products having a semi-liquid or paste-like form such as mascara or lip moisturizer, wherein the dispenser includes a retractable applicator stored within a seal that provides a reservoir for the fluid material that the user will apply.  
           [0003]    Existing mascara and lip moisturizer dispensers include a container that holds the cosmetic fluid, a wiper, an applicator that is attached to a spindle, and a screw tight closure cap that the rod and applicator are attached to. In use, the screw tight closure cap is removed from the container; upon removal of the cap the applicator collects fluid as it passes through the container. The applicator then passes through the wiper and opening of the container to the exterior where it can be applied. To store the applicator it is returned through the container opening and past the wiper, where the applicator can be recoated with fluid from the container reservoir. Thus, existing mascara and lip moisturizer applicators generally require two free hands to operate and tightly sealing caps to minimize the cosmetic fluids exposure to air. Failure to replace the cap tightly from this type of dispenser causes the cosmetic fluid to evaporate, which dries up the mascara or lip moisturizer after a short time. An example of a conventional mascara dispenser is disclosed in Sheffler, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,875,791.  
           [0004]    The wiper functions to control the quantity of mascara or lip moisturizer that is coated on the applicator from the container reservoir. The wiper includes an aperture dimensioned less than the diameter of the applicator. As the applicator is passed through the wiper aperture, excess fluid is pulled off the applicator and returned to the container. The aperture is usually larger than the spindle to allow easy removal from the container. This often results in the spindle becoming coated with cosmetic fluid as it is removed from the container. The exterior side of the wiper also becomes coated with excess cosmetic fluid dragged out by the spindle from the container. This condition is messy and can cause the cosmetic fluid to come in contact with the hands and face.  
           [0005]    The conventional mascara dispensers thus far described include two separate components, a container that holds the cosmetic fluid and a cap with an applicator attached to a spindle that is affixed to the cap. To apply the cosmetic fluid it requires two hands, one to unscrew the cap and the second to hold the container securely. The use of two free hands to apply the cosmetic fluid may be undesirable to the user if they only have one free hand.  
           [0006]    There is known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,129, a mascara dispenser that addresses some of aforementioned disadvantages of the known mascara dispensers. The mascara dispenser of Le Bras-Brown includes an internal reservoir for receiving a quantity of cosmetic material, an elongated cylindrical shell having a closed end and an open end. A slider device attached to the post that is fitted with an applicator, having a portion of the slider accessible by the user. By manipulation of the slider device, the applicator may be projected from the dispenser for use and retracted for storage. A closure member at one end of the dispenser may be open and closed by manual manipulation or automatically by coupling to the slider device.  
           [0007]    There is also known form Kingsford, U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,364, a mascara dispenser that also addresses some of the aforementioned disadvantages of the known mascara dispensers. The mascara dispenser of Kingsford includes an elongated cylindrical container, open at one end, which provides therein a mascara reservoir having an opening. The container due to its elongated nature, also functions as a mascara applicator handle. A wiper for the mascara brush is mounted in the reservoir opening. The brush is attached to an elongated shaft for movement through the wiper between a position inside the reservoir and a position exterior to the container. A compression spring is positioned within the reservoir about a portion of the shaft. A protrusion from the shaft that is greater than the wiper opening prevents the applicator rod from becoming detached from the reservoir when the applicator is in the protracted position.  
           [0008]    A cap for covering the opening of the container wherein the cap contains a pin to push the brush through the wiper opening into its position in the reservoir and simultaneously close the opening in the wiper. When the cap is removed the brush is released to move through the wiper to its position outside the reservoir.  
           [0009]    Prior art cosmetic dispensers have included slider devices for cosmetic dispensers. An example of such prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,129. However, certain deficiencies of prior art cosmetic dispensers are recognized. One such deficiency is that the dispenser requires two operations to extend the brush, the first operation requires the rotation of the closure member, and the second operation requires the sliding longitudinally of the slider. Another limitation is the assembly of prior art cosmetic dispensers appears complex, requires adhesives to secure parts, and is relatively unsuitable to high volume manufacturing processes. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved cosmetic dispenser.  
           [0010]    Notwithstanding these known dispensers, there is still the need for further improvements in cosmetic dispensers for fluid materials, and particularly, mascara and lip moisturizer that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages resulting from the construction and use of the known cosmetic dispensers.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0011]    The present invention is intended to provide a capless retractable cosmetic dispenser applicable to all types of cosmetic fluids and capable of self-sealing and substantially preventing vapor fluid from evaporating through the enclosure member when the applicator is in the retracted position. The retractable dispenser includes a front cowling with an opening to allow the applicator to move in and out of the opening. Adjacent to the front opening and within the front cowling is a valve capable of moving linearly within the front cowling. The valve substantially seals the cosmetic fluid and applicator from outside air and the release of vapor pressure from within the valve when the applicator is in a retracted position. The dispenser also includes a rear cowling with a rear opening. Disposed within the rear opening is a plunger that is adapted to move back and forth axially. When the plunger is forced into the rear opening the applicator is protracted through the front cowling opening, there is provided a mechanism for locking the applicator against the urging force of a compression spring so as to hold the applicator in the applying state, the mechanism unlocks the applicator when the plunger is forced further into the rear opening and the applicator is retracted back into the valve for storage. The front cowling incorporates a pre-opener that forces the front end of the valve open when the valve is forced upon the pre-opener by the forward movement of the plunger. The pre-opener also acts as a wiper system to remove a measurable amount of fluid from the applicator as it passes through the pre-opener. The valve is forced off the pre-opener by a compression member after the applicator has been retracted back into the valve. An applicator and fluid are stored within the valve. The valve includes a front end and a back end, where the front end is adapted to open to allow the applicator to extend there through. To open the front end may have a concave configuration or profile with a slit. The front end may have a planner or convex configuration or profile with a slit. To enhance proper closure of the slit, a tension device may be provided around the front end to substantially seal the slit when the applicator is in the retracted position. The back end has a hole adapted to substantially seal around the rod that the applicator is attached to. In the retracted position, the applicator is between the front and back ends to substantially seal the fluid and applicator from the outside air, and to prevent the release of vapor pressure from within the valve, thereby eliminating the need for a cap.  
           [0012]    With capped cosmetic dispensers the fluid from within the container will evaporate into the container and the enclosure of the cap. Some of the molecules from the evaporated fluid will be reabsorbed and returned to a fluid state. Some of the molecules that make up the evaporated fluid will condense within the container and enclosure of the cap until equilibrium is reached and the container and enclosure are saturated. The pressure within the container and enclosure of the cap when saturated can range from 0 to 3 pounds per square inch. If the capped cosmetic dispenser is not sealed to withstand a pressure level of 0 to 3 pounds per square inch, the evaporated fluid from within the container and enclosure of the cap will evaporate into the atmosphere. If the material used to fabricate the container and cap is permeable, the evaporated fluid will pass through the material and into the atmosphere.  
           [0013]    To solve the above mentioned problem, a capless retractable cosmetic dispenser is provided comprising a valve having a front end and a back end that substantially seals the fluid and applicator from outside air, and prevents the release of vapor pressure from within the valve when the applicator is in a retracted position. The valve of the present invention may be made from a material that is impermeable to outside air and vapor fluid. The valve may be treated by a secondary process known as fluorination, whereby the valve is introduced the element fluorine to further reduce or eliminate permeation of vapor fluid. The valve may be made of a material that is durable so that the slit will not wear out after the pre-opener is moved in and out many times.  
           [0014]    Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.  
           [0015]    The present invention disclosed herein provides a self-sealing and linearly moving valve and dispenser that allows for one hand operation, by push button, to retract and protract an applicator stored within the dispenser. The invention incorporates a pre-opener, wiper and cowling in one complete component. Other configuration incorporating the pre-opener and wiper as a separate component attached to the cowling will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.  
           [0016]    This design is simple to manufacture and assemble, enabling high volume, low-cost manufacturing. These are requirements to be a competitive and saleable product in the market. In addition, the design has the enhanced feature and added value, to the end consumer, of being capless, self-sealing and relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and thus purchase. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    The invention can be better understood with reference to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a retractable dispenser in the retracted state constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention showing its component parts in operative assembled relationship.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a retractable dispenser in the protracted state constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention showing its component parts in operative assembled relationship.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 illustrates a retractable dispenser that is disassembled.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged cross sectional view of the valve in relation to the front cowling in a retracted position.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the retractable dispenser in a protracted state.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the retractable dispenser in a retracted state.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a valve.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a valve forced over a pre-opener.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a valve.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a valve having a recess around the front end adapted to receive a tension device.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a tension device.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a valve having a planner face and a tension device around the front end.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of a valve constructed from three separate components.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 14 illustrates a valve disassembled.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 15 is a back perspective view of a valve.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0033]    [0033]FIG. 1 illustrates the cross-sectional view of the retractable dispenser  100  in a retracted position. In the retracted position, the applicator  101  is within the enclosure  102  with the front end  103  of valve  206  substantially forming a seal, and the back end  104  of valve  206  substantially forming a seal around the rod  105 . The enclosure  102  stores the fluid material that the applicator  101  comes in contact with, when the applicator is within the enclosure  102 . In the retracted position, as the cosmetic fluid evaporates from the enclosure  102 , the vapor is substantially sealed within the enclosure  102 .  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 2 illustrates the cross sectional view of the retractable dispenser  100  in the protracted position. The retractable dispenser  100  includes a front cowling  211  that holds a valve  206 , a gear  200  that works with the plunger  201  and the rear cowling  202  to lock the plunger  201  and gear  200  in the retracted position or the protracted position. To extend the applicator  101  outside the opening  203 , the plunger  201  is activated or pushed towards the rear cowling  202 . This causes the valve  206  within the front cowling  211  to move towards opening  203  compressing compression member  205 , valve  206  continues to move toward pre-opener  207  until slit  208  is forced over pre-opener  207 , the applicator  101  passes through the wiper  209  and through the opening  203 . The compression spring  210  resist against the pushing force until the gear  200  engages and locks in the protracted position. The applicator  101  is now ready for the user to apply the fluid. In use, the applicator  101  removes a portion of the fluid material within enclosure  102  each time the applicator  101  is protracted. It is therefore a tendency of applicator  101  to form a hollow cavity within enclosure  102  that will be devoid of the fluid material, particularly when of a paste-like consistency such as mascara and lip moisturizer. In order to keep the fluid material within enclosure  102  in contact with applicator  101 , it is desirable to have the applicator  101  rotate within the enclosure  102  each time the retractable dispenser  100  is retracted and protracted. This desired rotation is accomplished by the protraction and retraction mechanisms. In addition, each time the applicator  101  is protracted and retracted, fluid movement member  212  attached to rod  105  moves fluid material to areas devoid of fluid material within enclosure  102 . This movement of fluid material by the fluid movement member  212  within enclosure  102  allows the fluid material to remain in contact with the applicator  101 .  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 3 illustrates the interior components of the retractable dispenser  100 . The retractable dispenser  100  includes a compression member  205 , a tension device  1100 , a fluid movement member  212 , a compression spring  210 , a gear  200 , a plunger  201 , a cover  302 , and a rear cowling  202 . In addition, the retractable dispenser includes a valve  206  adapted to fit within the front cowling  211  adjacent to the pre-opener  207 . The valve  206  has a front end  103  and a back end  104  forming an enclosure  102  within the valve  206 . The enclosure  102  is adapted to receive the applicator  101  to substantially seal the applicator  101  from the outside air and prevent the release of vapor pressure from within the enclosure  102  when the applicator  101  is in a retracted position. The applicator  101  is coupled to a rod  105  along a longitudinal axis  301 . The applicator  101  may be in the nature of a twisted-in-wire-brush, miniature comb, preformed swab, sponge applicator, flocked applicator and the like.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged cross sectional view of the valve  206  in relation to the front cowling  211  in the retracted position. The front cowling  211  also includes a wiper  209  incorporated into the pre-opener  207 . The wiper  209  is provided with an opening  203 , the opening  203  is dimensioned to be generally smaller than the size of the applicator  101 . The wiper  209 , as is well known in the art of cosmetic dispensers, functions to remove excess cosmetic fluid from the applicator  101  as the applicator  101  moves through the opening  203 . In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the opening  203  in the wiper  209  is also sized in conjunction with the rod  105  to provide close tolerance there between, while allowing relative free sliding movement of the rod  105  through the opening  203 . In addition, the engagement of the wiper  209  with the rod  105  will create a seal when the dispenser is in the protracted state.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 5 illustrates a retractable dispenser  100  in a protracted position with an applicator  101  extending from the front cowling  211 . The front cowling  211  has an opening  203  to allow the applicator  101  to move between a protracted position and a retracted position. The retractable dispenser  100  also has a rear cowling  202  with a rear opening  500  at the back end to allow a plunger  201  to extend between the protracted position and the retracted position. In the protracted position, the plunger  201  is pressed down relative to the rear barrel  202  that causes the applicator  101  to extend through the opening  203  and extend from the front cowling  211 .  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 6 illustrates the retractable dispenser  100  in a retracted position where the applicator  101  is inside the front barrel  211 . In the retracted position, the plunger  201  further extends from the rear barrel  202  that causes the applicator  101  to retract into the front cowling  211  by moving back into the opening  203 . As such, by activating the plunger  201  between the retracted and protracted positions, the applicator  101  is moved correspondingly between the retracted and protracted positions as well.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the valve  206  with the front end  103  and the back end  104 . The front end  103  may have a concaved shape profile with a slit  208  that opens to allow the pre-opener  207  to enter. The concave shape profile provides support around the slit  208  to enhance proper closure of the slit  208  when the applicator  101  moves back into the valve  206 . The width of the slit  208  may extend from edge to edge of the circumference  700 . In this example, the circumference  700  of the front end  103  may be circular.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged cross sectional view of the front cowling  211  with the valve  206  forced over pre-opener  207 , the applicator  101  extended past the front end  103  and through the slit  208 . The valve  206  may be made of a material that is durable and flexible so that the slit  208  will not wear out after many cycles of the pre-opener  207  moving in and out of the slit  208 . The material should have low permeability to vapor and air to seal the applicator  101 . The type of material used depends on the type of fluid that is used. For water-based fluids with a lower evaporation rate than an alcohol-based fluid, silicone may be used to form the valve  206 , but TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), natural rubber, synthetic rubber (e.g. isoprene), and TPV (thermoplastic vulcanizate) material including butyl rubber crossed linked with polypropylene are also preferred. A variety of methods may be used to form the valve  206  such as injection molding, blow molding, extrusion molding, and other methods known to one skilled in the art.  
         [0041]    For alcohol-based fluids with higher evaporation rate, butyl rubber and synthetic rubber (e.g. isoprene), may be compression molded or other methods known to one skilled in the art may be used to form the valve  206 . Alternatively, the valve  206  may be formed from thermoplastic elastomer with thermoplastic rubber that has low permeability to vapor. In addition, the valve  206  may be formed from thermoplastic elastomer and treated with fluorine to further reduce permeation.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of a valve  206  formed from a single piece of elastomeric material. Most preferably, the radius of curvature of the front end  103  is between 0 millimeters and 4 millimeters. In addition, a further dimension that is most preferable is the thickness of the concaved shape profile of the front end  103 , may be between about 0.3 millimeters and about 2 millimeters. These dimensions have been found to be very important in providing flexion of the front end  103  and opening and closing of slit  208 .  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 10 illustrates a valve  206  having a recess  1000  around the front end  103  adapted to receive a tension device  1100  (FIG. 11). As the applicator  101  retracts into the enclosure  102  and the compression member  205  urges the valve  206  off the pre-opener  207 , the tension device  1100  applies compression force to the slit  208  to add additional pressure to close the slit  208 . A variety of tension devices may be used around the front end  103 , such as an elastic band and a ring. FIG. 11 illustrates a tension device  1100  made of metal or plastic to apply compression force to the front end  103 . In addition, the compression member  205  may be adapted to provide compression force to the slit  208 .  
         [0044]    With the tension device  1100 , the front end  103  may have other configurations. FIG. 12 illustrates the tension device  1100  around the front end  103  having a substantially flat face.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the valve  206  constructed from three separate components, the front seal  1300 , rear seal  1301  and sleeve  1302 .  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 14 illustrates the front seal  1300  having a recess  1000  around the front end  103  adapted to receive a tension device  1100 . The front seal  1300  is inserted into the sleeve  1302 , where the tabs  1303  are adapted to engage with the slots  1304  in the sleeve  1302 . The circumference around the front seal  1300  may be about the same or slightly greater than the inner diameter of the sleeve  1302  to form a seal. The rear seal  1301  is inserted into the sleeve  1302 , where the tabs  1305  are adapted to engage with the slots  1306  in the sleeve  1302 . The circumference around the rear seal  1301  may be about the same or slightly greater than the inner diameter of the sleeve  1302  to form a seal.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 15 illustrates the back end  104  of the valve  206 . The back end  104  has a hole  1500  adapted to receive the rod  105  with the applicator  101  attached. As the applicator  101  moves between the retracted and protracted positions, the rod  105  correspondingly moves axially in and out of the hole  1500 . The edges  1501  around the hole  1500  may be beveled to minimize the friction between the back end  104  and the rod  105 . The rod  105  forms a seal with the back end  104 . The circumference around the rod  105  may be about the same or slightly greater than the hole  1500  in the back end  104  to form a seal.  
         [0048]    While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.