Abstract:
Exemplary applicator devices for applying topical oils to an individual are disclosed. Some embodiments of an exemplary applicator device may include a topical oil container and a roller-ball applicator coupled to the container. The roller-ball applicator may include a roller-ball housing, a roller-ball within the housing, the roller-ball being freely rotatable within the housing, and a retention cap configured to retain the roller-ball within the housing.

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/231,916 filed Sep. 13, 2011. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This application relates generally to roller ball applicators. In particular, this application relates to roller ball applicators for applying topical oils to an individual. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In recent years, sales for essential oils and other topically applied oils have exploded. Topically applied oils are usually oils which are derived from, or include certain essential components or essences of different substances. Such topically applied oils are generally referred to as essential oils. 
     Essential oils, known as nature&#39;s living energy, are the natural, aromatic volatile liquids found in shrubs, flowers, trees, resins, fruit peels, rhizomes, roots, bushes, and seeds. The distinctive components in essential oils defend plants against insects, environmental conditions, and disease. They are also vital for a plant to grow, live, evolve, and adapt to its surroundings. Essential oils are extracted from aromatic plant sources via steam distillation, cold pressing, and other types of distillation. Essential oils are highly concentrated and far more potent than dry herbs. Other topically applied, oils and fatty oils may include olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil, etc., and oils high in esters, such as jojoba oil, and waxes such as beeswax. 
     While essential oils often have a pleasant aroma, their phytochemical makeup is complex and their benefits vast—which makes them much more than something that simply smells good. Historically, essential oils have played a prominent role in everyday life. With more than 200 references to aromatics, incense, and ointments throughout the Bible, essential oils are said to be used for anointing and healing the sick. Today, essential oils are used for aromatherapy, massage therapy, emotional health, personal care, nutritional supplements, household solutions, and much more. 
     Roller-ball applicators have been used in many applications. However, roller-ball applicators generally use a fairly pliable plastic housing to accommodate the ball in a press-fit assembly. Traditional roller-ball assemblies are unsuitable for use with most topical oils, such as essential oils, particularly citrus essential oils (i.e., lemon, orange, grapefruit, bitter orange, yuzu, lime, bergamot, etc.), frankincense, high terpene oils, and other similar oils with potent chemical solvents, because the oils tend to impregnate plastics and relax the elasticity or swell the plastic, which often causes the roller-ball to become excessively loose and potentially dislodge, or swell the roller-ball and generally make plastic containers unsuitable. Additionally, essential oils tend to work as solvents with plastics and can leach unwanted chemicals and compounds from the plastics into the essential oils. Because of this, applicators for topical oils use different application methods and devices that do not require plastics that retain their material properties, and when using essential oils, generally avoid plastics altogether. 
     SUMMARY 
     Exemplary applicator devices for applying topical oils to an individual are disclosed herein. Some embodiments of an exemplary applicator device may include a topical oil container and a roller-ball applicator coupled to the container. The roller-ball applicator may include a roller-ball housing, a roller-ball within the housing, the roller-ball being freely rotatable within the housing, and a retention cap configured to retain the roller-ball within the housing. In some embodiments, an applicator device may include a cap configured to be removably attached to the container and to seal topical oil within the topical oil container when the cap is securely attached to the container. 
     In some embodiments, the topical oil may comprise an essential oil. The retention cap may also be formed from metal, such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, and/or anodized aluminum. Exemplary devices may be configured to provide access to at least a volume of 0.3 ml for each application. The roller-ball may be formed from metal or glass and the roller-ball may include surface features. Similarly, the topical oil container may be formed from glass. 
     Some exemplary methods for applying topical oil to an individual may include: placing topical oil in a container; coupling a roller-ball assembly to the container, the roller-ball assembly having a retention cap configured to retain a roller-ball in the roller-ball assembly; placing a roller-ball of the roller-ball assembly against the skin of an individual; and moving the roller-ball assembly such that the roller-ball rotates within the roller-ball assembly and delivers oil to the skin of the individual when the assembly is in any orientation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following description can be better understood in light of Figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1   a  illustrates an exemplary roller-ball topical oil applicator and bottle; 
         FIG. 1   b  illustrates a cross-sectional view along reference line A-A of  FIG. 1  for a portion of the exemplary roller-ball topical oil applicator and bottle of  FIG. 1   a;    
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of exemplary roller-ball topical oil applicator with retention cap; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary roller-ball assembly; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary roller-ball assembly without the roller-ball for illustrative purposes; and 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary roller-ball assembly. 
     
    
    
     Together with the following description, the Figures demonstrate and explain the principles of roller-ball topical oil applicators with retaining rings and methods for making and using the roller-ball topical oil applicator. In the Figures, the thickness and configuration of components may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals in different Figures represent the same component. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that the apparatus and associated methods of using the apparatus can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the apparatus and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated apparatus and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry. For example, while the description below focuses on roller ball applicators used with glass bottles, other types of bottles and containers may be used. 
       FIGS. 1   a - 1   b  illustrate roller-ball topical oil applicator  100 , which may be used for storing and applying topical oils, such as essential oils to the skin of an individual or other creature. Applicator  100  may include bottle  110 , applicator body  120  with retaining ring  150 , roller-ball  140 , and cap  160 . Bottle  110  may be formed of glass or other suitable container for transporting and containing topical oils such as essential oils, particularly essential oils that tend to act as solvents for plastics. Bottle  110  may include neck  112  and threads  114  on neck  112  to accommodate applicator body  120  and cap  160 . In some embodiments, neck insert  122  of applicator body  120  may be of a complimentary size to the internal dimensions of neck  112  to provide an appropriate fitment between bottle  110  and applicator body  120  for a tight fit without leakage. 
     Neck insert  122  may include retention features  128  to provide increased fit with neck  112  of bottle  110 , to prevent oils from seeping out of bottle  110  between neck  112  and neck insert  122 . Retention features  128  may be rings, fins, or other features that function to create a seal between applicator body  120  and neck  112 . Neck insert  122  may be formed of a pliable or material having elastic properties in order to properly seal when used with a bottle  110  or other container made from glass, since glass is very inelastic. In order to achieve a tight fit between neck insert  122  and bottle  110 , one or the other may be formed of a material having elastic properties to allow for neck insert  122  and bottle  110  to conform to each other (within a tolerance range) to fit tightly and form a seal. 
     Applicator body  120  may be formed from an oil resistant plastic or other suitable material such as chemically resistant polypropylene, ultem, other homopolymers, etc., or other suitable materials, including materials with oil resistant coatings. Applicator body  120  may include neck insert  122 , sized appropriately to interface with bottle  110 , or other suitable container. Applicator body  120  may also include groove  124  for holding and working in conjunction with retaining ring  150  to hold roller-ball  140  in place in order to apply a desired amount of topical oil. 
     Retaining ring  150  may include ball retainer lip  156 , defining a hole in the top of retaining ring  150  through which a portion of roller-ball  140  may extend. Retainer lip  156  may have an annular diameter dimension smaller than the diameter of roller-ball  140  to secure roller-ball  140  in place without allowing roller-ball  140  to pass through the top of retaining ring  150 . Retaining ring  150  may also include indent  154  to cooperate with grove  124  of applicator body  120  to hold retaining ring  150  in place on applicator body  120 , thereby holding roller-ball  140  in place. In some embodiments, roller-ball  140  may be held in place with a portion of applicator body  120  with retaining ring  150  securing roller-ball  140  in applicator body  120 , such that the materials of applicator body  120  may not relax beyond the dimensions of retaining ring  150 . 
     Retaining ring  150  may be formed of any suitable material to resist relaxation of applicator body  120  if essential oils penetrate the material of applicator body  120 , thereby keeping roller-ball  140  in place. Such materials may include metals, such as aluminum, steel, copper, brass, titanium, or any suitable alloy from these or other metals. Such materials may also include ceramics, carbon fiber, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments retaining ring  150  may be coated or treated to resist corrosion, including, for example, anodizing, Teflon coating, enamel, etc. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , roller-ball  140  may be placed in applicator body  120  and then retaining ring  150  may be placed onto applicator body  120 . By pressing retaining ring  150  over the upper portion of applicator body  120 , indent  154  of retaining ring  150  may snap into place in groove  124  at an appropriate depth to hold roller ball  140  in place, while also providing appropriate spacing to allow a desired flow of essential oils to be applied with roller-ball topical oil applicator  100 . As such, at least one of applicator body  120  and retaining ring  150  may be formed of a material that allows for elastic deformation to permit retaining ring  150  to be fitted over applicator body  120  as described and illustrated. 
     Essential oils such as citrus oils, frankincense, oils high in monoterpenes or blends of such oils mixed with other solvents, tend to affect plastics in an aggressive manner. Retaining ring  150  fitted over applicator body  120  may allow applicator body  120  to be formed of a plastic material that is suitable for use in an inelastic glass bottle to form an appropriate fit without losing roller-ball  140  due to aggressive essential oils. Similarly, roller-ball  140  may be formed of any suitable material sufficient to maintain a desired fit and alignment with applicator body  120  to provide a desired amount of oil at each application. For example, roller-ball  140  may be formed of steel, aluminum, ceramic, or any other suitable material. 
     Applicator body  120  may include an annular well  130 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , that holds topical oil for delivery to an individual using applicator  100 . Well  130  may be replenished by tipping applicator  100  with roller-ball  140  downward, which then pulls roller-ball  140  into contact with retainer lip  156 , preventing the topical oil from flowing out, but allowing the oil to flow into space  132  and well  130 . Space  132  may be about 0.182 mm wide between the side of applicator body  120  and roller-ball  140 , extending form retainer lip  156  to lower seat  125 . When applicator  100  is in an upright position, roller-ball  140  may be in contact with lower seat  125  by gravity pulling down on roller-ball  140  against lower seat  125 . 
     Similarly, when applicator  100  is in an overturned position, roller-ball  140  may be in contact with retainer lip  156 , preventing the topical oil from flowing out freely. In some embodiments, oil may be dispensed by tapping applicator  100  against the skin of an individual, thereby moving roller-ball  140  upward and allowing oil to exit onto the skin. When overturned, each tap may allow for more oil to flow into the spaces around roller-ball  140 . In some embodiments, a biasing member such as a spring (not shown) may be used to push roller-ball  140  against retainer lip such that roller-ball  140  may dispense oil only when pressed to push roller-ball  140  away from retainer lip  156 . 
     When roller-ball  140  is rotated, an amount of the oil may coat the exterior surface of roller-ball  140  and may then be deposited on the skin of an individual using applicator  100  by rolling roller-ball  140  along their skin. Applicator  100  may work in any orientation to deliver oil to the skin of a user in part because well  130  holds oils to coat roller-ball  140  even when applicator  100  is oriented such that oil is not contacting roller ball  140  through channel  144 . Typically, a single topical oil application will deliver between about 0.05 and 1 ml in a single application. In some embodiments, a single application may be about 0.3 ml. To apply in an overturned position, a pressure may be applied to roller-ball  140  as it contacts against the skin to which topical oils are to be applied, which may allow oils to flow from between retainer lip  156  and roller-ball  140 . To apply in an upright position, roller-ball  140  may collect oils from well  130  and space  132 , and since roller-ball  140  is generally positioned against lower seat  125 , the oil is able to be delivered without being scraped off by retainer lip  156 . 
     Because roller-ball  140  may have some play between contact with lower seat  125  in one position and contact with retainer lip  156  in the other, oil may be retained in well  130  and space  132  to deliver to a user in any orientation, even after applicator has been in an upright position for some time. For example, when cap  160  is in position, an internal cap ring may press down on roller-ball  140 , which in turn presses down against lower seat  125 , effectively trapping any oils remaining in well  130  and space  132  for delivery when cap  160  is removed as desired. Similarly, such an arrangement may significantly reduce vapor losses due to evaporation that are sometimes common with essential oils. 
     Applicator  100  may be formed in any size suitable for delivery of topical oils, such as essential oils. The various components of applicator  100  may be sized accordingly, however, space  132  and well  130  may be designed and spaced to provide between about 0.05 and 1 ml in volume for a desired application amount. In other embodiments, a larger or smaller amount may be desired for each application. 
     In some embodiments, cap  160  may be formed to connect directly to applicator body  120 , and applicator body  120  may be formed to connect to threads  114  of bottle  110 . Cap  160  may include interior threads that correspond with threads  114  of bottle  110 , or with threads that may be included on applicator body  120 . In other embodiments, cap  160  may be a snap-fit, or other type of connection, such as hinged, etc. 
     In some embodiments, roller-ball  140  may include surface features  142  that facilitate collecting oils onto roller-ball  140  when being used. In some embodiments, surface features  142  may be various patterns or designs, such as with a company logo, geometric pattern, or other desired aesthetic feature that also serves to carry oil. Surface features  142  may be formed in or on the surface of roller-ball  140  through any method, such as etching, cutting, grinding, micro-welding, casting, stamping, etc. 
     In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , applicator insert  200  may include applicator body  220 , retaining ring  250 , and in some embodiments, may include wick  270  and/or absorbent ring  272 . Retaining ring  250  may be a simple ring formed similarly to retaining ring  150  of materials that may prevent applicator body  220  and retaining lip  226  from relaxing to allow roller-ball  140  to fall out. Applicator body  220  may include groove  224 , similar to groove  124  of the embodiments described above, that holds retaining ring  250  in place. In such embodiments, retaining lip  226  may be formed to hold roller-ball  140  in place. Roller-ball  140  may be inserted by pushing through the opening of retaining lip  226  which may elastically stretch to allow roller-ball  140  to be put in place and returning to its dimensions to hold roller-ball  140  in applicator body  220 . 
     In some embodiments, wick  270  may be included to draw oils into contact with roller-ball  140  to replenish oils for delivery with roller-ball  140 . Similarly, absorbent ring  272  may be placed to absorb oils and then distribute the oils to roller-ball  140 . Wick  270  and absorbent ring  272  may be formed of any suitable materials to allow delivery of essential oils. Similarly, in some embodiments, wick  270  may be replaced with a small-diameter tube that functions using capillary action to draw oil up to replenish well  130 , absorbent ring  272 , and/or roller-ball  140 . 
     In addition to any previously indicated modification, numerous other variations and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this description, and appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the information has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. Also, as used herein, examples are meant to be illustrative only and should not be construed to be limiting in any manner.