Abstract:
A fluid dispensing assembly having a container body for storing a cosmetic or other fluid material, the body having a dispensing opening, an applicator protruding from the dispensing opening for receiving material from the container and applying the material, a cap matingly engagable with the container body and a fitment in the dispenser opening matingly engagable with and moveable with respect to the container body between an open position and a closed position in response to engagement with the cap, the fitment having an aperture formed therein for allowing material to exit the container body in the open position disengaged from the cap, and a case mounted thereto, the aperture at least partially closing when the cap engages the case and moves the fitment with respect to the container body.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/101,336, filed April 7, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/570,783 filed May 13, 2004. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates in general to containers for fluids, for example cosmetics, and in particular to a fitment for preventing leakage of fluids from such containers.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART  
       [0003]     Liquid makeup and other viscous cosmetics are often stored in specialized cosmetics containers. These containers typically include a reservoir for storing the cosmetics and an applicator, for example a brush, for allowing a user to apply the cosmetics. In certain containers, the applicator is affixed to the cap of the container, whereby the user grasps the cap, dips the applicator into the reservoir until a sufficient amount of makeup is on the applicator, and then removes the applicator and applies the makeup. Alternatively, the applicator can be affixed to the container body itself, whereby, for example, the user squeezes the container to force makeup out of the reservoir and directly into or onto the applicator.  
         [0004]     In the case where the applicator is affixed directly to the container body, it is not uncommon for leakage to occur at or near the location where the makeup passes from the storage reservoir into the applicator. This leakage can occur either during use of the device, when the cap has been removed from the container, or when the device is not in use and the cap is affixed to the container. When the cap is affixed to the container, leaking makeup can accumulate under the cap, such that once the cap is removed from the container, the accumulated makeup will spill out.  
         [0005]     Various types of cosmetics containers have been proposed to prevent or reduce this leakage. Certain of these containers utilized both a cap and a sealing mechanism, for example, a stopper, to prevent leakage. The sealing mechanism was designed to prevent potential leakage, and any makeup that did leak past the sealing mechanism was subsequently caught in the cap. However, a user had to perform multiple steps in order to access the makeup in these containers. For example, the user had to first remove the cap, and then disengage the stopper, in order to initiate flow of makeup from the device. Multiple steps were also needed to close and store the container, in that the user had to first engage the stopper, and then place the cap on the container, in order to provide maximum leakage protection when the device was not in use. Further, the sealing mechanisms were not effective to prevent leakage at the location between the storage reservoir and the applicator, and the sealing mechanisms were often easily removable from the container, which increased the likelihood of leakage.  
         [0006]     Prior to the development of the present invention, there has been no fluid dispenser assembly for use in storing and dispensing fluids, including makeup and other cosmetics, which: effectively prevents leakage of fluids such as makeup from a cosmetics container; provides an improved seal at the location between the storage reservoir and the applicator of a fluid container; utilizes a sealing mechanism which is not easily removable from the fluid container; allows a user to remove the cap from a fluid container and access makeup from the reservoir in a single step; and allows a user to place the cap on a fluid container and restrict access to fluid from the fluid storage reservoir in a single step.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     Accordingly, the present invention provides a dispensing assembly for fluids such as cosmetics or other liquid materials. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a container body for storing a liquid material, the body having a dispensing opening with an axis, a dispenser in the dispensing opening matingly engagable with and axially moveable with respect to the container body between an open position and a closed position, the dispenser having an aperture formed therein for allowing liquid material to exit the dispensing opening of the container body while in the open position, the aperture at least partially closing the dispensing opening when the dispenser is in the closed position, a shoulder formed on the dispenser, a cap matingly engagable with the container body, the cap having a shoulder that engages the shoulder of the dispenser and moves the dispenser to the closed position when closing the cap on the container body and an applicator mounted to and protruding from the dispenser for receiving liquid material from the aperture in the dispenser and applying the liquid material, the applicator being enclosed by the cap while the cap is closed on the container.  
         [0008]     An additional feature of an ambodiment of the invention is that an insert is mounted in the dispensing opening of the container. The insert preferably has a base with an aperture in communication with the dispensing opening, the dispenser being carried by the insert for relative movement between the open and closed positions. Further, the insert may have a hollow interior, and the dispenser is at least partially disposed within the hollow interior of the insert. In an embodiment, the dispensing opening of the container body has a downward facing shoulder surface and the shoulder on the dispenser contacts the downward facing shoulder surface while in the open position and disengages while in the closed position.  
         [0009]     The assembly of an embodiment of the present invention can also preferably have a seal located on the base of the insert with an aperture therein to allow flow while in the open position and wherein the seal is formed of an elastomer material so that downward force of the base of the dispenser while the dispenser is in a closed position deforms the seal and causes it to close. The base of the insert can preferably be formed of silicon. The assembly can further include a spring disposed between the insert and the dispenser to bias the dispenser away from the insert. Preferably, the aperture in the base of the insert has an enlarged portion, and the dispenser has an extension portion that sealingly engages the enlarged portion, the extension portion containing an aperture that registers with the aperture in the insert while the dispenser is in the open position, the extension portion blocking the aperture in the insert while in the closed position. In one embodiment, a case is formed on the insert and extends from the shoulder on the dispenser. Further, the shoulder on the dispenser can comprise a radially extending flange.  
         [0010]     In another embodiment, the present invention provides a fluid dispenser assembly including a container body for storing a liquid material, the body having a dispensing opening with an axis, a dispenser in the dispensing opening matingly engagable with and axially moveable with respect to the container body between an open position and a closed position, the dispenser having an aperture formed therein for allowing liquid material to exit the dispensing opening of the container body while in the open position, the aperture at least partially closing the dispensing opening when the dispenser is in the closed position, an insert mounted in the dispensing opening of the container, the insert having a hollow interior and a base disposed therein, the base having an aperture in communication with the dispensing opening, the dispenser being at least partially disposed within the hollow interior of the insert and carried by the insert for relative movement between the open and closed positions, a seal located on the base of the insert and having an aperture formed therein to allow flow from the aperture while in the open position, the seal being formed of an elastomer material so that downward force of the base of the dispenser while the dispenser is in a closed position deforms the seal and causes it to close, a shoulder formed on the dispenser, a cap matingly engagable with the container body, the cap having a shoulder that engages the shoulder of the dispenser and moves the dispenser to the closed position when closing the cap on the container body and an applicator mounted to and protruding from the dispenser for receiving liquid material from the aperture in the dispenser and applying the liquid material, the applicator being enclosed by the cap while the cap is closed on the container.  
         [0011]     An additional feature of certain embodiments of the invention is that the applicator comprises a cylindrical member with an upper end having a plurality of apertures formed therein. The applicator can preferably have at least one tube contained therein for delivering liquid material. The assembly can have a retaining shoulder on the insert and a rib on the dispenser, and the retaining shoulder preferably engages the rib in the open position, and the retaining shoulder disengages from the rib in the closed position.  
         [0012]     In another embodiment, the present invention provides a fluid dispenser assembly having a container body for storing a liquid material, the body having a dispensing opening with an axis, a dispenser in the dispensing opening matingly engagable with and axially moveable with respect to the container body between an open position and a closed position, the dispenser having an aperture formed therein for allowing liquid material to exit the dispensing opening of the container body while in the open position, the aperture at least partially closing the dispensing opening when the dispenser is in the closed position, an insert mounted in the dispensing opening of the container, the insert having a hollow interior and a base disposed therein, the base having an aperture in communication with the dispensing opening, the dispenser being carried by the insert for relative movement between the open and closed positions, and whereby the aperture in the base of the insert has an enlarged portion, and the dispenser has an extension portion that sealingly engages the enlarged portion, the extension portion containing an aperture that registers with the aperture in the insert while the dispenser is in the open position, the extension portion blocking the aperture in the insert while in the closed position, a spring disposed between the insert and the dispenser to bias the dispenser away from the insert, a shoulder formed on the dispenser, a cap matingly engagable with the container body, the cap having a shoulder that engages the shoulder of the dispenser and moves the dispenser to the closed position when closing the cap on the container body and an applicator mounted to and protruding from the dispenser for receiving liquid material from the aperture in the dispenser and applying the liquid material, the applicator being enclosed by the cap while the cap is closed on the container. An additional feature is that the spring is a coiled member that surrounds the extension portion of the dispenser.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     The various aspects of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a front cross-section view of the components of a fluid applicator assembly including a cap in accordance with an embodiment of this invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the cylindrical base of an insert in accordance with an embodiment of this invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a front cross-section view of the assembly with its cap removed in accordance with an embodiment of this invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a front cross-section view of the assembly with its cap affixed thereon in accordance with an embodiment of this invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a front cross-section view of the assembly with a spring surrounding an extension of the assembly dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of this invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a front cross-section view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 5  with its cap removed.  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a front cross-section view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 5  with its cap affixed thereon.  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is a front cross-section view of the components of a fluid applicator assembly with a case partially surrounding the applicator in accordance with an embodiment of this invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an applicator case according to an embodiment of this invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 10  is a front cross-section view of an assembly with the applicator partially disposed within a case and the cap removed according to an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 11  is a front cross-section view of an assembly with the applicator partially disposed within a case and the cap affixed thereto according to an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 12  is a front cross-section view of the assembly with a case partially surrounding the applicator and a spring surrounding an extension of the applicator dispenser and the cap removed in accordance with an embodiment of this invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 13  is a front cross-section view of the embodiment of  FIG. 12  with the cap affixed thereto in accordance with an embodiment of this invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a case having an applicator with a tapered upper surface disposed therein in accordance with an embodiment of this invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0028]      FIG. 1  shows the components of a fluid dispenser assembly  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The assembly  10  is preferably used for dispensing cosmetics in the form of a liquid or viscous material. Assembly  10  includes a vessel or container body  11  which stores the cosmetic or other material  12 . Neck  14  extends upward from vessel  11  and typically has a smaller diameter than vessel  11 . Neck  14  has a hollow interior. In one embodiment, neck  14  has conventional external screw threads (not shown) so that a cap  16  with corresponding internal screw threads (not shown) can be attached to vessel  11 . In alternative embodiments, a friction or snap-on fit between cap  16  and neck  14  may be employed. Near its upper end, neck  14  has a band  18  that protrudes inward and has a flat downward facing shoulder surface  20  and a conical upward facing shoulder surface  22 . In a preferred embodiment, downward facing shoulder surface  20  is perpendicular to the axis of neck  14 , and upward facing shoulder surface  22  is at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the axis of neck  14 .  
         [0029]     Assembly  10  further includes a fitment  23  having an insert  24  with a seal  30  disposed therein and a dispenser  34 . Preferably, insert  24  has a cylindrical outer chamber  25 , a hollow annular interior and a flat bottom or base  29  having an aperture  27 . Seal  30  is located on and is co-extensive with base  29 . Seal  30  has a central aperture  32 . Hole  32  is approximately 1.0 mm in diameter, or about the same diameter as a standard sewing needle. Seal  30  is preferably formed of a soft elastic material, for example silicon or rubber. In one embodiment, insert  24  is formed of a plastic or other similar material.  
         [0030]     Insert  24  has a downward facing shoulder surface  26  disposed within the interior wall of its outer chamber  25 . Insert  24  has an outer diameter that is smaller than the interior diameter of neck  14  so that insert  24  may be fitted within neck  14 . The conical upward facing shoulder surface  22  of band  18  on neck  14  allows insert  24  to slide into neck  14 . Insert  24  has an outward facing groove  28  formed in the surface of its outer chamber  25 . Groove  28  is sized so that band  18  of neck  14  will fit within groove  28  when insert  24  is disposed within neck  14 .  
         [0031]     Dispenser  34  preferably has a base  35 , a cylindrical outer chamber  36  and a hollow interior. In one embodiment, dispenser  34  is formed of a plastic or other similar material. Dispenser  34  has a flanged band  37  disposed at the upper portion of chamber  36  that protrudes outward and has a flat upward facing shoulder surface  38  and a conical downward facing shoulder surface  40 . In a preferred embodiment, upward facing shoulder surface  38  is perpendicular to chamber  36 , and downward facing surface  40  forms a 45-degree angle. Dispenser  34  has an outer diameter that is smaller than the interior diameter of insert  24  so that dispenser  34  may fit within insert  24 . The sloped downward facing shoulder surface  40  of band  37  allows dispenser  34  to slide into insert  24 .  
         [0032]     In one embodiment, a dispensing tube  42  is fitted within, and extends upward from, base  35  of dispenser  34 . Tube  42  is preferably constructed of a plastic or other similar flexible material. Applicator  43 , for example a brush, is fitted within and extends upward from dispenser  34  and surrounds tube  42 . In one embodiment, applicator  43  is at least partially surrounded by a case or sheath  45 . Sheath  45  is preferably constructed of clear plastic or some other similar material, and keeps applicator  43  in place. Sheath  45  is press-fitted or otherwise secured in chamber  36 . Cosmetic is able to flow into tube  42  from hole  32  in seal  30  and out of at least one opening  46  in tube  42 . In another embodiment, the cosmetic flows directly from an aperture  48  in dispenser  34  without the use of a dispensing tube.  
         [0033]     Applicator  43  may also function to distribute or disseminate a liquid material  12  from the assembly  10 . The liquid material  12  in the container  11  can be cosmetics, or alternately, can be any other liquid or viscous fluid material that is distributed, disseminated or applied in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0034]     Applicator cap  16  is preferably cylindrical and has an annular interior. Cap  16  has at least one engagement member  44  that extends downward within the interior of cap  16  or alternatively, forms a shoulder in the interior of cap  16  as shown in  FIGS. 8-13 . In this embodiment, the member  44  extends concentrically from the top of cap  16  and is a cylindrical wall with a hollow annular interior that fits over and covers brush  43  and tube  42  when cap  16  is disposed upon vessel  11 . An annular space exists between engagement member  44  and cap  16 . Alternatively, engagement member  44  may be a plurality of arms that extend downward within the interior of cap  16 . In certain embodiments, engagement member  44  may have a friction reducing element  47 , for example padding, at its lower end for contact with surface  38  of dispenser  34 .  
         [0035]     In  FIG. 3 , cap  16  has been removed from assembly  10 . Insert  24  is disposed within the annular interior of neck  14  of vessel  11 . Band  18  of neck  14  is disposed within groove  28  of insert  24  so that insert  24  cannot easily be pulled out of, or removed from, vessel  11 . Dispenser  34  is disposed within the interior of insert  24 . An outer portion of upward facing shoulder surface  38  of band  37  contacts and is engaged with downward facing shoulder surface  26  of insert  24  so that dispenser  34  cannot easily be raised and pulled out of insert  24 . Base  35  of dispenser  34  contacts and is engaged with seal  30  in insert  24  to form a fluid tight seal. Hole  32  in seal  30  closes when deformed to prevent cosmetics from leaking out around base  35  of dispenser  34  when the cosmetics are exiting hole  32  and flowing into dispenser tube  42 .  
         [0036]     When in the open position, cosmetics can flow from vessel  11 , out of hole  32 , through dispensing tube  42 , out of opening  46 , and into applicator  43 . In one embodiment, cosmetic flow to applicator  43  can be aided and enhanced if the user applies pressure to vessel  11 . Vessel  11  is preferably formed of a flexible and resilient material such as polypropylene, so that it may be easily squeezed by the user and is capable of returning to its original shape.  
         [0037]     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , when assembly  10  is not in use, cap  16  will typically be placed over applicator  43  to protect applicator  43  from dust and other contaminants. As cap  16  is being lowered and approaches full engagement with vessel  11 , the bottom end of engagement member  44  contacts an exposed portion of upward facing shoulder  38  on band or flange  37  of dispenser  34 . Member  44  pushes down and places pressure upon band  37  and forces dispenser  34  downward into increased engagement with seal  30  in insert  24 . As a result of the increased force, seal  30  in insert  24  will compress and stretch downward. Preferably, the pressure placed upon seal  30  by the increased force will result in about 0.5 mm of stretching. This stretching causes the sides of hole  32  in seal  30  to come together, and hole  32  will close substantially or completely shut. As a result, the flow of cosmetics from vessel  11  into dispensing tube  42  is prevented. Further, base  35  of dispenser  34  engages seal  30  of insert  24  in one or more locations to a significant degree and forms a fluid tight seal that further blocks any small flow of cosmetic from vessel  11  from leaking from assembly  10 .  
         [0038]     An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . Dispenser  34  has an extension  52  that extends downward therefrom. The extension  52  fits within a cavity  56  formed within the base of insert  24 . Preferably, the extension  52  has two holes  58  formed therewithin to allow cosmetic to flow from the neck  14  of the vessel  11  through the holes  58  into the interior of the extension  52 , and then into the tube  42 . In an embodiment, a stopper  50  surrounds the lower portion of the tube  42  to prevent leakage. A spring  54  surrounds some or all of the extension  52 . A sheath or case, such as sheath  45  of  FIG. 2 , optionally could surround a portion of applicator  43 . When the cap  16  is closed, as shown in  FIG. 7 , engagement member  44  forces dispenser  34  downward, the spring  54  is compressed and the two holes  58  are brought into engagement with the surface of insert  24  and sealed closed so that cosmetic does not pass through. When the cap  16  is opened, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the spring  54  expands and the dispenser  34  moves upward, which opens the two holes  58  and allows fluid to pass through into the interior of the extension  52 . The spring  54  may be disposed within the cavity  56  or alternatively, the spring  54  may be wider than the diameter of the cavity  56  and brace against the bottom floor of the insert  24  without entering the cavity  56 . Other locations for the spring  54  are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.  
         [0039]     Other embodiments of the assembly  10  of the present invention are also advantageously provided, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8-13 . In one embodiment, engagement member  44  comprises a downward facing shoulder formed in the annular interior wall of cap  16  rather than a separate cylinder as in  FIGS. 1-7 . Member  44  faces downward within the interior of cap  16 . Although cap  16  is thicker than in  FIGS. 1-7 , this embodiment advantageously allows for a larger interior volume within the cap covering the applicator  43 . A friction reducing element  47  as shown in  FIG. 1 , for example padding, may be formed on member  44 .  
         [0040]     In an embdiment of the present invention, applicator  43  does not contain a dispensing tube  42 . As a result, cosmetics enter the porous applicator  43  via aperture  48 , which results in increased flow of cosmetics throughout the interior of applicator  43 .  
         [0041]     In certain embodiments, a case  60  which is similar to case or sheath  45  of  FIGS. 1-7 , is integrally formed with dispenser  34 . Preferably, case  60  sits within dispenser  34  and can be mounted thereto or matingly engaged therewith. Case  60 , which can be more clearly seen in  FIG. 9 , has a generally tubular shape and a hollow interior. Case  60  is preferably formed of a plastic material. A flange or platform  64  is matingly engaged with case  60  or alternatively, is formed therewith. Platform  64  preferably surrounds the case  60  and separates the case  60  into a first portion  62  and a second portion  66 . The platform  64  is preferably disk-shaped and serves as a shoulder for engagement by engagement member  44 . The first portion  62  of the case  60  preferably surrounds a bottom portion of applicator  43 , for example, to hold the applicator  43  securely in place. In a preferred embodiment, the first portion  62  is narrower along its top section to hold applicator  43  in place. The second portion  66  of case  60  is preferably mounted or affixed to dispenser  34 .  
         [0042]     A rib  63  is integrally formed on the exterior of dispenser  34  in the embodiments of  FIGS. 8-11 . Rib  63  is below flange  64  and slidingly engages the interior of insert  34 . Rib  63  contacts a downward facing retaining shoulder  65  formed in insert  24  while dispenser  34  is in a upper open position, as shown in  FIG. 10 . While in the closed position of  FIG. 11 , rib  63  is spaced below retaining shoulder  65 .  
         [0043]     As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , when cap  16  is lowered and comes into full engagement with vessel  11 , engagement member  44  contacts an exposed portion of platform  64 . Member  44  pushes down and places pressure upon platform  64  and forces case  60  downward. As a result, dispenser  34  is also forced downward inside of insert  24  and into increased engagement with seal  30  of insert  24 . As a result of the increased force, seal  30  of insert  24  will compress and stretch downward. Preferably, the pressure placed upon seal  30  by the increased force will result in about 0.5 mm of stretching. This stretching causes the sides of hole  32  in seal  30  to come together, and hole  32  will close substantially or completely shut. As a result, the flow of cosmetics from vessel  11  into applicator  43  is prevented or substantially reduced. Further, base  35  of dispenser  34  engages seal  30  of insert  24  in one or more locations to a significant degree and forms a fluid tight seal that further blocks any small flow of cosmetic from vessel  11  from leaking from assembly  10 .  
         [0044]     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , spring  54  surrounds some or all of extension  52 . When cap  16  is closed, the engagement member  44  contacts an exposed portion of platform  64  surrounding case  60 . Member  44  pushes down and places pressure upon platform  64  and forces case  60  downward. As a result, dispenser  34  is also forced downward, spring  54  is compressed and the two holes  58  in extension  52  are brought into engagement with the surface of insert  24  and sealed closed so that cosmetic does not pass through. When the cap  16  is opened, the spring  54  expands and the dispenser  34  moves upward, which opens the two holes  58  and allows fluid to pass through into the interior of the extension  52 .  
         [0045]     Another embodiment of the applicator  43  of the present invention is advantageously provided, as shown in  FIG. 14 . In this embodiment, the applicator  43  is cylindrically shaped and has a tapered upper surface  70 . The surface  70  can also be flat. The applicator  43  is at least partially surrounded by case  60 , and an upper portion of the applicator  43  adjacent to the upper surface  70  is exposed. A plurality of orifices  72  are formed in the upper surface  70  of the applicator  43 . Cosmetics material exits the applicator  43  through one or more of the orifices  72 . The plurality of orifices  72  allows for increased dispersion of the cosmetics exiting the applicator  43 , and also decreases the likelihood of reduced or impeded cosmetics flow occurring due to clogging and the like. Applicator  43  could be used in place of applicator  43  of the other embodiments of this invention.  
         [0046]     The present invention has several advantages. For example, the insert  24  and dispenser  34  are prevented from being easily pulled out of or removed from the vessel  11 . With the cap  16  is fully engaged with the vessel  11 , the closed hole  32  in the seal  30  of the insert  24  and the seal against the base  35  of the dispenser  34  together prevent or significantly reduce the amount of fluid leakage from the assembly  10 . When the cap  16  is removed from the vessel  11 , the seal between the base of the insert  24  and the base of the dispenser  34  significantly reduces the amount of fluid leakage from the assembly  10 .  
         [0047]     While the invention has been described herein with respect to certain embodiments, it should be understood by those that are skilled in the art that it is not so limited. The invention is susceptible of various modifications and changes without departing from the scope of the claims.