Patent Publication Number: US-10327530-B2

Title: Systems, devices, and methods including a swirl shake weight

Description:
SUMMARY 
     A multi-phase cosmetic composition mixing pack for mixing immiscible components of a multi-phase cosmetic composition such that they are temporarily miscible includes a container for holding the multi-phase cosmetic composition that has a first open end and a container longitudinal axis, and a mixing element disposed within the container and configured to be actuated for mixing immiscible components of the multi-phase cosmetic composition such that they are temporarily miscible, wherein the mixing element is limited to movement substantially along the container longitudinal axis when actuated. 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a mixing pack formed in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the mixing pack includes a mixing element; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the mixing pack of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the mixing pack of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a mixing element formed in accordance with a first alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure that is suitable for use with the mixing pack of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a mixing element formed in accordance with a second alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure that is suitable for use with the mixing pack of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a mixing element formed in accordance with a third alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure that is suitable for use with the mixing pack of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a mixing element formed in accordance with a fourth alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure that is suitable for use with the mixing pack of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a mixing element formed in accordance with a fifth alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure that is suitable for use with the mixing pack of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric view of a mixing pack formed in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the mixing pack includes a mixing element; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the mixing pack of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the mixing pack of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric view of a mixing element formed in accordance with a first alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure that is suitable for use with the mixing pack of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric view of a mixing pack formed in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the mixing pack includes a mixing element; 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded view of the mixing pack of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the mixing pack of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 16  is an isometric view of a mixing pack formed in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the mixing pack includes a mixing element; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded view of the mixing pack of  FIG. 16 ; and 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the mixing pack of  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Many cosmetic compositions, including pigmented cosmetics such as foundations and lipsticks, have been formulated in an attempt to possess longwearing properties upon application. Unfortunately, many of these compositions do not generally possess both good long-wear/transfer-resistance properties as well as good application properties, good comfort properties and/or good appearance properties (for example, shine, gloss or matte properties). 
     For example, with respect to lip products, commercial products containing silicon resins such as MQ resins are known. Such products are known to provide good long wear properties and/or transfer-resistance. However, such products possess poor application properties, poor feel upon application (for example, feel rough) and poor shine or gloss properties owing to the film formed by the MQ resin (for example, a matte appearance). Therefore, a second composition (topcoat) is separately applied to such products to improve poor properties of the compositions to make the products acceptable to consumers. Furthermore, the topcoat composition must be reapplied continually so that the product remains acceptable to consumers, meaning that the products are effectively not “long-wearing” as they require constant maintenance and reapplication. 
     Also, with respect to foundations, such products can provide good long wear properties and/or transfer-resistance. However, such long-wearing/transfer-resistant products can possess poor application and/or feel upon properties application, as well as poor matte properties. 
     “Single step” multi-phase cosmetic compositions having improved cosmetic properties, particularly good wear, feel, shine, gloss and/or matte characteristics upon application are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/144,716, entitled “Lip Compositions,” filed on May 2, 2016, with the inventor Rita El-Khouri, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/144,622, entitled “Liquid Lipstick Compositions Capable of Forming a Multilayer Structure After Application to Lips,” filed on May 2, 2016, with the inventor Rita El-Khouri, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/144,698 entitled “Lip Compositions Capable of Forming a Multilayer Structure After Application to Lips,” filed on May 2, 2016, with the inventor Rita El-Khouri, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/316,309, entitled “Cosmetic Compositions Capable of Forming a Multilayer Structure After Application to a Keratinous Material,” filed on Mar. 31, 2016, with the inventor Rita El-Khouri, and Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Application No. PCT/US2017/025370, titled “Cosmetic Compositions Capable of Forming a Multilayer Structure After Application to Keratinous Material,” filed on Mar. 31, 2017, with the inventor Rita El-Khouri, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     The above-referenced applications disclose, for example, a multi-phase cosmetic composition for keratinous materials (for example, skin, hair, eyelashes, nails or lips) which has good cosmetic properties such as, for example, good adhesion, transfer-resistance, feel, gloss (or shine), and/or matte upon application, and which can be applied to a keratinous material without having to engage in a multi-step application process. More specifically, the above-referenced applications disclose multi-phase cosmetic compositions that comprise at least two immiscible components prior to application and that are capable of forming a multilayer structure after application to a keratinous material. Such multi-phase cosmetic compositions allow for benefits associated with multi-layer cosmetic products without having to engage in a multi-step application process. 
     Immiscibility of the immiscible components can result from an incompatibility between the two components when the composition is at rest, an incompatibility between the two components after application to a keratinous material, or both. When the immiscible components result from an incompatibility between the two components when the composition is at rest, i.e., in a cosmetic container, the immiscible components must be appropriately mixed prior to application of the multi-phase cosmetic composition to the keratinous material. Once appropriately mixed, the multi-phase cosmetic composition comprising the temporarily miscible components can be applied to the keratinous material. Subsequent to application to the keratinous material, the components separate to form a multilayer structure on the keratinous material. 
     In an aspect, technologies and methodologies include a mixing pack that can be used for mixing a multi-phase cosmetic composition so that the immiscible components are temporarily miscible. For purposes of this detailed description, the term “mixing” (or like versions, such as “mixer”, “mix”, or “mixed”) shall be interpreted to include any suitable mixing, blending, churning, emulsifying, etc., of a multi-phase cosmetic composition so that the immiscible components are temporarily miscible. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1-3 , there is shown a first exemplary embodiment of a mixing pack  20  suitable for mixing a multi-phase cosmetic composition (not shown) so that the immiscible components are temporarily miscible. The mixing pack  20  generally includes a container  24  for holding a multi-phase cosmetic composition, a mixing element  28  for mixing the multi-phase cosmetic composition, and an applicator  32  for applying the temporarily miscible components of the multi-phase cosmetic composition to a keratinous material. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the container  24  will first be described in detail. The container  24  may be any suitable shape, size, configuration, material, etc., to appropriately hold a desired multi-phase cosmetic composition. In the depicted embodiment, the container  24  includes a substantially rectangular-shaped glass or plastic container body  36 , having first and second open ends that are enclosed by first and second end caps  40  and  44 . The first and second (or top and bottom) container end caps  40  and  44  may be press-fit or otherwise secured to or within the open ends of the container body  36  in any suitable manner. 
     In the depicted embodiment, the second (or bottom) end cap  44  encloses and seals the second, bottom open end of the container body  36 , and the first (or top) end cap  40  encloses and seals the first, top open end of the container body  36  and provides an interface between the applicator  32  and the interior of the container  24 . In that regard, the first end cap  40  includes a central opening  48  extending from a top surface to a bottom surface of the first end cap  40 . The central opening  48  is sized to allow the applicator  32  to pass therethrough, which in the depicted embodiment includes a stem  50  and applicator portion or tip  54  defined at the distal end thereof. The stem  50  may pass through the central opening  48  and extend into the container body  36  to position the tip  54  within the interior of the container body  36  for withdrawing the multi-phase cosmetic composition for application to a keratinous material. The first end cap  40  may include an internal wiping assembly  52  that helps wipe excess cosmetic composition from the applicator tip  54  as it is removed from the container body  36 . Any suitable internal wiping assembly for the intended application may be used. 
     The stem  50  of the applicator  32  extends from an interior portion of a cap  58  that is removably securable to the first, top open end of the container body  36  for sealing and enclosing the cosmetic composition therein. The cap  58  may be removably secured to the top end of the container body  36  in any suitable manner, such as by threading, a snap-fit, friction fit, or otherwise. 
     It should be appreciated that the container  24  may instead be comprised of a container body that is integrally formed with first and second end caps  40  and  44 . Moreover, the container body  36  and the first and second end caps  40  and  44  may be formed from any suitable material in any suitable manner. For instance, the container body  36  and first and second end caps  40  and  44  may be integrally or separately formed by injection molding. Furthermore, any other suitable container body  36 , cap  58  and applicator  32  may be used for the desired application. For instance, the container may be configured to suit the intended use, for example, lip gloss, foundation, concealer, lacquer, etc. 
     An exemplary mixing element  28  suitable for mixing the multi-phase cosmetic composition contained within the container  24  will now be described. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 , the mixing element  28  is embodied as a swirl shake weight or coil spring  66  made from a suitable metal or other material. The coil spring  66  includes a central opening  68  extending between a first open end  70  and a second open end  74 . As such, the stem  50  and tip  54  of the applicator  32  may extend through the first open end  70  and into the central opening  68  of the coil spring  66 ; i.e., the coil spring  66  may be positioned within the container  24  such that it at least partially surrounds the applicator  32 . With the coil spring  66  being open at the first and second ends  70  and  74 , the spring  66  may move axially along the length of the applicator  32  and container  24 . 
     The container  24  is suitably sized and shaped to enclose the coil spring  66  (or the coil spring  66  is sized to fit within the container  24 ) such that when the coil spring  66  is actuated (i.e., shaken), the multi-phase cosmetic composition contained within the container  24  is appropriately mixed. In that regard, the coil spring  66  has a length that generally extends along a portion of the length of the container body  36 , such as three-quarters (¾) of the container body length. In that manner, the coil spring  66  may move longitudinally or axially back and forth along the length of the container body  36 . The spring helix or coil also has a nominal diameter that is sufficiently large such that coil spring  66  is substantially limited to movement in the longitudinal or axial direction of the container. In other words, the coil spring  66  cannot substantially move laterally, flip over, etc. For example, the spring helix may have a nominal diameter that is substantially the same size as an interior diameter of the container body  36 . As such, the coil spring  66  reaches substantially all the contents of the container  24  when shaken to ensure substantially even mixing of the immiscible components. 
     More specifically, the immiscible components flow into and out of the first and second open ends  70  and  74  of the coil spring  66  as well as into and out of the openings defined by the spring helix. In that regard, any suitable helical geometry (pitch, cross-sectional shape, etc.) may be used for the intended application. For instance, a low viscosity multi-phase cosmetic composition may be sufficiently mixed with a lower pitch helix design, wherein a higher viscosity multi-phase cosmetic composition may require a higher pitch helix design to sufficiently mix the immiscible components. 
     The coil spring  66  may be a heavy-duty helical spring designed for compression and tension. In that manner, the coil spring  66  compresses and extends minimally if not at all as it is shaken within the container  24 . In an alternative embodiment, the coil spring  66  may be embodied as a compression spring having sufficient elasticity such that it extends and compresses more significantly when shaken. In the depicted embodiment, the coil spring  66  also has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and flattened first and second ends that connect back or join the adjacent coil. However, any suitable cross-sectional shape and end configuration may instead be used. It can be appreciated that the coil spring configuration will be dependent on the intended application of the mixing pack  20 . Accordingly, the descriptions and illustrations provided herein should not be seen as limiting. 
       FIGS. 4-8  depict alternative exemplary embodiments of a mixing element  128 ,  228 ,  328 ,  428 , and  528  suitable for mixing a multi-phase cosmetic composition contained within the container  24  or any other suitable container. Each mixing element  128 ,  228 ,  328 ,  428 , and  528  is made from a suitable material, such as metal, and is of a suitable length and nominal diameter for mixing a multi-phase cosmetic composition in a desired container. Moreover, the characteristics of each mixing element  128 ,  228 ,  328 ,  428 , and  528  are clearly shown in  FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 , respectively, accordingly, the characteristics of each mixing element will be only briefly described. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the mixing element  128  is configured as a swirl shake weight or a coil spring  166  having a central opening  168  extending between first and second open ends  170  and  174 , similar to coil spring  66 , except that the coil has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape and it terminates in rounded or semi-pointed ends. The coil spring  166  may have little to no elasticity such that only minimal to no compression or extension results from shaking the coil spring  166 , or a predetermined amount of elasticity. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the mixing element  228  is configured as a double cage shake weight  266  having a central opening  268  extending between a first open end  270  and a second open end  274 . The double cage shake weight  266  includes a first cage  250  stacked on a substantially identical and mirrored second cage  254 . Each cage  250  and  254  includes bars  256  extending substantially axially and slightly outwardly from a middle annular base  258  to a first or second end annular base  260  and  264 , respectively. The bars  256  are spaced substantially evenly around the circumference of the middle annular base  258  and the end annular bases  260  and  264 . The bars  256  and annular bases  258 ,  260 , and  264  are substantially circular in cross-sectional shape; however, any suitable shape may instead be used. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the mixing element  328  is configured as a shake weight  366  having a cylindrical body  330  with a central opening  368  extending between a first open end  370  and a second open end (not shown). The cylindrical body  330  includes a plurality of patterned openings  376  extending from an exterior surface to an interior surface of the body  330 , wherein the cylindrical body  330  has a thickness extending between the exterior surface and the interior surface. In the depicted embodiment, the patterned openings  376  are substantially rectangular or square in shape and may taper in size as the opening extends from the exterior surface to the interior surface of the body  330 . The openings  376  extend generally radially toward a central axis of the cylindrical body  330 , although certain openings  376  may extend diametrically across the body  330 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the mixing element  428  is configured as a shake weight  466  having a cylindrical body  430  with a central opening  468  extending between a first open end  470  and a second open end  474 , wherein a plurality of legs  480  extend axially from the first and second open ends  470  and  474 . The cylindrical body  430  includes a plurality of helically patterned openings  476  extending from an exterior surface to an interior surface of the body  430 , wherein the cylindrical body  430  has a thickness extending between the exterior surface and the interior surface. In the depicted embodiment, the patterned openings  476  are substantially rectangular in shape and taper in size as the opening extends radially from the exterior surface to the interior surface of the body  430 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the mixing element  528  is configured as a shake weight  566  having a cylindrical body  530  with a central opening  568  extending between a first open end  570  and a second open end  574 , wherein a plurality of legs  580  extend helically from the first and second open ends  570  and  574 . The cylindrical body  530  includes a plurality of helically patterned openings  576  extending from an exterior surface to an interior surface of the body  530 , wherein the cylindrical body  530  has a thickness extending between the exterior surface and the interior surface. In the depicted embodiment, the patterned openings  576  are substantially egg-shaped and may taper in size as the opening extends radially from the exterior surface to the interior surface of the body  530 . Moreover, the openings  576  may differ in size as the pattern extends helically around the body  530 . 
     The mixing elements  28 ,  128 ,  228 ,  328 ,  428 , and  528  may have a weight that corresponds to a certain thickness or viscosity of multi-phase cosmetic composition. 
       FIGS. 9-11  depict a second exemplary embodiment of a mixing pack  620  suitable for mixing a multi-phase cosmetic composition (not shown) so that the immiscible components are temporarily miscible. The mixing pack  620  generally includes a container  624  for holding a multi-phase cosmetic composition, a mixing element  628  for mixing the multi-phase cosmetic composition, an actuation assembly for actuating the mixing element  628 , and an applicator  632  for applying the temporarily miscible components of the multi-phase cosmetic composition to a keratinous material. 
     The container  624  will first be described in detail. The container  624  may be any suitable shape, size, configuration, material, etc., to appropriately hold a desired multi-phase cosmetic composition. In the depicted embodiment, the container  624  includes a substantially cylindrically-shaped glass or plastic container body  636  having a first (or top) open end that receives a first container end cap  640  secured to the body  636  by threading, snap-fit, or otherwise. A sealing element, such as an O-ring  642 , may be disposed between the container end cap  640  and the body  636 . It should be appreciated that the container  624  may instead be comprised of a container body that is integrally formed with the first container end cap  640 . 
     The first container end cap  640  encloses and seals the first, top open end of the container body  636  and provides an interface between the mixing element  628  and the interior of the container  624 . In that regard, the first container end cap  640  includes a central opening  648  extending from a top surface to a bottom surface of the first container end cap  640  that is sized to allow the mixing element  628  to pass therethrough. 
     An exemplary mixing element  628  suitable for mixing the multi-phase cosmetic composition contained within the container  624  will now be described. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 9-11 , the mixing element  628  is embodied as a perforated plunger  666  having a plunger body  668  that is cylindrical in shape (to substantially match the shape of the container body  636 ) and made from a suitable material, such as plastic or metal, with a central opening  670  extending between a first open end and a second perforated end (not labeled). The second or bottom perforated end of the plunger body  668  includes a plurality of perforations  674  in fluid communication with the central opening  670  that are configured to cause mixing of the immiscible components of the multi-phase cosmetic composition as the plunger  666  is actuated; e.g., as it is moved substantially axially within the container body  636 . More specifically, the immiscible components flow into and out of the central opening  670  through the plurality of perforations  674  as the plunger  666  is actuated. 
     The second perforated end may include any suitable number and configuration of openings or perforations  674 , such as size, shape, length, etc., for the intended application. For instance, a low viscosity multi-phase cosmetic composition may be sufficiently mixed with a smaller number of larger openings, wherein a higher viscosity multi-phase cosmetic composition may require a larger number of smaller openings to sufficiently mix the immiscible components. In the depicted embodiment, each perforation  674  extends axially along a length of a bottom portion of the plunger body  668  and continues radially onto a bottom surface of the plunger body  668  to connect to the other perforations  674  at substantially the center of the bottom surface. Any other suitable pattern and configuration of perforations  674  may instead be used. 
     The container  624  is suitably sized and shaped to enclose the perforated plunger  666  (or the perforated plunger  666  is sized to fit within the container  624 ) such that when the perforated plunger  666  is actuated (i.e., moved axially within the container body  636 ), the multi-phase cosmetic composition contained within the container  624  is appropriately mixed. In that regard, the perforated plunger  666  has a length that generally extends along the length of the container body  636  and a nominal diameter that is sufficiently large such that the plurality of perforations  674  reaches substantially all the contents at the bottom of the container  624  when actuated. 
     As noted above, the perforated plunger  666  includes a plunger body  668  having a central opening  670  extending from the first open end. A plunger cap  678  is sealingly securable within the first open end of the plunger body  668 , and it includes a central opening  680  configured to removably receive the stem  650  and any tip (not shown) of the applicator  632 . The stem  650  may pass through the central opening  680  of the plunger cap  678  and extend into the container body  636  to position the distal end of the stem  650  within the interior of the container body  636  for withdrawing the multi-phase cosmetic composition for application to a keratinous material. The plunger cap  678  may include an internal wiping assembly  682  that helps wipe excess cosmetic composition from any applicator tip as it is removed from the container body  636 . Any suitable internal wiping assembly for the intended application may be used. 
     The first or upper end of the perforated plunger  666  is secured within an interior of a mixing element cap  662  that is removably secured to the first container end cap  640  of the container body  636  in a suitable manner, such as by threading, snap-fit, press fit, or otherwise, and the mixing element cap  662 . In that manner, the perforated plunger  666  is removable from the interior of the container  624  when the mixing element cap  662  is detached from the container body  636 . 
     The mixing element cap  662  includes a central opening  680  extending from a top surface to a bottom surface of the cap  662  that is configured to allow the stem  650  of the applicator  632  to pass therethrough. The stem  650  of the applicator  632  extends from an interior portion of a applicator cap  658  that is removably securable to the mixing element cap  662  (which is removably secured to the first container end cap  640  of the container body  636 ) for sealing and enclosing the cosmetic composition therein. The applicator cap  658  is removably secured to the mixing element cap  662  by threading, snap-fit, press-fit, or otherwise. 
     To use the mixing pack  620 , the mixing element cap  662  is detached from the first container end cap  640  of the container body  636  and the perforated plunger  666  is actuated; i.e., moved axially within the container body  636 . The perforated plunger  666  is actuated until the multi-phase cosmetic composition contained within the container  624  is appropriately mixed so that the immiscible components are temporarily miscible. Once the composition is mixed, the mixing element cap  662  may be re-attached to the first container end cap  640  of the container body  636 , and the applicator cap  658  may be detached from the mixing element cap  662 . With the applicator cap  658  detached, the applicator  632  can be withdrawn from the container  624  for application of the temporarily miscible components of the multi-phase cosmetic composition to a keratinous material. 
     It should be appreciated that any other suitable container body, caps, and applicator may be used for the desired application. For instance, the container may be configured to suit the intended use, for example, lip gloss, foundation, concealer, lacquer, etc. 
       FIG. 12  depicts an alternative exemplary embodiment of a mixing element  728  suitable for mixing a multi-phase cosmetic composition contained within the container  624  or any other suitable container. The mixing element  728  is substantially identical to the mixing element  628  described above in that it is configured as a perforated plunger  766  having a plunger body  768  that is cylindrical in shape (to substantially match the shape of the container body  636 ) with a central opening  770  extending between a first open end and a second perforated end (not labeled). The mixing element  728  is made from a suitable material, such as metal, and is of a suitable length and nominal diameter for mixing a multi-phase cosmetic composition in a desired container. 
     The second or bottom perforated end of the plunger body  768  includes a plurality of perforations  774  in fluid communication with the central opening  770  that are configured to cause mixing of the immiscible components of the multi-phase cosmetic composition as the plunger  766  is actuated; e.g., as it is moved substantially axially within the container body  636 . The mixing element  728  is similar to the mixing element  628  described above in that each perforation  774  extends axially along a length of a bottom portion of the plunger body  768  and continues radially onto a bottom surface of the plunger body  768  to connect to the other perforations  774  at substantially the center of the bottom surface. However, as each perforation  774  continues radially onto a bottom surface of the plunger body  768 , it also extends upwardly toward the first or upper end of the plunger body  768 . 
       FIGS. 13-15  depict a third exemplary embodiment of a mixing pack  820  suitable for mixing a multi-phase cosmetic composition (not shown) so that the immiscible components are temporarily miscible. The mixing pack  820  generally includes a container  824  for holding a multi-phase cosmetic composition, a mixing element  828  for mixing the multi-phase cosmetic composition, an actuation assembly  826  for actuating the mixing element  828 , and an applicator  832  for applying the temporarily miscible components of the multi-phase cosmetic composition to a keratinous material. 
     The container  824  will first be described in detail. The container  824  may be any suitable shape, size, configuration, material, etc., to appropriately hold a desired multi-phase cosmetic composition. In the depicted embodiment, the container  824  includes a substantially cylindrically-shaped glass or plastic container body  836  having a first (or top) open end that receives a container end cap  840  secured to the body  836  by threading, snap-fit, or otherwise. It should be appreciated that the container  824  may instead be comprised of a container body that is integrally formed with the container end cap  840 . 
     The container end cap  840  encloses and seals the first, top open end of the container body  836  and provides an interface between the mixing element  828  and the actuation assembly  826 . In that regard, an exemplary mixing element  828  and actuation assembly  826  will now be described. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 13-15 , the mixing element  828  is embodied as a mixing head  866  having a plurality of axially extending twisted mixing elements  868  extending from an actuation plate  869  along the length of the mixing element  828 . In the depicted embodiment, the mixing head  866  includes three axially extending twisted mixing elements  868 ; however, any suitable number may instead be used. Each axially extending twisted mixing element  868  includes a shape, width, and thickness suitable to cause mixing of the immiscible components of the multi-phase cosmetic composition as the mixing head  866  is actuated; e.g., as it is rotated about its longitudinal axis within the container body  836 . More specifically, the immiscible components flow into and out of the openings defined by the axially extending twisted mixing elements  868  as the mixing head  866  is actuated. 
     The mixing head  866  may include any suitable number and configuration of axially extending twisted mixing elements  868 , such as size, shape, length, etc., for the intended application. For instance, a low viscosity multi-phase cosmetic composition may be sufficiently mixed with a larger number of axially extending twisted mixing elements  868 , wherein a higher viscosity multi-phase cosmetic composition may require a smaller number of axially extending twisted mixing elements  868  to sufficiently mix the immiscible components. 
     It should also be appreciated that any other suitable pattern and configuration of mixing elements or any other mixing head may instead be used. For instance, in lieu of axially extending twisted mixing elements  868 , a whisk configuration may be used. As yet another configuration, a central core may extend along the length of the container that includes a plurality of uniform or irregular protrusions extending radially therefrom. Thus, any suitable mixing head or mixing elements that can be actuated by the actuation assembly  826  may be used. 
     The container  824  is suitably sized and shaped to enclose the mixing head  866  (or the mixing head  866  is sized to fit within the container  824 ) such that when the mixing head  866  is actuated (i.e., rotated axially within the container body  836 ), the multi-phase cosmetic composition contained within the container  824  is appropriately mixed. In that regard, the mixing head  866  has a length that generally extends along the length of the container body  836  and has a nominal diameter that is sufficiently large such that it reaches substantially all the contents within the container  824  when actuated. 
     The actuation assembly  826  is configured to rotate the mixing head  866  about the longitudinal axis of the container  824 . In the depicted embodiment, the actuation assembly  826  is defined by a planetary gear assembly configured to transfer rotation of an actuator end cap  870  to the mixing head  866 , wherein the actuator end cap  870  is rotatably secured to the container end cap  840  by snap fit or another suitable method. In that regard, the planetary gear assembly may include a first ring gear  872  (shown only in cross section in  FIG. 15 ) disposed within the interior of the actuator end cap  870 . A third sun gear  878  may be secured to an upper surface of the actuation plate  869 , and a second planet gear  874  may be disposed between the first ring gear  872  and the third sun gear  878  for transferring rotation of the first ring gear  872  to the third sun gear  878 . As such, when the actuator end cap  870  is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the container  824  in a first direction, the third sun gear  878  (and therefore the mixing head  866 ) is also rotated about the longitudinal axis of the container  824 . 
     The actuator end cap  870  includes a central opening  880  that provides an interface between the applicator  832  and the interior of the container body  836 . More specifically, the central opening  880  is configured to removably receive the stem  850  and any tip (not shown) of the applicator  832 . An internal sealing element or wiping assembly  884  may be disposed within the central opening  880  and have its own central opening  888  for allowing the stem  850  to pass therethrough. The stem  650  may pass through the central openings  880  and  888  of the actuator end cap  870  and wiping assembly  884  to position the distal end of the stem  850  within the interior of the container body  836  for withdrawing the multi-phase cosmetic composition for application to a keratinous material. The stem  850  is also configured to pass through a central opening  890  defined in the third sun gear  878  and actuation plate  869  such that the stem  850  may be positioned within the interior of the mixing head  866 . 
     The stem  850  of the applicator  832  extends from an interior portion of a applicator cap  858  that is removably securable to the actuator end cap  870  (which is removably secured to the first container end cap  840  of the container body  836 ) for sealing and enclosing the cosmetic composition therein. The applicator cap  858  is removably secured to the actuator end cap  870  by threading, snap-fit, press-fit, or otherwise. 
     To use the mixing pack  820 , the actuator end cap  870  is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the container  824  to activate the actuation assembly  826  or the gear assembly and thereby rotate the mixing head  866  about the longitudinal axis of the container  824 . The mixing head  866  is actuated until the multi-phase cosmetic composition contained within the container  824  is appropriately mixed so that the immiscible components are temporarily miscible. Once the composition is mixed, the applicator cap  858  may be detached from the actuator end cap  870 . With the applicator cap  858  detached, the applicator  832  can be withdrawn from the container  824  for application of the temporarily miscible components of the multi-phase cosmetic composition to a keratinous material. 
     It should be appreciated that any other suitable container body, caps, and applicator may be used for the desired application. For instance, the container may be configured to suit the intended use, for example, lip gloss, foundation, concealer, lacquer, etc. 
       FIGS. 16-18  depict a fourth exemplary embodiment of a mixing pack  920  suitable for mixing a multi-phase cosmetic composition (not shown) so that the immiscible components are temporarily miscible. The mixing pack  920  generally includes a container  924  for holding a multi-phase cosmetic composition, a mixing element  928  for mixing the multi-phase cosmetic composition, and an applicator  932  for applying the temporarily miscible components of the multi-phase cosmetic composition to a keratinous material. 
     The container  924  will first be described in detail. The container  924  may be any suitable shape, size, configuration, material, etc., to appropriately hold a desired multi-phase cosmetic composition. In the depicted embodiment, the container  924  includes a substantially cylindrically-shaped deformable container body  936  made from a suitable material, such as silicone rubber, neoprene, etc. The container body  936  has a first (or top) open end that receives a container end cap  940  secured to the body  936  by threading, snap-fit, or otherwise. It should be appreciated that the container  924  may instead be comprised of a container body that is integrally formed with the container end cap  940 . 
     The container end cap  940  encloses and seals the first, top open end of the container body  936  and provides an interface between the applicator  932  and the interior of the container  924 . In that regard, the container end cap  940  includes a central opening  948  extending from a top surface to a bottom surface of the end cap  940 . The central opening  948  is sized to allow the applicator  932  to pass therethrough, which in the depicted embodiment includes a stem  950 . The stem  950  may pass through the central opening  948  and extend into the container body  936  to position a tip (not shown) within the interior of the container body  936  for withdrawing the multi-phase cosmetic composition for application to a keratinous material. The container end cap  940  may include an internal wiping assembly  952  that helps wipe excess cosmetic composition from the applicator tip as it is removed from the container body  936 . Any suitable internal wiping assembly for the intended application may be used. 
     The stem  950  of the applicator  932  extends from an interior portion of an applicator cap  958  that is removably securable to the first, top open end of the container end cap  940  for sealing and enclosing the cosmetic composition therein. The applicator cap  958  may be removably secured to the top end of the container end cap  940  in any suitable manner, such as by threading, a snap-fit, friction fit, or otherwise. An optional collar  970  may be secured on the first open end of the container body  936  and disposed between the container body  936  and the applicator cap  958  to help secure the container end cap  940  within the first, top open end of the container body  936 . 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 16-18 , the mixing element  928  is embodied as an inner bag or bladder  966  that is deformable for containing and mixing the immiscible components of the multi-phase cosmetic composition. More specifically, the immiscible components are contained within the inner bladder  966  and are mixed as the deformable container body  936  is squeezed or otherwise deformed, thereby deforming and squeezing the inner bladder  966 . The inner bladder  966  may be made from a suitable deformable material for containing the multi-phase cosmetic composition without causing adverse reactions, such as foil or plastic. 
     The inner bladder  966  is actuated until the multi-phase cosmetic composition contained therein is appropriately mixed so that the immiscible components are temporarily miscible. Once the composition is mixed, the container cap  958  may be detached from the container body  936 . With the container cap  958  detached, the applicator  932  can be withdrawn from the inner bladder  966  for application of the temporarily miscible components of the multi-phase cosmetic composition to a keratinous material. 
     It should be appreciated that any other suitable container body, caps, and applicator may be used for the desired application. For instance, the container may be configured to suit the intended use, for example, lip gloss, foundation, concealer, lacquer, etc. 
     It should also be appreciated that certain features of each embodiment may be eliminated or replaced with other features shown in described in other embodiments. For instance, in some embodiments, the stem and applicator tip may be removed. Such an embodiment may be suitable for applications such as foundation, lotion, etc., where application is done with a user&#39;s finger tips, a cotton swab, etc. Thus, the claimed subject matter is not limited to the mixing assemblies, actuator assemblies, applicators, or the precise mixing pack embodiments disclosed herein. 
     The mixing packs described above may also be comprised of certain materials, surface treatments, surface features, coatings, etc., to improve the interaction of the mixing pack with the multi-phase cosmetic composition. For instance, at least a portion of the mixing elements may be treated with a suitable material that increases wetting of an aqueous phase of the multi-phase cosmetic composition on the surface of the mixing element. In one embodiment, one or more surfaces of the mixing element may be comprised of at least one hydrophilic or a superhydrophilic surface. The mixing element may also be treated to increase wetting of a silicone phase of the multi-phase cosmetic composition on the surface of the mixing element. For instance, in an embodiment, one or more surfaces of the mixing elements may be comprised of at least one hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface. 
     The wettability of a region can be determined using various technologies and methodologies including contact angle methods, the Goniometer method, the Whilemy method, or the Sessile drop technique. Wetting is a process by which a liquid interacts with a solid. Wettability (the degree of wetting) is determined by a force balance between adhesive and cohesive force and is often characterized by a contact angle. The contact angle is the angle made by the intersection of the liquid/solid interface and the liquid/air interface. Alternatively, it is the angle between a solid sample&#39;s surface and the tangent of a droplet&#39;s ovate shape at the edge of the droplet. Contact angle measurements provide a measure of interfacial energies and conveys direct information regarding how hydrophilic or hydrophobic a surface is. For example, superhydrophilic surfaces have contact angles less than about 5°, hydrophilic surfaces have contact angles less than about 90°, hydrophobic surfaces have contact angles greater than about 90°, and superhydrophobic surfaces have contact angles greater than about 150°. (see, e.g. U.S. Publication No° 2013/0131575, entitled “Systems, Devices, and Methods Including Infection-Fighting and Monitoring Shunts,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety). 
     As a specific example, the mixing elements may be treated with one or more hydrophilic coatings, including polyvinylpyrolidone (PVP), polyurethanes, polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and/or polysaccharides. In the alternative or in addition thereto, the mixing elements may be treated to increase the surface energy of the mixing element, such as with a plasma treatment. 
     In another example, the mixing element may be treated with one or more hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coatings such as manganese oxide polystyrene (MnO2/PS) nano-composite, zinc oxide polystyrene (ZnO/PS) nano-composite, precipitated calcium carbonate[3], carbon nano-tube structures, and/or silica nano-coating. 
     Additional non-limiting examples of materials that affect wettability of a surface include, but are not limited to, amphoteric surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, and the like. 
     In the alternative or in addition thereto, the mixing elements may comprise one or more nanostructures, microstructures, hierarchical structures, and the like that affect wettability of a surface. Non-limiting examples of nanostructures, microstructures, hierarchical structures, and the like include nanopatterned, micropatterned, and the like polymeric coatings. Specific examples include patterned silicon surface, perfluorodecyltriethyoxysilane (PFDTES) coatings, poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) patterned structures, polystyrene (PS) (hydrophobic) patterned structures, and the like. 
     The above-noted treatments may be applied to any suitable portion of the mixing element. For instance, if a mixing element includes more than one surface, the first surface may be treated with a hydrophilic coating or similar, and the second surface may be treated with a hydrophobic coating or similar. In another alternative configuration, the mixing element may be formed from a hydrophilic material or similar, and a hydrophobic material or coating may be overmolded or treated on one surface of the mixing element. In such configurations, the mixing element would have at least two different surface properties. 
     It should also be appreciated that the surface properties of the mixing element may be defined in any suitable manner. For instance, the mixing element itself may be made from a hydrophilic material or hydrophobic material. In the alternative, the mixing element may be made from any suitable material, and one or more surfaces of the mixing element may be treated with a hydrophilic material or hydrophobic material. Moreover, the mixing element may be treated, coated, sprayed, etc., with a suitable material in any suitable manner. In addition, the mixing element may be textured or patterned in a suitable manner. 
     The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments of mixing packs having mixing elements for use with containers containing a multi-phase cosmetic composition, and are not intended to represent the only embodiments. The representative embodiments described in this disclosure are provided merely as an example or illustration and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed. 
     In the foregoing description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps or features have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein. 
     The present disclosure may also include references to directions, such as “forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “back,” “upward,” “downward,” “lateral,” “medial,” “in,” “out,” “extended,” “advanced,” “retracted,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “proximal,” “distal,” “central,” etc. These references, and other similar references in the present disclosure, are only to assist in helping describe and understand the particular embodiment and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these directions or locations. 
     The present disclosure may also reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present disclosure. Also in this regard, the present disclosure may use the term “plurality” to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term “plurality” is meant to be any number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. In an embodiment, “about,” “approximately,” etc., means plus or minus 5% of the stated value. 
     Thus, while illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.