Patent Publication Number: US-6981814-B2

Title: Container for storing and dispensing flowable products

Description:
The invention is in the field of containers, particularly those for storing and dispensing flowable products. More particularly, the invention is in the field of containers for storing and dispensing flowable cosmetic products. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Many cosmetic products are found in the flowable form including lipsticks, eyeshadow, blush, hair color, foundation, and the like. Such products are often sold in cylindrical containers where the cosmetic is stored in the cylindrical container and is applied to the lips with a doe foot applicator that is affixed to a cap/rod/applicator assembly. Liquid foundations are most often stored and dispensed from glass bottles. When color cosmetics such as eyeshadow and blush are found in the flowable form, they are stored and dispensed in either cylindrical containers with a cap/rod/applicator assembly, squeeze tubes, or the like. 
   Cosmetics companies are always searching for better and more efficient ways to store and dispense flowable cosmetic products. In particular, it is most desirable to sell such products in containers that both store and dispense the cosmetic from a single unit such that the storage container is also capable of dispensing the cosmetic right on the skin surface by drawing the dispensing portion of the container across the skin surface. 
   An object of the invention is to provide a cosmetic storage and dispensing container for flowable cosmetic products. 
   A further object of the invention is to provide a cosmetic storage and dispensing container in a single unit, e.g. where the closure is integral to the storage container and serves as an application surface as well. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide a storage and dispensing container for flowable cosmetic composition that may be operated with one hand if desired 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention is directed to a container for storing and dispensing flowable cosmetic products comprising (a) a receptacle for storing the cosmetic product, (b) a combination closure and applicator integral with the receptacle, said closure operable to open and close the receptacle and said applicator to apply cosmetic directly to a keratinous surface when placed in contact therewith. 
   The invention is further directed to a container for storing and dispensing flowable cosmetic products comprising (a) a deformable receptacle for storing the flowable product, (b) a combination closure and applicator integral with the receptacle, said combination closure and applicator further comprising a (i) base portion having a second orifice and a second channel, (ii) a closure operable to open and close the receptacle, said closure comprising a first orifice and a first channel, and (iii) an applicator, wherein the second orifice is connected to the second channel and the second channel is connected to the first channel and the first channel is connected to the orifice, and the orifice has an applicator thereon. 
   The invention is also directed to a method for applying flowable cosmetic products to a keratinous surface comprising storing the cosmetic product in a container comprising (a) a deformable receptacle for storing the flowable product, (b) a combination closure and applicator integral with the receptacle, said closure operable to open and close the receptacle and said applicator to apply the product directly to the desired surface when placed in contact therewith; opening the closure; deforming the receptacle by application of pressure to express the cosmetic from the receptacle onto the applicator; stroking the applicator surface across the keratinous surface to deposit the flowable cosmetic product thereon. 
   The invention is also directed to a method of applying a flowable semi-permanent or temporary hair color composition to the hair comprising storing the hair color in a container comprising (a) a receptacle, (b) a combination closure and applicator integral with the receptacle, said closure operable to open and close the receptacle and said applicator to apply the flowable hair color directly to the hair when placed in contact therewith; opening the closure; stroking the applicator surface across the hair to deposit the flowable hair color on the hair. 
   The invention is also directed to a method of applying a flowable lip cosmetic composition to the lips comprising storing the lip cosmetic composition in a container comprising (a) a receptacle, (b) a combination closure and applicator integral with the receptacle, said closure operable to open and close the receptacle and said applicator to apply the flowable lip cosmetic composition directly to the lips when placed in contact therewith; opening the closure; then stroking the applicator surface across the lips to deposit the flowable lip cosmetic composition on the lips. 
   The invention is also directed to a method of applying a flowable cosmetic composition to facial skin comprising storing the cosmetic composition in a container comprising (a) a receptacle, (b) a combination closure and applicator integral with the receptacle, said closure operable to open and close the receptacle and said applicator to apply the flowable cosmetic composition directly to the facial skin when placed in contact therewith; opening the closure; then stroking the applicator surface across the facial skin to deposit the flowable cosmetic composition on the facial skin. 
   The invention is also directed to a method of applying a flowable nail composition to the nails or cuticles comprising store the nail enamel in a container comprising (a) a receptacle, (b) a combination closure and applicator integral with the receptacle, said closure operable to open and close the receptacle and said applicator to apply the flowable nail composition directly to the nail when placed in contact therewith; opening the closure; then stroking the applicator surface across the nails or cuticles to deposit the flowable nail composition on the nails or cuticles. 
   In the most preferred embodiment of the invention the receptacle is deformable and the cosmetic found within is expressed from the receptacle through the combination closure and applicator and onto the desired keratinous surface by deforming or squeezing the receptacle. This in turn applies shear forces to the cosmetic found therein and causes it to be expressed out of the receptacle onto the applicator surface. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an illustration of the cosmetic container of the invention in the fully closed form. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the cosmetic container of  FIG. 1  showing the cap removed from the combination closure and applicator.  FIG. 2  further illustrates the operation of the combination closure and applicator that opens and closes the container. 
       FIG. 3  is a fully exploded view of the cosmetic container of the invention showing the receptacle, the combination closure and applicator, and the cap 
       FIG. 4  is a side cut away view across  4 — 4  of  FIG. 1  showing the cosmetic within the container. 
       FIG. 5  is side cut away view across  5 — 5  of  FIG. 1  of the cosmetic container of the invention showing the cosmetic composition in the container and the container in the closed position. 
       FIG. 6  is a side cut away view across  6 — 6  of  FIG. 1  of the cosmetic container of the invention showing the cosmetic composition in the container and container in the open position. 
       FIG. 7  shows the cosmetic container of the invention used to apply cosmetic to various types of keratinous surfaces such as skin, hair, nails.  FIG. 7A  shows the cosmetic container used to apply hair color or hair conditioner.  FIG. 7B  shows the cosmetic container used to apply a cream or lotion or other similar facial cosmetic to the face.  FIG. 7C  shows the cosmetic container of the invention used to apply lip color to the lips.  FIG. 7D  shows the cosmetic container of the invention used to apply nail enamel to the nails. 
       FIG. 8A  is a bottom plan view of base portion  22 A. 
       FIG. 8B  is a top plan view of base portion  22 A. 
       FIG. 8C  is a top plan view of closure  49 . 
       FIG. 8D  is a bottom plan view of closure  49 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
   The term “flowable cosmetic product” when used herein means a cosmetic product that is capable of flowing either with or without application of shear force. More particularly, liquid products will generally flow very easily without application of shear force, while semi-solid or solid products may or may not be capable of flow without application of shear force. The cosmetic compositions suitable for use in the invention may be in the liquid, semi-solid, or even solid form provided that if they are in the semi-solid or solid form they will flow upon application of shear forces such as shaking, swirling, or applying pressure such as squeeze pressure to the container in which the produce is stored. Any semi-solid or solid cosmetic composition that will not flow upon application of shear forces is not suitable for use in the claimed container 
   The term “cosmetic composition” or “cosmetic product” when used herein means any cosmetic product that can be directly applied to keratinous surfaces such as skin, hair, or nails, including creams, lotions, toners, astringents, cleansers, eye shadow, blush, mascara, eye liner, concealer, foundation, lipstick, lip liner, hair color, hair conditioner, nail enamel, nail conditioners, cuticle treatments, and the like. Particularly preferred is where the cosmetic composition is a liquid hair color composition, more particularly a semi-permanent or permanent hair color composition. 
   The term “keratinous surface” means bodily surfaces such as skin, hair, or nails. 
   The term “integral with receptacle” means that the combination closure and applicator together with the receptacle form a single unit that is capable of both storing and applying the cosmetic composition and that the closure is opened and closed as it is affixed to the container, without physically removing a cap or lid from the container, and wherein the closure also serves as an applicator for the cosmetic found within the receptacle. 
   The term “deformable” means that the receptacle is capable of deformation upon squeezing. In other words, if some portion of the outer surface or wall of the receptacle is squeezed with the fingers, the receptacle will “give” or deform in response to the pressure exerted by the fingers. This pressure in turn applies shear forces to the cosmetic found therein and enhances its flow from the receptacle onto the applicator surface 
     FIG. 1  illustrates the preferred embodiment of the container  1  in the fully closed position. The container  1  may be made of any material suitable for use with flowable cosmetic products including glass or plastic, but preferably the container is made from thermoplastic polymeric materials such as ABS, polyethylene, polypropylene, styrene, etc. Such thermoplastic materials have good compatibility with cosmetic compositions and are sturdy enough to withstand the stresses found in manufacturing, filling, and shipping of product. In the most preferred embodiment the receptacle is made of a deformable thermoplastic material that is capable of deformation upon application of pressure by the fingers. 
     FIG. 3  contains an exploded view of the container  1 , which contains a receptacle  3  for containing the cosmetic composition  4  (see FIGS.  4 - 6 ). Preferably the receptacle  3  has a base  5  and side walls  6  which are perpendicular to the base  5 . While it is not necessary for the receptacle  3  to have a base  5  and side walls  6 , this configuration is desirable as it enables the container  1  to be free standing which facilitates storage and use by the consumer. The base  5  may be circular, oval, square, rectangular, or any number of shapes with corresponding side walls  6 . In the container  1  of  FIGS. 1-6 , the base  5  is oval and the side walls  6  are perpendicular thereto in a continuous longitudinal plane. This enables the container  1  to be free standing but also facilitates gripping of the container  1  by the consumer when applying the cosmetic composition  4  contained therein to the desired keratinous surface. 
   The receptacle  3  has a first shoulder  7  which comprises a circumferential rim or ledge  8  having an outer perimeter  9  flush with the side wall  6  of the receptacle  3  and an inner perimeter  10  which is slightly smaller in circumference than the outer perimeter  9 . Generally, the distance between the outer perimeter  9  and the inner perimeter  10 , or in other words, the width of the circumferential rim or ledge  8  ranges from about 0.0001 to about 1 inch, preferably about 0.1 to about 0.5 inch. 
   Preferably, affixed to, and on top of, the first shoulder  7  is a second shoulder  11 . The second shoulder  11  comprises a side wall  12  which is perpendicular to the circumferential rim  8  and parallel to a plane which intersects the receptacle on the longitudinal axis. The side wall  12  of the second shoulder  11  may contain depressions  13  which will be further described herein. The second shoulder  11  further comprises a circumferential rim or ledge  14  which is perpendicular to the side wall  12  and which has an outer perimeter  15  and an inner perimeter  16  which abuts a threaded engaging means  17 . Generally, the distance between the outer perimeter  15  and the inner perimeter  16 , or in other words the width of the circumferential rim or ledge  14  ranges from about 0.0001 to about 1 inch, preferably from about 0.1 to about 0.5 inch. The threaded engaging means  17  contains threads or circumferential ridges  18  which facilitate engagement of the combination closure and applicator  19  for the receptacle  3 . 
   The combination closure and applicator  19  comprises an applicator  20  which is preferably in the form of a porous material  21 A such as an open celled foam. The porous material  21 A has a plurality of holes or pores  21  through it such that the cosmetic product found within the receptacle  3  is capable of flowing through the pores  21 . The porous material  21 A may be made of a hard thermoplastic material, glass, or a soft thermoplastic material such as an open celled foam. 
   Generally the porous material  21 A is in the form of a flat or concave planar surface  22  of a thickness ranging from about 0.0001 to about 1 inch having a plurality of holes or pores  21  through it such that the cosmetic composition  4  can flow through througgh the holes or pores  21  when the porous material  21 A is contacted to the desired keratinous surface as depicted in FIG.  7 . 
   In particular, in  FIG. 7A  the cosmetic container of the invention is used to apply hair color or hair conditioner to the hair. 
   In  FIG. 7B  the cosmetic container of the invention contains lotion, cream, foundation makeup or another similar type of cosmetic composition that is applied to the skin and is used to apply this composition to facial skin. 
   In  FIG. 7C  the cosmetic container of the invention is used to apply a lip product such as lipstick, lip gloss, or lip conditioner to the lips. 
   In  FIG. 7D  the cosmetic container of the invention is used to apply a nail care product such as enamel, conditioner, or a cuticle composition to the nails or surrounding cuticle. 
   Preferably the porous material  21 A is made from a foam-like or sponge material that is in the open-cell form thus permitting the cosmetic composition to flow through the interconnected cells within the foam from the receptacle to the keratinous surface when the porous material  21 A is contacted with the desired keratinous surface. 
   The combination closure and applicator  19  comprises a comprises a base portion  22 A which comprises a depending peripheral skirt  22 B with a bottom edge  23  that abuts the circumferential rim or ledge  8  of the receptacle  3  when the base portion  22 A is affixed to the receptacle  3  as best shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  4 - 6 . The width of the depending peripheral skirt  22 B at the bottom edge  23  is generally the same as the width of the circumferential rim  8  such that when the base portion  22 A is affixed to the receptacle  3  the depending peripheral skirt  22 B and the side wall  6  of the receptacle  3  abut to form a smooth surface. 
   The depending peripheral skirt  22 B has protrusions  24  (see  FIG. 4 ) that are designed to mate with depressions  13  and further secure the base portion  22 A to the receptacle  3 . 
   Perpendicular to the depending peripheral skirt  22 B and at the top surface thereof is a circumferential rim  24 A having an outer perimeter  25  and an inner perimeter  26 . The width of the circumferential rim  24 A, or in other words the distance between the outer perimeter  25  and the inner perimeter  26  ranges from about 0.0001 to about 0.5 inches. 
   Abutting the inner perimeter  26  and affixed thereto are threaded engaging means  27 . The threaded engaging means contain concentric rings  28 , the reason for which will be further described herein. 
   The base portion  22 A further comprises a platform  29  perpendicular to, and forming the top surface of the threaded engaging means  27 . 
   Perpendicular to the platform  29  is a conduit  30  having an inner surface  31  and an outer surface  32  that provides a channel  33  through which the cosmetic product  4  can flow from the receptacle  3 . The outer surface  32  of the conduit  30  contains a stop  34  in the form of a fin that extends perpendicularly from the outer surface  32  of the conduit  30 . 
   Approximately about 90 degrees from the stop  34  on the outer surface  32  of the conduit  30  are two parallel ridges  35 , the purpose of which will be further described herein. 
   Abutting the outer surface  32  of the conduit  30  where the conduit  30  meets the platform  29  are one or more, preferably two, openings  36  extending through the platform  29 . The openings  29  are preferably about 180 degrees apart and preferably about 90 degrees from the stop  34  in the form of a fin that extends perpendicularly from the outer surface  32  of the conduit  30 . 
   The two parallel ridges  35  are preferably situated on the same portion of the platform  29  as one of the two openings  36 . 
   The conduit  30  is secured to the platform  29  in the areas  37  where the openings  36  are not found and such areas  37  are preferably about 90 degrees apart. 
   The base portion  22 A has an inner surface  38  (see  FIGS. 6 and 8A ) in the form of a side wall  39  and inner shoulder  40  and an inner neck  41  affixed to the inner shoulder  40 . Perpendicular to the inner neck  41  is at least one, preferably two, first under surfaces  42  that form the interior surface of areas  37 . 
   The first under surfaces  42  connect with the inner surface  31  of conduit  30 . 
   Perpendicular to the first under surfaces  42  are at least one, preferably two, second under surfaces  43  which are best seen in FIG.  8 A. Said second under surfaces  43  have depending side walls  44  (at least one, preferably two) with at least one, preferably two, abutments  45  (see  FIG. 4 ) designed to mate with the threaded engaging means  17  of the receptacle  3  to secure base portion  22 A to the receptacle  3 . 
   On the other side of the depending side wall  44  and abutment  45  are openings  36 . 
   The channel  33  extends through inner surface  31  of conduit  30  and through a plug  46  having a plurality, preferably four, pegs  47  around the channel  33  opening which is the second orifice  66 . The four pegs  47  are preferably arranged about 90 degrees apart on the platform  48  of the plug  46  and surrounds the second orifice  66 . 
   When base portion  22 A is affixed to receptacle  3  the cosmetic composition  4  flows through orifice  66  in the plug  46 , through channel  33  and conduit  30 . 
   In addition to the base portion  22 A, the combined closure and applicator  19  also comprises a closure  49 . 
   The closure  49  comprises a top surface  50  containing an orifice  51  which is contiguous with a channel  52  (see  FIG. 5 ) that mates with channel  33  to form one continuous channel from the receptacle to the outer surface of the applicator. 
   The top surface  50  of the closure  49  contains reservoirs  53  for containing cosmetic product  4 . 
   When the cosmetic product  4  is dispensed from the receptacle  3  through orifice  66  and channel  33 , and channel  52 , it flows out of orifice  51  and impregnates porous material  21 A by flowing through pores  21  onto the surface of porous material  21 A. 
   In the event excess cosmetic product  4  flows out of orifice  51  it will be preferentially taken up in the reservoirs  53  where it may be temporarily stored while the user is applying the cosmetic product to the desired keratinous surface. Capillary action and gravity will draw the excess cosmetic product  4  out of the reservoirs  53  when the container  1  is used to apply cosmetic composition  4  to the desired keratinous surface. 
   When the container is stored in an upright state, the excess cosmetic product  4  that flowed out of the orifice  51  will be stored in the reservoirs  53 . The reservoirs  53  enable a more even application and distribution of the cosmetic product  4  onto the desired keratinous surface. 
   Preferably, the top surface  50  of the closure  49  contains a plurality of reservoirs  53 , more preferably about four. 
   The top surface  50  of the closure  49  is preferably in the form of a convex dome  54  affixed to a neck portion  55 . 
   Affixed to the lower edge of neck portion  55  is an intermediate platform  56  having a plurality of downwardly extending fins  57 . Preferably there are two downwardly extending fins  57  that are spaced about 180 degrees apart. 
   It may be desirable for the neck portion  55  to have one or more extending walls  58  for the purpose of bracing the convex dome  54 . 
   Downwardly extending fins  57  are designed to mate with parallel ridges  35  on the outer surface  32  of conduit  30 . In particular one downwardly extending fin  57  is of a cross sectional width  59  such that it is capable of seating within the space  60  between the parallel ridges  35 . 
   Affixed to the lower portion of intermediate platform  56  is a cylindrical portion  61  having threaded engaging means  61 A on the external surface thereof, which are designed to mate with the inner surface  31  of conduit  30 . In particular, the inner surface  31  of conduit  30  has threads or engaging means  62  which mate with engaging means  61 A 
   Channel  52  runs from orifice  51  through the convex dome  54  and neck portion  55 , intermediate platform  56  and through cylindrical portion  61  where it meets channel  33  and then opens into the receptacle  3  through second orifice  66 . 
     FIGS. 8C and 8D  depict closure  49 .  FIG. 8C  is a top plan view of the closure  49  looking into orifice  51  down through channel  52 . At the very end of the channel  52  in the lower portion of the cylindrical portion  61 , there is a small peg  63  which is suspended from either side of the inner surface  64  of the cylindrical portion  62  by a plurality, preferably two, cross bars  65 . 
     FIG. 8D , a bottom plan view of the closure  49  also shows the peg  63  suspended from either side of the inner surface  64  of the cylindrical portion  62  by two cross bars  65 . The peg  63  is of a size and shape sufficient to close the second orifice  66  found at the lower end of channel  33  in the base portion  22 A when the closure  49  is in the closed position. 
   Closure  49  is opened and closed by rotating closure  49  in a clockwise direction to cause one of the downwardly extending fins  57  to seat in the space  60  between parallel ridges  35 . When it is desired to open the container, closure  49  is rotated in a counterclockwise direction so that the other downwardly extending fin seats in the space  60  between parallel ridges  35 . Thus, the parallel ridges  35  serve as stops so that the consumer knows that when one downwardly extending fin  57  is seated in the space  60 , there is an audible click which indicates that the closure has been released and the cosmetic product  4  in the receptacle can now be applied. Similarly, when the other downwardly extending fin  57  is seated in the space  60  another audible click is heard which indicates to the consumer that the peg  63  has blocked orifice  66  to close the container such that the cosmetic product  4  found in the receptacle can no longer be dispensed from the receptacle. 
   The combination closure and applicator further comprises an applicator portion. In particular, porous material  22 A is affixed to the convex dome  54  using a circumferential ring  68  which fits snugly over closure  49 . The inner surface  69  of circumferential ring  68  contains two depressions  70  that provide a seat for the exterior projections  57 A on downwardly extending fins  57  on intermediate platform  56 . When the exterior projections  57 A of downwardly extending fins  57  are seated in depressions  70 , the concumferential ring  68  fits snugly onto closure  49  and the circumferential ring  68  may be rotated in the clockwise direction and it will cause closure  49  to close as peg  63  closes second orifice  66 . 
   The downwardly extending fins  57  have an inner surface  57 B that engages with the space  60  between parallel ridges  35  while the exterior projections  57 A of the downwardly extending fins  57  seats in the depressions  70  found on the inner surface  69  of circumferential ring  68 . 
   The inner surface  69  of circumferential ring  68  also contains a protrusion  71  preferably in the form of a rectangle that mates with a slight depression  72  on the exterior projections  57 A of the intermediate platform  56 . 
   Porous material  22 A is affixed to the closure  49  by layering it over the top surface  51  and using circumferential ring  68  to hold it in place as best depicted in FIG.  4 . More particularly, circumferential ring  68  compresses the porous material  22 A to provide a seal or barrier around its perimeter to prevent leakage. 
   Preferably container  1  contains a cap  73  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) which fits over closure  49  and base portion  22 A. If desired cap can be hermetically sealed to prevent evaporation of the cosmetic product  4  found in the receptacle  3 . 
   As depicted in  FIG. 7 , the container can be used to store and apply a wide variety of flowable products including cosmetic compositions to keratinous surfaces such as skin, hair and nails. 
   The container is used by removing the cap and opening the closure by rotating in the counterclockwise direction, stroking the porous material over the desired surface with the container held in a manner that permits the flowable cosmetic to flow via gravity from the receptacle through the channels and out of orifice and onto the porous material when the closure is in the open position. After completing cosmetic application, the closure is moved to the closed position by rotating the closure in a clockwise manner, the cap is placed on the container and the container is stored in the usual manner. While in the preferred embodiment of the invention the closure is rotated to open the container, the closure can also be raised and lowered to remove the peg from the orifice and thereby open and close the container. It is intended that the claimed invention cover this type of an “up-down” closure in addition to a opening by rotation type closure. Further, the container provides a single unit that can store and apply the cosmetic composition without physically removing caps or lids. If desired, the container can be operated with one hand. The cosmetic container of the invention is capable of applying cosmetics to the desired surfaces by use of gravity (when the container is held with the applicator downwardly when applying to the desired keratinous surface) and/or capillary action (when cosmetic product within the reservoirs or in the receptacle is sucked out of the reservoirs by electrostatic attraction to the keratinous surface), or by shear forces by deforming the receptacle to squeeze the cosmetic out. This means that pumps, sprayers, or tubes, are eliminated which in turn reduces expense, and the difficulties inherent in such devices. In one embodiment of the invention, using gravity or capillary action as the method of causing flow of cosmetic out of the container onto the desired surface greatly simplifies the application of cosmetic. Further, the integral combined closure and applicator ensures that the cosmetic will flow from the receptacle via gravity or capillary action only when the closure is in the open position. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the cosmetic is expressed from the receptacle by application of shear force through deformation of a receptacle which is deformable upon application of pressure as with pressure applied with the fingers. The application of the cosmetic using gravity, capillary action, or shear forces distinguishes the claimed invention and method from the prior art because no pumps or other internal mechanisms are required to express the cosmetic from the receptacle. Indeed, one benefit of the claimed container is that it expresses and applies liquid from a receptacle without use of a pump, aerosol spray, or similar type of internal mechanism. 
   While the invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth but, on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.