Patent Publication Number: US-2010119287-A1

Title: Dispenser with a flow-through compressible gasket

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Devices exist for dispensing cosmetic, medicinal, food, household, or other type products. Such devices usually consist of an outer housing, a delivery mechanism for dispensing the different types of products, and an applicator. For example, in various industries, devices are employed for applying powder, gel, creams, or lotions. In the cosmetics and personal care industries, devices are used to apply lipstick, lip balm, skin creams, lotions, compact powder, loose powder, and other cosmetic products to portions of the face and body. 
     Typically, these devices have many drawbacks. For example, the product may not be dispensed at a controlled rate, allowing either too little or too much to come out of the device. Another problem is that an applicator on the device may allow product to continue to flow out of the device, once the desired amount of product has been dispensed. For example, the product may leak or spill out of the device, especially when travelling from one location to another for reapplication during the day, resulting in a wasted amount of product and a mess for the user. Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for improved devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of dispensers with flow-through compressible gaskets, which are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     This disclosure is directed to dispensers with flow-through compressible gaskets having a at least one aperture. This disclosure describes a dispenser includes a housing with a reservoir for containing a powdered cosmetic product. The dispenser includes a flow-through compressible gasket with a at least one aperture. The dispenser has an outer dial being actuatable to selectively deliver the powdered cosmetic product through the at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket. Furthermore, the dispenser with the flow-through compressible gasket is capable of delivering product and preventing leakage of product. 
     This disclosure is also directed to a flow-through compressible gasket having at least one aperture that is substantially circular-shape or substantially hour-glass shape. The flow through compressible gasket is made of a thermoplastic elastomer material. 
     The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed above or will be discussed below can be achieved independently in various implementations, or may be combined in yet other implementations, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items. 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of an illustrative dispenser with a flow-through compressible gasket according to one implementation; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of exemplary applicators for the dispensers; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view, taken along line A-A and along line C-C of an illustrative dispenser cap for the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b , and  5   c  are a bottom view, a top plan view, and a perspective plan view respectively, of an illustrative flow-through compressible gasket according to one implementation; and 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  are exterior views of an illustrative dispenser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of another illustrative implementation of a dispenser with a flow-through compressible gasket; 
         FIG. 9  is perspective view of the outer dial according to the implementation of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the inner dial according to the implementation of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIGS. 11   a ,  11   b , and  11   c  are a top plan view view, a front perspective view, and a side view respectively, of the illustrative flow-through compressible gasket according to an implementation; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the illustrative flow-through dispenser of  FIG. 8 ; and 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative dispenser of  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Overview 
     One implementation of this disclosure is directed towards dispensers with flow-through compressible gaskets in a rotating motion to dispense product and to prevent leakage of the product. For example, a cosmetic dispenser includes a housing having a reservoir for containing a powdered cosmetic product. The dispenser includes a flow-through compressible gasket with at least one aperture. Furthermore, the dispenser includes an outer dial with at least one aperture being actutable to selectively deliver the powdered cosmetic product through the at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket. The flow-through compressible gasket provides a mechanical seal between the outer dial and an inner dial. The dispenser includes an applicator coupled to the outer dial for applying the powdered cosmetic product, such that the product delivery passageway terminates in the applicator. 
     Another implementation includes a product dispenser with a flow-through compressible gasket having at least one aperture. An outer dial coupled to the flow-through compressible gasket is rotatable between an open position defining a delivery passageway for a product and a closed position for preventing product leakage. The outer dial in the open position by rotation causes the at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket to align with one or more apertures in an inner dial and/or outer dial. Furthermore, the outer dial in the closed position by rotation causes the at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket to align with a plurality of raised sections in the inner dial and/or outer dial to create a seal. The seal helps prevent leakage of the product. 
     In yet another implementation, the flow-through compressible gasket with at least one aperture may include an hourglass shape configuration and may be made of a material having elastomeric properties. 
     By way of example and not limitation, dispensers with flow-through compressible gaskets described herein may be applied in many contexts and environments. For example, dispensers with flow-through compressible gaskets may be implemented for medicinal products, cosmetics and personal care industries, powdered cosmetic products, mineral products, food products, spices, carpet deodorizers, baking soda, and the like. For example, in various industries, devices with flow-through compressible gaskets may be employed for applying powdered, gel, creams, or lotion products. In the cosmetics and personal care industries, devices with flow-through compressible gaskets may be used to apply lipstick, lip balm, skin creams, lotions, powdered, loose powder, and other cosmetic products to portions of the face and body. 
     Illustrative Dispenser With A Flow-Through Compressible Gasket 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded view of an illustrative dispenser  100  with a rotating mechanism. In this implementation, the dispenser  100  may be selectively rotatable in a spiral motion between an open position and a closed position. The open position may be considered an open state to deliver product. The closed position may be considered a closed state for no product delivery. When there is no product delivery, the dispenser may be stored for ease of travel. 
       FIG. 1  shows the dispenser  100  having a housing  102  with a reservoir. The housing  102  includes a ridge around a neck portion. In some instances, the housing  102  may be made of clear, substantially opaque, or translucent materials. The dispenser  100  has an o-ring seal  104  that is coupled to an inner dial  106 . The inner dial  106  may be secured to the housing  102  by, way of example, a press-fit, a snap-fit, adhesive, and/or engagement by one or more engagement features. In the illustrated implementation, the housing  102  includes ribs to couple to the inner dial  106 . While in another implementation, the inner dial may be co-molded with the reservoir and the housing  102  as one piece. When constructed as one piece, the inner dial and the reservoir in the housing may be made of different or same materials. 
     The o-ring seal  104  is illustrated as being generally ring or circular-shape. However, the o-ring seal  104  may be configured in virtually any desired shape, such as oval, elliptical, spherical, curvilinear, trapezoidal, or the like. The o-ring seal  104  helps hold the inner dial  106  to the housing  102  to form a seal. The o-ring seal  104  may be made of materials including but not limited to, nitrile rubber, Buna-N, synthetic rubber copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), silicon, and the like. 
     The inner dial  106  may include one or more apertures to transport product from the reservoir in the housing  102  to an applicator for product delivery. The inner dial  106  also includes one or more raised sections alternating with the one or more apertures in the inner dial. The one or more raised sections include but are not limited to, made of the same material as the inner dial, formed of over molded thermoplastic elastomeric material, made of a plurality of raised bumps, made of a small layer, or made of thermoplastic elastomeric rings surrounding the bumps or the raised sections. 
     In the illustrated implementation, the dispenser  100  includes a generally disk-shaped flow-through compressible gasket  108 . In an implementation, the flow-through compressible gasket may be disposed in a groove in the inner dial  106 . The inner dial  106  may be recessed to hold the flow-through compressible gasket  108  in place upon actuation by a user. In some implementations, the inner dial  106  may be constructed as a separate piece from the flow-through compressible gasket  108 . While in other implementations, the inner dial may be constructed with the flow-through compressible gasket  108  as one piece. When co-molded together as one piece, the inner dial and the flow-through compressible gasket may be made of different materials. 
     The dispenser  100  also includes an outer dial  110  that may be made of a thermoplastic polymer, for example, which is non-reactive with the product. In an implementation, the outer dial may include one or more raised sections alternating with one or more apertures in the outer dial. The one or more raised sections include but are not limited to, made of the same material as the outer dial, formed of over-molded thermoplastic elastomeric material, made of a plurality of raised bumps, made of a small layer, or made of thermoplastic elastomeric rings surrounding the bumps or the raised sections. 
     The outer dial  110  may be secured to the inner dial  106  by, for example, a press-fit, a snap-fit, adhesive, and/or engagement by one or more engagement features. In the illustrated implementation, the outer dial  110  includes ribs to couple to the inner dial  106 . The ribs allow the outer dial to rotate to the closed or the opened positions. Also, the outer dial  110  may include a recessed opening and one or more ridges around the external circumference. 
     The flow-through compressible gasket  108  helps create a seal when actuation occurs in the closed position. In this closed position, the flow-through compressible gasket  108  allows for repeated transport of the filled dispenser  100  without experiencing leaky cosmetic trails from one location to another. While in the closed position, the flow-through compressible gasket  108  prevents movement of the product along the delivery passageway due to the seal. Furthermore, the flow-through compressible gasket  108  allows a controlled rate of product to be dispensed at one time in the open position. In this open position, the controlled rate of product occurs without loose powder being distributed all over the user. A more detailed discussion of the flow-through compressible gasket  108  follows in  FIG. 5 . 
     The seal may be created in different ways. In an implementation, the outer dial holds the flow-through compressible gasket in place. In this implementation, the inner dial may include one or more raised sections that may align with the one or more apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket. Upon actuation of the outer dial, the downward rotation causes the one or more raised sections in the inner dial to compress against the one or more apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket. Since the flow-through gasket is compressible, this compression between the one or more raised sections or small bumps or smooth areas in the inner dial and the one or more apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket creates the seal and avoids any product leakage. Alternatively, the one or more apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket may compress against the one or more raised sections in the inner dial to create the seal. In some instances, there may be pressure exerted with the downward rotation. 
     In yet another implementation, the inner dial holds the flow-through compressible gasket in place. In this implementation, the outer dial may include one or more raised sections that are visible from the underside view of the outer dial or seen underneath the outer dial. The one or more raised sections or smooth areas or small bumps alternate with the one or more apertures in the outer dial. In this implementation, upon actuation of the outer dial, the one or more raised sections in the outer dial may align and may compress against the one or more apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket, creating the seal. Since the flow-through gasket is compressible, this compression between the one or more raised sections in the outer dial and the one or more apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket creates the seal and avoids any product leakage. Alternatively, the one or more apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket may align and may compress against the one or more raised sections in the outer dial. In some instances, there may be pressure exerted with the downward rotation. A discussion of the product delivery mechanism follows in  FIG. 4 . 
     In the illustrated implementation, the outer dial  110  may also include one or more pipes  112  which may be substantially cylindrical shape pipe(s) to form a product delivery passageway for the product in the housing  102 . Cross-sections of the plurality of cylindrical shape pipe(s)  112  may be substantially circular-shape or substantially oval-shape. In an implementation, the one or more pipes  112  may include three substantially cylindrical shaped pipes that are substantially circular-shape. In other implementations, the outer dial  110  may not include any pipes extending through it. 
     The housing  102 , the inner dial  106 , and the outer dial  110  may be constructed of materials including, by, for example, glass, metal, wood, plastics, polymers, composites thereof, or the like. In some implementations, the housing  102 , the inner dial  106 , and the outer dial  110  may be made at least partially of a resin such as, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), pentachlorothioanisole (PCTA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), Polyurethane, combinations thereof, or the like. 
     While features of various illustrative implementations are described, in other implementations, the housing  102 , the o-ring seal  104 , the inner dial  106 , and the outer dial  110  may be configured in any form suitable for the application of the product contained in the dispenser  100 . The housing  102 , the o-ring seal  104 , the inner dial  106 , and the outer dial  110  may each be configured in virtually any desired shape, such as circular-shape, disk-shape, oval, elliptical, spherical, curvilinear, trapezoidal, or the like. 
     Illustrative Applicator and Cap for Dispenser With Flow-Through Compressible Gasket 
       FIG. 1  shows the dispenser  100  has an applicator  114  along with a removable cap  116  or a cover that is sized and shaped to fit over the top of the applicator  114 . In an implementation, the removable cap  116  may snap onto the housing  102 . In another implementation, the removable cap  116  may include threads to screw onto the housing  102  to mate with it. In other implementations, the dispenser  100  may include a clear plastic cover, a sliding pull up cover, and the like. In this illustration, the dispenser  100  includes the removable cap  116  that encapsulates the applicator  114  when the dispenser  100  is not in use. In yet another implementation, the dispenser  100  may not include a removable cap or a cover. 
     The removable cap  116  may include a mirror  118  for convenience of the user to have the mirror  118  readily available when applying the product. The mirror  118  may range in thickness from at least about two mm to at most about eight mm. In various implementations, the mirror  118  may be coupled to the removable cap  116  by adhesive, press fit, snap fit, one or more ribs or barbs, or any other suitable fastening means. The mirror  118  may be located on a top, a side, or underneath the removable cap  116 . In another implementation, the dispenser  100  may not include a mirror. In practice, the applicator  114 , the removable cap  116 , and the mirror  118  may be configured in virtually any desired shape, such as disk-shaped, oval, elliptical, spherical, curvilinear, trapezoidal, or the like. 
       FIG. 2  represents a perspective view of exemplary applicators  200  for the dispenser  100 . The applicator  200  includes a base portion  202  that is coupled to the outer dial  110 . In various implementations, the applicator  200  may be coupled to the base portion  202  by adhesive, press fit, snap fit, one or more ribs or barbs, or any other suitable fastening means. The top portion of applicator  200  includes but is not limited to, a brush  204 , a sponge  206 , or a powder puff  208  to apply the product. In some implementations, the applicator  200  may be used to apply products including but not limited to, cosmetic powdered products, medical powdered products, and the like. 
     While features of various illustrative implementations are described, the applicator  200  may be configured in any form suitable for the application of the product contained in the dispenser. For example, the applicator  200  may be constructed in any other suitable shape and size and may have any suitable mass, surface finish, and/or surface treatment desired for a given application. In practice, the applicator  200  may be configured in virtually any desired shape, such as disk-shaped, oval, elliptical, spherical, curvilinear, trapezoidal, or the like. 
       FIG. 3  is a top plan view, taken along line A-A and along line C-C of the illustrative dispenser cap for the dispenser of  FIG. 1 . 
     Illustrative Mechanisms Using the Flow-Through Compressible Gasket 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative dispenser with the flow-through compressible gasket according to the implementation of  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the dispenser  400  has a housing  102 , where a product delivery passageway  402  extends from the housing  102  and terminates in an opening on the applicator  114 . 
     The following is a discussion of examples, without limitation, of delivery mechanisms for dispensing the product in the open position and of preventing product leakage in the closed position. The examples may be implemented using a rotation or a reverse rotation operation, whereby the user may operate the dispenser  100  by moving the outer dial  110  relative to the inner dial  106  in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction. The rotations may move from left to right and right to left. The opened and closed positions may apply to rotations which include but are not limited to, clockwise and/or counterclockwise directions, left and/or right movements, up and/or down motions, and the like. 
     The size of the apertures in the inner dial  106 , the flow-through gasket  108 , and the outer dial  110  is of a sufficient size and of an adequate opening to allow for product delivery without being plugged. For example, the size of the apertures may range from at least about 1 mm to at most about 6 mm. In one implementation, each aperture is at least about 2.5 mm in size. 
     The configuration of the apertures may range from two or three apertures positioned at 120 degrees apart from each other. In another implementation, the configuration of the apertures may range from four apertures positioned at 90 degrees apart from each other. Yet in another implementation, there may be one aperture located in a center or off-center of the inner dial, the flow-through compressible gasket, or the outer dial. The apertures may be located at angles ranging from about 45 degrees apart to about 180 degrees. 
     The number of apertures in each element may range from at least one aperture to about four apertures. As mentioned above, the number of raised sections may alternate with the number of apertures in the inner dial or the outer dial. 
     The shape, size, and number of the apertures in the inner dial  106 , the flow-through compressible gasket  108 , and the outer dial  110  may be different in relation to each other. For example, there may be one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket and two apertures in each of the inner dial and the outer dial. Furthermore, the shape of the aperture(s) in the flow-through compressible gasket may be circular shape, in the inner dial may be oval shape, and in the outer dial trapezoid shape. Any combination of shapes, size, and number of apertures are possible. 
     In one example, the outer dial  110  serves as an operating mechanism to allow product delivery in the open position. The rotation of the outer dial to the open position causes the one or more apertures of the flow-through compressible gasket  108  to align with one or more apertures in the inner dial  106  and/or the outer dial  110 , such that the product is transported through this product delivery passageway  402 . In another implementation, the outer dial with the plurality of pipes serves as an operating mechanism to allow product delivery in the open position. The mechanism is the same as above, whereas the rotation of the outer dial goes to the open position, which causes the plurality of pipes to align with one or more apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket and with one or more apertures in the inner dial. Thus, the product is transported through this product delivery passageway of the apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket and the plurality of pipes. 
     In yet another example, the outer dial  110  serves as an operating mechanism to prevent product leakage in the closed position. Furthermore, actuation by the user comprises the rotation mechanism that is helical by causing the outer dial  110  to apply a downward pressure against the flow-through compressible gasket  108  in the closed position. In this closed position, the outer dial  110  provides a cam action seal by aligning the at least one aperture of the flow-through compressible gasket  108  to the plurality of raised sections or areas on the inner dial  106  and/or the outer dial  110 , as previously mentioned. Thus, the closed position prevents product leakage by sealing the product delivery passageway  402 . 
     In  FIG. 4 , shown is  404  which includes but is not limited to a filter, a strainer, or a diffuser, and such. The filter, strainer, or diffuser  404  is used in some implementations to help filter, strain, or diffuse the product before travelling up to the gasket. This variation is shown in  FIG. 4 , not shown in the dispenser in  FIG. 1 . 
     In implementations, the rotation mechanism may include a rotation at least about 10 degrees to at most about 359 degrees to the open position. In other implementations, the rotation mechanism may include a rotation at a minimum of at least about 5 degrees to at most about 350 degrees. Another example for delivery mechanism for dispensing the product may be a rotation of at least about 180 degrees, relative to a sufficient number of the at least one aperture and a sufficient size of the at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket. 
     Actuation may also occur by turning, depressing, sliding, tilting, or otherwise manipulating an outer cover, a knob on an outer cover, and/or by any other suitable dispensing mechanism. In an implementation, a knob on the outer cover allows product delivery in the open position. However, in other implementations, any suitable delivery mechanism may be used. 
     Illustrative Flow-Through Compressible Gasket 
       FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b , and  5   c  are a bottom view, a top plan view, and a perspective view respectively, of an illustrative flow-through compressible gasket according to one implementation.  FIG. 5   a  illustrates the flow-through compressible gasket  500  having a substantially disk-shaped body  502  with a top raised center section on a top side  504 . The top raised center section  504  may be substantially circular-shape, substantially square-shape, or substantially oval-shape. In this illustration, the top raised center section  504  is substantially circular-shape. The top center-raised section  504  may correspond to a depression on the mating side, the depression located on either the inner dial or the outer dial. 
       FIG. 5   a  shows the at least one aperture  506  located on the substantially disk-shaped body  502 . The at least one aperture  506  aligns with the at least one aperture of the inner dial  106  and/or outer dial  110  or in some implementations with the plurality of pipes in the outer dial to deliver the powdered product. The apertures  506  in the flow-through compressible gasket  500  may have shapes that includes but are not limited to, substantially circular-shape, substantially square-shape, or substantially oval-shape. Shown are apertures  506  that are substantially circular-shape. 
     The size of the at least one aperture  506  are of a sufficient size to allow for product delivery without being plugged. The size of the aperture is of an adequate opening to allow the powdered particles to travel through at least one aperture  506 . For example, the size of the apertures  506  in the flow-through compressible gasket  500  may range from at least about 1 mm to at most about 6 mm. In one implementation, the aperture  506  is at least about 2 mm diameter in size. 
     The number of the at least one aperture  506  are of a sufficient number to allow for product delivery in the open position, but is somewhat dependent on the size of the apertures. In an implementation, there may be three apertures as shown. In other implementations, the apertures may include but is not limited to, from at least about one aperture to at most about four apertures. 
     The arrangement of the apertures  506  may be in a triangular configuration as shown. In another implementation, the arrangement may be in various configurations, including but not limited to a square, a circular or hour-glass configuration. 
     The substantially disk-shaped body  502  includes a circular ring  508  on each side of the disk-shaped body  502 . In one implementation, a first circular ring surrounds the apertures and is to couple to the inner dial  106  on one side and a second circular ring surrounds the apertures and is to couple to the outer dial  110  on the outer side. 
     The flow-through compressible gasket  500  includes an outer perimeter having a plurality of flat sides  510  and a plurality of semicircular sides  512 , alternating, on the substantially disk-shape body. The plurality of semicircular sides  512  holds the flow-through compressible gasket  500  secure against the outer dial  110  or the inner dial  106  upon actuation in the various implementations. The plurality of flat sides  510  may apply to any sides of the substantially disk-shaped body  502 . For example, the flat sides  510  may include, but is not limited to three sides arranged in a triangle type formation or configuration. The semicircular side  512  may apply to any sides of the substantially disk-shaped body  502 . 
     The semicircular sides  512  arranged in a triangle type formation or configuration. In an implementation, the substantially disk-shaped body  502  may include alternating flat sides  510  with alternating semicircular sides  512 . The number of semicircular sides and flat sides may each range from at least about one to the most about four. 
       FIG. 5   b  shows the other side of the substantially disk-shaped body  502  of the flow-through compressible gasket. The center raised section  514  in the flow-through compressible gasket  500  may be substantially squared-shape. The center-raised section  514  may have shapes that includes but are not limited to, substantially circular-shape, substantially square-shape, or substantially oval-shape. The center-raised section  514  may correspond to a depression on the mating side, the depression located on either the inner dial or the outer dial. shaped. 
       FIG. 5   c  shows a perspective view of the flow-through compressible gasket  500 . The flow-through compressible gasket  500  is made of a material capable of having elastomeric properties. The materials include but are not limited to, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic polymer, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyurethane, polyester copolymer, styrene copolymer, olefin, ethylene acrylic, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, fluorocarbon, rubber, while in other implementations, the elastomeric material may comprise a relatively pliable or gel-like material such as butyl rubber, silicone, butadiene rubber, neoprene, nitrile, fluorosilicone, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), or the like. 
     While features of various illustrative implementations are described, in other implementations, the flow-through compressible gasket  500  may be configured in any form suitable for the application of the product contained in the dispenser. For example, the flow-through compressible gasket  500  may be constructed in any other suitable shape and size and may have any suitable number of apertures, size of apertures, shape of apertures desired for a given application. The size, number, and shape of the apertures on the flow-through compressible gasket  500  may vary between implementations. Fabrication of the dispenser and the flow-through compressible gasket  500  may be accomplished through a separate manufacturing process, a co-molding process, or any other suitable production process. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  are exterior views of the illustrative dispenser of  FIG. 1 . 
     An Illustrative Dispenser With Flow-Through Compressible Gasket Having An Hour-Glass Shape 
       FIG. 8  is an exploded view of another implementation of a dispenser with a flow-through compressible gasket.  FIG. 8  illustrates the dispenser having a flow-through compressible gasket with an hour-glass shape  800  according to one implementation. In this implementation, the dispenser  800  may rotate to an open position when an actuator causes at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape to be alignable with at least one aperture in an outer dial and/or an inner dial to define a product passageway. Furthermore, the dispenser  800  may rotate to a closed position when the actuator causes the at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape to be alignable with a smooth area of the inner dial and/or the outer dial to not define a product passageway. For ease of convenience, the term “flow-through compressible gasket with an hour-glass shape” may be used interchangeably with a shortened version of “flow-through compressible gasket H”. 
       FIG. 8  represents the illustrative dispenser  800  having an end cap  802  coupled to a housing  804  with a reservoir to contain the product. The housing  804  has a ridge at the bottom, the reservoir may be refillable with product by removing the end cap  802  to refill product. In some instances, the housing  804  may be made of clear, substantially opaque, or translucent materials. In an implementation, the housing and the end cap may be molded together. When the housing and the end cap are molded together, the reservoir is filled at the top of the housing. 
     The dispenser  800  includes a slide  806  that covers the various components of the dispenser. In another implementation, the slide  806  selectively moves with a sliding motion to an upward position and to a downward position to retract an applicator brush. A user selectively moves the slide  806  with the sliding motion to the upward position, which slides up and protects the shape of the applicator brush when not in use. Furthermore, the user selectively moves the slide  806  with the sliding motion to the downward position to expose and to provide access to the applicator brush. Thus, the slide  806  retracts the applicator brush. 
     The dispenser includes an inner dial or an inner valve  808 , a flow-through compressible gasket with an hour-glass shape  810 , and an outer dial or an outer valve  812 . The inner dial  808  may be secured to the housing  804  and the slide  806 , by, for example, a press-fit, a snap-fit, adhesive, and/or engagement by one or more engagement features. In the illustrated implementation, the inner dial  808  may include side engagement features to couple to the slide  806  and to the housing  804  to provide a secure fit. The inner dial  808  includes a center-raised section that has a plurality of smooth areas alternating with at least one aperture. 
     The following is a discussion of examples, without limitation, of delivery mechanisms for dispensing the product in the open position and of preventing product leakage in the closed position. The examples may be implemented using a rotation or a reverse rotation operation, whereby the user may operate the dispenser  800  by moving the outer dial  812  relative to the inner dial  808  in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction. The rotations may move from left to right and/or right to left. The opened and closed positions may apply to rotations which include but are not limited to, clockwise and/or counterclockwise directions, left and/or right movements, up and/or down motions, and the like. 
     The apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket H  810  aligns with at least one aperture in the inner dial  808  and/or the upper dial  812  to cause the dispenser  800  to be in an open position. This open position allows for product delivery. 
     At least one aperture in the inner dial  808 , the flow-through compressible gasket H  810 , and the outer dial  812  may have shapes that include but are not limited to, substantially hour-glass shaped, substantially disk-shape, substantially circular-shape, substantially square-shape, substantially oval-shape, or substantially trapezoid shape. 
     The size of the apertures in the inner dial  808 , the flow-through compressible gasket H  810 , and the outer dial  812  is of a sufficient size and of an adequate opening to allow for product delivery without being plugged. For example, the size of the apertures may range from at least about 1 mm to at most about 5 mm. In one implementation, each aperture is at least about 2 mm in size. 
     The number of apertures in the inner dial  808 , the flow-through compressible gasket H  810 , and the outer dial  812  may range from at least one aperture to about four apertures. 
     The shape, size, and number of the apertures in the inner dial  808 , the flow-through compressible gasket H  810 , and the outer dial  812  may be different in relation to each other. For example, there may be one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket and two apertures in each of the inner dial and the outer dial. Furthermore, the shape of the aperture(s) in the flow-through compressible gasket may be substantially hour-glass shape, in the inner dial may be disk-shape, and in the outer dial trapezoid shape. Any combination of shapes, size, and number of apertures are possible. 
     The plurality of smooth areas in the inner dial  808  and/or outer dial  812  are alignable with the at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket H  810  to cause the dispenser to be in a closed position. This closed position prevents movement of the product along a delivery passageway. Furthermore, the flow-through compressible gasket H  810  allows a controlled rate of product to be dispensed at one time without loose powder being distributed all over the user. 
     The dispenser  800  also includes an actuator  814 , which may include an aperture and at least one or more ridges around the external circumference of the actuator. The actuator  814  may also be the outer dial. The actuator  814  may include at least one post to help define the product delivery passageway. 
     The actuator  814  may be secured to the outer dial  812  including but not limited to, a press-fit, a snap-fit, adhesive, and/or engagement by one or more engagement features. Also, the actuator  814  may include at least one or more ridges around the external circumference for ease of convenience for the user to rotate the actuator. 
     The end cap  802 ,the housing  804 , the slide  806 , the inner dial  808 , the outer dial  812 , and the actuator  814  may be constructed of materials including, but not limited to, wood, plastics, polymers, thermoplastics, composites thereof, or the like. In some implementations, the described components may be made at least partially of a resin such as, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), pentachlorothioanisole (PCTA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyurethane, combinations thereof, or the like. 
       FIG. 8  shows the dispenser  800  has an applicator. The applicator includes a applicator holder  816  coupled to the applicator  818 . The applicator holder  816  serves as a base to hold a brush applicator  818  or as a base for a sponge or powder puff applicator. 
     In some implementations, the applicator may include a sponge which may include at least one aperture. The apertures may range in number from at least about one to at most about six apertures. The apertures in the sponge applicator (not shown) may range in size from at least about 1 mm to at most about 4 mm in diameter. 
     The dispenser  800  includes a removable cap  820  or a cover that is sized and shaped to fit over the top of the applicator  818 . In an implementation, the removable cap  820  may snap onto the housing  804 . In yet another implementation, the removable cap  820  may include threads to screw onto the housing  804  that mates with it. In some instances, the removable cap  820  may be made of clear, substantially opaque, or translucent materials. In other implementations, the dispenser  800  may include a clear plastic cover, a sliding pull up cover, and the like. In this illustration, the dispenser  800  includes the removable cap  820  that encapsulates the applicator  818  when the dispenser  800  is not in use. In another implementation, the dispenser may not include a removable cap or cover. 
     The removable cap  820  may include a mirror (not shown) for convenience of the user to have the mirror readily available when applying the product. The mirror may range in thickness from at least about two mm to at most about eight mm. In various implementations, the mirror may be coupled to the removable cap by adhesive, press fit, snap fit, one or more ribs or barbs, or any other suitable fastening means. The mirror may be located on the top, the side, or inside the removable cap. In another implementation, the dispenser  800  may not include a mirror. 
     While features of various illustrative implementations are described, in other implementations, the end cap  802 , the housing  804 , the slide  806 , the inner dial  808 , the outer dial  812 , the actuator  814 , the applicator holder  816 , the applicator  818 , and the cap  820  may be configured in any form suitable for the application of the product contained in the dispenser  800 . For example, the above items listed may be constructed in any other suitable shape and size and may have any suitable mass, surface finish, and/or surface treatment desired for a given application. In practice, the above items listed may be configured in virtually any desired shape, such as disk-shaped, oval, elliptical, spherical, curvilinear, trapezoidal, or the like. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the inner dial  808  for the dispenser of  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the outer dial  812  for the dispenser of  FIG. 8 . 
     Flow-Through Compressible Gasket H 
       FIGS. 11   a ,  11   b , and  11   c  are a front perspective view, a top plan view, and a side elevation view, respectively, of the flow-through compressible gasket H  810 . In these figures, the flow-through compressible gasket H includes apertures having a substantially hour-glass shape surrounded by circular rings on the top and the bottom sides of the gasket. 
     The flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape  810  is made of a material capable of having both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties, including but not limited to a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic rubber, a thermoplastic polymer, an elastomer, and the like. In some implementations, the elastomeric material may comprise polyurethane, polyester copolymer, styrene copolymer, olefin, ethylene acrylic, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, fluorocarbon, while in other implementations, the elastomeric material may comprise a relatively pliable or gel-like material such as butyl rubber, silicone, butadiene rubber, neoprene, nitrile, fluorosilicone, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), or the like. 
       FIG. 11   a  illustrates a front perspective view of the flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape  810 .  FIG. 11   a  illustrates how the flow-through compressible gasket H includes a substantially circular-shaped body with a raised center section. The body and the raised center section may be in other configurations and shapes, including but not limited to substantially circular-shaped, substantially square-shaped or substantially oval-shaped. 
     The flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape  810  includes a at least one aperture located on the substantially circular-shaped body. The at least one aperture aligns with the at least one aperture of the inner dial and the at least one aperture of the outer dial to deliver the product. The at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape  810  may have shapes that includes but are not limited to, substantially circular, substantially square-shaped, or substantially oval-shaped. In this illustration, the at least one aperture is substantially hour-glass shape. 
     The number of the at least one aperture is of a sufficient number to allow for product delivery, but is dependent on the size of the aperture. In an implementation, the at least one aperture may include two apertures. In other implementations, the at least one aperture may include but is not limited to, from at least one aperture to at most four apertures. The arrangement of the at least one aperture may be of a hour-glass shape formation with two apertures as shown in  FIG. 11   a  or a circular shaped with three apertures at least 2 mm diameter. 
       FIG. 11   c  illustrates a side view of the flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape  810 . The flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape  810  includes a first circular ring connecting to the substantially circular-shaped body on one side and a second circular ring connecting to the substantially circular-shaped body on the other side. 
     While features of various illustrative implementations are described, in other implementations, the flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape  810  may be configured in any form suitable for the application of the product contained in the dispenser  800 . For example, the flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape  810  may be constructed in any other suitable shape and size and may have any suitable number of apertures, size of apertures, shape of apertures desired for a given application. Fabrication of the dispenser and the flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape  810  may be accomplished through a separate manufacturing process, a co-molding process, or any other suitable production process. Fabrication of dispenser and flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape  810  may be accomplished through a separate manufacturing process, a co-molding process, or any other suitable production process. 
     Illustrative Delivery Mechanism for Flow-Through Compressible Gasket With Hour-Glass Shape 
       FIG. 12  is a front perspective view, taken along line A-A of the illustrative dispenser of  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser according to the dispenser of  FIG. 8 . 
     The following is a discussion of examples, without limitation, of delivery mechanisms for dispensing a product in the open position and of preventing product leakage in the closed position. The examples may be implemented using a rotation or reverse rotation operation, whereby a user may operate the dispenser  800  by moving the actuator relative to the sifter in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction. However, in other implementations, any suitable delivery mechanism may be used. 
     Shown in  FIG. 14  is how a product delivery passageway extends from the housing and terminates in the applicator. In one example, the actuator serves as an operating mechanism to allow product delivery in the open position. The rotation of the actuator to the open position causes at least one aperture of the flow-through compressible gasket H with the hour-glass shape to align with the at least one aperture in the inner dial or the outer dial, such that the product is transported through this product delivery passageway. The product is dispensed from the reservoir in the housing through to the applicator. 
     In one example, the actuator serves as an operating mechanism to prevent product leakage by applying a downward pressure against the flow-through compressible gasket with hour-glass shape to create a seal. Furthermore, actuation by the user comprises a rotation mechanism that is helical by causing the actuator to apply a downward pressure against the flow-through compressible gasket with hour-glass shape for the closed position. In this closed position, the actuator provides a cam action seal by aligning smooth areas on the outer dial and/or the inner dial to the at least one aperture of the flow-through compressible gasket H. Thus, the closed position prevents product leakage by sealing the product delivery passageway. 
     In some implementations, the rotation mechanism may include a rotation at least about 10 degrees to at most about 359 degrees to the open position. In other implementations, the rotation mechanism may include a rotation at a minimum of at least about 5 degrees to at most about 350 degrees. Another example for delivery mechanism for dispensing the product may be a rotation of at least about 180 degrees, relative to a sufficient number of the at least one aperture and a sufficient size of the at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket H. The delivery mechanism include but is not limited to, clockwise or counter clockwise rotations, left or right movements, opened or closed positions, and the like. 
     Actuation may also occur by turning, depressing, sliding, tilting, or otherwise manipulating an outer cover, a knob on an outer cover, and/or by any other suitable dispensing mechanism. In an implementation, a knob on the outer cover allows product delivery. This may occur by sliding the knob to align the at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket with a at least one aperture in the outer cover. However, in other implementations, any suitable delivery mechanism may be used. 
     Conclusion 
     Although the invention has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the invention.