Patent Publication Number: US-2011076088-A1

Title: Package For Dispensing A Personal Care Product

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/247,388, filed Sep. 30, 2009. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Liquid personal care products are available in a wide variety of packages, including bottles, jars, tubes, and cans. Liquid personal care products meant for application to the skin are traditionally dispensed from a container onto users&#39; hands and then applied to the skin by hand. Examples of such products include lotion, facial cleanser, and shaving cream. This application method however can be messy, and that portion of the product that does not get transferred from users&#39; fingers is wasted. 
     Few liquid personal care products on the market have applicators or lathering aids. While patents relating to brush attachments for shaving cream in traditional aerosol cans do exist, there are no well-known lathering aids for shaving cream currently available for consumer purchase. U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,992 (Kavoussi) (the “&#39;992 Patent”) is an example of a conventional aerosol shaving cream container with a shaving brush attachment. The &#39;992 Patent container is cylindrical and the shaving brush attachment has a cylindrical fan shape that is rounded at the top. Other brushes and/or packages have also been described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,003,523, 4,603,992, and 4,252,455; GB Patent Publ. Nos. 2318725, 2322797; DE Publ. Nos. 10306983 A1, 19811552 A1. Despite these and other attempts, there remains a need for a new package for dispensing a personal care product which provides suitable product dispersal into and/or onto the brush. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the present invention provides for a package for dispensing a liquid personal care product, the package comprising: a body for grasping with a user&#39;s hand; an applicator comprising an applicator base and a skin-contacting portion extending from the applicator base to a first height; at least one dispensing conduit comprising a central longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end comprises an inlet that is in fluid communication with the body, wherein the distal end extends from the applicator base, wherein said distal end comprising at least one orifice, wherein said central longitudinal axis does not intersect said at least one orifice. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed the same will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the top portion of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along the line I-I. 
         FIG. 4  is a view of the top portion of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the top portion of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along the line II-II. 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , taken along the line III-III. 
         FIG. 9  is a view of the top portion of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the top portion of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , taken along the line IV-IV. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the top portion of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 12  is a horizontal cross-sectional, perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , taken along the line V-V. 
         FIG. 13  is a view of the top portion of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIGS. 14   a - f  are examples of cross-sectional shapes the package may comprise. 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded view of one dispersing conduit in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded view of another dispersing conduit in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded view of yet another dispersing conduit in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative and preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that the scope of the claims is not limited to the specific ingredients, methods, conditions, devices, or parameters described herein, and that the terminology used herein is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the specification, including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. When a range of values is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent basis “about,” it will be understood that the particular values form another embodiment. All ranges are inclusive and combinable. 
     All percentages and ratios used herein are by weight of the total composition, and all measurements made are at 25° C., unless otherwise designated. 
     The packages of the present invention can comprise, consist of, and consist essentially of the features of the invention described herein, as well as any of the additional or optional ingredients, components, steps, or limitations described herein. 
     The term “latherable” as used herein refers to a liquid personal care product that is able to form a foam or froth when agitated or spread onto the skin. The liquid personal care product may lather by entrapping air, by comprising a surfactant-type substance, or by another means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Water addition may or may not be necessary to obtain a foam or froth, but it may enhance benefits or results depending on the type of product used. Agitation or spreading may be by hand, but is preferably by applicator. Agitation or spreading may be rapid or slow, and may comprise irregular and regular movements. 
     The term “lathering” as used herein refers to the act of agitating or spreading onto the skin a liquid personal care product to produce a foam or froth. For instance, a product may be dispensed as a gel and then lathered into a foam. If a product is already in the form of a foam or froth when dispensed from its package, lathering may comprise spreading product onto the skin to cover an area of skin. 
     The following exemplary packages further describe and demonstrate embodiments within the scope of the present invention. The examples are given solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention as many variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 
     It has importantly been found that the specific dispensing conduit of the present invention provides for enhanced dispersal of composition out of the package and into or onto the applicator, which in one embodiment is a brush. It is believed that by providing a dispersing conduit having at least one orifice at the distal end of the dispensing conduit, the dispersal of the composition can be controlled such that a proper amount of the composition can be dispensed at the proper position on the applicator. In one embodiment, said at least one orifice is positioned to direct the composition to release the majority of the composition radially towards the left and right sides of the package, such as where the package has a oval shaped applicator where the front to back distance is shorter than the side to side distance of the applicator. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that this allows more of the composition to be dispersed onto the larger areas of the applicator allowing more contact between the composition and applicator. This is believed to allow for increased coverage of composition across the planar area of the applicator which will be in contact with skin. It is believed that earlier dispersing conduits where the passage of composition flowed directly out of the conduit in a direction away from the package resulted in insufficient amounts of composition being dispensed into the applicator bristles. Instead, many of these earlier attempts would result in large volumes of composition forming at the top and center of the applicator which can easily fall off or get washed away before forming a sufficient lather throughout the applicator. As such, it is believed that the present invention allows for targeted dispersal of composition into discrete areas of the applicator where more of the composition can be used to form through more of the applicator resulting in a better and fuller lathering experience. 
     Exemplary figures depicting one or more embodiments of the dispersing conduit of the present invention are provided in  FIGS. 15-17 . The details of these embodiments will be discussed in detail below. 
     A package for dispensing a liquid personal care product, the package comprising: a body for grasping with a user&#39;s hand; an applicator comprising an applicator base and a skin-contacting portion extending from the applicator base to a first height; a dispensing conduit comprising a central longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end comprises an inlet that is in fluid communication with the body, wherein the distal end extends from the applicator base, wherein said distal end comprising at least one orifice, wherein said central longitudinal axis does not intersect said at least one orifice. The central longitudinal axis is a line drawn through the center of the dispensing conduit which is parallel to the conduit. Said at least one orifice is not 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one orifice comprises a first orifice and a second orifice, wherein said first orifice is positioned opposite said second orifice. In one embodiment, the first orifice is positioned to face the left or right side of the applicator brush body, and the second orifice faces the opposite side. This is particularly useful where the applicator does not have a circular cross sectional shape and where the shape of the applicator is an oval or rectangle such as generally described in U.S. patent Ser. No. 12/415,386 (See the brush of  FIG. 11 ). In another embodiment, the distal end forms four or more orifices, including a frontal facing orifice, a rear facing orifice, a right side facing orifice, and a left side facing orifice. In one embodiment, the average cross section of the frontal facing orifice and the rear facing orifice is less than the cross sectional area of the right side facing orifice and the left side facing orifice. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that this configuration of orifices allows for improved dispersal of composition to targeted sections of the applicator brush. 
     In one embodiment, where the cross sectional shape of the applicator (when viewed from a top down plane view) is non-symmetrical or non-circular (such as for the applicators disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 12/415,386), it may be preferable to provide more or larger orifices pointing towards the larger areas of the applicator. For example, where the applicator has a cross sectional shape of a triangle with sharp or curve edges it may be preferable to include three orifices, each one located to direct composition towards a tip of the triangle. Where the applicator has a cross sectional area of an oval, the dispensing conduit can have at least 2 orifices located to direct composition towards the larger lobes of the oval (whether the lobs are the front and back, or sides of the device). It should be understood to one of skill in the art that by locating the orifices, or relatively more or larger orifices towards the larger sections of the applicator will allow for increased contact between composition and applicator, intended to allow for a better lathering experience during use and less likelihood of any dispensed composition merely sitting a top the applicator and accidentally falling off or being rubbed off prior to forming sufficient lather. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one orifice has a shape selected from the group consisting of a circular, oval, or elliptical shape, a square or rectangular shape, a triangular shape, and a star shape. Other symmetric and/or geometric shapes can also be included such as pentagons, hexagons, rounded squares or rectangles, semicircles, half circles and so forth. Additionally, other shapes such as moons, tear drops, wavy bars or arches can be used as desired. 
     In one embodiment, said at least one orifice has a largest cross sectional area of from about 0.015 inches 2  to about 0.03 inches 2 , alternatively from about 0.018 inches 2  to about 0.02 inches 2 , alternatively about 0.018 inches 2 . In another embodiment, said at least one orifice has a largest cross sectional diameter of from about 0.1 inches to about 0.2 inches, alternatively at least about 0.15 inches. The largest cross sectional diameter is measured as the largest distance between any two points of the orifice. 
     In one embodiment, the dispensing conduit comprises a smallest cross sectional area which is perpendicular to said central longitudinal axis, and wherein said smallest cross sectional area is greater than the cross sectional area of said at least one orifice. 
     In another embodiment, the distance between the at least one orifice farthest from the applicator base and the applicator base forms a second height, wherein said second height is less than the first height. In one embodiment, the second height is about half the first height. In yet another embodiment, the second height is from about 0.3 inches to about 0.5 inches shorter than the first height alternatively the second height is from about 0.4 inches shorter than the first height. 
     In yet another embodiment, the at least one orifice farthest from the applicator base is from about 0.05 inches to about 0.15 inches from the top of the dispensing conduit, alternatively the at least one orifice farthest from the applicator base is from about 0.1 inches from the top of the dispensing conduit. 
     In another embodiment, the device comprises two or more dispensing conduits. The dispensing conduits can be placed to allow dispensing of composition to target areas of the applicator to enhance the dispersal of composition for a better lathering. In one embodiment, two dispensing conduits are provided. The dispensing conduits can be identical or non-identical (such as where the orifice placement, size, or number can vary). The dispensing conduits can be parallel or non-parallel to one another. Where they are non-parallel, they can extend away from the applicator base forming an angle of up to about 30 degrees, or up to about 15 degrees. In one embodiment, the two or more dispensing conduits are not the same height. 
     A first exemplary package  100  is shown in  FIGS. 1 to 5 .  FIG. 1  illustrates the top portion of package  100 , comprising a body  102 , and an applicator  124 . Body  102  is able to be grasped with a user&#39;s hand; it comprises a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape  104 . Cross-sectional shape  104  comprises a major dimension  106  oriented along a first axis and a minor dimension  108  oriented along a second axis. Body  102  may be provided in a variety of forms or shapes and may be made of various materials. Examples of suitable plastic materials include high density polyethylene (“HDPE”), low density polyethylene (“LDPE”), polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), polypropylene (“PP”), polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, nylon, and fluorinated ethylene propylene. Body  102  may be made via a number of processes known in the art, such as blow molding, injection molding, and the like. Body  102  may be comprised of transparent, translucent, or opaque materials, or it may be comprised of a combination of materials with these properties. In a preferred embodiment, body  102  is opaque and made of thermoplastic resin via an extrusion blow molding process. In other embodiments, body  102  may be transparent to show unique color, texture, pattern, or inclusions of a liquid personal care product; for example, moisturizing beads or white color to signify suitable for use on sensitive skin. 
     Many prior art packages have applicators which are attachable, but not integral to the package. Applicator  124  may be attachable or removeably attached to body  102 , such as with screw-threads, a snap-fit collar, or the like. In a preferred embodiment, applicator  124  is integral with body  102 , which means that the applicator is assembled with the body during manufacturing and is not intended to be removed by a consumer during the product lifetime. Applicator  124  comprises a skin-contacting portion  126  comprising a horizontal plane defining a second cross-sectional shape  128 . Cross-sectional shape  128  comprises a major dimension  130  oriented along a first axis and a minor dimension  132  oriented along a second axis. Skin-contacting portion  126  may comprise bristles, a sponge, a loofah, a shower puff, or another material or combination of materials that is capable of lathering a liquid personal care product. Skin-contacting portion  126  may be rinsed after use. 
     In a preferred embodiment, at least a part of skin-contacting portion  126  is designed to fit between a user&#39;s nose and upper lip. As such, minor dimension  132  of skin-contacting portion  126  may be less than or equal to about 0.75 inches. In another embodiment, minor dimension  132  of skin-contacting portion  126  may be less than or equal to about 0.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, major dimension  130  of skin-contacting portion  126  is less than or equal to about 1.5 inches. Major dimension  130  and minor dimension  132  may vary depending on the part of the skin skin-contacting portion  126  is meant to contact. For example, dimensions  130 , 132  may be larger if skin-contacting portion  126  is meant for users&#39; legs, or smaller if skin-contacting portion  126  is meant for users&#39; underarms or bikini area. 
     In one embodiment, such as shown in  FIG. 2 , major dimension  106  of body  102  substantially aligns with major dimension  130  of skin-contacting portion  126 . Also as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , first cross-sectional shape  104  and second cross-sectional shape  128  are in vertical alignment. In other embodiments, cross-sectional shape  104  and cross-sectional shape  128  may not be in vertical alignment. For example, skin-contacting portion  126  may be offset from body  102  so that skin-contacting portion  126  is not positioned vertically above body  102 , but rather extends from the side of body  102 . Skin-contacting portion  126  may also extend horizontally from body  102 , or from any angle in between; skin-contacting portion  126  may be fixed at a certain angle or it may be adjustable by users. Cross-sectional shapes  104 , 128  of body  102  and applicator  124 , respectively, may take different forms. In various embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 14   a - f , first cross-sectional shape  104  and second cross-sectional shape  128  may be oblong circles, squares, or triangles; further exemplary shapes include teardrop and pear. The shapes  104 , 128  may substantially match or not match. For example, in one embodiment, cross-sectional shape  104  may have an oval shape while cross-sectional shape  128  may have a teardrop shape. Cross-sectional shapes  104 , 128  may be symmetrical or asymmetrical.  FIG. 1  illustrates cross-sectional shape  104  and cross-sectional shape  128  as symmetrical, oblong circles. In further embodiments, package  100  may comprise more than two distinct cross-sectional shapes. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , body  102  has an outlet  112  that is in fluid communication with applicator  124 . Body  102  comprises a flat surface  114  that package  100  rests on when it is not in use. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom portion of body  102  may comprise a lower gasket  116 , an umbrella valve  118 , and a bottom or bottom plate  120 . Lower gasket  116  is preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”) and bottom plate  120  is preferably made of PP. It should be noted that these aforementioned features, as well as other features described throughout, are not limiting on the scope of the appended claims where such features are not explicitly recited. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates applicator  124 . In one embodiment, skin-contacting portion  126  extends to a first height  134  from applicator base  136 , wherein first height  134  is equal to the highest point of skin-contacting portion  126 . In other embodiments, skin-contacting portion  126  may extend to various heights in various zones, so there may be more than one height of interest. In a preferred embodiment, applicator base  136  is made out of PP and comprises a plurality of fiber receiving holes  140  to receive fibers  142  to form skin-contacting portion  126 . Applicator base  136  comprises an orifice  144  to enable dispensing of product onto skin-contacting portion  126 . To prevent dispensed product from getting stuck in the bottom half of skin-contacting portion  126  or clogging outlet  112 , one or more dispensing conduits  146  help direct the product to a preferred location within skin-contacting portion  126 . This makes more efficient use of the product because more product is available for lathering onto the skin rather than filling up the lower portion of skin-contacting portion  126 .  FIG. 4  shows dispensing conduit  146  having a proximal end  148  and a distal end  154 . Proximal end  148  has an inlet  150  that is in fluid communication with outlet  112  of body  102  and a compression seal  152 . In a preferred embodiment, a sufficient length of dispensing conduit  146  extends into skin-contacting portion  126 , with distal end  154  located somewhat close to a surface that contacts the skin, thereby dispensing more product closer to the skin. However, dispensing conduit  146  should not extend too far into skin-contacting portion  126  or it might too aggressively contact or scratch a user&#39;s skin when in use. As such, in one embodiment, distal end  154  extends from applicator base  136  to a second height  156  that is less than first height  134  of skin-contacting portion  126 . In this configuration, distal end  154  may still contact a user&#39;s skin during use, but desirably not to the point of causing significant irritation to one&#39;s skin. Dispensing conduit  146  may be comprised of a variety of materials. For example, dispensing conduit  146  may be made of hard plastic and precautions may be taken by the manufacturer or user to prevent dispensing conduit  146  from contacting the skin and causing discomfort, scratches, or injury to the skin. However, in a preferred embodiment, dispensing conduit  146  is made of a softer material; one exemplary material is TPE. 
     A safety cap  158  may be provided to cover dispensing conduit  146 . Safety cap  158  prevents damage or disfigurement to skin-contacting portion  126  and it may also prevent leakage of product from dispensing conduit  146 . In a particular embodiment, safety cap  158  is a temporary cover and may be removed and discarded by the consumer after purchase. In a preferred embodiment, safety cap  158  is made of PP. 
     Package  100  optionally comprises an over cap  176  that is removeably attached to body  102  or applicator  124 . Over cap  176  may comprise an outer ring  178  to compress safety cap  158  and an inner ring  180  to contain safety cap  158 . In a particular embodiment, a ledge  182  on over cap  176  allows over cap  176  to snap into a notch  110  of body  102 . Over cap  176  may also comprise a flat surface  184 , allowing package  100  to be inverted, thus resting on flat surface  184  when not in use. In one embodiment, over cap  176  is made of PP. 
     In particular embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 5 , a valve  186  may be disposed between body  102  and applicator  124 . In a preferred embodiment, valve  186  comprises an upper gasket  188  made of TPE or rubber, and a transition piece  190 , a one-way valve  192 , and a valve cover  194 , all three made of PP. 
     In one embodiment, said at least one orifice are formed in a flow-restricting member  160  associated with dispensing conduit  146 . Importantly, it is the placement and direction which the orifice and/or flow-restricting member faces which allows for the targeted dispensing of composition which has been found to be important for the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, flow-restricting member  160  is positioned at or near distal end  154  of dispensing conduit  146 . Flow-restricting member  160  acts to inhibit and/or prevent water from entering dispensing conduit  146 , while also preventing product from flowing out of package unless force is consciously exerted on a displacement member to dispense the product. Dispensing of the product may then be more accurately controlled and unwanted dispensing of the product may be substantially prevented. “Flow-restricting member”  160  as used herein means any of numerous mechanical devices by which the flow of a liquid personal care product may be started, stopped, or regulated by a movable part that opens, shuts, or partially obstructs one or more ports, orifices or passageways. Flow-restricting member  160  may be manually openable or pressure activated. Flow-restricting members  160  may be any valve known in the art including but not limited to bi-directional, uni-directional, duckbill, claw, umbrella, cross-slit, and slit valves. 
     In one particular embodiment, flow-restricting member  160  has at least two opposing members  162 , wherein members  162  converge into a closed or substantially closed state, and diverge into an open state. Members  162  are biased to the closed state to inhibit and/or prevent water or impurities from entering and clogging dispensing conduit  146 , or to inhibit contamination or dilution of the product within dispensing conduit  146  or body  102 . For example, a user may rinse skin-contacting portion  126  under running water after use; the water can clog dispensing conduit  146  or dilute or contaminate the product if it gets inside body  102 . Another reason members  162  are biased to the closed state is to prevent unwanted leakage of the product if package  100  is inverted while not in use. Members  162  may be forced into the open state when a volume of product is communicated from body  102  through dispensing conduit  146  in response to manual forces being applied to a displacement member. Flow-restricting member  160  returns to its closed position upon removal of the manual displacement forces which results in stopping the dispensing of the product through dispensing conduit  146 . 
     In another particular embodiment, flow-restricting member  160  comprises a slit valve  164 . “Slit valve”  164  as used herein means a valve whose members are formed from incision(s) that have a closed and open position as described above. Preferably, slit valve  164  is made of a relatively flexible material, such as silicone rubber, polyvinyl chloride, urethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, styrene-butadiene copolymer, and other materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, slit valve  164  is made of silicone. The stiffness of slit valve  164  in one embodiment is sufficient to prevent the slit from opening under the hydrostatic pressure of a liquid personal care product when package  100  is placed in an inverted position. 
     Body  102  may contain a liquid personal care product. Alternatively, body  102  may comprise a flexible bag  122  to contain a liquid personal care product; flexible bag  122  fits within body  102  and acts as a bladder. In a preferred embodiment, flexible bag  122  attaches to transition piece  190 . Flexible bag  122  may be made out of HDPE, LDPE, mylar film, or other suitable material known to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Package  100  comprises a means to dispense a product contained within package  100 . In one embodiment, body  102  is flexible and resilient, and it is inwardly deformable along its minor dimension  108  in order to urge a volume of a liquid personal care product from within body  102  to skin-contacting portion  126 . 
     In other embodiments, package  100  comprises a displacement member  166  that urges the product out of body  102  and onto skin-contacting portion  126 . Displacement member  166  may be located away from skin-contacting portion  126  to allow product to be manually dispensed by the user while skin-contacting portion  126  is in contact with the skin. In a preferred embodiment, such as in  FIG. 2 , displacement member  166  comprises at least a portion, or sidewall, of body  102 ; wherein the sidewall (not shown) of body  102  is flexible, resilient, and deformable along its minor dimension  108 . In one embodiment, two sidewalls are located along either side of body  102  along major dimension  106 . In another embodiment, displacement member  166  is a piston (not shown) that is vertically moveable upward from bottom  120  of body  102 . In one embodiment, the piston or similar member may extend partially within body  102  to dispense a liquid personal care product. A further example of displacement member  166  is a trigger, as shown in  FIGS. 6-12  and discussed more fully below. 
     A second exemplary package  200  is shown in  FIGS. 6 to 13 . Package  200  has many of the same features as package  100 ; most features are numbered consistently between the two, with a difference in the hundreds numeral, for example, body  102  of package  100  vs. body  202  of package  200 . The descriptions, dimensions, and variations of the features of package  100  may be applied to the corresponding features of package  200  discussed below, unless otherwise noted. In a preferred embodiment, body  202  is opaque and made of thermoplastic resin via an extrusion blow molding process. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  depict package  200  comprising a body  202  and an applicator  224 . Body  202  of package  200  comprises a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape  204 . First cross-sectional shape  204  comprises a major dimension  206  oriented along a first axis, and a minor dimension  208  oriented along a second axis, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Applicator  224  comprises a skin-contacting portion  226 , wherein skin-contacting portion  226  comprises a horizontal plane defining a second cross-sectional shape  228 . Second cross-sectional shape  228  comprises a major dimension  230  oriented along a first axis and a minor dimension  232  oriented along a second axis, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . In a preferred embodiment, major dimension  206  of body  202  substantially aligns with minor dimension  230  of skin-contacting portion  226 , and first cross-sectional shape  204  and second cross-sectional shape  228  are in vertical alignment. Also in a preferred embodiment, package  200  has first cross-sectional  204  and second cross-sectional  228  shapes that are symmetrical, oblong circles. Body  202  comprises a flat surface  220 . In a preferred embodiment, body  202  comprises an upper body  210  and a lower body  216 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates body  202  having an outlet  214  that is in fluid communication with applicator  224 . Upper body  210  comprises a notch  212 , where an optional over-cap  276  snaps on. Lower body  216  comprises a body cavity  218 , wherein a flexible bag  222  fillable with a liquid personal care product fits within body cavity  218 .  FIG. 9  also illustrates a dispensing conduit  246 , a flow-restricting member  260 , a displacement member  266 , and optional valve  286  of package  200 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 10 , skin-contacting portion  226  of applicator  224  extends to a first height  234  from an applicator base  236 . In a preferred embodiment, applicator base  236  comprises a plurality of fiber receiving holes  240  that receive fibers  242  to form skin-contacting portion  226 . Applicator base  236  comprises an orifice  244  to enable dispensing of product onto skin-contacting portion  226 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates dispensing conduit  246 , and its proximal end  248  and distal end  254 . Proximal end  248  has an inlet  250  and a compression seal  252 . Distal end  254  has a second height  256 . A safety cap  258  may be provided to cover dispensing conduit  246  and prevent leakage. Flow-restricting member  260  is associated with dispensing conduit  246 . In a preferred embodiment, flow-restricting member  260  comprises opposing members  262 . In other embodiments, flow-restricting member  260  comprises a valve, such as a slit valve  264 . 
     In particular embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , a valve  286  may be disposed between body  202  and applicator  224 . In a preferred embodiment, best seen in  FIG. 10 , valve  286  may comprise a stationary piston  288 , a compression spring  290 , a collar  292 , a ball  296 , and a one-way valve  298 . In one embodiment, stationary piston  288  and collar  292  are made of PP, while compression spring  290  and ball  296  are made of stainless steel. 
       FIGS. 8-12  depict displacement member  266  which is associated with body  202 . Displacement member  266  is inwardly moveable in order to urge a volume of a liquid personal care product from within flexible bag  222  to skin-contacting portion  226 . In a preferred embodiment, displacement member  266  is a trigger  268  that is depressible along body&#39;s  202  major dimension  206 . In one embodiment, a rib  272  from upper body  210  locks trigger  268  in place. In  FIG. 11 , a trigger holder  274  extends off applicator base  236  to hold trigger  268  in place; trigger  268  has two arms which hug the collar  292 . Two L ribs  270  and the tail of trigger  268  are visible in body cavity  218 , as seen in  FIG. 12 . L ribs  270  are optional; their purpose is to prevent trigger  268  from damaging or pinching flexible bag  222 . In operation, trigger  268  displaces a moving cylinder  294  which in turn displaces a volume of the product from flexible bag  222  to skin-contacting portion  226 . In a particular embodiment, trigger  268 , L ribs  270 , rib  272 , trigger holder  274 , and moving cylinder  294  are made of PP. 
       FIGS. 9 and 13  best show an optional over cap  276  that is removeably attached over applicator  224 . Over cap  276  comprises an outer ring  278  to compress safety cap  258  and an inner ring  280  to contain safety cap  258 . A ledge  282  on over cap  276 , visible in  FIG. 9 , allows over cap  276  to snap into notch  212  of body  202 . Over cap  276  may also comprise a flat surface  284 , allowing package  200  to be inverted, thus resting on flat surface  284  when not in use. 
     In an exemplary method of use, after obtaining package  100 , 200 , a user may remove optional over cap  176 , 276  and safety cap  158 , 258 . If preferred, the user may wet skin-contacting portion  126 , 226 . The user may then hold skin-contacting portion  126 , 226  against the desired skin surface and deform body  102 , 202  or move displacement member  186 , 266  inwardly. In response, an amount of product is forced out of package  100 , 200  via dispensing conduit  146 , 246  to skin-contacting portion  126 , 226 . As the user moves skin-contacting portion  126 , 226  around on the skin surface, the product dispensed is lathered by skin-contacting portion  126 , 226 . 
       FIG. 15  shows one example of a dispensing conduit in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. The dispensing conduit  446  has a distal end  460 . The distal end is shown in an exploded view, having four orifices  472 . In one embodiment, only two orifices are included wherein the orifices are positioned opposite one another. The distal end shown in  FIG. 15  includes four orifice, positioned 90 degrees apart. Orifice  472  has a generally square shape with a rounded top. Other shapes can also be used. In this embodiment, the wall  447  forming the dispensing conduit  446  forms the four orifices. 
       FIG. 16  shows one example of a dispensing conduit in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the distal end  460  includes a cap which is separate from the wall  447  forming the dispensing conduit  446 . Four orifices  472  are shown in this embodiment. 
       FIG. 17  shows one example of a dispensing conduit in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the orifice  472  is a gap formed around the periphery of the distal end  460 . The orifice is formed from a flexible valve having an anchor  461  which is retained by retaining members  463 . 
     In an example where the product is a shave prep composition, the user may create a lather with skin-contacting portion  126 , 226 , then use a razor to shave the prepared area. In an example where the product is a facial or body cleanser, skin-contacting portion  126 , 226  may be used to exfoliate and cleanse the skin while creating a lather. In particular embodiments, when the first axes of body  102 , 202  and skin-contacting portion  126 , 226  are in alignment, the user may more easily determine the orientation of skin-contacting portion  126 , 226  because body  102 , 202  visually intimates the positioning of skin-contacting portion  126 , 226 . This may be important, for example, if a user is trying to lather the area between the nose and upper lip. 
     It is contemplated that the package  100 , 200  of the present invention may include alternate mechanisms for dispensing the personal care compositions of the present invention. These include electronic pumps, manual pumps, screw-containing mechanisms, aerosols, pressurized gasses, trigger pumps, and the like. One of ordinary skill would readily be able to integrate the mechanism for dispensing the personal care composition into the present invention. 
     Packages  100 , 200  of the present invention may contain a wide variety of liquid personal care products, preferably those that are latherable by skin-contacting portion  126 , 226 . Exemplary product forms include gels, creams, foaming and non-foaming liquids, mechanically pumpable liquids, non-aerosol gels, aerosol gels, aerosol foams, pastes, serums, and sprays. Examples of suitable products to be contained in body  102 , 202  or flexible bag  122 , 222  include body wash, body lotion, facial cleanser, facial lotion, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, shave gel or cream, self tanner, nail polish, nail polish remover, and other personal care products. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid personal care product is a shave prep composition. The following six examples of shave prep products are given solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed to limit scope of the present invention as many variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
                                                         Ex. 1   Ex. 2   Ex. 3   Ex. 4   Ex. 5   Ex. 6                  Ingredient   Base   Base   Base   Base   Base   Base       Water   QS   QS   QS   QS   QS   QS       Palmitic Acid   7.75   6.0   0   0   6.0   0       Triethanolamine   6.05   4.7   8.76   8.76   4.7   8.76       Stearic Acid   2.6   2.0   0   0   2   0       Myristic Acid   0   0   14.0   14.0   0   14.0       Mineral Oil kaydol   0   0   0   0   1.5   0       Glyceryl Oleate   2.0   2.0   1.5   1.5   2.5   1.5       Sorbitol (70% solution)   1.0   1.0   0   0   0.5   0       Hydroxyethylcellulose   0.5   0.3   0.75   0.75   0.3   0.75       Polyox WSR-301 (PEG-90M)   0.06   0.06   0   0   0.06   0       Polyox WSR-N-12K (PEG-23M)   0.05   0.05   0   0   0.05   0       Sodium Myristoyl Sarcosinate (30%)   1.0   0   6.67   6.67   0   6.67       Polymer LR30M cationic   0.1   0.2   0.45   0.45   0.2   0.45       Fragrance   0.85   0.85   0.85   0.85   0.85   0.85       PVP K60 (45% solution)   0   0   0.49   0.49   0   0.49       Glycerin   0.5   1.5   8.5   8.5   0.5   8.5       Colorant   0.002   0.002   0.002   0.002   0.002   0.002       Parts of Base Mixed w/Lathering   97.15   97.15   96   97.15   97.15   100       Agent       Volatile Lathering Agent   2.85   2.85   4.0   2.85   2.85   0                    
The above examples can be made as follows: Mix the water with glycerin and then add to this mixture a pre-blend of the LR30M and hydroxyethylcellulose powders. For formulas containing sodium myristoyl sacrosinate, add this component next. For formulas containing PVP K60, add this component next. Mix until homogeneous and start heating. Stop mixing, and then add the fatty acids. When the temperature reaches 75° C., add triethanolamine and mix for approximately 10 more minutes. Cool to less than 35° C., and then add the fragrance and colorant. For example 6, store in closed container until it is charged into an appropriate dispenser. For examples 1-5, combine the base composition with the lathering agent and charge the mixture into containers or packages capable of containing volatile agents.
 
     As noted above, the applicator or skin-contacting portion thereof may comprise a number of different materials and material forms, such as, bristles, foam pads, sponges, etc. Regarding the use of bristles, material and physical properties of bristles can impact skin feel and latherability, for example. Table 1 and the following discussion illustrate this notion. 
                     TABLE 1                  (Dimensions are in inches)                                 Bristle   Bristle   Bristle   Skin-Contacting   Skin-Contacting       Material   Diameter   Length   Major Dimension   Minor Dimension                                         Nylon   0.006   0.68   1.12   0.73       Nylon   0.008   0.55   1.12   0.73       Nylon   0.006   0.7   1.17   0.73       Nylon   0.008   0.54   1.17   0.73       Nylon   0.008   0.65   1.19   0.66       Nylon   0.008   0.55   1.19   0.66       Nylon   0.003   0.7   1.18   0.73       Nylon   0.004   0.7   1.18   0.73       Nylon   0.003   0.5   1.18   0.73       Nylon   0.004   1.0   1.18   0.73       Silicone   0.06   0.53   0.73   0.63                    
Consumers perceived the nylon bristles having a bristle diameter of 0.006 or 0.008 inches to be too stiff, and nylon bristles having a bristle diameter of 0.003 or 0.004 as being in the right range for softness. Bristles having a “mid-length” (that is those of 0.7 inches) were preferred for stiffness over those that were shorter or longer.
 
     The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.” 
     Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.