Patent Publication Number: US-2007110500-A1

Title: Cosmetic dispenser

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      This application claims priority from provisional application No. 60/731,182 filed Oct. 27, 2005. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention shares many features described in pending application Ser. No. 10/817,480. It concerns containers for housing and dispensing a cosmetic material which may be in liquid, gel or powder form. It includes applicators that operate in conjunction with a cosmetic control means for regulating the amount of cosmetic material that is carried from a reservoir in the dispenser housing to one&#39;s skin. Preferably, each use of an applicator results in the transfer of an amount of cosmetic that is suitable for an individual application. This is important in circumstances where a user is attempting to apply fine lines of cosmetic without the blurring effect of having a surplus of cosmetic on the applicator. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 2A  is a combination of four views of a first applicator tip with two beveled faces used with the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 2B  comprises an elevational cross-sectional view of a second alternative applicator tip showing a sleeve attached to the back end of the first applicator tip.  
       FIG. 2C  comprises three views of a third alternative applicator tip having three beveled faces.  
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the cosmetic dispenser.  
       FIG. 4  comprises two views of the wiper member shown in  FIG. 3 .  
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the cosmetic dispenser, which is also shown in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the cosmetic dispenser.  
       FIG. 7  comprises four views of a tapered tip assembly used with the fourth embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 .  
       FIG. 8  comprises three views of a spine structure used with the tapered tip assembly shown in  FIG. 7 .  
       FIG. 9  is a side elevational view with a partial cross-section of the screened tube shown in  FIG. 6 .  
       FIG. 10  shows a side elevation view in longitudinal cross section of a fifth embodiment of the cosmetic dispensers of the invention.  
       FIG. 11  shows a side elevation view in cross section of the cap for the dispenser of  FIG. 10 .  
       FIG. 12  is a side elevation view in cross section of the vial for the dispenser of  FIG. 10 .  
       FIG. 13  is a side elevation view of the end plug for the dispenser of  FIG.10 .  
       FIG. 14  is a side elevation view in cross section of a sixth embodiment of the cosmetic dispensers of the invention.  
       FIG. 15  is a side elevation view of the vial for the dispenser of  FIG. 14 .  
       FIG. 16  is a side elevation view of the cap for the dispenser of  FIG. 14 .  
       FIG. 17  is a side elevation view of the cap insert for the cap shown in  FIG. 16 .  
       FIG. 18  is a side elevation of the screen for insertion into the vial shown in  FIG. 15 .  
       FIG. 19  is a side elevation view of the applicator rod for the dispenser of  FIG. 14 .  
       FIG. 20  is a side elevation view of the applicator that connects to the applicator rod of  FIG. 19 .  
       FIG. 21  is a side elevation view of the end plug for the vial shown in  FIG. 15 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      With reference now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows an exploded perspective view of the two main parts of the subject dispenser, namely, a cap  14  and a body  12 . The cap and body are releasably connectable to enclose a cosmetic applicator means and a wiper/screen member.  
       FIG. 2  shows a first embodiment  10  of the cosmetic dispenser of the invention comprising a hollow body or vial  12  having a closed end  17  and side walls  23  that define a cosmetic reservoir  50 . The sidewalls extend upwardly to a reduced diameter body neck  13 . The neck is provided with outer threads  15 .  
      Secured to the inner surfaces of the neck is a wiper/screen member  44 . As shown, this comprises an elongated tubular structure having a proximal end secured to the inner wall surfaces of the body neck  13 . The distal end of the wiper/screen member comprises a wiper/screen opening  46  defined by wiper edges  47 . Preferably, the wiper/screen member  44  has a longitudinal extent sufficient to locate the wiper opening  46  in the lower portion of the body proximate closed end  17 . The wiper opening will have a configuration that will conform to the tip, or be smaller in one or more dimensions than the tip, so that a cosmetic material wiping and/or compression action will occur as the tip is withdrawn from reservoir  50 .  
      Cap  14  comprises an elongated hollow structure having a closed top end  19  and an open bottom end that is enclosed by an applicator wand  16 . The wand extends into the interior of cap  14  with a cupped head structure  18 . Extending downwardly from the cupped head structure  18  is an outer peripheral skirt  20 . The skirt includes inner threads  22 , which are constructed to matingly engage corresponding neck outer threads  15 . Such engagement comprises the releasable connection between the cap  14  and the body  12 . However, snap rings and frictional engagement joints could also be used. The frictional engagement joints may include sealing structure to prevent product leakage or degradation through moisture dissipation.  
      The head structure  18  is fixed to the inside surfaces of cap  14 . It includes an inwardly directed shoulder  21 , from which extends downwardly, a hollow barrel  24 . The barrel should have an axial extend sufficient to locate its distal end  26  proximate to wiper opening  46 .  
      Fitted into the barrel distal end  26  is a first applicator tip  28 . The applicator tip is constructed of a compressible material and the distal end  26  is crimped inwardly to secure the tip as shown in  FIG. 2 . Adhesives, fusion bonding and other known mechanical means could also be used.  
      With reference to  FIG. 2A , the applicator tip comprises a tip back end portion  32  which is engaged by the aforementioned barrel distal end  26 . The tip body portion  29  extends outwardly to a beveled forward edge  31 . The forward edge is defined by mirror image opposing bevel faces  30  formed into the aforesaid body portion  29 . The resulting configuration provides a wedge-shaped applicator tip that, due to the enlarged bevel face surface areas, can entrain an effective amount of cosmetic material. Also, the forward edge  31  allows the user to apply broad strokes of cosmetic material across one&#39;s skin. Additionally, upper point  33  of the forward edge is useful for applying cosmetic material to small, discrete areas on one&#39;s skin, and for forming fine lines on one&#39;s skin. As used herein, the term “entrain” comprehends cosmetic material that is absorbed into any existing tip filaments, pores or open cells or carried on the external surfaces of an applicator tip.  
      The first wedge tip  28  may optionally include a tip tail (see  FIG. 2C ) or a tip sleeve  34 , as shown in  FIG. 2B . The tip sleeve  34  includes a constricted end section  35 , which presses into the back end portion  32  of the tip. The sleeve open end section  36  may be slid over the distal end of shaft  68 , as shown and described with reference to  FIG. 3 .  
      A third tip variation, shown as tri-face tip  38 , is depicted in  FIG. 2C . The tip features three beveled faces for entraining larger amounts of cosmetic material. It comprises a tip tail  43  which is engagable with either barrel end  26  or sleeve  34  for subsequent attachment to the shaft end  70  as depicted in  FIG. 3 . Alternatively, the tip tail, with or without a sleeve, may be fitted into bore  86  of rod  82  as shown in  FIG. 5 .  
      The tri-face tip head has a conical shape and a central center point  41  from which extends flat sections  42 . The flat sections, as shown, have equal diameters and have axes that are 120° apart. The size, shape and orientation of the flat sections can be varied as dictated by the end user needs and cosmetic formulations.  
       FIG. 3  illustrates a second embodiment  60  of the overall dispenser. In this embodiment, the same cap  14  and body  12  are used, including the aforementioned wiper member  44 . However, the applicator wand, shown as rod  62 , does not include a cupped head. Instead, a flat head  64  is provided, from which extends downwardly an outer peripheral flange  64  having flange inner threads  66 . The flange inner threads correspond to neck outer threads  15  of the hollow body  12 . The flange outer surfaces are secured to the inner surfaces of the cap  14  in the same manner as with the first embodiment  10 .  
      The rod  62  comprises a solid shaft  68  having a shaft end  70 . The shaft end engages the tip sleeve  34  of tip  28  shown in  FIG. 2B .  
       FIG. 4  is a cross-section and end view of the flat head wiper member  44  used in the dispensers shown in  FIGS. 2, 3  and  5 . It is secured to the inner walls of neck  13 . Preferably, annular rim  45  of the wiper member rests upon the top edge of the neck and the member.  
       FIG. 5  shows a third embodiment of the overall dispenser assembly  80 . The same cap  14  and body  12  are used in this embodiment as with the previous assemblies. However, a third rod  82  is provided having a rod end  84  into which is formed a longitudinal bore  86 . The bore&#39;s diameter is sized to engage the tip back-end portion  32  of first tip  28 , or tip tail  43  of tri-face tip  38 .  
       FIGS. 6-9  show an overall fourth cosmetic dispensing assembly  90 . In this assembly, the third rod  82  and bore  86  are fitted with a reinforced tapered tip assembly  92 . The tip assembly includes a stiffening spine  94  comprising a spine stem  96  and a spine head  98  overlaid with a tip cover  100 . The spine head is a flattened structure having curved outer edges  99  that define an oval-shaped outline similar to an arrowhead. The spine stem  96  is dimensioned to fit within bore  86  and is secured thereto by adhesives, frictional engagement, or mechanical means.  
       FIG. 7  depicts thin spine head  98  being overlaid with tip head cover  100 . The cover has opposing flat side walls  102 , which are interconnected by rounded corners  105  to opposing side panels  103 . The side panels and side walls taper outwardly from an open back-end  106  (not shown), and then curve inwardly via side panels  103 . The side panels and side walls taper forwardly and merge into a nose portion  104 . Nose portion  104  is useful for drawing lines and for applying cosmetic materials in tight, hard to reach areas. Side walls  102  are useful for applications of cosmetic materials to broader areas. To assemble the tapered tip assembly  92 , the open back-end  106  is pulled over spine head  98  until the cover is entirely overlying the spine head. The cover may remain in place due to its inherent resilience and/or it may be clamped or adhered in place.  
      In the fourth embodiment  90 , the wiper/screen member  44  and wiper opening  46  are replaced with a tapered closed-end screen structure  108 . The screen structure comprises a screen tube  110  extending axially from screen collar  112  to a tapered nose portion  115  having a tube end  114 . As best shown in  FIG. 9 , the nose portion is provided with nose openings shown as perforations  116  and slots  118 . The number and orientation of perforations and slots, the geometry and area openings of each, function as cosmetic control means for regulating the amount of cosmetic material that moves from reservoir  50  to an applicator tip. The nose openings are predetermined to coordinate with the flow characteristics of the cosmetic material that is to be used with the selected dispenser. This coordination, in turn, will determine the amount of material that is entrained into and upon the tip head cover  100 . It can be seen that the spine head  98 , tip head cover  100  and nose portion  115  have corresponding cross-sectional shapes to facilitate a close engagement and effective flow of material from reservoir  50  to the applicator tip.  
       FIG. 10 , together with  FIGS. 11-13 , shows another dispenser embodiment  100 , in side elevation cross-sectional view. Dispenser  100  includes vial  101 , end plug  102 , friction fit cap  103 , cap insert  104 , including longitudinal bore  105 , applicator tip head  106 , applicator stem  108 , tip cover  107 , and screen  109 . Applicator head  106 /head cover  107  extends into cosmetic housing reservoir  120  of vial  101 . When dispenser  100  is shaken, inverted or tilted, cosmetic material from reservoir  120  adheres to head cover  107 . When head  107  is withdrawn from dispenser  100 , head  107  may pass through distal opening  109 A in screen  109 , wiping off/screening off undesired, excess cosmetic material, leaving a desired quantity of cosmetic material on head cover  109  for application to a desired skin area. However, as  FIG. 10  shows, if the cosmetic material may degrade when subjected to screening, only a portion of applicator head  107  may protrude past distal opening  109 A of screen  109  to allow the cosmetic material to attach. Then, when head  107  is withdrawn, no screening or wiping of the material occurs.  
       FIG. 11  shows an elevation view of cylindrically-shaped cap  103 , which includes closed end  110 , open end  111 , and, on the interior wall  117  of cap  103 , circumferential rings or grooves  112 , and  113  to engage frictionally the external end wall of vial  101 . Cap insert  104  fits frictionally into cap  103 , with rings or grooves  114 - 116  engaging the external surface of insert  104 .  
       FIG. 12  shows a side elevation view in cross-section of vial  101 . Vial  101  includes cylindrically-shaped reservoir  120  in communication with cylindrically-shaped neck portion  121 . At the opening  112  to portion  121  are internal, circumferential sealing rings  125 . At the opening  123  to cosmetic reservoir  120  are internal, circumferential rings  124 , which lie in an area  126  where the walls of region  120  taper inwardly from opening  123 .  
       FIG. 13  shows end plug  130  in a side elevation cross sectional view. End plug  130  includes flat-surfaced end wall  131 , and cylindrically-shaped sidewall  132  with spaced-apart cylindrical protrusions  133  and  134 . End plug  130  fits frictionally into opening  123  in vial  101 , with end wall  131  extending to the external surface  135  of vial  101 , after vial  101  is filled with a desired cosmetic material, resulting in a seal that can withstand up to about 25 Hg of vacuum and can resist weight loss of the enclosed material for about 60 days at 45 degrees C.  
       FIG. 14 , together with  FIGS. 15-21 , shows another embodiment  200  of the new dispensers in side elevation, cross-sectional view.  FIG. 14  shows oval-shaped applicator  200  includes oval-shaped vial  201 , oval-shaped end plug  202 , oval-shaped cap  203 , cap insert  204 , wiper/screen  205 , applicator rod  206 , and applicator  207 . On the internal wall surface  218  at the oval-shaped opening  216  to reservoir  291  are circumferential rings or grooves  214  which add end plug  208  retention and sealing by engaging complementary structure on the end plug.  
       FIG. 15  shows, in side elevation, cross-sectional view, oval-shaped vial  201  for applicator  200 , including oval-shaped reservoir  210 , in communication with oval-shaped neck portions  211  and  212  of narrower diameter than region  210 . On the internal wall surface  217  at the opening  215  to portion  212  are circumferential rings or grooves  213 . On the internal wall surface  218  at the oval-shaped opening  216  to reservoir  201  are circumferential rings or grooves  214 .  
       FIG. 16  shows, in side elevation, cross-sectional view cap  203  for applicator  200 , including oval-shaped sidewall  231 , curved external end wall  230 , curved internal end wall  233 , circumferential, internal groove  234  and circumferential internal ring or protrusion  235 . Cap opening  232  fits frictionally over neck region  211  of vial  201  to hold cap  203  in place on vial  201 .  
       FIG. 17  shows cap insert  204  in side elevation, cross-sectional view, including cylindrically-shaped sidewall  242 , convexly curved surface internal and concavely curved surface external end walls  241  and  247 , external flange  243 , end opening  245 , and internal, circumferential rings or grooves  244  and  246 . Insert  204  fits frictionally into cap  203 , with end wall  241  abutting internal end wall  233 . Internal grooves or rings  244  at the distal end of the cap insert engage external surface  323  of reservoir  201  to form the primary sealing and retention interface to the top of the dispenser.  
       FIG. 18  shows screen/wiper  205  in side elevation, cross-sectional view, including cylindrically-shaped passage  250 , proximal end opening  252 , distal end opening  251 , proximal external end flange  253 , proximal, circumferential external ring  254 , and inwardly-tapering end portion  256 , with internal, rounded surface  255  at opening  251 . Screen/wiper  205  fits frictionally into vial  201  through opening  215 .  
       FIG. 19  shows applicator rod  206  in side elevation, cross-sectional view. Applicator rod  206  includes cylindrically-shaped shaft  260 , distal, cylindrically-shaped passage  261 , proximal, cylindrically-shaped portion  266 , with proximal opening  263 . On the external surface of portion  266  are circumferential protrusion  267 , and a plurality of parallel, spaced apart, longitudinally-extending ribs  262 . Rod  206  fits frictionally inside cap insert  204 , which fits frictionally within cap  203 . When so assembled, rod  206  protrudes from the open end  232  of cap  203   
       FIG. 20  shows, in side elevation, cross-sectional view, applicator  207  for insertion into passage  261  of applicator rod  205 , with stem  271  of rod  207  frictionally fitting into passage  261 . Stem  271  is connected to applicator head  272  and its outer foam covering  273  through stem end  274 , which fits frictionally into head  272 .  
       FIG. 21  shows, in side elevation, cross-sectional view, vial end plug  208 , including flat end wall  280 , oval-shaped sidewall  281  and keyway  282  for engagement with complementary protrusion on the internal sidewall of vial  201  near oval opening  216 . After vial  201  is filled with a cosmetic material through opening  216  in vial  201 , plug  208  is inserted into vial  201 , with or without an o-ring. frictionally engaging the rings or grooves  214  inside opening  216 .  
      It will be appreciated that one of the advantages of the invention is the adaptability of the bore and stem connection to be designed whereby the tips can be exchanged by a user. In such case, the tip/bore connection may be threaded or simply comprise a tight, frictional connection. Thus, depending on the cosmetic material being used and the needs of the user, a variety of sizes and shapes of the tip can be utilized.  
      Additionally, the tips may be constructed of a porous or non-porous rubber, fabric mesh, felt material, foamed polymers or sponge material. In the case of the spine, when this is combined with a soft foam outer layer tip, a controlled, accurate cosmetic application can be achieved. The nose portion shown has particular suitability for use with a powder inasmuch as the perforations can be sized to inhibit any powder spillage. The location of the screen adjacent the lower region of the reservoir also inhibits spillage.  
      It will be appreciated that while the foregoing descriptions set forth different embodiments in specific detail, alterations, variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, the inventors desire to avail themselves of all such variations, alterations and/or modifications, and the invention should not be limited by the aforesaid above-described specific embodiments.