Patent Abstract:
An applicator apparatus comprising a container comprising an opening, a wiper element coupled to the container, the wiper element comprising a passage, a non-circular applicator stem removably coupled to the container, the applicator stem configured to be slidably engaged in the passage of the wiper element such that rotational movement of the applicator stem is minimized.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/729,914, filed Nov. 26, 2012, titled “Cosmetic Applicator,” the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to a product dispensing apparatus and, more particularly, to a product dispensing apparatus comprising a container, a cap, an elongate stem, and a wiper element configured to prevent a rotational movement of the elongate stem when cap is screwed onto the container. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    It is important in the cosmetic industry to provide an applicator for products which not only applies the product easily, but also avoids excess product from being dispensed onto the applicator prior to application. 
         [0004]    Prior art applicators typically have a stem that has a cross-sectional shape that is round or circular, so that when the cap to which the applicator stem is attached is unthreaded or unscrewed from the vial or container containing the product, the stem will twist through a wiper in the vial, wiping excess product off from the stem. 
         [0005]    However, the rounded styles of the stems of such applicators are not desirable. There remains a need in the art for an applicator which has more flexibility in size and style. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present disclosure is directed to an applicator having an elongate stem that does not does not twist or rotate when the applicator is unscrewed from its container. In certain embodiments the applicator stem of the present disclosure is orientated such that the wiper in the vial holds the stem in place, while the inner cap or handle can spin about the stem when the inner cap is being unscrewed from or screwed onto the container. The inner cap or handle enables the stem to be axially pushed or pulled through a wiper element. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The present disclosure will be more readily understood from the detailed description of examples presented below considered in conjunction with the attached drawings, of which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of an example applicator. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  shows a cross-section view of an example applicator. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  shows an exploded view of an example applicator. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  shows a top view of an embodiment an applicator. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  shows a bottom view of an embodiment of an applicator. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  shows a front view of an embodiment of an applicator. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  shows a side view of an embodiment of an applicator. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7A  shows a front view of an embodiment of an applicator 
           [0016]      FIG. 7B  shows a side view of an embodiment of an applicator. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7C  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an applicator. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an applicator. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  shows a top view of an embodiment of an applicator. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  shows a side view of an embodiment of an applicator. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an applicator. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  shows a bottom view of an embodiment of an applicator. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12A  shows a front view of an embodiment of an applicator. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12B  shows a side view of an embodiment of an applicator. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  shows a front view of an embodiment of an applicator. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  shows a side view of an embodiment of an applicator. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  shows a rear view of an embodiment of an applicator. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an applicator. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    Examples of the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus and method for an applicator. In the following description, numerous details are set forth. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of an example applicator  100 . The cosmetic applicator  100  comprises an outer cap  102 , an applicator arrangement comprising an applicator stem, also referred to herein as an elongate stem  110  and an applicator element  112 , and a container  106  for containing a product  108 . In an embodiment the elongate stem  110  comprises a metal, a plastic, a ceramic, a glass, or any combination thereof. The product  108  can be any type of a cosmetic, including but not limited to cosmetics to apply to the face, eye, and nail area such as, lip gloss, eye liner, mascara, a concealer, a blemish control material, a nail polish or nail hardener, and the like. The product  108  can be a liquid, a semi-solid material, a solution, a suspension, a powder, a cream, or an ointment. The product  108  can be a therapeutic product, a fragrance, or a consumer product such as paint. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  shows a cross-section view of the example applicator  100 . The applicator  100  as shown in  FIG. 2  illustrates the outer cap  102 , the container  106 , and the product  108 . In an embodiment, the container  106  comprises a container threaded portion  116  which is externally threaded around a cylindrically shaped sidewall defining an opening of the container  106 . In an embodiment, the container  106  comprises a metal, a plastic, a ceramic, a glass, or any combination thereof. 
         [0032]    The applicator  100  of  FIG. 2  also comprises an applicator arrangement comprising the elongate stem  110  coupled to the applicator element  112  at a distal end and coupled to the handle (inner cap)  104  at a proximal end. In an embodiment, the elongate stem  110  can be substantially flat. In an embodiment, the elongate stem  110  can be a non-circular stem such as an ovoid, oval, or a polygon. In an embodiment, the handle (inner cap)  104  comprises an inner cap threaded portion  114  which is internally threaded and dimensioned for cooperated threaded engagement with the container threaded portion  116 . In an embodiment, the proximal end of the elongate stem  110  comprises a plurality of snap fasteners  122  configured to form a coupling of the proximal end of the elongate stem  110  to the handle (inner cap)  104 . In an embodiment, the elongate stem  110  and the handle (inner cap)  104  are unitary. In an embodiment, the snap fasteners  122  enable the handle (inner cap)  104  to spin or rotate about the elongate stem  110  when the handle (inner cap)  104  is being unscrewed from or screwed onto the container  106 . In an embodiment, the snap fasteners  122  enable the handle (inner cap)  104 , coupled to the elongate stem  110 , to be axially pushed or pulled through a wiper element  118 . The wiper element  118  is configured to remove or wipe excess product  108  from the elongate stem  110  and applicator element  112  when the elongate stem  110  and applicator element  112  is dipped into the container  106  in order to pick up the product  108  and then withdrawn from the container  106  in order to apply the product  108  for its intended use. In an embodiment, the wiper element  118  and the container  106  are unitary. 
         [0033]    In an embodiment, the wiper element  118  comprises a cup shaped body that can be inserted or mounted into the cylindrically shaped sidewall defining the opening of the container  106 . In an embodiment, the wiper element  118  is constructed from a hard plastic, or from a flexible material such as rubber or synthetic rubber or the like. In an embodiment, the wiper element  118  comprises a metal, a plastic, a ceramic, a glass, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the wiper element  118  comprises a passage to permit or allow the elongate stem  110  and the applicator element  112  to slide through the passage. 
         [0034]    In an embodiment, the outer cap  102  is a removable outer cap that engages the container  106  or the elongate stem  110 . In an embodiment, the outer cap  102  is a removable outer cap that engages the handle (inner cap)  104 .  FIG. 3  shows an exploded view of the example applicator  100 . The applicator  100  comprises an outer cap  102 , an applicator arrangement comprising the elongate stem  110  comprising a sealing element  126  and snap fasteners  122  coupled to the handle (inner cap)  104  at a proximal end and the elongate stem  110  coupled to the applicator element  112  at a distal end and, the elongate stem  110 , a wiper element  118  comprising guide ribs  124  and a peripheral lip  128 , and a container  106  for containing a product  108 , the container  106  comprising a container threaded portion  116 . In an embodiment, the sealing element  126  is configured to form a contact seal with the peripheral lip  128  when the handle (inner cap)  104  is screwed onto the container threaded portion  116  of the container  106 . In an embodiment, the contact seal that is formed by the contact between the peripheral lip  128  and the sealing element  126  contains the product  108  within the applicator  100 . In an embodiment, the dimensions of the passage  126  substantially conform to the cross-section perimeter of the elongate stem  110 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  shows a top view of an embodiment the applicator  100 . A top view of the elongate stem  110  shows an example of the relative position and placement of the snap fasteners  122  with respect to the top portion of the sealing element  126 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the applicator  100 . A bottom view of the elongate stem  110  shows an example of the relative position and placement of the applicator element  112  with respect to the bottom portion of the sealing element  126 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 6  shows a front view of an embodiment of the applicator  100 . The elongate stem  110  comprises a sealing element  126  and a plurality of snap fasteners  122  at a proximal end. 
         [0038]      FIG. 7  shows a side view of an embodiment of the applicator  100  in which the elongate stem  110  comprises a sealing element  126  and a plurality of snap fasteners  122  at a proximal end. 
         [0039]      FIG. 7A  shows a front view of an embodiment of the applicator  100  in which the elongate stem  110  comprises a sealing element  126 . In an embodiment, the sealing element  126  may be substantially cone shaped and substantially conforms to the cone shaped wiper element  118  as illustrated below in  FIGS. 12A and 12B . 
         [0040]      FIG. 7B  shows a side view of an embodiment of the applicator  100  in which the elongate stem  110  comprises a sealing element  126 . In an embodiment, the sealing element  126  may be substantially cone shaped and substantially conforms to the cone shaped wiper element  118  as illustrated below in  FIGS. 12A and 12B . 
         [0041]      FIG. 7C  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the applicator  100  in which the elongate stem  110  comprises a cone shaped sealing element  126 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an applicator  100  in which the elongate stem  110  comprises a sealing element  126  and a plurality of snap fasteners  122  at a proximal end. 
         [0043]      FIG. 9  shows a top view of an embodiment of the applicator  100 . A top view of the wiper element  118  shows the peripheral lip  128  for providing a seal when in contact with the bottom portion of the sealing element  126  of the elongate stem  110 . In an embodiment, a substantially cone shaped wiper element  118  provides a seal when in contact with the substantially cone shaped sealing element  128  as illustrated in  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B, and  7 C. 
         [0044]      FIG. 9  also shows the passage  126  for allowing the elongate stem  110  and the applicator element  112  to slide through the passage while wiping excess product  108  from the elongate stem  110  and applicator element  112  when the elongate stem  110  and applicator element  112  is withdrawn from the container  106 . In an embodiment, the dimensions of the passage  126  substantially conform to the cross-section perimeter of the elongate stem  110 . In an embodiment, the wiper element  118  comprises a plurality of guide ribs  124  along a sidewall of the wiper element  118 . The dimensions of the guide ribs  124  can substantially conform to that of the elongate stem  110  to guide the elongate stem  110  while being inserted into the container  106 . In an embodiment, the guide ribs  124  are also configured to restrain and prevent the elongate stem  110  from rotating when the handle (inner cap)  104  is being screwed into or unscrewed from the container  106 . In an embodiment, the guide ribs  124  are also configured to align the elongate stem  110  as it is placed into the container  106 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 10  shows a side view of an embodiment of the applicator  100 . A side view of the wiper element  118  shows that the shape of the wiper element can be in the form of a cup. The shape of the wiper element  118  as shown in  FIG. 10  can substantially conform to the cylindrically shaped sidewall defining the opening of the container  106 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the applicator  100  in which the wiper element  118  comprises the guide ribs  124  and the peripheral lip  128 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 12  shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the applicator  100  in which the wiper element  118  comprises the passage  126  and the peripheral lip  128 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 12A  shows a front view of an embodiment of the applicator  100  in which the wiper element  118  is cone shaped and substantially conforms to the cone shaped sealing element  128  as illustrated in  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B, and  7 C. 
         [0049]      FIG. 12B  shows a side view of an embodiment of the applicator  100  in which the wiper element  118  is cone shaped and substantially conforms to the cone shaped sealing element  128  as illustrated in  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B, and  7 C. 
         [0050]      FIG. 13  shows a front view of an embodiment of the applicator  100  in which the front portion of the applicator element  112  comprises a layer of a first material. In an embodiment, the applicator element  112  is capable of absorbing a liquid or semi-solid product. In an embodiment, the applicator element  112  is capable of adsorbing a liquid or semi-solid product. In an embodiment, the applicator element  112  is an absorbent material or an adsorbent material. In an embodiment, the applicator element  112  comprises a fabric. In an embodiment, the applicator element  112  is a brush, a rollerball or a doe foot applicator. 
         [0051]      FIG. 14  shows a side view of an embodiment of the applicator  100  in which the applicator element  112  has a concave shape for the product  108 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 15  shows a rear view of an embodiment of the applicator  100  in which the rear portion of the applicator element  112  comprises a layer of a second material. 
         [0053]      FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the applicator  100 . 
         [0054]    One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, shape and placement of such structures may be varied depending on the particular application. Apart from the functional aspects the structures provide, they also provide a novel decorative element. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the decorative possibilities such shapes present. 
         [0055]    The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, has been described with reference to specific examples. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The examples were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure and various examples with various modifications as may be suited to the particular use contemplated.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0