Abstract:
The present invention generally is a dispensing device for consumer products which is user-friendly and provides an easy application by the user. The device allows a user to simultaneously actuate while applying. The disclosed device provides for controllable dispensing of the product and is user friendly as it is one-hand operated. There is provided a device that provides an even application on the surface as there is present a shearing assembly inside it. The device of the present invention can be used to dispense a wide variety of consumer products such as cosmetic, cosmeceutical and care products such as nail enamel, foundation, hair treatment or skin care products.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/137,617, filed Jun. 12, 2008, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a dispensing device for consumer products. More particularly the invention relates to a device that allows a user to simultaneously actuate while applying. The device of the present invention provides for controllable dispensing of the product and is user friendly as it is one-hand operated. The device is locked when the cap is on thereby preventing accidental actuation/leakage during storage. Also, the device shows color when on shelf thereby making the product easily-identifiable. 
         [0004]    The device of the present invention can be used to dispense a wide variety of consumer products such as cosmetic, cosmeceutical and care products such as nail enamel, foundation, hair treatment or skin care and regimen products. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    Various devices exist for dispensing of fluid substances such as cosmetic or care products. Generally the products are contained in a container comprising a receptacle having a cap, and there may also be present a mechanism to dispense the product. The mechanism for dispensing the product may be a pump or a piston propelled mechanism. In recent past, a lot of pen-like devices have been marketed as they are considered to be easy-to-use. Such pen-like devices comprise an outer shell/housing, a cap, a movable mechanism inside the housing and an actuator. The actuators are generally present at the bottom of the device and may comprise a click mechanism or a rotor mechanism. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,796 to Liu discloses a device having a press/push actuator. U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0053415 uses a pump mechanism inside a pen body while U.S. Pat. No. 7,086,796 discloses a cosmetic pen using a push mechanism for actuating the dispensing mechanism. 
         [0008]    However, the disadvantage associated with these existing devices is that they engage both the hands of the user for actuation, one to hold the housing and the other to impart rotation of the mechanism. These devices are difficult to operate as the user has to alter between actuation and application due to the presence of the actuator at the bottom of the device. Further, such devices do not provide the user with an option to simultaneously actuate while application so that the flow is not broken while application. Moreover, these devices are posed with a problem of accidental actuation when the device is not in usage or under storage. 
         [0009]    Further, these existing devices generally contain a shut-off valve which opens when the product is to be used. However, these valves act just as a usual shut-off valve, whereas sometimes, the valve may get blocked and may not be able to let the fluid flow when the fluid is very thick. 
         [0010]    Therefore, there is a need in the art for a dispensing device that takes care of all the above problems, is user-friendly and provides easy actuation while application. There is also a need for a device that gives the user an even application. It would also be desirable if the device provides for a replaceable cartridge system in it. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0011]    The present invention generally is a dispensing device for consumer products. The device allows a user to simultaneously actuate while applying. The device of the present invention provides for controllable dispensing of the product and is user friendly as it is one-hand operated. Further, the device is locked when the cap is on thereby preventing accidental actuation/leakage during storage. Also, the device shows color and kind of formulation stored in the reservoir thereby being easily-identifiable. 
         [0012]    The device of the present invention can be used to dispense a wide variety of consumer products such as cosmetic, cosmeceutical and care products such as nail enamel, foundation, hair treatment or skin care products. 
         [0013]    The present invention provides for an applicator device that allows for simultaneous actuation and application of product. The present invention also provides for a shearing assembly inside the device that provides shearing as well as sealing of the product flow. There is provided a device that provides an even application on the surface. The usage of this device would ensure that there are no clots of product blocking the path of fluid flow. 
         [0014]    According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a device which is user-friendly and provides an easy application by the user. The device provides for one-hand operation and convenient side-actuation thereby allowing the user to apply products on-the-go. The device of the present invention helps in actuation while application. 
         [0015]    According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a device that cannot be actuated during storage. Further, there is provided a device that shows color and kind of formulation stored in the reservoir and is easily identifiable by the user. 
         [0016]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the device comprises of an outer body and a closure means for the same. The outer body is hollow and accommodates a reservoir, an actuating means and a shearing assembly. The reservoir contains the product. The reservoir is arranged to be in fluid communication with the shearing assembly while the actuating means is operatively connected to the reservoir. The shearing assembly comprises of a housing that houses a shearing component and an applicator element. The housing of the shearing component has at least one aperture at its distal end to allow fluid flow. The shearing component is fixedly connected to the outer body while the housing of the shearing component is connected with the reservoir. Further, the shearing component has a plurality of flow tracks in it and a solid region. The shearing component has a projection at its distal end arising from the solid region that fits onto the aperture of the housing thereby providing sealing action for flow of product. Furthermore, the movement of the reservoir with respect to the outer body is biased by a biasing member thereby allowing the reservoir to move in a translation motion upon application of a force. 
         [0017]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the arrangement of the reservoir with respect to the outer body is such that the distal end of the reservoir is visible from the outer body thereby showing the kind and color of the formulation stored in the reservoir. 
         [0018]    In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, the actuating means is arranged such that its movement causes the reservoir to displace axially and cause the flow of product to the applicator. The actuating means may be any suitable means such as a slider, a push-button or a rotor. 
         [0019]    According to another embodiment of invention, the actuating means may be connected to the reservoir by way of a cam profile. The actuating means may have an inclined cam profile that corresponds to a similar profile on the reservoir. When the actuating means is actuated by the user, a force is applied on the reservoir and the reservoir is displaced axially which in turn takes the housing of the shearing assembly along with it thereby opening the passage for the product to flow through the shearing component onto the applicator. 
         [0020]    In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, the closure means is so arranged to lock the actuating means when closure means is put on the device. Locking may be achieved by any suitable means. For example, the closure means may fit in between the gap of actuating means and reservoir or there may be provided indentations on the actuating means that engage with the indentations on the cap when the cap is put on the device. Therefore, the actuating means is locked when the device is not in use. 
         [0021]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the outer surface of the reservoir has indentations which prevent the reservoir from being accidentally pushed during storage and thereby ensuring that the device is spill-proof. 
         [0022]    According to another embodiment of the invention, when the device is closed, the closure means such as a cap sits on the proximal end of the outer body such that the actuating means is locked and its movement is blocked. Further, in closed position, the housing and the shearing component of the shearing assembly are caused to be placed abutting each other and there is no flow of product taking place. 
         [0023]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention, during operation first the closure means is removed from the device to bring the device in open position. In open position, when the actuating means is actuated, the housing and the shearing component are placed apart as the reservoir has displaced axially taking the housing of the shearing assembly along with it. Further, the aperture of the housing is now open to allow the flow of fluid through the flow tracks of the shearing component onto the applicator. 
         [0024]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the materials for making various parts of the dispensing device are selected as per the compatibility of the materials with the kind of formulation stored in the reservoir. The outer body may be made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or any suitable polymeric material, while the closure means may be made from polypropylene or any suitable polymeric material. The housing of the shearing assembly and the shearing component may be made from any suitable material or a mixture of suitable polymeric materials, for example, the housing may be made from polypropylene and the shearing component may be made from hytrel or low density polyethylene or from a proportionate mixture of low density polyethylene and high density polyethylene. The actuating means may be made from a suitable polymeric material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or polypropylene. The reservoir may be made of polyamide or a suitable polymeric material depending upon the product to be filled in the reservoir. The biasing member is a resilient flexible member and could be a coil spring or such biasing element. The plug of the biasing member may be made from polypropylene or any suitable material. 
         [0025]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the device may be provided with different kinds of applicator elements which could be used interchangeably thereby providing a wide usage of the device. Further, the reservoir may be made in the form of a replaceable cartridge which could be changed after each use or changed once the product is finished. 
         [0026]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the shapes and profile cross section of the device may be of any suitable shape such as cylindrical, square, rectangular, circular, polygonal. 
         [0027]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the device of the present invention may also serve as a kit with varied options of products in the form of different cartridges in a single package wherein the cartridges may be replaced as per users requirement. 
         [0028]    These and further aspects which will be apparent to the expert of the art are attained by a dispensing device for consumer products in accordance with the main claim. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]    So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
           [0030]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 1  in closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  shows a front view of the actuating means of the dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4   a  illustrates a side view of the actuating means of the dispensing device shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 4   b  shows a cross-section of side view of the actuating means of the dispensing device shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4   c  shows an isometric view of the actuating means of the dispensing device shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 4   d  shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of Detail C of the view of actuating means of the dispensing device shown in  FIG. 4   b;    
           [0038]      FIG. 4   e  shows an enlarged view of Detail B of the view of actuating means of the dispensing device shown in  FIG. 4   b;    
           [0039]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 3  showing the details of the dispensing mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 5  in open position according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       
    
    
       [0041]    To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]      FIG. 1  is one embodiment of the present invention showing a dispensing device  100  for consumer products that provides simultaneous actuation and application of product onto a surface. 
         [0043]    As represented by  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the dispensing device  100  comprises of an outer body  101  and a closure means  102  for the same. The outer body  101  is hollow and accommodates a reservoir  103 , an actuating means  104  and a shearing assembly  105 . The reservoir  103  contains the product. The reservoir  103  may further be made so as to form a replaceable cartridge and may be removably attached to the shearing assembly  105  so as to be used interchangeably by the user. The proximal end  106  of the reservoir  103  is arranged to be in fluid communication with the shearing assembly  105 . The actuating means  104  is operatively connected to the reservoir  103 . Further, the movement of the reservoir  103  with respect to the outer body  101  is biased by way of a biasing member  106  thereby allowing the reservoir  103  to be displaced in a translation motion when a force is applied on it. The biasing member  106  may be a coil spring which surrounds the reservoir  103  and its compression/retraction is controlled by providing projections  107  on the outer surface of the reservoir  103  and a plug  108  at its distal end  109  thereby giving it a directed path for compression/retraction. These projections  107  prevent the reservoir  103  from being accidentally pushed during storage and thereby ensuring that the device  100  is spill-proof. Also, the arrangement of the reservoir  103  with respect to the outer body  101  is such that the distal end  109  of the reservoir  103  is visible from the outer body  101  thereby showing the kind and color of the formulation stored in the reservoir  103 . 
         [0044]    As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the shearing assembly  105  comprises a housing  110  that houses a shearing component  111  and an applicator element  112 . The housing  110  of the shearing component  111  may further include a collar  113  wherein the collar  113  accommodates the applicator element  112  of the device  100  and also holds the shearing component  111 . The collar  113  may optionally be so manufactured to be removably arranged in the housing  110  of the shearing assembly  105  in order to provide option of a plurality of applicator elements to be used interchangeably. The proximal end  114  of the shearing component  111  is fixedly connected to the outer body  101  with the help of corresponding projections  115  and grooves  116  on both the components. Also, there is provided a steel ball  119  that helps in mixing the components of the formulation before application. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the projections  115  on the shearing component  111  sit on corresponding grooves  116  in the proximal end of the outer body  101 . Further, the shearing component  111  has a plurality of flow tracks in it and a solid region. The shearing component  111  has a projection  117  at its distal end arising from the solid region that fits onto the aperture of the housing  110  thereby providing sealing action for flow of product. 
         [0045]    As depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the housing  110  of the shearing component  111  is connected with the reservoir  103 . The housing  110  is arranged to be fitted at the neck of the reservoir  103 . Further, the housing  110  of the shearing assembly  105  has a projection  118  at its distal end for stopping the steel ball  119  from clogging the aperture of the housing  110 . 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the actuating means  104  is so arranged that its actuation causes the reservoir  103  to displace axially and cause the flow of product to the applicator  112 . The actuating means  104  may be any suitable means such as a slider, a push-button or a rotor. The actuating means  104  is connected to the reservoir  103  by way of a cam profile  120 . As shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   c,  the actuating means  104  has two projections  121   a  and  121   b  on its sides which are connected to the reservoir  103 . The projections  121   a  and  121   b  further have an inclined cam profile  120  as represented in  FIGS. 4   b  and  4   e.  The cam profile  120  corresponds to a similar profile  122  on the reservoir  103 . Further, as represented by  FIGS. 4   b,    4   d,    5  and  6 , the distal end of the actuating means has a projection  123  that fits onto a flange-like projection  124  in the outer body  101 . When the actuating means  104  is actuated by the user, a force is applied on the reservoir  103  that causes it to be displaced axially which in turn takes the housing  110  of the shearing assembly  105  along with it. As the reservoir  103  rides on the inclined profile  120  of the actuating means  104 , the housing  110  of the shearing assembly  105  is also displaced thereby opening the passage for the product to flow through the shearing component  111  onto the applicator  112 . Further, the closure means  102  may be so arranged that the actuating means  104  is locked when the device  100  is not in use. 
         [0047]    As represented by  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the device  100  is closed and not in use. When closed, the closure means  102  such as a cap sits on the proximal end of the outer body  101  such that the actuating means  104  is locked and its movement is blocked. Further, in closed position, the housing  110  and the shearing component  111  of the shearing assembly  105  are caused to be placed abutting each other and there is no flow of product taking place. 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the closure means  102  is removed from the device  100 . In open position, when the actuating means  104  is actuated, the housing  110  and the shearing component  111  are placed apart as the reservoir  103  has displaced axially taking the housing  110  of the shearing assembly  105  along with it. Further, the aperture of the housing  110  of the shearing component  111  and therefore the flow tracks of the shearing component  111  are now open to allow the flow of fluid. 
         [0049]    The materials for making various parts of the dispensing device  100  are selected as per the compatibility of the materials with the kind of formulation stored in the reservoir  103 . The outer body  101  may be made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or any suitable polymeric material, while the closure means  102  may be made from polypropylene or any suitable polymeric material. The housing  110  of the shearing assembly  105  and the shearing component  111  may be made from any suitable material or a mixture of suitable polymeric materials, for example, the housing  110  may be made from polypropylene and the shearing component  111  may be made from hytrel or low density polyethylene or from a proportionate mixture of low density polyethylene and high density polyethylene. The actuating means  104  may be made from a suitable polymeric material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or polypropylene. The reservoir  103  may be made of polyamide or a suitable polymeric material depending upon the product to be filled in the reservoir  103 . The biasing member  106  is a resilient flexible member and could be a coil spring or such biasing element. The plug  108  for the biasing member  106  may be made from polypropylene or any suitable material. 
         [0050]    The applicator  112  could be provided with different kinds of applicator elements which could be used interchangeably thereby providing a wide usage of the applicator. Further, the reservoir  103  may be made in the form of a replaceable cartridge which could be changed after each use or changed once the product is finished. 
         [0051]    Although the above description and drawings show the device as being cylindrical, the shapes and profile cross section thereof are not limited to the same. The device of the present invention may be of any suitable shape such as square, rectangular, circular, polygonal. 
         [0052]    The device  100  for consumer products of the present invention could also serve as a kit with varied options of products in the form of different cartridges in a single package wherein the cartridges may be replaced as per users requirement. 
         [0053]    While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.