Patent Description:
Viscous compositions such as cosmetic creams or therapeutic ointments are known to be distributed in a package made up of a jar containing the cream or ointment, wherein the jar is covered with a lid. As convenient and portable as these packages are, they still remain potentially unsanitary. For example, the consumer touches the ointment in the jar with his or her fingers before applying it to the skin on the arm or any part of the body. This contact with the hand can create mess for some consumers and can give concerns linked to contamination in the ointment remaining in the jar. Further, for some consumers, it is difficult to control or determine an amount of ointment being applied. Further, the ointment tends to adhere to the user's hand(s) after application to the skin thereby requiring washing or wiping to remove it from the hand after use.

To address the abovementioned sanitary concerns, swivel-up dispensing packages have been employed for dispensing personal care compositions in a topical way. Known are dispensing systems using a pump assembly (<CIT>) or swivel-up dispensing packages including a composition chamber, an applicator surface, a turn wheel that drives a feed screw and an elevator threadably engaged with the feed screw, which applies pressure to the composition as it is advanced towards the applicator surface. The composition may collapse onto the applicator surface following a normal dispensing and application event and this is an undesirable side effect of this type of dispensing package.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a dispensing package for applying a viscous composition directly on a target surface without contacting the composition in the dispensing package with his/her hands and to provide the composition in a stable unitary form on the applicator surface before applying to the target surface.

The present invention relates to a dispensing package for controlled delivery of a viscous composition on a target surface, the dispensing package comprising:.

It has been found that the design of parts making up a dispensing package for controlled delivery of a viscous composition play an important role in enabling ease of applying the composition, preventing contact by hand. Specifically, when the composition is extruded through an orifice of the dispensing head above a predetermined height above the dispensing head, the extruded composition may separate from the remaining composition in the applicator and collapse onto the dispensing head. Collapsing of the extruded composition may result in an undesirable appearance on an exterior surface of the dispensing head. It has also been surprisingly found that providing a dispensing head designed with a plurality of dispensing orifices extending therethrough and having a first dispensing orifice axis inclined at an orifice acute angle relative to a plane extending along a center axis of the dispensing head so as to intersect the plane at a first point about a front surface of the dispensing head can help provide a controlled and stable extruded composition during dispensing.

The present invention relates to a dispensing package and a method for controlled delivery of a viscous composition (hereinafter "composition"). The dispensing package is suitable for various uses, including but not limited to, dispensing a cream or soft solid type composition, such as pharmaceutical products, personal care products and cosmetic products. The following description referring to the figures is intended to provide non-limiting examples of the present invention.

In the following description, the dispensing package described is a consumer product, such as a personal care product, for dispensing a composition to a target surface to deliver a variety of benefits such as a therapeutic benefit or a cosmetic benefit. A personal care product may include but not limited to a cosmetic product, a therapeutic product or a deodorant product. However, it is contemplated that the dispensing package may be configured for use in a variety of applications to deliver compositions to the target surface and the dispensing package may include but is not limited to consumer products, such as, for example personal care products. In the following description, the composition described is a topical aromatic releasing composition containing petrolatum and one or more volatile aromatic compounds.

All weights, measurements and concentrations herein are measured at <NUM> on the composition in its entirety, unless otherwise specified.

Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages of compositions referred to herein are weight percentages and all ratios are weight ratios.

Unless otherwise indicated, all molecular weights are weight average molecular weights.

Unless otherwise indicated, the content of all literature sources referred to within this text are incorporated herein in full by reference.

Except where specific examples of actual measured values are presented, numerical values referred to herein should be considered to be qualified by the word "about".

Active and other ingredients useful herein may be categorized or described herein by their cosmetic and/or therapeutic benefit or their postulated mode of action. However, it is to be understood that the active and other ingredients useful herein can in some instances provide more than one cosmetic and/or therapeutic benefit or operate via more than one mode of action. Therefor classifications herein are made for the sake of convenience and are not intended to limit an ingredient to the particularly stated application or applications listed.

Prior to describing the present invention in detail, the following terms are defined for clarity. Terms not defined should be given their ordinary meaning as understood by a skilled person in the relevant art.

The term "dispensing orifice" as used herein refers to an opening in a dispensing head through which a composition is dispensed.

The term "start dose" as used herein refers to an amount of a composition dispensed from a dispensing package according to the present invention at first use of the dispensing package.

The term "dose" as used herein refers to an amount of a composition dispensed from a dispensing package according to the present invention at one time.

The term "vertical orientation" as used herein, refers to a position of a dispensing package according to the present invention wherein the front surface of the dispensing head is facing the environment in an upward facing position.

The scope of the present invention is limited by the appended claims.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a dispensing package <NUM> for controlled delivery of a viscous composition (hereinafter "composition"). In the following description the components of the dispensing package are molded from thermoplastic polymers suitable for injection molding and chemically compatible with the composition as described hereinafter. However, it is contemplated that the components may be made of any material depending on the manufacturing techniques and chemistry of the composition contained in the dispensing package <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the dispensing package <NUM> comprises a dispensing applicator <NUM>. The dispensing applicator <NUM> comprises a container <NUM> containing a composition and a dispensing head <NUM> disposed about at least a portion of the container <NUM> to define an outer end <NUM> of the dispensing applicator <NUM>. A cap <NUM> can be attached to the dispensing head <NUM> to prevent dust and other contaminates from settling thereon. The cap <NUM> may be made of a transparent plastic material as shown in <FIG> or may be made of an opaque or translucent plastic material. However, the cap <NUM> may also be made of other materials capable of being shaped to cover the dispensing head <NUM>, the materials including but not limited to metal, wood, silicone materials, and combinations thereof.

Further, a releasable adhesive seal <NUM> may be placed on the dispensing head <NUM>. The releasable adhesive seal <NUM> functions as a protective barrier to prevent the composition from being exposed to air prior to use of the dispensing package <NUM>. Specifically, the releasable adhesive seal <NUM> may be sized and shaped for covering dispensing orifices <NUM> described hereinafter with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is a top view of the dispensing head <NUM> of <FIG>. The dispensing head <NUM> has a front surface <NUM> and a plurality of dispensing orifices <NUM> extending therethrough. The dispensing head <NUM> may comprise three dispensing orifices <NUM> spaced apart on the front surface <NUM>. At least one of the dispensing orifices <NUM> includes a front open end <NUM> having a front centroid <NUM> on the front surface <NUM>. The dispensing orifices <NUM> may be positioned on the front surface <NUM> and spaced apart with a front centroid-to-front centroid distance D from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, or different combinations of the upper and lower numerical values described above or combinations of any integer in the ranges listed above. A Y-axis may be drawn through the front centroid <NUM> on the top view of the dispensing head <NUM>, and the dispensing orifices <NUM> may be positioned on the front surface <NUM> and spaced apart relative to a distance from the Y-axis. The dispensing head <NUM> may comprise a diameter <NUM> of <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM> or different combinations of the upper and lower numerical values described above or combinations of any integer in the ranges listed above.

As shown in <FIG>, each or at least one of the dispensing orifices <NUM> may comprise a wave shape. However, it is contemplated that the dispensing orifices <NUM> may be of any shape which provides for uniform application and distribution of the composition. Specifically, the front open end <NUM> of the dispensing orifice <NUM> may comprise two edges 50A, 50B spaced apart to define a gap comprising a width (W1 shown in <FIG>). The edges 50A and 50B may be substantially parallel to each other and each comprises a length. Each opposing end of the edges 50A, 50B are joined by a convex curve 50C and a concave curve 50D to form a tip 31A, 31B of the dispensing orifice <NUM>.

<FIG> is a detailed view of the dispensing orifice <NUM> of <FIG>. The dispensing orifice <NUM> may comprise a dispensing orifice aspect ratio defined by a length (L1) defined between tip 31A and 31B to the width (W1) of the gap between the edges 50A, 50B. The dispensing orifice aspect ratio may be from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, more preferably <NUM>:<NUM> or different combinations of the upper and lower limits described above or combinations of any integer in the ranges listed above. At least one of the dispensing orifices <NUM> may comprise a width W1 of from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, and a length L1 of from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> or different combinations of the upper and lower limits described above or combinations of any integer in the ranges listed above.

<FIG> is a section view of the dispensing head <NUM> of <FIG> at the section line B-B. The front surface <NUM> of the dispensing head <NUM> has a front surface centroid <NUM> and an opposing rear surface <NUM> having a rear surface centroid <NUM>. A center axis <NUM> is extending through the front surface centroid <NUM> and the rear surface centroid <NUM> and a plane <NUM> extending along the center axis <NUM>. The dispensing orifice <NUM> further comprises a rear open end <NUM> having a back centroid <NUM> on the rear surface <NUM>. The dispensing head <NUM> comprises a first dispensing orifice <NUM>, a second dispensing orifice <NUM>, and a third dispensing orifice <NUM>. The first dispensing orifice <NUM> comprises a first dispensing orifice axis <NUM> inclined at a first orifice acute angle α1 (degrees) relative to the plane <NUM>, so as to intersect the plane <NUM> at a first point P1 above the front surface <NUM>. A technical effect of the first dispensing orifice axis <NUM> is that it enables dispensing of the composition upon rotation of a gripping portion operatively coupled to the dispensing applicator <NUM> through the first dispensing orifice <NUM> in the form of a unitary composition structure of the composition. An advantage of having a unitary structure is that a dosing of the composition may be metered and thus controlled dispensing of the composition to suit different consumer needs and usage patterns.

Referring to <FIG>, the first dispensing orifice <NUM> includes a first dispensing orifice wall having a first orifice side 62A distal from and inclined at an acute angle relative to the center axis <NUM>, and a second orifice side 62B opposite the first orifice side 62A. The second orifice side 62B is less inclined relative to the first orifice side 62A and a technical effect of having the sides 62A, 62B inclined at different angles relative to the center axis <NUM> is to guide dispensing of the composition to converge at the first point P1 as shown in the Example. Further, having the inclined orifice sides also improve moldability of the dispensing head <NUM>, i.e. ease of release of the dispensing head <NUM> from the molding tool.

The second dispensing orifice <NUM> may comprise a second dispensing orifice axis <NUM> substantially parallel to the center axis <NUM>. The second dispensing orifice axis <NUM> may be adjacent to the center axis <NUM>, or along the center axis <NUM>. The second dispensing orifice <NUM> may comprise a second dispensing orifice wall having orifice sides 72A, 72B designed in an symmetric way to the first dispensing orifice wall relative to the center axis <NUM> so that the same technical effect is achieved to obtain the composition delivery and/or moldability improvement advantages.

The third dispensing orifice <NUM> may comprise a third dispensing orifice axis <NUM> substantially inclined at a second orifice acute angle α2 (degrees) relative to the plane <NUM>, so as to intersect the plane <NUM> at a first point (P1) above the front surface <NUM>. The third dispensing orifice <NUM> may comprise a third dispensing orifice wall having orifice sides 82A, 82B designed in an symmetric way to the first dispensing orifice wall relative to the center axis <NUM> so that the same technical effect is achieved to obtain the composition delivery and/or moldability improvement advantages. It will be appreciated that the unitary composition structure may be generated with any two of the first dispensing orifice <NUM>, the second dispensing orifice <NUM> and the third dispensing orifice <NUM>.

The first orifice acute angle α1 may be from <NUM> degree to <NUM> degrees, from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, or different combinations of the upper and lower numerical values described above or combinations of any integer in the ranges listed above relative to the plane <NUM>. The second orifice acute angle α2 may be equal to or different from the first orifice acute angle α1.

Specifically, the first and second orifice acute angles α1, α2 may be configured such that the first dispensing orifice <NUM> is opposed to the third dispensing orifice <NUM> with the second dispensing orifice <NUM> intermediate the first and third dispensing orifices <NUM>, <NUM> to converge towards the center axis <NUM> to create the unitary composition structure 14A.

The front open ends <NUM> of the first, second and third dispensing orifices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a total orifice cross-sectional area SA1 at the front surface <NUM>, and the front surface <NUM> has a remaining front surface area SA2. SA1 may be less than or equal to SA2, SA1 may be from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, of SA2 or different combinations of the upper and lower percentages described above or combinations of any integer in the ranges listed above. SA1 may be from about <NUM> mm2 to about <NUM> mm2, from about <NUM> mm2 to about <NUM> mm2 or different combinations of the upper and lower areas described above or combinations of any integer in the ranges listed above.

Further, a front open end cross-sectional area SA3 of the front open end <NUM> of the first dispensing orifice <NUM> may be less than or equal to a rear open end cross-sectional area SA4 of the rear open end <NUM> of the first dispensing orifice <NUM>. The front end cross-section area SA3 of the first dispensing orifice (<NUM>) may be less than the rear open end cross-sectional area SA4.

The front open end cross-section area SA3 may be from <NUM> mm2 to <NUM> mm2, or adapted to provide a desired dose per rotation of a gripping portion. Still further, a front open end cross-sectional area SA5 of the second dispensing orifice <NUM> may be substantially equal to a front open end cross-sectional area SA3 of the front open end <NUM> of the first dispensing orifice <NUM>.

The cross-sectional areas described hereinbefore are not illustrated in the figures. However, it will be appreciated that the front and back centroids <NUM>, <NUM> and dimensions of above described features of the dispensing head <NUM> may be determined using conventional techniques including CAD (Computer Aided Design) software tools and standard measurement techniques and is described hereinafter under Test Methods, Feature Measurement Method and Example.

The dispensing head <NUM> may be designed to be integral with the container <NUM> or it could be designed as a separate unitary component from the container <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a unitary dispensing head <NUM> according to the present invention. Specifically, the dispensing head <NUM> has substantially the same features as the dispensing head <NUM> of <FIG> and differs in the design of the dispensing orifices and shape of the dispensing head. The dispenser head <NUM> may be configured to be fixedly attached to the container <NUM> if the dispensing package <NUM> is a single use disposable product. The dispensing head <NUM> may also be releasably attached to the container <NUM>. Having the dispensing head <NUM> manufactured as a separate component enables ease of flexibility in providing different product executions, such as for example if the container <NUM> containing the composition is sold as a refill for the dispensing package <NUM>.

Specifically, the dispensing head <NUM> comprises a front surface <NUM>, a plurality of dispensing orifices <NUM> extending therethrough, and a side wall <NUM> extending from the front surface <NUM> for circumscribing at least a part of the container <NUM> of <FIG>. The front surface <NUM> of the dispensing head <NUM> may be generally curved or flat or any shape configured for adapting to a profile of the target surface on which the composition is applied.

Specifically, at least a front portion of the front surface <NUM> may be curved to define a curved front surface portion <NUM> having a curvature radius R from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, or different combinations of the upper and lower numerical values described above or combinations of any integer in the ranges listed above, relative to a center point below the front surface <NUM>. A front portion <NUM> having the specified curvature radius R provides a curved profile that enables a smoother touch by minimizing contact of edges of the dispensing orifices <NUM> against the skin of the consumer. Further, a dispensing head with a curved profile having the above curvature radius (R) also conforms well to any shape of a target surface of the human body to which the composition is applied and improves a feel experience upon contacting the dispensing head <NUM> to the target surface.

The side wall <NUM> may comprise a ledge <NUM> for receiving a cap such as the cap <NUM> of <FIG>. The cap may be engaged to the dispensing head <NUM> through a threaded portion (not shown) arranged to engage with dispensing head screw threads (not shown) circumferentially disposed about the side wall <NUM>. The cap may also be engaged by a full or partial snap bead circumferentially disposed about the side wall <NUM>, a friction fit, or other conventional means.

The dispensing head <NUM> may comprise from four to eight dispensing orifices, wherein the dispensing orifices may be spaced apart, equally spaced apart, or radially spaced described hereinafter with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a dispensing head <NUM> with a plurality of an alternative design of dispensing orifices <NUM> for a dispensing package according to the present invention. The dispensing head <NUM> of <FIG> comprises substantially the same features as the dispensing head <NUM> of <FIG> and differs only in the shape of the dispensing head, the number and shape of the dispensing orifices and the angle of the dispensing orifice axis. Specifically, the dispensing head <NUM> comprises a plurality of dispensing orifices <NUM> radially spaced apart on a front surface <NUM> of the dispensing head <NUM>. The dispensing orifices <NUM> each have a substantially circular shape.

<FIG> is a side section view of the dispensing head <NUM> at section line C-C. At least one of the dispensing orifices <NUM> may comprise a diameter Ø from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>.

<FIG> is a detailed view of Detail C in the side section view of the dispensing head <NUM> of <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, the dispensing head <NUM> comprises a first dispensing orifice <NUM>, a second dispensing orifice <NUM>, and a third dispensing orifice <NUM>. The first dispensing orifice <NUM> comprises a first dispensing orifice axis <NUM> inclined at a first orifice acute angle β1 (degrees) relative to a plane comprising the center axis <NUM>, so as to intersect the plane at a first point (not shown) above a front surface <NUM>. A technical effect of the first dispensing orifice axis <NUM> is that it enables dispensing of the composition, upon rotation of a gripping portion of the dispensing package, through the first dispensing orifice <NUM> in the form of a unitary composition structure of the composition. An advantage of having a unitary structure is that a dosing of the composition may be metered and thus controlled dispensing of the composition to suit different consumer needs and usage patterns. The first dispensing orifice <NUM> may comprise a first dispensing orifice wall having orifice sides designed in a symmetric way to the first dispensing orifice wall relative to the center axis <NUM> so that the same technical effect is achieved to obtain the moldability improvement advantages.

The second dispensing orifice <NUM> may comprise a second dispensing orifice axis <NUM> substantially parallel to the center axis <NUM>. The second dispensing orifice axis <NUM> may be adjacent to the center axis <NUM>, or along the center axis <NUM>. The second dispensing orifice <NUM> may comprise a second dispensing orifice wall having orifice sides designed in a symmetric way to the first dispensing orifice wall relative to the center axis <NUM> so that the same technical effect is achieved to obtain the moldability improvement advantages.

The third dispensing orifice <NUM> may comprise a third dispensing orifice axis <NUM> substantially inclined at a second orifice acute angle α2 (degrees) relative to the plane, so as to intersect the plane at a first point above the front surface <NUM>. The third dispensing orifice <NUM> may comprise a third dispensing orifice wall having orifice sides designed in a symmetric way to the first dispensing orifice wall relative to the center axis <NUM> so that the same technical effect is achieved to obtain the moldability improvement advantages. It will be appreciated that the unitary composition structure may be generated with any two of the first dispensing orifice <NUM>, the second dispensing orifice <NUM> and the third dispensing orifice <NUM>.

The first orifice acute angle β1 may be from <NUM> degree to <NUM> degrees, from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, or different combinations of the upper and lower numerical values described above or combinations of any integer in the ranges listed above relative to the plane. The second orifice acute angle β2 may be equal to or different from the first orifice acute angle β1.

Specifically, the first and second orifice acute angles β1, β2 may be configured such that the first dispensing orifice <NUM> is opposed to the third dispensing orifice <NUM> with the second dispensing orifice <NUM> intermediate the first and third dispensing orifices <NUM>, <NUM> to converge towards the center axis <NUM> to create the unitary composition structure.

It will be appreciated that the dimensions and shapes of the features of the dispensing orifices in the dispensing head described and shown hereinbefore are only examples of one or more configurations, and any variety of dimensions and shapes may define the dispensing orifice as long as the design of the dispensing orifice provides an inclined dispensing orifice which enables the composition to converge to a point above the front surface.

Details of how the dispensing orifices <NUM> and the dispensing head <NUM> is implemented in a dispensing package <NUM> according to the present invention is described with reference to <FIG> is a side section view of the dispensing package <NUM> of <FIG> taken at section A-A.

The container <NUM> comprises an inner wall <NUM> defining an interior chamber <NUM> for containing a viscous composition <NUM>. The dispensing orifices <NUM> is in fluid communication with the composition <NUM> contained within the interior chamber <NUM>. The interior chamber <NUM> may comprise a volume from about <NUM> milliliters (ml) to about <NUM>, from <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> or different combinations of the upper and lower percentages described above or combinations of any integer in the ranges listed above. The interior chamber <NUM> may comprise a head space, a cross-sectional area of <NUM> cm2 and an axial length of <NUM> for containing <NUM> or <NUM> grams of the composition <NUM>.

The dispensing package as claimed herein comprises an elevator <NUM>, and an actuator system <NUM> for driving the elevator <NUM> towards the dispensing head <NUM>. The actuator system <NUM> comprises a feed screw <NUM> and a gripping portion <NUM> operably coupled to the feed screw <NUM>. It is contemplated that the feed screw <NUM> and the gripping portion <NUM> may be directly coupled or attached together through by known means such as a collar (not shown) which prevent separation or rotation of the feed screw <NUM> relative to the gripping portion <NUM>. The actuator assembly <NUM> is operably connected to the elevator <NUM> wherein rotation of the gripping portion <NUM> advances the elevator <NUM> towards the dispensing head <NUM>. The dispensing package <NUM> may further comprise a gasket for sealing a junction between the feed screw <NUM> and the elevator <NUM>.

The container <NUM> has a centrally located hole <NUM> located at a base of the container <NUM> for receiving the feed screw <NUM>. The interior chamber <NUM> comprises a volume, wherein the volume of the interior chamber <NUM> may be defined as a product of its cross-sectional area and an effective distance between the elevator <NUM> and the rear surface <NUM> of the dispensing head <NUM>. The elevator <NUM> is axially movable within an interior chamber <NUM> of the container <NUM> in a direction parallel to the center axis <NUM>. The elevator <NUM> may have a cross-sectional area corresponding to the cross-sectional area of the interior chamber <NUM>.

The elevator <NUM> further comprises an elevator platform and a coupling sleeve <NUM> centrally disposed in the elevator platform for coupling to the feed screw <NUM>. The elevator platform may comprise an elevator base <NUM> and an elevator top <NUM> spaced apart from the elevator base <NUM> to define a height of the elevator platform wherein the elevator top <NUM> has a surface upon which the composition <NUM> is disposed.

The coupling sleeve <NUM> has a threaded section <NUM> for engaging the feed screw <NUM> and a non-threaded section <NUM> for connecting to the gripping portion <NUM>. <FIG> shows the elevator <NUM> in a ground position proximal to a container base <NUM> of the container <NUM>. A bottom of the interior chamber <NUM> is defined by a position of the elevator top <NUM> relative to the feed screw <NUM> as the elevator <NUM> moves toward the dispensing head <NUM>, and according a volume of the head space <NUM> changes. The elevator <NUM> may further comprise a peripheral wall <NUM> extending between the elevator top <NUM> and the elevator base <NUM> wherein the peripheral wall <NUM> is configured for engaging the inner wall <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The peripheral wall <NUM> may have an upper sealable end and a lower sealable end which bears against the inner wall <NUM> so as to create a seal between the interior chamber <NUM> and the container base <NUM>. As the elevator <NUM> is threadably connected to the feed screw <NUM> that is connected to the gripping portion <NUM>, the elevator <NUM> is movable relative to the inner wall <NUM> of the container <NUM> upon rotation of the gripping portion <NUM> to displace the composition <NUM> along the center axis <NUM> and through the dispensing orifices <NUM> of the dispensing head <NUM>.

The dispensing package <NUM> may be sized and shaped to allow the dispensing package <NUM> to be portable for travel. The dispensing package <NUM> may be sized and shaped to fit comfortably in the palm of the hand. The dispensing package <NUM> may have an aspect ratio (applicator width W: applicator length L) of at least <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, more preferably from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, even more preferably from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, even yet more preferably <NUM>:<NUM>.

The container <NUM>, the feed screw <NUM> and the elevator <NUM> may be molded from polypropylene or other suitable material compatible with the composition <NUM>. Specifically, the feed screw <NUM> and the elevator <NUM> may be molded from a polymer selected from the group consisting of: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, blend of polyphenylene ether and polystryrene, high density polyethylene, nylon, styrene acrylonitrile, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, polybutylene terephthalate, and mixtures thereof.

The present invention also relates to a method of delivering a dose of the composition <NUM> on a target surface, the method comprising the steps of providing a dispensing package1 according to the present invention and moving the elevator <NUM> of the dispensing package <NUM> to advance the composition <NUM> upstream from the rear surface <NUM> to the front surface <NUM> to enable controlled delivery of a composition <NUM> on a target surface.

To explain the way the dispensing orifices <NUM> and the actuator system <NUM> work to provide a controlled delivery of a composition <NUM> according to the present invention, it is helpful to understand how the composition <NUM> and the elevator <NUM> are advanced in operation. The method of delivering a composition <NUM> according to the present invention is described with reference to <FIG> which are schematic drawings illustrating the movement of the elevator <NUM> and the composition <NUM> thereon.

In <FIG>, the dispensing package <NUM> is in a substantially vertical orientation. The interior chamber <NUM> of the container <NUM> is partially filled with the composition <NUM> with a headspace in the interior chamber. <FIG> illustrates a first step 9A of the method in which the elevator <NUM> is in a "ground" position wherein the elevator base <NUM> is proximal to a container base <NUM> of the container <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a second step 9B of the method in which the elevator <NUM> is moved axially within the interior chamber <NUM> in a direction Y1 parallel to the center axis <NUM> and <FIG> illustrates a third step 5C of the method in which the composition <NUM> is extruded through the dispensing orifices <NUM> into the atmosphere and above the front surface <NUM> of the dispensing head <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the elevator top <NUM> may be shaped to conform to a shape of the rear surface <NUM> of the dispensing head <NUM> so that most of the composition <NUM> will be dispensed when the elevator <NUM> is advanced to the dispensing head <NUM>.

In operation, as the user rotates the gripping portion <NUM>, there is a first axial displacement H1 of the feed screw <NUM> and the elevator <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As a result of the axial displacement H1, the elevator <NUM> travels in an upward direction such that the elevator base <NUM> is distal to the container base <NUM>. The composition <NUM> is also carried by the elevator <NUM> towards the rear surface <NUM> of the dispensing head <NUM>. The gripping portion <NUM> may comprise a plurality of ridges (not shown) on the exterior of the gripping portion <NUM> wherein the ridges may be configured to provide a textured feel and increased friction during handling of the dispensing package <NUM> thereby improving a gripping action. For example, having an improved gripping action may facilitate users when rotating the gripping portion <NUM> to dispense the composition <NUM> on a target surface.

Referring to <FIG>, further rotation of the gripping portion <NUM> causes the elevator <NUM> to advance by a second axial displacement H2, wherein H2 is greater than H1 and H2 is an effective distance enough to extrude at least a portion of the composition <NUM> through the dispensing orifices <NUM> into the atmosphere thereby forming an extruded portion <NUM> of the composition <NUM>. As the extruded portion <NUM> of the composition <NUM> is a self-supporting structure and does not collapse onto the front surface <NUM> of the dispensing head <NUM>, this minimizes mess between each use and enables a controlled delivery of the composition <NUM> to a target surface. In the Examples described hereinafter, results indicating the height of the extruded portion <NUM> of the composition <NUM> at each rotation demonstrate structural stability of the composition when dispensed using the dispensing applicator according to the present invention.

Active and other ingredients useful herein may be categorized or described herein by their cosmetic and/or therapeutic benefit or their postulated mode of action. However, it is to be understood that the active and other ingredients useful herein can in some instances provide more than one cosmetic and/or therapeutic benefit or operate via more than one mode of action. Therefore, classifications herein are made for the sake of convenience and are not intended to limit an ingredient to the particularly stated application or applications listed.

The composition <NUM> may be a personal care composition adapted in any form suitable for consumer use for application to a target surface. The composition <NUM> may be formulated as a leave-on composition or a rinse-off composition. As used herein, "leave-on compositions" includes products that are intended to be applied to a bodily surface of a consumer such as the skin or hair and maintained on the surface for a prolonged time, preferably at least <NUM> minutes, more preferably at least <NUM> minutes, without being actively removed by washing, rinsing, wiping, rubbing or other forms of mechanical removal. As used herein, "rinse-off compositions" includes compositions that are intended to be applied to a bodily surface of a consumer, such as the skin or hair, and subsequently removed by washing, rinsing, wiping, rubbing or other forms of mechanical removal within less than <NUM> minutes of application.

The composition <NUM> may be formulated as a lotion, a cream, a gel, an ointment, or a paste. The composition <NUM> may comprise a viscosity from at least <NUM> centistoke (cSt), from about <NUM> to <NUM> cSt, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> cSt, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> cSt or different combinations of the upper and lower numerical values described above or combinations of any integer in the ranges listed above when measured at <NUM>. Viscosity herein is measured on the composition using method ASTM D-<NUM>. The viscosity as described hereinbefore enables a more stable structure of the composition <NUM> when dispensed through the dispensing orifices <NUM> such as shown in the experimental data described hereinafter under EXAMPLES.

The carrier may be any material capable of carrying and delivering the fragrance materials herein in a stable and consumer-aesthetic form. Such carriers must also be suitable for application to the skin, hair, oral mucosa, preferably the skin (i.e. topical application), more preferably sensitive skin such as that of a baby. Suitable carriers include C<NUM> to C<NUM> monohydric alcohols, petrolatum, fluid silicone materials such as dimethicones, or mixtures thereof. The composition may comprise from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, more preferably still from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% or different combinations of the upper and lower numerical values described above or combinations of any integer in the ranges listed above of a carrier by weight of the composition.

Specifically, the carrier may be petrolatum and the composition may comprise from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, or different combinations of the upper and lower numerical values described above or combinations of any integer in the ranges listed above of petrolatum by weight of the composition. The petrolatum may comprise a viscosity of <NUM> to <NUM> centistokes (cSt), from <NUM> to <NUM> cSt, from <NUM> to <NUM> cSt, from <NUM> to <NUM> cSt or different combinations of the upper and lower numerical values described above or combinations of any integer in the ranges listed above when measured at <NUM> based on ASTM D-<NUM>.

The composition <NUM> may comprise an essential oil selected from the group consisting of menthol, camphor, eucalyptol and mixtures thereof. The essential oil may be in an amount from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, from about <NUM>% to <NUM>% or different combinations of the upper and lower percentagees described above or combinations of any integer in the ranges listed above, by weight of the composition. The essential oil may comprise eucalyptol. Eucalyptol is also known as <NUM>,<NUM>-cineole, and is a terpene-like material isolated from and named for eucalyptus essential oil. Eucalyptol is widely found in essential oils and used in synthetic fragrances in varying amounts. It is thought to be an important component of eucalyptus oil and other essential oils, and responsible for a wide variety of activities and fragrances associated therewith. Eucalyptol generally has a chemical structure as set out below:
<CHM>.

The composition <NUM> may comprise from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of eucalyptol. Preferably the composition <NUM> may comprise from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% or different combinations of the upper and lower numerical values described above or combinations of any integer in the ranges listed above of eucalyptol by weight of the composition.

Eucalyptol is commercially available extracted from natural sources such as eucalyptus oil. Suitable examples of commercially available sources include eucalyptol available from Symrise (UK), Frey and Lau (UK) or FDL (UK).

The composition <NUM> may further comprise a terpene material. Said terpene material comprises α-pinene, β-pinene, α-phellandrene, para-cymene or mixtures thereof. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the terpene material is useful herein, in combination with the allergenic fragrance material, for generating the characteristic fragrance notes, and providing effects such as relaxation, calming, muscle relaxation and analgesia associated with essential oils such as eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender.

The composition <NUM> may comprise from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>% of a terpene material by weight of the composition. The terpene material may be selected from the group consisting of α-pinene, β-pinene, α-phellandrene, para-cymene and mixtures thereof. The above terpene materials correspond to the chemicals having the structure as set out in the table below.

The composition <NUM> may comprise from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of an auxiliary fragrance material. The auxiliary fragrance material may be selected from the group consisting of: amyl cinnamal, benzyl alcohol, cinnamyl alcohol, citral, eugenol, hydroxy-citronellal, isoeugenol, amylcin-namyl alcohol, benzyl-salicylate, cinnamal, coumarin, geraniol, hydroxy-methylpentylcyclohexanecarboxaldehyde, anisyl alcohol, benzyl cinnamate, farnesol, <NUM>(<NUM>-tert-butylbenzylpropionaldehyde), linalool, benzyl benzoate, citronellol, hexyl cinnam-aldehyde, limonene, methyl heptin carbonate, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-(<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-tri-methyl-<NUM>-cyclohexen-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-buten-<NUM>-one, and mixtures thereof. The auxiliary fragrance material may comprise limonene, linalool, benzyl alcohol, geraniol or mixtures thereof.

The terpene material and the auxiliary fragrance material may be formulated in the composition in ratios that enable the materials to act synergistically to provide fragrance and active benefits, whilst not generating a sensitivity-type response. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that both the auxiliary fragrance materials and terpene materials are essential to elicit the consumer response to essential oils, however, the combination herein allows the amount of auxiliary fragrance material present to be limited whilst still providing fragrance and active benefits. Preferably the ratio of terpene material to auxiliary fragrance material is from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>: <NUM>, more preferably from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>: <NUM>.

The following examples are intended to more fully illustrate the present invention and are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention since many variations thereof are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. All parts, percentages and ratios used herein are expressed as percent weight unless otherwise specified.

Test equipment/materials and test composition are first described under Materials, then Test Methods are provided, and lastly results are discussed. Data is provided demonstrating the dispensing package of the present invention having improved delivery of a composition. Equipment and materials used in the Test Methods described hereinafter are listed in Table <NUM> below. The formulation of the test composition is provided in Table <NUM> below.

The test composition evaluated is an aromatic releasing ointment commercially available as Vicks® VapoRub™ Cough Suppressant Topical Analgesic Ointment from Procter & Gamble (Record ID <NUM> on Mintel website at the following link - https://www. com/sinatra/recordpage/<NUM>/?utm_source=fed_search). The formulation example of the test composition is provided in Table <NUM> below. It will be appreciated other compositions suitable for use in the dispensing package may be formulated using techniques known to those skilled in the art and the following example is illustrative only, and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

This test method is used to evaluate a dispensing efficacy of a dispensing applicator according to the present invention. The test method is performed under the following test conditions: at an average temperature of <NUM> to <NUM> and an average % relative humidity of <NUM>% to <NUM>%. The steps for performing the test include:.

Dimensional features of the dispensing package and components may be measured using commercially available measurement systems. An exemplary measurement method for measurement of dimensional features of a physical component may comprise the following steps:.

Table <NUM> shows a relation between each rotation, weight of the composition and a height of the extruded portion of the composition above the front surface at one time.

The above results of the height of the composition show that dispensing the composition <NUM> using a dispensing applicator <NUM> with dispensing orifices <NUM> according to the present invention enables a stable unitary composition structure 14A to be delivered to a target surface per rotation.

Claim 1:
A dispensing package (<NUM>) for controlled delivery of a viscous composition (<NUM>) on a target surface, the dispensing package (<NUM>) comprising:
(a) a dispensing applicator (<NUM>) including a container (<NUM>) including an interior chamber (<NUM>) for containing a viscous composition (<NUM>), and a dispensing head (<NUM>) disposed about at least a portion of the container (<NUM>) to define an outer end (<NUM>) of the container (<NUM>);
wherein the dispensing head (<NUM>) comprises:
(i) a front surface (<NUM>) having a front surface centroid (<NUM>);
(ii) an opposing rear surface (<NUM>) having a rear surface centroid (<NUM>);
(iii) a plurality of dispensing orifices (<NUM>) extending therethrough, wherein the plurality of dispensing orifices (<NUM>) are spaced apart and in fluid communication with the viscous composition (<NUM>) contained within the interior chamber (<NUM>), wherein each of the plurality of dispensing orifices (<NUM>) includes a front open end (<NUM>) having a front centroid (<NUM>) on the front surface (<NUM>), a rear open end (<NUM>) having a back centroid (<NUM>) on the rear surface (<NUM>), and a dispensing orifice axis (<NUM>) extending through the front and back centroids (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
(iv) a center axis (<NUM>) extending through the front surface centroid (<NUM>) and the rear surface centroid (<NUM>) and a plane (<NUM>) extending along the center axis (<NUM>);
wherein a first dispensing orifice (<NUM>) of the plurality of dispensing orifices (<NUM>) has a first dispensing orifice axis (<NUM>) inclined at a first orifice acute angle (α1) (degrees) relative to the plane (<NUM>), so as to intersect the plane (<NUM>) at a first point (P1) above the front surface (<NUM>); and
(b) a viscous composition (<NUM>) disposed within the interior chamber (<NUM>);
characterized in that the dispensing package (<NUM>) further comprises
(c) an elevator (<NUM>) axially movable within the interior chamber (<NUM>) in a direction parallel to the center axis (<NUM>), wherein the elevator (<NUM>) comprises an elevator platform and a coupling sleeve (<NUM>) having a threaded section (<NUM>);
an actuator assembly (<NUM>) comprising a feed screw (<NUM>) movablv connected to the threaded section (<NUM>) of the elevator platform;
a gripping portion (<NUM>) operably connected to the elevator (<NUM>);
wherein rotation of the gripping portion (<NUM>) advances the elevator platform toward the dispensing head (<NUM>).