CN101980629A - Packaging for foaming personal care products - Google Patents

Abstract

A package for lathering a liquid personal care product, the package comprising: (a) a body for grasping with a user's hand, wherein the body comprises a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape; and (b) an applicator comprising a skin-contacting portion, wherein the skin-contacting portion comprises a horizontal plane defining a second cross-sectional shape; wherein each of the first cross-sectional shape and the second cross-sectional shape comprises a major dimension oriented along a first axis and a minor dimension oriented along a second axis, and wherein the major dimensions are greater than the minor dimensions.

Description

Packaging for foaming personal care products

field of invention

The present invention relates to packaging for lathering liquid personal care products.

Background of the invention

Liquid personal care products are available in a variety of packaging including bottles, jars, tubes, and jars. Liquid personal care products intended for application to the skin are traditionally dispensed from containers onto the user's hands and then applied to the skin by hand. Examples of such products include lotions, facial cleansers, and shaving creams. However, this method of application can be messy and the portion of product that does not transfer from the user's fingers is wasted.

Very few liquid personal care products on the market have applicators or foaming aids. While patents do exist relating to brush attachments for shaving cream in conventional aerosol cans, there are currently no known consumer-purchasable foaming aids for shaving cream. US Patent 4,603,992 (Kavoussi) (the '992 patent) is an example of a conventional aerosol shaving cream container with a shaving brush attachment. The '992 patent is believed to represent prior art: the container is cylindrical and the shaving brush attachment has the shape of a cylindrical fan with a rounded top. Such applicators may not be suitable for lathering product into smaller skin areas, such as the space between the nose and upper lip; applicators with a non-cylindrical shape may work better. However, if the shape of the applicator is not cylindrical, it may be difficult for the user to see the orientation of the applicator, especially if the applicator contains a foaming product and is placed against the skin. Therefore, there is a need to make users aware of the orientation of the applicator when they grasp the applicator close to the skin.

To address these issues, packaging with skin-friendly dispensing and foaming capabilities can be used to apply and foam the product directly onto the skin. It would be desirable to develop a package that would allow the product to be dispensed directly from the container onto the skin. There is a need for a container that fits better in the user's hand. The package may include a displacement member located away from the skin-contacting portion of the package. A flow restriction is needed to keep water and other impurities out of the dispenser and container and prevent product from flowing out of the container unless force is deliberately applied to the container to dispense the product. Additionally, there is a need for an ergonomically designed applicator and container for lathering a product on various skin areas. Therefore, if the applicator and/or container are not of the traditional circular shape, the user needs to be made aware of the position of the applicator relative to the location of the container so that the user can better align the applicator with the area of skin to be lathered. These are all objects of the present invention; embodiments of the present invention may combine various stated objects. A particular embodiment may, but need not, embody each and every object of the invention.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to packaging for lathering liquid personal care products. A first exemplary embodiment includes a body for grasping by a hand of a user, wherein the body includes a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape. This embodiment also includes an applicator that includes a skin-contacting portion, wherein the skin-contacting portion includes a horizontal plane defining a second cross-sectional shape. The first cross-sectional shape and the second cross-sectional shape each include a major dimension oriented along a first axis and a minor dimension oriented along a second axis, wherein the major dimension is greater than the minor dimension.

The second exemplary embodiment includes all elements of the first exemplary embodiment. Additionally, the body is flexible, resilient, and deformable inwardly along its second axis to express a volume of liquid personal care product from the body onto the skin contacting portion.

The third exemplary embodiment includes all elements of the first exemplary embodiment. In addition, the main body also includes a main body cavity. This embodiment includes a flexible pouch, wherein the flexible pouch can be filled with a liquid personal care product, and wherein the flexible pouch fits within the body cavity. This embodiment also includes a displacement member associated with the body that is movable inwardly to express a volume of liquid personal care product from the flexible pouch onto the skin contacting portion.

In addition to the components of the first embodiment, a fourth exemplary embodiment includes a package wherein the body further includes an outlet for dispensing a liquid personal care product, wherein the applicator is in fluid communication with the body outlet. The first cross-sectional shape corresponds in orientation to the second cross-sectional shape so that the user can confirm that the skin contacting portion is oriented on the skin as desired when the user manipulates the body by hand.

Figure overview

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the top of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a front view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 .

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 taken along the line I-I.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 .

Figure 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the top of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 taken along line II-II.

Fig. 6 is a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 .

Fig. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 taken along line III-III.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 .

Figure 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the top of the embodiment shown in Figure 6, taken along line IV-IV.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the top of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 .

Figure 12 is a horizontal cross-sectional perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 8 taken along line V-V.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 .

Figures 14a-f are examples of cross-sectional shapes that the package may comprise.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative and preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that the scope of the claims is not to be limited to the specific components, methods, conditions, means or parameters described herein and that the terms used herein are not intended to be limiting of the invention as claimed. Furthermore, as used in the specification, including the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" also include plural referents and references to a specific value include at least that specific value unless the context dictates otherwise clearly specified. When a range of values is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Also, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. All ranges are inclusive and combinable.

All percentages and ratios used herein are by weight of the total composition and all measurements made are at 25°C, unless otherwise specified.

Packages of the present invention may comprise, consist of, and consist essentially of the components of the invention described herein, and any additional or optional ingredients, components, steps, or limitations described herein. .

As used herein, the term "foamable" refers to a liquid personal care product that is capable of forming a foam or lather when agitated or applied to the skin. Liquid personal care products can be foamed by entrainment of air, inclusion of surfactant-like materials, or another method known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The addition of water may or may not be necessary to obtain foam or lather, but may enhance the benefit or effect, depending on the type of product used. Stirring or spreading can be done by hand, but is preferably done with an applicator. Stirring or spreading can be done quickly or slowly, and can include irregular and regular movements.

As used herein, the term "lathering" refers to the act of stirring or spreading a liquid personal care product onto the skin to create a foam or lather. For example, the product can be dispensed as a gel and then foamed into a foam. Foaming may include applying the product to the skin to cover the skin area if the product is already in the form of a foam or blister when dispensed from its packaging.

The following exemplary packages further describe and demonstrate embodiments within the scope of the present invention. These examples are given for illustration only and are not to be construed as limitations of the invention, since many variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

A first exemplary package 100 is shown in FIGS. 1-5 . FIG. 1 shows the top of package 100 including body 102 and applicator 124 . The body 102 is capable of being grasped by a user's hand; it includes a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape 104 . The cross-sectional shape 104 includes a major dimension 106 oriented along a first axis and a minor dimension 108 oriented along a second axis. Body 102 may be provided in a variety of forms or shapes and may be made from a variety of materials. Examples of suitable plastic materials include high density polyethylene ("HDPE"), low density polyethylene ("LDPE"), polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"), polypropylene ("PP"), PVC, polycarbonate, nylon and fluorinated ethylene propylene. The body 102 can be made by any number of methods known in the art, such as blow molding, injection molding, and the like. Body 102 may be constructed of a transparent, translucent, or opaque material, or it may be constructed of a combination of materials having these properties. In a preferred embodiment, body 102 is opaque and is extrusion blow molded from a thermoplastic resin. In other embodiments, the body 102 may be transparent to reveal a unique color, texture, pattern, or liquid personal care product contained therein; such as moisturizing beads or a white color to indicate suitability for sensitive skin.

Many prior art packages have an applicator that is attachable to, but not integral with, the package. The applicator 124 may be attached to the body 102, or may be removably attached to the body 102, such as with threads, snap-fit rings, or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the applicator 124 is integral to the body 102, meaning that the applicator is assembled with the body during manufacture and is not intended to be removed by the consumer during the life of the product. Applicator 124 includes a skin-contacting portion 126 that includes a horizontal plane defining a second cross-sectional shape 128 . The cross-sectional shape 128 includes a major dimension 130 oriented along a first axis and a minor dimension 132 oriented along a second axis. The skin-contacting portion 126 may comprise bristles, a sponge, a loofah, a bath puff, or another material or combination of materials capable of lathering a liquid personal care product. The skin contacting portion 126 can be rinsed after use.

In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the skin-contacting portion 126 is designed to fit between the user's nose and upper lip. Accordingly, the minor dimension 132 of the skin-contacting portion 126 may be less than or equal to about 0.75 inches. In another embodiment, the minor dimension 132 of the skin-contacting portion 126 can be less than or equal to about 0.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the major dimension 130 of the skin-contacting portion 126 is less than or equal to about 1.5 inches. The major dimension 130 and the minor dimension 132 may vary depending on the portion of the skin that the skin contacting portion 126 is intended to contact. For example, if the skin-contacting portion 126 is intended for the user's legs, the dimensions 130, 132 may be larger; or if the skin-contacting portion 126 is intended for the user's underarms or bikini area, the dimensions may be larger. smaller.

In an embodiment such as that shown in FIG. 2 , the major dimension 106 of the body 102 is substantially aligned with the major dimension 130 of the skin-contacting portion 126 . As also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first cross-sectional shape 104 and the second cross-sectional shape 128 are vertically aligned. In other embodiments, cross-sectional shape 104 and cross-sectional shape 128 may not be vertically aligned. For example, the skin-contacting portion 126 may be offset from the main body 102 so that the skin-contacting portion 126 is not disposed vertically above the main body 102 but protrudes from the side of the main body 102 . The skin-engaging portion 126 may also extend from the body 102 horizontally, or at any angle therebetween; the skin-engaging portion 126 may be fixed at an angle or adjustable by the user. The respective cross-sectional shapes 104, 128 of the body 102 and applicator 124 may take different forms. In various embodiments as shown in Figures 14a-f, the first cross-sectional shape 104 and the second cross-sectional shape 128 can be oblong, square, or triangular; other exemplary shapes include teardrop and pear shapes. The shapes 104, 128 may substantially match or not match. For example, in one embodiment, cross-sectional shape 104 may have an oval shape, while cross-sectional shape 128 may have a teardrop shape. The cross-sectional shape 104, 128 may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. FIG. 1 shows cross-sectional shape 104 and cross-sectional shape 128 as symmetrical oblong circles. In other embodiments, package 100 may include more than two different cross-sectional shapes.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the body 102 has an outlet 112 in fluid communication with an applicator 124 . The body 102 includes a flat surface 114 on which the package 100 rests when not in use. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom portion of the body 102 may include an underliner 116 , an umbrella valve 118 , and a bottom or floor 120 . The lower liner 116 is preferably made of thermoplastic elastomer ("TPE"), and the bottom plate 120 is preferably made of PP. It should be noted that these foregoing components, as well as other components described throughout, do not limit the scope of the appended claims in which such components are not explicitly recited.

FIG. 4 shows applicator 124 . In one embodiment, the skin-contacting portion 126 extends from the applicator base 136 to a first height 134 , wherein the first height 134 is equal to the highest point of the skin-contacting portion 126 . In other embodiments, the skin-contacting portion 126 may extend to various heights in various zones, so there may be more than one height of interest. In a preferred embodiment, applicator base 136 is constructed of PP and includes a plurality of fiber receiving holes 140 to receive fibers 142 to form skin contacting portion 126 . The applicator base 136 includes an aperture 144 to enable dispensing of product onto the skin contacting portion 126 . To prevent dispensed product from pooling in the lower half of skin-contacting portion 126 or clogging outlet 112 , one or more dispensing conduits 146 help direct the product to a preferred location within skin-contacting portion 126 . This makes product use more efficient as more product is available for lathering onto the skin rather than packing the lower portion of the skin contacting portion 126 . FIG. 4 shows dispensing conduit 146 having a proximal end 148 and a distal end 154 . The proximal end 148 has an inlet 150 in fluid communication with the outlet 112 of the body 102 and a compression seal 152 . In a preferred embodiment, a sufficient length of dispensing conduit 146 is extended into skin contacting portion 126 with distal end 154 positioned slightly closer to the skin contacting surface to dispense more product closer to the skin. However, the dispensing conduit 146 should not extend too far into the skin contacting portion 126, or it may unduly contact or scratch the user's skin during use. Thus, in one embodiment, the distal end 154 extends from the applicator base 136 to a second height 156 that is less than the first height 134 of the skin-contacting portion 126 . In this configuration, the distal end 154 may still contact the user's skin during use, but ideally to such an extent that contact will not cause significant irritation to the user's skin. Distribution conduit 146 may be constructed of a variety of materials. For example, dispensing conduit 146 may be made of hard plastic, and the manufacturer or user may take precautions to prevent dispensing conduit 146 from contacting the skin and causing discomfort, scratching, or injury to the skin. However, in a preferred embodiment, distribution conduit 146 is made of a softer material; one exemplary material is TPE.

A safety cap 158 may be provided to cover the dispensing conduit 146 . The safety cap 158 prevents damage or disfigurement to the skin contacting portion 126 and it also prevents leakage of product from the dispensing conduit 146 . In one particular embodiment, the safety overcap 158 is a temporary covering and can be removed and discarded by the consumer after purchase. In a preferred embodiment, safety cap 158 is made of PP.

Package 100 optionally includes a cap 176 that is removably attached to body 102 or applicator 124 . Cap 176 may include an outer ring 178 to compress safety cap 158 and an inner ring 180 to receive safety cap 158 . In one particular embodiment, a flange 182 on the cap 176 allows the cap 176 to be snapped into the recess 110 of the body 102 . The cap 176 may also include a flat surface 184 to allow the package 100 to be inverted so as to rest on the flat surface 184 when not in use. In one embodiment, cap 176 is made of PP.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 , a valve 186 may be disposed between the body 102 and the applicator 124 . In a preferred embodiment, the valve 186 includes an upper liner 188 made of TPE or rubber, and a transition piece 190, a check valve 192, and a valve cap 194 all made of PP.

Some embodiments of the invention may utilize one or more flow restricting members 160 associated with distribution conduit 146 . In a preferred embodiment, flow restricting member 160 is disposed at or beside distal end 154 of dispensing conduit 146 . The flow restricting member 160 serves to inhibit and/or prevent water from entering the dispensing conduit 146 while also preventing product from exiting the package unless force is deliberately applied to the displacement member to dispense the product. Dispensing of product can thus be more precisely controlled and undesired dispensing of product can be substantially prevented. As used herein, "flow restricting member" 160 refers to any of a number of mechanical devices by which one or more outlets, orifices, or passages can be opened, closed, or partially blocked via movable parts to Start, stop or regulate the flow of liquid personal care products. The flow restricting member 160 can be manually opened or activated by pressure. Flow restricting member 160 may be any valve known in the art, including but not limited to two-way valves, one-way valves, duckbill valves, claw valves, umbrella valves, cross-slit valves, and slit valves.

In a particular embodiment, the flow restricting member 160 has at least two opposing members 162, wherein the members 162 converge into a closed or substantially closed state and diverge into an open state. Member 162 is biased into a closed state to inhibit and/or prevent water or impurities from entering and clogging dispensing conduit 146 , or to inhibit contamination or dilution of product within dispensing conduit 146 or body 102 . For example, after use, the user may rinse the skin-contacting portion 126 under running water. If water gets into the body 102, it can clog the dispensing conduit 146 or dilute or contaminate the product. Another reason for members 162 to be biased into a closed position is to prevent unwanted leakage of product if package 100 is turned upside down when not in use. Member 162 may be forced into the open state when a volume of product is conveyed from body 102 through dispensing conduit 146 in response to manual force applied to the displacement member. Upon removal of the manual displacement force, flow restricting member 160 returns to its closed position, which causes dispensing of product through dispensing conduit 146 to cease.

In another particular embodiment, the flow restricting member 160 includes a slit valve 164 . As used herein, "slit valve" 164 refers to a valve whose members are formed by slits having a closed position and an open position as described above. Preferably, the slit valve 164 is made of a relatively flexible material, such as silicone rubber, polyvinyl chloride, urethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate, styrene-butadiene copolymer, and those known to those of ordinary skill in the art. other known materials. In one embodiment, the slit valve 164 is made of silicone. In one embodiment, the slit valve 164 is rigid enough to prevent the slit from opening under the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid personal care product when the package 100 is placed upside down.

Body 102 may contain a liquid personal care product. Alternatively, the body 102 may include a flexible pouch 122 to contain liquid personal care products. A flexible bag 122 fits within the body 102 and acts as a bladder. In a preferred embodiment, flexible bag 122 is attached to transition piece 190 . Flexible bag 122 may be made of HDPE, LDPE, mylar, or other suitable materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The package 100 includes means for dispensing the product contained within the package 100 . In one embodiment, the body 102 is flexible and resilient, and it is deformable inwardly along the secondary dimension 108 to express a volume of liquid personal care product from the body 102 onto the skin contacting portion 126 .

In other embodiments, the package 100 includes a displacement member 166 that extrudes product from the body 102 onto the skin-contacting portion 126 . The displacement member 166 may be positioned away from the skin-contacting portion 126 to allow the user to manually dispense product when the skin-contacting portion 126 contacts the skin. In a preferred embodiment, such as in FIG. 2, the displacement member 166 comprises at least a portion or sidewall of the main body 102; wherein the sidewall (not shown) of the main body 102 is flexible, resilient, and can be moved along Scale 108 deformation. In one embodiment, two side walls are provided along the main dimension 106 along both sides of the body 102 . In another embodiment, the displacement member 166 is a piston (not shown) that is movable vertically upward from the bottom 120 of the body 102 . In one embodiment, a piston or similar member can extend partially within the body 102 to dispense a liquid personal care product. Another example of a displacement member 166 is a trigger, as shown in FIGS. 6-12 and described in more detail below.

A second exemplary package 200 is shown in FIGS. 6-13 . Package 200 has many of the same components as package 100 ; most of the components are numbered identically between the two, differing in hundreds, eg body 102 of package 100 versus body 202 of package 200 . Unless otherwise stated, descriptions of components of package 100, their dimensions, and modifications are applicable to corresponding components of package 200 described below. In a preferred embodiment, body 202 is opaque and is extrusion blow molded from a thermoplastic resin.

7 and 8 depict a package 200 comprising a body 202 and an applicator 224 . The body 202 of the package 200 includes a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape 204 . The first cross-sectional shape 204 includes a major dimension 206 oriented along a first axis and a minor dimension 208 oriented along a second axis, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . Applicator 224 includes a skin-contacting portion 226 , wherein skin-contacting portion 226 includes a horizontal plane defining a second cross-sectional shape 228 . The second cross-sectional shape 228 includes a major dimension 230 oriented along a first axis and a minor dimension 232 oriented along a second axis, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . In a preferred embodiment, the major dimension 206 of the body 202 is substantially aligned with the minor dimension 230 of the skin-contacting portion 226, and the first cross-sectional shape 204 and the second cross-sectional shape 228 are vertically aligned. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the package 200 has a first cross-sectional 204 shape and a second cross-sectional 228 shape that are oblong and symmetrical. Body 202 includes a planar surface 220 . In a preferred embodiment, body 202 includes an upper body 210 and a lower body 216 .

FIG. 9 shows body 202 having outlet 214 in fluid communication with applicator 224 . The upper body 210 includes a notch 212 over which an optional cap 276 snaps on. The lower body 216 includes a body cavity 218 into which a flexible pouch 222 refillable with a liquid personal care product fits. FIG. 9 also shows dispensing conduit 246 , flow restriction member 260 , displacement member 266 , and optional valve 286 of package 200 .

As shown in FIG. 10 , the skin-contacting portion 226 of the applicator 224 extends from the applicator base 236 to a first height 234 . In a preferred embodiment, applicator base 236 includes a plurality of fiber receiving holes 240 that receive fibers 242 to form skin contacting portion 226 . The applicator base 236 includes an aperture 244 to enable dispensing of product onto the skin contacting portion 226 .

FIG. 11 shows dispensing catheter 246 , and its proximal end 248 and distal end 254 . The proximal end 248 has an inlet 250 and a compression seal 252 . The distal end 254 has a second height 256 . A safety cap 258 may be provided to cover the dispensing conduit 246 and prevent leakage. Flow restricting member 260 is associated with distribution conduit 246 . In a preferred embodiment, flow restricting member 260 includes opposing member 262 . In other embodiments, flow restricting member 260 includes a valve, such as slit valve 264 .

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9-11 , a valve 286 may be disposed between the body 202 and the applicator 224 . In a preferred embodiment best shown in FIG. 10 , valve 286 may include stationary piston 288 , compression spring 290 , collar 292 , ball 296 , and one-way valve 298 . In one embodiment, stationary piston 288 and collar 292 are made of PP, while compression spring 290 and ball 296 are made of stainless steel.

8-12 depict the displacement member 266 associated with the body 202 . The displacement member 266 is movable inwardly to express a volume of liquid personal care product from the flexible pouch 222 onto the skin contacting portion 226 . In a preferred embodiment, the displacement member 266 is a trigger 268 that is depressible along the major dimension 206 of the body 202 . In one embodiment, a rib 272 from the upper body 210 locks the trigger 268 in place. In FIG. 11 , trigger retainer 274 protrudes from applicator base 236 to hold trigger 268 in place; trigger 268 has two arms that enclose collar 292 . The two L-shaped ribs 270 and the tail of the trigger 268 are located in the body cavity 218 as shown in FIG. 12 . The L-shaped ribs 270 are optional; their purpose is to prevent the trigger 268 from damaging or pinching the flexible bag 222 . In operation, trigger 268 displaces movable cylinder 294 which in turn moves a volume of product from flexible pouch 222 onto skin contacting portion 226 . In one particular embodiment, trigger 268, L-shaped rib 270, rib 272, trigger retainer 274, and movable cylinder 294 are all made of PP.

9 and 13 best show the optional cap 276 that is removably attached to the applicator 224 . Cap 276 includes an outer ring 278 for compressing safety cap 258 and an inner ring 280 for receiving safety cap 258 . A flange 282 on the cap 276 visible in FIG. 9 allows the cap 276 to be snapped into the notch 212 of the body 202 . The cap 276 may also include a flat surface 284, allowing the package 200 to be turned upside down and thus rest on the flat surface 284 when not in use.

It is contemplated that the packages 100, 200 of the present invention may include alternative mechanisms for dispensing the personal care compositions of the present invention. These mechanisms include electronic pumps, hand pumps, screw mechanisms, aerosol, pressurized gas, trigger pumps, etc. Those of ordinary skill will be able to readily incorporate such mechanisms for dispensing personal care compositions into the present invention.

In an exemplary method of use, after obtaining the package 100, 200, the optional cap 176, 276 and safety cap 158, 258 may be removed by the user. The user may wet the skin contacting portion 126, 226 if preferred. The user may then hold the skin-contacting portion 126 , 226 against the desired skin surface and deform the body 102 , 202 or move the displacement member 186 , 266 inwardly. In response, a certain amount of product is extruded from the package 100,200, through the dispensing conduit 146,246 to the skin contacting portion 126,226. The dispensed product is lathered by the skin-contacting portion 126, 226 as the user moves the skin-contacting portion 126, 226 around on the skin surface. In one example where the product is a shaving care composition, the user may lather the skin contacting portion 126, 226 and then use a razor to shave the prepared area. In one example where the product is a face or body cleanser, the skin contacting portion 126, 226 may be used to exfoliate and cleanse the skin while lathering. In particular embodiments, when the first axis of the body 102, 202 and the skin-contacting portion 126, 226 are aligned, the user can more easily determine the orientation of the skin-contacting portion 126, 226 because the body 102, 202 visually indicates The arrangement of the skin contacting portion 126,226 is improved. This can be important, for example, if the user is trying to lather the area between the nose and upper lip.

The package 100, 200 of the present invention can contain a wide variety of liquid personal care products, preferably those that can be lathered by the skin-contacting portion 126, 226. Exemplary product forms include gels, creams, foaming and non-foaming liquids, mechanically pumpable liquids, non-aerosol gels, aerosol gels, aerosol foams, pastes, slurries, and sprays . Examples of suitable products intended to be contained in the main body 102, 202 or the flexible pouch 122, 222 include body washes, body lotions, facial cleansers, face lotions, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, shaving gels Or creams, self-tanning lotions, nail polishes, nail polish removers, and other personal care products. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid personal care product is a shave care composition. The following six examples of shaving care products are given for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, as many variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention possible.

The above examples can be made by mixing water and glycerin and then adding a premix of LR30M and hydroxyethylcellulose powder to the mixture. If the formulation contains sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, add this ingredient next. If the formulation contains PVP K60, add this component next. Mix until homogeneous and heat through. Stop mixing, then add the fatty acid. When the temperature reached 75°C, triethanolamine was added and mixed for an additional approximately 10 minutes. Cool to less than 35°C, then add fragrance and colorants. For Example 6, it was stored in an airtight container until it was filled into a suitable dispenser. For Examples 1-5, the base composition is mixed with the foaming agent and the mixture is filled into a container or package capable of containing the propellant.

As mentioned above, the applicator or its skin contacting portion may comprise many different materials and material forms, such as bristles, foam pads, sponges, and the like. With regard to the use of bristles, the material and physical properties of the bristles can affect, for example, skin feel and lathering ability. Table 1 and the following discussion illustrate this perception.

Table 1 (scales in inches)

bristle material bristle diameter bristle length main scale of skin contact Skin Contact Subscale Nylon 0.006 0.68 1.12 0.73 Nylon 0.008 0.55 1.12 0.73 Nylon 0.006 0.7 1.17 0.73 Nylon 0.008 0.54 1.17 0.73 Nylon 0.008 0.65 1.19 0.66 Nylon 0.008 0.55 1.19 0.66 Nylon 0.003 0.7 1.18 0.73 Nylon 0.004 0.7 1.18 0.73 Nylon 0.003 0.5 1.18 0.73 Nylon 0.004 1.0 1.18 0.73 Silicone 0.06 0.53 0.73 0.63

Consumers consider nylon bristles with a bristle diameter of 0.006 or 0.008 inches to be too stiff, and nylon bristles with a bristle diameter of 0.003 or 0.004 to be in the range of adequate softness. In terms of stiffness, bristles having "medium length" (ie, those of 0.7 inches) are preferred over shorter or longer ones.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not intended to be understood as strictly limited to the precise values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

Every document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not to suggest, suggest or suggest that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, or by itself or in any combination with any other reference or references. acknowledgment of prior art disclosing any such invention. Furthermore, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of that term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims (14)

1. A package for lathering a liquid personal care product, said package comprising: a body for gripping by a user, wherein the body includes a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape; and an applicator comprising a skin-contacting portion, wherein the skin-contacting portion comprises a horizontal plane defining a second cross-sectional shape; wherein the first cross-sectional shape and the second cross-sectional shape each include a major dimension oriented along a first axis and a minor dimension oriented along a second axis, and wherein the major dimension is greater than the minor dimension. 2. The package of claim 1, wherein the first axis of the body is substantially aligned with the first axis of the skin contacting portion. 3. A package as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the first cross-sectional shape and/or the second cross-sectional shape are symmetrical. 4. A package as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first cross-sectional shape and/or the second cross-sectional shape are asymmetrical. 5. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the first cross-sectional shape and the second cross-sectional shape are vertically aligned. 6. A package as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the skin contacting portion is designed to fit between a user's nose and upper lip. 7. A package according to any preceding claim, wherein the minor dimension of the skin contacting portion is less than or equal to 0.75 inches, preferably less than or equal to 1.5 inches. 8. A package as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the package includes a cap removably attached to the body. 9. A package according to any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a shave care composition. 10. A package for lathering a liquid personal care product, the package comprising: a body for gripping by a user, wherein the body includes a body cavity and a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape; a flexible bag, wherein the flexible bag can be filled with a liquid personal care product, and wherein the flexible bag fits within the body cavity; an applicator comprising a skin-contacting portion, wherein the skin-contacting portion includes a horizontal plane defining a second cross-sectional shape; and a displacement member associated with the body, the member movable inwardly to express a volume of liquid personal care product from the flexible pouch onto the skin contacting portion; wherein the first cross-sectional shape and the second cross-sectional shape each include a major dimension oriented along a first axis and a minor dimension oriented along a second axis, and wherein the major dimension is greater than the minor dimension. 11. The package of claim 10, wherein the body includes a side wall, and wherein the displacement member is the side wall, wherein the side wall is flexible, resilient, and movable along the body The second axis of deformation. 12. A package as claimed in claims 10 and 11, wherein the body includes a base, and wherein the displacement member is a piston movable vertically upwards from the base. 13. The package of claims 10 to 12, wherein the displacement member is a trigger. 14. A package as claimed in claims 10 to 13, wherein the body comprises a shave care composition.

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